Hit or Miss: Be Yourself

Wed, 12 Oct 2011 10:01:38 -0400

Lady Gaga, Katy Perry and Nicki Minaj...no doubt these ladies are three of the biggest stars today. With their star power comes significant influence on their fans -- specifically younger ones who admire them. These ladies are constantly in the media for pushing the envelope and their over-the-top antics on stage and off. Comedians Alison Bennett, Sasheer Zamata and Violet Krumbein PSA spoof raise an interesting question. Are these celebs really "role-model" worthy? Are they women of their word and true to themselves or not?

Hmmm... after watching the vid we gotta ask -- do these female funny ladies have a point or are they just jealous of Gaga, Katy and Nicki????

Amanda Knox: Hollywood's New Princess?

Tue, 04 Oct 2011 16:50:08 -0400

For many of us, our college years are the best four years of our life and for those of you who studied abroad the experience is one you'll remember forever. Now imagine you're Amanda Knox, a young woman who's future hinged on the jury hearing her appeal. She pleaded her innocence and stated her desire to return to her old life.

After what we imagine were four long years in an Italian prison, Amanda Knox is free to go home to the United States. The decision was handed down in an Italian appeals court, overturning her 2009 conviction for sexually assaulting and murdering her British roommate. Knox had been sentenced to 26 years in prison, and her then-boyfriend had been sentenced to 25 years.  

The appeals court based their decision on a DNA review which called into question the evidence used in the original trial. Knox broke down in tears when the verdict was read after 11 hours of deliberations, and needed to be supported by her lawyers. The only count Knox was found guilty of was defamation, for which she received a three-year sentence and must pay legal costs. Since she's already served four years in an Italian prison, there will be no additional prison sentence.  

The Italy-US Foundation, an organization dedicated to promoting Italian-American relations, supported the 24-year-old Knox throughout her ordeal. In a letter to the foundation, she thanked those “who shared my suffering and helped me survive with hope.” She went on to thank all her supporters, writing “Those who wrote, those who defended me, those who were close, those who prayed for me, I love you.”  

CBS reported (http://bit.ly/qtnST9) that Knox flew out of Rome this morning, and friends say she sounded happy and strong on the phone before boarding the flight.   

Her case has garnered international media coverage so naturally a lot of the buzz today is what she'll do next. Obviously, this ordeal has put financial strains on her family so a paid interview could definitely help. However, her newfound freedom and celebrity may be a lot handle.   

According to Marvet Britto, president of the Britto agency, a publicity and marketing firm, Knox can have both peace - and valuable publicity in the days ahead. Her story is so in demand that she can wait to tell it when she's ready.

Britto says, "The interest will always be there because there have been so many stories - but never her story."

 It's hard to imagine what the past four years have been like for her on so many levels, but now that she's been given a voice again...many are wondering if (and when) she'll let her side of the story be heard.

  So we gotta ask if you were in her shoes, what would you do? Enjoy your freedom privately or cash in on the story?

GirlsGuideTo... Football

Tue, 25 Jan 2011 15:47:29 -0500

With the Superbowl just around the corner, we wanted a GirlsGuideTo Football... so we sat down with Jamaal Jackson of the Philadelphia Eagles to ask him a few questions about America's favorite game.

Before we start to break down the game, I have to ask, if the game of football is only 1 hour (4 quarters with 15 min each), why does it seem to last 3-4 hours per game?
Jamaal: Ha, that’s a great question. There are multiple timeouts and challenges and stuff that take time. There is also a 15 minute half time, add that up and add conversions and stuff, that gives you about 3 hrs. Each team is given 3 time outs per half and you get two- 2 minute warnings one each half.

Now that we understand the time length, we girls need a CLEAR breakdown of the game from start to finish.
Jamaal: The coin toss determines whether you defend or receive first. Whoever defends has a chance of getting the ball back in the second half. Winning the coin toss gives you a good advantage.

Can you Discuss players: 11 on 11 and the switching of players in between plays/downs/etc
Jamaal: The only players that switch out are the ones that catch or receive the ball. The people coming on and off the field are just different personnel. The five offensive linemen can’t catch the ball.

Tell us about the positions on the team and how they play a role in scoring a goal or defending a goal.
Jamaal: Offense scores points. Receivers are the guys that run down field. The running back gets the ball from the quarterback to run it. The fullback is kind of like a tight end, and running back put together. He doesn’t get the ball much. He does most of the blocking but he can receive the ball as well. The offensive line attempts to open up lanes for the running back to run through. All of that plays a part in trying to score a touchdown, as opposed to defense, which is eleven guys. Their main job is to get the ball and keep the opposition from scoring.

Can u help us understand what First and 4 or Second and 9 means when the offense is traveling down the field?
Jamaal: In pro football you get four downs, either a touchdown or a first down. It starts as soon as they kick the ball off to your return man. The first down is always first and ten unless there is a penalty or something. Depending on how many yards you kick that first down; say if you get five yards it goes 2nd and 5, once you get ten yards you get a first down. So on and so forth until you get a touchdown.

Can you also explain terms such as hiking, punting, and obtaining a "field goal"?
Jamaal: Hiking is just a center giving the quarter back the ball. It is something that happens on every play of the game. Punting is just an offensive set, you are giving the ball to the opposing team to make there travel down field a lot longer. You are saving your team some yards.

Alright, Jamaal I know that must’ve been a breeze for you so lets go straight to the exciting questions... It's almost that "holy" time of year again for football players and fans, can you describe to us what the Superbowl means to you?
Jamaal: Superbowl makes me speechless, that’s how much it means to me. You’re basically at the top of the food chain. You have one game to prove that you are worth it. It’s a great accomplishment to get the opportunity; it’s such an exciting moment.

As 32 teams compete over the fall and winter seasons for this title, how important do you really think it is, or what does it really say about a team to play in or win the Superbowl?
Jamaal: Getting to the Superbowl says a lot about the dedication a team puts forth. In this game there is a lot of work a team has to put in. At this point it's one and done. You lose and you’re out, so it’s all about that single game.

Jamaal, we are so sorry to hear about your injury that kept you off the playing field this season. While you sat on the sidelines and watched your teammates, how did it feel viewing your team and your game from that perspective? Do you feel the Eagles could have played better with your help? Did you ever find yourself frustrated with your team?
Jamaal: I was kind of frustrated. You want to be out there supporting your team no matter what. As the weeks went by and my health started to get better, I kind of gave that up and tried to help out as much as I could. I did that by calling the guys and telling them what I thought, and gave them pointers.

What do you think is the MOST important aspect of football to remember?
Jamaal: That it’s a business first and foremost. Although you develop relationships, at the end of the day you have to think of it as a business.

Was it your childhood dream to make it into the NFL? It’s pretty safe for us to assume that many of us ladies didn’t have that same dream as you, but any words of advice you can offer to us about following one’s dream or achieving personal success?
Jamaal: To be honest with you - not really. I didn’t grow up playing football; my first year of organized football was my junior year in high school. Football wasn’t my dream at all. But now it’s my life and I’m very fortunate to be in the position I’m in.

Any words of advice you can offer to us about following one’s dream or achieving personal success?
Jamaal: No matter what it is you want to do, just do it. At the time I realized that playing in the NFL would be a possibility for me, I just went out and it happened. Early on I wasn’t thinking about playing. As I got past high school and college I just put it in my mind that it was something I wanted and it happened.

We’re going to steer off course a little with this one but one last question. We always love a little insight into a guy’s POV. So what would be one piece of advice you’d give to women about men?
Jamaal: Watch the game with them sometimes; it works wonders! A guy loves a woman that will sit around and watch a football or basketball game with them!

Thank you so much Jamaal for taking the time to speak with us! We really appreciate it!

Your question

Sat, 26 Jun 2010 03:30:54 -0400

I'm going on vacation next week -- leaving my laptop and worries behind -- it's been a few years since I've had time for just myself and I'd love to pick up a few good reads to bring with me. Any good book recommendations? I prefer fiction but I'd be open to a non-fiction book too. Thanks in advance ladies!

Your question

Thu, 10 Jun 2010 23:53:56 -0400

What are some fun summer to do list ideas? :)

Your question

Thu, 03 Jun 2010 15:50:28 -0400

Any new good songs? xx

Your question

Fri, 14 May 2010 12:34:13 -0400

My boyfriend is going to Camp America for 4 months so I'm doing some bits for his leaving present. I've had an idea to make him a CD of some meaningful songs but only have about 10 so far...would you be able to suggest any that I could put on there?

Thank you! xxx

Your question

Sun, 17 Jan 2010 18:18:52 -0500

I got an ipod for Christmas and I'm desperate for some good workout songs/playlist ideas... Please share some of your favorites because currently I just spend hours searching itunes and come up clueless....

Best Actresses of the Decade

Thu, 31 Dec 2009 07:42:24 -0500

Our top 10 favorite actresses of the decade:

10. Sandra Bullock

9. Meryl Streep

8. Scarlett Johansson

7. Kate Winslett

6. Renee Zellweger

5. Cameron Diaz

4. Drew Barrymore

3. Angelina Jolie

2. Penelope Cruz

1. Halle Berry

Other faves:

Selma Hayek, Kate Hudson, Dakota Fanning, Reese Witherspoon, Charlize Theron, America Ferrera, Jennifer Aniston

Top 50 Female Celebs of the Decade

Thu, 31 Dec 2009 05:17:35 -0500

So here it is ladies... our Top 50 Female Celebs of the Decade! These ladies include actresses, singers, supermodels, celebutantes, and more. They're the ladies we've heard, seen and watched over the past 10 years... These are the ladies we love and a few we love to hate. Let us know who your faves are, who we forgot and who we should've forgotten... (note: this list is in no particular order)

1. Angelina Jolie

2. Kate Hudson

3. Jennifer Aniston

4. Jennifer Hudson

5. Paris Hilton

6. Britney Spears

7. Halle Berry

8. Miley Cyrus

9. Lady Gaga

10. Madonna

11. Oprah

12. Scarlett Johansson

13. Jessica Alba

14. Taylor Swift

15. Ellen Degeneres

16. Megan Fox

17. Katie Holmes

18. Martha Stewart

19. Hilary Duff

20. Sarah Jessica Parker

21. Mariah Carey

22. Rihanna

23. Janet Jackson

24. Jennifer Lopez

25. Sandra Bullock

26. Cameron Diaz

27. Tyra Banks

28. Gisele Bundchen

29. Christina Aguilera

30. Renee Zellweger

31. Nicole Kidman

32. The Olson Twins

33. Lauren Conrad

34. Nicole Richie

35. Beyonce

36. Jessica Simpson

37. Meryl Streep

38. Reese Witherspoon

39. Dakota Fanning

40. Anne Hathaway

41. Drew Barrymore

42. Demi Moore

43. Penelope Cruz

44. Kim Kardashian

45. Victoria Beckham

46. Eva Longoria Parker

47. Lindsay Lohan

48. Charlize Theron

49. Selma Hayek

50. Heidi Klum