Character has always been The Venture Bros. secret weapon. The show draws you in with its Byzantine plotting and clever references, but the depths of its characters, and the way those characters develop over time, is what holds everything together. All the frantic conspiracies and wheels within wheels work because of the deeply flawed fools stuck in the middle, and all the nods to the pop culture detritus of the ‘70s and ‘80s are effective because they serve as a sort of language for the world’s saddest Lost Boys. When Billy Quizboy talks about the Staff of Ra, or Dean dreams of having a PG-13 rated Lady And The Tramp experience, this isn’t just to make us feel warm and fuzzy for catching the gag; it says something specific about both, about the lens through which they see their lives. That’s why it’s funny: because it’s sad, and goofy, and weird, and because it means something. Comedy needs stakes to work, and the stakes here are, for all the madness surrounding them, pretty straightforward. We really hope these losers will find some peace of mind, because at some point or another, we’ve all been this pathetic. We’ve hidden in basements, pored over Evlish script, memorized the Konami code, clung to our high scores, tapped our lands, and polished our glaives. We’ve been heroes, if only in our own mind, and struggled to deal with what happens when that phony heroism is forced into the light of day. And even if you don’t get all the jokes (and I rarely do), the hope remains. Maybe, just this once, it might not suck to be a freak.

It’s not that everything’s sunshine and rainbows. Rusty is still a self-pitying schlub, Brock is still pining over the one woman he can never have (Molotov is alive, looks like), and the Monarch is missing 21, in between bouts of sexposition with the missus. But there’s a reality to the show’s world that hits the balance between misery and triumph, modulating both, even as college kids vanish into the ether and devour each other whole. As always, the genre stuff is just the fun, chaotic color that attracts our attention: underneath is a surprisingly heartfelt appreciation for just what it means to be a fucked up nerd. Looking closer, it becomes obvious that the characters who come closest to succeeding—who actually do sometimes get what they need—are the ones who accept who they are. Dean, after a lifetime trying to play along with what everyone tells him, starts to rebel, and manages (even in his goofiness) to beat the bad guy and briefly get the girl; when it comes time for a showdown, he uses the edge of what must be decades worth of kidding around with Hank, to Indian burn Martin (guest voice Aziz Ansari) out of the top spot. Billy uses his brains, 21 gets to be a hero, and even Rusty walks away without losing everything.

Maybe the key moment in the entire episode (and one of the better jokes) comes when Sgt. Hatred has been taken prisoner by the cannibalistic Oranges. He finds a Green, one of interns Rusty had assigned to basically the servant class (which makes them soft), and asks him what the hell happened. The students have all been genetically mutated in various ways due to Rusty’s usual carelessness, but not only have they turned into monsters; they’ve started coming up with their own mythology and world-conquering goals, all in the space of about three months. The Green, Tommy (Wyatt Cenac) says, you get a bunch of sci-fi geeks together and mutate them, things are bound to get crazy. The joke is, the extra arms and lizard skins and mind-control powers are all filtered through a couple decades worth of fantasy lit and movie nights, because that’s how all of these guys can think. It’s why the Monarch and Dr. Mrs. The Monarch like to do bedtime role-playing, even though they already spend most of their lives in costume. This, all the esoterica and trivia and nitpicking, is a kind of language, and this show’s genius for simultaneously mocking and celebrating that language—and in turn, mocking and celebrating the characters who chose to live in this world—is what makes it so oddly affecting.

Source

That entire episode was amazing. Billy's new arch is awesome. Also Monarch and Girlfriend roleplaying as Drago and Rocky was the god damn best.

SRC

‘The Hunger Games‘ fans are counting down the days until the November release. There have been a few teaser promos and even a trailer for the film, but the fashion and beauty side of the film is getting the most attention.



Covergirl has confirmed that they will be cranking out a ‘Hunger Games’ line of makeup that encompasses the lush Captiol colors and the fiery hues of Katniss. Click HERE for more on that…

Now, the fashion from the film is getting a turn in the spotlight. A tumblr that has been grown into a full fledged online fashion magazine for the film has been created. Capitol Couture was launched and we are getting a ton of sneak peeks from the costumes presented as a legit district editorial.

Effie Trinket is highlighted along with the other capital fashion mongers. The movie’s costume designer, Trish Summerville, is pulling looks from the runways of everyone from Alexander McQueen to Tex Saverio. In fact, one of Effie’s outfits is off the McQueen 2012 runway show.

A dress, that reminds me of sliced eggplant, is offered up as a District 11 Victory Tour dress. (Shown above.) Another antelope be-horned blazer stands out with a caption labeling it as a District 10 look. Those two outfits are joined by a nod to District 9 with a patterned jacket stitched from natural plant fibers. A ridiculously gigantic knitted scarf is the District 8 couture offering. More eccentric garb will come as the site updates in timing with the film.

Horny Jacket and More Fashion Fuckery at Source: The Beauty Stop

Alyssa's Secret - Worst Date

Have you been needing your Alyssa Edwards fix since she exited RuPaul’s Drag Race? Do you find yourself not feeling as “drop dead gorgeous” as you had been watching Alyssa every Monday night? Well, it’s time to “get up in this gig, girl!” Monday’s are once again the biggest drag of the week. Alyssa’s Secret is a digital series starring the shining star of RuPaul’s Drag Race, Alyssa Edwards. Every week Alyssa spills the T on topics like her worst date, her passion for dancing, and redeems herself by showing everyone how to have the perfect orgasm. Alyssa says in her Frontiers magazine interview that Alyssa’s Secret is “another opportunity to see me freak out and hear my dramatics. Because I’m crazy-dot-com!” In the first episode Alyssa dishes about her worst date. Get ready for the perfection! All-new episodes of Alyssa’s Secret every Monday on WOW Presents.

NOT ONTONOIGHT

June 3, 2013 We needed to figure out the best possible way to move NPR Music's Tiny Desk from our old headquarters to our new facility just north of the U.S. Capitol. So we had OK Go perform "All Is Not Lost" hundreds of times, as we transported the Tiny Desk from one home to the other.

Source

via Indiewire

With so many new movies flooding the theaters every week, it's understandable that a few noteworthy releases might have slipped under your radar within the past year. Thanks to the magic of online streaming, getting caught up on some of the best films of 2012 is just a click away. Below we have compiled a list of movies that made the cut of last year's Indiewire Year-End Critic's Poll List that are currently streaming on Netflix. So whether you have never heard of them before or want to watch them again, you can now have immediate access to some of the most acclaimed recent films. No longer will you have to confusedly search through the broad and confusing array of categories and titles on Netflix, as you can rest assured in your viewing knowing that these come Criticwire-approved.


1. Holy Motors (Ranked #1 on Indiewire's Year-End Critic's Poll List)


2. Once Upon A Time in Anatolia (Ranked #8 on Indiewire's Year-End Critic's Poll List )


3. The Turin Horse (Ranked #9 on Indiewire's Year-End Critic's Poll List)
***should be, far and away, #1!***


4. The Deep Blue Sea (Ranked #14 on Indiewire's Year-End Critic's Poll List)


5. Oslo, August 31st (Ranked #15 on Indiewire's Year-End Critic's Poll List)


6. Cosmopolis (Ranked #17 on Indiewire's Year-End Critic's Poll List)


7. The Kid With A Bike (Ranked #18 on Indiewire's Year-End Critic's Poll List)


8. The Loneliest Planet (Ranked #20 on Indiewire's Year-End Critic's Poll List)


9. Neighbouring Sounds (Ranked #26 on Indiewire's Year-End Critic's Poll List)


10. Bernie (Ranked #28 on Indiewire's Year-End Critic's Poll List)


the rest of the list can be found at the source

aka in the comments
What are your favorite movies streaming on Netflix from the last few years?

The Writers Guild of America -- both the West and East chapters -- evaluated talk shows, daytime dramas, primetime fixtures, cartoons, variety shows and more to come up with a definitive list of the 101 best-written shows of all time. Coming in at No. 2 on the list is "Seinfeld." The WGA said the list was determined through online voting by WGAW and WGAE members.

“At their core, all of these wonderful series began with the words of the writers who created them and were sustained by the writers who joined their staffs or worked on individual episodes,” WGAW President Chris Keyser and WGAE President Michael Winship said in a joint statement. “This list is not only a tribute to great TV, it is a dedication to all writers who devote their hearts and minds to advancing their craft."


The top spot went to HBO's The Sopranos. What? No room for Work It? Snubbed!

The list will likely include many of your favorite shows, and if it doesn't maybe you're watching the wrong programs. We have many opinions about the list (Friday Night Lights all the way down at number 22?), but we're more interested in what you guys have to say: Check out the list below and tell us what you think of The Sopranos getting the number one slot and if you think any TV series got brutally rebuffed.

Top 10

1. The Sopranos
2. Seinfeld
3. The Twilight Zone
4. All in the Family
5. M*A*S*H
6. The Mary Tyler Moore Show
7. Mad Men
8. Cheers
9. The Wire
10. The West Wing

The rest here
Source 2

Yesterday, Steve reported on the "no homo" remark made by Indiana Pacers center Roy Hibbert at a post-game press conference. At the time he hadn't been fined by the NBA. Now, he has:

The N.B.A. fined Indiana Pacers center Roy Hibbert $75,000 Sunday, hours after Hibbert apologized for using an antigay slur and an obscenity in a news conference after his team’s victory against the Miami Heat in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference finals.

Hibbert apologized for the slur in a statement yesterday, saying I used a slang term that is not appropriate in any setting, private or public, and the language I used definitely has no place in a public forum, especially over live television. I apologize to those who I have offended, to our fans and to the Pacers’ organization. I sincerely have deep regret over my choice of words last night."

Source

Beyoncé laughed off rumors that she’s pregnant in a sit-down with the “Today Show” while backstage at Saturday’s Chime for Change: The Sound of Change Live concert.

In the clip, which aired on Monday morning, anchor Savannah Guthrie tells the superstar, “I would be remiss if I didn’t give you a chance to dispel any rumors about whether you’re expecting.”

“What kind of rumor?” Beyoncé playfully asks before bursting into laughter, and adding, “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

Interestingly, the singer never definitively answers the question either way.

video at the source

Britney Spears holds hands with her niece Maddie, almost 5, as they make their way through Louis Armstrong International Airport on Sunday afternoon (June 2) in New Orleans, La.

The 31-year-old entertainer was joined by her sister Jamie Lynn and her fiance Jamie Watson.




plus creepy video of queen
sourceney

Oh, Karl.

That’s really all we have to say after watching the promo clips for Alina Cho’s upcoming “Fashion Week: Backstage Pass,” in which she interviews everyone’s favorite candid and cat-obsessed fashion personality, Karl Lagerfeld.

The segment was supposed to air on CNN Friday, but apparently there were more important things happening in the world than Lagerfeld’s thoughts on Choupette and Adele, so it got pushed back. Luckily, there were some gems to be found in the teasers. First up: Choupette, whom, unfortunately, Lagerfeld cannot marry, despite the fact that they’re in love. “You know, there is no marriage yet for human beings and animals,” he tells Cho (YET.). “I never thought that I would fall in love like this with a cat.”

Cho also brings up a couple of public figures Lagerfeld has professed to being less fond of: Pippa Middleton, whom he essentially called a butterface, and Adele, whom he said was “a little too fat.” Think he regrets saying those things publicly? Nope, not really. When Cho asks, “You did not like the face of Pippa Middleton?” Lagerfeld replies, “No, I think her sister looks better.”

“Adele…?” Cho asks hesitantly, making a hilarious cringey face. “Adele is another problem,” Lagerfeld begins. Oh brother.

“I never said that she was fat, I said that she was a little roundish; a little roundish is not fat,” he continues as Cho laughs awkwardly. Oh and there’s more: “But for such a beautiful girl, after that she lost eight kilo so I think the message was not that bad.”

Yep, given a prime opportunity to clear up some of his cruelest past remarks, the best he can do is to call Adele “a little roundish?”

At least he, er, sticks to his guns? Watch both clips below.
sourcr

'Boardwalk Empire' actor joins Lena Dunham's HBO comedy



Girls has picked up a new cast member for its upcoming third season. Boardwalk Empire's Michael Zegen has joined Lena Dunham's HBO comedy, according to Deadline.com, though the network is staying mum so far about his role on the show.

Zegen could be filling the gap left by actor Christopher Abbott, who played Charlie on the show. Abbott left Girls in April, allegedly over creative differences with Dunham. Fans were notably disappointed by his departure, but Allison Williams – who plays Charlie's love interest, Marnie – felt confident in the future direction of her character and the show.

source

While Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford and Carrie Fisher formed the core that would go on to create one of the biggest sci-fi franchise in history with "Star Wars," things could have played out much, much differently. Sissy Spacek or Cindy Williams could have been Princess Leia, while a gallery of tough dudes like Kurt Russell, Nick Nolte, Sylvester Stallone and Christopher Walken were all in the running for Han Solo. Another actor in the mix? Al Pacino. Yes really.

Had the actor taken the role, he would've been coming off an incredible run of movies including the two "The Godfather" films by George Lucas' good friend Francis Ford Coppola, "Serpico" and "Dog Day Afternoon." While Pacino did take a look at the part, he recently explained why he ultimately didn't sign on. "It was mine for the taking but I didn’t understand the script," he told an audience over the weekend in London at the An Evening With Pacino event, reports The Telegraph.

What Pacino didn't quite understand isn't clear, and while we can always imagine the shoutier version of Han Solo, it's hard to argue that Ford wasn't ultimately the right man for that part. One could also argue that Pacino in the sidekick role (of sorts) still would've overshadowed the rest of the cast by an immeasurable degree, so, all's well that end's well.

Meanwhile, J.J. Abrams'"Star Wars: Episode 7" continues to develop in semi-secrecy, but a recent collaborator wouldn't mind beaming up with the director again. "Wouldn't that be fun. I would love to," Leonard Nimoy told fansite StarTrek.com when asked what he would do if offered a part in a whole new galaxy, far, far away. Even more, he thinks Spock could crossover. "I think it would work wonderfully. I think it would work just great. I think it would be a great idea, and somebody ought to tell [Abrams] that."

Source.

Source

HUGE legal victory for Shaq -- the lawsuit filed by an alleged ex-mistress who claimed the NBA star harassed her following their break-up has been dismissed ... because the judge says she's a dirty LIAR.

As we reported, Vanessa Lopez filed her lawsuit against Shaq back in 2010 claiming she was his mistress for 5 years ... and once she broke up with him, he launched a campaign to harass her and make her fear for her safety.

But the Florida judge just lowered the legal boom on Lopez in his ruling -- claiming the court CAUGHT HER in several lies ... proving it's impossible to believe anything that comes out of her mouth.

"[Lopez] lied often. She lied about facts important to the defense, and she demonstrated an utter disrespect for the system of justice," the judge stated.

Among Lopez's lies -- the judge says Vanessa claimed she "did not know of" any previous restraining orders that had been issued against her ... when there were official records showing she was hit with one stemming from a case involving an ex-boyfriend.

The judge says there's also proof she lied about her legal history with NBA star Kenyon Martin ... who had accused her of stealing his credit card and running up charges.

And there's this ... Vanessa's lawyers completely deserted her almost immediately following her deposition earlier this year ... a huge red flag.

Lopez's lawsuit was dismissed on the basis of fraud on the court -- with prejudice, meaning she can't refile.

Source: http://www.tmz.com/2013/06/03/shaquille-oneal-mistress-vanessa-lopez-harassment-lawsuit-dismissed/

By MARC BERMAN
Posted: 12:44 PM, June 3, 2013

Jason Kidd.Jason Kidd played for the Nets from 2001-07.

Anthony J Causi

Jason Kidd.

Four days after wondering if he could “do the grind all over again,’’ Jason Kidd announced his retirement Monday, ending a 19-year career that will land him in the Hall of Fame.

Kidd, who turned 40 in March, finished out his career with 10 straight scoreless playoff games – likely triggering the decision that was announced by Knicks GM Glen Grunwald.

On Thursday, at a Justin Tuck charity billiards event, Kidd said TV work and coaching were possibilities he was mulling.

“I am thinking about it,’’ Kidd said of retirement. “We’ll see. I have to make a decision. Right now I plan on coming back but in the next couple of days or a week or so, I’m going to think about it if I should keep playing or trying something different.’’

PHOTOS: JASON KIDD THROUGH THE YEARS

Kidd decided it was time and will forgo the final two years and $6.2 million left on his pact. It also leaves the Knicks thin at point guard as they have no assurance they’ll be able to re-sign Pablo Prigioni, a free agent.

“My time in professional basketball has been an incredible journey, but one that must come to an end after 19 years,” Kidd said in a statement. “As I reflect on my time with the four teams I represented in the NBA, I look back fondly at every season and thank each every one of my teammates and coaches that joined me on the court.”

Also in the statement, Knicks coach Mike Woodson said:

“Veteran leadership on and off the court was a huge factor for our team that recorded 54 victories and an Atlantic Division crown. Jason provided an incredible voice inside our lockerroom and I considered it an honor to say I coached him.’’

However, Woodson benched Kidd in the second half of the final two playoff games vs. Indiana because of a lack of production.

"Everybody will probably speculate the last month I had wasn't the prettiest," Kidd said in an ESPN Radio interview. "But I came in the league not as a scorer. I guess I'll leave that way. The biggest thing is I played the game to win, no matter what my stats said, the biggest stat for me was the win column. With the Knicks, we had a great season. It might have ended, but it ended to a team that has a Game 7 tonight - Indiana.''

On Thursday, Kidd said money was not an issue. Kidd is one of the smartest to ever play the game and has always been pegged a future coach.Jason Kidd.Jason Kidd played for the Nets from 2001-07.

New York Post

Jason Kidd played for the Nets from 2001-07.

“There’s a lot different stuff I may have the opportunity to do,’’ said Kidd. “If I play, I plan on playing for the Knicks.’’

“I got to be honest with myself,’’ Kidd added Thursday. “I’m a young man. (But) I got to see if I could still mentally do the grind all over again.’’

When asked about the money forfeited, Kidd said, “It’s never been about money. The game is about winning. It’s not about money. If I decide I’m going to leave, the money is not going to hold me up from leaving.’’

The Knicks gave Kidd a three-year deal, using their $3.1 million mid-level exception that could’ve gone to a younger player with a longer future. But the Knicks thought they had a real shot at a title this season but they ended up losing in the second round to the upstart Pacers.

Speaking on the Knicks’ future, Kidd said Monday on ESPN Radio: “They have a solid foundation. You look at Melo (Carmelo Anthony), You look at Tyson (Chandler). They have to re-sign J.R. (Smith) and the likes of Chris Copeland. We felt at the time we were so close. That’s how fragile the game is. If you go cold shooting at the wrong time you’re not going to advance.’’

The 6-4 Kidd holds career averages of 12.6 points, 8.7 assists. 6.3 rebounds and 1.93 steals with Dallas, Phoenix, the Nets and Knicks.

In his first and only season with the Knicks, Kidd provided backcourt leadership and stability both as a starter and off the bench before his playoff downfall. Kidd averaged 6.0 points, 3.3 assists, 4.3 rebounds and 1.64 steals in 76 regular-season games.

The Knicks select 24th in the draft and are looking at point guards.

Blake Griffin’s 2011 NBA Sprite Slam Dunk Kia to be Auctioned (VIDEO)

Leake Auction announced this weekend that the 2011 Kia Optima Los Angeles Clippers basketball star Blake Griffin jumped over to win the 2011 NBA Sprite Slam Dunk Contest will be auctioned off.

After jumping over the car, Griffin put the Optima up for auction to aid a cancer research according to a Leake press release.



Henry Primeaux of Tulsa purchased the car, but is now selling it on Saturday, June 8 during Leake's 41st annual collector car show & auction in the Expo Building at the Tulsa Fairgrounds.

All proceeds will benefit children who come to the Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma and the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma.

Griffin's winning dunk came after jumping over the hood of the Kia Optima while catching a pass thrown by Baron Davis from the car's sunroof. Griffin later agreed to an endorsement campaign for Kia, and has appeared in a number of commercials for the company since.

The vehicle has not been driven and has only 50 miles on it according to Leake.

"As a sports memorabilia collector, I was excited when I saw Blake Griffin jump over a Kia Optima and when I found out it was available at auction. I got on the auction line and was lucky to be the highest bidder and win the Optima," said Primeaux according to the press release. "This 2011 Kia Optima SX, which is autographed by Blake Griffin on the steering wheel and the driver's door frame, has been on display at Primeaux Kia for two years and I'm now happy that we can offer the car for a worthy cause just as Blake did when he put the car up for auction."

Daily admission is $15 for adults, $10 for senior citizens and military personnel with an ID and $7 for children under 12. Doors open at 9am each day.

The auction will start at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, 10:00 a.m. on Saturday and 11:00 a.m. on Sunday according to Leake.

Click here for more information on the auction.

Leake Auction Company was formed back in 1972 as one of the first car auctions in the U.S. Since then the company has sold over 34,000 cars and currently operates in Tulsa, Oklahoma City and Dallas.

The company has been featured on several episodes of two different reality TV series, Fast N Loud on Discovery and The Car Chasers on CBNC Prime according to the press release.

Heat vs. Pacers, Game 7: All on the line for LeBron James and Miami

Not only is Game 7 a win-or-go-home scenario for the Miami Heat, it's a referendum for LeBron James and the entire Big 3 era.


This wasn't supposed to happen yet. After five years, maybe four, but not this soon. The Heat were supposed to be immune from the physical effects of winning championships. Hubris, greed, ego? Sure, those are always in play in South Beach, and they are to some degree here as well.

But the reason the Heat are facing a Game 7 against the upstart Indiana Pacers is as old as time itself. They are not immune, as it turns out, from age and injury.

Dwyane Wade is a shell of his former self and Chris Bosh has been reduced to a stretch four who doesn't rebound. Both are hurt and both have seemingly lost the confidence of LeBron James, who acknowledged their struggles after Game 6 while Wade was down the hall asking for more shots.

This takes nothing away from the Pacers, who have displayed an uncommon resiliency throughout this series. They had Game 1 snatched away from them and they rallied to win Game 2. LeBron went supernova in Game 3 and they evened it up in Game 4. The Heat won Game 5 convincingly and the Pacers did the same in Game 6.

So, here we are with a Game 7 that wasn't supposed to happen between one team facing its own early mortality and another playing well past the point of expectation. For one team, Game 7 is about survival. For the other, it's about opportunity.

LeBron's Game 7 history
How Miami's star has fared in past win-or-go-home scenarios.

If the Heat lose this game, it would be a disaster. It would mark the first three years of their grand experiment as a massive disappointment because there was no Plan B. It was either win or disintegrate. There's no history here to bind these players together, no long struggle from the ground up where they overcame adversity together in any real sense like the elite teams that came before them. That was their choice, not ours, and these are the consequences.

LeBron didn't come to Miami to set down roots; he came to win. Two years ago, he took all the criticism after the Heat lost to Dallas in the Finals, but this year he has stood alone as Miami's savior. The question for him is whether he goes full Cleveland and tries to do it himself or whether he can involve his more-heralded teammates in a collective effort.

That suggests he has a choice, but Wade and Bosh's performance indicate otherwise. If they can't get it together, LeBron will have to carry them over the finish line. This has never been his preferred method, but he seems more at peace with the prospects this time around.

The Pacers have no fear and enough disdain for Miami. Somewhere, Kevin Garnett and Joakim Noah are smiling and cursing appreciatively.

Indiana, meanwhile, has accepted the challenger's role that has been handed down by the Celtics and Bulls, and they can finish the job that the others started. The Pacers have no fear and enough disdain for Miami. Somewhere, Kevin Garnett and Joakim Noah are smiling and cursing appreciatively.

On the subject of cursing, Roy Hibbert has been properly shamed and fined for his boorish "No homo" line. It was disappointing because we all thought Hibbert was better than that, but not surprising to anyone who has hung around a locker room at any level. He's been given a chance to redeem himself like Kobe Bryant and Noah, and here's hoping he does just that. Changing attitudes doesn't happen overnight.

Calling reporters "motherfuckers," on the other hand, was met with a collective shrug. It was unprofessional in a public setting like a televised news conference, but he did have a point. The Pacers have been overlooked this season and they come into Game 7 as the secondary storyline yet again. They can change that narrative Monday night.

Hibbert's ill-considered comments brought unexpected cover and relief to the Heat, but they also told a deeper story of a team that is feeling itself. They are confident and sure of themselves, and at this point, they should feel that way. Their gameplan has been better and their execution has been sharper.

They are a team on the rise with young cornerstones like Hibbert and Paul George in place for what feels like the beginning of a long run. Still, opportunities like this don't happen every year and it's a measure of how unforgiving and exacting the NBA can be that they may never get a better chance. Just ask the Thunder.

But as much as the Pacers have to gain, this is ultimately yet another Miami referendum. Indiana has pushed the Heat to the brink of self-examination, and that's always a dicey proposition for a team that has lived out its existence under the withering public eye from the moment it formed.

This is the moment we all knew would happen eventually. We just never imagined it would happen quite like this.

Ryan Lochte wins 100 IM for 3rd title at Santa Clara Grand Prix

On the women's side, California swimmers Elizabeth Pelton, Caitlin Leverenz and Jessica Hardy each won an event on the final day. Pelton led a Cal sweep of the 100 back, winning in a personal-best 59.88. Missy Franklin, the Olympic star who will attend Cal, was second and Olympian Rachel Bootsma was third.

Leverenz led a Cal sweep of the 200 individual medley, winning in 2:11.87. Franklin and Pelton followed her.

Hardy won the 100 breast in 1:06.86, Canadian Audrey Lacroix won the 200 fly in 2:08.64 and 17-year-old Gillian Ryan took the 800 free in 8:36.49.

Olympians Use Sports To Make A Difference

Michelle Kwan (center) and Mebrahtom Keflezighi (right) pose with
James Ihedigb of the Baltimore Ravens.

WASHINGTON -- Remi Duyile is a Nigerian-American who started her career as a bank teller and retired as a vice president of a major bank. Now she is a senior special assistant to the governor of Ondo State back in Nigeria.

For those accomplishments, you would think her three children, ages 17, 21 and 23, would be especially proud.

But Duyile said it wasn’t until Tuesday that she had a shot at getting her children’s attention.

“I got to meet Michelle Kwan and take my picture with her and I met the guy who played in the Super Bowl (James Ihedigbo of the Baltimore Ravens),” Duyile said, holding out a program. “See, I even got them to sign for me as proof.

“I think now my kids will tell me, ‘You are all right. I want to hang out with you.’”

That indeed is the power of sports.

For the first time since the U.S. Department of State has held a Global Diaspora Forum in Washington, D.C., sports were a part of the overall discussion. Based on the response from the panel today, which featured Kwan, Ihedigbo and U.S. Olympic marathoner Meb Keflezighi, there’s a good chance sports will remain on the docket.

Organizers of the two-day event, which was held Monday and Tuesday, said they were amazed by the response of the crowd after the sports panel. Many of the invited guests, who came from such far-away places as Cameroon and Somalia, swarmed the athletes after their hour-long discussion. There were other speakers who had backgrounds in economics, energy and engineering, but Kwan, Ihedigbo and Keflezighi were the stars.

The goal of the forum was to provide a platform for prominent American figures to share their stories of diaspora, which is the mass migration of a group of people from the homeland, and to share suggestions to help others to connect with the countries of their heritage. According to the State Department, representatives from 35 states and more than 100 countries attended the forum, which attracted nearly 600 registrants.

Kwan, a two-time Olympic medalist and five-time world champion figure skater, shared her stories growing up as a Chinese American. Her parents immigrated to the United States from Hong Kong. Keflezighi, a three-time Olympian, talked about his youth in Eritrea and becoming a star marathoner in the United States. And Ihedigbo, born in Massachusetts to Nigerian immigrants, told about the HOPE Africa Foundation, which he founded in 2008 to support education efforts in Africa.

“I knew at a very young age that my parents sacrificed a lot to allow me to skate,” Kwan told the audience. “I remember my dad being adamant about giving his kids opportunities.”

Kwan’s parents and grandparents worked long hours at a Chinese restaurant in Southern California to keep Michelle and her sister, Karen, skating as well as to help her brother, Ron, play hockey. At one point, when Kwan was 11 and a junior-level skater, her dad gave her a pair of customized skates, her first pair of such expensive boots. Later she noticed that another girl’s name was scratched out from the bottom of the boot.

It was then that Kwan realized how difficult it was for her parents to keep her in skating but what lengths they would go to support her.

“For so long, everything was so focused on me,” Kwan said. “Now I’ve had time to do things for others.”

Kwan, 32 and recently married, is seven years removed from her competitive skating career. Today she is a senior advisor for public diplomacy and public affairs for the Department of State. She also serves on the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition and is on the Board of Directors of Special Olympics International.

“As a skater you feel so selfish,” she said. “Now I’m finding ways to make a difference.”

Keflezighi, who just this past weekend ran his first race (a 10K in New York) since finishing fourth at the London 2012 Olympic Games, echoed those sentiments. (Read more about Keflezighi’s running career here.)


Mebrahtom Keflezighi holds the U.S. flag aloft as he approaches the
finish line in the men's marathon at the London 2012 Olympic Games
on Aug. 12, 2012.

Born in the war-torn east African nation of Eritrea, Keflezighi and his family fled to Italy and later to the United States. His father would wake him up at 4:30 in the morning to study English. Keflezighi and his 10 siblings lived in a three-bedroom apartment in San Diego and Keflezighi is proud to say that all of his siblings have gone on to have successful careers.

Keflezighi ran his first marathon in 2002, but he was so disappointed with his ninth-place finish that he vowed he would never compete in the grueling 26.2-mile event again.

But two weeks later, he was in Eritrea and he saw people walking three miles to get water from a well.

“It’s so hard to comprehend what it’s like over there,” said Keflezighi, who was naturalized as an American citizen in 1998. “Here, you have a switch, you turn it on and you get light. You turn on a faucet and you get water.

“There, you have to get the water and then you have to make a fire to boil the water and you have to go into the woods so you can build a fire. I would see women carrying five gallons of water on their backs. And it’s not like the roads are flat.

“I realized that I had things easy here. I was going through what I call ‘temporary discomfort.’”

Two years later, in Athens, Keflezighi earned a silver medal in the marathon. It marked the first time an American man captured an Olympic medal in the men’s marathon since 1976, when Frank Shorter took the silver in Montreal. Keflezighi won the New York City Marathon in 2009, becoming the first American to win that race since 1982, and in London last summer, he was the highest-finishing American in the men’s race, placing fourth.

The Olympic marathon in London was a race he almost didn’t finish.

“I was in such pain starting at about six-and-half miles,” he said. “It crossed my mind to drop out, but racing for my country motivated me and I knew my daughters were watching me and I had to do my best for them. I always told them to do their best, so if I didn’t reach the finish line what lesson was I telling them?

“So yes, it crossed my mind to drop out, but I’m so glad I didn’t.”

Keflezighi, 38, is unsure about his racing future, although he plans to run the New York City Marathon in November. He has also penciled in Boston for next year and said he is on the fence about the next Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro in 2016.

But he knows his future will combine his success as a runner with efforts to help others around the globe. And much of his work will be with the MEB Foundation to work with youth in education, health and fitness.

“It’s time to give back,” Keflezighi said. “It’s like that quote from (President John F. Kennedy): Ask not what your country can do for you. Ask what you can do for your country.”

Curtis Axel's Role in the WWE and the Questions That Need Answers on Raw

When I first looked at Curtis Axel and his "new" look, I could not help but think of him as a young Arn Anderson—a rugged guy with a good look who will be a tireless performer for the WWE and come close to winning the world title.

But, he falls short.

Axel is a great addition to the company and as the newest "Paul Heyman Guy," but his arrival may have come at the wrong.time. He is another heel in an era where there are too many in the company. There is no true forward thinking by the WWE as to where his character could be headed.

While I hope he is not another "Rocky Maivia" when Dwayne Johnson first made his appearance in the WWF, I see Axel in a role that is familiar to wrestling fans—one they have seen before in the actions of Randy Orton as the "Legend Killer."

Axel has beaten Triple H and John Cena. Both were on technicalities, but a win is a win. He looked good in the ring with both veteran superstars.

Will the trend continue? Will we see Axel face Orton or Chris Jericho or another established WWE hero? While The Miz is locked in a feud with Wade Barrett, he would be a great challenge for the third-generation superstar.

We also must see what happens when CM Punk returns to the WWE and is side by side with Axel and their associate, Paul Heyman.

But in the meantime, here are some questions that need to be answered on Monday night.



Will we see CM Punk on Monday night?

I know I sound like a broken record, but Chris Jericho has a point. CM Punk has been off the screen for seven weeks now while others have been trying to hold it together.

At some point, the "Second City Saint" will need to address the idea of having Paul Heyman doing his bidding for him. It could ultimately lead to the split-up that has Punk make the turn back to face in the WWE.



Is there more transformation in store for Daniel Bryan?

I don't know how to write about this one. Bryan has been the enigma of the WWE lately, having emotional outbursts about being the weak link in the ring with his tag team partner, Kane.

Then we see Bryan in top form against The Shield. He is just mad, bro.

But seriously, Bryan is such an amazing talent. He needs to pick a side and stay on it. I'd like to see him in a program with The Miz, Chris Jericho or Dolph Ziggler.



Is there more from Bray Wyatt?

It is so odd to watch a vignette from Wyatt, whose presence is being felt in the WWE from the outside in. Is the company strong enough for two heel factions without a true wolf pack to come and rescue the company?

It would appear that would be a negative right now, but the WWE will soldier on.



When will Dolph Ziggler wrestle?

He did appear at a live event on Saturday. This could signal he will return to action soon. Will he be on Raw Monday night? I don't know.

According to wrestlinginc.com, Ziggler was at a Saturday live event in Stabler Arena in Bethlehem, Pa., and consoled AJ Lee after losing her match to Kaitlyn.

Ziggler said that the doctor did not clear him to wrestle, but he was going to watch Big E Langston defeat Alberto Del Rio in a No-DQ match. The match happened next, but Ziggler and AJ were ejected from ringside after interfering.

When he returns is anyone's guess.

WWE Raw vs. NBA Playoffs: Which One Should You Watch?

On June 3, 2013 the defending NBA Champion Miami Heat will host the Indiana Pacers in game seven of the Eastern Conference Finals. On this same night, WWE Raw will be live with less than two weeks until the Payback pay-per-view.

This has turned into a very stressful situation for fans of both sports. In fact, fans are not the only ones who are stressed. Reports say that WWE are also concerned about Raw’s rating for June 3.

This begs the question – which one should you watch? In order to answer this question, let’s dive into each show’s situation.


WWE RAW


With WWE focusing more on the young talent on their roster, Raw has the potential to be very interesting. John Cena and Ryback will headline WWE Payback on June 16 in a three stages of hell match. Expect more build to this match on Raw, but probably nothing too special. Some promos, interference in each other’s matches. The usual.

Curtis Axel will most likely continue his hot streak since becoming the new Paul Heyman guy. It’s unclear what WWE’s plans are for him at WWE Payback, but I’ve already addressed that.

In fact, WWE Raw will hopefully make the card for WWE Payback more complete. Other than the WWE title match, only CM Punk vs. Chris Jericho has been announced.

If WWE Raw plans on competing with game seven, a returning Punk could do the trick.



NBA Playoffs


With a trip to the NBA Finals against the San Antonio Spurs on the line, the Pacers hope to end the Heat’s reign quickly.

NBA.com has discussed three interesting notes in the Pacers-Heat series that could make the difference – third quarter, points in the paint and rebounding.

The Heat has been perceived as unique in that they never had a true center. Chris Bosh has seemed to embrace the role now, but they have always been forced to play small ball.

The Pacers, on the other hand, have a stacked lineup from top to bottom. Their center, Roy Hibbert, is among the best in the league. He could be the difference in this game. After all, he wasn’t on the floor at the end of game one.

As Ric Flair used to say, to be the man, you’ve got to beat the man. On June 3, to be the best the Pacers will have to beat the best. On their home floor.

Lebron James, Dwayne Wade and Bosh have a huge test of their own though. They are the defending champions who must live up to their hype.



Conclusion
Which show will you be watching on June 3?
WWE Raw Eastern Conference Finals Game 7 WWE Raw, but switching to NBA during commercials Eastern Confernce Finals, but switching to Raw during commercials. Submit Vote vote to see results

So which one are you going to watch? Hope for a returning Punk and Raw? Or perhaps see James lose at home as the young Pacers head to the NBA Finals for the first time since 2000?

In my case, I will be watching a bit of both. The wonderful thing about watching these shows live is the ability to switch during commercials. Some people may watch Raw and switch to the game during the commercials. Others will watch the game and switch to Raw during commercials.

Either way, both should be entertaining. If I had to choose just one though, it would have to be the Eastern Conference Finals game seven. Some weeks WWE Raw is just terrible. There’s too much filler and often times little progression in the storylines. Then again, some basketball games are only worth watching in the fourth quarter.



Which one will you be watching? WWE Raw or Miami vs. Indiana Game 7? Please share your thoughts in the comment section below. If you are reading this after June 3, which one did you watch?


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tyfty ONTD ! NBA fans I may have something for ya'll a lil later ..... so stay tuned

If you missed Summer Jam this year, you missed a lot. (lies)

The love was definitely in the air for Hot 97 this year as celebrities came out of the woodwork to show their appreciation for the New York station and it’s 20th year throwing one of the biggest concerts in the nation. The line up was long, and the list of surprise guests even longer as acts like Joe Budden, Miguel, Chris Brown, Wale, Wu Tang, Kendrick Lamar, A$AP Rocky, Fabolous, 2 Chainz and French Montana hit the stage. It seemed as though there was a battle of who could pull the most surprises out of their hat as Miguel brought out special guests Mariah and J. Cole, A$AP Rocky brought out Bone Thugs & Harmony & Trinidad James, and French Montana brought out Rick Ross, DJ Khaled, Ace Hood and Lil Wayne just before lightning struck and the venue pulled the plug on the concert.

Other notable surprises came in the form of Lil Kim, who came out with Fabolous, and Nicki Minaj who came out during 2 Chainz’s set. Foxy Brown was also spotted backstage. (How huge would it had been if Lil Kim, Nicki Minaj and Foxy Brown hit the stage at the SAME DAMN TIME –all beefs aside. If Hot 97 DJ Peter Rosenberg and Nicki Minaj can squash their beef, clearly these ladies can too!!!] The most talked about guest appearance was proabably Papoose, who Lil Mama’d the show. He wasn’t scheduled or approved to come out, however, somehow or another his DJ slid in the booth after Kendrick Lamar performed, and he was able to get a few rap bars and a “Free Remy” in.

Jay-Z and Beyonce made an appearance backstage and everyone was holding on to their seats hoping that Jay would come out and perform, “B-tch Don’t Kill My Vibe” with Kendrick Lamar, but unfortunately that never happened. Funkmaster Flex tweeted afterward:

Every year we wait, hope, And pray this guy [Jay-Z] hits the stage!!! Even when he doesn’t he is still the talk!! Amazing!!! #sjxx

SUPER IMAGE & VIDEO HEAVY







with Peter Rosenberg




















Wu Tang




Uno,Dos,Tres,Cuatro

Sorry about some of the video quality. It was the best I could find!

“On Tour: Tait Stages” is a docu-series on AXS following the employees of Tait Towers, their clients and a behind-the-scenes peek into the world of designing, building and touring stage sets.

Among the tours that will have their backstage included, will be Madonna, Bon Jovi, Linkin Park, Metallica, BATMAN LIVE, Ultra Music Festival and the FLAWLESS Kelly Clarkson.


http://vimeo.com/user4390102/taitstages

“On Tour: TAIT Stages” premieres this Tuesday, June 4 at 9p EST on AXS TV!

how gorgeous does Kelly look in that clip!

btw way i was wondering if any icon makers here could compressor whatever to make this icons file size smaller? I really love it, but it wont fit :(



what's your all-time favorite concert ONTD?

Amanda Bynes continues to defend—and promote—herself via Twitter.

"The DA and my lawyer talked today," the starlet tweeted Monday. "They have no proof of drugs on me or around me at anytime during the arrest of after. All I'm becoming is more famous! Thanks for lying about me!"

Bynes is of course referring to her May 23 arrest after, according to police, she threw a bong out of her New York apartment window when cops came to her door in response to a call about a disorderly person in the building. She has been charged with reckless endangerment, tampering with evidence and criminal possession of marijuana.

In response to Bynes' latest confident-sounding update on the proceedings, the New York County District Attorney's Office tells E! News that her case remains open and pending, and a court date is on the books for July 7.

Attorney Richard Hutton, who secured a plea deal for Bynes in Los Angeles on a suspended-license charge and is working on her still pending DUI case in Beverly Hills, told us last week that—though he's not representing her in NYC—it was his understanding that the D.A. had "no physical evidence to connect her to any of the charges."

In addition to tweeting last week that her lawyer was busy getting her case dropped, the 27-year-old starlet also accused one of the officers who arrested her of sexual assault and threatened to sue the NYPD for illegally entering her apartment.

The NYPD denied any misconduct or wrongdoing on its part having to do with Bynes' arrest.


As the Amanda Bynes saga continues to unfold, some of the troubled actress’ earliest collaborators are speaking out.

“All That” cast members Katrina Johnson and Alisa Reyes are concerned about their former co-star, sharing their thoughts with Celebuzz.

“I would say it’s all fun and games because it is entertainment, but not when the police are involved,” says Johnson. “I was hoping it was a publicity stunt, but there are so many different cases [against her now] I’m starting to worry.”

Reyes believes Bynes “doesn’t have the best of influences.”

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Sophia Grace Brownlee, 10, and her partner in crime (and cousin) Rosie McClelland, 8, have risen to fame as the adorable rapping/dancing twosome discovered by "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" and the rest of the internet with their 2011 video of them performing Nicki Minaj's "Super Bass."

Now Sophia Grace has dropped her own original jam, "Girls Just Gotta Have Fun," which was released May 31 and features Sophia Grace and Rosie getting their groove on amidst all things pink (natch).

The video already has over 1.7 million views on YouTube, though some internet commenters are calling the video "disturbing" considering the age of the singer. What do you think?

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