Thursday, January 19, 2012

Christina Aguilera Returns to Her "Raw" Roots For New Album

5:08 AM Salsa Circuit



Since the release of her wildly successful album Stripped, Christina Aguilera has been known for delivering raw lyrics about everything from heartbreak to domestic violence. Now the 32-year-old pop diva promises to return to her roots and reflect on her latest hardships for her upcoming album, which is currently untitled.

Is Christina Aguilera Coming Out With a New Single?

The Voice judge recently revealed in the show’s promo, "I'm recording my next album right now, and I'm really excited because I find myself in a very introspective stage of my life.” The “Not Myself Tonight” singer definitely has a lot of personal inspiration to draw on. In 2010, she announced her separation from husband, Jordan Bratman and father of their 4-year-old son Max. Shortly after she found new love and started dating boyfriend Matthew Rutler.


Aguilera adds, "I've learned so much, have experienced so much, in leaps and bounds. It's a journey of growth for me, continuously throughout my career. I'm excited to put it all down on paper through my lyrics and my voice."

We can’t wait to hear more! The new season of The Voice premieres on NBC February 5th.

By Sugey Palomares


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Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Facebook Doesn't Ruin Relationships, People Do. [EXPERT]

10:03 AM Salsa Circuit



Facebook doesn't cause problems in a relationship; it brings to light problems that already exist.

I often hear people say, "Facebook ruins relationships." And I must admit, I absolutely loved that the last guy I dated didn't have an account. But Facebook doesn't ruin relationships. Neither do strip clubs, porn, or online dating sites. People ruin relationships.

While Facebook gives us an easy, casual way to get in touch with people, it doesn't make our choices for us. We need to take responsibility for our actions. We still decide what defines cheating in our relationships, and whether or not we will cross that line. We still decide how much attention we should pay to other people, and how much attention we are comfortable receiving. When I hear people blame Facebook, strip clubs, or anything else for the problems in their marriage, it reminds me of what is (in my opinion) one of the worst personality flaws: the inability to admit the truth. 3 Mistakes Women Make When They Suspect Cheating EXPERT

If your goal is to brush things under the rug and pretend everything in your relationship is fine, then by all means stay off Facebook. Cancel girls' night out. Stay away from any bachelor parties. Monitor each other's internet use, and check each other's phone. You know, just in case.

But if your goal is to have a solid, healthy relationship, one that is based on trust and commitment, recognize that any fears you have about Facebook in your relationship are deeper issues that should be worked through in counseling.

I've heard several people say that infidelity in their marriages ultimately served to strengthen the marriage. Clearly it was not the act of infidelity that improved the relationship, but the resulting attention paid to the relationship after the affair. Rather than wait or hope your fears never materialize, confront these fears early on. In a healthy relationship, you won't have to spend your time worrying about what your partner will do. And you won't worry that you'll be tempted to stray, either. You'll trust each other. You'll trust yourself.


Facebook is not the problem. Figure out what is, and work through it together.

By: Rebecca A. Marquis is the author of How to Be a Good Boyfriend: 34 ways to keep her from getting annoying, jealous, or crazy. amzn.com/145632411X


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Jennifer Lopez & Marc Anthony Make Nice For Public Appearance

9:49 AM Salsa Circuit


At least the former couple seem open to being together for work!

Jennifer Lopez, 42, and Marc Anthony, 43, are together again... for work purposes.

The couple, who had a messy split in July, are now battling over custody arrangements for their 3-year-old twins. However, the pair appeared to be quite comfortable coming together for a public appearance promoting their Spanish reality competition show, O'Viva! Are Jennifer Lopez & Marc Anthony At War Over Their Kids?

According to Us Weekly, J. Lo looked "sexy in a blue leather dress with cutouts," and was helped by her soon-to-be ex-husband while ascending the stage. Anthony didn't look so bad himself up there with her. They were positioned near one another in director's chairs and their body language seemed to be comfortable. At one point, Lopez tapped on Anthony's arm a
nd he returned the tapping later on.


Regardless of their divorce, they seem like good friends, or at least comfortable enough to be in the same room. As we know, both have moved on to younger counterparts. Hey Jennifer Lopez, Marc Anthony Has A Hot New Fling, Too!
According to Us, when asked by reports what it was like to work with Anthony again, Lopez said, "Same as it was any other time we worked together. We have a great time working together."

Good for them! They are setting a good example of professionalism for other broken couples who have to still work together.

Do you think you'd be able to work with your ex?

Photo Credit: Getty


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A Man Who Cheated – Can He Ever Be Faithful?

9:27 AM Salsa Circuit



We know we caused a big commotion a few months back when we commented that in our opinion a man who cheated will do so again…with that same woman.

We’d like to set the record straight about that, and about all breaches of trust.

A man who cheated on a woman is unlikely to be faithful to that woman forever.

The reason for this is that there is something unfulfilling at the core of this relationship and the cheating is/was a symptom of that core mismatch.

We don’t think the situation is hopeless, however we do believe that dramatic changes need to happen in order for the relationship to survive.

This is not something that can change quickly or without effort. There’s a shift that must take place for BOTH parties to rectify and move on – TOGETHER.


If You Find That You Are With A Man Who Cheated, And He Is Begging Your Forgiveness And Wants To Stay…Here Are Some Parameters For You:


1. Do not rush to forgiveness.

Our emotions are so very important and they must be expressed in order to truly value ourselves.

Often times, we do not want conflict, and so it common to rush into forgiveness.

When we rush to forgiveness we devalue ourselves and our feelings.

We are saying to our partner that we are willing to deny our feelings in order to keep this relationship alive.

That is a recipe for anger and resentment.

    First, FEEL everything you are feeling.

    Express how you feel with “I” statements.

    Utilize all of the tools here on the blog that work with expressing your emotions authentically.

    It will be easy to stumble in blaming language, especially when you are angry and hurt.

    Your job is to express how you are feeling and to take responsibility for those feelings.

2. Take some space.

Ask him to stay at a hotel for X amount of time.

This is really okay.

You need space to feel your grief, anger, betrayal, etc and having him around the house is just going to make it worse.

You may be worried about losing him if you do this.

Just know that if he wants to save the relationship then he will be willing to honor this request.

If he isn’t willing to abide by your wishes then he probably isn’t worth keeping around.

To be honest, if you’re going to “lose” him, he’ll go regardless of your requests and your actions.

3. Honor how you feel.

Feel the pain of it and nurture yourself at the same time.

This may seem like a contradiction, however it is not.

    Take good care of yourself by doing things that allow you to feel whatever you are feeling in the moment.

    Take walks, hikes, bike rides, bubble baths… just be with yourself and allow those feeling to flow through you.

It may feel overwhelming at times, but you are capable of handling much more than you know.

When you try to avoid your feelings about a man who cheated and keep things under control then you are going to have trouble moving on from this event.

If you want to save the relationship, or if you want to be able to move on to another relationship, then you have to process your feelings around this event.

The goal is to move THROUGH your emotions not gloss over them.

4. Start practicing forgiveness.

Once you feel you have a handle on the grief, now start looking at forgiving him.

Start having some conversations with him and express how you are feeling in the moment (not about what was, but what is right now).

If he wants to make a go of it and you agree to do that (here is the very important part) – Really forgive him and move on.

To be in forgiveness means that it’s behind you. Open your heart to your man, and see him for who he is, and how you feel when you spend time together.

Trust is not on a dimmer switch. Either we trust someone, or we do not.

So if you’re going to go for it, jump in with both feet and TRUST!

If worry is something that comes up for you and it is making you anxious, work with a professional to get support for yourself.


It is important to have an outlet to discuss your worry (and let’s be honest, if this is where you are getting stuck – this pattern of worry has been holding you back in all areas of your life, and this is a great opportunity to release this old pattern that is not serving you.)

5. Set up the rules for moving forward.

Ask for what you need. Tell the truth.

It’s perfectly okay to say, “If this ever happens again, you will not have another chance. We will be done.”

Spell it out in your words, in your way – and here is the very hard part – HONOR THAT agreement!

What often happens is that we pick up where we left off in the relationship in a few months… and old habits are difficult to break…but not impossible.

Honor yourself by not falling into sacrifice in the relationship. Know what your needs are, express them, expect him to meet your needs.

6. Clearly explain what you expect from him.

He needs to take action to earn your trust.

Whether it is in learning to express his feelings and ask for what he needs, if you want him to seek help or if you want both of you to seek help, it is ok to ask that he take certain actions to show his desire to repair the relationship.

Hold him to these agreements. Be clear on what your deal breakers are and stick to them. It is important for him to know that there are consequences for his actions.

When you do this then there is no need to be snooping for things, or to be worried about what he may or may not do.

Be clear on what YOU are doing and, how you are feeling when you spend time with him.

Know the saying “what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger?”

This is most certainly true in relationship. This could be an amazing opportunity to re-engineer the relationship and create something fabulous!

Love and Abundance,
Orna and Matthew


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Will Spanish Survive in America?

8:39 AM Salsa Circuit


Among many second and third generation Latinos the answer is, "No," making some wonder if Spanish will survive in America as more and more of us are born here.

Like many children of Latino immigrants, Alberto Padron learned Spanish straight out of the crib. “It was the only language spoken at home,” says the 37-year-old New Jersey native, whose mom and dad arrived from Cuba in the early ’60s. “No one ever sat down and taught me,” he adds. “My being bilingual is the natural consequence of being born bicultural and balancing two languages since day one.”

His teenage sons, on the other hand, had another experience growing up. Even though Padron and his wife, Angela, can easily hopscotch between both languages, the two boys only know English. “When you’re not thinking about it, that’s what you speak at home,” says Padron, who meets resistance when he tries to get them to switch to  español. “Why are you forcing me to do this?” is the usual retort.

“I’m mostly disappointed in myself when my children’s ability to bond with our family is effectively crippled because Abuelita doesn’t speak English and the grandchildren don’t speak Spanish,” admits Padron, whose story points to a larger generational shift among American-born Latinos that raises concerns about the decline of our mother tongue and, as a consequence, the connection to our culture.

According to the Pew Hispanic Center, only 38 percent of third–generation Latinos—United States-born kids with foreign-born grandparents—are proficient in Spanish, compared to 79 percent of the second generation. “Some parents think they’ll be able to buck that trend, but they don’t understand how hard it is to raise a bilingual child in the United States,” says Ana Celia Zentella, Ph.D., a Mexican-Puerto Rican anthro-political linguist who studies the intersection between language and politics. “As soon as children see that there’s no need to talk to their parents in Spanish, they don’t.”

But Dr. Zentella, a professor emeritus at the University of California, San Diego, isn’t pointing fingers. “Parents shouldn’t be expected to do it on their own. They have so many other priorities when it comes to child rearing,” she says. “And many times the second generation feels like their own Spanish skills are weak and they’re reluctant to structure their child’s rearing around it.” The real problem, says Ana Roca, Ph.D., professor of Spanish at Florida International University, is the lack of bilingual education in public schools. “The United States does not give Spanish the importance it deserves,” says the cubana about the historical lack of funding for programs that help students maintain their heritage language. “The message is to learn English and forget about your mother tongue.”

But this loss of language across the generations cuts deeper than simply being unable to communicate with older relatives. It impacts Latino identity as well. “You can’t be  a mexicano if you don’t know Spanish,” says Eugene García, Ph.D., a professor at Arizona State University whose family has lived in New Mexico since before it became part of the United States. “You don’t need to be proficient, but you need to know you can get by,” he adds. “Language is a key indicator that you’re part of a certain culture. Others will look at you and say, ‘You don’t speak Spanish? Then you’re not Mexican.’ ”

García’s controversial statement is something Richard Oceguera, a 42-year-old Californian of Mexican descent, has experienced firsthand. “Native speakers are resentful,” he says. “They’ll treat me like I think I’m better because I’ve become Americanized. Like I’m trying to be white. The way it comes across is as if I’m purposefully looking to slight my entire culture by not speaking Spanish. As if it was a choice for me. It wasn’t. My parents didn’t teach it to me,” says Oceguera, who has been studying the language for years in an effort to reconnect with his heritage, but still feels disconnected. “There’s a sense of separation,” he says.

Still, like Oceguera, many Latinos are embracing Spanish later in life as a way of reclaiming their roots. Among those is Destiny Lopez, a 36-year-old Chicana from Detroit, whose grandparents suffered discrimination when they first arrived from Mexico in the ’50s and didn’t raise Spanish-speaking children for fear that they would be marginalized. Growing up, Lopez had the traditions—mariachi music at family events, tamales during the holidays—but felt more American than Mexican. “There was a divide between those that spoke it and those that didn’t,” she says. “It’s frustrating that there’s something wrong with you, and that you’re perceived as less of a Latina because of that.”

Lopez, who has taken classes on and off for years, renewed her commitment with the birth of her daughter, Carmen. “I want to raise her bilingual, so that she’ll have more access to the culture. I now see the benefit of it in hindsight,” Lopez says. “I also want her to be aware of what the world around her is going to look like,” she adds, alluding to the latest Census reporting that Latinos make up 16.3 percent of the nation’s population at 50.5 million, a number that is projected to double by the year 2050.

Those figures don’t sit well with everyone, however, and fuel the kind of anti-Spanish rhetoric that makes its way into the legal system and exacerbates the loss of the language. Over 30 states have passed laws making English their official language, with Oklahoma persuading voters last year with the iconic military recruiting image of Uncle Sam emblazoned with the words, “This finger wasn’t made to press ‘one’ for English!” Dr. Zentella says, “There’s a big push communicating to all newcomers and people in general that the real American only needs one language.”

But that sentiment is not universally accepted across the United States. There are 440-plus public bilingual immersion schools that teach children English and their mother tongue, as well as how to appreciate both cultures. For example, Coral Way Bilingual K-8 Center in Miami teaches more than 1,500 students to speak, read and write in both English and Spanish, with subjects like math, science and social studies en español. “We’re performing at the same average and, in some cases, above schools that are not bilingual,” says the elementary school’s principal, Josephine Otero. “We have proven that our methods here at Coral Way do work, and that our students are successful and prepared to face the challenges ahead of them,” she recently told NPR.

Unfortunately, not everyone has access to schools like Coral Way—bilingual immersion is outlawed in California, Arizona, Colorado and Massachusetts—making it harder for the third generation and beyond to retain the language. But despite the trends, there is  a steady influx of immigrants who may just keep the language alive. Every day, approximately 3,700 of us arrive in this country. “Their kids will be spoken to in Spanish and will learn Spanish,” asserts Dr. García. The key, he says, is “to override the power of English, which comes in everywhere else.”

Then you have Latinos like Oceguera and Lopez, who, no matter how many generations removed, prove that it’s never too late to learn the language. Perhaps Padron’s sons will follow that same path some day, for as Dr. Zentella says, choosing to become bilingual is  a political act. “We as a community can make a major contribution to the United States by opening its linguistic, cultural and racial frontier,” she says. “[By speaking Spanish] you’re saying that the American dream isn’t dreamt only in English.”

--Grace Bastidas


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Tuesday, January 17, 2012

The Best and Worst Dressed at the 2012 Golden Globes

6:42 AM Salsa Circuit

Golden Girls
From Natalie Portman's shocking pink dress to Charlize Theron's divisive fashion-forward frock, the hottest stars were out in full fashion force at the 2012 Golden Globes. Check out the night's most memorable fashion moments!


Jessica Alba in Gucci
Jessica Alba channeled feminine elegance at the 2012 Golden Globes. The stylish starlet was the picture of perfection in a beaded lavender gown that showed off her post-baby figure. Diamond baubles topped off this haute ensemble.


Lea Michele in Marchesa
Lea Michele turned on the shine in a silver gown with a daring peek-a-boo bodice and a sequined skirt. The queen of the red carpet pose accessorized the look with a bold green cocktail ring and dramatic smoky eye makeup.


Sofia Vergara in Vera Wang
Sofia Vergara tapped into her bombshell image for the 2012 Golden Globes, showing off her figure in a textured mermaid gown by Vera Wang. She paired the navy blue gown with sleek and straight tresses and plenty of diamonds.


Mila Kunis in Christian Dior
Mila Kunis was probably contractually obligated to wear a Christian Dior gown, as she's currently one of the brand's spokesmodels. Thankfully, Dior suits her fine, although we prefer to see Ms. Kunis in bolder, brighter designs.


Sarah Michelle Gellar in Monique Lhuillier
All eyes were on Sarah Michelle Gellar at the 2012 Golden Globes. The petite starlet wowed fashion critics in a blue and white watercolor-inspired gown by Monique Lhuillier (her daughter's suggestion, if you believe what she told Giuliana Rancic). She wisely opted for simple accessories and a high ponytail to show off the stylish peaked bustline.


Freida Pinto in Prada
Freida Pinto took a fashion risk in a teal Prada frock. The style chameleon added some serious shimmer to her look with a bold gold and diamond necklace and an understated box clutch.



Jessica Biel in Elie Saab Couture
Jessica Biel donned a lacy white Elie Saab frock at the 2012 Golden Globes. The long-sleeved look was a demure departure from Jessica's normally sexy gowns. Perhaps Jessica will opt for a similar look at her impending wedding to pop sensation Justin Timberlake?


Salma Hayek in Gucci
Actress Salma Hayek was a glittering goddess in her black-and-gold Gucci gown, accessorized with a satin box clutch and oversized gold earrings. Hayek upped the glam factor with her ombre-hued hair styled in big, bodacious curls, leaving her neckline almost fully covered.



Angelina Jolie in Atelier Versace
Angelina Jolie was typically radiant in an extremely sultry satin gown by Atelier Versace. Jolie appears to be trying to undo her reputation as a chromophobe, as the dress featured a gorgeous pop of bright red at the neckline. A simple, elegant bun, bright red lips and diamond studs pulled the look together.



Kelly Osbourne in Zac Posen
Kelly Osbourne opted for bold color at the 2012 Golden Globes. The Fashion Police star donned a classic Zac Posen-silhouette that showed off her new petite figure. Kelly finished off the look with her controversial gray hair.


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Madonna and Elton John Are Not Friends

6:10 AM Salsa Circuit


Madonna had a surprise win for Best Original Song at the 2012 Golden Globes last night, beating out the likes of Elton John, Chris Cornell, and Mary J. Blige with her tune "Masterpiece," written for her upcoming film W.E.

Elton dished out some serious side-eye during the Queen of Pop's acceptance speech, and his husband, David Furnish, took to Facebook to voice his outrage over Madge's win. Call these two warriors in the name of Gaga. It's getting personal!

Also in music news, Justin Bieber celebrated the five-year anniversary of his old YouTube channel, Willow Smith tamed the crazy for the BET Honors show, and Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony reunited to make that money.

  •  Elton John is one of those guys who can't help but reveal exactly what he's thinking with his face. He's just too expressive. As such, his reaction to Madonna's Golden Globe win on Sunday night was hilarious—but not nearly as biting as his husband's.

On Sunday night, David Furnish let it all out on Facebook, ranting:
Madonna. Best song???? F**k off!!! Madonna winning Best Original Song truly shows how these awards have nothing to do with merit. Her acceptance speech was embarrassing in it's narcissism. And her critisism of Gaga shows how desperate she really is. The vitriol couldn't have been helped by the fact that earlier in the evening, John had told Carson Daly that Madonna didn't have "a f**king chance" of winning in their category, presumably because he's angry about all the crappy press Madonna has thrown Lady Gaga's way of late (remember, dear reader, that Lady Gaga is godmother to Elton John's son).

Madonna hasn't responded to Elton's or his husband's barbs, although it's certain that she will: She's got a movie to promote and an album to sell.



Source: Zimbio


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Monday, January 16, 2012

Dance yourself fit!

9:44 PM Salsa Circuit



If you're looking for a new activity that's fun, social and calorie-burning, you sound like you're ready to dance yourself fit!

With 2012 being the year of the olympics, everybody everywhere is on a mission to get fit and boost their health and wellbeing. Unlike tedious running on a treadmill or pedalling on a bike, dancing is a form of exercise that requires no clock watching or strenuous motivation.

There are plenty of different types of dancing that can help you get fit but also leave you with an energy boost and a smile on your face!

Zumba - The latest dance trend that's captured the nation, Zumba fitness really is a fantastic way to get fit. The routines are easy to pick up and an hours session seems to fly by, leaving you buzzing and already excited for next weeks class. And the good news is you can burn up to 500 calories in one session! Great fun for all ages - last week my class ranged from 13 year old girls to 60 year old women!

Dvds - Especially just after Christmas there are tons of workout dvds available. The ministry of sound ones are really good and hard working and then there's all the celeb offerings to choose from. If you're body concious and could rather get fit in your own time in your own company, then these are the way for you. The thing I've found about doing a home workout dvd is as soon as one section ends and another begins, you nip to refil your water and take a breath and sometimes don't commit to finishing the whole hour. Another negative is there's nobody around to see you miss out a couple of the exercises, if you were in a class filled with other people, you might find the motivation to keep going.


Strictly - Just from indulging in watching Strictly Come Dancing every Saturday night we all think we can effortlessly do the Salsa or the American Smooth. They're easy right? If you fancy your hand at becoming a dancing pro like the stars on your screen, book into a professional ballroom class with your partner. You'll match Vincent and Flavia in no time!

Wii - Great for partys, family gatherings, time with the kids, or just playing on your own, the Wii is a great form of exercise if you take advantage of it. Games such as Just Dance and the Wii fit are there to provide a fun way of getting fit.

Aerobics - Not for everyone as some people prefer exercising on their own but going to an aerobics class with a qualified instructor is helpful because you can't get fed up half way through and quit (like you can at home) and you know you've got a professional teaching you so it really will be a good workout for your muscles! If you start in a beginners class, don't worry about not knowing the moves or getting out of breath, look around for support and every other person in the room will be the same as you.


Alexandra Baracska


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Sunday, January 15, 2012

2012 Golden Globe Awards: Full List Of TV Winners

9:07 PM Salsa Circuit


The 69th Annual Golden Globe Awards air tonight, celebrating some of the best of the last year’s film and television. We’re live-blogging the event and updating the winners. You can join in on the fun and weigh in with your opinions live as it all plays out. How will Ricky Gervais do as host this time around? Will our favorites take home awards? Who’s

The Golden Globes are airing tonight (Sunday, January 15th) on NBC (or in the U.K. - Sky Channel 151), starting at 8:00 p.m. ET. We do not have any information on where it’s streaming online, if at all.

BEST TV SERIES, DRAMA
American Horror Story, FX
Boardwalk Empire, HBO
Boss, Starz
Game of Thrones, HBO
Homeland, Showtime

BEST TV SERIES, COMEDY
Enlightened, HBO
Episodes, Showtime
Glee, Fox
Modern Family, ABC
New Girl, Fox

BEST ACTOR, DRAMA
Steve Buscemi, Boardwalk Empire
Brian Crantson, Breaking Bad
Kelsey Grammer, Boss
Jeremy Irons, The Borgias
Damian Lewis, Homeland

BEST ACTRESS, DRAMA
Claire Danes, Homeland
Mireille Enos, The Killing
Julianna Margulies, The Good Wife
Madeleine Stowe, Revenge
Callie Thorne, Necessary Roughness

BEST ACTOR, COMEDY
Alec Baldwin, 30 Rock
David Duchovny, Californication
Johnny Galecki, The Big Bang Theory
Thomas Jane, Hung
Matt LeBlanc, Episodes

BEST ACTRESS, COMEDY
Laura Dern, Enlightenment
Zooey Deschanel, New Girl
Tina Fey, 30 Rock
Laura Linney, The Big C
Amy Poehler, Parks and Recreation

BEST MINI-SERIES OR TV MOVIE
Cinema Verite, HBO
Downton Abbey, Masterpiece PBS
The Hour, BBC America
Mildred Pierce, HBO
Too Big To Fail, HBO

BEST ACTOR IN A MINI-SERIES OR TV MOVIE
Hugh Bonneville, Downton Abbey, Masterpiece
Idris Elba, Luther
WIlliam Hurt, Too Big To Fail
Bill Nighy, Page Eight
Dominic West, The Hour

BEST ACTRESS IN A MINI-SERIES OR TV MOVIE
Romola Garai, The Hour
Diane Lane, Cinema Lane
Elizabeth McGovern, Downton Abbey
Emily Watson, Appropriate Adult
Kate Winslet, Mildred Pierce

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A SERIES, MINI-SERIES OR TV MOVIE
Peter Dinklage, Game of Thrones
Paul Giamatti, Too Big To Fail
Guy Pearce, Mildred Pierce
Tim Robbins, Cinema Verite
Eric Stonestreet, Modern Family

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A SERIES, MINI-SERIES OR TV MOVIE
Jessica Lange, American Horror Story
Kelly Macdonald, Boardwalk Empire
Maggie Smith, Downton Abbey
Sofia Vergara, Modern Family
Evan Rachel Wood, Mildred Pierce

FILM CATEGORY

BEST DRAMA
Winner! The Descendants
The Help
Hugo
The Ides of March
Moneyball
War Horse

ACTOR (DRAMA)
Winner! George Clooney - The Descendants
Leonardo DiCaprio - J. Edgar
Michael Fassbender - Shame
Ryan Gosling - The Ides of March
Brad Pitt - Moneyball

ACTRESS (DRAMA)
Glenn Close - Albert Nobbs
Viola Davis - The Help
Rooney Mara - The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo
Winner! Meryl Streep - The Iron Lady
Tilda Swinton - We Need To Talk About Kevin

BEST MUSICAL OR COMEDY
50/50
Winner! The Artist
Bridesmaids
Midnight in Paris
My Week with Marilyn

ACTOR (MUSICAL OR COMEDY)
Winner! Jean Dujardin - The Artist
Brendan Gleeson - The Guard
Joseph Gordon-Levitt - 50/50
Ryan Gosling - Crazy, Stupid, Love
Owen Wilson - Midnight in Paris

ACTRESS (MUSICAL OR COMEDY)
Jodie Foster - Carnage
Charlize Theron - Young Adult
Kristin Wiig - Bridesmaids
Winner! Michelle Williams - My Week with Marilyn
Kate Winslet - Carnage

FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM
The Flowers of War (China) - Zhang Yimou
In the Land of Blood and Honey (Bosnia) - Angelina Jolie
The Kid With a Bike (France) - Jean-Pierre & Luc Dardenne
Winner! A Separation (Iran) - Asghar Farhadi
The Skin I Live In (Spain) - Pedro Almodóvar

ANIMATED FILM
Winner! The Adventures of Tintin
Arthur Christmas
Cars 2
Puss in Boots
Rango

SUPPORTING ACTOR
Kenneth Branagh - My Week with Marilyn
Albert Brooks - Drive
Jonah Hill - Moneyball
Viggo Mortensen - A Dangerous Method
Winner! Christopher Plummer - Beginners

SUPPORTING ACTRESS
Bérénice Bejo - The Artist
Jessica Chastain - The Help
Janet McTeer - Albert Nobbs
Winner! Octavia Spencer - The Help
Shailene Woodley - The Descendants

DIRECTOR
Woody Allen - Midnight in Paris
George Clooney - The Ides of March
Michel Hazanavicius - The Artist
Alexander Payne - The Descendants
Winner! Martin Scorsese - Hugo

SCREENPLAY
Michel Hazanavicius - The Artist
Alexander Payne, Nat Faxon & Jim Rash - The Descendants
George Clooney, Grant Heslov & Beau Willimon - The Ides of March
Winner! Woody Allen - Midnight in Paris
Aaron Sorkin & Steven Zaillian - Moneyball

ORIGINAL SCORE
Winner! Ludovic Bource - The Artist
Trent Reznor & Atticus Ross - The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo
Howard Shore - Hugo
John Williams - War Horse
Abel Korzeniowski - W.E.

ORIGINAL SONG
"Lay Your Head Down" - Albert Nobbs
"Hello Hello" - Gnomeo and Juliet
"The Living Proof" - The Help
"The Keeper" - Machine Gun Preacher
Winner! "Masterpiece" - W.E.

CECIL B. DEMILLE LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT
Winner! Morgan Freeman


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Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Jay-Z, Beyonce baby sets New York abuzz

6:23 AM Salsa Circuit


New York was abuzz Tuesday over the birth of baby girl Blue Ivy to one of the Big Apple's most glamorous couples, rapper Jay-Z and R&B singer Beyonce.

Curious onlookers and TV satellite vans staked out Lenox Hill Hospital in Manhattan's posh Upper East Side, waiting for a glimpse of Blue Ivy Carter, born Saturday, and her proud parents.

However, the rap mogul, the Grammy winning former Destiny's Child star, and their A-list tot slipped past waiting paparazzi with a motorcade of black SUVs at 1:30 am, the New York Daily News reported.

Jay-Z, originally Shawn Carter, released a newly recorded song "Glory" with a little accompaniment from his crying daughter, and New York tabloids celebrated with front-page spreads.

"RAPA BYE BABY," the New York Post splashed across a picture of the parents. "SONG OF JOY," chimed the rival News.


As befitting a celebrity, Blue Ivy was also at the center of her first controversy.

Local media reports said some staff at Lenox Hill and fellow patients were angry at the way the celebrity family had taken over swaths of the facility for private use.

A man from Brooklyn said he'd been unable to access his own baby in intensive care because of the invasion by Jay-Z's security team.

"People don't need to be treated like this when dealing with sick children," Neil Nash-Coulon told CBS television Monday.

"You can't cordon off the (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit). These are small newborns who need care, and you're just going to take over the hospital like you own it?"

The hospital hit back in a statement decrying "misinformation," and said: "We have made every effort to ensure minimal disruption to other families experiencing the birth of their own children over the past three days."

According to the Daily News, the dead-of-night departure was no less disruptive than the hospital stay, with SUVs blocking traffic as part of an elaborate maneuver to protect the celebrities, who traveled in a large van with blacked-out windows.

Ignoring the grumbling, Jay-Z and Beyonce issued a statement to US Weekly saying: "Her birth was emotional and extremely peaceful, we are in heaven."

Jay-Z's best statement, though, came accompanied by music.

On the track "Glory," which is announced "featuring B.I.C," Jay-Z reveals that previously his wife suffered a miscarriage.

"Last time the miscarriage was so tragic/ We was afraid you disappeared but nah/ baby, you magic."

Jay-Z calls Blue Ivy "my greatest creation" and "everything that I prayed for."

In addition to Blue Ivy's vocal contribution in the song -- some gentle baby crying -- the lyrics reveal that the newcomer is already working on her moves.

"Your mama said that you danced for her/ Did you wiggle your hand for her?"

Jay-Z was head of Def Jam records and has sold more than 35 million albums as a rapper since 1996.


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