Oprah's Farewell

Oprah has been around my entire life and I never knew how important she was until I did a biography report on her in the 7^th grade. For then on, I would watch the Oprah Winfrey show religiously. Coming home after school, I struggled to get home in time to turn on my TV at 4pm.

Sadly, today was the last time I ran to my TV at 4pm to watch the Oprah Winfrey show.

Because Oprah is the queen of surprises on her show, it was about time other people gave her a surprise. First on the list of Oprah’s celebrity guest for her surprise spectacular was Tom Hanks who basically took the title of master of ceremonies for the Monday episode. Other guest on this episode included Tom Cruise, Jackie Evancho, Dakota Fanning, Queen Latifah, Halle Berry, Katie Holmes, John legend, Diane Sawyer, Josh Groban, Patti Labelle, Madonna, Beyoncé, and Rascal Flatts.

The show’s first song was sung by the youngest opera singer [Jackie Evancho] and then transitioned into Josh Groban and Patti Labelle. Their version of “Over the Rainbow” brought tears to my eye. Patti tore it up...she truly brought church to the Oprah stage.

Next came my favorite material girl [Madonna] saying how the only person “alive” who inspires her is Oprah Winfrey. While Oprah did not think she could receive a bigger compliment, Dakota Fanning and her Oprah show babies all gave their personal testaments of what the Oprah show taught them. Giving way for the next guest & singer [Beyoncé], they all believe that girls can run the world.

In compilation, John Legend informed the audience about a New Orleans school library that was damaged by hurricane Katrina and then a second time by a tornado. Hundreds of donations from the audience and many more sponsors like target helped set up a new library for the kids. It truly warmed my heart to see kids excited about having books; something I have always taken for granted is so appreciated by others. In addition, Diane Sawyer said they were planning to plant 25 giant oak trees in front of that very school and 2500 oak trees across the nation.

In the same exciting day, viewers tuned in on Tuesday for the continuation. Even more celebs like Will & Jada Smith, Michael Jordan, Jamie Foxx, Stevie Wonder, Jerry Seinfeld, Simon Cowell, Rosie O’Donnell, Gayle King, Maria Shriver, Tyler Perry, Kristen Chenoweth, Dr. Maya Angelou, Alicia Keys, Stedman Graham, Aretha Franklin, and Usher.

As many times as I have heard Oprah scream, this episode takes the cake. Talking about men who love the Oprah show, Jamie Foxx started singing “Isn’t She Lovely” making all the women in the audience swoon in the first phrase and then being joined by singing legend Stevie Wonder.

Jerry Seinfeld was the comic relief joking about how watching and being a guest on the Oprah show taught him to be a good husband because along with all the other mistakes he makes, he would still much rather be at a bulls game.

Simon Cowell came and introduced the next musical act, which he gives his seal of originality approval. Rosie O’Donnell introduces several of Oprah’s friends in her song: Dr. Phil, Nate Berkus, and Dr. Oz.

Gayle King & Maria Shriver were brought to the stage next as Oprah’s best girlfriends. Am I the only person who did not know Maria was one of her girlfriends? Is it true or was that a pity title because of her marital problems? I’m just asking, as my personal opinion.

64,688. That is the number of people who were educated because of Oprah. Tyler Perry said, “When you educate a black man, you empower families & change generations.” That is so true as Kristen Chenoweth sung “For Good.” As recently hearing this song on Glee, I get to hear it once again from the original soundtrack artist. This song is from my favorite musical in the world and I absolutely love listening to this song and as much as I love singing along every word. The lyrics fit Oprah’s good deeds very much and hit her right on the nose. As tears came to Oprah’s eye seeing all the black men she educated who moved on to educate those after them, this was a pinnacle emotional moment in the show.

Next, reading a beautiful original poem about Oprah was Dr. Maya Angelou. “Oprah wanted to give a voice to the voiceless.” Then, Alicia Keys sang “Super woman” to embody just how powerful Oprah truly has been.

Then, shockingly, Stedman Graham came on stage using all kinds of pet names; he gave her the biggest complement and surprise all night. To round out the end of the show, Aretha Franklin sang “Amazing Grace” and Usher finished with “Oh Happy Day.” I know he is a huge star and everything, but why is he the final act on Oprah’s surprise show? We will probably never know.

One thing we are sure of is how much many others and I love Oprah. She has been such a big impact in my life. Her show has inspired me, brought me to tears, and taught me to be a better person. Oprah has always been my after sschool buddy for years and there is a lot that I can say but all I am going to say is thank you. Thanks for living your full potential in spite of those who tried to bring you down and thanks for being such an inspiration. Along with other influences like Martin Luther King Jr., the Obama’s, Gandhi, and a few celebrities, Oprah has been one of my longest inspirations. When you step back and look at her 25-year talk show career...Oprah has truly changed so many lives and has honestly made such an impact on the world. We'll greatly miss the show & we love you Oprah.

Thor

Watching Thor...my expectations were completely blown out the water.

At first when I saw the previews, I only saw action and no story line. I had no idea what to expect and had no desire to see the movie. Then when I heard one good review, I had to see for myself.

The first seven minutes as the story was setting on the tracks, I was not feeling it. Many people would be impressed by Greek Gods in outer space but I was still trying to figure out where this plot line was going. Then I saw the first action sequence when between Thor and the bad people I didn’t care where the heck the story line was going. Heck yea, I’m all for gorgeous warriors kicking butt.

I still think the trailer could have been a lot better than what is shown because based on the previews I still would have no desire to see the movie. For those who are like me, and the visual is not getting it for you, here is a synopsis:

Marvel Studios expands its film universe with a new type of superhero: THOR. This epic adventure spans the Marvel Universe; from present day Earth to the realm of Asgard. At the center of the story is The Mighty Thor, a powerful but arrogant warrior whose reckless actions reignite an ancient war. Thor is cast down to Earth and forced to live among humans as punishment. Once here, Thor learns what it takes to be a true hero when the most dangerous villain of his world sends the darkest forces of Asgard to invade Earth. Kenneth Branagh directs this fantasy epic which stars Australian actor Chris Hemsworth as the ancient Norse god, Tom Hiddleston as his chaotic brother Loki, Natalie Portman as Jane Foster, a young woman who befriends Thor on Earth, and Anthony Hopkins as Odin, Thor's father and king of Asgard. Expect to see agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., previously seen in ''Iron Man'' to make an appearance, further foreshadowing the coming of The Avengers!

This trailer explains the story a whole lot better than the first preview that came out.

Some people do not like the story line well I quite enjoyed it. This pretty boy, Chris Hemsworth, plays the role of the iron head warrior who learns his lesson the hard way but he is perfect for that role. I couldn't have picked a better God of Thunder to watch for almost two hours, plus the rest of the cast was a great choice including Academy Award winners Sir Anthony Hopkins and Natalie Portman. I also love the allusions from Iron Man [the people from S.H.E.I.L.D]. This S.H.E.I.L.D guy gets to be the total duchebag in the movie which totally wiped his good credit he had from me in Iron Man but I’ll let you be the judge of that.

Another factor to document was the mise-en-scene. The scenery, backgrounds, and special effects were beautiful. As much detail was given as it were directed by Tim Burton (who is known for his detail to mise-en-scene and one of my favorite directors).

I would give Thor three and a half stars. The extra star and a half is completely left up to you to judge for yourself. A few things could have been bigger, story could have been more developed, and the ending could have been a little less predictable [for me]. I recommend Thor if you are dead set on seeing it but if not, wait until it comes out on DVD. It has an entertaining story line with great effects and cool fight scenes; tell me what you think.

BTW, I'm SUPER excited to see this movie retaliate in The Avengers (currently in production); I'm a sucker for Marvel Comic movies. AND make sure you stay for the after credits scene, it gives way for a sequel. 


Source: Internet Movie Data Base <http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0800369/synopsis>

Fast Five

It was finally time to reunite with one of my favorite franchise movies again...Fast Five. Sexy men and sexy cars....it’s all worth the wait.

There was just as much action, suspense, and tension as promised. Moreover, there was an unexpected cliff jump! (oooh) I love seeing the gang over three good movies, plus Han, get back together for one huge rendezvous. There was also a lot more comedy. As expected, it was left to Tyreese one-liners to make the audience laugh or crack up; he had the dumb/comical lines.

There was one point where they had Spanish subtitles and that usually doesn’t bother me except these subtitles had really annoying transitions. They were extremely distracting and I’m pretty sure I missed whatever happened in that conversation due to those subtitle transitions.

I am a Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson fan but not in this movie. The cop/bounty hunter look was not attractive but that could be because he played the dick part to a tee. I understand the group was in Rio but the Rock was always sweating and not in an “it’s hot” way, he was sweating in a nasty way like “you need to get some air condition because you look like you’re gonna pass out” way.

I also loved how Dom’s (Vin Diesel) facial expression was the same throughout the entire movie but he was the quintessential B.A. who laughed in the face of danger every opportunity it presented itself. It was such a turn on to watch a man have such a big set of balls and not flitch for anybody. In addition, his attitude wasn’t the only turn on in this film.

I am a huge sucker for fast gorgeous cars and Paul Walker’s face. Debates have been presented to prove if he can act or not. I have come to the conclusion that I don’t give a flip. Put the man in movies because I love to look at his face. Beauty like that is a waste to not be on the big screen for me to drool over.

Not giving anything away but any twist the movie had planned, I was able to predict because of my obsessive knowledge with the franchise. I knew exactly what surprises were coming I just wasn’t sure how they would be presented in the movie.

I was super geeked to see this film and had high expectations. My opinion may be bias or seem swayed by my love for sexy cars, sexy men, and Paul Walker but I loved this movie and would highly recommend it to everyone. I left with a big stupid smile on my face and you might too.

BTW, a lot of people walk out before the credits...wait this time. There is a little snippet after the credits so be sure to stay for the entire movie.

Born This Way!

Glee goes Gaga once again and this time, they clearly out-shined themselves and showed their true colors. Although, their true colors we displayed in a bunch of traits and characteristics they didn't like about themselves but hey, they were born that way.


I enjoyed watching an episode where kids in school had to come to terms with their faults and imperfections. Most faced them, some took their time, while one refused to accept it. This doesn't cast the slightest shadow on the episode. 


I loved the song 'Born This Way' by Lady Gaga ever since she released the lyrics before the song. The words spoke meaning to me...be who you are regardless of what people think. Be whatever you choose and be darn tooting proud of it. Finally the song was released and  later the music video. Then, in a magical moment, Glee decided to sing another Gaga song about their differences that truly inspired me even more than before.


It had to be said....it's usually a turnoff when guys bat for the other team but there are some of us out there who all agree that Chris Colfer has never looked hotter. This video legitimately makes me have a crush on a gay guy. I love him anyways before like BFF's, but he looks darn right out attractive in this song.


I honestly believe they will not top this show, in my eyes because this was the most inspiring episode I connected with. I love Gaga and I love Glee; put the two together and you get epidemic. The issues were real as were the lyrics they were all singing. Everybody has things they don't like about themselves.


If you were in that episode and had to wear a shirt, what would your shirt say?

Royal Wedding

After going from no interest, to little interest, to watching the Barbra Walters special on the royal wedding and now, I’m totally intrigued. William and Kate’s wedding is one of the first modern day royal weddings. A question was brought up during the show...should the monarchy continue to exist? What are your thoughts?

I [personally] think the monarchy should continue to exist. It doesn’t affect me at all but I think its represents tradition. In addition, in a way it’s like a “castle in the sky” concept for me because it is so foreign to have a real king and queen reign over a country where I live. That is an impression I’ve only seen in the movies. I love that there are such things as kings, queens, princes, and princesses; royal tradition and castle that have the law ruled by parliament. I find the monarchy system fascinating. I’m not saying I want to live in a country under the monarchy; I just love that it really exists. It has now taken a new turn into present day customs but royal blood is continuously succeeded from generation to generation. One thousand years of tradition has not been broken and I feel that is one thing in history that should remain a sacred custom.

Kate Middleton is the first commoner in 300 years to marry a royal and is going to be the first princess/queen ever to have a college degree. This is a huge thing and a step into a new beam of monarchy light; times are changing. 

Living a royal life in reality is hard work and nothing close to a storybook happily ever after but having the glorified wedding of the year, maybe the decade or literally century, is definitely a fairy tale dream event to an outsider like myself. I live on popular culture and feed on the lives of celebrities and/or famous people.

During the pre-wedding show, I had more fun chatting about all the numerous hats in the E! chat box. Being awake for more than 24hours...they’re lucky I’m totally intrigued to stay up and watch this wedding. My dumb self-thought the wedding was at 4am, no, the show began at 4am and the wedding starts at 6am. However, being one of 2 billion people, I was honored to be a spectator of this glorious, live, historical event.

A Modern wedding day has arrived. Differences involve Kate doing her own make-up, wearing her hair down and curly, plus refusing to say the words obey in her wedding vows. The fashion industry is in agreement when we all say her dress resembled the wedding dress of Grace Kelly. Catherine Middleton was a simply beautiful bride that is rumored to be the next Princess Diana. I am eager to see what the future holds for the happy couple and the future King and Queen of England but only time will tell.