Turning back the clock with Backstreet Boys and New Kids on the Block!

It is now a merger labelled as a "breath of fresh air" for two boy bands, who both at one point owned the charts in the eras of the 80's and 90's with sold out concerts, screaming girls, jumbo jets and hit albums. 

                                           

Still both with very large fan bases, New Kids on the Block and the unstoppable Backstreet Boys have collaborated on a new album, proving wedding rings, children and a slow peak in the charts nowadays, does nothing to phase these now grown men who are far from being kids and boys. For thousands of women all over, from the U.S to the U.K, this is a boy band dream come true with nine for the price of one, excluding one member Kevin Richardson who left BSB in 2006. With the release of a medley album with popular tracks by both bands plus two new tracks picked by fans, "NKOTBSB" are doing remarkably well together with a summer tour which began in June. The albums debut at number 7 in the U.S. chart with sales of 40,000 records, reveals this merge as genius. "All in my Head" and "Don't Turn Out the Lights" are the two brand new tracks recorded for the album which are the only new songs, yet the fans are eating it up. 
Personally I'm not too familiar with NKOTB, but you may remember these Backstreet Boys tracks from the heyday which will be featured on the album which I've always loved. These include: "I Want It That Way"

(Everybody) Backstreet's Back":

"As Long As You Love Me":

"Larger Than Life":

And the epic "Quit Playing Games (With My Heart)"  

Here's a performance of "Don't Turn Out The Lights" from NKOTBSB.Enjoy!

Duke at 90

Notably "the longest-serving consort in British royal history", Prince and Duke Phillip of Edinburgh, seemed somewhat uncomfortable with perfectly clear questions asked by Fiona Bruce on BBC 1 celebrating his achievments throughout his career,  as well as marriage and birthday. Martin Palmer began with: 

"Get him on a bad day and it’s quite hard work. Get him on a good day and you really don’t want to be with anybody else." Hoping for a good day was shortlived as there appeared many awkward silences with one word answers and at times snappy comebacks. And though he proclaimed his disinterest as well as lack of eagerness to be interviewed, he proceeded.

Appearing to be frail yet buxom, quick witted and sarcastic at times, the duke recreated the image he has gained with his personality in the press over the years. His memorable 1986 comment/joke on British students gaining slitty- eyes if they continued to study in China during a visit, was old news to the now much older Duke, who admitted he had forgotten all about it. A regretful leave from the navy and issues surrounding his family life as a child, were also dismissed as clearly either uncomfortable topics, or moments of boredom by the Duke who clearly tried to quickly answer in order to move on.His charity schemes (which includes the popular Duke of Edinburgh scheme) however which are 800 to date, depicted him as a kind and humble citizen, who up to the age of ninety is still involved in a greater good, eventhough retiring. Yet his reluctance to accept all the glory, revealed a humble man who admitted he gets given too much credit, shifting the compliments to a second party.
 
An overall concern he highlighted as more detrimental was that he did not consider himself as "green" so to speak.  "There’s a difference between being concerned for the conservation of nature and being a bunny hugger,” he proclaimed. "Can you imagine?"
Nevertheless, though detaining a serious role for years, the Dukes ability to make jokes was apparent whilst juxtaposed with clips of his stern relationship with the Queen were in high supply. Shots of her coronation depicted him as second best constantly, rightly so, compared to her majesty. Instantly, one can not help but to understand why the Duke's position is not as respected, the Queen constantly the centre of attention whilst Philip is automatically the fly on the wall, and happily at that. Yet his role as the family comforter was clear as he supported the family at Princess Diana's funeral and attended Prince William's wedding recently.
 
A forthcoming strategy concerning the coming years for the Duke is to relax as he talked of plans to release his responsibilitues to others so he can retire at the age of 90. 
An excellent try at a satisfying interview by Fiona Bruce who probed the Duke, yet still a riveting well produced documentary which though informative, revealed a personality we had expected whilst  portraying a highly respected figure who has indeed surpassed his expectations.        

90210 Season 3 Finale..Spoiler Alert

Prom

So, in the previous episode we endured the bizarre theme that reiterated "the future is ours" throughout West Beverly's prom, clinging to a retro theme which was supposed to send off the gang with a bang. Well, if that didn't do it, the finale sure did. Ivy and Raj's last minute Indian wedding accompanied by elephants, saris and bouquets, managed to outshine the Senior graduation in season three's last episode. Though not as explosive, the senior graduation reveals a shocking truth by Max Miller, Naomi's lover who admits to cheating on his midterm, allowing Naomi the opportunity to graduate. In other news, Annie and Liam's relationship is on the rocks with a distrust from Annie who is distraught that Liam does not want to build a life with her, rather  prefers to go sailing for three months and ditch university and her. 

At the start we're reminded of Adriana's guilt as well as ploy, to wreck Navid and Silver's relationship as she cozies up to Silver reminiscing and reminding  her of their friendships longevity whilst getting pedicures.  But after a mix up at the hen and stag nights, a stripper and some loose dollars, Adriana's plan backfires as Naomi drops Silver's pills out of Adriana's bag. Total alienation by the gang toward Adriana is in motion within seconds, repairing Navid and Silvers relationship along the way. 

Ivy

With the exception of Adriana,the wedding however, unites everyone as they clearly adore this new culture they never knew, dancing hilariously and drinking heavily. Laurel's acceptance of her daughters wedding, becomes a last minute decision pushed by none other than Dixon. However, Adriana's plea for acceptance and forgiveness by Silver is answered with a simple yet effective "go to hell Adriana!" Her desperation leads close to a suicide as she watches her so called 'friends' dancing and laughing below a cliff, ready to jump off. (above). 

Naomi and Annie clearly create the dramatic cliffhangers due to continue in season four, with a pregnancy along and a break-up/make-up. Liam and Max are both planning departures with unknown endings, while we questions Adriana's mental state in episodes to come. 

So, looking forward to season four? I know I am.