Joe Jonas new band DNCE drops first single Cake by the Ocean

I was never a big Jonas Brothers fan. As a 90s kid, I was a bit old for Boy Bands during their peak.

However, I couldn't help but be obsessed with Nick Jonas solo track "Jealous." In fact, the entire album was amazing.

Well, Nick's brother Joe, has just released a new track with his new band DNCE.

Check it out below.

What do you think?

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Is a new Mary Poppins in the works?

Variety and Entertainment weekly are reporting that a new Mary Poppins movie may be in the works.

The new film, is reportedly not a remake of the 1960's classic, but a sequel (being made 50 years later) set 20 years into the future. The film is expected to borrow from other stories in the Mary Poppins collection.

Rob Marshall is slated to direct the new film. Marshall previously directed Into the Woods.

As you  may remember, the original movie took place in 1910,  (in case you forgot this, there's a reminder below.) making the new film set in the 1930s. The original film made reference to the women's  suffrage. I wonder how the sequel will handle The Great Depression? If the Banks can still afford a nanny, they must be financially stable.

While some people on social media are already bashing the sequel, I for one, am interested. The original movie only used a small sample of the Mary Poppins stories for the movie (and changed things quit a bit).I am curious to see what new adventure Mary and the Bank children will be getting into this time around.

I also wonder who they will cast as Mary Poppins? Who will play Burt? Will Mr. Banks still be at the Bank? Is Mrs. Banks still a bit of a flake?

Is there anyway they could get Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke to make a cameo in the film? I know they can't reprise their roles as Mary & Burt, but maybe they could make some appearance in the film as a nod to the original.

Are you excited for the Mary Poppins sequel?

#MUSICMONDAY: Sullee J (@SulleeJ85) - "Common Chick" [New Video]

Sullee J has released the visual for his track "Common Chick." The Baltimore rapper says the video is intended to reflect on the idea that being beautiful is not about following society's idea of beauty, but being yourself. "Common Chick" is the first video off Sullee J's latest project Victory Watch the video here:

WATCH: When Cookie Met Sally [Parody]

It is almost that time of year-Fall! When everything is pumpkin flavored and I start watching Nora Ephron movies (You've Got Mail, When Harry Met Sally, and Sleepless in Seattle).

Sesame Street has done a parody of the movie, including a take on the infamous "I'll have what she's having scene.

Watch below:

Aaron Sarkin's Lucy + Desi Movie rumored to star Cate Blanchett!

Photo Credit: Getty Images

Anyone who knows me knows that I LOVE Lucille Ball and I Love Lucy!

I grew up obsessively watching every episode of I Love Lucy, and The Lucy Show! As well as devouring every book I could find about Lucy or the show.

Well, a new movie is rumored to be in the works. According to The Wrap, Andy Sorkin is writing a movie about Lucy + Desi's turbulent marriage.

Actress Cate Blanchett is rumored to star as the flaming red head.

The TV star couple's real life children Lucie Arnaz and Desi Arnaz are set to produce the film. I wonder if they're involvement will cause the story to be more authentic or if they will sugar-coat the story of their parents marriage?

Either way, I am BEYOND excited about this! I will absolutely be seeing this whenever/where ever it is released.

This is not the first "Lucy" movie. Lucy and Desi were the subject of a TV movie called "Lucy & Desi: Before the Laughter. As well as the TV movie simply titled Lucy, staring Rachel York as Lucy, and Danny Pino (Nick Amaro on SVU) as Desi Arnaz.

Just in time for Labor Day weekend: Par-City's Fleek Justice.

Rap group Par-City dropped their latest visual for "Fleek Justice", off their latest release The Young Dope and Gifted.

The video's poolside party theme is sure to get you the mood for this long weekend.

Let the party start now!

Last night in Bushwick: Joell Ortiz & Illmind Human the art show

Last night,  I attended Human the art show, hosted by Brooklyn rapper  Joell Ortiz and !llmind.

Curated by A Dying Breed NYC, in Buswick's The Wick, the event featured art created by Joell Ortiz fans. The artists created a piece representing each track off  Human, his collaborative album will !llmind.

Fans of the rapper, not only got to view the art collection, but many had a chance to meet and take photos with the rapper.

Joell Ortiz, who makes a habit of hosting events that allows him to interact with fans, hopes to host similar art shows in the future.

Hot 97's Drewski was also in attendance.

New Era
New York State of Mind Part II
Brian Kirhagis

Joell Ortiz and !llmind

Monday Money: Get a free hair cut with Bumble and Bumble!

Despite what you may see on television and movies, not everyone living in NYC is rich and fabulous. Some of us are just getting by.

While NYC is notoriously expensive, if you're creative, you can always find ways to earn & save money.

Today, I saved.

If you're like me, you probably have gotten cheap hair cuts at hair schools hairdressers in training. However, at Bumble and Bumble, when you offer yourself as a hair model, you get your cut for *FREE*.

I realize that some people may be afraid to let a student do their hair. I understand, I've had some less-than stellar results. However, as I learned today, this isn't a regular school.

The guy who cut my hair today was already a hairdresser in Chicago. However, he was in New York, for a workshop to improve his craft, and learn new techniques. So, I got a free cut, without having to trust a tor

Now, to get the hair cut for free, you can't just walk in. You have to sign up for the emails. Then they will email you when slots for certain cuts or style open up.

At times the slot is open only for a certain cut, sometimes a few cuts are available. Today, the only requirement was that hair was at least 4" long.

I also won free hair product (hair spray) for posting a selfie of my new 'do on Instagram and using their hashtag. ( I have to pick-up on Monday, as I saw the email, after I left).

I had a great experience. My hair looks a LOT better than it did before. (I didn't take a before shot, unfortunately). It actually has a style, instead of just hanging there!

I think part of the reason I like it so much is because he did my layers with a razor instead of scissors.  This cut is definitely more interesting than my usual scissor layers.

Have you been a B&B hair model? How was your experience? 

VMAs in case you missed it: What the hell is White Squad?

While watching the VMAs, I saw an odd commercial. I couldn't tell if it was a commercial or an odd VMA skit, trying to be funny.

The ad was for a "company" called White Squad, that, according to the add, is made up of white people who help people of color with racial inequality. The add offers to help people of color hail a cab, get a better apartment, and appear in court on your behalf.

The ad features a phone number, and a  working web address. But the company is not real.

Turns out the faux ad is part of MTVs Look Different Campaign, to address and eliminate bias based on race, gender and sexual orientation. It actually dropped in July.

But judging from Twitter, not everyone had seen it yet.

In an article from July, MTV explained:

Even though White Squad doesn’t exist IRL, there are plenty more legitimate ways we can try to actually fix systemic racial inequality: Like educating ourselves and our loved ones about the different ways inequality manifests itself, thinking critically about how our own hidden biases might play a role, or listening to the stories of those affected by racism — and we’ve got plenty of ways for you to do that.

If you haven't seen the clip, check it out here:

In case you missed it: Nicki Minaj squashes beef with Taylor Swift; but #Shotsfired at host Miley Cyrus #VMAs

While Nicki Minaj and Taylor Swift may have squashed their beef during their red-dress clad duet, there's still "bad blood" between Minaj and host Miley Cyrus.

Nicki took the stage to accept an award for Anaconda. Shortly after giving her acceptance speech, and thanking her pastor, she promptly took shots at host Miley Cyrus.

Miley has been making headlines for comments she made about Nicki Minaj regarding her "Twitter Beef" (more like misunderstanding) with Taylor Swift.

From ET.com:

"What I read sounded very Nicki Minaj, which, if you know Nicki Minaj is not too kind. It’s not very polite. I think there’s a way you speak to people with openness and love," Cyrus told The Times. "You don’t have to start this pop star against pop star war. It became Nicki Minaj and Taylor in a fight, so now the story isn’t even on what you wanted it to be about."

Nikki took the time on the stage to call out "That b*tch over there."

Miley tried to play the event off by saying "You know how interviews get distorted." However, Nicki could be seen mouthing "bitch" and looking angry.

This feud is FAR from over.

Miley should be worried. Anyone remember "Roman's Revenge"?

On the flip side, maybe we'll get a Miley + Nicki performance next year. We can hope.

The Full House Rap song you never knew you needed

Have you ever found yourself thinking "Golly, I wish there was a rap song all about the sitcom Full House!"

Well, you got it, Dude. Here is the odd but still entertaining Full House Rap you never knew you needed!

Shop for a Cause!

Who doesn't love to shop? 

Macy's is giving you more to love. When you buy this special $5 Shop for a cause voucher, you'll receive huge discounts at Macy's. Proceeds go to benefit Color of Teal's teal care program.

Color of Teal is an organization that raises money and awareness for women with gynological cancers (vulva, ovarian, cervical, HPV and more). The Teal Care program helps people with cancer make their Co-pay payments.

To buy your voucher, click Here.

To find out more about Color of Teal or make a donation, head to: http://www.colorofteal.org/.

Remembering Aaliyah

 Today marks 14 years since Aaliyah passed away. Death is always sad, but Aaliyah's really upset me.

Not only was she so young when she passed, but she still had so much more to do. At the time of her passing she was getting ready to drop her self-titled album (which was amazing, by the way), and she was filming the matrix sequels.

While her album was still released, she didn't finish filming her films, Her part in The Matrix movies was given to Jada Pinkett Smith.

Years later, while working at NYC tourists favorite Serendipity 3,(a restaurant and shop) I had the opportunity to meet her mother.  I hadn't known she was Aaliyah's mother when she first walked in the store.

She had come in looking for a picture frame. She had seen some in our display window in the past. She told me she was looking for something dignified to use for a photo of her deceased father, who has been in the military.

While we were looking, she started speaking to the host at the podium. It came up, that like many restaurant employees, he was an aspiring actor.

"Oh, my daughter used to act. She was in Romeo Must Die," I heard the woman tell him.

At this point, I looked at her. "Wait, you're Aaliyah's mom?"

She looked surprised, happy, and sad, all at the same as she said "You know Aaliyah?"

The questioned floored me for a second. It seemed impossible NOT to know Aaliyah. Although, the host actually hadn't heard of her.

"Of course! I loved Aaliyah!" I said. "Her last album was amazing! And everyone loved "Are you that Somebody."

Just as the conversation started getting good, my boss made me stop talking to her. I am still annoyed as we were NOT even busy.

I also loved this one:

 What was your favorite Aaliyah track?

Will Will Smith's new show be today's Fresh Prince?

Could Fresh Prince of Bel-Air be getting a modern twist?

NBC

TV Line reports that Will Smith is in very early development of a news TV show with a similar theme and feel to Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.

The site says the show in development deals with the same "fish out of water" theme as Fresh Prince.

Unlike Fresh Prince, Will Smith would only be the producer.

If the show turns out to be a Fresh Prince reboot, it will be joining a long list of reboots including : 90210, Melrose Place, Girl Meets World, and he upcoming Fuller House.

Would you want to see a modern take on Fresh Prince?

NEW MUSIC: Melanie Fiona - Bite The Bullet

Who says R&B is dead?



Canadian soul singer Melanie Fiona is back with her latest track "Bite the Bullet."



I'm really loving this track! It doesn't sound like a lot of the music out right now. It has a slight island sound. It has a similar sound as her first album.



Fiona's next album will be entitled Awake.







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New iPhone App Simplifies Shopping!

Screenshot of my search for red plaid mini skirts on Donde

Donde, a new shopping app for iPhone, is about to make shopping a whole lot easier!

I just downloaded the app myself, and I can already tell, it's a keeper! The app makes it easy to search for the exact piece of clothing you're looking for.

The home screen sorts the clothing by article: T-Shirt, sweater, jacket, skirt, dresses, shoes and handbags. Once you select, you can narrow your search down even further.

Screenshot of the home page

Once you select the article you're looking for, you can narrow your search by length, waist type, pattern, color, and other traits.

When you find a piece you like, you have the option to send a photo of the piece to a friend for advice or buy the piece directly.

The app features clothing from 6,000 brands ranging from:Banana Republic, Forever 21, H&M,   Zara, Gucci, Kate Spade and others.

The app was founded by Lian Zakay. In an interview with CNN MONEY, Zakay explained the purpose of the app:

"Traditional search engines are great when you're trying to find articles or documents, but when you're trying to find visual objects like in fashion, it's not intuitive enough," said Zakay.

Zakay told CNN  that she hopes to expand the app to include men's wear and possibly home goods as well.

Is this an app that you would use?

Things you need to know about: BroadwayBox Lottery!

One of my many passions is the theater, particularly of the musical variety.  Despite many dance classes, I possess two left feet and lack rhythm; can't sing (I still try, much to the chagrin of others around me), and have no acting talent whatsoever.

As such, my participation in theater is in the passive role of spectator.

As much as I love theater, my bank account is not ever-replenishing (can you imagine?). As such, I can only satisfy my theater craving with discounts, (thanks Today Tickets!), rush and lotto tickets.

Just recently, Broadway ticket discount site BroadwayBox, launched a Broadway lottery of their own.

Now normally shows with a lottery work this way:

On the day of the show, about 2-2.5 hours before the show, people may sign up to enter their name into a lottery to receive up to two tickets for a lowered price.

However, the lottery from BroadwayBox is a bit different.  Starting at midnight, you can enter an online lotto for two FREE tickets to the Broadway show of the day. Winners are notified around 3 PM (when the lotto closes). The lotto runs weekdays only.

Now, admittedly, I have entered a few times, and never won. However, it takes only two minutes (if that) to enter, so it's worth the effort to possibly win two free tickets.

You also get additional entries for sharing you entry on social media.

Head to: http://www.broadwaybox.com/lottery/ for more info!

Fans want Rory Gilmore to go Grey

When news of a big screen adaption of 50 Shades of Grey were initially announced, rumors flooded the internet that the role of Ana Steele would be portrayed by former Gilmore Girl Alexis Bledel.

A fan-created trailer for the film, featuring Bledel may have been partly responsible for the rumor. 

For seven seasons, Bledel played bookish and sometimes timid Rory Gilmore. It isn't hard to see the parallels between Rory and Ana Steele. It is somewhat understandable that people believed the rumors. 

In fact, fans even formed a petition for her to star in the role. Other bloggers started blogging of her involvement in the film was fact.

Two years later and the 50-Shades-of-Gray-reading Gilmore Girl fans still haven't given up hope of seeing there favorite bibliophile in the franchise.

Now, some blogs are reporting that Bledel has been taped for the sequel 50 Shades Darker as Leila Williams (a former submissive of Christian Grey).

The story is still in rumor stages, and has not yet been confirmed. The film's release is anticipated to be in early 2017.

As a fan of Gilmore Girls, I don't want to see "my Rory" affiliated with this mess.

Do you want the former Gilmore Girl in the cast?

New Music: Par-City Coronation

Par-City released their latest video "Coronation" last week, coinciding with their latest EP the Young Dope and Gifted.

Check the video here :

The Young, Dope and Gifted is available on CDBaby.

In Case You Missed it: The Unauthorized Full House Movie (SPOILERS)

While many of my peers were out at AfroPunk (Lauryn Hill showed up!! And from what I hear, on time! SO jealous!); or at the bar, I was at home, eagerly awaiting the Full House Unauthorized movie on Lifetime.

I realize that many will assume that this comment was said in sarcasm, jest or extreme exaggeration. Alas, it was not. While part of me was afraid, after the Aaliyah movie, I had to watch.

To be fair, I never actually watched the Aaliyah movie, but I heard enough negative feedback to make me skip it all together.

Okay, so while this movie had its share of flaws, I didn't hate it. I didn't love it either. The thing is, it didn't feel real. I mean, it felt more like a caricature of Full House, rather than  an actual movie about Full House. Like an unfunny SNL skit.

My first beef with the movie, a beef shared by many on Twitter, was the casting of the Olsen Twins. Particularly, of the "baby Olsens."

Here is a photo of Full House DVD season 1, with a photo of how people looked in the show during that season:

As you may remember or see above, Michelle was an actual BABY in the show. The Olsen twins in the movie were about 10.

Okay, I'm exaggerating, but they were about 2 or three. Far to old to play Michelle in season one.

As you can see from the photo above, movie Michelle was much older.  Also, that is not "first season" Stephanie hair. As shown above, Stephanie wore her hair in curls for the first season. (I believe season two as well). The flat half-pony tail came later. 

Other hair issues:

Uncle Jesse: In Full House, Uncle Jesse had long hair, cut it short, and let it grow out again. This Uncle Jesse had the long hair almost through out. However, he did have a cut in the wedding scene.

DJ and Kimmy:  They show a scene that was supposed to take place in season 8. However, Kimmy Gibbler and DJ were both sporting hair styles from the 80s. I thought the scene was taking place in a middle season until they showed the announcement that the show was over.

Uncle Jesse looks like a Ken doll in this photo. While watching the movie, I kept thinking he reminded me of a bad version of Adrian Grenier (Entourage, which real life Bob Saget guest stared on a few times.) Young DJ and Joey also don't look like their characters AT ALL. I kept cringing every time I looked at them.

I did think that Bob Saget/ Danny Tanner casting was decent. I also liked their choice for Aunt Becky and Kimmy Gibbler. 

The actress playing older Candace/DJ was a better choice than the young one. While the change of actresses was a bit abrupt, it was necessary to show the aging, despite the above mentioned hair issues.

I realize that as an unauthorized movie, there is only so much they can do. However, I must say that the set was disappointing. I mean, it really looked nothing like the real set at all. It looked like they were making a movie about a totally different show.

Did anyone else find the scenes with the Olsen twins sickening? The whole "They have something special here, they should make more money...." I get that everyone wants more money, but the Olsen twins did not have "something special." They were just lucky and had a good team.

They were cute, but, most kids are at that age. Being blond-haired and blue-eyed didn't hurt either. I mean their talent was repeating lines that the women behind the couch fed to them. We all remember those records. Listening to them "sing" was painful. As Sophia Petrillo once said, "Do we have a candle? I want to drip hot wax in my ear."

The fact is, there really wasn't that much of a story here, really. I mean, the cast said in interviews that they got along and there wasn't a lot of drama on set. Which was shown in the movie. The only on set drama, was the jealousy towards the Olsen twins, which was only lightly touched upon.

In fact, Bob Saget's off set life was a major part of this movie, and the "juiciest" part of the whole movie.

One thing that I did learn, was that both Bob Saget and Dave lost their sisters while on the show. In fact, Bob Saget made a movie about her life.

Many fans have expressed annoyance that the film showed Candace's wedding but didn't touch on Judith Sweetens drug issues. Judith Sweeten has spoken about her druggy past in the media many times, as well as in her memoir, Unsweetend

.

 According to her book, the end of Full House was traumatic for her. Her habit started shortly after the show ended. In fact, she got so drunk at Candace's wedding that she threw up and carried out (she was 14 at the time!)

None of this was shown however. Instead, Candace's wedding was shown as a happy affair. With Bob Saget making a Danny Tanner like speech (while reminding everyone he is NOTHING like Danny Tanner).

Other Full House staples missing:

• 
  
• Comet (the dog)
• The catch phrases: "Pin a rose on your nose!" "How Rude!" "You got it Dude!" "Have.... Mercy!" and
• "Cut.It.Out."
• While Bob's gig on America's Funniest Home Videos was mentioned, I heard no mention of Dave's gig as a host of America's Funniest People.
•  Mr. Bear
•  Ranger Joe and Woodchuck
• Kathi Santoni (the class slut)
• Vicki
• Steve, Nicky and Alex were not shown until the last scene.

Did you watch? What did you think?