He has a radio program on WXOU out of Oakland University
Wild At Heart
I was going to open todays blog with something upbeat but as luck will have it, it looks like I'll be the bearer of bad news to some. On the heels of a remake of "Red Dawn" being filmed here in the Michigan area, the star of the original passed away at the age of 57. If you are not sure who I mean, he was voted sexiest man alive by people magazine in 1991 and was the star of such films as Dirty Dancing, Ghost and Roadhouse. My favorite role though is his role as a motivational speaker and closet pedophile in the film Donnie Darko. That's right Patrick Swayze has passed away due to complications caused by cancer.
Other notable deaths in August include Jamaican Reggae musician and composer Wycliffe Johnson, American musician Guy Babylon who toured with the Elton John band, American folk singer and marine biologist Sam Hinton and American author (The Basketball Diaries) and musician Jim Carroll ("People Who Died" is a favorite song of my show).
Speaking of someone who should have died (metaphorically at least) is Kanye West. Always the one for controversy, remember in 2006, when "Touch the Sky" failed to win Best Video at the MTV Europe Music Awards and West went onto the stage as the award was being presented to Justice and Simian for "We Are Your Friends" and argued that he should have won the award instead. This time he was commenting at the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards and showing that he is still an idiot. After Taylor Swift won the award for Best Female Video, she went onstage for her award and was about to give her speech when interrupted by West who went on stage and grabbed the microphone to proclaim that Beyonce's video for "Single Ladies" was "one of the best videos of all time". He then handed the mic back to a distraught Swift who was unable to finish her acceptance speech during the live broadcast. Keep in mind that Swift is only 19 and West is entitled to his opinion but never under any circumstance should he confront someone, esp a minor, on stage. I wish Swift would've slapped him across the face and see what his reaction might have been.
I guess he is lucky it wasn't Pink he interrupted or he might have lost his balls on stage in front of a live audience. Thank-you Kanye for perpetuating the stereotypes of black men everywhere. Get a f@#&ing life!! I hear that Swift's mom yelled at him backstage. I think he needs a whipping. I know if I was dating Swift and at the show, I would've rushed out and kicked his ass. Kudos to Beyonce who after winning an award went invited Swift back onstage to finish her speech. That is class!! Take a lesson West!! Then again, maybe we should hook up Kanye with Serena Williams after her over the top tirade at Wimbledon when she was called a foot fault. She was fined $10,000 plus $500 for racket abuse and was uncharacteristically rude when refusing to apologize for her behavior.
Moving on to the world of movies, there is a nice little animated movie out there called "9" by Shane Acker (did animation work on LOTR: Return Of The King) and produced by Tim Burton. The film, while animated in the puppet style of "Coraline" and similar films is more adult oriented. It takes place in an alternate reality where a government of a totalitarian state commissions scientists to research ways for the nation to prosper. One scientist develops an artificially intelligent brain which is taken by the government before it is fully tested and like in such movies starts to run amok by killing all life on Earth. The scientist trying to perserve humanity transfers his souls into a number of "stichpunks" (look like smaller Oogie Boogie Men from "Nightmare Before Christmas") and dies upon giving life to the final one numbered and named 9. Each stickpunk has a different personality but it is 9 which provides the final link to stopping the Brain and hoping to bring life back to the planet. The film has a nice feel to it and is definately more for the adults which might limit it's appeal in the theatres. I hope that people are not put off by that and those that like Burton's other produced films will give this one a try. They might be surprised. I give the film a B.
I also had the pleasure of meeting Drew Barrymore last week at the skating party for her made in Detroit film "Whip It". I hope that everyone got a chance to hear the interview Sat on my show. She appeared wearing a plaid ensemble which almost seemed out of place by she was very well spoken and I wished I could of had more time to ask all the questions I wanted. Such is life. She does look really nice and is very thin. I can't wait to see the movie. My friend and Derby Girl Crash Baby saw the film of which about 20 of our derby girls have cameos in. She didn't remember much since she spent most of the film screeming whenever one of the girls was on the screen. Can't say I blame her. I also had singer/actor DC Anderson on who plays the role of Andre in "The Phantom of the Opera" which opened this weekend at the Detroit Opera House. He has played the role for almost 19 years and still says he is able to keep it fresh. He also enjoys walking around the cities he performs in so if you see him walking around, make sure to say hi. It is truly a wonderful production that should'nt be missed if you can help it. For show times, go to www.motopera.org. This upcoming sat I will have Cherien Dabis (director of "Amreeka") on the show and I am working on Michael Moore and Tito Jackson interviews. Figers crossed.
Sports fans, the Shock postseason starts with Game 1 on Wed Sept. 16 which pits Atlanta vs Detroit at the Palace Of Auburn Hills. For those that can't make the game, you can watch it on ESPN2 at 8:00PM. After watching their near collapse against New York on their last home stance, I hope Katie is back because her ball presence is needed. The Shock have a way at times of making life scarry. Many times they leave the door open for opponents instead of nailing the coffin lid shut. I would like to see them get back to the finals but they are really going to have to play for it. I hope to see a lot of fans at the game.
Concert lovers have some nice choices this week. Starting today Tuesday (9/15), you can see hottie Regina Spektor @ Michigan Theatre or Billy Talent @ St Andrews Hall. On Wednesday (9/16) Carolina Liar and Uncle Cracker play @ the Fillmore while the Orbitsuns are @ Four Green Fields (in Royal Oak). Thursday (9/17) showcases Alice In Chains @ St Andrews Hall in a nice intimate setting for the band or check out Ultra Violet Hippopotamus @ Blind Pig. Friday (9/18) has the first day of the DIY street fair in Ferndale with great local bands such as Oscillating Fan Club, Serenity Court, Hard Lessons and Grande Nationals or see country bad boy David Allen Coe @ Clutch Cargos or local favs The Singles @ Northern Lights Lounge. Saturday (9/19) is day 2 of the DIY fair with Gorvette, Copper Thieves, Blueflowers, Zoos Of Berlin and javelins or you can see Down w/Melvins @ Emerald Theatre or Alice Cooper @ Freedom Hill Ampitheatre. Sunday (9/20) is day three of the DIY fair with sets by the Hetchmen, Sisters Lucas and Friendly Fires or you can go to Ann Arbor to see Michelle Shocked open for Ralph's World @ the Ark. The School Of Rock is also doing 2 shows a day on the 19th and 20th at the Crofoot. They are usually very cool shows so check out the rocking kids. Have fun and take in some great music.
