Sunday Sermon: April 15, 2012
Mike Tyson debuts One-Man Show in Las Vegas
Mike Tyson debuted his new one man show “Mike Tyson: Undisputed Truth” in Las Vegas last night at the Hollywood Theater.
Reviews for the former heavy weight champ’s play and performance were mixed.
Many wanted to see this as a “rise from the ashes” redemptive episode while others wanted to see him reveal more of the darkness that has plagued Tyson for so long.
Part of the difficulty in making a show like this work is not only having a star with limited acting experience, but also telling a tale in a two hour window, some of which is taken up by Sabrina Carten and a five-piece band. Though the basic idea of having them onstage is a good one: to give Tyson breathers and add some emotional punctuation with songs such as “Bridge Over Troubled Water.”
Clearly the show is a work in progress and I wish the former champion well. He’s taking his chances and anyone willing to stand and face an audience on their own gets some respect for me. I hope the project continues to develop and he has the opportunity to take the show to other cities. While this may be the beginning, you never know how a project may ultimately find it’s clear voice.
From the Las Vegas Sun: “I would have liked to have seen a script in which Tyson knocks out his personal demons with the same voracity as he once punched opponents in the ring, instead of playing the role of a pathetic figure who bad-mouths women and blames the refs and just about everyone else for what he’s lost. I want to see Mike Tyson be able to stand on the ropes with his hands once again held high. Perhaps he isn’t able to do that yet.”
From the Las Vegas Review Journal: “And then there’s the elephant in the room. Tyson’s voice. A cheap laugh for any comedy impression, it sometimes gets in the way of a strong moment here, when the champ bites into poetic phrases such as “my dark dreams and shadows,” or calling his beloved trainer Cus D’Amato “a master of psychological warfare, a grand manipulator. He’s more comfortable saying “I wouldn’t wash my ass for days” when talking about his amateur years: “I would hunger for glory like a mad dog.”
GLAAD Names New President: Herndon Graddick
Herndon Graddick, current VP of Programs and Communications has been named as GLAAD’s new President
The media-watchdog organization laid off 11 staffers early this year, and has been restructuring since the departure of former president Jarrett Barrios, but insiders are pleased with the choice.
Via press release: The National Board of Directors of GLAAD announced that they have named Herndon Graddick as GLAAD’s new President. Herndon is currently serving as the organization’s Vice President of Programs and Communications. Sheri Fults, National Co-Chair of the Board of Directors, said: “Herndon is already a well-respected leader within the LGBT movement, and we believe will be a visionary and strategic leader for GLAAD’s culture-changing work.” Herndon said: “Right now GLAAD and our partners in the LGBT movement are making a significant difference at a time when a difference needs to be made. I look forward to working with our dedicated staff to create a culture where there is a welcoming and respected space for LGBT Americans. GLAAD’s work with the media to inspire Americans to speak out against anti-LGBT actions and support equality is needed today more than ever.”
Two recent projects credited to Graddick are the Stand Up For Ellen project and GLAAD’s Commentator Accountability Project. Observers pointed to both campaigns as heralding a more aggressive GLAAD.
16th Annual Webby Award Nominations: “A Day In Our Shoes”
The nominees for the 16th annual Webby awards were announced and a web video from In The Life about homelessness among LGBT youth made the list.
“A Day in Our Shoes” tells one story representative of the estimated 1,500 homeless LGBT youth in New York City. The government funds just 200 beds to keep them off the streets.
In The Life, which is celebrating its 20th season this year, was nominated in the “Public Service and Activism” category.
(source)
Sarah Palin weighs in on the Hilary Rosen flap
“The comments that Hilary Rosen made certainly have awakened mama grizzlies across the nation, and I know that because I got a lot of emails today — a lot of text messages from apolitical girlfriends, some who have chosen to stay home over the years. The message seems to be, why is it that some on the left choose to divide to incite with comments like that instead of just respecting women’s choices and what they want to do with the gifts that God has given them?” – Sarah Palin, speaking on Fox News.
Robin Gibb hospitalized and in coma
Bee Gees pop legend Robin Gibb was in a coma last night, amid fears he has only days to live.
The 62-year-old’s family are understood to be at his bedside.
Gibb has been battling colon and liver cancer and was recently hospitalised with pneumonia.
He was forced to pull out of a performance at the Royal Philharmonic’s premiere performance of The Titanic Requiem in London on April 10, because he was so ill.
An spokesperson for the star said: “On Sunday 25 March, Robin Gibb underwent further intestinal surgery.
“He is currently recovering in hospital and therefore, for the time being, all existing commitments prior to The Titanic Requiem concert, have had to be cancelled.”
Last month the star told The Mirror he felt “fantastic”.
“‘I am beating cancer and can’t wait to carry on with my work,” he said.
Tyler Ward covers Justin Bieber’s “Boyfriend”
I don’t get the Justin Bieber thing. I just don’t. Does nothing for me. Nothing personal, just not my thing.
But based on a recommendation by Dave Koz, I found this guy who’s really talented and charismatic. Even though I pulled back for a second when I saw this latest song by Tyler Ward was a Justin Bieber song, it completely worked for me. The music and the charisma and energy are real and authentic.
This video alone has had over 1.5 million hits. Almost 900,000 subscribers and almost 250,000,000 video hits total.
Wow. I like what he’s doing. Tyler Ward has it going on.
From his Facebook page: Tyler’s realization of becoming a successful national artist arose when he first started playing with national acts such as The Fray, The Jonas Brothers, Gavin DeGraw, Augustana and Ryan Cabrera. “After that first big show with The Fray, I was sold on doing music for the rest of my life,” Tyler says. Playing shows for thousands of people fueled Tyler’s drive and creativity. It drove him to write and record several demos that have attracted attention throughout the major music industry.
Now, you can find Tyler writing, recording and performing music all over the state of Colorado. Tyler has become a well known local artist who is heavily pursued to perform live. “I love playing and it’s by far the best job I’ve ever had.” Tyler credits his musical talents to his mother Susan Ward, who is a classically-trained musician. Tyler notes, “My mom rocks.”
Clearly, so does Tyler.
Find him on iTunes. Here’s a link to just one of his CDs, but check them all out.
EVITA: Ricky Martin & Elena Rogers perform on GMA
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Ricky Martin is joined in this clip by Elena Rogers as Eva and Michael Cerveris as Juan Perón in a performance of “High Flying Adored,” a song from the beloved musical that sees Martin’s character Che mocking Argentinean first lady Eva Peron.
During the broadcast it was announced that the 2012 Broadway Cast recording of the show will be released on June 19th.
Zach Wahls talks about his new book “My Two Moms”
Zach Wahls has written his first book My Two Moms: Lessons of Love, Strength, and What Makes a Family.
The book, which was written with Bruce Littlefield and will be published on April 26th, ensures that Wahls’ story will continue to change hearts and minds, thanks to the media coverage expected to coinside with its release.
And during an election year that has seen mutliple presidential hopefuls demonize LGBT people and their families, the compelling voice of this mature young man rings clearer and clearer.
N2N Bodywear: Performance X underwear
N2N Bodywear is launching it new line of underwear called Performance X.
I assume that’s because the model’s body is a 10?
N2N Bodywear is owned by designer Andrew Makay, who has held onto his core vision that his clothes feel like “next to nothing.” His clothes are sexy, and fun.
Works for me.