RATE IT! Back FOR the Future

When pop culture and a good cause come together, everybody wins.

Nike has introduced 'Back to the Future' style kicks for a special one-time only event. They're auctioning off 1,500 pairs of the Nike Mag shoes -- all in aid of the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research.

Want to bid? Visit Nikemag.ebay.com and get a pair before they're all gone. PC Mag is reporting that some pairs are going for as high as $3,500 today. Here's the fun video promoting the auction... featuring Saturday Night Live's Bill Hader as the shoe salesman, and Christopher Lloyd in his old the 'Back to the Future' role.

RATE IT! Paul Rudd Pitches Harvey Weinstein

As a freelance writer, I have to pitch ideas for articles all the time. Emailing queries is a tough task.


Here's a funny look at Paul Rudd's silly attempt at pitching -- in person -- his creative vision to Hollywood bigwig, Harvey Weinstein. From the folk at Funny or Die.

Paul Rudd Pitches Harvey Weinstein from Paul Rudd      

RATE IT! Stop the Environment

Funny or Die go where no one else will dare....


The stars are trying to rally everyone to their cause... Stop the Environment. Relax. It's funny! Ed Asner alone is worth a look.

Stop The Environment from Ed Asner      

RATE IT! Shawshank Redemption - Totally '80s

Movie fans will LOVE this re-edit of the Shawshank Redemption... given the '80s montage treatment. Somewhere Kenny Loggins is smiling. From the brainiacs at Funny or Die.

Awesome 80's Montage: Shawshank - watch more funny videos

RATE IT! Somebody to Love Me

Ear worms can be evil little pests! Songs that roll 'round and 'round in your head can drive you to distraction... except when the tune is a little piece of heaven.


The latest track stuck in my head? 'Somebody to Love Me' by Mark Ronson and Business Intl. When Mark's album came out last fall, I was immediately blown away by 'Record Collection,' the song featuring my ultimate pop star, Duran Duran's Simon Le Bon. But now a few months, and two trips to England later, I'm adding 'Somebody to Love Me' to my must-listen playlist in my iPod. I became reacquainted with the tune while shopping in London. You know when you hear a song you've heard before but this time in a different setting? And how it can instantly spark some interest? That's what happened to me. I love this song.


Once again, Mark Ronson turned to an '80s icon to add some vocal oomph. Boy George shares the singing duties in this one with a great artist named Andrew Wyatt, leader of Miike Snow. (and I just discovered that Andrew was once in an outfit with the fella from The Bird and the Bee who I *love*!).


And in this TV clip, I had to laugh when I spotted the drummer's wallet on laid out on his kit!





And if you want to see the official video - a complete '80s flashback - indulge in this clip. An old school Boy George lookalike, bare bums... what more could you want? :)



Mark Ronson - Somebody To  Love (Official Video) by PayeTaChatte

RATE IT! Friends of Mine

Can't help myself! Time for another trip down Duran Duran memory lane!


Here's a clip of 'Friends of Mine,' a track from the very first self-titled album. 


Enjoy!

RATE IT! Careless Memories

It's my birthday week, so Friday's music video choice is my all-time favourite. Okay, it's cheesy - I'm the first to admit that fact - but I ADORE this song... yep, it's my #1 Duran Duran tune. 


The video is one of the first Duran Duran ever shot. Way before the slick gloss of 'Rio', and 'Hungry Like the Wolf,' there was 'Careless Memories.' At this time, Duran were still firmly entrenched in the whole new romantic music scene that was going down a storm in the UK... the clothes, make-up - all so mad! What's not to love? And Simon Le Bon looks so fetching with the black eyeliner. 


This video from YouTube was originally taken from the VHS video release put out around 1983. 'Careless Memories' is inner-cut with clips from the 'Lonely in Your Nightmare' video that came out with the 'Rio' album... hence Simon's more modern look popping in and out during the first :20 or so of 'Careless Memories.' Enjoy. 

RATE IT! Corgi vs. iPad

I've been working on an article about Corgis for a client, and in my travels came across this adorable video. 


It's true! Good things DO come in small packages -- and I'm not talking about the iPad! 


I'm sure that I am not the only one hoping that the Queen's Corgis make an appearance next week during all the royal wedding hoopla. They're part of the family, after all!


For more Corgi capers, check out this other clip here. 

RATE IT! Common People

I think this Friday would be better off with a little bit of Pulp...


'Common People,' anyone? A Britpop classic - and this video stars actress Sadie Frost too.


Enjoy!

RATE IT! Corgis Hyped for Royal Wedding

Looks like I'm in good company when it comes to being excited for the royal wedding!

RATE IT! Action

With my adoration of all things London, it's barely surprising how much I regard one of its finest pop bands, Saint Etienne. 


The group is famous for its affinity for the city. Just listen to 'London Belongs to Me' and you'll catch my drift!


To celebrate more London fabulousness, here's a video from an album or two back. The track is called 'Action' and we certainly get our fair share from this video. Nice to see lead singer, Sarah Cracknell going walkabout too!

RATE IT! The First Picture of You

Happy Friday! It's been a crazy week, so let's wind down towards the weekend with a little musical gem from the '80s. 


An often forgotten tune, it's glorious... and pretty much on permanent repeat in my iPod.


The Lotus Eaters ~ "The First Picture of You"


...'see the flowers scream their joy...'

RATE IT! Jimmy Fallon's Friday with Stephen Colbert

Sick of Rebecca Black's annoying ear-worm, "Friday"? Before you vow to never, ever fall victim to that terrible song ever again, take a moment to check out this funny segment from last Friday's 'Late Night with Jimmy Fallon.'


Jimmy challenged Stephen Colbert to come on 'Late Night' & perform "Friday" IF he was able to raise $26,000 for DonorsChoose.org. Jimmy's faithful viewers came through, and ta da! -- Colbert does "Friday." 


Money well spent! A good cause benefits, and we get some late night laughs. Enjoy!

RATE IT! Nothing Can Stop Us Now

It's Friday! How about a little musical interlude to help return that smile to your face? The weekend is almost here.


'Nothing Can Stop Us Now' - a beaut of a tune from one of my all-time fave bands, Saint Etienne. Oh, Sarah Cracknell... how we all wanted to be you!

RATE IT! Smithy to the Rescue

Don't you hate when you feel like you're missing out? Seems like the Brits have all the fun especially when it's that Comic Relief time of the year. 


Every two years, Comic Relief holds its 'Red Nose Day' bringing together stars from television, movies, sports, politics and music to raise money to help erase poverty in the UK and Africa. The aim is to provide buzz-worthy entertainment that will encourage people to donate to the cause. Red Nose Day was such a success (there have been 11 of them so far since the '80s), Comic Relief created a second massive endeavour, Sports Relief. This initiative kicks off in the years between each Red Nose Day. In other words, one year it's Red Nose Day, the next it's Sports Relief. Here in 2011, it was Red Nose Day's time to shine. 


This year was epic! Numerous videos were broadcast on BBC that once again raised the bar in the hilarity stakes. My favourite was the latest Smithy video... Smithy being the much loved character actor/writer James Corden created for the hit TV series, 'Gavin & Stacey.' Smithy has appeared in several Comic Relief vids, and his latest adventure does not disappoint! My British friends were first introduced to this video late last week when it made its debut on the BBC and then went completely viral. Us North Americans will also enjoy it -- even if you don't recognize all the celebs that appear, you'll still be stunned by who you DO recognize. If only us North Americans could throw such a worthwhile party. 


Enjoy, and donate if you can. Please visit Comic Relief's official webpage here. 

RATE IT! Paul

Just what every Friday needs... a dose of silly! Luckily, 'Paul' opens in theatres today. 

E.T., he ain't!

Simon Pegg, Nick Frost, Jason Bateman, and SNL's Kristen Wiig star in this goofy alien invasion movie. Am I the only one amused that Sigourney 'Alien franchise' Weaver is also featured in this flick?

To round out the cast, there's Seth Rogen (Meh... I find him annoying at the best of times -- so it's a relief to discover he's the VOICE of Paul - that's it!), and Bill Hader (SNL genius... I find him absolutely freakin' hilarious *all* the time). Yes, sometimes we have to take the bad with the good. Sorry, Seth... no doubt you do have your supporters out there so you don't need me. 

Anyway, 'Paul' could either be bloody brilliant, or this year's 'Yogi Bear'. After the long, dreary winter we could use some funny! Take a look & decide for yourself!

RATE IT! The Making of Stefon

The coolest character on SNL is .... STEFON! He's got everything... humour, freakishness, a weird asymmetrical hairdo... and now his creator, Bill Hader has explained -- via David Letterman -- how this wickedly funny portrayal on SNL's Weekend Update came about.


Awesomeness. Bill Hader is one of the best performers on the show. About time he got some kudos for all this fantastic work. 

RATE IT! Jimmy Does Charlie

Are you tired of the Charlie Sheen media circus? Yeah, there's something off-putting about a person being so public about their wackness. Is he on drugs? Clean and sober? Just a nut job? It's anyone's guess as to why Charlie is acting off the charts. 


While I don't find Charlie's hi-jinx funny, I do find Jimmy Fallon's take on the situ worth a giggle. Check out Jimmy as Charlie promoting the fictional Sheen-branded cologne, Winning.

RATE IT! Natalie Portman Unleashed!

Ah, an SNL digital short oldie but goodie! In honour of Natalie Portman's Oscar® nomination tonight for 'Black Swan', here's a look at Hollywood's golden girl unplugged - courtesy of Saturday Night Live!


#%!$@(^#%! Indeed!

RATE IT! Hello!

Ah, sorry to crush your hopes if you were landing here for a gawk at Lionel Ritchie. No, I'm offering up a much better song called "Hello". It's the Martin Solveig & Dragonette tune...all electronic, poppy glory! It's been wedged in my head for days now and I've decided to share the happy vibe with others in order to make room for the next addictive tune. 


Plus, it's Friday so it's the optimum time for some silly. 


The video is a bit odd, but it matches the cover of the single. Anyone for tennis?