Author: Vlada Gelman (21-26 of 26)

Feb 26 2010 06:26 PM ET

Pick the music for your imagined figure skating debut

The figure skating portion of the Olympics came to an end last night, but I can’t stop thinking about the performances, particularly how snooze-worthy some of the music choices were. There were a few highlights. Kim Yu-Na’s short program to the James Bond theme was playful and sexy, while Americans Meryl Davis and Charlie White’s choice of an Indian medley during the ice dancing competition was delightful. But points off for using music from Phantom of the Opera, which needs to be retired from all competitions until the end of time. Ice dancing also provided the bizarre musical cue of Linkin Park’s “Crawling” from brother/sister duo Sinead Kerr and John Kerr. Ice dancing can get away with more unusual and popular song choices, whereas singles and pairs skaters can’t use music with vocals, but that doesn’t mean they have to put me to sleep.

If I were a singles figure skater, I’d skate to the String Quartet’s tribute to Muse’s “Time Is Running Out.” The song has a great sense of suspense with plenty of high and lows. Plus, there’s lots of pretty violins. I’d use one of Andrew Bird’s exquisite instrumental, whistling (does that count as vocals?) tracks for my short program.

PopWatchers, what music would you choose if you had to lace on some skates?

PopWatch on Ice: Ladies free skate recap

Feb 26 2010 09:00 AM ET

Should Comic-Con move to Anaheim?

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comic-conImage Credit: Mike Blake/Reuters/LandovAs someone who went to Comic-Con three years in a row until she realized all the cons had started to outweigh the pros, I had mixed feelings when I read that the pop culture extravaganza could be moving to Anaheim. Comic-Con’s contract with the San Diego Convention Center ends in 2012 and Anaheim is taking advantage of the growing dissatisfaction about overcrowding, parking problems, and expensive hotel rooms by putting in a bid to host the event. Those issues are certainly no small matters. Overcrowding makes for ridiculously long lines, which require you to queue up hours in advance for a panel. Between that and all the overlapping panels, I barely get to see even half the things I’m interested in. What’s the point of attending if I can’t even go to the things I want to go to?

Getting a hotel room is not much easier. Even with the Comic-Con discount, these rates burn a hole in your pocket. And that’s just the beginning. According to the San Diego Union Tribune, an internal survey “found that attendees spend $60 million on lodging, food and transportation during the four days.”

A lot of that money goes toward fueling the economy outside of the convention center, which is where my fixed feelings about Anaheim start. READ FULL STORY »

Feb 15 2010 09:00 AM ET

TNT's memorable 'Supernatural' episodes marathon: What's missing?

Facing Valentine’s Day can be horrifying, even if you’ve got someone. So why not spend post-Valentine’s Day drowning your sorrows in some truly horrifying action with two good-looking guys you know aren’t going to let you down?

TNT is airing a marathon of some of the most memorable episodes of The CW’s Supernatural today. The lineup, which is heavy on comedic standalones, is sure to bring a smile to even the loneliest viewer’s face:

9:00 AM – “Tall Tales”

10:00 AM – “Hollywood Babylon”

11:00 AM – “Folsom Prison Blues”

12:00 PM – “Bad Day at Black Rock” READ FULL STORY »

Feb 5 2010 01:47 PM ET

Neil Patrick Harris inches closer to 'Glee.' Sing-off time!

Neil Patrick Harris is one step closer to getting his Glee on. CBS, home of Harris’ regular gig How I Met Your Mother, has signed off on a deal that would have Harris guest starring on the Fox series, Ausiello confirms. While nothing has officially been announced yet, it seems inevitable. Back in January, Ausiello reported that Harris and Glee creator Ryan Murphy both wanted to make it happen. With Joss Whedon, who directed Harris in the web musical Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog, helming an episode, it seems like all the stars have aligned for a reunion.

So as Harris’ guest spot inches closer to becoming a reality, I can’t help thinking about what character he should play. The guest spot is said to include some singing and dancing. The first idea that sprang to mind: Broadway vet sing-off! I’d love to see Harris as a rival to a truly worthy opponent: Matthew Morrison’s Will Schuester. Morrison deserves more than just showing the kids how to white-boy rap. One of my favorite moments of the series so far was when Morrison was matched up with another Broadway vet, Kristin Chenoweth. But their sweet duet was far too brief. How great would it be to see Harris as a blast from Will’s Glee Club past? They can play out their old high school rivalry through a West Side Story-like song and dance number.

What do you think of a Harris vs. Morrison match-up? Is there someone else you’d like Harris to play? Perhaps someone more Horrible? Or do you think he should teach the Glee clubbers about his awesomeness by just playing himself?

Photo Credit: Glee: Fox; Harris: Albert L. Ortega/PR Photos

Jan 21 2010 06:12 PM ET

'Supernatural': The boys are back tonight, but are we excited for a potential season six?

There’s a slew of shows airing new episodes tonight, but the priority on my DVR belongs to one show: Supernatural. The Winchester boys are finally back with a new episode in which they get themselves committed in order to investigate a case at a mental hospital. The setup sounds a bit like Buffy‘s “Normal Again,” one of my favorite episodes of the series, which only makes me more excited. Check out a scene from the episode below.

It’s been a hellish — no pun intended — two-month wait for new Supernatural, during which I came to a realization. If I missed the show this much during a hiatus, imagine how much I’ll miss it when it ends for good. READ FULL STORY »

Jan 17 2010 10:00 AM ET

'Being Erica' quote generator solves all problems

As fans of the SOAPNet series Being Erica know, Dr. Tom (Michael Riley), the mysterious shrink who sends Erica (Erin Karpluk) back in time to relive her regrets, has a quote for every problem. Most of the time, they come from historical figures like Gandhi, but every once and a while, Dr. Tom will pull out a quote from a modern masterpiece of wisdom like The Matrix.

Now, thanks to SOAPNet.com’s Dr. Tom Cure-All Quote Generator, you too can get a quote for whatever ails you. After answering some questions about my high school experience, family, relationships and work, Dr. Tom dispensed this nugget of wisdom:

READ FULL STORY »

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