Click here to view the embedded video.

Steve sees this radio show as the perfect tool to reach out and help even more individuals than he is currently helping in the greater San Diego area. On the show he will be providing his expert financial advice about all manners of financial planning, with the added bonus of answering listener submitted questions. Have a question for Steve? Ask it by commenting on this article or go to WinninInLifeRadio.com for more information.

Plus, he’ll be able to speak extensively on his favorite topic: how to not let money fall through the cracks. He cares deeply for everyone’s financial health and often only asks for new clients to donate to a charity with some of the money he helps them find. He made sure to note that the show is not only about financial planning as the show will include guest speakers on topics from the state of the economy to health and fitness, including special visits from authors and inspirational guests.  His hopes are that the show will be able to assist listeners in becoming well rounded and successful individuals. Tune in every Sunday, at 9am, on KCBQ 1170 a.m. to hear what he and others have to say about spring cleaning your life.

If you are unable to listen, but still would love the financial advice, consider signing up for one of Steve’s Financial workshops. They are absolutely free and a great opportunity to gain new perspective on your finances. Visit his website here: Sexton Advisory Group. If you have questions you would like answered feel free to submit your questions here Winning In Life Radio and Steve may answer them live on his new show, “Winning in Life.”

Britney Spears and Demi Lovato are the newest additions to “The X Factor” judging panel. After the first season of the US spinoff wasn’t as big of a success as Simon Cowell had predicted, previous judges Nicole Scherzinger and Paula Abdul left the show, leaving a couple of openings. Simon Cowell is making predictions again, banking a lot of money on Spears, 30, and Lovato, 19, to bring in a younger crowd for the second season of the talent competition.

Spears became a household name at a very young age, churning out one hit record after another. After suffering through an emotional breakdown of sorts in 2007, she has rebounded with new records and is careful to shy away from too much media attention. Her move onto “X Factor” will be the most public she has been in a couple years, making people wonder how she will cope and many may tune in just to see the potential wreckage.

For one season alone, Spears can reportedly look forward to a $15 million dollar check from the Fox producers, which is more than five times the amount Abdul was getting paid before she was fired. The obscenely large paycheck, if true, is a bit much considering Spears may not be able to handle the pressure of possibly crushing the hopes and dreams of the contestants.

Lady Gaga’s concert in Jakarta cancelled

Lady Gaga’s sold-out June 3 concert in Jakarta, Indonesia has been cancelled by Indonesian authorities who were reportedly responding to conservative religious protestors who spoke out against the performer, feeling that her provocative ways are disrespectful to their culture and country. They were extremely worried that Gaga’s sexual persona, including the song content and her dancing, would be a corrupting influence on the young audience. Giving in to the pressure, police revoked the concert organizers’ permit, effectively keeping the show from going on. The decision was largely influenced by some more extreme threats made if the show hadn’t been cancelled, calling Lady Gaga’s safety into question and making the concert a possibly dangerous decision.

Ticket-holder Mariska Renata spoke with The Associated Press, saying, “I’m very disappointed. We are mature enough to be able to separate our own moral values from the arts and culture.”

This show would have been one of the first stops on the Asian circuit of Gaga’s “Born This Way Ball” tour. With 52,000 seats sold, many fans in Jakarta are disappointed that they will no longer be able to see the pop phenomenon, but they aren’t the first to be kept from seeing Gaga. Other shows in this circuit have been faced with restrictions and complications, such as her show in South Korea, which is banning fans under the age of 18 from attending due to protestor insistence.

Chris Hemsworth and daughter India Rose

The new father was seen at the Snow White and the Huntsman press junket in London where he glowed with demi-god like pride over his new daughter India.  Hard-pressed to be torn from his wife, Elsa Pataky, and their baby who was born recently, the Avengers star shared how excited he is to be a parent.

Hemsworth told E! News “I’ve wanted to have kids for a long time, and here it is, and I couldn’t be happier.”  On top of that he dished on the source of his daughter’s unique name.  ”It was just a name we liked”, the actor explained, “I always kind of liked Indie or Indiana for a boy and she liked India…We sorta went, ‘Oh well, whether it’s a boy or girl that will decide.’ It just seemed to fit.”

The couple has been married since 2010 and is surely enjoying Hemsworth’s success at the box office second to reveling in the joys of parenthood with their first child.

SJP and Kate Hudson to guest star on ‘Glee’

With “Glee” moving to Thursday night the hit show about a high school glee club will be competing with the result shows of “The X Factor” and “American Idol.”  With that in mind it looks like the producers are calling in some A-List celebrities to boost the shows ratings after the move.

While their story lines have not been announced yet, it’s official that Sarah Jessica Parker will appear in at least one episode of show and Kate Hudson is set to have a run of six episodes.  These two fashionable and comedic lead actresses will be sure to spice up the high school setting in the fourth season.

The season finale for the show is to air on May 22 and the third season will close out with Lindsay Lohan and Perez Hilton as guest stars.  As the competition for a national title comes to a close the McKinley High seniors graduate and the show moves to seeing the the graduates in their lives post-New Directions in the fall.

Sarah Hyland, 21, plays the stereotypical teenage daughter on the Emmy-winning show Modern Family.  In the comedy she is known for bringing laughs to the audience chasing boys with her bubbly character and sly wisecracks as Haley Dunphy.  In real life Hyland has recently discovered a new found appreciation for family in face of illness.  Both of Hyland’s parents are actors and at the budding age of 5 she began her own career with a role as Howard Stern’s daughter in Private Parts, but even before that the actress had began a lifelong battle with kidney dysplasia.

The illness is often found during a fetal ultrasound before birth.  It is a condition that results in cysts forming inside the kidneys because tubes called ureters that are supposed to branch out to form a network of tubules to collect urine when the fetus is developing in the womb fail to branch out completely.  The urine that would normally flow through the tubules gets trapped in the kidneys and forms cysts.

Many children with kidney dysplasia can grow into healthy functioning adults.  If the disease only effects one kidney regular check-ups must be done in order to confirm that the healthy kidney is functioning properly.  In more extreme cases a kidney may need to be removed or, as in Hyland’s case, a transplant may be necessary.

In her interview with Seventeen magazine the actress revealed how she received her kidney from her father and how the experience made her value family even more.  Hyland told the magazine,

“You know that family is going to be there for you no matter what. My dad gave me a freakin’ kidney! But it’s also the families that you create outside of your family. And you really find out what kind of people you’re friends with. It was just amazing, and it really opened my eyes to see who’s there for me and who’s not.”

One of the people who she really felt was there for her was her boyfriend Matt Prokop.  The two co-starred together in the Disney Channel movie Geek Charming and since the transplant their relationship has only gotten stronger.  Hyland revealed in the interview that Prokop has helped her with many things regarding her health.  According to the star, “He helps me with my medication and takes me to doctor appointments and all the stuff that I need to do to take care of myself.” She feels truly blessed to have him in her life as she continues to gush,  ”Any other 21-year-old guy would not be there, I guarantee it. I am one of the luckiest people in the world to have him be there for me.”

Tim Burton and Johnny Depp have teamed up again for “Dark Shadows,” their eighth collaboration. While the two have made some outright fantastic films (“Edward Scissorhands,” “Ed Wood,” and “Sweeney Todd”), they’ve also made some films that missed the mark (“Alice in Wonderland” and “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory”). “Dark Shadows” lays somewhere in the middle of fantastic and mediocre. The film is stylishly strange in only the way Burton can produce and has some genuinely funny moments, but ultimately “Dark Shadows” plays it safe and simply toes the line of the seriously twisted.

“Dark Shadows” is a big-budget remake of a soap opera of the same name that ran from 1966 to 1971. It tells the story of Barnabas Collins (Johnny Depp), a man who is cursed with vampirism in the 18^th century by Angelique (Eva Green), a witch who has revenge on the mind when Barnabas spurns her love for another. She hypnotizes his true love Josette (Bella Heathcote) into jumping off a cliff and leaves Barnabas in a chained coffin six feet under. Jump to 1972 and the coffin is accidentally unearthed by a crew of construction workers, finding Barnabas in a world completely foreign to him. He returns to his Victorian manor, which is in serious disrepair, to find the current dysfunctional Collins family living there: the family matriarch Elizabeth (Michelle Pfeiffer), her rebellious daughter Carolyn (Chloe Grace Moretz), womanizing Uncle Roger (Jonny Lee Miller) and his emotionally disturbed young son David (Gulliver McGrath), the surly groundskeeper Willie Loomis (Jackie Earle Haley), David’s live-in alcoholic doctor, Julia Hoffman (Helena Bonham Carter), and the new governess Victoria (Bella Heathcote) who bears a striking resemblance to Barnabas’ deceased love Josette. Together, the family works to bring the old family fishery business back to its former glory, only to have Angelique return to make Barnabas’ life a living hell.

The film looks fantastic and does an excellent job perfecting the dark atmosphere of the original show, especially the surf crashing against the dark cliffs that Josette throws herself from and the gorgeous gothic Collins manor. The strangely hypnotic score by Danny Elfman is a pitch perfect homage to the show and for music fans, expect a fantastic cameo from rock-god Alice Cooper that is sure to make you smile. Much of the film’s comedy is derived from Barnabas’ assimilation into a world he knows nothing about. Paved roads, lava lamps, cars, hippies, and even troll dolls throw Barnabas into uncertainty, making for some pretty funny moments.

Definitely a strong aspect of the film is the stellar cast, although some stand out far more than others due to weakness within their character’s development. Michelle
Pfeiffer is absolutely lovely as Elizabeth Collins, the matriarch who is trying desperately to hold her family together, all while keeping up appearances of affluence. Jackie Earle Haley and Helena Bonham Carter, both playing hard drinkers, are pleasant enough and get a few laughs of their own. Unfortunately, the wonderful Jonny Lee Miller is severely underused as the dead-beat brother of Elizabeth. He’s simply not onscreen enough but when he is, he steals the movie effortlessly. Also underused is Gulliver McGrath who plays young David, a little boy who holds a strong connection with his deceased mother. McGrath has little to work with but holds enough sadness and isolation within his features that you wish you saw more of him. Playing Elizabeth’s unruly daughter is Chloe Grace Moretz and while she is usually very solid in films, she appears a little forced as Carolyn, a young girl trying a little too hard to be a naughty Lolita. Her character also has the misfortune of a tacked on surprise that’s completely unnecessary.

Even with such a large cast, the two that get the most screen time is Johnny Depp and Eva Green. Thankfully, Eva Green is stunning and spot-on as the psychotic, lovelorn witch. With her blood red lips that spread out impossibly wide over her perfectly white teeth in the eeriest of ways, Green is magnetic and her Angelique is a strong and fascinating opponent for the well-spoken vampire.

However, it’s obvious that the strongest in the film is Johnny Depp. It’s a sad fact for the rest of the cast that without him as Barnabas, “Dark Shadows” would be pretty droll. Successfully channeling the original creator of the role Jonathan Frid, who had a cameo and unfortunately passed away just last month, Depp’s Barnabas is delightfully pasty and controlled. It’s so nice to see a vampire with sharp fingernails and pronounced makeup, reminding one of the Nosferatu-style vampires long before the sparkle of “Twilight.” It’s no surprise either that Depp is just as charming and effortlessly fascinating as he always is, infusing humor with facial features and perfectly executed vocal intonations. Barnabas is mainly a reactionary role and that’s something Depp has perfected time and time again, especially within “Edward Scissorhands.” The character is thrown into a strange world and Depp’s reactions to simple things such as headlights, showcases his unparalleled talent to for silent film acting.

Click here to view the embedded video.

However, with everything that it has going for it, in the end “Dark Shadows” is exactly what one would expect from a Burton/Depp collaboration nowadays and that predictability does it a disservice. While watching it, you can’t help but get sick of Burton’s recent penchant for remakes and long for his original stories again, even if he’s just remaking one of his own films, such as the upcoming stop-motion “Frankenweenie.” As far as Depp is concerned, even in the films that may not hold levity, he always delivers a solid and magnetic performance, making it nearly impossible to dislike him. The humor, while effective, is sometimes repetitive and almost lazy. “Dark Shadows” is a movie you should enter into without any expectations and be willing to just enjoy it for what it is, a fun film that may not blow you away, but it will certainly make you laugh.

Mila Pantovich runs her own blog, Reel Obsession, where all of her articles can be found.

I’m sitting here shaking my head over The Mastersons; kind of amazed at how “in sync” they are. There’s something special about the interplay between husband and wife Eleanor Whitmore and Chris Masterson; along with the places their songs go, and the just-right guitar licks, and vocal nuances. Some of this is explained by the couple’s having toured as part of Steve Earle’s backing band, and having played in each others’ combos. There’s nothing like sharing stages, night after night, to hone chops and communication.

I’m not talking about a “cute couple” kind of thing – in fact, I’m relieved to read that Masterson’s shared, “Sometimes the ‘couple’ thing can seem a bit schmaltzy. We’re more a band than a duo, and we’re not going to be George and Tammy. We might not even be John and Exene.”

One of the first things I picked up about the Mastersons was their easy integration of circa-‘90s and classic rock and pop with more traditional country and folk. I never thought I’d be using Buckingham-Nicks as an example (being an earlier-Fleetwood Mac fanatic), but the couple occasionally hits a similarly raggedly harmonious spot. Here they’re spouting one of my Birds Fly South faves, “Money.” It’s one of the best pop songs I’ve heard this year.

Click here to view the embedded video.

A riff that reminds me of Rubber Soul-era Beatles, with Whitmore yodeling on the toe-tapping chorus? I’m still having a hard time getting this one out of my player so I can move on to other releases. What more can I say? Well, one more heads-up: A video for “One More Word” that has someone pushing peas around their plate, Whitmore sitting there looking like Poison Ivy Rorschach’s deadpan cousin, a kid in a cowboy hat, and the beginning of a cat fight? Gotta at least mention it in It’s a Hoot.

The headline on Moors and McCumber’s website reads, “Influenced by the songwriting of Steve Earle, Gillian Welch and Neil Young…” and, “Although successful solo songwriters, (James) Moors and (Kort) McCumber discovered that their music together is more than the sum of the parts”.

Especially after the Masterson’s high energy, Moors and McCumber provide a palate refresher of folk-footed storytelling. With just two instruments (which could be a guitar, mandolin, fiddle, harmonica, dobro or bouzouki, depending) on each song, and shared tenor vocals, we’re back to what I think of as a Caffe Lena-style presentation. Gravity is a good one to get if you’re missing the warm vibe of sitting in a coffeehouse for singer/songwriter night. It bubbles over with choice string sounds and textures. So far, I’m partial to the title track, “Quick as I Can,” and “3,000 Miles, ” which adopts the voice of a homeless guy with nothing to do but ride a Greyhound bus. And if you’re jonesing for a song with a soft, Simon and Garfunkel feel, you may want to give “Marjorie” a listen.

Roll up your shades, ladies and gents: It’s not a gang of outlaws but the Doc Marshalls who’re riding in with their third effort, Look Out, Compadre. Although there’s some word on the (dusty, tumbleweed-pocked) street about leader Nick Beaudoing’s sojourn in New York translating to less of the Marshalls’ traditionally Cajun-spiced C&W (and to more “Indie Folk,” “Folk-Rock,” or something like that), two-steppers, gumbo-slurpers, and fans of verse/chorus songwriting have nothing to fear. Fervent love for old-timey sounds and song structures is all over Look Out, Compadre. I wouldn’t expect anything less from the lively founder and former host of a songwriter night he dubbed No Hank, No Cash, No Merle. ‘Course, as readers of any music commentary by me may have noticed, I don’t care what it’s called if the band can cut the mustard in the songwriting and delivery departments.

Well, this group of law-keepers can arrest me any time. The Marshalls stir a kettle of swirling, lap pedal steel over burbling acoustic guitars, click-clackity beats, and perfectly-appointed fiddle commentary. Beaudoing’s several-steps-above average songs meet the band’s vital, seasoned wryness. And, yes, a few, including “Here They Come” “Kernow,” “Been Busy,” and “When I Wake” have a serious kick. The kickin-est of those position the Marhsall’s mud-streaked boots right up next to those of Crazy Horse.

Still, there’s a joy about the Marshalls – and me — when they center themselves in more traditional and old-timey sounds. “Why I’m Leaving” is a convincing mid-tempo story. “Pennsylvania” artfully balances wistfulness with propulsion of a tune that’s not likely to depart my consciousness any time soon. And you can practically hear Beaudoing thinking, “If there’s going to be a train song, it’s going to be a damned good one; a fiddler’s dream” when he put “Light Rail” together. At the top of the heap are a couple of Western swingers. “You Must Have Loved Me” could masquerade for the kind of rueful, up-tempo nugget penned by Bob Wills or Johnny Bond in the 1930s. And “Abilene” is a tenderly bittersweet two-stepper’s dream on any terms. The only recent songwriting I can compare with it would be a few by The Hot Club of Cowtown.

If you don’t believe me, some guy or gal at the 9513.com country music blog wrote this about the combo a few years ago: “It’s a damn shame that a band this good is self-releasing their albums. The Brooklyn-based Marshalls are Americana’s greatest unknown band, mixing accordion-heavy Cajun music with Parsons-esque alt-country to create a sound both unique and infectious.”

Although the official release date is May 29, you can grab a copy of Look Out, Compadre now at iTunes or CD Baby.

When I first heard about Claudia Schmidt, I thought, “With a name like that, she’s got to be good.” A composer, vocalist, guitarist, and mountain dulcimer player, Schmidt could probably make a traditional folk recording in her sleep. But Bend in the River, which compiles highlights from Schmidt’s Red House catalog, belies the impossibility of putting this genre-blurring artist into any box. A consummate musician, Schmidt is also very much a child of the ‘40s through ‘60s (she was born in ’53). When artists from that era were initially active and/or coming of age, the boundaries of the folk, rock, and blues genres were being pushed together, and into new definitions and territories. A handful of exemplars includes Savoy Brown circa Chris Youlden, Fairport Convention, the Incredible String Band, Joni Mitchell, Laura Nyro, John Martyn, Ellen McIlwaine, Nick Drake, Phoebe Snow, and Joan Armatrading. Schmidt has the wondrous, life-is-full-of-possibilities ethos that exemplified these artists – in 2012, a noteworthy attribute.

The title track is a burst of syncopated African beats, Schmidt’s jazzy vocal phrasing, and call-and-response (with Farley and The Original Soul Stirrers; the group with whom Sam Cooke performed gospel). Schmidt displays more of her jazz nuancing, with a dash of vaudeville, on “You Can Call Me Baby.” The singer’s deeply reflective approach to ballads is represented by “Persephone” and “It All Depends.” She weaves an introspective tapestry with the album’s only cover, the traditional “Wayfaring Stranger.” Also noteworthy are the rich harmonies on the dulcimer-based “Going By” and the percussive ruminations of “Rising,” which has a buoyancy similar to that of Joni Mitchell. “Black Crow” could be a response to any number of Nina Simone’s compositions. I’m especially drawn to the evocative moods Schmidt produces with the jazz and blues shadings of “Pretty at the End” and “Racer.”

She’s s a grassroots star in the midwest, and a favorite of vintage Prairie Home Companion broadcasts. She’s known for thriving in the casual ambience of street fairs and house concerts. Nevertheless, Schmidt has somehow managed to elude high quality video recordings of the jazzy-bluesy tracks I love best. But I managed to track down footage of her singing the heck out of Pete Seeger’s “Old Devil Time.” It presages the soul she’d later bring to more intricate arrangements and compositions. As you watch, just imagine this woman, 30 years on, with all the skill and experience she’s accumulated in the intervening years. That’s what Schmidt brings, now, to Bend in the River.

Click here to view the embedded video.

I suppose anyone who dislikes vibrato-rippled, soprano vocals might want to stop reading at this point. But that would make it difficult for me to read what I’m writing — if I didn’t sometimes make exceptions for folk of the exceptional stripe presented by Josephine Foster and the Victor Herrero Band. Perlas was caught on analog tape in Puerto de Santa Maria, Spain (if the city sounds familiar, you were probably paying attention during history class: It was the launch point for Columbus’s second junket to the Americas, and is famous for its sherry). You might say that I had a bit of a cheat sheet, re: Puerto de Santa Maria, having lived nearby for two years, many moons ago.

Foster’s path has included dreaming of singing opera, working as a voice teacher, making an album of childrens’ songs, recording another accompanied solely by her ukelele playing, generating more buzz with a psych-rock album, All the Leaves are Gone, and releasing a record of vintage folk and blues, followed by one in which she interpreted 19th century German art songs. She makes me yearn for a term other than “ballsy” – even though it fits, it sort of doesn’t fit the tall, reedy soprano. More recently, Foster’s been collaborating with the Victor Herrero Band; hence Perlas, and the ensemble’s first recording, Anda Jaleo.

Perlas flickers with gaslight ambience. Sure, I could joke that, at least for a minute (and/or during a few tunes that seem to inspire a bit of goofing amongst the players), it makes me think of one of those scenes wherein the Marx Brothers start jumping onto tables and pretending to be toreadors with some lady’s oversized napkin. But it’s such a lovely bouquet of (and to) traditional Spanish folk music, I have to add that after larking about, the Marx Brothers would settle down, at which point Harpo would accompany Josephine Foster with such beautiful harp notes, everyone would be wiping their eyes with little hankies. The Victor Herrero Band is a tight little crackerjack of a string-and-percussion ensemble; concisely providing yang and emphasis for Foster’s airy tendrils.

Foster + Herrero is an exemplary, almost heroic project. Some of what results is sublime; a living ghost of old-time romanticism that could pass for a relic unearthed from a neglected Andalucian music store (that somehow eluded Fascist interference with Spanish popular culture). Particularly shimmering are “Cuando Vienes del Monte,” “Cuatro Pinos,” “Dame esa Flor,” and “En Esta Larga Ausencia.”

Ms. Foster & the VHB too pretty-pretty, airy-fairy for you? Lee Bains III and the Glory Fires are here to put tigers in your tanks. Well, they’re not here, exactly. But their debut, There is a Bomb in Gilead, will be out, officially, on May 15. I think it’s only fair to give warning. ‘Cause once I heard it, I felt considerably more hopeful about the state of the world, the union, and my own motivation for staying slim enough to look good in a pair of jeans with rolled-up legs. I mean, you can sit around wishing a band would emerge sounding like a fusion of the Stones circa Exile on Main Street and the Band at its down ‘n’ dirtiest – with a touch of the Allman Brothers, and a few shakes of CCR’s “anything could happen tonight” wildness. And nothing happens. But, within the last few years, something’s wafted up from Birmingham, Alabama. It’s shot through with juicy, smoky, backyard barbecue rock/blues/swamp punch. I know – that’s a lot of cliches, but I think I put them together fairly well. Here’s the band digging into “Opelika” – I’m pretty sure that Levon Helm would have loved it.

I can’t help liking a band that prints the words “I used to could sing a pristine Hallelujah” inside its CD cover. Maybe that’s about spending my first 12 years in South Carolina and Virginia. In any instance, I want these boys to drive carefully – we need ‘em around for a good, long while. And if I’ve snuck some rock into this blogumn again, I’m not going to apologize – there’s enough blues, dust, and biscuit gravy in Lee Bains III and the Glory Fires’ bucket to assure me that they belong at the It’s a Hoot party as well as they do anywhere.

Your comments (below) make my world go ‘round. Before we get to recent & upcoming release highlights, here’s one of my favorite performances featuring Levon Helm – and one of the best lines I’ve ever heard in a rock song – “Why do the best things always disappear?”

How appropriate.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Some Other Items of Note (recently released or forthcoming):

Alabama Shakes: Boys & Girls (ATO)

Andre Bird: Break It Yourself (Mom & Pop)
Ben Howard: Every Kingdom (Republic)
The Boxcars: All In (Mountain Home)
Carolina Chocolate Drops: Leaving Eden (Nonesuch)
Chuck Mead: Back at the Quonset Hut (Ramseur)
Craig Morgan: This Ole Boy (Black River)
Davy Graham: Anthology 1961-2007 – The Lost Tapes (Les Cousins)
Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver: Sing Me a Song About Jesus (Mountain Home)
Dr. John: Locked Down (Nonesuch)
Drunken Prayer: Into the Missionfield (Fluff and Gravy)

Dubious Ranger: Found Recordings from theThe Panda Valley Mining Company c.1931 (Self-released)
Early Takes Vol.1: Music From The Martin Scorsese Picture Living In The Material World (Ume)
Eric Tingstad: Badlands (Cheshire)
Various Artists: The Inner Flame: A Tribute to Rainer Ptacek (Fire)

JD McPherson: Signs & Signifiers (Rounder)
Jenn Rawling & Basho Parks: Take the Air (Self-released)
Josh Abbott: Small Town Family Dream (Pretty Damn Tough)
Justin Townes Earle: Nothing’s Going to Change the Way You Feel About Me Now (Bloodshot)
Lake Street Dive: Fun Machine (Signature Sounds)
The Lumineers (Dualtone)
Lyle Lovett: Release Me (Lost Highway)
Mirel Wagner (Friendly Fire)
Neil Young & Crazy Horse: Americana (Reprise)
O’Brien Party of 7: Reincarnation – The Songs of Roger Miller (Howdy Skies)
Pete Seeger: The Complete Bowdoin College Concert 1960 (Smithsonian/Folkways)
Ruby Throat: O’ Doubt O’ Stars (Self-released)
Trampled by Turtles: Stars and Satellites (Banjodad)
Loudon Wainwright III: Older Than My Old Man Now (2nd Story Sound)

www.newwestrecords.com
www.moorsandmccumber.com
www.docmarshalls.com
www.redhouserecords.com
www.firerecords.com
www.alive-totalenergy.com

Finally, someone has said “No” to Kim Kardashian.  The Met Gala, which was held Monday night, welcomes some of the biggest stars in the world.  The media fame around Kardashian may have lead some to believe that she would be an automatic invite to this event, but turns out she missed the cut.  All guests must be approved by Vogue editor-in-chief, Anna Wintour and the style expert apparently issued a direct request that the reality TV celebrity stay off the guest list.

Wintour seems to have been ahered to without question as Kanye West, Kardashian’s new beau, showed up without her on his arm.  This contradicted an earlier tweet by Kardashian that read, “So excited to see all the fashion going on in New York tonight at the MET!” Unless she was planning on watching the styles from home, she seemed to intend on accompanying Kanye to the event.

An insider told a gossip website that, “Why would [Kardashian] be invited to the event? It is all the biggest stars in the world and Kim doesn’t fit that bill at all.”  Kim’s reps are saying that she was in LA on business, but few are deceived and many are applauding that the Kardashian’s get a reality check on their star status.

John Travola fights against sexual harassment charges

Since January Travolta has been in an ongoing battle with a masseur who claims that the Grease star made unwanted advances toward him during a massage, but recently a second masseur has come forward with the same accusations.  This had warranted irritation for Travolta who voiced through a friend that he is “sick and tired of fighting this insidious, ongoing whisper campaign that has gone on for years.”

Despite his 20 year marriage to Kelly Preston and their three children, there has been constant questioning of Travolta’s sexuality and the media attention of these lawsuits are only stoking the embers.  Travolta and his lawyer, Marty Singer, have promised to sue both the lawyer and his clients once the case has been thrown out of court.

To date the defense of Travolta claims to have evidence and witnesses that place him in New York City, on the other side of the country from where the first accuser says the harassment took place.  Meaning that the accuser John Doe #1 may have some explaining to do.

Nearly everyone knows the story of Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet,” a tale set in 16th century Verona about two young lovers torn apart by their families misguided hatred. With lavish ballroom scenes, thrilling sword fights, and a resonant pas de deux, Resident Choreographer Elizabeth Wistrich takes great pains to breathe life into the epic story that so many people hold in their hearts. Supporting the passionate dance of over fifty dancers is Sergei Profokeiv’s lush score, with John Nettles conducting, as well as gorgeous sets and costumes from Sacramento Ballet. Classic Renaissance Italy is evoked to help bring the story to life right in front of you, making it a production that you simply can’t miss.

Performed with a full orchestra, “Romeo and Juliet” will play at the Spreckels Theater in downtown San Diego for only three nights over Mother’s Day weekend (May 11 and 12 at 8 p.m., and May 13 at 2 p.m.), making it the absolute perfect gift to surprise your mother with. Tickets range from $29 to $59, depending on where in the theatre you would like to sit. There is also an option for the Saturday Night Champagne Reception and priority seating, which costs $79. This selection affords you the best Center Orchestra seats and an on-stage champagne and desert reception presented by City Ballet Allegro, only available Saturday, May 12. For anyone able to arrive a half hour early, there is also a free pre-performance lecture prior to all three performances that will allow one to gain a deeper appreciation for “Romeo and Juliet.”

With only three chances to catch City Ballet’s world premiere of Elizabeth Wistrich’s “Romeo and Juliet,” make sure not to miss this exciting opportunity and buy your tickets now. For more information call City Ballet’s box office at (858) 272 – 8663 or order online at cityballet.org.

Catching a flash of “The Avengers” logo and its star performers at the 2010 Comic-Con whet my appetite for a bigger treat.  While DC has lagged far behind with its superheroes ensemble, “Justice League,” clearly, we’re in for something extraordinary with Marvel.  A culmination of superhero movies, which started with “Iron Man,”  and continued with “The Hulk,” “Thor” and “Captain America.”  I was cautiously optimistic.  Director Joss Whedon (“Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” “Firefly”) would attempt to go where no man has gone before and he’s pulled it off with a superhero aplomb.

Each of the main characters is unique in its own way and strong enough to carry a movie on its own, so pulling them all together, and bringing in more characters would be a gargantuan task.  A lot could have gone wrong.  Fortunately, a lot goes right.

Loki (Tom Hiddleston), the disturbed brother of Thor, makes his appearance past the galactic portal, steals the Tesseract, a source of infinite energy, from the S.H.I.E.LD base, an international peacekeeping agency, and leaves the ground crumble and destructions behind.

Director Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson), who may also have a hidden agenda to regain the cosmic cube, knows that it’s time to activate the Avengers Initiative, a remarkable team of superheroes uniting forces to save the world.  It’s hard to conjure up a villain who would pose a credible threat to the Avengers, but Loki is not to be dismissed.  He promises to unleash Chiaturi, an extraterrestrial army, to aid him in conquering the earth and carrying on his vengeance against Thor.

The eclectic ensemble of superheroes is made up of brilliant industrialist in armored suit, Tony Stark/Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.); recently thawed from ice WWII all-American patriot, Steve Rogers/Captain America (Chris Evans); God of Thunder, Thor (Chris Hemsworth); Jekyll-and-Hyde scientist, Bruce Banner/Hulk (Mark Ruffalo); superspy and assassin Natasha Romanoff/Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson); and master archer, Clint Barton/Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner).  They all gather inside a Helicarrier, an invisible, flying fortress lifting up from the sea.

The team goes off to a rocky start.  Big egos and personalities, mixed with superpowers, clash.  These larger-than-life characters are used to the be the center of attention and don’t always play by the rules.  The interactions among the alpha characters are the highlight of the movie.  Plenty of dead-on, fantastically funny one-liners.  Eventually they realize that they need to set aside their differences and work together as a team.

There are a number of memorable scenes.  RDJ is still a wisecrack standout and has the coolest entrance as Iron Man, lands on the Stark Tower and unzips into Tony Stark, and later skydives back into the suit.  Thor’s late appearance latching onto the aircraft amid thunders and lightning is pretty grand.  Captain America takes an integral role as a leader worthy of the captain title.  He’s more impressive here than in his own solo flick last summer.  Black Widow showcases her combat agility by managing to escape out of an impossibly tight situation, and toward the end utilizes Cap’s shield as a springboard, leaps into the air and pursues a flying alien.  Hawkeye falls down hundreds of feet, shoots an arrow, swings into a building and lands back on his feet.

If there’s a surprising scene stealer, it’s the Hulk. Ruffalo, replacing Eric Bana (2003) and Edward Norton (2008), plays the role to the hilt, both as a nerdy human and monstrous beast. There are outrageously hilarious scenes, separately involving Loki, Thor, Iron Man, and all that smashing.

As much as I’d love to see a deeper story, it’s typically reserved for a singular superhero film, “X-Men: First Class“ notwithstanding.  “The Avengers” forgoes complexity for spectacle, by equally shining the spotlight on each character who serves a purpose, spectacular set pieces and special effects, amazing actions and rolling-on-the-floor humor.  It’s incredible to see all of these superheroes heroically banding together in one scene.  The final battle in Manhattan concludes with a selfless act from an unexpected character.

At nearly 2.5 hours, it doesn’t feel like it.  And it’s originally longer.  It’s been said that a lot of Captain America’s scenes ended up on the cutting floor.  I’d be interested in seeing more of his scenes as initially filmed, coming to terms with his past, awakening and adjusting to the modern world.  Stay past the credits for two additional scenes, the first one as a spoiler for the geeks and the second appeals to the general audience.

“The Avengers” delivers what it’s meant to do.  This all-star superhero extravaganza is fun entertainment at a grand scale.

Copyright (c) 2012. Nathalia Aryani.

Nathalia Aryani is a business manager, foreign language translator, lifestyle/travel writer and film columnist. She can be reached at indotransserv@gmail.com. Nathalia owns a movies blog, The MovieMaven (http://sdmoviemaven.blogspot.com). Twitter: http://twitter.com/the_moviemaven

Click here to view the embedded video.

Seau was an avid surfer and was constantly spotted in the waves in front of his home.  In the water friends and fans of Seau joined hands to form a circle and said a prayer.  They also chanted his name and his number 55 while splashing the water and had a moment of silence at 5:55PM.  In the crowd of people honoring Seau was the quarterback of the Saints, Drew Brees, who played two seasons with Seau while on the Chargers.  Brees told the NFL Network that,

“Junior always cared so much about his teammates.  He always wanted to know how you were doing, how (he) could help you. That’s what I’ll remember most about Junior — just the smile on his face, his attitude, and his infectious personality.

Other professional athletes shared their experience of the “Tasmanian Devil” as Seau was nicknamed.  John Carney who played with Seau during the 1990-2000 seasons told U-T San Diego, “So many people out here have a story about when he told them a joke, or bought them a meal, signed their jersey or encouraged their child. … We’re all grieving the loss of a great man who had so much positive impact on San Diego.”

Junior Seau did lead a life that left a profound impact on many San Diegans.  As a philanthropist he focused most of his efforts on helping youths in the city and in 1992 he created the Junior Seau Foundation.  This was an organization that was geared towards raising money and awareness for programs that educated young people and helped them pursue brighter futures.  In addition, he started the Junior Seau Celebrity Golf Classic fundraiser, which celebrated its 20th anniversary when it was held at the La Costa Resort and Spa this past March.

Considered one of the best linebackers in the game, Seau is survived by two sons and a daughter by his ex-wife Gina Deboer.  Seau’s family has decided to donate a sample of his brain to be examined for football-related damages.

According to ex-wife, Denise Richards, “he’s in a really good place” and Sheen has been “very focused on our children and his job.”  And he would have to be focused.  In six short weeks the team behind Anger Management has wrapped up filming ten episodes on time and within the budget at the incredible speed of about fifty pages of script a week.

FX will air the episodes beginning June 28th before deciding whether or not to produce 90 more episodes.

The series is loosely based on the Adam Sandler movie of the same title that was released in 2003.  Sheen is set to play Charlie Goodson, a former professional baseball player who becomes a therapist after dealing with his own anger issues.  The first ten episodes will include some guest appearances from Sheen’s father and his ex-wife.  Sheen told “Access Hollywood” that “we’re going to find out this guy does have major issues with his pop and when that character does finally show up, it will be my dad.”  Sheen does not seem  to have this issue in common with his character.  An on-set source from E! Online reveals that Sheen and his father “got along great and you could tell they had a special bond.”

His ex-wife’s presence on set seems to be a slight shock as well.  The two have had a rocky relationship post-divorce with Sheen being caught verbally bashing Richards in front of a crowd, calling her obscene names, and humiliating her.  Last year Richards turned down a $100,000 offer for a role with Sheen, but now the one-time couple will be staring on television together with Richards as Charlie’s love interest.  The actress told Extra how the idea became a reality.

“Charlie came to me and asked me to do an episode on the show. I saw a sneak peek of the first episode and it’s really funny. I did a table read last week. I play a love interest to my ex husband”

The two have been divorced since 2006 after three years of marriage and two daughters together.  Their relationship seems to be in running smoothly at the moment with Richards tweeting “It’s a wrap! Thanks @charliesheen for a great week.. had a blast! So fun working together again!!”

Since the surprises to production have not been coming from now “focused” Sheen, they have instead been evoked by a $50,000,000 lawsuit.  The lawsuit was filed by Jason Shuman and his Blue Star Entertainment company.  The Hollywood Reporter found that the plaintiffs claim that they developed the idea for Anger Management “under the false promise of receiving significant backend ownership in, and producer credit and fees on, the show.”  They also claim that they have a written producer agreement that Joe Roth has refused to honor.  The $50 million dollars is supposedly to make up for the compensation and credit Shuman believes he deserves.  As the producer behind Anger Management, Roth has addressed the issue via a statement to The Hollywood Reporter saying, “We reviewed this issue months ago with our lawyers, our lawyers determined it has no merit, and we thought the issue had been dropped.”

In spite of the lawsuit Sheen fans are eagerly awaiting the return of the actor’s wry sense of humor in the new series.  Many will be sure to tune in next month for the first television performance of Sheen since he left “Two and a Half Men” last year.

The ship itself is an 83 foot black galleon pirate ship.  She has three different levels that include a main-deck, a poop-deck, a forecastle, and a head.  If this seafaring vocabulary is over your head don’t worry, passengers get a quick lesson in pirate jargon before setting sail.  Feel free to practice your “arghs!” as a warm up at home. With all the true signs of a traditional pirate ship the vessel creates the stage, but what really transports passengers into the world of piracy is the comedic crew. They will have you well versed in the lingo, firing cannons, swabbing the deck, and sword fighting by the time the cruise is done.  Most of all they will have you laughing and smiling while they play off the crowd and banter with each other over swings of “rum.”

During breaks between the crews duties, the captain allows you to wander around the ship and shows off some of the beauty of San Diego Bay. The Treasure Seeker sails by the U.S.S Midway, Seaport Village, the Star of India, and other points of interest as potential sightseeing highlights.  The entire time they are engaging those aboard by making jokes, entertaining passengers, and crossing paths with other  pirates along the way.  While on the cruise passengers are expected to be prepared for battle and are trained in the art of firing water cannons and fighting with swords.  This makes it the perfect outing for kids or an ideal excuse to let out your inner  pirate.

On board in the saloon there are pirate themed drinks for children and adults as well as snacks and pirate attire and souvenirs to purchase.

There are many different types of cruises that should please any pirate adventurer in San Diego.  In addition to the day cruise that is especially kid friendly, there are the sunset and evening cruises, and a variety of special events available at specific times throughout the year.   Pirate Ship Adventures is in the process of combining the evening and sunset cruises into a single “Rum Runner” cruise.  Already these voyages set off at a later time and feature a less censored crew. They will allow you to enjoy the breath taking scenery of San Diego at sunset and the city at night.  All while savoring a cold beer, wine, or some rum punch of course.

Throughout the year Pirate Ship Adventures does a series of special events that play off seasonal events that occur in San Diego.  They include a 4th of July Excursion, a Haunted Pirate Ship Voyage, and a Christmas Parade of Lights Voyage.  On top of that the Treasure Seeker is available for booking for birthday parties, corporate events, and private charters.  Amid the wide selection of experience the one constant is that you are sure to have a fantastic and memorable time and come away from the cruise a little more pirate savvy.

In a recent show, E&L TV and host Maya Trabulsi took a look at the Sporting Club in La Jolla and why its training experts are part of a truly unique club that provides excellent training advice.   In addition to this fitness expose the April edition highlights FinishBody San Diego.  FinishBody is a cutting edge cosmetic surgery center and the interview with Dr. Calhoun helps shed some light on the noninvasive procedures that the center offers.  The show wraps up by shedding a spotlight on a local band called Black Top Royalty. Do any of these topics pique your interest?  Watch the E&L April show to learn more.

Centered around an essential pride of the variety of offerings that San Diego has, E&L TV has made its goal to help viewers get the most out of life.  The TV show is a relatively new way to reach out to the public, but its counterpart, The San Diego Entertainer Magazine or “SD Entertainer” for short, has been “your source for San Diego” since 1981.  As the creator of the “Best Of” awards for San Diego county SD Entertainer has demonstrated its in-depth knowledge of the city and the best places to go for a wide variety of categories.  After re-launching online a few years ago SDEntertainer.com has continued to provide San Diegans with things to do on the weekend, celebrity gossip, movie reviews, and local stories.  Its rich history in San Diego help to make E&L TV the best insight into the city.

The next episode airs Sunday, May 6 at 5pm on channel 6. will highlight Evergreen Nursery, Estancia La Jolla and The Sporting Club La Jolla.  You can join host Maya Trabulsi as she speaks with the general manager of Evergreen Nursery about what makes the gardening hot spot so special and helpful to customers.  After “putting away the gardening gloves” E&L TV highlight the Estancia Hotel and Spa in La Jolla.  The rustic environment is perfect for weddings, meetings, or just to get away.  With its Rancho-style buildings and central location that’s near shopping sites, the beach, and golf-courses this is one of San Diego’s best resorts.  The show also features fitness tips from The Sporting Club La Jolla and an interview with Taryn Huhn the Associate Publisher of the SD Entertainer.

In the interview Tayrn announces some exciting changes to SD Entertainer that have taken place recently.  Changes include a new look that is more user friendly than ever and a new feature that allows you to watch episodes of E&L TV, share articles on Facebook, Twitter, and much more.  Also, the Local Music Alliance program will be re-launched in order to give local musicians an incentive to perform and win a great prize and it’s a way to support local music from San Diego.  With all that coming up and more now is the best time to start tuning into E&L TV and learning about San Diego from the people who know it best.

They have said, “The 43-year-old Oceanside resident died in his home in the 600 block South The Strand of a self-inflicted gunshot wound of the chest. The manner of death has been classified as suicide.”

They are also reporting that they are awaiting the family’s decision regarding study of the brain for repetitive injury by researchers.

Seau was discovered dead in his home Wednesday morning at about 9:35 a.m. and we broke the story soon after. Read the story here.

Since yesterday, a combination of support and criticism has come to Seau and his family. The news of his death was a shock to us all. While some people have been expressing outrage, more can be said about the huge outpouring of support for the Seau family. A shrine-of-sorts has been accumulating outside his Oceanside home as well as outside his restaurant in Mission Valley. There is no word yet of a time frame for memorial services.

Along with a sleeker and sexier new look, with the help of Fox, Sharper Image will release a new website later this year. This campaign marks a return for Sharper Image. The company initially filed for bankruptcy in February of 2008, citing low sales due to a decline in consumer spending and negative press. At the time the company employed roughly 2,000 people and had retail stores worldwide. Soon after bankruptcy, the Sharper Image name and products were licensed to be sold through retail stores like Best Buy and Bed, Bath & Beyond. This campaign corresponds with an announcement last year that Sharper Image was considering reopening a few retail locations.

Similarly Fox, who starred in the blockbuster films Transformers and Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen is also making a return to the public eye.  After her well documented falling out with Transformers director, and arguably one of the most powerful directors in Hollywood, Michael Bay, Fox suffered from a career slump starring in the films like Jennifer’s Body, the poorly reviewed Jonah Hex, in which she was nominated for 2 Golden Raspberry Awards, and Passion Play. Like the Sharper Image, Fox’s career seems to be moving in the right direction with the actress taking a role in Judd Apatow’s newest movie This is 40  featuring Jason Segel and Paul Rudd.

The combination of Sharper Image and Megan Fox makes sense. Both are struggling to redefine themselves and make a comeback, or in the case of Sharper Image sell more electronics. Either way it will be interesting to see if Sharper Image or Megan Fox can get their career and business back on track.

While on the set of a photo shoot for Harpers Bazaar the 19 year old demonstrates her dance moves in a bikini.  With the beautiful, young girl gyrating her hips and practically bouncing out of her barely there top it’s no wonder the one minute video gained so much attention. Especially, when the video ends with carefree and uninhibited Upton playfully teasing viewers by saying, “That’s it, that’s all you guys need” while playfully swatting at the camera and holding her breasts in place.  It doesn’t take a lot of imagination to see men all over America watching the video on repeat.

The Sports Illustrated cover girl is not a stranger to today’s social media.  Another highly viewed video or tweet of her is nothing new.    In fact it is her manipulation of Twitter, Tumblr, and YouTube that is probably what put her on the map and have been keeping her there.  She uses these forums to shamelessly broadcast herself to the world and gain fame for her highly sexual image.  Tweets of pictures of herself at photo shoots or heading to Vegas have earned her a following of nearly 320,000 people.  It’s definitely not what younger girls should be looking up to, but no one can say the scheme hasn’t worked for the teenager from Michigan.

It looks like in the midst of the buzz about Kate Upton’s “nudity” on YouTube, her body will be making another appearance.  This time on a shirt by Marc Jacobs.  It’s a special item that features the model naked on the front of the shirt with the statement “protect the skin you’re in” hiding anything too scandalous.  The shirt is part of a fund-raising campaign and all the proceeds from the shirt go to the NYU Skin Cancer Institute.  Perhaps the model will begin to use her image to help the world do more than just fantasize about her body.

To see the video of Kate Upton’s “Cat Daddy” click here.

Seau has a long history in San Diego. He was selected by the Chargers in the first round of the 1990 NFL draft.  After spending three years as a standout player at USC, Seau made an easy transition into the professional league starting 15 of 16 games in his rookie season.  Shortly after joining the team he became one of the most popular players on the Chargers, earning the nickname “Tasmanian Devil” for his aggression on the field.  After scoring a total of 129 tackles in 1991 he was given the honor of being selected for the 1992 Pro Bowl.  This appearance became his first of 12 consecutive Pro Bowls for the amazing athlete.

In 1994 Seau registered an incredible 155 tackles with the Chargers  (a career high), this was also the year that he assisted the San Diego team in making it to Super Bowl XXIX.  On the way to the Super Bowl Seau performed with all the aggression and strength that had become his trademark.  In the AFC Championship Game alone he succeeded in making 19 tackles.  He continued to play for the Chargers until the end of the 2002 season.  Seau was a part of the NFL for 20 seasons and had standout performances as a San Diego Charger, Miami Dolphin, and New England Patriot.

Despite leaving the Chargers he still remained a part of the San Diego community by maintaining the local restaurant Seau’s and living in the area after his retirement from football.  His loss still resonates with San Diego fans and the Charger community who upon hearing of Seau’s incident posted that their prayers were with him.

The overhead squat progression is performed in three parts and slowly escalates in difficulty to challenge your body to become leaner, stronger, more balanced and more stable. Within the segment Kris Machain and his assistant demonstrate the techniques that can be practiced at home or in a Gym setting.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Overhead Squat Progression

Part 1 Kris instructed his assistant to hold a 4 lbs medicine ball out in front of herself with her legs shoulder length apart. She then performed a proper squat, with her feet flat against the ground and her butt dropping lower than knees, using the medicine ball as a counter weight.

Part 2 The second part of the progression started in the same way. This time when she reached the bottom of her squat she would drop the medicine ball into Kris’s hand before continuing through the squat. He discussed that the use of the medicine ball allowed for his assistant to learn proper positioning, but the removal of the medicine ball in the second part forces her to take more of the workout on herself instead of the counter weight.

Part 3 Like the second step the assistant would squat down and hand the weight to Kris, but in order to change the dynamic of the squat and really make it a challenge she would move her arms above her head on her way up through the squat.

By practicing the moves that you see on Get Fit Wednesdays you are that much closer to your summer beach body goals or just your general health goals. So shake off your winter mentality and get to the gym! For answers to all your questions visit The Sporting Club at www.thesportingclub.com or call them at 1 (858) 552-8000

Petco Park is kicking off Cinco de Mayo with their San Diego Padres’ Cinco de Mayo Party on Friday, May 4, 2012. Starting at 5 p.m., the party will feature some great Cinco de Mayo offers, like $5 beers, $5 margaritas, and $5 carnitas tacos, as well as live music! The first pitch against the Florida Marlins starts at 7:05 p.m., so make sure to time yourself well so you’ll still have their Executive Chef’s famous tacos to snack on and ice-cold margaritas to sip on during the game.

Without a doubt, Old Town is the number one place to celebrate any Mexican holiday. As the birthplace of California, Old Town signifies the first permanent Spanish settlement in the state and can always be counted on for its cultural celebrations, fantastic Mexican food and entertainment.

On May 5, Fiesta de Reyes, El Fandango, and The Cosmopolitan Hotel and Restaurant will be putting on a day of celebrations to honor Cinco de Mayo. Starting at 1 p.m., the festival starts with Ballet Folklorico dancers performing on the plaza stage. At 3:30 p.m. Los Rios, San Diego’s favorite mariachi group, will take over and perform some of their favorite Mexican songs. You can enjoy the entertainment while snacking on delicious Mexican dishes and authentic margaritas. At 6:30 p.m., Los Rios will head over to Barra Barra Saloon and Luis Max & The Blue Moon will take over at the Fiesta de Reyes stage at 7 p.m., to play Latin jazz for the crowds. To find out more details and special menu offers at El Fandango Restaurant and The Cosmopolitan Hotel and Restaurant, check out the Fiesta Cinco de Mayo website and the Fiesta de Reyes site!

If you don’t want to miss out on anything and are looking for something a little all-encompassing, check out the Cinco de Mayo Weekend Beer and Wine Tour Party. From May 1 to May 7, San Diego Beer and Wine Tours will be offering local wine and microbrewery craft beer tours and parties. You don’t have to worry about a thing, especially not parking, as the tour will pick you up and take you to all the best fiestas in San Diego, eventually dropping you off back in Old Town to party for the rest of the night. They’re even offering a special Cinco de Mayo deal: Buy 5 Brewery or Winery Tour Tickets and get the sixth one for free! For more details, check out the site.

Whether you choose just one, or even all of the Cinco de Mayo festivities San Diego has to offer, this weekend is going to be filled with laughter and celebration!

Construction will continue until the roof of the structure reaches a height of 1,368 feet, making it the same height as the north tower of the original World Trade Center.  After the completion of the roof, a 408 ft cable-stay mast will top the tower.  As a result the structure will reach the symbolic height of 1,776 feet, paying homage to the year of American independence while simultaneously making it the tallest building in the United States and the third tallest building in the world. That milestone is still a long way off though as it will take about a year to bring the structure to its full height.

The construction process of this long awaited building has been difficult.  A symbolic cornerstone of the One World Trade Center was laid in 2004 during a ceremony three years after the terrorist attacks.  After that construction was stalled until 2006 due to money, security, and design.  After the foundation was laid for the structure the first beam was welded in during another ceremony where the public was invited to sign the steel beam before it was erected as the first real sign of structural building on the site.  The public has put a lot of attention on the progress of this building, which shows how this structure captures an effort to memorialize and rebuild after the attacks on 9/11.

Regarding the design of the tower the architect, David Childs focused on the importance of symbolism and aesthetics as well as functionality.  He released a statement saying:

We really wanted our design to be grounded in something that was very real, not just in sculptural sketches. We explored the infrastructural challenges because the proper solution would have to be compelling, not just beautiful. The design does have great sculptural implications, and we fully understand the iconic importance of the tower, but it also has to be a highly efficient building. The discourse about Freedom Tower has often been limited to the symbolic, formal and aesthetic aspects but we recognize that if this building doesn’t function well, if people don’t want to work and visit there, then we will have failed as architects.

On site of the One World Trade Center there will also be three other high rise office buildings and the National September 11 Memorial and Museum.  Below ground there will be tenant parking and storage, access to trains, and even retail space.  However, visitors hoping to visit the site once it reaches completion will be facing procedures similar to going through an airport.  State of the art protective features built into the structure will work in tandem with incredible security measures that are being put in place for all traffic coming in the form of the underground roadway or by foot.  Also 400 surveillance cameras will be installed so if you visit the memorial or the tower be sure to smile for the cameras.

Despite architectural debates about the legitimacy of the towers claim to the title of tallest building in the US and delays in construction, the One World Tower promises to be a building that carries more heart and significance than other skyscrapers that make up the New York skyline.   It will be a symbol of the resilience of the America spirit and a memorial to one of the nation’s most tragic days.

Balboa Park

Balboa Park is perfect for a nice picnic. The park grounds are open 24 hours every day. If you have any questions or are lost there’s a Visitor’s Center located on El Prado and it is open from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm. The Center has brochures and maps and it also provides audio tours and a free-guided tour of the park. No smoking is allowed at all in the Park and Alcohol is only permitted from noon to 8 pm at the selected locations: Botanical Building at Lawn and West Lawn, House of Pacific Relations Lawn, Mall Lawn, Pan American Plaza Lawn, International Lawn, Recital Hall Lawn, and the Moreton Bay Fig Lawn. Dogs have to be leashed at all times and the owner must remain in control of it. Glass containers of any sort to carry or contain liquid are against regulations as well. If you want to bring your bicycle for a stroll around the park you can except at the Rose & Desert Gardens, Spanish Village, and the House of Pacific Relations International Cottage. Sadly roller skates, skateboards, and other such devices are not allowed in the Park. Other than that you are free to have fun. BBQ and enjoy the museums, playgrounds, or even visit the zoo.

Mission Beach

Mission Beach is located between South Mission Beach and Pacific Beach, only a mile away from Sea World. Many of you know Mission Beach for it’s very popular Belmont Park attraction. The beach is always a great place for a fantastic BBQ, providing plenty of grassy lawns and picnic tables for all to use. Afterwards, one can enjoy a nice stroll on the boardwalk, about a mile in length. Or you can walk over to Belmont Park, shop at the beach stores, and check out the fun rides and games. Belmont Park even has an arcade for hours of game time.  Mission provides plenty of fun entertainment as well. Visitors can surf and swim in the gorgeous ocean waves and be under the watchful eye of a lifeguard. The beach is also wheelchair accessible and provides beach wheelchairs so that all can enjoy the sandy beachfront. Fire pits, tables, and bathrooms with showers are provided. There are some regulations and the following are not allowed: alcohol, glass containers, smoking, dogs, littering, camping, or loud disturbing noise.

Mission Bay

Mission Bay has several locations to BBQ namely: Crown Point, Bonita Cove, Mission Point, Ski Beach, and more.  Hours and regulations vary from place to place.

Bonita Cove is open to visitors from 4:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.. In Bonita Cove-West, the park has a great playground for kids to run around along with fire rings, BBQ grills and picnic tables. In Bonita Cove-East, there are different amenities provided.

At Crown Point Shores there are a lot of fun facilities with hours of operation being 4:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m. There are grills and fire rings for the BBQ fans as well as picnic tables and one picnic shelter. During the summer time you can swim and have fun while a  lifeguard is on duty. This beach also has a rinse-off shower with a comfort station.

Mission Point is another location with the same amenities provided that Crown Point offers. In addition dogs on leashes are allowed but only during the hours of 9 am to 6 pm. Swimming is allowed, however no lifeguard will be on duty. There is a playground for kids as well as a path for bike riders and runners alike. Hours of operation are 4:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Santee Lakes

Let’s not forget the beautiful Santee Lakes. It offers fishing, camping, barbecuing, picnics and more. Families and friends can enjoy the paddle boats, feeding the local bird residents, and having a nice walk or bike ride around the lakes. There are also a variety of playgrounds for the kids to enjoy, including a waterpark. Hours of operation are Monday through Thursday at 8 a.m. to one half hour before dusk and on Friday to Sunday at 6 a.m. to one half hour before dusk. There is a charge for those who park their vehicles inside the park. On the weekdays its $3 per vehicle and on the weekend/holiday it is $5 per vehicle.

Photos courtesy of Truett Lawrence and Antoine Taveneaux via WikiCommons and Jacqui Yawn via own work.

The site is far from polished, it is rudimentary at best, but it does star Brown himself holding one of the adorable puppies from the litter sporting a “puppy-dog look” that fans all over the cyber world are no doubt swooning over as they scrap to pull together $1,000 for one of Chris Brown’s puppies.  Cbbreeds.com also can connect you directly to paypal after you select a puppy to be put in your shopping cart.  This seemed to parrticularly rub activist the wrong way, PETA issued a statement that declared, “This is a moneymaking scheme, and Brown will count the suckers who fall for it as he counts the money on the way to the bank.”

The puppies were all born on February 25, 2012 and come as part of a package of goodies that include: registration, current vaccination, veterinarian examination, a health guarantee, and a four generation performance pedigree.  These three male and four female puppies are not just your run of the mill cute and cuddley companions.  Apparently, they are pure bred champions in the making.

Animal rights organizations are not only outraged by what the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals calls “backyard breeding,” but the site hits a particular soft spot because the puppies are purebred American Pitbull Terriers.   A dog breed known to have a hard time getting adopted.  SPCA LA President Madeline Bernstein had no reservations weighing in on the issue when stating,

“There is no reason to breed and produce more pit bull puppies when there are pit puppies waiting for homes in every shelter in America”

A publicist rep for Brown released a statement that the singer is not in fact starting a business, but is selling the pups that resulted from a pair of dogs his family has in Virginia.  The website and twitter blast were set up to make sure that the dogs go to a good home.  PETA still is adament that those looking for a new companion to join the family “ADOPT, never buy.”  As of right now the puppies are still being advertised as for sale with no updates on which fur balls have been claimed by those clamouring for a little piece of Chris Brown.

But before we dive into the selection, how about a little history of Mother’s Day? According to Mother’s Day Central, Julia Ward Howe was responsible for bringing the first North American Mother’s Day through her Mother’s Day Proclamation in 1870. Depressed and troubled by the carnage and amount of death the Civil War brought, Howe decided to take a stand against the killings. Through her proclamation, she reached out to mothers everywhere to bring them together to protest against the war. She declared June 2nd 1873 to be the International Mother’s Day as a day of peace and motherhood.

The holiday died out 10 years later after she stopped sponsoring it from her own pocket. Anna M. Jarvis later revived the holiday in 1908. Anna and her group created the first official Mother’s Day on May 10th, 1908 to reunite families that were torn by the war.

After much debate from Congress, and campaigning from Anna Jarvis, Woodrow Wilson signed the petition in 1914 to make Mother’s Day a national holiday. From then on it was to be celebrated on the second Sunday of May.

Beach/Park Picnic

If you live in San Diego, then you live in a city that is known for it’s beautiful  sunny  weather. Why not take advantage of it by taking the family down to a beach or park for a nice picnic? The men can do the food gathering and preparations while the women sit back and enjoy the pampering.

There are several scenic places to choose from. For those who enjoy a nice walk in the park there is Mast Park, Balboa Park, Presidio Park, Mission Bay Park, Black Mountain, Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve (has a waterfall), Mission Trails Regional Park, Admiral Baker Park, and Santee Lakes, .

However, if this special lady is more into beaches, how can you deny her that pleasure? There are plenty of beaches to choose from. Beach choices include Silver Strand Beach, Cardiff-by-the-Sea Beach, La Jolla Reefs, Mission Bay, Coronado Beach, Imperial Beach, Oceanside, Ocean Beach, Solano Beach, Mission Beach, Point Loma, and Del Mar. The mothers can enjoy a nice swim or sun tan and breathe in the nice sweet salty sea air. 

Mother’s Day Brunch/Dinner

Peohe’s located in Coronado, is offering their exquisite sea food entrees for brunch from 10:00am to 2:00 p.m.

Coronado Boat House will be serving their seafood brunch as well from 10:00am to 2:00 p.m.

Baleen Restaurant, in Mission Bay is known for it’s delicious seafood and will be open for its Mother’s Day Brunch Special from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The restaurant has a beautiful view of the bay outside of its windows as the mothers enjoy their meal. It will also include an A La Carte Menu and their signature Bloody Mary Bar.

The Bandar Restaurant, located in the Gaslamp District of Downtown. The restaurant is known for its delicious Persian food and will provide either an A La Carte Menu or a special fixed menu. Another downtown place is

Croce’s Restaurant and Jazz Bar, also located downtown. The guests(s) of honor will be given a real treat as they will be given either a free glass of champagne or desert to go with their meal while listening to some smooth jazz music.

Crossroads at House of Blue, located in downtown, will be serving their delicious American style food. They will be having a Mother’s Day Gospel Brunch for the ladies and their families. Guests will be able to serve themselves some southern-style food at Crossroad’s Buffet table and be provided with beautiful gospel music.

French Bernad’O Restaurant in Poway, is perfect for those who like the European cuisine. Bernard’O will be serving brunch from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 4:00 -7:30 for Dinner. For the mothers attending this wonderful brunch, each of them will be given a beautiful fresh orchid.

Café Secret, a Peruvian restaurant is located in Del Mar will be giving mothers a complimentary gift as well. There, Mothers will be provided with a free mimosa with their meal.

To book a table at any of these restaurants go to opentable.com.

Other Options

Other options to consider taking your special guests are the Brunch Cruises at the San Diego Harbor. Mothers can enjoy smooth sailing on their cruise while sipping the Harbor’s unlimited champagne and mimosas and enjoying the seafood station. The ship’s morning cruise will board at 9:30 a.m. and cruise from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. At 1:30 the evening cruise will start boarding and will cruise from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. .

If she’s more of a land lady, Balboa Park is holding a special “Mother’s Day Concert.” The concert will be held at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion on Saturday, May 12 and Sunday, May 13.

Photos courtesy of Myles Grant, US Library of Congress, Stan Shebs, John Sullivan, and prayitno via WikiCommons.

The singer/actress recently gave birth to a beautiful baby girl, Blue Ivy Carter.  She and her husband of four-years, Jay-Z, have slowed down in the entertainment industry to enjoy parenthood with their first and only daughter.

 ”I feel more beautiful than I’ve ever felt because I’ve given birth,” she told PEOPLE in an exclusive interview. “I have never felt so connected, never felt like I had such a purpose on this earth.”

This is the 30-year-old’s ninth time making the coveted list. Other notable women that have repeatedly made People’s list are: Julie Roberts (13 times) and Nicole Kidman (10 times).

Click here for People’s interview with Beyonce.

The case is prosecuting against William Balfour, Jennifer Hudson’s sister’s ex-husband, who is allegedly responsible for the murders of Hudson’s family members on October 24, 2008. The victims are Hudson’s mother Darnell Donerson, her brother Jason Hudson, 29, and her young nephew Julian King who died at the age of seven. Since the prosecutors have no surviving witnesses against Balfour, they will have to provide a large amount of circumstantial evidence against the suspect to go against the defense.

The defense has stated the lack of evidence against Balfour by telling the jurors no DNA of the suspect was found on the gun. As a result of the police’s quick arrest, Balfour’s attorneys stated that investigation was not done correctly since there was no DNA, fingerprints, or any gunshot residue to link their client to the murders. The attorneys believe that the police did not look in to other connections for suspects in the case, such as those in Jason Hudson’s past. “This really had nothing to do with (Jennifer Hudson),” Public Defender Amy Thompson stated to the jury during her opening statement. “It was what Jason was doing to make money for their family as he worked as a drug dealer in Englewood.” The attorney brought up the victim’s past alleged drug dealing and the people he associated with.

With lack of DNA evidence, the prosecutors are going to have to look elsewhere for convincing evidence. The evidence involves “cellphone records and security-camera footage that place Balfour in the area of the killings, since he denies he was there” (NY Daily News).

Hudson attracted a lot of national and local news media during her testimony against her former brother-in-law. She gave a beautiful image of her family by telling the jury how close her family was before the grisly murders took place. She stated, “I slept with my mom until I was 16 years old.” The singer also told the jury how she would leave signed blank checks for her mother to help pay the household bills. The last time the singer saw her mother was on a Sunday, a few days before the killings. Hudson stated that she remembered that day because the entire family came over to eat.

Prosecutors accused the suspect of murdering the family for revenge when Hudson’s sister, Julia Hudson, told him her intention to divorce. Hudson said she had dreadful feeling that something was wrong on the day the murders took place since her mother never sent her daily morning text at 9am.

During her testimony, the singer/actress gave a vivid description of her family’s hesitation and fear for her sister when Julia married Balfour. She often broke down in tears as she described her loving family life. On the stand Hudson stated, “We didn’t like the way he treated her, and I didn’t like the way he treated my nephew.” The singer said she was never friends with him back when they knew each other in their junior high school. With her disgust of her brother in law heavy in her voice, she told the jury, “I tried to keep my distance from William Balfour.”  Her testimony lasted close to an hour before she was finally asked to leave the stand. After her direct walk past the jurors, with tissues in her hand, she sat down with her fiancé, David Otunga. For protection, the singer had a bodyguard and two deputies at the bench she sat.

Hudson’s sister has even testified that Balfour threatened her and her family repeatedly but never went to the police due to her disbelief. She stated that she didn’t believe he would go through with his threats. She stated their relation took a turn for the worse in 2007 when she found out about Balfour’s affair with three other women. Balfour’s former wife told the jury of his constant jealousy against her family, even her son from a past relationship. “Julian couldn’t kiss me. ‘Don’t kiss my wife,’” she said Balfour would tell her then 6-year-old son, Julian.” (ABC News).  Julia was the one who found the slain bodies of her beloved family and called 911. She then told Hudson about the killings of their family members. Jennifer had to fly over and identify the bodies of each of her family members, including her nephew whom she often watched over.

The trial is expected to last close to a month with the attorneys’ witnesses and evidence. Only then will the jury be allowed to reach their verdict. What the verdict will be only time and evidence will tell.

Photos courtesy of Scott Aza Jordan, Staff Sgt. Bradley Lail USAF, and David Torcivia via WikiCommons.