The End of an Era

Over one million words, twenty-one years, eight movies, and seven books…. It’s all led up to this. It’s all led up to the end. July 15, 2011. The date is etched into the forefront of my mind as if it were a lightning bolt scar. If you’ve never been one of the millions of readers worldwide who have witnessed the phenomenon firsthand, who have bought into and believed in the magic of J.K. Rowling and Harry Potter, then nothing I write can ever make you understand the significance and gravity of this moment. But if you’ve ever lined up outside of a bookstore or movie theater dressed as a wizard or found yourself up in the wee hours of a Saturday morning with a Potter book in hand, dying to find out the fates of Harry, Ron, and Hermione, then you’ll understand. This is the end of an era.

Why I Like Twitter

Every so often, a new form of technology comes out that wows us and boggles our minds. I’m talking jaw-dropping, how-did-they-do-that, I-gotta-have-it awesomeness. Twitter is not one of those technologies. But it is pretty cool.

Too Real For TV?

There was trouble from the very beginning. Before a single episode of MTV’s version of the television series Skins aired this past January, both uneasy and excited whispers were flying in all directions about this racy new show that depicted teenagers in a less-than-flattering light. From the promos and media coverage, audiences were led to expect hard-partying, hard-living, out-of-control adolescence. Ferris Bueller, this was not. On that end, the show didn’t disappoint. Raging raves, drug-fueled misadventures, and destroying other people's vehicles were just part of an average day in the lives of these kids. On June 9, 2011, after just one season, Skins was canceled.

Making It

The entertainment industry is big, big business. One blockbuster movie, New York Times Best Seller, or platinum-selling record and a person and his or her family can be financially set for life. However, the industry is also notoriously erratic. You hear horror stories about actors being out of work for decades, writers losing their mojo, and record labels refusing to release artists’ new music. Success requires a cocktail of elements including determination, perseverance, and a lot of luck. Miley Cyrus and Justin Bieber weren’t just born stars – they had to be in the right places at the right times, the right ages, have the right looks, and have the talents and willingness to work .The stars have to align just right to create a star. More importantly, success requires the right attitude. 

Lost in the Links

     

It never fails. I’ll be surfing the Internet, minding my own business, when a brightly colored hyperlink attracts my attention. Immersed in whatever article, blog post, or video I’m currently focused on, I’ll casually right-click the link and select “Open link in new tab”. I’ll read it when I’m done with this one, I think. Two or three inches later down the page, another link catches my eye. Again, I open the provoking content in a different tab. Then again. Then again. Before I know it, I’ve got eighteen tabs open, my laptop is running slower than a snail on promethazine, and I’ve got messages popping up basically screaming at me to lighten the load.

Just Who Exactly Is Skylar Grey?

I am a fan of good music. I have been for quite some time. Whatever the genre, I’ve always enjoyed music that speaks to me; music that has a purpose. The ideal song, in my opinion, is one that comes from the heart. It tells a story or explains a situation. When it’s over, you feel empowered or cultured, as if you’ve just been exposed to something greater than words can describe. It might address trivial or hedonistic facets but it does not dwell upon them. You may know every lyric by heart but still discover something different with each new listen.

In Remembrance of Nate Dogg

     

Snoop Dogg. Tupac Shakur. Dr. Dre. These names conjure up a lot of different feelings and beliefs depending on one’s background, birthplace, and age. They are all hip hop superstars, legendary rappers who came to prominence during a time when the genre wasn’t the quick route to fame and fortune that it is seen as today. They all helped create and put their stamp on this thing we call rap music. Beside them, though, just a little outside of the brightest part of the spotlight, stood a seemingly quiet young man with a distinct, soulful voice. This man collaborated with the others and played a major part in catapulting each of them to success at the beginning of their careers. His name is Nathaniel Hale. To the world, he is known as Nate Dogg and he passed away yesterday, March 15, 2011. He was only 41.

How Charlie Got His Sheen Back

Since the dawn of time, there have been two kinds of people in this world: the mere mortals who live safe, lackluster little lives and then a breed of individuals who go above and beyond that; go-getter individuals who aim for and achieve greatness, ensuring that their names will live on in the history books long after their time here. These individuals are known as legends. Carlos Irwin Estevez, popularly known as Charlie Sheen, easily ranks among the best of 'em.

The Life List - Part III

Great things are said to come in threes: summer months… singing chipmunks… even Star Wars movies – twice! The Life List is no exception. The List, an index of quality living suggestions designed to make even the most lackluster individuals fascinating, now concludes with its third and final installment. 

The Life List - Part II

Think of your life as a novel. Is it a gripping tale of one individual’s journey through life or is it a humdrum account that hardly anyone would even want to read? Would you even read it? If you had to think about that, then you’re probably not living your best life. You’re not being your best you. But luckily there’s help. From the creator of The Life List – an original catalog of enhanced and enjoyable living suggestions – comes The Life List Part II. Packed with even more tantalizing and affordable options than the first, the second installment of The Life List series goes above and beyond to offer you more ways to maximize the quality of your life.