Almost Famous New York

Remembering Steve Jobs: Words from Obama, Bill Gates, & Mark Zuckerberg

Thu, 06 Oct 2011 12:37:00 -0400

Last night - Wednesday, October 5th, the modern world lost one of its most beloved technological geniuses, Steve Jobs. The co-founder for the billion dollar Apple empire lost his battle with pancreatic cancer just over a month after resigning as the CEO. He was 56 and is survived by his wife, Laurene, their three kids, and a fourth child from a previous relationship.

President Barack Obama shares his deepest condolences in honor of Jobs:

"Michelle and I are saddened to learn of the passing of Steve Jobs. Steve was among the greatest of American innovators - brave enough to think differently, bold enough to believe he could change the world, and talented enough to do it.

By building one of the planet's most successful companies from his garage, he exemplified the spirit of American ingenuity. By making computers personal and putting the internet in our pockets, he made the information revolution not only accessible, but intuitive and fun. And by turning his talents to storytelling, he has brought joy to millions of children and grownups alike. Steve was fond of saying that he lived every day like it was his last. Because he did, he transformed our lives, redefined entire industries, and achieved one of the rarest feats in human history: he changed the way each of us sees the world.

The world has lost a visionary. And there may be no greater tribute to Steve's success than the fact that much of the world learned of his passing on a device he invented. Michelle and I send our thoughts and prayers to Steve's wife Laurene, his family, and all those who loved him."

Microsoft chairman Bill Gates also offers his statement:

"I'm truly saddened to learn of Steve Jobs' death. Melinda and I extend our sincere condolences to his family and friends, and to everyone Steve has touched through his work.

Steve and I first met nearly 30 years ago, and have been colleagues, competitors and friends over the course of more than half our lives.

The world rarely sees someone who has had the profound impact Steve has had, the effects of which will be felt for many generations to come.

For those of us lucky enough to get to work with him, it's been an insanely great honor. I will miss Steve immensely. "

Even Facebook founder and chief executive Mark Zuckerberg expressed his sadness, in more simpler words, "Steve, thank you for being a mentor and a friend. Thanks for showing that what you build can change the world. I will miss you."

So next time you're tapping away on the iPhone and playing Fruit Ninja on your lovely iPad, remember to silently say your thanks Mr. Jobs. Remember to pay your respects to a man that gave you gadgets that have exceeded the realm of possibilities and have revolutionized your life forever. R.I.P. Steve Jobs (February 24, 1955 – October 5, 2011)

"Steve Jobs was the greatest inventor since Thomas Edison. He put the world at our fingertips." - Steven Spielberg

Courtney's Kurt Cobain Confessions

Thu, 06 Oct 2011 10:32:00 -0400

Ah, Courtney Love. The mere mention of the shameless rocker's name alone constitutes an automatic shaking of the head. Or at least it does for me. And yet, she is just so deliciously entertaining to watch...

What is the Hole frontwoman talking about now?

This time, actually, she talks to Vanity Fair about her late husband - Kurt Cobain of grunge band Nirvana. His apparent "suicide" in 1994 has affected not only rock fans everywhere, but the entire music industry as well. Their most popular album, Nevermind (1991), has become a cultural icon. Left behind are his wife and their now 19-year-old daughter Frances Bean Cobain.

Courtney Love dishes on the ill will she has for her late hubby. Sure, if he were alive, she'd be thrilled...but if the opportunity were to come, she states:

"If he came back right now I'd have to kill him for what he did to us. I'd f-cking kill him...I'd f-ck him, and then I'd kill him."

She even goes to say that Kurt Cobain had previously tried to commit suicide three times and had overdosed "at least five times" before succeeding on April 5th, 1994. "I was the f-cking E.M.S. I was always sticking pins in his balls," She adds that she would carry around Narcan, a drug used to bring heroin users back to life when they are overdosing.

Damn.

Is Kristen Wiig Leaving SNL?

Wed, 05 Oct 2011 15:54:00 -0400

Could Kristen Wiig be joining the group of retired SNL stars gone movie stars?

According to Showbiz411’s Roger Friedman, this very well may be. The 38-year-old actress had joined the SNL crew back in 2005 and has since become one of the show’s brightest stars. Wiig has been nominated for three years consecutively in 2009, 2010, and 2011 for a Prime Time Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress for her work on Saturday Night Live. Kristen has brought to life some of the shows funniest characters such as Sue, the woman who could not control her excitement, Penelope, the nut who craves attention, and who can forget the mischievous high school girl Gilly. Wiig has also nailed her parodies of Kathie Lee Gifford and Michele Bachmann.

Over the past year, Kristen’s career has really taken off. Bridesmaids, which she co-wrote and starred in, has made her a household name as the funny chick. This movie had become Judd Apatow’s highest grossing movie. Quite impressive, considering all the hits Apatow has already created.

Kristen is already in the process of working on different projects outside of Studio 8H. IMDB states that Wiig has wrapped up with movie Revenge for Jolly! and is currently filming Imogene with Glee's Darren Criss, Matt Dillon, and Annette Bening. She will also be reprising her role of Ruffnut in How to Train Your Dragon 2, set to be released in 2014.

According to The Huffington Post, Kristin has already retired two of her recurring characters on SNL (Gilly and Penelope). So sad to see them go, but even more sad to see Kristen go. It is also said that Jason Sudeikis might be joing Kristen in her end-of-season graduation. Nothing has been completely confirmed as of yet. The two are very strong characters on the show and they will leave large shoes to fill, but hey -- the show much go on!

Gossip Girl Here: Blake Lively & Leonardo DiCaprio Split

Wed, 05 Oct 2011 13:07:00 -0400

Summer flings are quite nice. Unfortunately, they usually end once the fall season begins--which is exactly what happened with Blake Lively & Leonardo Dicaprio. The couple, who had been dating since May, called it quits recently according to US Weekly and PEOPLE Magazine. A source close to DiCaprio told PEOPLE that the two will still "remain friends." Yea, yea, yea, that's what they all say.

Perhaps DiCaprio, who is 36, wants to settle down....it's about time! Or maybe Ms. Lively, 24, just wants to enjoy her 20s and take advantage of all the other good looking actors coming her way?

Seems like Leo goes after the same type of girls... Bar Rafaeli, Gisel Bundchen, Blake.. In that case, if you are tall, blonde and model-like, you might have a shot. Get in line ladies!

The Bluths Are Back!

Wed, 05 Oct 2011 10:12:00 -0400

After years of rumors, anticipation, and trying to fill a frozen-banana-shaped void in their souls, fans of the dysfunctional Bluth family can put away the Prozac and sleep soundly again. A 10-episode series and a full-length film for Arrested Development are finally and officially in the works.

The show's creator, Mitchell Hurwitz was reunited with the cast on Sunday at a New Yorker Festival Event. When asked for an update on the movie, Hurwitz teased the audience by saying “We’re 80 percent of the way to an answer." He revealed that he and director Ron Howard have been "talking about this for ages and trying to get this going... [but] we don’t completely own the property, there are business people involved and studios and that kind of thing.” He also cleared the air about Michael Cera being the lone holdout and preventing production as being an inside joke that went awry.

The series will focus on what the characters have been up to during the past five years in the show's absence. These episodes will build up to the film, which will be released afterward like a grand finale.

Later that day, Jason Bateman, who plays the only sane character of the clan, Michael Bluth, tweeted this long-awaited message:

Rihanna's Potty Mouth

Tue, 04 Oct 2011 10:42:00 -0400

Rihanna 's rated R...

Gracing the British Vogue’s cover for the November issue and looking fashion forward yet again.

In the November issue, the “California King Bed” singer vividly explains her view on being a role model in the world. The singer says, “See, people -- especially white people -- they want me to be a role model just because of the life I lead."

She goes on to say, "The things I say in my songs, they expect it of me and being a role model became more of my job than I wanted it to be. But no, I just want to make music. That's it”

Rihanna isn’t some coy girl who sits there and looks pretty. In fact, she’s the opposite. But how does she deal with being called raunchy based on her behavior? She explains "That's not me. That's a part I play. You know, like it's a piece of art, with all these toys and textures to play with."

And when questions came up about her potty mouth, the top artist reveals she didn't know how offensive certain words could be. "You know African-Americans use the n-word to their brothers? Well, that's the way we use the c-word," Rihanna explains. "When I first came here, I was saying it like it was nothing, like, 'Hey, c-nt,'" but that stopped once her make-up artist set things straight.

Even with all this said, Rihanna's endured a lot and she's not stopping for anyone "Look, God doesn't give any more than you can handle," she adds. "I had to get through a lot of ups and downs -- big downs -- and a lot of trial and error to get where I am now."

'Dexter' Delivers in Devilish Season 6 Premiere

Tue, 04 Oct 2011 10:40:00 -0400

The wait has been far too long for the return of Showtime gem Dexter. After almost 10 long months of painful patience since the previous season blew out its candles, the psycho-criminology drama made its return last night, October 2nd. Now that Season 6 has arrived with its first course, did it deliver?

SPOILERS AHEAD: careful where you tread. If you haven't seen the episode yet, catch it while you can for free right HERE.

Whether you adored or despised last season's plethora of hits & misses, the trailer for Dexter this year alone looks to be returning to its roots. The new season opens up with the familiar premise: our favorite moonlighting serial killer Dexter Morgan (Golden Globe winner Michael C. Hall) is seen sporting his signature olive green Henley awaiting his prey. His victims? Two immoral EMT workers who use their body-snatching powers for evil. And thus begins this season. That faux smell of blood perfuming the air has familiarly returned. The episode continues on - a year has passed since the events of the previous season - with Dexter looking to get little Harrison into a prestigious Catholic preschool, despite his self-proclaimed belief in nothing other than Harry's Code. He reasons that he simply wishes to not pass on his Dark Passenger - or his lust for blood - to his son. Things should be good for now, if Batista's little sister Jamie (new character played by Aimee Garcia) remains as the good nanny to baby Harry. We later on learn that Angel (Batista) & LaGuerta have divorced and all we see of her right now is her promotion to Captain. Tsk, tsk. We hope they elaborate more on this storyline throughout the season. Back to Dexter, he anxiously attends his 20th high school reunion - merely for the purpose of exacting revenge on popular jock Joe Walker (he killed his wife, who just happened to be one of the few people nice to a then-nerdier Dexter). He succeeds in the murder during the episode's end, though his biggest accomplishment was not the capture, but his effort in mastering the MC Hammer dance during the reunion.

So who are the bad guys this season, aside from our not-so-saintly protagonist? As fans, we historically know the show to house more than one villain, though the pursuit of a more dangerous offender by the Miami police is almost always the season's basis. Religion will more than likely participate as a secondary character this season 6 (66...ha) as Dexter looks within himself and tries to solve the enigma of the topic, as well as the 'whys' and 'why nots' it currently plays in his surroundings. Onto to some new faces, here enter Professor Gellar (Edward James Olmos) and apprentice Travis (Colin Hanks) who are quickly revealed to be conspiring in a sinister scheme founded on religious fanaticism. You can watch the episode, so I would rather not go into too much details. Snake, baby snakes, intestines, dead bodies...yeah. Not pretty.

For now, let us venture more into the lighthearted: Quinn has been smelling like old ladies at the mall, skillfully noted by Deb, only because he has been busy shopping for engagement rings (I know!!). Dexter will love that one, we can just tell. Another professor to add in the mix is Masuka (?), who is hoping to secure an intern from his forensics pathology class. Pervy? Definitely. Scientifically brillant? Unfortunately.

My take on the season premiere? I feel at a certain point, especially when we faithfully follow a television show for a good half a decade, loyalty trumps over curiosity. It's a f**king rock concert cult favorite that we cannot look away from, so as much as I would love to rate this episode on a scale, my allegiance to the show will most likely hinder my judgement. It can do no wrong in my eyes, my own personal Veruca Salt.

(Also, a little bit of statistical bragging: Dexter’s 6th season debut has already been marked as the series’ highest-rated premiere ever and has been the best season premiere for a Showtime original series since Stargate in 1997 with 2.2 million viewers!)

“I have no idea what ‘Hammer’ time is… or how it differs from regular time.” - Dexter (Dexter)

'50/50' Takes the Fourth Spot in Weekend's Box Office

Mon, 03 Oct 2011 15:28:00 -0400

Inspired by a true story, 50/50 takes the audience through a young man’s journey to battle cancer. Joseph Gordon-Levitt takes on the role of Adam, a 27-year-old man who lives his life on the safe side, exercising daily, refusing to drink, smoke, or even get his license because car accidents are one of the leading causes of death, only to ironically develop a large cancerous tumor in his back.

Written by Will Reiser and directed by Jonathan Levine, 50/50 allows viewers to see a man slowly settle into the reality of potential death at a young age. Gordon-Levitt knocks his role out of the park, with the help of an outstanding cast, which include Seth Rogen (Pineapple Express), Anna Kendrick (Up in the Air), Bryce Dallas Howard (Twilight Saga: Eclipse), and Anjelica Huston (The Addams Family).

Going into the movie, I was not sure what to expect, but I was truly impressed. Gordon-Levitt takes the audience on an emotional roller coaster with him. I found myself laughing at Adam’s buddy Kyle, played by Rogen, or the awkwardness of Adam’s doctor played by Kendrick. Just as easily, the audience found themselves using an entire box of tissues. Not me though, I just had something in my eye...

Summit Entertainment’s 50/50 took the #4 spot in the box office this weekend bringing in $8,858,000. I feel that should have been higher, but I guess it's hard to beat out Brad Pitt, a cute dolphin, and Simba. I still highly recommend the movie. Hey guys, your girlfriends will love it, perfect for a date night.

Overall, I give the movie my own personal two thumbs up. Do you think that you’ll be seeing 50/50?

Gisele Bündchen Commercials Considered Sexist

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 17:01:00 -0400

Since when has Gisele Bündchen even been criticized for showing too much skin? The stunning supermodel is pretty much synonymous to the word "underwear" anyways. That would be like chiding Lea Michele for singing showtunes. It's their forte, people!

However, this little brush with controversy goes a little bit differently. Miss Bündchen is currently representing HOPE, a Brazilian lingerie company, as a spokesmodel in their ads. The premise of the commercials basically show the supermodel breaking bad news to an unseen husband, while wearing regular clothing. WRONG, it beeps. Take two: she confesses her faults to hubby again, only this time - she is donning her sexy undies. RIGHT, ding ding ding! The voiceover then suggests to women that by wearing their lingerie, along with "using Brazilian charm", it would be a better way to let their men down gently.

The Women's Rights Secretariat had asked the National Advertising Council to suspend the advertisement since it glorified the notion that women were only seen as sex objects. Representatives for HOPE, however claim that the whole message of the ad was that a: "Brazilian woman's sensuality is her best protection when delivering bad news." They even insist that the Victoria's Secret model herself can vouch for the company, "Gisele can testify that all of the situations shown in the campaign are jokes about daily life (and) in no way should they be taken as being depreciative of the feminine figure."

The tag line at the end of the ads claim, "Hope teaches". Teaches what? That women should that use their sexuality to get away with something? To be honest - not that I am siding with either party, since both make equal points - many women would be lying to if they say they haven't used their feminine charms to their advantage at some point in time. It doesn't mean we ladies do it all the time, no! Not at all. But come on, just own up to it. The commercial clearly shows Gisele sweet-talking her significant other, not a lawyer in the courtroom. Then again, there is a huge difference between flirting your way out of a driving ticket as opposed to flashing your ta-tas to rob a bank, so we all can at least agree it's a heated topic.

Below is one of the three TV spots aired. Do you find the campaign to be sexist? Or just plain old fun, just like the marketers have previously explained?

'Ghost' Musical Invading Broadway

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 12:29:00 -0400

"Molly...you in danger, girl."

The success of 1990 film Ghost has spiraled into a musical and has immediately captured the hearts of London audiences at the West End stages.

Good news, New York theater lovers, now YOU can get a chance to experience Ghost the Musical right in the heart of Times Square at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre, after The Addams Family takes its final bow. Previews will start March of next year.

Based on the uber-popular movie starring the late Patrick Swayze, a pixie-haired Demi Moore and Whoopi Goldberg (in her Academy Award-winning performance), the musical update retells the story of the happy couple Sam & Molly, quickly interrupted by the murder of the former. As a ghost, Sam struggles to piece together the mystery of his death and the sinister motives behind them, with the help of con artist-turned-legit medium Oda Mae. Add in some catchy tunes & jazz squares in the mix, and there you have it. Instant success. On the other hand, New Yorkers are a tad more critical of, well, anything...so the critically-acclaimed musical could have as bad a translation as the failed attempt at an American Skins.

Will the Broadway adaptation leave us singing? Or can it just go to hell? Ghost the Musical is not set to hit the Great White Way until April 23, 2012 so we'd have to endure the ghastly winter season beforehand. In the meantime, take a look at the trailer of the West End production in London. A little cheese, a little camp, but it has some potential...