As if we needed any more proof that this is going to be sooo gay...

The Pretty Reckless - Light Me Up

So The Pretty Reckless released their debut album today and I have to say it's pretty good and no where near as scary as Taylor Momsen would have you believe.

More Pink than Slipknot, 'Light Me Up' is an obnoxious loud shot of rock-pop adrenaline (at at around 35 minutes long, it's also rather short) that is full of hook-laden, sing-along melodies and clichéd self-important lyrics (and I mean that in the nicest way possible).  This is really what Avril Lavigne should have done next, but in her absence from the music scene, Momsen seems poised to pick-up where Lavigne left off.

In some ways, 'Light Me Up' is a tribute album to a variety of pop-rock performers who have come before.  From the Sheryl Crow-esque title track and the fun Green Day-punk of 'Goin Down' to the 'American Pie' (the song, not the films) inspired lyrics of 'Nothing Left to Lose', there is certainly an obvious amount of inspiration throughout the CD.  Inspiration does turn in to all out copying on the aforementioned Pink rip-off 'Factory Girl' and the Kelly Clarkson's 'Behind These Hazel Eyes' melody stealing 'Just Tonight'.  Neither are bad songs, but in amongst all this familiarity, a bit of originality wouldn't have gone amiss.

The Pretty Reckless really shine when Momsen puts her Courtney Love hat on, on the lead singles 'Make Me Wanna Die' and the superb 'Miss Nothing'.  Both the song 'Light Me Up' and 'Since You're Gone' are other highlights on an album almost completely devoid of any filler.  Certainly worth the price of the CD, 'Light Me Up' is full to the brim of potential and at times completely flawless moments.  Pink will want to make sure she gets that new album out soon as her pop-punk rocker crown could be jeopardy.

Another ridiculous advert

Seeing as this is slowly becoming a Britney Spears fan site, I thought I'd share the latest fragrance advert from Britney for her new scent 'Radiance'.  We recently featured the tacky bejewelled bottle in all it's glory and now here's the equally tacky sparkling TV spot.



What does choosing your own destiny have to do with perfume again?

Is 'Desperate Housewives' getting good again?

I haven't watch 'Desperate Housewives' since around the third series - after the ground breaking first series it just never seemed the same.  Since then they've skipped the series ahead by five years and had a pretty disastrous plane crash to shake things up, but still, I couldn't muster the enthusiasm to watch again.

Now at the start of series seven, DH seems to finally be getting really good again.  I'm basing this solely on the fact that Vanessa Williams has joined the cast as the latest housewife.  If she brings half as much sass as she did in 'Ugly Betty' playing the villainous Wilhelmina Slater, then hopefully the show will be given the breath of fresh air it has desperately needed since Nicollette Sheridan's Edie Britt left.

Either way here's the completely over the top and ridiculous trailer for the seventh series.

I know what I'm going as for Halloween

Mission: Youth

Let me preface by saying I don't actually like Tom Cruise, but despite what the headline above the pictures suggests, he's not looking bad at all for 48 years old.  Of course he doesn't look like he did when he was 21 - nobody in their forties looks like someone in their twenties, no matter how much surgery 'dental work' they've had done.

On another note, Brad Pitt (the photo on the left was taken last week) is not looking too bad for his age either; wikipedia puts him at 46 year old.  I also forget that without that bird's nest on his face he's actually quite attractive.

It's interesting how we constantly speculate on whether female celebrities have had surgery 'dental work', but never male celebrities.  I'm not saying Tom or Brad have had anything done, but I know a few 40 something year old men and they don't look half as good as these too.

I wonder who their dentist is?

Magazine Cover of the day 2: Britney as a manga character on Pop magazine quarterly

She's been teasing her fans for a week or so now about a big magazine cover, and yesterday Britney Spears finally revealed her new front cover of fashion and pop culture magazine Pop.

Let's talk for a minute about it.  Britney, looking like a young Courtney Love (very grunge, very 90's, very on-trend) is photographed in the same pose that appears on the cover of the US edition of her debut album 'Baby One More Time' wearing a wedding dress (something often associated with Britney).  The juxtaposition between vixen and lolita was something Britney has played around with a lot in the past (post-shaven head Britney has had to step off that tight-rope though because, well, it's just not believable any more at 28 years-old) and this photo is certainly a nod to that.  The imagery of Japanese art mixed with faux advertisements is a clear reference to the times we live in, where art cannot exist without commerce and vice versa - something Britney, as a pop star in the 21st century has come to represent.

It's kind of cute, kind of sinister and kind of amazing.

Magazine Cover of the day 1: Gaga as a man on Vogue Japan

No, really it's her.

Last month we talked about this and here it is, Lady Gaga dressed as her male alter ego Jo Calderone on the cover of Japanese Vogue.  

Very Gaga.  Very Nick Knight.

Underrated: Christina Aguilera - Bionic

‘Underated’ is back, back, back this week with a look at Christina Aguilera’s ‘Bionic’.

Christina Aguilera’s album ‘Bionic’ is one that many of her fans in the UK and Europe will have no idea exists.  But did you know that ‘Bionic’ was actually a record breaking number one album in the UK?  It holds the title as the fewest selling number one album in British chart history and the fastest drop in UK album chart history, falling from number one to number thirty-six.  Ok, so they’re hardly record breaking achievements Aguilera is likely to be shouting from the roof tops, but the fact that it got to number one at all considering the lack of promotion it received outside the US is quite a feat.

When ‘Bionic’ was released in June 2010, Aguilera found herself in a strange position.  Since her hugely successful sophomore album ‘Stripped’ in 2002 she had enjoyed being the top pop princess on the scene thanks to Madonna’s move in to electro dance music and Britney’s move to the psyche ward.  Despite lacklustre sales of it’s follow-up ‘Back to Basics’ in 2006, ‘Stripped’ and it’s hit singles such as ‘Dirrty’ and ‘Fighter’ had established Aguilera as a unique and exciting talent.  Then in 2008, whilst Christina was busy raising her first child, one four letter word burst on to the scene and changed everything: Gaga.

With the huge success of her first two albums, Lady Gaga became the most unique and creative talent in some years to find major mainstream success.  Basically, Gaga turned the pop music world on it’s head, she was able to raise the bar and all other female pop stars had begun to be compared to her.  Beyonce made the first move and instead of competing against Gaga, actually teamed up with her on the hit singles ‘Videophone’ and ‘Telephone’.  Now, nearly five years since her last studio album, Christina Aguilera was about to release her new CD in to a post-Gaga world with one problem - she had no idea anything had changed.

Since releasing her greatest hits disc in 2008, Christina had excited fans by hinting her next album would have hints of electronica music and focus on the future – in direct contrast to the throw-back themes of ‘Back to Basics’.  Many critics were also intrigued when Aguilera announced she was working with electro queen Peaches and New York transgender group Le Tigre on the new album.  So when it was revealed the first single from the album ‘Not Myself Tonight’ would be produced by hip-hop heavy weight Polow da Don, many were confused as to how this would fit in with the fresh new, futuristic sound Christina had promised.  The truth is, it didn't.

‘Not Myself Tonight’ is not a terrible song, remixed and played really loud it’s actually very good, but in it’s radio edited existence it lacks anything particularly attention grabbing or different to what you can already hear by other less established artists.  It didn’t help that the video Aguilera made for the single is absolutely ridiculous – over stylised, over sexed and over the top, not to mention a homage rip-off of several other music videos by Madonna and Beyonce.  For some reason many detractors accused Aguilera of copying Lady Gaga in both music and image with ‘Not Myself Tonight’, but to be honest I don’t see it.  This bad press sent Christina’s record label in to panic mode and all overseas promotion was cancelled to concentrate on the US market.

Aguilera’s problem is that she paid no attention to what had happened in music and pop culture in the time she was away.  One look at the Billboard top 100, or even a trip to a club would have given Christina all the hints she needed as to where to take her music next, instead she just did what she wanted to, as she always has.  And one look at her record sales in recent years would have shown her that would be a mistake.  As a result when ‘Bionic’ (a title in relation to the futuristic direction Aguilera wanted to go in) was released, it struggled to get any attention from the music buying public, radio or TV.

Luckily for Aguilera ‘Bionic’ is actually a pretty good body of work and had it been released two or three years earlier it would have been a huge success.  The more poppy tracks like the ode to loving yourself album-closer ‘Vanity’ (a former song of the moment) and the Peaches/Le Tigre collaboration ‘My Girls’ prove Aguilera has a sense of humour.  The album’s title track and the MIA penned ‘Elastic Love’ have a genuine futuristic sound and either would have been a far better choice for first single, whilst ‘I Am’ and ‘You Lost Me’ both written by Aguilera and Australian singer Sia, find Christina singing in new and more moving ways than ever before.

Other great tracks include the fun hip-hop/pop track ‘Woohoo’ featuring Nicki Minaj and the sensual ‘Sex for Breakfast’, however neither are particularly unique and once again, not really futuristic.  One track ‘Prima Donna’ sounds like something Ciara would have made on her last album, certainly not a bad thing, but probably not the kind of comparison Aguilera would have wanted.  If only she had included more tracks like bonus songs ‘Monday Morning’ and ‘Birds of Prey’ on the main disc, these are truly unique electro-pop songs that would certainly have better suited ‘Bionic’s mission statement.

There could still be hope for ‘Bionic’.  Despite the first two singles ‘Not Myself Tonight’ and ‘You Lost Me’ not receiving much attention, there are enough great songs on there for Aguilera to turn it around.  The trouble is, with the release of the soundtrack to her first movie role ‘Burlesque’ this November, has Christina given up on ‘Bionic’?  I guess we’ll find out, but it would be a shame to see an artist who claims to put so much in to her art, to just abandon her latest work.  And if not, let’s hope Aguilera rediscovers her own artistic identity and is able to make an album as unique as she thinks it is.

From Russia with Love

So, earlier today I slightly begrudgingly saw the latest movie starring Angelina Jolie 'Salt', and I have to be honest and say I really enjoyed it.  And believe me - I really didn't expect to.

'Salt' finds Jolie playing Evelyn Salt, an FBI spy who is accused of working for Russia.  The part, which was rumoured to have been originally written as a male for Tom Cruise sees Evelyn shoot, run and blow-up her way through various situations to reveal her true identity.  It's the type of character that Jolie plays so well and proves she is perhaps the only female actress today who can not only play such a part, but pull it off too.  It's also clear Jolie is aware what her name can bring to a film like this; she is rumoured to have received a $20million pay-check for 'Salt' (an amount normally reserved for male actors).  Performing almost all her own stunts and single-handedly elevating the entire film from being just another action movie - Angelina earns her money.

Thin on dialogue and fully formed characters, 'Salt' is a true action-packed popcorn movie - so anyone expecting anything more will be disappointed, but those seeking 90 minutes of pure escapism should definitely check it out.

"Sometimes it's all you need to wear"

Because when your career is falling to pieces thanks to a flop album, poor image choices and the fact that not many people like you, the best thing to do is release a fragrance.  Another one.

How unique and original.  That'll stop those suggestions that you're completely money orientated and have lost that 'it' factor that once set you apart  from your contemporaries.

Don't get me wrong I used to LOVE Christina but the girl doesn't help herself.  This Sunday 'Underrated: Christina Aguilera - Bionic'.

If you're gay, you'll understand....

Rather thought-provoking, no?

Britney on Glee!

Unlike her idol Madonna, Britney Spears will actually be appearing in the episode of Glee that is dedicated to her and her music.

Here's a picture Spears tweeted from the set; it features the character Brittany from the show playing Britney, and Spears herself playing Madonna, in a recreation of the 'Me Against the Music' video.

Any suggestions that Britney has been photo-shopped in this picture are ridiculous....

Drew Barrymore we love you BUT...

What the ef is going on with those roots?

And that make-up?

A rare misstep for the normally immaculate Barrymore.

Madonna & Jesus & Cornrows & What I can only assume are pyjamas

As soon as you release a new album Madonna, I will stop posting embarrassing photos like this of you.

Nothing about this photo is right.

When posing nude isn't enough

To your left is some of the cast of vampire black comedy 'True Blood' posing nude on the cover of 'Rolling Stone' magazine - covered in blood.

Is it wrong that I find this quite sexy?

Chelsea Handler + VMAs = AMAZING

MTV officially announced last week that this year's Video Music Awards - literally the best award show there is - will take place in LA on September 12th.  It's already been confirmed that Britney isn't going and it's a given that Gaga will win big, so I'd started to lose interest in this year's ceremony, until it was announced that US comedian Chelsea Handler would be the evening's host.

Handler is, besides Kathy Griffin, the funniest American female comedian around.  Her own late night comedy sketch/chat show 'Chelsea Lately' on E! is infamous for ripping it out of celebrities, so MTV's decision to have Handler present their celebrity heavy awards show is controversial none the least.  However, it's exactly what both MTV and Handler need; they need someone funny and fresh to inject some life in to a show that has been getting by on it's reputation alone for several years now and Chelsea needs a big break like this to catapult her in to the American mainstream.

We'll see what happen on September 12th, but I'm expecting big things.

The new Alexandra Burke video....

....is shit.

Remember that Alexandra Burke song 'Start Without You' we talked about last month?

Well she's finally decided to release the music video and it's pretty bad.  Burke herself is actually the best thing about it, but even she can't distract from the obvious Beyonce and Olivia Newton-John 'Physical' comparisons.  The video was actually re-shot to co-inside with it's rescheduled September release - the original was apparently too 'Summer' for an Autumn release.

It's a shame because with a few listens the song is actually pretty good, however with a video like this, few will give it a second or third listen.

Yeah sorry about that...

As you may, or may not have noticed there's been somewhat of an unannounced hiatus here at the !point for a week.  Apologies, but there has been a severe lack of inspiration - it was bound to happen seeing as Lady Gaga isn't doing anything exciting and Madonna's off directing her movie.  With them two out of the news, what else were we going to talk about?

I jest.

Normal posting will resume straight away with no plans on taking another break any time soon.  Enjoy and thanks for reading!

Halle Wintour

On the left is Vogue editor Anna Wintour, in a picture that could have been taken any time in the last 20 years.

On the right is actress Halle Berry on the cover of this year's iconic September Issue of Vogue.

One 'do, makes two big don't's.

Song of the Moment: The Pretty Reckless - Miss Nothing

I really want to dislike lead singer of The Pretty Reckless, Taylor Momsen (you may recognise her from 'Gossip Girl', she's the one who wears so much eye make-up that she's starting to resemble a raccoon) - she comes across like a complete idiot in interviews, never having anything interesting to say, she makes up ridiculous things like she "once fucked a priest - I'm kidding".  Eurgh.

However, not only was she chosen by Madonna herself to model her teenage clothing line 'Material Girl', but she also makes pretty decent music.  The Pretty Reckless' sound is heavy rock with pop hooks - something that Avril Lavigne should have done after her second album, instead of releasing complete shit like 'Girlfriend', but I digress - and with Momsen doing a better Courtney Love impression that Courtney Love herself does these days, they've got the potential to go far and launch Taylor as a credible female lead singer.

This 'Song of the Moment' is called 'Miss Nothing' and it's the best of what I've heard of The Pretty Reckless so far; Momsen's charismatic, raspy vocals belting out super-catchy pop melodies set to heavy rock guitars.  It's not normally my cup of tea but it's hard to ignore when done this well - enjoy the track and video for 'Miss Nothing' below.

Agreed.

....and in other Gay news, yesterday the Mexican Supreme court reinforced it's same-sex marriage law and ordered that all 31 states recognise gay marriage, however it is up to the individual state whether they perform gay marriage ceremonies.

Gay people in Mexico have been able to marry since March but the law has been extended and now also includes the right for gay couples to adopt and reap the same benefits as straight couples.

Another victory.

Pretty Death

I'm pretty much hoping/sure this isn't real.

The blue writing translates to "Kill Beautifully".

Looking ahead...

Hillary Clinton 2012.

As the weeks and months go by I'll be having a look as to why this is very likely, and why the Obama administration is failing all of us.

Discuss(t).

I'd like to pre-empt this post by stressing that I am not anti-America or anti anything else - but the picture above really does make you wonder what some American people really think.  Now, I'm sure the current wave of protests against Islam in America - brought on by the proposal to build a mosque near ground zero in New York, which is quite a bizarre decision, to say the least - are only being held by a minority, but what that minority are saying is so close minded and racist it's ridiculous.

Most American citizens identify as Christian or Catholic, so I'm not sure what high horse they're trying to get on about Muslim's being terrorists when, for example, I'm sure there are a few people in the UK and Ireland who can easily associate Catholicism with some of the worst terrorist attacks in this country, in the last 30 years.  Let's not even mention the blowing up of abortion centres and various child abuse crimes that are linked to the church, or that the bible endorses, among other things, domestic violence and the murder of women who aren't virgins before marriage.

My opinion is this: religion isn't evil, it's just old.

Underrated: Rihanna - Rated R

In this edition of ‘Underrated’ we take a look at the album ‘Rated R’ by Rihanna.

By November 2009, Rihanna had become nearly as famous for her personal life as she was for her music career.  Previously that February, Rihanna and then-boyfriend singer Chris Brown had left a pre-Grammy awards party when, whilst Brown was driving, they got in to an argument.  What happened after is well documented and a police photo of Rihanna’s swollen and bruised face was leaked online – something she called “humiliating and embarrassing”. 

The incident left Brown’s career in tatters and many wondered where Rihanna would go next?  Surely she couldn’t make another dance-pop album in a similar vein to her previous mega-hit ‘Good Girl, Gone Bad’?  Rihanna’s public persona (and in all likeliness, her state of mind) had changed to a point where whatever she released next had to correspond with that.  The result is the goth-rock-pop-r’n’b hybrid that is ‘Rated R’.

In October that year, Rihanna, catching fans completely off-guard, posted a message on her official website and social-networking site Twitter that read ‘The Wait Is Ova Nov 23 09’.  The message was in reference to a line from a new track called ‘Wait Your Turn’ and what would be the release date of ‘Rated R’ – this was the first anyone knew that Rihanna would be releasing a new album.  As a frenzy built within fan communities, Rihanna appeared on ‘20/20’ in America to discuss for the first time, her assault by Chris Brown.  In one particularly moving part of the interview, Rihanna describes how she had gone back to Brown afterwards but had quickly realised she “couldn’t live” knowing her actions may be putting other girls in harm, so finally ended the relationship.

When a video for ‘Wait Your Turn’ was posted on Rihanna’s official website, it was met with an unenthusiastic response from fans and critics.  Featuring grainy black and white shots of Rihanna looking like a pirate from out-of-space, many felt that she had compromised the quality of her music for a high-fashion couture style that was not her own.  Lead single, the Ne-yo penned grower ‘Russian Roulette’, which is full of metaphors one can associate with Rihanna’s relationship with Chris Brown, and it’s dark video, also received a lukewarm response in the US but did become a number one hit in the UK and Europe.

Follow up single ‘Hard’ is a prime example of style over substance; the video is the best from the ‘Rated R’ era, but the song itself is pretentious without being fun and is pretty much completely forgettable.  However in third single ‘Rude Boy’, the album found it’s first and only big hit.  The video which is a homage/rip-off of Grace Jones and various other female musicians has a Caribbean vibe that suites the island-style track.  ‘Rude Boy’ became a massive number one hit in the US and UK and helped ‘Rated R’ sell over three million copies to-date, which is by no means a flop but when compared to the nearly eight-million-selling ‘Good Girl, Gone Bad’, it is hardly a runaway success.

It’s a shame that more people have not got to hear ‘Rated R’ as it is certainly Rihanna’s most personal and remarkable album – it is also importantly, full of great songs, including the two best Rihanna songs ever.  The first is the album’s last single ‘Te Amo’ a fantastic Latin-trance track with a subtle story of lesbian love that perfectly suites the sound of Rihanna’s sweet yet gritty vocals.  To it’s detriment, ‘Te Amo’ was paired with a music video that exploited the lesbian side of the song and distracted the public from the track’s greatness. 

The other track is the striking ballad, the Timbaland-produced ‘Cold Case Love’, which is not only the best song on ‘Rated R’, but the best of Rihanna’s entire career.  Starting with a church organ and Rihanna’s voice, the song builds in intensity as more instruments are added before Justin Timberlake comes in with a beat-box that takes the song to a powerful and dramatic level.  ‘Cold Case Love’ is really what ‘Rated R’ is all about; the personal story of a young girl becoming a woman, lamenting love and innocence lost.  It is exquisite.

Other stand-out tracks include the aforementioned ‘Rude Boy’, ‘Russian Roulette’ and ‘Wait Your Turn’ as well as the ‘Unfaithful’-like ‘Stupid in Love’, the road trip style ‘Fire Bomb’ and album closer ‘The Last Song’.  It has been announced that ‘Te Amo’ is the final single from ‘Rated R’ so it’s a shame the public will not get to hear some of the best tracks from the album before Rihanna’s team move on to her next album, which is expected at the beginning of next year.

The direction of ‘Rated R’ has been described as “I’m gonna fuck you, then I’m gonna kill you” which is pretty spot-on with it’s dark, aggressive sexual tones and themes both lyrically, artistically and in style.  Unfortunately this sinister aspect has put many off the project and alienated Rihanna’s young fans who couldn’t possibly relate to it’s content.  And while many have described her latest neo-goth look as unauthentic, in my opinion it seems completely genuine, if a little ridiculous at times.  But for all the various costumes, haircuts and headlines, what really matters is the music -  and on that point Rihanna’s current style is her best yet, and more importantly, it’s all her own.

Music Video: Eminem feat Rihanna - Love the Way You Lie

So, that was pretty brilliant.

Well done to the director Joseph Kahn for putting together such a polished concept and piece of work, in such a small period of time.  He managed to make Megan Fox look human again, which is also quite a feat.  And is it me or should Rihanna stay away from close-ups, no matter how soft the focus? I'm just sayin'.

Oh Dear Lord?!

What on Earth has Emma Watson done to herself?

I hope this new look is for some sort of charity campaign, because she looks like a bad Justin Bieber impersonator with the new 'pixie' haircut.  It's not that she can't pull it off (because she can, she's got one of 'those' faces), it's just that she looks so much better with long hair.  When will the madness of girls cutting all their hair off end?

Don't worry dear, there's always hair extensions.

Aniston channels Streisand

Jennifer Aniston, looking the most glamorous she has EVER looked, emulates the iconic look and characteristics of Barbara Streisand, on the front of the September issue of 'Harper's Bazaar'.

Don't rain on her parade.

Naomi Campbell turns the UN in to her bitch

Naomi Campbell turned up seven minutes late for a UN trial in The Haque today, where she is giving evidence as to whether she received blood diamonds from former Liberian president Charles Taylor.  After repeated calls for her to take the stand, Campbell finally appeared in a stunning cream two-piece from Azzedine Alaia's spring/summer collection paired with a *FABULOUS* new wig.  


When she sat down, Naomi announced that she "didn't really want to be here. I just want to get this over with and get on with my life, this is a big inconvenience for me" - have you ever heard anything so obsurd?  Clearly the truth is Campbell was afraid if she said too much she would land either herself or Taylor in trouble, which could result in threats against her's and her families lives.  Instead, after an hour or so of cringe-worthy testimony about how, Campbell says, she received "two or three dirty stones in a pouch, delivered to me in the middle of the night", she was allowed to leave the stand and return to walking 40ft down a runway somewhere.


But seriously, the outfit and wig being overshadowed was the real crimes here.


P.S.  I find it quite hilarious that Campbell, prior to her appearance today, had gone to all the trouble of having a court injunction imposed that banned photographs of her entering or leaving the Haque to be published - only to have the whole deposition broadcast live around the world.  What an idiot. 

Coming Soon: Janelle Monae

Janelle Monae is one of those artists that are hard to define.  Her début LP 'The ArchAndroid (Suites II and III of IV)' is certainly full of Winehouse-inspired old-school sounds, but it's not without the odd hip-hop or dance number which is where Monae really shines, particularly on latest single 'Cold War' - which by the way, is the best song from the album.  Other highlights include the lead UK single 'Tightrope' featuring Big Boi from Outkast, which is accompanied by a simple yet hypnotising video.

The thing I can't get over with Monae though, is that her high-fashion, androgynous look leaves you wondering - is she really more style that substance?  She is a skilful singer, but is her art as unique as the packaging? The answer is up to you to judge when her album is released in the UK in September.  Until then enjoy the video for 'Tightrope' and 'Cold War' below.

'Burlesque' gets a trailer

As we've previously mentioned Christina Aguilera (fresh from the bomb of epic proportions that was her 'Bionic' album - which we'll have more on in the near future) and Cher, are starring in the film 'Burlesque' this November.

Anyway, here's the trailer.  It still gives no clues to how gay good or bad it's going to be.

Prop. 8 Overturned in California.

Today in California, a judge in a court of law has overturned Proposition 8.  If you don't know what Prop8 is and the controversy it has caused then click here.

This is only the next step for same-sex couples in California, the decision is almost guaranteed to be appealed, which will see it in the federal courts.  It is very likely it will then, whatever the ruling, be appealed to the US Supreme Court - potentially opening the flood gates for a full-on constitutional change (one way or the other) in America.

This is a big moment and certainly a reason to celebrate for gay people across the world, not just in California.

Quote of the Moment

"God put me on Earth for three reasons: to make loud music, gay videos and cause a damn raucous!" - Lady GaGa on hearing she has been nominated a record 13 times at this year's MTV Video Music Awards - two of which are for Best Music Video.

Goodbye Oprah

If you didn't know (or care), the next series of 'The Oprah Winfrey Show' - it's 25th - will be it's last.  Oprah announced her decision to end the show last year to concentrate on her own television channel and prime time show, something she has been ridiculed and criticised for by the media.  My advice?  Do not underestimate Oprah Winfrey - this is a woman who turned a local mid-day talk show, in to an international multi-media empire making her the world's first black female billionaire.  Somehow I'm sure whether her life after the show ends is just as successful or not, Winfrey will be ok.

Below is the trailer for the last series of 'The Oprah Winfrey Show'.

The GaGa Mermaid

Lady Gaga in the September issue of 'Vanity Fair' and Aerial from 'The Little Mermaid'.

The 3 Signs Britney is Releasing an Album Soon(ish)

1.  Song Leaks

Over the last week three previously unheard Britney tracks have 'leaked' online.  Record companies like to purposely leak old tracks online when an artist is gearing up to release new music, as a way of creating buzz in fan communities and get people talking about 'the music' again.  The Britney tracks that have leaked are all from round ten years ago and one of them is really good, the other two are not.

2.  Producers are talking

Another way of generating buzz and interest in a new album is when people connected with the project start talking in non-specific terms about it.  For example super-producer Rodney Jerkins (aka Darkchild) recently revealed in a webcam chat with fans that "Britney fans are going to be so happy in two weeks".  This could mean either he knows an announcement is coming, or he knows a new song will be premièring soon.  It could also be a hint that she will play some part in the upcoming MTV Video Music Awards at which Britney has always made headlines (It's where she danced with the snake, kissed Madonna, gave a not-so-great performance of 'Gimme More' and then the following year made her comeback, winning three awards.)

3.  It's nearly Autumn

With the exception of 2000's 'Oops... I Did It Again', Britney albums have always had an American release date of the third quarter.  In the past this has been for two reasons; the previously mentioned MTV VMA's at the end of summer, have always provided a massive promotional push for the upcoming album.  The other reason is that record companies save their biggest releases for the end of the year to monopolise on the Christmas season and Britney, no matter what you might think, is still one of the biggest selling artists alive and so normally gets an Autumn release date.

Pamela Anderson - Stunning.

Watch out Ke$ha - this is your future.

90's icon Pamela Anderson showed up at the Comedy Central roast of another 90's icon and her former 'Baywatch' co-star David Hasslehoff, looking like this.

Let's just be thankful she was wearing that dress.

The Hollywood Knifestyle

To your left is a picture of former super model Christie Brinkley at a benefit in California over the weekend, looking absolutely incredible at the age of 56.

What/who/how/ever she's doing/taking/sleeping with/having I'll take/have ten please!  She looks better than some women in their twenties (See Lindsay Lohan and Britney Spears) let alone in their fifties.  More power to her.

RIP

On the left is a photo of snooker legend Alex Higgins in 2006.

On the right is Higgins again at the start of this year, only four years later.

Having suffered with throat cancer until his death last month, Higgins is perhaps the best advert possible for anti-smoking.

Joe McElderry Come Out (World continues to spin...)

This weekend the UK press has been abuzz with news that 2009 X-factor winner Joe McElderry has confirmed  he is gay.  His revelation was published in Saturday's Mirror - only one week, McElderry says, after he told his mum.

I have two things to say about this story.  The first is that I'm glad Joe was able to come to terms with his sexuality and felt liberated and comfortable enough to make such a public statement.  I hope that his decision was the direct result of a personal revelation, not because he was threatened with a 'kiss and tell' story that would have outed him anyway.  However, visibility of positive gay role models is always a good thing for the gay community and I hope Joe continues to be just that.

The second thing I thought when hearing this story, from a business perspective, was - I wonder what his record company thought?.  It was reported early on, once McElderry had won X-factor that he would be promoted as the boy-next-door, a clean-cut image with a demographic of young female fans.  Obviously I'm not saying, that because he's come out, McElderry can no longer be all those things - but very rarely are openly gay pop stars successfully promoted to such an audience.  So maybe, once the subject of his sexuality was raised to his record company, there was a shift in strategy that will now see Joe be promoted in a completely different way.  Or maybe they just don't care and plans will continue as they were before this weekend's announcement.

Either way, I'm now even more curious to see what happens when McElderry releases his début album at the end of the year.