6 Best Reality Shows

February 16, 2011 By Leave a Comment

The New Year has begun, but with the outgoing of the old year, folks are still hanging true to their favorites.

Here they are in no particular order:

  • American Idol. Sure, signs of talent start off, well, pretty slow sometimes, but in the end the talent is there to see. American Idol debuted in 2002 and continues to draw in millions of participants and viewers.
  • A Wedding Story. No prizes given out here, just an opportunity to share your special day with the world. Discover the trials and tribulations of finding the perfect wedding dress, creating the perfect wedding, as well as keeping the peace with a spouse of a different religion.
  • The Amazing Race offers participants with personal pre-existing relationships to work together at winning a challenging race that may take place in the United States, Asia, Central Europe, China or Australia. Route markers, clues, detours, roadblocks, even U-Turns are offered as directional signs to assist contestants in the win.
  • Celebrity Apprentice first aired in 2008 and gave participants an opportunity to stand in the shoes of one, Donald Trump, if only for a moment. Candidates learn quickly if they have what it takes to become hired or fired.
  • Hell’s Kitchen is an actual kitchen in Manhattan that sports a lively chef by the name of Gorden Ramsey. The program debuted in 2005 with two teams vying for the coveted crown and today the show keeps the kitchen hopping with Ramsey’s rewards as well as colorful language.
  • The Biggest Loser is still going strong. See contestants of all ages and sizes in for the win whether they are exercising in the gym, participating in the next challenge or enjoying a scream out match with trainer, Jullian Michaels.

Have some fun today by watching a few of these reality shows—if nothing else, you can feel a little better about your own life.

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Best Women in Film

February 3, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Who was remarkable in film say 10 or 20 years ago? Who stole the screen and make us remember them even years later?

Perhaps it would be safe to say here that women in film at their best rarely needed to be seductive to be well represented. The fact is, the best women in film burst the bands in which we made for them and went about their own journey as regular women should; what they asked (and still ask) for us in return is to see them in honest and surprising ways, like these:

1939. Gone with the Wind. Vivien Leigh as Scarlett has some big time trouble in keeping husbands—and the Civil War doesn’t help much.

1956. The King and I. Deborah Kerr is a schoolteacher hired to teach the children of the King of Siam. How can she do it with such a vast culture barrier in place?

1958. Auntie Mame. Rosalind Russell plays a spinster woman who has just inherited her orphaned nephew. How does a “free thinker” like herself take care of a child and a boy child no less?

1980. A Coal Miner’s Daughter. Loretta Lynn was not always a country music star. Though poor and a mother at age 13, Loretta Lynn makes a name as well as a living for herself and her children.

1989. Driving Miss Daisy. Jessica Tandy as Daisy doesn’t really want a chauffeur; she thinks she can drive herself where she wants to go.

1996. Emma. Gwyneth Paltrow as Emma tries to get all of her friends married, but doesn’t think of marriage for herself.

1998. You’ve Got Mail. Meg Ryan has a quaint children’s bookstore that is quickly losing ground because of some big name competition.

Remarkable women are strong and capable. They’re less than perfect, but filled with real dreams and personality that ultimately fill the big screen. So much for the perfect hairdo and sexy gown.

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The Hottest Trends in Fashion

February 2, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Dresses will remain one of the hottest trends each season, no matter what style. This season, lace is hot. Dolce & Gabbana is one designer who has brought back lace. Many celebrities are inspired by vintage designs, including Emma Watson and Heidi Klum. When wearing a lace dress, you may have to wear something underneath to match the lace. For example, if you are wearing a black lace dress, you may want to wear a black dress underneath.

Lace dresses are in and Ugg boots are out. There are so many celebrities still wearing Ugg boots, but they should not be worn this season. Some boots that you may want to purchase are knee or thigh high boots. Some celebrities that have been seen wearing these boots are Hilary Duff, Carmen Electra, and Sheryl Crow. When it comes to boots, you can choose one with a high heel or chunky wedge. Just make sure before purchasing a pair of boots that it goes with your outfit.

Today’s fashion icons are Kim Kardashian, Jennifer Lopez, and Rhianna. Women of all shapes, sizes, and races look to celebrities to help them find what it is in and what it is out. A great place to find the latest trends are by watching movies, such as “The Backup Plan” with Jennifer Lopez and “Sex in the City 2.” Movies inspire women to go out and look for the same style of clothing their favorite celebrity wore, even if they have to shop at a thrift store.

If you’re looking for the best place to find inexpensive clothing, that would be online. At online stores you will find inexpensive, but good quality clothing. Most websites cater to all shapes and sizes. Another place you may want to look for trendy clothing is at your local thrift store.

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Sundance Film Festival Facts

February 1, 2011 By Leave a Comment
2010 Sundance Film Festival logo.

Image via Wikipedia

What happens every year in Mid-January and in Utah no less? The Sundance Film Festival.  And oh, is the festival  something to see.

What began in 1978 when disco was hot and folks focused on retrospective films and seminars by filmmakers, today includes hundreds of folks from around the world hoping to see the next big movie getting their jump start miles away from the Hollywood arena; movies that include documentaries, dramatic features and short films.

Held in Park City Utah, past festivals have included movies such as: “Little Miss Sunshine” in 2006, “Chicago 10” in 2007 and in 2009, “Push” a drama based on the book of the same name, by author, Sapphire.  This year the festival proved to be just as intriguing, perhaps even more so.

Some facts:

  • Sundance was founded in 1981 by actor, Robert Redford.
  • The festival was named after the Sundance Kid, a role that Redford played in the movie, “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.”
  • Sundance is the largest independent cinema festival held within the United States.
  • Famous films like “The Blair Witch Project,” Little Miss Sunshine,” “Sex, Lies and Videotape,” and “Napoleon Dynamite” began their careers at the Sundance Film Festival.
  • This year, there were more entries than ever before; 1,102 total. From that number 16 films were selected as winners.
  • 29 countries were involved.
  • There were 40 first-time filmmakers.
  • For the first time in Sundance history, Festival Insiders were placed throughout the festival to give direction and help to those visiting.

Festivals such as the Sundance Festival give fans an opportunity to view films long and short, eat and drink, and hopefully, get a quick view of a movie star without necessarily having to pay a hefty ticket price. This year, folks could get into the festival for a mere $15.

To “see what was playing at the 2011 Sundance Film Festival,” search google.com.

Next year’s Sundance Film Festival will be held from January 19-29.

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Recreational Parks and a Picnic

January 29, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Every city has a park system and most have amazing recreational parks. As people are cutting entertainment expenses to save money, they are discovering their city’s park and recreation system. You can easily search your city’s web site to find a listing of parks and amenities.

If you have pets, you will find your city may have a few dog parks. This is a great way to let your pet enjoy the company of other dogs while you socialize with the dog owners. If you have friends with pets, you can meet at the dog park and spend time with your friends while your pets run and play.

You will be pleased to find many play parks for children. This is a fun way to spend time with your family. Your children will enjoy playing on climbing gyms, slides and swings. You can relax and enjoy the scenery. Pack a lunch and enjoy a picnic sitting under trees enjoying the fresh air.

Many parks have miles of trails and bike paths. This is a fantastic way to get exercise and enjoy nature. You can enjoy these parks with your family or with a group of friends. If you do not have bikes, many of the parks offer inexpensive bike rentals. Bring food and drinks and you can enjoy a picnic after hiking or bike riding.

City park systems often hold events to encourage the public to make use of the available parks. Most of these events are usually free to the public or may have a nominal admission fee. Entertainment is provided such as music and activities for children. This is a fantastic way to entertain the family on a budget.

Take advantage of your local parks and recreation system. You will find fun things to do with family or friends and you will not have to spend a lot of money.

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Enjoy a Matinee and Lunch with Friends or Family

January 27, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Movie ticket prices continue to rise. Depending on the area in which you live, ticket prices are as high as $15. While going to movies provides entertainment, ticket prices are keeping many people away. A more affordable option is to catch the matinee showing of a movie you want to see. The ticket prices are usually half of what you would pay to see a movie in the evening.

A fun way to spend time with friends is to plan a matinee and lunch. In most theaters, the matinee times are usually between 11:00 am and 4:00 pm. The money you save on the movie ticket can buy your lunch at a buffet restaurant. You can easily enjoy spending time with friends and take in a great movie for under $20. Matinees are featured during the week and on weekends. This is a wonderful way to spend a relaxing and fun afternoon with a group of friends.

Taking your entire family to the movies can be costly especially if your children want popcorn and drinks. You can save money by treating your family to a matinee and lunch. To save a significant amount of money, take your family to lunch first and then go see a movie. Your kids will be full and will less likely want to purchase expensive snacks. The other added benefit to lunch first is your kids feel full and they are less likely to be overly active during the movie. They may actually get sleepy during the movie.

Even though movie tickets are becoming costly, everyone still enjoys watching movies on the big screen as opposed to home. You can still enjoy the big screen by attending matinee shows. You can cut your movie entertainment expenses in half and will actually be able to enjoy more movies.

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What if Marilyn Monroe Had Lived?

January 26, 2011 By Leave a Comment

It would be a different and amazing world. Drugs wouldn’t be as much of an issue, obviously. What an idea it would be if Marilyn had the help most celebrities have in The Canyon at TheCyn.com, don’t you think? One can only dream.

The reality is Hollywood is notorious for drug abuse because of all the pressure and the expectation to deliver—be it film, music, or modeling. How you look, how you act, and how you perform matters. Your fans matter. It’s a lot to handle all at once. The natural choice to combat all of that is to find a way out that gives peace of mind. Unfortunately, drugs do that. There won’t be any lies here! It’s the truth: drugs make you feel good. And that’s why many actresses have turned to drugs to cope with their everyday issues.

Sadly, it couldn’t help Marilyn Monroe from her dangerous downward spiral but at the very least the next generation of lovely stars saw the light in that place called The Canyon, right in Malibu, California. Name any actress you might know that had popped up in the tabloids over some bit of drug use, and you can bet that the actress had landed herself in the tremendous place. The list is extensive and includes Britney Spears, Lindsey Lohan, Whitney Houston, and Kelly Osbourne. But the best part of this truth is that all these celebrities listed have come out better people, free and clean, changed, and out searching for the same thing we all search for: validation and stability. Because of The Canyon, they found it.

It’s sad that some of the classic greats of our time had to suffer in death; but we can at least rejoice in the triumph of others to commemorate those classics and remind us all that there is a way out.

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For Fun and Exercise, Join a Walking Group

January 25, 2011 By Leave a Comment

The key to maintaining an exercise program is to make it fun. If it becomes boring and tedious, you are more likely to stop exercising. The gym is not for everyone and if you love the outdoors, joining a walking group may be the solution you have been looking for. Many walking groups advertise their walking schedules and events in the local newspapers and on social media sites.

There are several benefits to joining a walking group. The main benefit is there is safety in numbers. Many people will not walk alone if there walking buddy cancels. Joining a walking group ensures you will have several people to walk with.

The social opportunity of walking groups is appealing to most people. This is a brilliant way to meet new friends and it also provides an opportunity to network with a wide variety of professionals. Walking is much easier if you are laughing and enjoying great conversations. Many people that join walking groups meet life long friends.

Walking groups are a wonderful source of motivation. Every one experiences days in which they just are not motivated to exercise. A walking group provides the necessary motivation when you simply do not have it. Your walking buddies can call you to offer encouragement and motivation.

Walking groups are free to join and you will be able to expand your social circle while you get fit. Many of these groups also support charities and participate in walk-a-thons. This is an inexpensive way to get the exercise you need under much more enjoyable conditions than going to a gym.

You will probably find several potential groups in your area. You can check your local newspaper or local social newspaper to find listings of groups. You may also want to check social networking sites for your particular area. Many walking groups have online pages at many of the popular sites.

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Drew Barrymore: Child Actress Turned Huge Success

January 24, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Few names in film history ring truer than Drew Barrymore. She’s right up there with greats like Lucille Ball, Julia Roberts, and Halle Berry. Drew’s timeless look, exceptional acting chops, and even her troubled past, have made her “America’s sweetheart.” Drew Barrymore encompasses all that women in film should seek to attain: beauty, fame, triumphant, and classic appeal.

Drew first captured our hearts when she debuted as a young child in the movie “E.T.” Her wide eyes, adorable smile, and sweet voice immediately drew her into the audience’s circle of love. She became the girl that everyone in the country loved. Plus, her acting, especially at such a young age, was simply astounding. Her immediate rise to fame from “E.T.” led her to star in many more films. As is common with many child actors and actresses, Drew’s quick rise to fame led to her almost as quick of a downfall.

Not even in her teens yet, Drew Barrymore found herself addicted to drugs and alcohol. At a time when most children are worrying about what dress to wear to the prom or applying to college, Drew was in and out of alcohol and drug treatment centers. Many people in the film world considered Drew’s career over. American nearly wept at the loss of such a young talent because of her draw to drugs and alcohol.

But, it was Drew’s sheer determination that helped her rise from the absolute bottom back to the top. She cleaned up her life and found herself the star of the big screen again. Since her days in treatment centers, she has starred in films like “50 First Dates,” “Charlie’s Angels,” and “Music and Lyrics.” She’s also made a name for herself as a talented director.

For those who love film and the movies, Drew Barrymore is certainly one who has captured our hearts.

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Beyonce — Now a Fashion Sensation!

January 19, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Knowles at early voting in Florida.

Image via Wikipedia

The American R&B superstar, Beyonce Knowles, doesn’t need an introduction to a lover of R&B from any part of the world. She has been one of the singing stars who brought the contemporary R&B into the mainstream in the late ’90s. As a music artist, she contributed not only to contemporary R&B, but also the other genres, such as pop, funk, soul, and hip hop. She has been one of the most popular singers whose whopping sales figures completely match with the grandeur of personality they have.

Beyonce’s prominent and vocally ornamented voice and a tasteful and unique choice of clothing influenced her fans in several aspects, fashion being one of them. In addition to her award-winning music, her style and dressing choices for her own music videos, films, and other public appearances set some of the contemporary trends that eventually had their own huge following. To compliment her style, her relationship with Jay-Z, the stylish American rapper and a successful hip-hop artist, came into the limelight. Despite the publicity, the couple maintained their relationship with low profile, it seemed to influence Beyonce’s choice of music, films, videos, and her fashion choices in a good way. Thankfully, the worlds of music as well as fashion were immensely benefited by her music and style.

To follow her love for fashion, she made her debut into the world of fashion officially with her own brand, Dereon, named after her maternal grandmother. The range of clothing and fashion accessories at the House of Dereon has one concept at its core at all times, i.e. it must represent the contemporary, casual, and classic tastes of women’s dressing, as a tribute to their tribute to the three generations of women in her family, Beyonce herself, her mother, and her grandmother. Various lines of Dereon’s products are aimed for people of various age groups, clothing choices, and income groups.

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