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. 

Jessica Simpson's Price of Beauty

Bride to be, Jessica Simpson is probably a bag of stress considering her one million dollar wedding this year, which has already set off speculations of a Middleton like dress. Yet she protested, "no, I got my own inspiration. But I am interested to see." Her dress on the day will not only be influential, like her previous wedding to 98 degree front runner Nick Lachey, but also give motivation for millions of women around the world.                                                                            Why you ask? Well obvious reasons aside, Simpson's involvment in MTV's "The Price of Beauty" recently, has given her more of a voice toward perceptions of beauty. In this series, Simpson travels the world in order to decipher diverse opinions on beauty in different cultures and what she learns, is startling as well as unusual to American beauty ideals. Representing a charity project, with Operation Smile, the project called "A Beautiful Me", was set up to help many women all over the world. Alongside best friend CaCee and hairstylist buddy Ken, Jessica travels to India, Uganda,Morrocco, Japan, Brazil and many other cities in a search for wisdom, as well as a chance to help those in need when concerned with women's beauty and confidence. 

Jessica proclaims to want to meet these women, in an attempt to "study local fashions, dietary fads and beauty regimes." Her emotional journey begins in Thailand where she meets Panya, who has a skin condition because she vigorously uses skin lightener which has burned and peeled the last of her skin. Jessica rewards her with a superstar makeover which opens up this quiet,reserved and embarrassed woman. She is finally able to leave her house without feeling insecure and paranoid and her reveal, is an emotional one to say the least. 

Simpson also visits Uganda where she learns women are fattened up months before their weddings and concealed in a hut due to the perception of fat as beautiful. Jessica is told by the Ugandan men that she looks good in her ugandan attire, but needs to put on weight. This shocks Jessica and Cecee, who admit that it's "the complete opposite of everything I've ever known." 

Nevertheless, though Jessica Simpson represents American beauty, it is at times troubling to watch her uncover beauty ideals in other countries being of white ethnicity which is a stark contrast, being exceptionally beautiful and travelling to far away lands, quietly judging their traditions and ways of life as she outwardly did in Brazil. 
On the other hand, she does uncover many similarities to American perceptions of beauty which brought many common issues to the table. For example, Anorexia Nervosa on the runways of Paris and the harmful, frightening effect it has on very young girls eating habits, or lack thereof. Weight issues are sensitive to a once fresh faced Jessica, who worked out day and night in order to gain a extremely buff body for her role in Dukes of Hazzard in  2005. Her continuous weight loss, gained her the title of one of the top bodies in Hollywood, yet after her divorce to Nick Lachey, the singer began gaining weight. 

Jessica at her skinniest after Dukes Of Hazzard release

Jessica as Daisy Duke

2009

2009 introduced a heavier Jessica, but a happier one at that. Many admire Jessica because she doesn't defend her weight gain, rather embraces it claiming ''curves are better. I don't get the whole rail thing. It's not good for your heart, it's not good for your mind; it's emotionally destructive, it really is.'

Jessica's own ideals have shaped her views on beauty, especially in this show which I'd recommend to all the girls. It's diversity and truthfulness may open up your mind on what beauty actually is. 

Just as Jessica said:
"Have confidence in this skin. 

Be confident in this skin.
Be real, be real.
See the beauty inside this skin .
I'm beautiful.
And your beautiful."

Stephen Lawrence: Still an open case

"They [the police] treated the affair as gang war, and from that moment on their attitude can only be described as white masters during slavery."- Doreen Lawrence: Stephen Lawrence's mother.
Some of you may be familiar with the heartbreaking murder case of Stephen Lawrence eighteen years ago. Stabbed to death in Eltham South London on his way home, eighteen year old student Stephen, was subject to a racial attack on the night of April 22nd 1993, by a gang of white youths. 
Though there were five suspects early on in the case, these men escaped conviction and were released on bail with a further arrest , and yet another bail , due to lack of evidence. 
Despite the arrests ''the corruption and the conscious and unconscious racism that afflicted the police force investigating Stephen Lawrence's murder" is where there appeared pressing evident problems between the police and Stephens parents, as well as reactions from the public and authoritative figures like  Tony Blair and David Blunkett.
There appeared a dissatisfaction with the police investigation by the Stephens, who felt ridiculed and a nuisance to the authorities. The issue of a young black boy being stabbed seemed low priority and after a public inquiry began, police were still perceived as having a "cavalier attitude to evidence from Stephen Lawrence's friend Duwayne Brooks." He witnessed the build up to his friends murder, but managed to run to safety and recalled the murderers as shouting "What what nigger" prior to the attack.  The dismissal of his eye witness evidence, angered the Lawrence family as another eyewitness was asked to recall what they saw five whole years after the murder, including an artists impression of the men. For future use, the Lawrence case did have an effect on police priority when concerned with racial attacks.  It was stated:

"The Macpherson report also recommends extending the 1976 Race Relations Act to cover the police, armed forces and immigration service. This would allow individuals and the Commission for Racial Equality to bring legal action against the police. The report also suggests making the use racist language in society a criminal offence."

After 18 years,two men will be prosecuted over Stephen’s murder due to new sufficient evidence, which seemed to come eighteen years too late.  Mrs Lawrence said "‘When the judgment was read out, my heart missed a beat. It was as though I had dived into the sea and had been forced to hold my breath until my lungs were bursting, and then – when the decision came – I could come up for air. Now I look forward to seeing justice at last. It has been a very long road."

Home Secretary Jack Straw
"I want this report to serve as a watershed in our attitudes to racism. I want it to act as a catalyst for permanent and irrevocable change, not just across our public services but across the whole of our society."

Royal Wedding Bliss-Classic for Eternity.....

I fawned over Kate's Alexander McQueen,on the verge of tears from the beauty of it all,as did many.Who knew royalty could pull off such a stunning event ? The lovely ceremony began on Friday morning with the arrival of guests such as Boris Johnson, David and Victoria Beckham and a early Elton John, alongside the likes of Tara Palmer Tomkinson and David Cameron. 

Princesses Eugenie and Beatrice arrive

Guests also included ninety four members of the royal family including Queen Elizabeth dressed in yellow, and Goldsmiths student Princess Beatrice and her sister Princess Eugenie. Former prime minister John Major was also invited who was actually appointed special guardian of Harry and William after their mothers death in 1997 due to the Queens personal friendship with Major. William wore his red Irish guards tunic as confirmed, alongside his brother and best man Harry's black attire.Both looked nervous and arrived half an hour before the blushing bride. 

The thorough ceremony captured two confirmations of ''I will'' which equalled in a hearty cheer from thousands outside in the crowd, which William and Kate obviously heard. At this point Kate was no longer a commoner as she has been called in the past, but a princess and duchess. 

After many hymns, speeches and a awkward ring squeeze, the lovely couple were officially wed and ready to face the world. 

If anything, Catherine stole the show, William becoming Peter Andre for the day. The public's familiarity with her as if she were or is a friend, has both it's negative and positive viewpoints. 

This is the view which made Kate proclaim "Oh My!" as she stepped onto the balcony

Thousands of Londoners stood tattering the union jack until it was on its last legs, but with a hard jab in the air at that. The pride of this day in London was like no other. Green Park became like a forbidden paradise where some longed to climb the palaces gates as we do in the heat.  

At precisely 1:25pm , the newlyweds appeared slowly on the balcony to have the highly anticipated traditional first kiss which dates all the way back to1923. The human tidal wave below cheered until their were dry throats, fully appreciating the young couples new titles and marriage, which represented the U.K beautifully. Now the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, the royal couple satisfied hundreds of extravagantly dressed television reporters who were placed all around the palace like a swat team and captured the million pound shot. 

With the loud click clack of hooves and occasional orders from police, many Britons who had slept overnight near the palace grounds were finally rewarded and able to catch a glimpse of Kate and Wills passing through and waving a less than artificial hearty hello. 

Never short on parties especially on a bank holiday, many Britons celebrated with street parties which I'm sure had extra cucumber sandwiches to last days.  

After the kiss, the last the public saw of the couple, was their entrance into the palace accompanied by 186 horses and then later their journey to the reception that night after a change of clothes. The main act Ellie Goulding performed her rendition of guest Elton Johns "Your Song" encapsulating it as a "very surreal, incredible experience. I will never forget it. It was amazing."  Insiders revealed Prince Harry as becoming emotional, breaking down in tears as he labelled Kate as "like a sister" whereby she too became emotional. The two Princes became doubly emotional as they made a tribute to their mother Diana, and their father Charles tried to lighten the mood by telling funny stories of Williams childhood whilst Harry changed the subject joking about Williams baldness. 

Though apparent how much pressure comes with marrying a prince, nonetheless the son of the late Princess Diana, I and many others hope Kate is able to live out the promises she has made in the past about her position now, whereby she is able to make a change and do good for others.  Other than that, congratulations to both on  a beautiful wedding and I wish them well in the future. 

"State multiculturalism has failed" -David Cameron

As America cheers on Cameron regarding his speech in Munich about the failure of multiculturalism, one has to wonder what world we are living in. Since when did people agree with the prime ministers disbelief and practical ban of  "government funds to groups which reject democracy, personal freedom, the separation of church and state and the equality of women before the law?" A free world I hear you cry, but isn't this so called 'free world' one which welcomes culture,religion and equality.Cameron was blatant in his pursuit of singling out Islam as he announced there would be tighter inspections on government money for islamic groups in a bid to tackle extremism. 

Apparently he believes most extremism is found in universities and prisons and must be watched over. But does he have proof? The conservative party chairman argued that "to smear the prime minister as a right wing extremist is outrageous and irresponsible". The muslim community were highly dissapointed reminding everyone "again it just seems the Muslim community is very much in the spotlight, being treated as part of the problem as opposed to part of the solution." Yet Cameron did not stereotype which worked greatly in his favour as he acknowledged "We need to be clear: Islamist extremism and Islam are not the same thing." However he was belittled by Ajmal Masroor from the Islamic society of Britain who says "I think he's confusing a couple of issues: national identity and multiculturalism along with extremism are not connected."  Some may argue Cameron gave a excellent, note free speech worthy of a Prime Minister, but he dodged the topic of immigration with care and reinforced how optimism is short lived in London.

So is Cameron being given a pat on the shoulder for contradicting himself whilst he funds faith schools? Is he focusing on less important issues when he should be tackling immigration and schools?

Do you agree with Cameron or disagree?

Tell It Like It Is