21st Anniversary of Freddie Mercury’s Death

Very few people are blessed with the ability to stand in front of a large group of people and command their attention. Freddie Mercury undoubtedly did that better than almost anyone in the music industry past, present, or future (sorry, but I feel confident in saying that). Twenty-one years ago today the world lost a great musician and man.

Sadly, I was ignorant to Queen for many years until somewhat recently. Sure, I knew about Queen, but I didn’t really know about Queen. That changed when I watched their concert at Wembley Stadium. Holy. Shit.

One of the most amazing things I’ve ever seen in my life. It’s so sad what music has become (I’ve been saying that for years) but seriously, what has music become?

It’s not just Freddie’s (amazing) voice, but his personality, ridiculously cool wardrobe…(how does he make that stuff look badass?) awesome stache, sweet dance moves, charisma, and energy that make him so much fun to watch. Please watch the second video, ‘Love of my Life’ and just watch how he has the entire audience singing the song. I’ve never seen an artist have such power over an (large) audience. Yea, it made me cry…shut up. Ok, I’ve shared too much…

Yea, Queen might still exist, but they never will without Freddie. Sorry Brian and Roger, as cool and nice as you might be (and what the HELL were you thinking bringing Adam Lambert in?!)

R.I.P. dear Queen…21-years later, it’s still not the last dance.

Kate Upton, I Apologize (And a Sandy Mention)

First of all, I want to say I hope ______ (insert name here) you are ok and Sandy has not damaged any of your belongings, or you for that matter. It seems we are pretty blessed here in Pittsburgh and didn’t get hit by much of anything, but when I look at images of New York City, I can’t believe it. 
I can’t give enough praise to the workers who are busy saving lives. When I heard about the medical workers climbing stairs and hand pumping ventilators to save newborns’ after the backup generator failed at the NYU Hospital and an evacuation was underway, it reminded me of how much respect I have for my mother as a nurse and how I would never be able to do something like that. It’s amazing how you see the best in people during the worst of times. Thoughts are with everyone who have been hit by this storm and I know you’ll be up and on your feet before long. 

Now, back to fashion.
Kate Upton this is the post where I give you credit. Yes, when I first saw you I didn’t like you at all. Here’s another blonde in a barely-there bikini posing for Sports Illustrated, I thought. Seriously, did you see that thing? It’s the smallest thing…well, smallest bikini i’ve ever seen.

It wasn’t just that though. Kate’s looks didn’t do anything for me. Apparently I wasn’t the only one, although I even thought those comments were a bit harsh. Still, you kind of need looks if you’re going to be doing this modeling thing. But looking at Kate, bouncing around with Terry Richardson, doing the Dougie…creepy…never in a million years did I think Kate could pull off a high fashion look. She looked more like she needed to be working at Hooters.

As of late though, Kate seems to have turned into the ‘it’ girl, and whether it’s due to a lot of make-up or really good photoshopping, (or I guess just natural looks, that’s a possibility)  the girl looks good.

Kate’s latest cover is for Vogue Italia and the 20-year-old looks amazing. Yes, her chest is pretty much out in full but let’s try to see past that if possible. Anyone else seeing Anna Nicole Smith?

Thoughts?

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Father Christmas, Andy Williams Has Died

Threw you with that one, didn’t I? No, Andy Williams wasn’t Santa Claus…but he was damn close.

First of all, if you don’t know who Andy Williams is, punch yourself. Ok, now Google him. Get your mind out of the gutter…type his name in www.Google.com or ask your parents. If they don’t know, you should probably just kill them (but don’t hold me accountable for that).

Andy Williams was a singer with a smooth voice like honey who sang since his childhood days and had 17 gold and three platinum records to his name. Williams comes from the days when cats sang music. When music was music. Now, we unfortunately have the ol’ auto-tune and idiots singing about Apple Bottom jeans.

Williams has a bevy of good tunes under his belt, but I have always and will always associate him with Christmas music. I grew up with a father who was obsessed…obsessed? yea, obsessed with Christmas and constantly played Christmas music, (mostly at the appropriate times) movies, and got the decorations up way before the fat man came down the chimney.

Because of this, I feel like I’ve grown up with Williams, Nat King Cole, Johnny Mathis, Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers, Alabama, Bing Crosby, etc.

Go ahead. Quiz me on White Christmas. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen that movie. Haven’t seen it? Punch yourself again. Twice.

Oh yea…Williams. Check out this video circa 1965 from Williams Christmas special. They don’t make ‘em like that anymore…and check out the fashion!

I don’t remember what year, but I saw Mr. Williams perform at The A.J. Palumbo Center with my father. (Upon a little research I found Williams performed there in 1998, when he was 68-years-old…) Something makes me think he was sick, and he still sounded perfect.

At the end of the concert…snow began to fall (inside) while Williams belted out his legendary music. Yea, that’s right…he made it snow on ‘em.
We walked outside…and the snow began to fall like magic.

The man was an American icon from a time when families sat down together and were families. When singers captured people’s attention by their voice and not their absurd publicity stunts and salacious outfits.

Thank you Andy for always making Christmas truly feel like Christmas and putting a smile on my face. I think when your music comes on this year, it will sound even better…

P.S. Yes, I wore red and green for Andy today.

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Blake Lively’s Wedding, Engagement Rings Reveled

Blake Lively is back to work on the set of Gossip Girl one week after her surprise wedding to now husband Ryan Reynolds. Lively was spotted kissing Reynolds the morning after the surprise union took place and everyone is going crazy about Lively’s huge engagement ring.

Lively’s engagement ring (that no one knew about) features a large oval stone supported by a band of small diamonds. The wedding ring, by celebrity jeweler Lorraine Schwartz, also features a series of delicate diamonds, and complements her engagement ring.

What do you think of the rings??
Image: People
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Taylor Swift Heats Things Up in Brazil

Like most, I became a fan of who is that girl? Taylor Swift when Kanye West made her famous interrupted her at the MTV (some kind of) awards back in the day, but since then have grown annoyed of her and wish he would show up again (for a second) to get rid of her.
I tell ya, if it weren’t for men, she wouldn’t have a career. We get it, you’re pissed. Don’t mess with you.

But, she does do one thing very well. She keeps it classy in the looks department.

Swift was in Rio de Janeiro to promote her upcoming album, Red, which is scheduled to be released on Oct. 22.
She was photographed going to dinner with mother Andrea and looked immaculate. Take note you trollop’s. You don’t need to dress like you’re working the corner to make a statement.

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CariDee English Speaks Out About Former ANTM Contestant’s Drug Use

I’ve always liked winner of America’s Next Top Model cycle 7 CariDee English, and now I like her even more.
Those of course were the days when I watched America’s Next Top Model, when it was still somewhat respectable.

If you haven’t heard, one of the former contestants, Jael Strauss, a finalist from cycle 8, is battling a methamphetamine addiction. Strauss appeared on the show when she was 22-years old. Strauss is now 28.

Strauss in her Top Model days.

Apparently, the plan and last ditch effort to save Strauss is to go on Dr. Phil. While I have my own opinions about that, this has already happened, but will air on Sept. 13.

The once striking young lady is now a homeless, lost soul covered in sores fighting for her life.

Strauss, today at 28-years-old.

So…where does CariDee come in in this?

She gave her thoughts on the matter:

“Tyra won’t do anything. She provided a wonderful platform for girls to have a chance at their dream, but, after there is no “Tyra Mail”. I had to guide myself, and even though I won a model competition I still had no idea what the modeling BUSINESS was like. … I am not complaining, I am simply defending. I love love what I have made for myself since my win, but mentally, its horrific. And any girl who has been on ANTM can back me up. No one wants to take us serious as models. I am sure the show lost its credibility in producing a top model somewhere btwn making 3 cycles a year and posing on roller coasters. Tyra wasn’t there when the cameras stopped rolling, nor did she reach out.”

CariDee English (Image: Getty)

So glad the models think the show turned to crap too! but obviously beyond that, it’s so refreshing to hear English be totally honest (and say what we’ve all been thinking).

And should they ever have casted Strauss in the first place?

“Poor girl. Having problems and then getting a hint of fame only make an addiction rise. They should have evaluated her a lot more before letting her on the show. All they saw was a personality good for television. Well, this hopefully will save at least her life and someone watching. Everything happens for a reason.”

Couldn’t have said it better myself. So sad, and I sincerely hope Strauss gets better soon.

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Liberty Ross Makes First Runway Appearance Post Cheating Scandal

Liberty Ross, wife to Snow White and the Huntsman director Rubert Sanders…(you know, the one that cheated with Kristen Stewart) returned to the runway in Alexander Wang’s fashion show during New York Fashion week.

This of course caused an even bigger stir because it was 48 hours after Kristen Stewart made her first red carpet appearance since the scandal.

So, the inevitable, childish question…who looked better?

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Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds Are Married

Image: Getty

According to PEOPLE, Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds wed on Sunday, Sept. 9 at Boone Hall Plantation in Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina.

Florence Welch performed three songs for the newlyweds under a white tent at the plantation on Sunday evening. The bride reportedly wore Chanel while Reynolds wore Hugo Boss.
Correction: False reports! Blake was in Marchesa.

“Blake wore a one of a kind couture bridal ballgown, with a hand draped silk tulle bodice adorned with a custom crystal and rose gold embroidery. The bridal party each wore a unique custom made blush silk chiffon Marchesa gown, with crystal embroidered detail.” [stylecaster]

Lively, 25, met Reynolds, 35 on set of The Green Lantern in 2011 and have been dating since. This is the first marriage for Lively and the second for Reynolds, who divorced Scarlett Johansson in July 2011.

What do you think? Are you surprised? Will it last?

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Neil Armstrong Dead at 82

American former NASA astronaut, commander of Apollo 11, and first man to set foot on the moon Neil Armstrong died today at age 82.

Armstrong had undergone heart surgery on Aug. 8, three days after his 82nd birthday. His death came from post-surgery complications.

Saturday, President Obama hailed Armstrong as one of “the greatest American heroes — not just of his time, but of all time.” [USA Today]

And of course, now you know what’s coming…
I stumbled on these creations by Shadowplaynyc on Etsy. If you want to check it all out, click here, but here are just a few.

Moonwalk Apollo Handkerchief

Hubble Space Skirt

Magellanic Cloud Light Cotton Galaxy Dress

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Phyllis Diller Dead at 95

Comic legend Phyllis Diller has died at age 95. I believe I was first exposed to Phyllis on Scooby-Doo. Yep, don’t act like you don’t know what I’m talking about. Along with her witty personality Diller had quite the eccentric appearance. Take a look at Diller’s appearance on the short lived Rosie show in 2011 (plus another video I couldn’t help but add).