dorcam233

Ashley Greene Celebrated her 24th Birthday With Joe Jonas at Pure Nightclub in Las Vegas

2011-02-24T05:11:00.000-08:00

On Saturday, February 19, actress Ashley Greene of the popular Twilight Saga celebrated her 24th birthday at PURE Nightclub with a "Candy Land" themed party and very special guest boyfriend Joe Jonas of the Jonas Brothers. Meanwhile, Jonas discreetly parted ways before seen by the public eye as he was privately escorted inside the megaclub through the side entrance while his stunning girlfriend dazzled in a classic strapless black dress on the red carpet and posed for pictures. She even showed off her very special birthday present from Jonas, a vintage Chanel charm bracelet.

During an interview with the house crew, Greene gushed about the early surprise from Jonas.

"I just got the charm bracelet I'm wearing, its vintage Chanel and the funny thing about it is when I got it my boyfriend said its vintage Coach," Green said. "I thought it was adorable and I absolutely love it because he knows what I like."

After the red carpet, Greene was escorted through the packed club to her VIP tables located on the PURE's main stage where she joined Jonas. When she first arrived, Greene was surprised as her entire VIP area was themed out with Candy Land décor including the classic board game, a sweet candy bar full of her favorites and giant three pound lollipops just for her special day. As the first ones to arrive at her big Candy Land birthday bash, the young couple got the party started alone. The adorable twosome was seen earlier dining on Social House's Executive Chef Joe Elevado's delicious assortment of sushi and sashimi with 18 of Ashley's closest friends, but her friends had yet to join them.

When asked why she picked out a Candy Land themed birthday party, she replied with "I love the game! It's fun and girly." And continued with, "we're here to have fun and I thought a Candy Land party was a really great theme to do."

And when asked what her favorite candy was, Green said "I love Twizzlers, strawberry licorice and gummies." She even joked around about how much good friend and fellow Twilight co-star starpulse loves candy, "My friend Kellan, he is in amazing shape but happens to love candy. About a half hour later, the couple was joined by the rest of Greene's friends. Shortly after the whole entourage arrived, the gorgeous PURE cocktail servers, also dressed in party theme attire, presented the birthday girl with a very large Candy Land themed cake. Greene continued the party celebrating into the early hours of the morning with her boyfriend and close friends.

Enrique Iglesias

2011-02-21T05:45:00.000-08:00

Roll Deep Audio CD

2011-02-21T05:23:00.000-08:00

Far East Movement Audio CD

2011-02-19T02:18:00.000-08:00

Far East Movement (also known as FM) has bridged the gap between underground party records and mainstream hip-hop and pop. They blend elements of hip-hop, pop, electro and dance to create an original sound and lifestyle they call `Free Wired'. The group translates this `Free Wired' way of life by constantly staying interactive and living the lifestyle it promotes.
Kev Nish, Prohgress, J-Splif, and DJ Virman, always donning stylish shades, skinny ties, and shiny blazers and fresh kicks have taken the current Los Angeles club scene global, already having to their credit two world tours, numerous song placements on television and film, and a # 1 song on Los Angeles radio all before they even dropped their debut album, appropriately titled, Free Wired, scheduled for a Fall 2010 release on Cherrytree Records/Interscope.
Cherrytree Records head, Martin Kierzenbaum, was inspired with the direction FM was taking with their careers. "Martin told us, `You guys have a lifestyle and party that we want to be invited to, we not only like your songs, but love your sound and movement,'" Kev Nish said of Kierzenbaum, who oversees the careers of Cherrytree Records artists Lady Gaga, Keane, La Roux and Tokio Hotel.
Martin was moved by FM so much that he passed their music on to mega-star Lady Gaga's camp that led to an invitation out on her overseas Monster Ball tour dates in April 2010. FM call it, "a `Free Wired' moment and incredible learning experience...she puts 200 percent into 2-hour shows, back to back nights, every night, it's inspirational." While on the road they say they got some key advice from one of today's most exciting and theatrical live performers. They went back overseas the following month when they were invited out by N*E*R*D*.
It is FM's stage energy and the `Free Wired' lifestyle that started to change the way people reacted to their music. Not just the energy and lifestyle, but fashion and technology play a huge part. "We've played at every club in southern Cali and thrown parties, `geekin out' at friends lofts and rooftops in downtown LA until the sun came up." "Our routine and fashion allow us to party all night, then head straight to an important business meeting in the morning, we always stay business fresh, plus we keep shades on to hide the lack of sleep," jokes Prohgress.
"Girls On The Dance Floor" became an undeniable, high-energy track that prompted women from all over to record videos of themselves dancing to the song and upload the clips online. The song exploded the latter part of 2009 in nightclubs and topped the playlists in L.A. The requests and heavy rotation earned Far East Movement a spot on a prestigious L.A. concert headlined by Jay-Z.
The follow up record "Like A G6" received an even more rabid reaction from listeners. "That one had over a million hits on YouTube before it even had one play on the radio," Kev Nish said about the song they put together in two hours with Los Angeles producers The Cataracs.
Free Wired will slow the tempo up on the album with the upcoming single `Rocketeer'. This radio-ready massive pop ballad features OneRepublic front man Ryan Tedder. "Our next single is going to surprise a lot of Far East Movement fans in a great way, " states J-Splif. "It's definitely outside the box for us, but we love to push our musical boundaries." There's also the fast tempo, pulsating, dance love song called "Don't Look Now" featuring Keri Hilson, also produced by the Stereotypes.
"The Far East Movement reps the diverse music fan that hits up 3 clubs playing all different music in 1 night, with a flossy and stylish fashion interest, low ridin' around LA in a fresh set of rims and a fresher pair of kicks, then hits the after-after party in the early a.m. and finally stumbles home to go on the computer and live all that online" the group says.

Far East Movement Performs "Rocketeer" Live

2011-02-19T02:13:00.001-08:00

Far East Movement Debut New Album 'Free Wired'

2011-02-19T02:02:00.000-08:00

Far East Movement are currently promoting their debut album "Free Wired" which is a mix of hip-hop, pop, electro and dance elements from the places where they all grew up.

Progress is being made for another music video for their third single '2gether'. This will get them back on the dance floor after a brief slow down in "Rocketeer" with Ryan Tedder.

Two concerts are ahead of the boys in Dusseldorf, Germany at The Dome 56, and then flying over to the US to the Event Center at San Jose Sate University in San Jose California.

Far East Movement have grown into one of the big Hip-Hop acts, from just normal kids living in LA. Members Kev Nish, Prohgress, J-Splif and DJ Virman are a mix of different generations of Chinese/Japanese, Korean and Filipino backgrounds. Their latest single "Like a G6", has risen from number 10 to number 6 in the Billboard Hot 100, and is likely to go even higher, making these guys the first Asian-American group to hit the chart.

Speaking about future projects, one of the members J-Splif said, "Our next single is going to surprise a lot of Far East Movement fans in a great way. It's definitely outside the box for us, but we love to push our musical boundaries."

Beyonce May Be Bleaching Her Skin to Appear Whiter, Says Tab

2011-02-18T02:48:00.000-08:00

If it’s not one thing, then it’s the other: days after rumors of a trial separation between Beyonce and Jay-Z emerged in the press, another report suggests she may be bleaching her skin regularly to appear whiter.
The report comes in the British tabloid the Daily Mail, bearing, as expected, a question mark in the headline. Some days ago, Beyonce stepped out for a bit of shopping, wearing a very short skirt (and some insanely amazing turquoise Louboutin heels) and rocking a new ‘do in a lighter shade of blonde.

“The 29-year-old singer’s skin also looked much lighter than usual as she showed off her long, bare legs in a pair of £635 jade suede Daffodile heels by Christian Louboutin,” says the tab.

“The most effective skin-lightening agents are hydroquinone and kojic acid, creams which patients apply to the skin,” Dr. Sunil Chopra, consultant dermatologist at the London Dermatology Centre, is cited as saying.

“The effects are temporary and work by inhibiting the enzyme... responsible for the skin’s pigment.

Lexus supercar birthday gift for Paris Hilton

2011-02-18T02:41:00.000-08:00

Celebrity heiress and socialite Paris Hilton got an extra special 30th birthday surprise when she was gifted a Lexus LFA supercar by her entrepreneur boyfriend, Cy Waits.

The Lexus isn't an obvious choice for the heiress, even if its sizeable £330,000 price tag is fitting.

The LFA is considered to be an edgy, hardcore driver's car that'll be a whole lot more difficult to drive than her (bright pink) Bentley Continental.

With a high-revving 4.8-litre V10 engine and 552bhp output, a paddle-shifted gearbox and suspension set up for track driving, the LFA is more suited to the Nürburgring circuit than Beverly Hills.

Waits initially gave a yellow LFA to Hilton as a prank, though Hilton later revealed by Twitter that her own car would actually be pearl white.

Naturally, the presenting of the car was caught on camera as Paris is being filmed for her new reality show.

Miley Cyrus: Why Is Her Dad So Surprised?

2011-02-18T02:32:00.000-08:00

You have to feel sorry for Billy Ray Cyrus, who just emptied the entire contents of his achy breaky heart into a long interview with GQ magazine.

Among other things, he said he regrets ever letting Miley star in Disney's "Hannah Montana" franchise. Related: Disney not surprised by Billy Ray Cyrus' negative 'GQ' comments

But you kind of have to wonder what took the guy so long.

Almost three years ago, MSN Movies ran a Mom and Pop Culture column I wrote that asked whether she was the next Britney Spears. At the time, her sexy image and public proclamations of virginity seemed at odds with each other -- or worse, a crass marketing ploy that made her seem safe to parents (she's a virgin!) while thrilling to kids (so shiny and pretty!).

Fast forward to today. Miley has turned 18. Her TV show is over. Her parents are splitting up. She's the subject of a running gag on "Saturday Night Live." She was caught on video smoking a legal hallucinogen, and now the people who love her most are starting to worry?

In Billy Ray's defense, he admits he made mistakes as a dad, especially in trying to be a friend to his kids. Hell, yeah."

This point matters -- a lot.

When you forget that most people have to work a lot harder and be a lot more careful about their choices because the margin between survival and ruin is only as thick as the next paycheck, you also forget that actions have consequences.

This is also the kind of thinking that lets you excuse your child's bad behavior and bad decisions as youthful indiscretions instead of as big, fat warning signs. If parents aren't there dishing out actual consequences, how's a kid supposed to learn anything but that the normal rules of life don't apply?

What does it really matter as long as they can keep working and making millions?

We live in this strange time where young talent is disproportionally revered.

If you're 15, great-looking, and can sing and dance, there's a chance you could become a megastar before you get your driver's license.

But if you wait too long to reach for the brass ring, you might miss your chance. Heck, look at "American Idol." Forget it.

What's unlikely to change things for Billy Ray Cyrus, though, is talking to magazines like GQ about all this business. Michael Lohan, who seems to send out weekly press releases about his daughter and her travails, hasn't managed to keep Lindsay Lohan from self-destructing. At various times, she even blamed her dad for her troubles.

There's a time and a place for parenting. The time is when your kids are kids. The place is at home -- not in the media. The media are not friends to celebrities, especially the young ones. The fawning press, the Barbara Walters "most fascinating" interviews, these are part of the problem. Same goes for the entertainment companies that create these publicity machines that shoot stars into orbit with little thought of keeping them in something resembling an atmosphere of sanity.

David Guetta's Next Project: Taio Cruz

2011-02-17T00:24:00.000-08:00

If you’re an artist, the person you want to be working with is David Guetta. He’s made Kelly Rowland, Akon and Fergie’s hits all soar to the top of the charts, and now he’s ready to take on a hot new act: Taio Cruz. We fell in love with the British boy’s sound, which has been earning him a lot of success across the pond. People are already calling it the “song of the summer.”

With all this momentum, it makes sense Cruz is teaming up with the iconic Guetta. We actually worked together before he hit the big time. Stay tuned, because this seems like just the beginning for Taio Cruz.

Usher - Usher Saw Special Talent In Bieber

2011-02-17T00:05:00.000-08:00

Usher says the first time he met his pop apprentice Justin Bieber he knew he had an incredible talent.

Usher knew Justin Bieber was special as soon as they met.

The 'OMG' hitmaker mentors the 16-year-old pop sensation and although he didn't realise how successful Justin would go on to be, he knew the talented youngster had star quality at their first meeting.

I thought, 'OK, if this is properly nourished it could become huge.' Usher still thinks he is the right person to guide Justin in his career because there are so many similarities in them as artists.

I felt like I had a great talent."

The 'OMG' hitmaker mentors the 16-year-old pop sensation and although he didn't realise how successful Justin would go on to be, he knew the talented youngster had star quality at their first meeting.

I thought, 'OK, if this is properly nourished it could become huge.' Usher still thinks he is the right person to guide Justin in his career because there are so many similarities in them as artists.

I felt like I had a great talent."

Why I don't force my kids to say 'please'... or walk on schedule

2011-02-16T23:53:00.000-08:00

Former "Blossom" actress Mayim Bialik believes in allowing children to develop at their own pace, whether it comes to motor skills or manners.

By current conventional standards both of my sons qualified for speech, occupational and physical therapy and I gave them none. Both walked at a ripe 17 months, my older son did not speak sentences until well after 3, my younger son, age 2, communicates exceedingly well with signs and gestures but has not uttered a two-word phrase or even an “appropriately” formed word. Barring outstanding medical concerns, I believe in letting children progress in their own way and pace, modeling behavior while respecting the innate development of a child as an autonomous and purposeful creature. I believe that children, like adults (and perhaps better than most adults?), generally know what works for them.
Although the “delays” my sons displayed can be markers for autism, autism-spectrum disorders or developmental delays, I trust my intuition and I trust our pediatrician. My kids are fine.

Share. I go nuts when I am at the park with my kids and parents hover over children, alternatively scolding them for not sharing toys with my kids and scolding my kids for not sharing with theirs. Here’s my deal: when my kid is done with that toy, they’ll give your kid a turn, and if your kid is not done with a toy, my kid can go ahead and wait, even if they throw the tantrum to end all tantrums about it. My husband and I learned this philosophy from an amazing educator who taught the “Parent & Me” classes we attended with our boys. She promised us that if we modeled sharing by focusing on the feelings a child exhibits when they want something desperately, our child would learn to share from the heart: instinctively, compassionately, generously. In much the same way as we learned to model sharing, we model manners. Before our sons were old enough to do so spontaneously, my husband and I would say “water please” when our sons needed water, and we would say “thank you” when they got it. As our sons got older, there were a handful of times when family members clearly expected a “thank you” for a gift, and I was very tempted to whisper, “Say thank you!” But we have stayed the course and our older son now remembers with just a gentle nod from us if he forgets.

Excel. Yes, you can teach your 2 or 3 year old to recite alphabets, learn colors and shapes and songs and dances and poems by heart, but is this really what a child needs? I’m not saying it’s not fun to teach your children things, but if not for the standards of our dominant educational system, is there any inherent value in a child knowing colors as soon as possible? Letting children achieve on their own time frame and in their own way works for us. We feel that we are letting the true desires of our children develop. People are often shocked when they see what our children don’t know, but our sons are healthy, inquisitive, curious, fun, gentle, and thriving. I have heard people say that those who force their kids to share, be polite, and excel on adult terms are really just creating children who are monkeys, imitating behavior without independently experiencing it or really understanding it. Well, for a lot of reasons, from my childhood to my doctorate, I believe strongly in conscious, child-centered parenting. The spokesperson for the Holistic Moms Network and a certified lactation educator, Bialik is writing a book about attachment parenting, and she has two sons, Miles, 5, and Frederick, 2.

Pitbull Calls Jennifer Lopez 'A Hurricane'

2011-02-16T06:02:00.000-08:00

Pitbull describes Jennifer Lopez as ''a hurricane'', after working with her on her comeback single 'On The Floor'.

Pitbull describes Jennifer Lopez as "a hurricane".

The 'Hey Baby (Drop It To The Floor)' hitmaker said he felt "special" and that it was an "honour" to guest star on the US actor, singer and 'American Idol' judge's forthcoming comeback single, 'On The Floor' - which she has said describes a feeling "emotionally connected" to from the first time she heard it.

The Cuban American rapper said: "I definitely felt special when I got the call from Jennifer Lopez. Pitbull added he fulfilled another of his ambitions with the track, working with producer Red One - who has collaborated with Lady Gaga on huge hits including 'Just Dance' and 'Telephone' and Nicole Scherzinger on her single 'Poison'.

The record looks like it's going to be a great hit."

The 30 year old star is meanwhile poised to release his sixth album under his own name, 'Planet Pit', which he says he made with a view to uniting his fans.

He added: "I named it 'Planet Pit' to represent a planet that we've created, where no matter where you're from you can communicate and enjoy each other through music. Pitbull's single 'Hey Baby (Drop It To The Floor)' is released on February 13.

Titanic VHS

2011-02-16T05:38:00.000-08:00

Titanic is one of the most famous true stories which reveals romance, heroismand greed. The film was produced by James Cameron.

It's about a ship in 1912 which hit an iceberg and sank with thousands of people dying by hypothermia or drowning. Starring Leonardo DiCaprio as Jack Dawson, Kate Winslet as Rose DeWitt Bukater, Gloria Stewart as old Rose.

Titanic won eleven Oscars out of twelve. Some of the sponsors of Titanic are Paramount, 20th Century fox and lightstorm.

In 2007 it was released with a huge number of customers.

Sincerely I like this film because it's romantic and it is based on a true story

Billy Ray Cyrus: 'Hannah Montana' destroyed my family

2011-02-15T23:29:00.000-08:00

Billy Ray Cyrus gave one of his most candid interviews in the new issue of GQ, telling the magazine that he wishes that the Disney show he and daughter Miley Cyrus starred in, "Hannah Montana," never happened. For my family to be here and just be OK, safe and sound and happy and normal, would have been fantastic," he said in the interview.

Cyrus also took the time to set the record straight and distance himself from many other parents of child stars and revealed that he's never profited from Miley's success. "For the record, to set it straight, I want to tell you: I've never made a dime off of Miley. I'm proud to say to this day I've never made one commissioned dollar, or dime, off of my daughter."

Cyrus is not oblivious to his daughter's press disasters: the Vanity Fair photo shoot, the pole dancing incident, to name a couple. Those scandals are what led him to decide to not attend Miley's 18th birthday party, where Miley ultimately was photographed mid-makeout.

Once again all them people, they all wanted me to fly out so that then when all the bad press came they could say, 'Daddy endorsed this stuff. If I would have went out there I would have been right in the middle of all this stuff that's going on right now with the bong. They'd be hanging it on my ass.

To read the entire interview (one of the most revealing I've ever seen from the parent of a teen star), click here.

BIGILLA (Spicy Beans)

2011-02-14T11:00:00.000-08:00

1 lb dried broad beans
2 sprigs parsley
1 head of garlic crushed
1 chili pepper
a dash of Tabasco
1 tbsp of mixed marjoram & mint, finely chopped
2 tbsp olive oil

-- Soak beans overnite
-- Replace water. Add salt to taste
-- Bring to boil & simmer until beans are soft
-- Mash beans lightly and place them in a serving dish
-- Pour olive oil on top
-- Add other ingredients to taste

David Guetta "honoured" to have Rihanna feature on who's that chick

2011-02-14T10:33:00.000-08:00

David Guetta said he was 'honoured' to have Rihanna feature on Who's That Chick. The French music producer has teamed up with a number of stars such as Madonna, Black Eyed Peas and Flo Rida but said it was great to collaborate with the What's My Name? singer. Guetta said to MTV News: "Bu, which is Akon's brother, was doing the A&R on the new album for Rihanna [and] came to me and asked me for some tracks. And I was feeling terrible because I'm such a huge fan but I didn't have any beats that would fit. "I just didn't have any ideas. Sometimes two artists wanna work together, but it doesn't mean it's gonna happen, because you have to find the right idea." He added: "I went to see her in London; she was having a concert. And just before the concert, I went to see her backstage and I played her the record [Who's That Chick] and she was like: 'Yeah, I like it.' "But I think she was doubting it a little bit. And then after the concert, I saw her again and she was like: 'That record is stuck in my head!' And I was like: 'OK, let's do it!' Finally, which is really amazing for me, we did it as 'David Guetta featuring Rihanna'. It's a great honour for me."

dorcam233: Ne-Yo Heading For Bruno Mars Collaboration

2011-02-14T04:03:00.000-08:00

dorcam233: Ne-Yo Heading For Bruno Mars Collaboration: "Ne-Yo is set to collaborate with Bruno Mars on a new track and the 'Beautiful Monster' hitmaker reckons they can't fail to be a winning com..."

Ne-Yo Heading For Bruno Mars Collaboration

2011-02-14T03:52:00.000-08:00

Ne-Yo is set to collaborate with Bruno Mars on a new track and the 'Beautiful Monster' hitmaker reckons they can't fail to be a winning combination.

Ne-Yo is set to collaborate with Bruno Mars on a new track.

The 'Beautiful Monster' hitmaker and the 'Just The Way You Are' singer have, between them, written hits for Cee-Lo Green, B.o.B, Rihanna, Beyonce Knowles and Alexandra Burke, and Ne-Yo is keen for them to team up as he knows it will be a winning combination.

Ne-Yo - real name Shaffer Chimere Smith Jr. - added he's glad to see his friend, who has recently scored number one hits in the US and the UK with his first two singles, achieving so much in his solo career.

Before Ne-Yo works with Bruno, however, he is looking forward to his UK tour, which starts in Scotland on February 25.

2011 Grammys: Selena Gomez Lovely in Gold, Nicki Minaj Fierce in Leopard

2011-02-14T02:39:00.000-08:00

The biggest names in music and Hollywood stars alike have flocked to the Staples Center in Los Angeles for the 53rd Annual Grammy Awards. Celebrating music's biggest night, they hit the red carpet on Sunday afternoon, February 13 in style. Among those stealing the attention were Disney darling Selena Gomez and raptress Nicki Minaj.

Selena went to show off her glamorous side with a floor length golt dress. The 18 year old songtress, who will present an award during the show, donned a stunning J-Mendel Liquid Silver Light Weight Panne Velvet Bias Cut Slip Gown with Chiffon inserts. Turning the most heads upon arrival, however, was none other then Lady Gaga.

On the red carpet, Gaga's creative director Laurien Gibson told Ryan, "she is incubating. Tonight's performance is in collaboration with Hussein Chalayan and House of Mugler. X."

Also spotted on the red carpet were country singer Miranda Lambert, "American Idol" alum Jennifer Hudson and Florence and the Machine front woman Florence Welch. Miranda Shimmered in edition by George Chakra dress and SR Nina Runsdorf jewelry, Jennifer flaunted her slimmer figure in Versace dress, and Florence donned a swan-themed embroidered dress from Givenchy.

Born this way (Lady Gaga)

2011-02-13T04:54:00.000-08:00

Lady Gaga’s ‘Born This Way’ Goes Number One, Breaks iTunes Record

2011-02-13T04:49:00.000-08:00

Lady Gaga’s brand new single “Born This Way” is available now.

Lady Gaga’s brand new single “Born This Way” has reached the number one spot on iTunes U.S. in less than three hours since its release, becoming the fastest song to ever do so. The previous record holder was Taylor Swift’s “Mine,” which topped the singles chart in five hours.

On Friday morning, Lady Gaga premiered “Born This Way,” the highly-anticipated single from her upcoming album of the same title. Listen to the track, produced by Fernando Garibay, DJ White Shadow and Gaga herself, after the jump

Katy Perry: Pre-Grammy Salute To Industry Icons

2011-02-13T04:23:00.000-08:00

Katy Perry looks gorgeous as she arrives at the Pre-Grammy Gala and Salute To Industry Icons party at the Beverly Hilton on Saturday (February 12) in Beverly Hills, Calif.
The 26-year-old pop star will be performing at the Grammy Awards tomorrow where she is also nominated for four awards - including Album of the Year.
“Tomorrow is Grammy’s & boy oh boy do I have a very special performance ready for you. CLUE: The theme is looooooovvvvveeee” Katy tweeted.
Katy is wearing a Nicolas Jebran haute couture dress, Jimmy Choo heels, Adeler earrings and ring, Sutra bracelets, and a Judith Leiber clutch.

Dame Elizabeth Is In The Hospital

2011-02-13T04:14:00.000-08:00

2011 is turning out to be the year sad tears washed the shine off of diamonds. Diamonds have already dimmed their sparkle for Zsa Zsa Gabor and now they're dropping their dimmer switch a few more inches for Dame Elizabeth Taylor. Elizabeth was hospitalized at Cedars in Los Angeles for symptoms caused by congestive heart failure. Elizabeth's heart has been through a million husbands including Larry Fortensky's Fraggle mullet ass so I'm sure it's strong as all fuck and will keep on for a few more decades to come. Liz's rep had this to say to People:

"This issue is being addressed. She is currently being kept in the hospital for monitoring. Her family and close friends are appreciative of the warm support and interest of her loyal fans, but have asked that people respect her privacy and allow her medical team the time and space to focus on restoring her back to health."

Can somebody go to the porch and hit pause on Tom Ryan's gambling addiction for a quick minute? If he already didn't lose them in a bet, Elizabeth is going to need those good luck earrings back.

The blind side

2011-02-12T05:32:00.000-08:00

Is every extraordinary true story worth adapting to film? It seems as though we’ve heard everything before, especially when it comes to down-on-their-luck athletes defying the odds. Well, Michael Oher’s story is pretty much just that, so the success of The Blind Side will rest in your hands. Shun it and you’ll be wishing there was a defensive end ready to take advantage of your blind side and put you out of your misery. But put your skepticism aside, embrace The Blind Side and you’ll be in for a feel-good time.

The Blind Side is based on the true story of Baltimore Ravens offensive tackle Michael Oher. The film opens with footage of the monumental moment when Lawrence Taylor sacked quarterback Joe Theismann, ending Theismann’s career but turning the offensive tackle into one of the highest paying positions in football. If you’re not a football fan, have no fear; The Blind Side is about Michael following in Taylor’s footsteps and becoming a professional football player, but more so, about how his adoption into the Tuohy family got him there.

Michael (Quinton Aaron), a.k.a. Big Mike, is practically homeless when he meets Leigh Anne Tuohy (Sandra Bullock). She finds him walking the streets aimlessly in the rain, her benevolent tendencies kick right in and she invites him into her home. Think she’s crazy? Well, for a brief moment she does too, taking into account that she just let a complete stranger, a black teenager nonetheless (a major no-no in her well-off Memphis neighborhood), into her home with her expensive belongings, her husband, Sean (Tim McGraw), and her two young children, Collins and S.J. (Lily Collins and Jae Head). Turns out Michael’s appearance belies his gentle personality, and he soon becomes part of the Tuohy family.

At first, it’s hard not to dismiss The Blind Side as just the story of a wealthy white woman helping a poor black kid that you swear you’ve seen before. On top of that, the film isn’t easy to adjust to. The pace is rather slow, and although Bullock’s Southern accent is decent, it’s not what you expect to hear coming from her mouth. Really, the entire story seems to be more of a caricature than an accurate portrayal of a true tale. Michael might as well have been a giant teddy bear. No, seriously. He doesn’t say much most of the movie, and when he does, it’s as contrived as a talking bear that says ‘I love you’ when his stomach is pressed.

  But as unnatural as it seems, the more time you spend with The Blind Side, the more engaging it becomes. In fact, before you know it, you’ll be taking the social lessons become completely engrossed in Michael’s transformation. Though Leigh Ann is a key component of that transformation, Bullock also gives Aaron his time to shine. There’s a perfect balance of screen time among all the characters, and adorable S.J. in particular, who provides just about all of the film’s comic relief and has just as much, if not more, chemistry with Aaron as Bullock.

Just as Sean is the token ‘yes-man’ husband rolling with Leigh Anne’s big ideas, McGraw is often in Bullock’s shadow, but he also effectively softens her character. Initially Leigh Anne comes across as a no-B.S. mother with a strict agenda, but just as Michael goes through a complete renovation, so does she. By the end of the film Leigh Anne maintains the stick-to-itiveness she utilizes to change Michael’s life and keep her own family together, but sheds her tough exterior and absorbs what their journey has revealed to her about herself. This is what makes the story unique. It’s not just about a rich woman being charitable to a poor boy or the rise of an unlikely athlete; it’s about the transformation of a family. She subtly but forcefully drives The Blind Side and infuses it with a depth and charm, making it a truly inspiring film.

If you give The Blind Side a chance, the payoff is monumental. I dare you to sit through the entire film and not get chills when the screen fades to black and runs through a montage of the real Michael Oher and the real Tuohy family. The film is generally enjoyable, but it isn’t until the credits roll that you’ll realize what a major sentimental impact it has on you. Do yourself a favor, don’t get too picky, take the film for what it is – an inspirational sports movie – and you’ll win big.