Gedeon Luke Featured at MLK Celebration

 
I have been honored to be Co-Emcee of the Annual MLK Celebration at the Empire State Plaza for the past 8 years. Each year there's a new performer who knocks your socks off! This year it was American Idol Season 5 Semi-Finalist Gedeon Luke! Check out the above video of him jamming to "We Shall Overcome" with the Mount Pleasant Baptist Church!

His rich voice filled the auditorium for a 2 song set. He sang with his group "The People" his songs "Gray" and "Live Free/Hey". Getting a chance to meet him after the show I found him energy filled and so friendly! His smile brings you in and I wanted to ask him about his skin care regime because the man had great skin. He was very approachable, gave us a cd and some stickers and seemed to be having a great time. I learned he's going to be in the Capital Region in August for a large celebration in the works. When I find out more about that I'll be sure to pass it along to you.

Being a part of this annual event is truly a blessing. I get to spend time with

 

some of my wonderful friends and I always bring the children with me. They get a history lesson while enjoy the acting skits and musical performances. This year we were asked to say what our dreams were for the future. I said:

I, JoDee Kenney, have a dream that we find a way to resolve conflicts peacefully, so my, our children have a brighter future. My hope is that people of this planet learn how to accept each other's differences so we pass down a safer world to our children.

Have you heard Gedeon Luke and the People's song "Gray"? It reminds me of the 70s soulful music my mom and dad used to listen to and yet it has a today spin. I was so honored to hear it in person and can't stop listening to it! Check it out!

Hagman Dies

Larry Hagman, the actor who made J.R. Ewing and the television show Dallas famous has died. He died from complications of throat cancer. He had also suffered from cirrhosis of the liver in the 90s. 

Do you remember back in 1980 when the whole world tuned in to see who shot J.R.? Larry Hagman made you believe that iconic cut throat character could exist! It's hard to believe before he played one of the most well known bad guys in history he played Major Anthony Nelson- the man who had to keep genie in the show "I Dream Of Jeanie" in line. He recently made an appearance in the 2012 revival of Dallas.

Larry Hagman- dead at the age of 81. 
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Twilight Means More Than Vampires

Yes- my inner teenage self is jumping for joy- but no, sadly I wasn't one to brave the lines and go to the midnight showing of Breaking Dawn Part 2. The final installment of the Twilight series debuted at midnight in movie theaters across the country.

When I woke up in the wee hours of the morning to come to work my Facebook feed was peppered with friends (young and old) rejoicing about taking naps and being in line- and then eventual rave reviews of the movie. A little tinge of excitement helped me push out of bed for the day- as it puts me closer to seeing the movie.

My Twilight Sisters- yes, we have a group of us- will be lining up hours before our Saturday afternoon showing to ensure we get good seats. Do you doubt this? If so- please refer to just one of the many pictures I took of us lined up for Breaking Dawn Part 1 last year:

Yes- grown ladies wearing matching T-shirts... that we gathered to decorate with sparkles-- because vampires sparkle. We love it and we're not afraid to show it! When Breaking Dawn 1 came out on DVD months later-- yes- we had to gather to celebrate with an elegant wedding celebration dinner and of course watch the movie:

The books and movies are so enjoyable- but they translate to more than just a vampire flick for us. We've bonded in friendship over a common enjoyment of entertainment- but have learned we have so much more in common and this has been a special gathering of women. They are all genuine and loving individuals who come from good families, have great senses of humor and are so giving of themselves. I'm so thankful to have met them. The Twilight Saga has facilitated conversations about love, conflict, relationships- well, and yes of course the more simple discussion of whether we are "Team Jacob and Team Edward".  For the record- I'm Team Edward in the books, Team Jacob in the movies.

As the Twilight craze will eventually fade for us- we will remain friends and continue to find opportunities to gather and enjoy each other. This is not the end. It is just the beginning for us- as we get ready to gather to mark the end of Twilight this weekend.

Thank you Twilight for helping me find such wonderful friends... oh and yes some would also thank you for a shirtless Jacob.

"Bowling Against Bullies With The Stars"

Bullies stink. They come in all different shapes, sizes and colors. They can be child bullies, and yes, trust me, there are adult bullies too- I've seen them.  They prey on people they perceive to be weak. But what if they aren't weak? What if they just haven't found their voice? What if they choose to not say anything because the bully isn't worth it? What if they are weak- and just need a little help standing up for themselves?

Well, today 13-year-old  Anthony Gargiula stood up for those people and himself.  You see- he's been bullied. Instead of me telling you why- listen to him tell his story:

Anthony created "Bowling Against Bullies With The Stars" and hopes to bring events like this to many more locations. The money raised will help him spread the message of tolerance and acceptance. Spare Time on Route 9 in Clifton Park was the place to be. It was filled with local Singers, News Anchors, Radio DJs, Basketball players and even Former Albany County Executive Mike Breslin Came out.

People paid $15 to bowl, eat pizza and soda and enjoy a concert by Anthony and the AG dance crew. Everyone who attended said it was a huge success and they enjoyed the positive atmosphere.

I first saw Anthony perform a couple years ago at the state's MLK Celebration in which I co-emcee. He sang a Stevie Wonder song. As soon as he began to sing I thought WOW- this guy has a bright future. After meeting him at this event I know he has a bright future. Not only is he talented. He also has a wonderful personality and a true heart of gold. If you'd like to learn more about Bowling Against Bullies you can see the Facebook Page. Donations can be made to "Bowling Against Bullies" at the Glenmont Pioneer Bank. You can learn more about Anthony by going to his Facebook Page or Twitter.

I was honored to take part in this event and told Anthony to count on my support in the future. Below is a small video clip of him singing at his concert at the event. He had the crowd going!

Twilight Keepsakes

Photo: Summit Entertainment

Any Twi-hard would love to get their hands on anything associated with the movie franchise. Probably the most coveted item would be Bella's ring. Well, no such luck finding it on Ebay. It appears Star Kristen Stewart took that ring and the moon ring that Bella's mom gives her in the first movie.

Photo: Summit Entertainment

You can get your own replicas for a pretty penny, but would a replica do?

Model Mistake?

Photo: Yahoo

You might be filing this one under: WHAT THE HECK WERE YOU THINKING? In the midst of death and distruction Former Brazillian Playboy Model Nana Gouvêa decided it would be a great idea to get all gussied up and go out for a photo shoot. Well, some would say she's achieved her goal of getting attention, but she is mostly coming under heat for the decision.

She could be seen by anyone who passed by posing among the debris of Hurricaine Sandy. The photos were posted on Egoglobo.com   When asked about her photo shoot she told EGO: that she'd been stuck in her New York apartment with her music-producer husband and found the hurricane "romantic."

What do you think? Creative or Classless?

Photo: Yahoo

New Twilight Breaking Dawn Part 2 Tailer

Perez Hilton said it best! "Ooooh, seksi times are about to happen!" Haha- well, as much that can happen in a PG-13 rating that is! All us adult Twilight fans really wish they would release an R version of the movie but we understand they're focused on getting tweens in seats.

I know some of you are Twi-hards... if not secret ones! LOL Are you going to go see the movie? You know I am... and yes- we already have tickets.

Missed Opportunity

We hear all these stories about actors who have passed up roles that turned out to be memorable characters or Academy Award winning performances. Well, Actor Ben Affleck may be kicking himself for a recent decision to turn down a directing gig. After initially agreeing to direct the pilot of Homeland he eventually turned it down! But wives everywhere will be saying a collective "AWEEEEE" when you hear why. He and wife Jennifer Garner have a deal where they make family compromises on accepting work. One parent must be home with the kiddos! She was offered a chance to do a film. Because he would have to go to North Carolina to do Homeland- he had to say no because it was his turn to be with the children.

He is quoted as saying: “I was sure nothing would happen with the show,” “Now I hate the f----g show. I’ve never seen it. I’m going to attach myself to 14 pilots this year.” Ok- maybe women aren't swooning so much after that quote- but you can't blame him for being upset, can you?

What Mike Meyers Looks Like

Yahoo does a great job of collecting photos and getting me to click through them. This one- despite my fears of scary movies- had me clicking for sure. For the original "Halloween," director John Carpenter recruited his USC classmate Nick Castle to pull on the painted Captain Kirk mask of the murderous Michael Myers. When Rob Zombie remade it three decades later, he traded the 5'10" former film student for 6'8" pro-wrestler Tyler Mane.

Nelson Brothers Interview

The newsroom was a buzz this morning! That's because 90's rock/pop group Nelson Brothers was here! I know you remember their hit "Love and Affection".  Gunnar and Matthew are on a heartwarming tour called "Ricky Nelson Remembered". It's a tribute to their father who was also a well known performer of his time.

Photo: Collie White

Vince Gallagher, our Entertainment Reporter was the one who set up the interview for YNN. Check back this afternoon to see it. Our technical crew set up a nice 2 camera shoot with lights in the newsroom and seeing it go up peeked our curiosity. I asked Vinny if he minded if I piggy-backed on his interview and he said if Nelson was game he didn't mind. So, with nerves right at the forefront I took the plunge and asked them for an interview and they said YES!

Photo: Collie White

I started the interview and guess what happened? MY PHONE RANG!!!! That stopped the video recording feature on my phone and I had to actually TAKE THE CALL!!! LOL- Imagine my embarrassment saying "Hey babe- ummmm, I'm in the middle of an interview- I need to call you back... and don't call me back". As I write this- I'm sure my hubby is still very confused! But it's the NELSON BROTHERS!!! The brothers then needed to show me how to put my phone on "Airplane Mode" so I couldn't receive any calls. I can't make this stuff up!

Photo: Collie White

What I found out is these guys are really nice. I mean really just nice guys. They made sure to say hi to all of us who were hanging around and they chatted us all up. I loved when Gunnar (the one on the left) gave our Sr. Web Producer Jill a compliment on her cute sneakers (she always has fabulous shoes). He was the flirty one- so all us girls (ok, Jill and I) bonded with him more! LOL  They took pictures with all of us and weren't in a hurry to leave.

When I asked if they would do an interview for my blog it was as if they had all the time in the world and they would love to do it. Chatting after the interview it was fun to hear their experiences. They were performing when Milli Vanilli hit scandal and said they had to actually prove they could sing! So, interesting.

While many of us may remember their long hair and outrageous outfits- they no longer dress that way but don't deny they did either. Gunnar joked no one looks better in spandex than Matthew! Matthew quipped "Not anymore!" LOL. They also joked about making an obligatory hair flip for us. Haha LOVE that they can make fun of themselves! Believe me guys- I have my crazy fashion choices immortalized too- just not internationally!

Photo: Collie White

I asked them what their thoughts were on the invention of shows such as American Idol and they said that what they really look forward to is bands or singers who not only can sing- but also write their own music (like they do). Matthew said of all the performers out there right now Adele blows his socks off.

They are performing in Troy New York tonight. Click HERE for a link to find out more. If you are looking for something to do you should go see this show.

Bobbie Brown Arrested

Photo: Yahoo

Oh lawdy Bobby- not again!! R&B Star Bobbie Brown was arrested and booked on suspicion of DUI in Los Angeles.

Early Wednesday morning the 43-year-old New Edition band member (wow- I remember when he was 14 singing Candy Girl!)  was pulled over for driving erratically.

Reports are this is his second DUI arrest this year. He's currently on probation for that. It's his third arrest for the offense over all.

All us 80s and 90s R&B lovers would love for him to be in the news for something good-- maybe put out some more great dance music- come on Bobby don't be cruel!

Jessica & Justin's First Wedding Pictures

Photo: People.com

People Magazine scooped the competition and won the Justin and Jessica photos from their Italian wedding. You can see Jessica bucked the white wedding gown tradition and chose a beautiful color of pink! Justin went with the traditional black tux- and looked dapper as ever. Are you excited to get this weeks People? I have to admit- I am a little interested to see more from their wedding.

Fight For Blue Ivy

Photo: helloblueivycarter.tumblr.com
 

Shortly after Hip Hop and R& B Royalty power couple Jay-Z and Beyoncé had baby Blue Ivy- they applied for a trademark of her name. It was reportedly because they wanted to start a baby clothing line. Well, the U.S. Patient and Trademark office said not so fast. A Boston-based event planning firm has been operating by the name Blue Ivy Events since 2009. The owner of that company has no hard feelings apparently posting a picture and the words "Congrats to our SOUL MATE Couple with Baby Blue Ivy!!!"

Unretouched Victoria's Secret Photos

Photo: Shine from Yahoo

Does anybody think the photos are not retouched? Victoria's Secret is coming under fire for some unretouched swimsuit pictures of supermodel Doutzen Kroes now that the retouched photos have surfaced on their website.

In an article by Shine on Yahoo the author said: you'll notice that more than just the brightness has been adjusted. In the original image, Kroes has visible skin folds on her stomach and side from the way her body is leaning. You'll also see some wrinkles and bulging under her left shoulder, and frown lines between her eyebrows. We spotted some small scars on her right thigh, along with a few birthmarks on her stomach and cleavage. Not to mention the fact that Kroes is wearing flesh-colored underwear beneath her bikini bottom.

The article also quotes Victoria's Secret Angel Erin Heatherton when she told style blog Fashionista: "We're not selling reality; we're selling a story. It's all about creating this fantasy. And I don't think people should confuse fantasy and reality because no one is perfect—we all know that, and I think people should embrace themselves and not really focus on where people are depicted as perfect and where they're not."

Do you think it's wrong to retouch pictures or is it expected that they're all retouched to some degree?

UPDATE: DWTS Injury

Will she perform?!? If you're a Dancing With The Stars fan- you'll hate to hear this:  Melissa Rycroft was taken to the hospital on Sunday to be checked out after falling during DWTS rehearsals.

She apparently hurt her head and neck in a lift that she was performing during rehearsals for the team performances. The performance is set for 8pm eastern time tonight. Her guilty pleasures performance was set for tomorrow night. Now the questions are flying- will she be able to continue to compete?

I will say this- this is the all star season and the tricks and lifts are bigger and better... and more dangerous. I know we are all hoping her injury isn't serious.

UPDATE: Melissa performed last night in the group dance and did wonderfully. You could tell her neck was a little stiff but she stuck it out and helped the group perform an awesome number to the song called "Call Me Maybe". It was probably the best group performance technically and entertainment wise--- well, according to the judges and this arm chair judge.  Their score: 29.5!

The Sessions

The movie only debuted in LA and New York today and yet there is already Oscar buzz for the movie "The Sessions". It is about a man named Mark O'brien (Actor John Hawkes) who sufferers muscle atrophy as a result of a childhood bout with polio. He still has feeling, but no control of his muscles. He no longer wants to be a virgin. After getting permission from his priest (William H. Macy) and with the help of his therapist- he hires a sex surrogate (Helen Hunt). The world becomes a little more complicated when feelings start to creep in.

Sounds like such a deep and sensitive subject and not one that would be a feel good movie- but all the interviews are pointing to just that. It is being called witty and funny and a wonderful story.

The characters are real people and are based on Mark's real experiences.

Highest Paid TV Actors

Forbes is out with it's highest paid TV actors list and just as Ashton Kutcher replaced Charlie Sheen in the lead role on the show Two and a Half Men- so does he on top of the list of money makers. Kutcher raked in a cool $24-million dollars. Although that's a far cry from Sheen's reported pay last year of $40 million.

 

-Hugh Laurie of House earned $18-million dollars.

-Ray Romano earned $18-million dollars maily on syndication of his show Everybody Loves Raymond.

-Alec Baldwin earned $15-million for his work on 30 Rock.

-Mark Harmon earned $15-million for NCIS.

Beyoncé Touchdown

Photo: Beyonce.com

Beyoncé scored the world's biggest television gig. She will be performing the half time show at Super Bowl XLVII in New Orleans. MTV is speculating about how the star can top her already over the top performances. Some of the ideas being thrown out there include performing with her husband Hip Hop Star Jay-Z, debut a new song or my favorite reuniting with her Destiny's Child group members Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams. What do you think she can do to wow the audience?

Brad Pitt Poetry

What is he saying???? That is the question I have heard from every single person who sees this commercial. What I initially thought was a spoof has turned out to be the real commercial promoting Chanel number 5. Never has a commercial received so much buzz-- all be it not the best kind of buzz. Many male television personalities are laughing at him, while the women are just turning down the volume. After all they are saying.... come on- he does still look good. Do you get it or are you falling off your chair laughing? I wonder what Brad thinks.

Actor Gary Collins Dies

Photo: ABC News

This just shocked me. I just think of Actor Gary Collins as forever young. Yet, when I found this picture on the Internet I realize he had aged. He died Saturday at the age of 74 from natural causes. In my mind that's relatively young. Known to most baby boomers as the host of the Miss America Pageant- he made numerous guest appearances on well known television shows since the 60s- including the "Six Million Dollar Man", "The Love Boat" and "Charlies Angels".