Aaliyah Remembered

It's been 10 years since Aaliyah's plane crashed on August 25, 2001 soon after taking off from the Bahamas. Aaliyah was a rare talent, and was about to become a big movie star as well as an even bigger singer. She had begun filming for the Matrix sequels, but her scenes were not completed and they had to recast the role. She was also going to be collaborating with Trent Reznor of Nine Inch Nails, which would've expanded her music. Her last album includes some rock with her normal Soul/R&B sound. We can only imagine what she would have done since then.

My favorite songs of hers:
1. Try Again (2000) - Her biggest hit and for good reasons. Great beats to go along with her voice.
2. One in a Million (1996) - Her voice is on full display, and you could tell she was going to be a big star.
3. Miss You (2002) - Released after her death, the song is a nice ballad and her voice sounds great laid back like it is here.
4. We Need a Resolution (2001) - The video for this song is probably her best, and the song made a good first single for her final album.
5. What If (2001) - Not a single, a track on her final album. It's an industrial rock leaning song, a preview of what she may have done with Trent Reznor. She knew how to change her voice to fit a different type of song.
6. Are You That Somebody? (1998) - The song from Dr. Dolittle, another addictive song with a beat and chorus you won't forget.
7. I Refuse (2001) - A piano dominated song from her last album, really showcases her voice.
8. Age Ain't Nothing but a Number (1994) - One of her first songs, sounds like it could fit on a TLC album and shows that even at a young age, she had a big voice.
9. Come Over (2003) - Released from the posthumous album I Care 4 U.
10. Journey to the Past (1997) - Another single from a soundtrack, she gave a great performance at the Academy Awards in 1998 of the song. More of a pop song, her voice translates well just as it did in her Hip Hop and Rock songs.

For those who have never listened to Aaliyah, do yourselves a favor and download the albums or some tracks. (For some reason the CD's are out of print, so you can only download them on iTunes and Amazon.) Hope they someday release deluxe versions with extra material.

Anne Hathaway Raps on Conan

If you missed it, Anne Hathaway, who is currently playing Catwoman, made a rap on Conan O'Brien about the paparazzi who have been around the set of The Dark Knight Rises. I can say she is already better than Soulja Boy ever was. As she comically stated, the song is in the style of Lil Wayne. Check it out:

First Look at Catwoman in The Dark Knight Rises

Warner Bros. was forced to release the anticipated first official photograph of Anne Hathaway as Selina Kyle aka Catwoman from the upcoming film The Dark Knight Rises. They had to because there were leaked shots from the set.

I like this costume, it's pretty tactical and I like the goggles. It's missing the trademark cat ears however, but I'm speculating that they will come later. I'm not sure what's happening in the photo, if Batman gave her the Batpod, or if Catwoman is stealing it. Apparently the photo does take place during the fight between Bane and Batman that was released earlier. I'll assume this is earlier in the film and she is stealing the Batpod. I think she'll eventually join up with Batman and that may be when she gets a "Cat" mask that the goggles will go over, perhaps from Lucius Fox (Morgan Freeman). The image is listed under Selina Kyle, so this may be an outfit she uses as Selina. We will surely find out more in the coming months.

Take a look at some previous versions of Catwoman in TV & Film:

Michelle Pfeiffer (1992) -The Best Catwoman, from the film Batman Returns

Lee Meriweather (1966)

Eartha Kitt (1967)

Julie Newmar (1966)

Halle Berry (2004)

Harry Potter & The Deathly Hallows Part 2 Review; Extended DVDs?

Harry Potter & The Deathly Hallows Part 2 is now here, and concludes the film series based on the books by J.K Rowling. As many of you may know, it has been getting the best reviews of the eight films, and even generating some much deserved Oscar buzz. I, of course, think it should at least be nominated for Best Picture, as well as other categories like effects, score, possibly even a supporting actor nomination for Alan Rickman. This is without a doubt the most action packed of the films, and really moves by quickly, at a little over 2 hours. I would give the film about a 95 out of 100, knocking a few points off because of some things I'll put below the cut. And it's been announced that the film has surpassed The Dark Knight to have the biggest opening weekend ever in the US, with around $168 million. It also crushed the Twilight record for biggest midnight opening, as well as biggest single day ever, grossing $92 million on Friday alone. The Harry Potter finale has cast a big spell, with records that should stand for a very long time.

Now, possible Spoilers beyond here, click "read more" for the rest, and thoughts on possible extended edition DVDs/Blu Rays.

FIFA Women's World Cup: Miracle on Grass

If anyone missed the United States take on Brazil in the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup Quarterfinals, you missed out on one of the most exciting, thrilling and hard fought sports matches of all time. It's almost hard to explain in words to get that same thrill of seeing it unfold live.

Down 2-1 in Extra Time, the United States ended up tying it on an Abby Wambach header in the final minute of the match. This came after a player on Brazil pretended to be hurt to waste time, which the ref added on since she clearly faked after jumping up and running back on the field. If not for the fake injury, the USA might not have tied it. Karma? Maybe. The game then went to penalty kicks, 12 years to the exact day after the USA beat China on Penalty Kicks to win the 1999 Women's World Cup at the Rose Bowl in front of over 90,000 people and 40 million watching on TV in the US alone. That 1999 team captivated the country, and the buzz surrounding the 2011 team has catapulted up to the top of every news outlet, just like in 1999. The USA beat Brazil this time on Penalty Kicks, in the same way Brandi Chastain did 12 years earlier. USA goalie Hope Solo came through big as well, blocking Brazil's 3rd penalty kick in the shootout which helped.

Germany has embraced the tournament as well, with over 20 million people watching Germany matches on TV. On Saturday though, Japan shocked Germany by eliminating them, playing more physical than anyone thought possible. Japan passes the ball with more accuracy than any team I've ever seen, and play tough. They've become a sentimental favorite following the March Tsunami and Earthquake, and will take on Sweden. Do yourselves a favor and watch the rest of the matches! The semifinals are on Wednesday. In the USA, they'll be on ESPN starting with France vs. United States at 11:30AM Eastern Time (Game starts at 12), followed by Japan vs. Sweden at 2:45 PM Eastern. My pick: USA and Japan moving to the final. France vs Sweden for 3rd place.

As for soccer in the US, the World Cup and Olympics are very popular, as well as other big international matches. The attendance record for the Men's World Cup is the 1994 World Cup held in the USA, and the record for the Women's World Cup is 1999 in USA. The MLS (and WPS) can't have that same excitement, so it's seen as second rate to the World Cup and Women's World Cup. Finally, watch the big Wambach goal below:

What is J.K. Rowling planning? Return of Harry Potter franchise?

If you haven't heard yet, J.K. Rowling has opened up two teaser sites. The first is a YouTube with owls and a countdown clock located here. The second is a website, http://www.pottermore.com/. This is obviously directly related to the Harry Potter universe, so what is it that she will be announcing in six days? The YouTube simply says, "The owls are gathering... Find out why soon."

What exactly is Pottermore? Your guess is as good as mine. I and many others have some theories on it, but we will find out the truth in six days.

Will it be a prequel to the Harry Potter franchise featuring his young parents leading up to the night Harry got his scar? Could it be some books featuring stories during their time at Hogwarts that we never read, or some side stories with their classmates such as Luna Lovegood and Neville? It could be Harry Potter e-books, but I don't see why all this fuss would be made over e-books. Maybe the original books would be released as e-books with new bonus chapters?

Or it might not even be a new book, and it's probably not. Maybe it is going to be some sort of video game, like an MMO similar to the Marvel Universe Online which was eventually cancelled? I would think it would be more than just any old MMO game if JK Rowling is planning this big announcement. Anyone have any other guesses? Speculation is all over the place, but we'll find out what Pottermore is soon.

2011 FIFA Women's World Cup Preview

I love these international tournaments, and the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup begins on June 26, 2011. The first time I watched soccer was during the memorable 1999 Women's World Cup held in the USA, so I still enjoy it to this day. Most people remember how big that was, with the team selling out football stadiums across the country, culminating with the United States beating China in penalty kick overtime for the championship in front of over a record 90,000 people at the Rose Bowl. Mia Hamm became a household name and Brandi Chastain scored the game winning penalty kick then pulled her jersey off to reveal the infamous sports bra. The game is still the most watched soccer match in US history.

Those players have retired, but the tournament lives on. The big difference between the men's game and women's game is the women don't slop around and fake injury as much, which is refreshing. It can get annoying watching Cristiano Ronaldo pretending to be hurt every 5 minutes, which I why I slightly prefer the Women's WC, but both are great fun to watch.

The 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup comes from Germany, and will be another great spectacle, and every single game will be broadcast live on ESPN. The time zone difference is a bit better for US fans than it was in China in 2007, when they played early in the morning US time. All of the United States matches will be at 12 pm ET. Be sure to watch the first match between Germany and Canada on Sunday June 26th, which will be at Berlin's Olympic Stadium in front of 75,000 people. Sure to be an exciting match.

I'll give some predictions for who will move on.
Group A: 1. Germany, 2. Canada, 3. Nigeria, 4. France - Germany should win at home and the second spot should be up for grabs by all three. I'll give Canada the edge.
Group B: 1. Japan, 2. England, 3. Mexico, 4. New Zealand - Japan vs. England should decide who wins the group. Mexico could be the spoiler, but Japan and England should come through.
Group C: 1. United States, 2. Sweden, 3. North Korea, 4. Colombia - The US is ranked #1 in the world, so not winning their group would be a disappointment. The second spot is up for grabs between North Korea and Sweden, I'll pick Sweden to beat them.
Group D: 1. Brazil, 2. Australia, 3. Norway, 4. Equatorial Guinea - Brazil is the favorite here along with Norway, but I will pick Australia to surprise and take out Norway.

Quarterfinals: Germany over England, United States over Australia, Japan over Canada, Brazil over Sweden. I'm tempted to pick Sweden over Brazil as an upset, but it's always tough to pick against Brazil. The USA has won the cup twice and never finished below 3rd place. Germany has won the cup twice in a row.

Semi-finals: United States over Germany - Germany knocked the USA out in this round in the States in 2003, so why not the other way around? Japan over Brazil. Am I nuts? Maybe, but Japan is ranked 4th in the world. It may be a sentimental pick, but they have the talent.

3rd Place: Germany over Brazil. Championship: Japan over United States. I'm going with the underdogs, even though most think Brazil, Germany, USA or Norway will win it all. Who do you think the top 3 teams will be?

After this, the 2015 Women's World Cup will be held in Canada and the number of teams will be increased from 16 to 24. Enjoy!