The 2011 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show: "A Beautiful Fantasy"

The 2011 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show packed a real punch. The annual runway show on steroids delivered a showdown of brilliantly-detailed costumes including micro-minis and all types of wings (parasols, anyone?)

"Everyone knows what a big deal it is", as one angel described the mainstream fashion show - and boy is she right. Such top artists as Kanye West, Jay-Z, Nicki Minaj and Maroon 5 joined the bill with some great and not-so-great performances, and some of the world's most beautiful supermodels are, or have been, Victoria's Secret angels.

This year, it was Miranda Kerr who noticeably received most of the attention - not only from the producers of the show, but from her A-list husband, Orlando Bloom. The Australian supermodel, who gave birth to the couple's first child last year, donned a $2.5 million Fantasy Treasure bra while her hubby gave a standing ovation every time she hit the runway.

The show's first segment included an original ballet theme. The angels made their way across the runway in red high heels that mimicked ballet flats, with red ribbon crawling up their ankles. Feathered tutus tied the whole segment together into a neatly-packaged start to the show.

The Victoria's Secret Fashion Show not only illustrates the strict, serious attention to detail that the designers put into each and every piece, but it also allows the viewer a backstage look into the world of fashion and how a show this big is possible.

The "Castings" segment saw the producers exclaiming how "adorable" St. Louis native Karlie Kloss, 19, truly is, and how they found her to be a "beautiful girl" who is "perfection". Upon their quest for adorable women, they found Karlie, who now says she is "living the American Dream". Unfortunately, during their quest for additional angels, they hit a speed bump - Kloss is way too skinny and doesn't tie in with the thin yet shapely angel figure. Her hip bones are protruding from her body and her long limbs are way too lean.

The notorious bad-boy hip-hop star, Kanye West, revved up the crowd with his smash hit, "Stronger". West came out onto the stage explaining that he was supposed to perform this song at the 2007 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show, but he had "lost [his] superhero." He wholeheartedly expressed that she (his mom) is now his "super angel".

The tender introduction led to the superpower segment including massive capes, glass wings, and plenty of thigh-high boots. Interestingly, the angels interviewed backstage were asked what superpower they would choose if given the opportunity. Some of the ladies said they'd time travel, one said she'd like to fly, and another would read people's minds. Unsure if they're aware or not, but it's likely that millions of home viewers would pick the following superpower: to be a Victoria's Secret angel.

During the "Passion" segment, Alessandra Ambrosio slipped into an outfit seven years in the making - an ornate, gold-plated and bejeweled, Spanish fan. The Brazilian supermodel no less then stunned the crowd in the gorgeous "wings" and set of purple Victoria's Secret bra and panties.

Jay-Z later joined Kanye West for a hip-hop performance that got the crowd of who's who up on their feet. Like always, a pregnant and all-white clad Beyonce was at her husband's side, supporting him and singing along with him.

Nicki Minaj performed her huge hit, "Super Bass" - a visually perfect match to go along with the "Club Pink" segment. The fun, flirty and colourful hip-hop princess skipped across the stage while angels dazzled in bright neon colours, suspenders, peace signs and stuffed animals.

To find out more about last year's Victoria's Secret Fashion Show, read my blog post.

Disrespectful Radio Ad a Low Blow to Canada's Veterans

                                                          As I write this blog post, a poppy is pinned on the left side of my chest. Why? Because I'm a good Canadian citizen who knows how important it is to recognize and honour our veterans past and present.

Remembrance Day is next Friday, November 11. This holiday is meant to allow people the time to reflect on the brave men and women who have served our country in the name of peace and freedom - many of which never returned home alive.

Unfortunately, over the years I've come to realize that not everyone knows how important Remembrance Day really is - many people see it as just another holiday. I, too, can appreciate having a day off from my busy schedule; however, I never forget what the day truly represents - a day where we remember our brave soldiers and peacekeepers.

Some people may be excited for the day off, but at least they know better then to vocalize their excitement out of respect for this day of remembrance. The Roadhouse Nightclub & Bar in Calgary on the other hand, doesn't seem to understand this concept.

The bar purchased and created a radio ad on local station 90.3 Amp Radio. The bar's short-lived radio ad said, "What will you remember on Nov. 11th? That you were at the Roadhouse the night before and didn't have to go to work the next day."

The radio ad has disgusted many people, including our veterans, and for good reason. Apparently the ad is being edited, but it's evident the owners of this club had only their business on their minds, and really no one else.

As I finished writing this blog post, I'm happy to see that the bar posted an apology on their website:

"The Roadhouse would like to take full responsibility and acknowledge that we have made an extremely poor creative choice while promoting Thursday, November 10. Remembrance day is a memorial day that we respect very much, in fact the Roadhouse is a strong supporter of many local community charities, hosts many events that benefit our community, and attend and support events that benefit veterans, soldiers and their families every year, including this year.

The comments that were printed by Roadhouse owner, Chris Dobson, in the Sun article (whose own grandfather served for our country) were not reflective of his position on the matter. As soon as the Roadhouse was made aware of the content of the radio ad, it was pulled off the air immediately.

Remembrance Day is a very important day to all of us and we are grateful for everything soldiers, past and present, have done for our country. We have nothing but the utmost respect for those who choose to serve. We never meant to offend or hurt anybody in any way. Please accept our sincere apology to soldiers, veterans, their families, and anybody who was offended. This is not indicative of who we are as a company and we take this matter very seriously."

Although I do commend the owners for posting this apology, I feel the damage is done, and many veterans and local Calgarians may no longer support this local business.

For commemorative ceremonies in your area, visit the Veterans Affairs Canada website.

- With files from the Winnipeg Sun

Celeb Pumpkin Carvings Through the Years...

It all started in 2007 with our buddy Jimmy. Dave and I were bored of the usual pumpkin faces, so we decided on one of our favourite legendary icons - Mr. Jim Morrison. Dave - with my assistance of course - carved Jimmy, and it turned out better then we had expected.

Jim Morrison carving, Halloween 2007

It was Halloween 2008 that we knew we had to out-do ourselves and our Jimmy creation from the previous year. What came of this was our friend, Bob - Mr. Bob Marley.

Bob Marley carving, Halloween 2008

I sucked at carving in 2009 (guess Dave didn't want to carve that year!), so it was in 2010 that I decided to carve another celebrity, but this time it was Mr. Arnold Schwarzenegger. You'll notice he has a bit of an under bite... woopsies! 

Arnold Schwarzenegger, Halloween 2010

Unfortunately, I have no celebrity pumpkin carving to introduce this year. What I do have is a simple, quick, and goofy pumpkin.... I've named him Bart. No, not really, but check him out below.

Happy Halloween!

"Bart", Halloween 2011

The 2nd Annual Remembering Gail Golf Tournament a Big Success!

This past September 15, friends, family and business associates of Gail Elizabeth Banks - our amazing mom, wife, sister, aunt, cousin, mother-in-law and friend - joined together for a fun day of golf at Bridges Golf Course for the 2nd Annual Remembering Gail Golf Tournament.

Our goal on this warm, sunny day was to raise $10,000.00 for the CancerCare Manitoba Foundation – the only organization exclusively fundraising for CancerCare Manitoba. We are very pleased to announce that our total amount raised is an outstanding $9,100.00! This money will assist in cancer prevention, detection, care, research and education for the people of Manitoba.

There are many people we would like to thank because without their generosity, hard work or participation, the 2nd Annual Remembering Gail Golf Tournament would not have been possible.

We sincerely thank our title sponsors:
- Extreme Electrical Ltd.
- K&S Electronics and Security
- Print Source

A big thank you to our fantastic hole sponsors:
- Ben's Concrete Works
- Brian Romanchuk for Mid-Town Ford
- Public Service Alliance of Canada
- Signmeister
- Friends of the Banks':
   - Teri-Lyn Wolfram
   - Justine Hayward
   - Shannon Carpenter
   - Jamie Ross
   - Jaclyn Christie
   - Georgia Andromidas
   - Kelly Newton
   - Lindsay Fagundes

And a big thanks to our generous prize sponsors:
- A Hope Construction
- Antonio Mangilit Massage Therapy
- B&A Construction
- Boston Pizza
- Cambrian Credit Union
- ChrisD.ca
- Edward Carriere Salon
- Exclusive Carpets
- Fabutan Sun Tan Studios (Southdale)
- Global Television
- Harlequin
- Jen Duka
- Kelly Hemmett with Investors Group
- K-Rock 100.7
- Manitoba Museum
- Mariaggi's Theme Suite Hotel
- Marilyn's Massage Therapy
- Monica Maid Makeovers
- The Nieminen Family
- Oasis Leisure Centre
- Platinum Promotions
- Provici Cosmetics
- Ray Neufeld
- Terra Bellisario with TD Financing Services
- Thunder Rapids Amusement Park
- Tony Martone with Re/Max Professionals
- Winnipeg Dodge Chrysler Jeep

We must also thank our wonderful volunteers:

- Ardice Mckay-Huminuk

- Brittany Mckay-Huminuk

- Carole Baldwin

- Danny Banks
- Devon
- Krystle Diamond

- Mitchell Clinton

- Rocky
- Rod Garcia
 
To everyone who donated, participated or volunteered, thank you so much. Your kindness helped us raise a lot of money for a great cause. We, and Gail, thank you.
 
See you next year!
 
Camille Dupas
Larry Banks
Dave Banks
Colette Allaman-Toews
___________________
Event Organizers
 

Our beautiful Gail, Feb. 25, 2010

Prize table - all participants and volunteers received a prize!



Rainbow auction table

Hole sign displaying our event and hole sponsors

Our photographers hard at work!

My favourite teammate and I :)

Organizers Colette, Larry and Dave

Dinner time

Sept. 11, 2001 - A Day I Will Never Forget

It was a Tuesday morning like most others. I had just started the tenth grade the week prior at College Beliveau and was doing my usual morning routine. I had showered, dressed, did my hair and makeup and, oddly enough, had a few minutes to spare before I had to make my way on foot to school.

With these few extra minutes, and because I was in no way in a hurry to get to school, I walked into the living room and turned on the TV. What is now a part of my daily morning routine was most certainly not at that time in my life. I watched the news, but only in the evenings - I never had time in the mornings as I was all too familiar with my alarm clock's snooze button.

Nevertheless, the TV came on and displayed what I immediately recognized to be the World Trade Centre Twin Towers in New York City. I could see smoke barrelling out the side of one of the towers, so I called my dad to come quickly. We both assumed some terrible accident had just occurred, but we didn't know what exactly.

We continued to watch this live feed, and around two minutes later, we noticed another plane coming towards the towers. Again, dad and I had the same assumption - we assumed this plane was a water bomber getting ready to put out the fire caused by this horrible accident.

Dad and I had no clue at that very moment, that what we were witnessing, in real time, was in fact no accident at all. For the next few minutes, we stood there in shock trying to fully grasp what we had just witnessed. We saw that second plane fly at full speed directly into the second tower. The vulnerability I felt at that moment is something I haven't felt again since that morning of Sept. 11, 2001.

I guess it was the communicator inside of me that told me I had to spread the word of what my father and I had just witnessed. We didn't see the terror attacks being played back - we saw the second plane hit the WTC tower at the very moment it really happened. At the very moment hundreds of people in that plane died on impact. At the very moment the people on those floors of that glorious tower in NYC were being killed, and at the very moment that some people - some of the most brightest minds in the United States - started throwing themselves off the tower as they knew there was no hope left for them.

I went to school and started telling everyone in the halls what I had just seen. It was the expression on my math and gym teacher, Monsieur Dupasquier's face that surprised me. He looked at me and laughed. I didn't understand why he was laughing, until he told me I had to be joking. I assured him I was very serious (did the look of terror on my face not give it away?) and suggested that he go to the teachers' lounge and turn on the TV, as he would see that the WTC Twin Towers were on their way down to the ground in what would soon be known as the largest terror attack in American history.

Looking back, the events that happened that day - in NYC, at the Pentagon, and in Pennsylvania - may have been what stemmed my passion for communications. I was glued to the TV for the next week, absolutely enthralled in the events that had occurred, and the number of lives that had been lost. At that point, the number of people who were killed wasn't even known, and to this day, there are still some bodies that have never been found, meaning that some families have never had the chance to say goodbye to their loved ones after all this time.

Nearly 3,000 people died on this day, ten years ago tomorrow. I, and millions among millions of people, will never forget these terrifying and tragic events and ultimately the war, the policies and the feelings of terror that have stemmed from them.

Tomorrow, the National September 11 Memorial & Museum opens at the site of what used to be the WTC Twin Towers. I look forward to the day that I make my way to this beautiful city so that I can pay my respects to the thousands of people who were killed unjustly, and to those who were killed trying to save their fellow men and women.

An artist's rendering of the National September 11 Memorial & Museum 

Lollapalooza 2011: A Mecca for Music Lovers

If you love music and if you love Chicago, add the Lollapalooza music festival to your bucket list. The three-day festival takes place in Chicago's Grant Park - a beautiful, massive park in the Loop (i.e. downtown), which takes about 12 minutes to walk from one end to the other (and that's walking fast through 270,000 people).

As someone who had only ever been to Chicago during the spring, I was shocked as to how hot it was during August. Each day the temperature soared well into the 40 degree Celsius territory, with assistance from the intense humidity (Chicago is located on Lake Michigan).

Staying hydrated was necessary as at times I found it difficult to handle the heat. Thankfully, CamelBak filling stations were located throughout the park. Needless to say, I drank more water than ever before and frequented the horrendous Porta-Potties one too many times.

Huge line-ups for the Porta-Potties.

At a cost of only $215.00 for a three-day wristband, I got my money's worth by the end of the first day alone. In total, I saw 11 artists and bands. I had so many more circled on my Lolla schedule; however, it's impossible to see all the acts as there are eight stages set-up throughout the park.

I, and I assume many others, were disappointed when having to choose between such acts as headliners Coldplay and Muse. I chose the former, but would have loved to have seen Muse as well. Other disappointing scheduling conflicts included Ellie Goulding - the English singer-songwriter who I'm completely infatuated with (buy her album, Bright Lights - you'll be mesmerized) - who performed at the same time as The Pretty Reckless (rock group fronted by Taylor Momsen of Gossip Girl fame), which was also during Cee Lo Green's performance. There is such a diverse array of performances at Lollapalooza that it's quite disappointing when one realizes it's impossible to see every single great performance.

To sum up some of my favourite performances at this year's Lollapalooza, I've included videos I shot with my Canon PowerShot SD750. The videos are not the best quality, but listening to the playback of these videos will help me to relive this fabulous weekend whenever I want. I hope you enjoy them too.

1. A Perfect Circle

From a friend's suggestion, I traversed the south end of Grant Park by myself to watch what I would soon come to realize as one of the best musical performances I had ever experienced.

A Perfect Circle is an alt-metal supergroup fronted by the charismatically-creepy Maynard James Keenan of Tool (and I mean that in the best way possible). Watch the video below as I walk up to the band opening their set with their version of John Lennon's "Imagine". I was immediately hooked.



2. Coldplay

I knew I'd enjoy Coldplay - one of the biggest bands in the world - but I didn't realize just how much, that is, until I witnessed lead singer Chris Martin's presence on stage. His ruling of it and of the audience ultimately drew me in and exceeded all of my expectations.

The show opened and closed with fireworks, consisted of pyrotechnics and light shows throughout, as well big balloons that floated above the crowd - all creating the perfect musical experience right smack dab in the centre of Chicago. Could the backdrop be any more perfect?









3. Ellie Goulding

As mentioned earlier, Ellie Goulding is an English singer-songwriter whose electronic dance melodies have propelled her career across the pond here in North America, and which helped her to be chosen to sing at the Royal Wedding reception earlier this spring. Enjoy two of her songs below, and go out and buy her album, Bright Lights!





4. Eminem

Honestly, I didn't know what to expect from Eminem. I never thought I'd see him live, but I sure am happy I had the opportunity. Having most recently released his album, Recovery, Eminem was dead on with his lyrics and happy to interact with the crowd during his 90 minute set.

Special guests included Bruno Mars, Skylar Grey and Royce da 5'9", rounding out a show that included songs spanning his entire career.







5. City and Colour

City and Colour is a band I've really come to like largely in part due to the road trips Dave and I have enjoyed over the last few years. I was obviously quite excited to see them; however, their 3:15 p.m. time slot meant playing in the sweltering heat. I had no choice but to hide in the shade for a bit which therefore meant missing some of their set list.



6. Damian "Jr. Gong" Marley and Nas

What can I say? Damian "Jr. Gong" Marley is the son of the father of reggae, and his reggae-rap has transfixed Dave and I over the past couple of years. When I learned he was touring with rapper Nas, I knew I couldn't miss it.

The first torrential downpour had just occurred, and my girlfriends had decided to return to our hotel room at The Drake (couldn't blame them). I, however, am so thankful I stayed as the rain stopped during the first song, and a beautiful rainbow appeared over Lake Michigan. It was the perfect afternoon for an awesome show.









7. This sub-head should read, "Foo Fighters"...

The greatest (and only) disappointments of the entire trip were the torrential downpours that unleashed themselves onto Grant Park Sunday, August 7 (the final day of the festival). It was ultimately the second downpour that began just as the Foo took the stage, shattering my hopes of seeing a band I've been meaning to see for years. Alas, I couldn't handle another downpour and headed back to our hotel room.

I hope the Foo return to Winnipeg soon as I surely will be front row and centre.

For more information about Lollapalooza, visit their website.

Smart Move, Abercrombie

It’s back-to-school season, and as CTV’s Canada AM reported this morning, the average amount of money spent on back to school shopping is over $400 per student. That’s big money spent not only on school supplies, but on clothing as well.

What better way to publicize your clothing brand during one of the busiest shopping seasons of the year than to connect yourself with one of the biggest reality shows in North America?

Jersey Shore is MTV’s crude and lewd reality TV show following the lives of New Jersey’s tackiest party people. Abercrombie & Fitch is a retail giant specializing in mid-priced preppy clothing for teenagers and young adults alike.

Referring to one of the main cast members, Mike “The Situation” Sorrentino, in a press release, the retailer explained, “We are deeply concerned that Mr. Sorrentino's association with our brand could cause significant damage to our image.” Abercrombie & Fitch went on to further say its company will pay a “substantial payment” to any cast member to stop wearing its clothing on the show as it’s “contrary to the aspirational nature of the brand.”

This PR technique is pretty brilliant. Abercrombie & Fitch is getting its name out to the public during back-to-school season, which will most likely pay off financially a heck of a lot more than the “substantial” amount of money they may or may not even pay out to the cast of Jersey Shore.

- With files from The Associated Press

Publishing Revealing Photo of Duchess of Cambridge a Classless Move

A QMI Agency photographer shot a photo of the Duchess of Cambridge as she and her hubby, Prince William, arrived in Calgary Thursday. The photo was captured at the precise moment a gust of wind lifted her yellow silk crepe Jenny Packham dress revealing her bottom.

To many people's dismay, the Toronto Sun published the embarrassing photo, which is also currently the main focal point at the top of the publication's website.

The nine-day Royal Visit to Canada for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge went exceptionally-well. They celebrated Canada Day in Ottawa, dragon boat-raced in Prince Edward Island, played street hockey in Yellowknife, visited the fire-ravaged city of Slave Lake and joined in on Calgary Stampede celebrations.

The decision to publish the revealing photo has the potential effect to over-shadow the overall positive Royal Visit to Canada. It was a classless move that has surely embarrassed Kate and has left a bad taste in people's mouths.

As much as I disagree with the Toronto Sun's decision to publish the photo, and agree more so with The Canadian Press's decision not to publish it, the Sun has surely accomplished their goal: to garner media attention. Their name is now all over the Internet both here in North America and across the pond in Europe, and I'm positive their Web hits have skyrocketed (it made me visit their website).

In this situation, the editors at the publication clearly chose publicity over class. Yes, they're gaining mass media attention, but they've embarrassed the Royal Family doing so.

Note: As of Thursday, July 21, it appears as though the Toronto Sun has removed the photo and story from its website.

Nelly Heats Up the 'Peg

Rapper Nelly heated up the MTS Centre Tuesday night proving to the crowd that he hasn't expired from the rap game. Hiding the fact that the St. Louis native is around eight years past his prime, Nelly was more than capable to get the crowd on its feet the moment he swaggered up onto the stage. Facing the east side of the arena and filling that entire side with screaming fans, Nelly and the St. Lunatics rapped, danced, and tore off their shirts for a crowd of both guys and girls - many of whom were his new generation of fans.

Nelly opened his set right at 9:oo p.m., with such songs as "Party People", a rousing hit from the 2008 album Brass Knuckles, "Air Force Ones" from his 2002 Billboard #1 album, Nellyville, and "Ride wit Me" as well as "E.I", both from his major label debut, Country Grammar.

The production crew creatively opted to skip an intermission and replace with a 15 or so-minute set - good call because the crowd had no desire to settle down. Nelly then picked three lucky girls to hop on stage with him and asked them to show off their most "confident" walks. Terrified, the first young girl failed - evident from the amount of boo's that filled the arena. The third girl ended up winning, therefore proving to both Nelly and the audience that she could keep up, all the while dancing alongside the 36-year-old and his crew.

Nelly also invited a couple on stage and even handed the guy a mic to help sing "Over and Over", to his girlfriend. As the massive number-one hit "Hot in Herre" got the crowd really moving again, another female was chosen to shake what her mama gave her for the entire audience.

A highlight of the concert was one of its closing performances - the 2002 smash duet, "Dilemma", with the voice of the song's other half, Ms. Kelly Rowland, blasting from the speakers. After promoting his latest album, 5.0, the rapper closed the relatively short concert - around 75 minutes long - with last summer's hit, "Just a Dream".

Cali Swag District opened the night's main show with a mostly-sitting crowd, many of whom may not had had a clue that it was in fact the rap group from California responsible for the phenomenon, "Teach Me How to Dougie". As more people showed up, the foursome and their four female dancers livened the waiting audience with their songs while ripping off their shirts (the rappers; not the dancers).

Nelly

MTS Centre

March 22, 2011

3.5 stars

A Love/Hate Relationship with the 2011 Oscar Red Carpet

Unfortunately, the 83rd Annual Academy Awards are now just a mere memory. Let's honour them by reflecting on what many care for most: the Oscar red carpet (this doesn't include me, by the way). As a whole, the gowns worn by Hollywood's cream of the crop resulted mostly in a personal feeling of disappointment. More colour and ultimately, some risks, were needed on last night's red carpet at L.A's Kodak Theatre. Nevertheless, although many ladies played it safe, a handful of them still looked as classy as ever in haute-couture.

This year, the sheer beaded gown was a popular look. True Grit's Oscar-nominated Hailee Steinfeld, 14, shined in a shortened, age-appropriate, Marchesa gown that she helped design. Paired with a white headband, Hailee, a great actress wise beyond her years, is only just beginning a life full of fashion and awards shows.

Wearing Chanel, Blue Valentine star Michelle Williams also opted for a shear beaded gown, and paired it with the best hair and makeup on the Oscar red carpet. Her short pixie cut was dyed blonde, her eyebrows brown, and she donned beautiful champagne-coloured lips. She's a true beauty, and a real class act. However, Michelle went home empty-handed as she lost the Actress in a Leading Role Oscar to Natalie Portman, who won for her brilliant portrayal of a psychotic ballerina in Black Swan.
Gwyneth Paltrow looked like a high-fashion space cadet in a monochromatic Calvin Klein. The deep rectangular neckline, and the oddly-placed hip brooche were terrible. The actress, and now singer, performed "Coming Home" from the film Country Strong, which later lost out on the Best Original Song Oscar. I strongly desire the old Gwyneth, the one with the short hair from her Sliding Doors days. Oh well - those days are long gone. Maybe she'll join Coldplay.

Another "what was she thinking?" moment occured when boring Botox beauty Nicole Kidman strolled along the red carpet wearing Dior with hubby Keith Urban by her side. What woman in her right mind would wear a dress with extra material gathered at her hips? Nicole looked as though she was sporting a terrible high school grad dress. Yuck, and very unfortunate as she was up for the Best Actress Oscar for her role in Rabbit Hole. Better luck next time (in both regards).
Continuing on with our earlier look at the better-dressed starlets, hottie Black Swan actress Mila Kunis tops my best-dressed list at the 2011 Oscars, hands down. Mila wore a lace, beautifully-draped, lilac Elie Saab gown. She paired it with gorgeous earrings, had her hair curled and pinned back, and was therefore the epitome of Hollywood glamour.

Another fave of the evening goes to the always-sexy Scarlett Johasson. The starlet wore a backless burgundy lace Dolce and Gabbana gown. Some fashion critics aren't keen on her look, which is too bad, because I loved it. Scarlett pulled the whole look together with bronzed eye shadow, pink lips, and tousled hair. Nicely done.

For a full list of winners at last night's Oscars, visit The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. 'Til next year!

Diversity's the Word at the 2011 Grammy Awards

It was all about the music and upsets tonight at the 53rd Grammy Awards in Los Angeles. The Staples Center rocked all night with a variety of performances for all types of music lovers.

The show opened with five sisters doing it for themselves: Martina McBride, Christina Aguilera, Florence Welch, Jennifer Hudson, and Yolanda Adams who sang a medley of Aretha Franklin hits. Franklin was hospitalized last year and therefore canceled a number of concerts. This tribute couldn't go to someone more deserving: Franklin has won a total of 18 Grammy Awards throughout her career.

The most unique songstress of this era, Miss Lady Gaga, made her way into the Grammy's via a large plastic egg. Gaga performed her new single, "Born This Way", with creepy plastic pointy shoulder implants (must be acknowledged), while channeling Madonna. It was a great performance, but with weeks of hype via social networking sites over this new single, I was expecting more.
Bruno Mars, B.O.B and Janelle Monae turned back the clock to the sixties with a fresh and funky performance. Janelle Monae is one hot tamale who isn't afraid to play with the big boys. I predict a successful career that I very much look forward to.

Awarded with Best Rock Album for "The Resistance", English alt-rockers Muse gave a solid performance of their smash hit "Uprising". Many large TV screens showed a crazy display of pyrotechnics that only added to the group's intensity. If some audience members hadn't already familiarized themselves with this band, I can only imagine they will after this evening's show.

For the folk crowd, Mumford & Sons and the Avett Brothers performed on that Grammy stage like it was nobody's business. These boys played banjos, guitars, accordions - you name it, and what fun it was to watch. Bob Dylan later joined in, but truthfully, the performance was better without him.

Cee Lo (channeling Sir Elton John), Gwyneth Paltrow (in the hottest black jumpsuit) and the Muppets - yes, I said the Muppets - brightened up the Grammy stage with the hit song, "Forget You", that the whole family could enjoy. Although I was skeptical before Paltrow's debut on the super hit show, Glee - to which this performance first took place - I must admit, she can sing, so good for her. She can now make more money.

A good comeback is always nice to see, and Eminem, winner of this year's Grammy for Best Rap Album for "Recovery", returned with a vengeance by giving a solid performance with both Rihanna and Dr. Dre (who, unfortunately, we also haven't seen for a while).

The Best New Artist Grammy had Twitter buzzing with questions like, "Esperanza who?" However, Esperanza Spalding did truly unexpectedly win over the ever-so-popular Justin Bieber, Drake, and Florence and the Machine, to name a few.

As the show slowly came to a close, performances by the most wildly-in-shape 67-year-old Rolling Stone, Mr. Mick Jagger, as well as legend Barbara Streisand, both performed. However, inquiring minds want to know: why schedule the two performers with the oldest target audiences at the end of the award show? Their target crowds likely turned their televisions off an hour prior to both their performances.

And last but surely not least, Montreal-based indie rockers, Arcade Fire, took home the final award of the night, the coveted Album of the Year for "The Suburbs". A surprise to many as their competitors included the likes of Eminem, Lady Gaga and Katy Perry.

Congratulations to all of this year's winners at the 53rd Grammy Awards. For the full list of nominees and winners, visit Grammy.com

A Win for My Golden Globes Predictions

Man, I'm good.

Want to know who the big winners were at this year's Golden Globes? Either read my post below written during the red carpet arrivals, or visit the Hollywood Foreign Press Association's website.

Can't wait 'til the Oscars February 27!

Ready for the 68th Annual Golden Globe Awards? I am!

It's back! The 68th Annual Golden Globe Awards air in just a few moments with our host - for the second year in a row - Mr. funnyman, Ricky Gervais. I very much look forward to the comedian/actor/producer cracking some bad-ass jokes; Charlie Sheen - watch out!

Natalie Portman is my pick for Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture - Drama with her role in Black Swan as a ballerina who so badly wants to be perfect that she ultimately goes insane. Portman lost a lot of weight for this role and made this film-goer believe she truly was a prima ballerina.

This year seems to be a blessed one for the 29-year-old actress who, besides being nominated for a Golden Globe, is pregnant with her first child with her fiance, Benjamin Millepied, principal dancer with the New York City Ballet, whom she met on set.

Unfortunately, time hasn't been on my side the past few months, so I can't confidently predict the winner of the Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture - Drama category as I have only seen one of the five films. The Social Network was such a big let-down that, in fact, it put me to sleep. I do believe, however, that Colin Firth will nab the Globe for his role as a stuttering King George VI in The King's Speech.

My favourite film in the Best Motion Picture - Comedy Or Musical category is The Kids Are All Right. The film is a look into the lives of a lesbian couple raising teen-aged children. The kids search, and find, their father, played by hottie Mark Ruffalo. The turn of events that ensue are quite interesting. It's a different film and refreshing amongst the usual, flat films that litter Hollywood throughout the year. Julianne Moore and Annette Bening are both very deserving of their nominations in the Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture - Comedy Or Musical category for their roles in this great film.

The red carpet will be rolled up soon, as the show begins in just a few minutes. For more information on this year's nominees, visit The Hollywood Foreign Press Association website, and enjoy the show!