Spice Girls: They’re Bacccck!

The Spice Girls: Baby, Ginger, Posh, Scary and Sporty are making their return to the music scene in the form of a world tour spanning 11 dates on six continents, kicking off in Los Angeles on December 7 and ending in Buenos Aires on January 24. Apparently, this deal has been in the works for quite some time. Mel C was cited as one of the most hesitant members to get on board. It took an offer of 10 million pounds each, and at the drop of a hat, all 5 of the girls agreed to sign off. The official announcement was made on their website followed by a press conference on Thursday June 28, 2007. May 1998 was the last time these girls spiced up the stage together.

So my question is…why? I understand that, in their prime, they were a cultural icon for the British music scene but all “good” things MUST come to an end. In my opinion, the only thing that the Spice Girls contributed was a brilliant entertainment marketing strategy with their distinct identities. No doubt this tactic has long since been duplicated, so they have that going for them. And I guess, as a proud fearless female, I should thank them for their “Girl Power” movement…
However, Spice Girls “Greatest Hits” reunion tour? I don’t deem their career worthy enough to boast such an event. Their image and sound targeted young girls, but now as middle-aged post-natal women what do they have to offer? In other words: their solo careers are done and they’re looking for work… did they ever even start?

So if you’re as confused as I am right now…their reasons for the tour are:
- As a thank you to their fans
- To show their children what they used to do (soon to be 7 between 4 out of the 5 of them)
- And of course, money

The girls have also reunited with former manger Simon Fuller. Simon says, "The Spice Girls were huge worldwide and they want the reunion to reflect that. But it is fair to say some of them need it rather more than others." Leave it to Simon to tell it like it is.

It will be interesting to watch Spice Girls tickets sales for this tour. I think “Say You’ll Be There” won’t just be one of their top-charting hits, but their theme pleading for attendace t0 this reunion tour.

First-born child has higher I.Q.?

The results are in.
I just found out that, unless I am not the norm (which my parents/friends and pretty much everyone I have come in contact with tell me often), my brother probably has a higher I.Q. that I do!

Researchers are now reporting there is a correlation between I.Q. and birth order. While the difference is minimal, three points on average, the eldest child in the family tends to develop higher I.Q.’s than their siblings. What’s even more interesting is that this finding has nothing to do with biology or the child’s prenatal environment but with family dynamics.

Maybe it’s because I am the middle child, but is this truly a shocking “finding?” Think about it.

As the FIRST born, leadership is a role that is almost forced upon a child in this position. Out of the shear notion that respect has been given, they are willing and eager to accept. They are a novelty! The first born is a celebrated and cherished event, anything after that has already been done before. The first born receives the parent’s undivided attention. When parents later on have to juggle multiple kid’s activities, school, feeding, etc. it’s natural that their intellectual environment will be decreased amidst all the madness. Sounds like your classic case of natural selection because at a young age, one’s intelligence is their most redeeming quality. After the first born assumes responsibility, leadership and intellect… what ever roles are left for the others will gladly be assumed in an effort to stand out and be someone to their parents.

While I still stand strong on MY position that I am more intelligent than my brother…at least he has an argument now.

What's your take on these "findings?"

Kathy Griffin: Bravo, Bravo!

Only stand-up comedian/actress Kathy Griffin would be able to pull of a red carpet move like this: (Interviewing pop trio Destiny’s Child)

Kathy Griffin: “Girls I have a question, if you’re Destiny’s Child…then whose Destiny’s Daddy?”
… … …
Beyonce Knowles: “God”

Bravo picked up on Kathy Griffin’s satire style and offered her a solo reality show career. This show is currently in its third season and airing Tuesday nights at 10/9c.

The premise: As a self-proclaimed “D-list Celebrity,” her antics have one goal: to get off the D-list and move to the A-list! So you can imagine the witty ways in which she approaches every situation. Thus far, the three seasons have portrayed her rollercoaster of a business and personal life from her being banned on almost every talk show, her husband embezzling 72,000 from her personal account, her divorce after 6-years of marriage and her father passing away at the age of 90.
Contray to her personal style, Kathy says she doesn’t like confrontation. She claims that she was raised right! And if she has anything to say…she’ll say it behind your back.

While she may be a little over the top at times, I GUARANTEE you can’t make it through an episode of “My Life on the D-list” or one of her stand-up performances “Allegedly,” “Everybody Can Suck It” or “Strong Black Woman” without a good laugh. So check her out, tell your friends and let's get Kathy Griffin off the D-list! Get your Kathy Griffin Tickets today!

07.07.07 Live Earth: Why Litter?

Seriously. I don’t understand how hard it is to put garbage in a GARBAGE can. Maybe I’m out of the loop, but when did this act become socially acceptable? Everyday I see people tossing either their fast-food wrapper or cigarette butts on the ground. If you can’t take the time to pick up after yourself, then who will?
I’m not attempting to change the world or anything but holding on to your items until you reach a proper waste receptacle is an easier task than you may think.

Here’s a thought: Don’t litter for a selfish reason! By the act of consciously not littering and placing your waste in a receptacle, you have just done something good for the earth that YOU inhabit. Acknowledging this will increase the level of serotonin in your brain, thus stabilizing a pleased feeling throughout your entire being. :)

Litter isn’t just an environmental issue; it’s also an economic development issue. While I shutter in embarrassment everyday at the carelessness of my own generation’s actions, many leaders are at the forefront making efforts to bring environmental issues to attention.

7.7.07 - Live Earth… Amazing idea. Capitalizing on the versatility, power and the global reach of music this is a 24-hour music event to engage people on a mass scale. Aimed at combating the climate crisis, Live Earth spans across seven continents. This musical movement will propose actions and solutions as the kick-off to a multi-year campaign that calls for individuals, corporations and governments active participation. Live Earth will stage concerts in New York, London, Sydney, Tokyo, Shanghai, Rio de Janeiro, Johannesburg and Hamburg, and will feature more than 150 of the world’s best music acts for the ages. Such performs include: The Police, Bon Jovi, Kanye West and Kelly Clarkson.

S.O.S (Save Our Selves) is the larger movement behind Live Earth. Former Vice President of the United States Al Gore is the Chair of the Alliance for Climate Protection which is the organization leading the campaign. “The mission of the SOS campaign is to empower individuals to change their consumer behaviors and motivate corporations and political leaders to enact decisive measures to combat the climate crisis. The message of SOS is that everyone everywhere can and must answer the call to solve the climate crisis” (liveearth.org).

Fall Out Boy...Fall In Girls

According to Fall Out Boy “Chicago is so two years ago.” But for most people who are just recently jumping on the bandwagon-they’re the greatest thing to hit the “alternative” music scene in…well…awhile. In my case, they “were only good ‘cause you can have almost famous friends.” Besides the fact that all my life I have resided in the area where FOB originated, through a long-winded lineage, I “know” them: my college roommate/best friend attended their shows in churches from the VERY start. Also, her dorm roommate/close friend was Pete Wentz’s (bassist) on and off girlfriend’s best friend (as he is now dating Ashlee Simpson). Phew! Needless to say, “I slept with someone from Fall Out Boy and all I got was this stupid song written about me”… Just kidding!

They began their stretch to stardom like any other group: self-released demo, mini-LP, local shows, first full-length album, nationwide steaming, tours…then it happened. Pete Wentz received a phone call; reluctantly he picked it up to hear…”Hey Pete, is Jay.” Pete replied, “Who?” The answer to his question was “Jay-Z, we’re going to make you huge.” This marked their commercial debut and taste of the spot light as "From Under the Cork Tree" went double platinum under Island Def Jam Records. Everyday FOB continues to turn their name- which was actually shouted out by a fan as a suggestion in the early stages when the band was nameless- into a brand.

For me, Fall Out Boy has become a “gateway drug” into my addition of pop punk music. Their musical style consists of hardcore punk instrumentals, sounds and influences but their clever use of irony in their lyrics is what makes them “Pretty in Punk.”

That being said, on to the point of my post:

If you can’t wait to hear more of Fall Out Boy, then make sure you get concert tickets to the Honda Civic Tour 2007 and Live Earth this summer. There’s no “Infinity on High” like tickets to a FOB event. But if you’re looking for other alternatives to get your fix I’ve got two suggestions that are sure to satisfy your ears. Keep an open mind as the females of the music industry fight their way on to the scene... or should I say arms race?

1. Paramore – Coming off of FOB’s second label, Fueled by Ramen Records, these Tennessee natives embrace this generation by placing female Hayley Williams as lead singer. She is backed by all male members on lead guitar, bass, drums and percussion. “Riot!” their second album was released on June 12, 2007. Their instrumentals hold a deep and strong melodic tone that embodies the pop-punk genre to a tee. The lyrics speak for themselves dubbed as an “unbridled outburst of emotions” by Hayley. Just take one listen to “Misery Business” (my personal favorite) and get yourself hooked. Catch them all summer with tickets to the Vans Warped Tour.



2. Colbie Caillat – For a change of pace, Colbie Caillat personifies soul and folk sounds with a strong acoustic nature. While I can’t compare her to FOB or Paramore, her musical style suggests the kind of comfort that puts you in an enjoyable place. The tone of this singer/songwriter’s voice is mesmerizing. Her album "Coco" drops July 17, 2007. With her increasing popularity due to internet infiltration, she is expanding her reach from California across the country currently touring with the Goo Goo Dolls. Check her out with cheap concert tickets for Summerfest.