TV Minute - America's Got Talent

Yes, the show is called America's Got Talent! This would mean that the acts on that national stage would be showcasing the best talent America has to offer right?  Think again!! This week, a dance troupe from Mombasa, Kenya were featured on the show during prime time on NBC.  They kicked some major ass impressing the hard-to-please judges!!!  Word on the cyber space is that they are already featured acts in Las Vegas. Nonetheless, they are super talented! Check it out for yourself below.  I hope they make it real far on the show! Kudos guys!

Product Placement - The iPad2 Review

Disclaimer: I am not a techie!!  I repeat, I am not a techie!! Just a gadgetnista of some sort.  Here comes the layman's review of the iPad2!

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So I finally got my hands on the iPad2! Exciting times!  I have pondered on whether to get the Ipad since the first generation device was unveiled back in January 2010. It seemed like the device of the century... so cool, so portable, so ME!!  The thing that held me back from getting it was the fact that i already owned a smartphone, iPod Touch & a Macbook!  Plus I am not exactly Ms. Money Bags! So why get a device that will do the very thing the devices I had could do?

Well, I was wrong!! I never thought I was capable of loving any device as much I have loved my iPad2 so far!  It is a thing of beauty and great function!

PROS:

• The out of the box functionality - I have an iTunes account so set-up was a breeze!

• Resolution - The resolution on this thing is unbelievably sharp! It makes for a great experience for photo viewing, web browsing, gaming, movies etc etc.

• Two cameras - Front and back camera that work together and are just perfect for FaceTime and HD video recording. While Skype is a still a great option for video chat, you need an intro to FaceTime especially with the great resolution on the iPad2.

• Apps - if you own an Iphone, then you are no stranger to the endless Apple apps available!!  Like a kid in a candy store, I couldn't contain myself at the 'store'! I especially like the fact that most of the cool apps are designed specifically for the Ipad.  There truly is an app for anything and everything!

• 10hr battery life - I have owned an android phone for sometime and the most frustrating thing about it is the limited to almost non-existent battery life!! Imagine, my excitement after learning that I could work/play on my iPad2 for countless hours without the need to recharge! Score!!

• Smart cover - now this right here is pure genius!! Unlike most cases/covers that are bulky and completely alter the device's aesthetic, this one is completely different, and has been designed to not only work with the iPad2, but be symbiotic with it.  The cover attaches via magnets. This makes sure it is never mis-aligned. The coolest thing about it is that it awakens the iPad 2 or puts it to sleep when you open/close it.

• Design - look around, look closely at all the tablets currently out in the market and there is no doubt that the designing team at Apple does their job and they do it well!! Apple products are far superior than their competitors and imitators.  The Ipad2 is designed to perfection.

• Free iPad engraving from Apple - I love to personalize my things so what better way to do it than to get the tablet engraved with a personal message?

CONS:
Yeah, yeah...all's not well with my fave device unfortunately.

• Flash - the IPad2 does not have a flash player!! For someone that is constantly web surfing and checking out lots of video content, this was a disappointment!!   Flash is necessary for a complete web browsing experience.

• Glare - the screen is reflective.  It is difficult to read or check out any content in direct sunlight or bright light.  This doesn't bother me much though.

• While the dual cameras are great, they are not good for still photos but I doubt I would be holding up the IPad2 for point and shoot photography. It is not even designed for that and I can live with that:)

• They say good things come to those who wait but having to wait about 2 weeks for the iPad to be shipped to me kinda sucked! Kills the instant gratification most people seek.  

In conclusion, i have no regrets about getting it and I am still happily exploring the device.  Would you like to test it out? Sure you do!!  Just head to nearest electronics store and check it out! Chances are you will want it to buy it!

Click here for more from Apple

Music Minute - Billboard Music Awards: The Recap

It was that time of of year again!!  Another award show, a very happy camper in me! On Sunday night  the Billboard Music Awards aired live from Las Vegas on FOX drawing the biggest audience the show has had since 2003 according to the Nielsen ratings!   Eminem and teen pop sensation Justin Bieber dominated awards, each taking home a total of six awards. There was a six-way tie for second place between Rihanna, Lady Gaga, Usher, Taylor Swift, Mumford & Sons and Taio Cruz, who each won three trophies.

I must say the show was very entertaining though I was disappointed by the host, Ken Jeong, of the Hangover fame; who was not in his top form.  I tuned it for a variety of reasons but my main reason was to witness Beyonce receive the Billboard Millennium Award.  This was really the highlight of the night without a doubt!!  Her performance of "Who Run The World" was EPIC! This woman has to be part beast! She was incredible and the dancing was superior!  She then received the monumental award from her mom who was on hand to present it.  Most surprising was the fact that she acknowledged her love for her husband, JayZ publicly during her speech.  Lovely!

Ceelo Green played a medley of his hit songs complete with a piano stunt!! I very much admire his creativity that has always set him apart from the 
crowd.

Rihanna who took home several awards which included the award for Radio Artist Of The Year performed S&M the remix with Britney Spears! Sexy! Sexy! Sexy! Wouldn't expect anything else from this duo but I'm I the only person who feels that Britney's iconic dancing glory days are dead and gone? She barely moves on stage these days!

Neyo & Pitbull hit the stage with their new song, "Everything Tonight"! Nicely done! I am totally loving this song!! Pitbull has been getting lots of radio play lately!! Seems like every song he's featured on becomes a hit!

Lady Antebellum who won for Country Song Of The Year for "I Need You Now" also performed "Just A Kiss". Their music always leaves me feeling warm and fuzzy on the inside. *sigh*

I would not post this and leave out The Black Eyed Peas! They have been dominating the billboard charts for a while now. Here's their medley of hits.

The wtf mention goes to Nikki Minaj. Her performance left me confused. It was completely luck luster until Britney Spears stepped in and gave that snoozer the jolt it needed!!

For the carpet photos click here.

Kick-Ass Marriage Proposal!!

I am sucker for love!! Above all, creativity and originality move me to great lengths! The video below is a combination of things I love: the afore mentioned and film!  I have always wondered why men always feel the immense pressure to pull-off the perfect marriage proposal... now they have more reason to get nervous! How do you top this???

Some Great Words To Live By...

It is graduation season in the USA.  A time to honor and celebrate success for the hard work put in by the graduates over time. 

Denzel Washington, internationally renowned actor and director, delivered the address at the University of Pennsylvania's 255th Commencement on Monday, May 16, 2011.  Just brilliant!!   Some great words to live by and much needed for graduates and non-graduates!

Quotable Quotes

While one person hesitates because they feel inferior, the other is busy making mistakes and becoming superior.

Happy Mother's Day!

Another Mother's Day is here,
Bringing joy and pleasures new,
On this special day, Mother dear,
I want to remember you.
I cannot give you costly gifts,
And I've told you this before,
No matter what I give to you,
You give back much, much more.
I'm giving you a pure, sweet rose,  

This rose you planted in my heart,
The day that I was born.
In kindly, loving thoughts of you,
And with the faith you still impart,
The rose I give to you today,
Is the love that's in my heart.

Great moms/mums raise great kids! I salute you wonderful mothers for having a tough job that is often unappreciated but makes a BIG impact. Thank you for the gift of life mum! I cannot thank you enough for all that you have done for me: the nurturing, the sacrifices made, the prayers, the encouragement given etc etc... You deserve more than a day to be celebrated! 
I love you!