5th September, 2008
When Acting and Singing Don’t Mix
The Fall television season is creeping back slowly but surely, and thank goodness one of my favorite shows The View finally came back this week. In addition to the famous “Hot Topics”, the show also gives me an opportunity to discover new music, I wouldn’t otherwise be exposed to.
It’s no secret acting and singing many times go hand in hand. For some reason singers are always trying to act(think Mariah Carey in Glitter) and actors are trying to sing. Well, this week Terrence Howard was added to that list, as an actor in my opinion who should NOT be singing. The song itself isn’t bad, and the melody is beautiful, but SERIOUSLY who told him this was a good idea? Check out the video and judge for yourself…keep in mind this is 10x more polished than the live performance was.
Sanctuary
Posted at 11:51 am | Comments (2)
31st August, 2008
IS AMERICA READY?
Is America really ready? That seems to be the question dominating conversations these days. You probably think I’m referring to Barack Obama or Sarah Palin, don’t you? Well, guess again. Cycle 11 of Tyra Banks America’s Next Top Model kicks off Wednesday and the buzz is already surrounding one particular contestant.
Isis Tsunami (pictured right) appears no different than the rest of the contestants throughout the years, there’s just one catch though. She’s the show’s first transgender model to actually make it to this stage of the competition(into the house with lots of cameras). Tyra is being praised by some for stepping out of the box and judging Isis by her talent and not anything else. On the other hand some critics and fans alike are saying it isn’t fair for her to compete as a female, because she was born a male.
I gave the show a rest a few seasons ago, but like many others I’ll be watching this year to see Isis make the other girls “work it” like never before. So is America ready for the first Top Transgender Model? Of course you have an opinion, like it or not, you do. I’m very curious to know what others think about this topic.
Best,
Posted at 7:24 pm | Comment (0)
27th August, 2008
A Night To Remember
If I could use one word to sum up my 10 year H.S. reunion, it would be FANTASTIC! I pretty much went into the evening with no real expectations, but to have a good time, and a good time was most definitely experienced.
Sharing laughs and catching up on life with my childhood best friend or reminiscing with good friends since 1st grade, made me feel as though no time had passed.
Then again, that’s the great thing about true friendship;It does not matter how much time has passed or distance that may separate. I learned that evening true friends can always pick up where they left off.
Although many of our outer appearances changed throughout the years, I noticed in conversation, we were still the same kids we were in school. The truth of the matter is, if you didn’t socialize with someone throughout middle and high school in our case, then you probably didn’t have a real conversation with them the night of the reunion. Then again why would you? It was hard enough trying to say people’s names while reading their name-tag out of the corner of your eye. Just imagine acting like you’ve been dying to know how the last 10 years has been treating them on top of that. Don’t worry I didn’t go that route, but I did however have to glance at name-tags before I started conversations.
I on the other hand took my name-tag off after just 10 minutes. After looking around and realizing I was the only minority female there, I figured if someone didn’t know who I was out of the 3 black girls that graduated, then we shouldn’t be having a conversation in the beginning. Yes, I went to a school with a total of maybe 5% minorities(throughout the entire high school). While looking across the room the evening of the reunion, I felt just as I did as a kid. I didn’t see my classmates nor myself as a color. Instead we were friends, remembering the great times we shared throughout so many years, and thankful that night to remember brought many of us back together.
Best Wishes,
Dominique
Posted at 1:15 am | Comment (0)
9th August, 2008
10 Years In The Making
So my 10-year high school reunion is tonight and of course I felt the need to write about it. Needless to say, no doubt I’m attending, but I knew I would before we even graduated. Yes, I was that student who talked to just about anyone that would listen and didn’t really belong to one particular group…and boy did we have groups, but then again what HS doesn’t?! 
When the words High School Reunion come to mind or in recent discussions many other thoughts immediately follow. Success, Weight, Beauty, Popularity, Sexuality…and the list goes on. Let’s face it, of course everyone is curious if the prom queen is still as “picture perfect” as she appeared throughout high school. Did the Valedictorian end up with a six figure income? Is that one kid still really into Star Wars? And is the star of the football team still as fit as he was years ago? I know I’m not the only person who is anxious to have all of these questions and many more answered. The one answer I can provide without hesitation is “No, I did not end up hosting a talk show”, well at least not yet. Never say never though, who knows where the incredible world of journalism will lead me.
So tell me, have you ever experienced a High School Reunion? If so how was it? I’ll be sure to post a new entry and share photos after mine this weekend, please hold your excitement, I know you can’t wait:)!
Best Wishes,
Dominique
Posted at 2:47 am | Comment (0)
22nd July, 2008
Farewell To My Favorite Golden Girl
Estelle G
etty best known as the feisty Sophia on the Golden Girls passed away today at the age of 84. Reports say she suffered from advanced dementia and died around 5:30 a.m. in her Hollywood Boulevard Home. Golden Girls has always been one of my favorite shows, both as a child and adult and Sophia hands down was my favorite character. I’m sure I’m not alone in saying farewell to my favorite Golden Girl.
Posted at 3:37 pm | Comments (2)
17th July, 2008
I Kissed a Girl…The Most Overplayed Song of the Summer
Before yesterday I was like many young music lovers and enjoyed listening to Katy Perry’s song as much as the next person. That was until I heard her song I Kissed A Girl…are you ready for this…5x in a span of 3 hours total!! The first few times it came on the radio, I proceeded to sing along as normal. By the 4th and 5th time I heard it, My exact words were “I get it, I get it, you liked it”. For yet another week the catchy song is #1 on Billboards Hot Digital Songs chart. I asked some friends last night why this song is so hot, and I couldn’t get a simple answer so I thought I would open it up for a clean discussion.
So my question to you is, do you like this catchy yet overplayed song? Why or Why Not? For those of you who haven’t heard it yet I’ve included the video for your entertainment pleasure.
Until Next Time,
Nique
Posted at 12:31 am | Comments (4)
6th July, 2008
Food Network “It” Girls
Warning this is a very random post, but something I thought was interesting.
I caught myself watching a little guilty pleasure TV today, no not one of the many dance reality shows, but Food Network. Is it just me or is Food Network more than just a food channel now? Although they have been around for many, many years in my opinion Rachel Ray and her numerous shows truly made it a mainstream channel.
Today was my first time catching Giada’s Weekend Getaways hosted by Giada De Laurentiis and I have to admit it’s a rather entertaining show. I couldn’t help but to think…is she becoming the stations new “it” girl? Are the days of Rachel Ray hosting every other show on the network becoming a thing of the past? I guess only time will tell.
Until my next random discussion-
Nique
Posted at 11:59 pm | Comment (0)
25th June, 2008
Comeback Kids On The Block
I can’t believe I’m spending time in my life I will never get back writing this particular entry but here it goes. Somehow one of the hottest tours set to hit this fall, is one many would have never guessed(myself included). New Kids On The Block better known as NKOTB this decade, are selling tickets like crazy from coast to coast. Can someone please tell me what the hype is about?
I will be the first to admit, as a child of the 80’s I LOVED this group…key word as a child. I knew every 
song and dance move and was as crazed as any other kid back then. I’m just a bit confused as to how they are selling so many concert tickets now, that new shows are being added in order to meet the demand. In fact… A North Carolina show was just added today! Tickets go on sale July 18th for the October 30th show in Charlotte. I’m sure one of our reporters (who will remain nameless), is thrilled the Kids are coming within two hours distance, now she doesn’t have to fly to NYC to see them in concert.
For my own sanity, I would love to know what do you think about the hottest ticket around?
Keep Hangin’ Tough-
Nique
Posted at 11:51 pm | Comments (3)
23rd June, 2008
Rock Witchu…Coming Near You
Unless you’ve been living in seclusion for the last few months, I’m sure you heard one of the greatest entertainers of all time is heading back on tour. Yes, you guessed it Janet Jackson!! It’s been 7 long years since her last tour, but thank goodness she hits the stage once again in September. Since I can remember Miss Jackson has always been my ultimate favorite artist. I can’t tell you how many times my first grade teacher Mrs. Gail Minella, had to discipline or request me to stop singing Nasty because I was disturbing the class. I couldn’t help it, I wanted to be just like Janet. I’m sure I still have bruises somewhere on my leg from falling over chairs, while attempting to recreate the Pleasure Principal video in my living room.
Although some of her albums over the last several years have not been her best, thank goodness her lastest Discipline was worth buying. So now that she’s announced the Rock Witchu Tour is heading to a city near you, will you go see her in concert? My mother is for certain Janet has lost her touch and doesn’t understand why anyone would pay money to attend this show. I told her she’s absolutely wrong, Janet is a legend…yes I said it a legend and people still love her and will sell out her show. Am I the only one who bought tickets(and presale at that) to see her?? Come on…I know there are some other real Janet fans out there. October 4th, 2008 can’t come soon enough! I haven’t been this excited to see a concert since attending Celine Dion’s Las Vegas show in 2003. I’m sure Rock Witchu will be equally fantastic, despite my mother’s thoughts.
Best Wishes,
Dominique
Posted at 2:38 am | Comments (5)
15th June, 2008
Who Would You Stop?
I’ve been meaning to write this particular entry for a while now, but of course something always came up. So my friend Diana and I were walking through Raleigh’s airport a few weeks ago, when I noticed media personality Tavis Smiley walking towards us. I made eye contact with him and simply said “Hi, Mr. Smiley” and continued on my way. Diana immediately said, did you just say Hi, Mr. Smiley? Was that TAVIS SMILEY? I can’t believe you didn’t say more to him, I’ve been listening to him since I was 16 and he was on NPR! For those of you who don’t know who Tavis Smiley is, allow me to explain. In addition to hosting a nightly talk show on PBS, he’s also a regular commentator on The Tom Joyner Morning Show and recipient of numerous awards and honors. We began a lengthy discussion on what celebrities or personalities would we stop on the street, if given the opportunity.
As a journalist, I believe my opinion or views of celebrities are often different than my peers outside the business. For example, to some Barack Obama is not just a politician but also a “celebrity”, one many would give anything to meet. As I was planning our station coverage last weekend for Obama’s economic tour kickoff right here in Raleigh, never once did I see it as a BARACK OBAMA event. Instead, it was simply a political story that required additional coverage plans.
Although I’m not as easily star struck as I was before entering the business, I certainly do have my list of favorites I would stop in a heartbeat, especially if my camera was with me as it was a few weeks ago at the airport. Topping my list is: Janet Jackson, Oprah Winfrey, Taye Diggs, Alicia Keys and Shaquille O’Neal. Now it’s your turn, I’m very curious to know what celeb(s) would you stop if you saw them coming towards you…and what would you say? I know everyone has at least one star they would love to bump into.
Until next time,
Dominique
Posted at 5:41 pm | Comments (3)