O, Music. (2011, ed.)

Here's a list of my favorite albums this year. What are yours?

1. "21" - Adele
2. "Born This Way" - Lady Gaga
3. "Loud" - Rihanna
4. "Femme Fatale" - Britney Spears
5. "Pink Friday" - Nicki Minaj
6. "4" - Beyonce
7. "Speak Now" - Taylor Swift
8. "Late Nights & Early Mornings" - Marsha Ambrosius
9. "Paper Airplane" - Alison Krauss & Union Station
10. "The Incredible Machine" - Sugarland

My Music Awards IV

It's here! Grammy nominations will be announced tomorrow night and I think I'm a lot more excited this year than I was last year. Here's a look at my winners. Will these be nominated? We shall see.

Record of the Year:

"Rolling in the Deep" - Adele.

There wasn't a bigger song, album, or artist this year so anything that goes against this song will have a tough time winning. I think Adele's only real competition, if she has to have one, is Britney Spears' "Till the World Ends." I know that I'm probably the only person in the world gutsy enough to pit these two songs together but, I don't care. "Till the World Ends" is pop genius, pure and simple. No one deserves it more than Adele but Britney definitely deserves to be mentioned here. Interesting tidbit: I think it was senseless and I still cannot understand why Lady Gaga chose not to submit her song "Born This Way" for Record of the Year consideration. The song would have been nominated for sure. It's a pop anthem after all.

Song of the Year:

"Rolling in the Deep" - Adele Adkins & Paul Epworth.

The lyrics are profound and hauntingly affecting. "The scars of your love remind me of us, they keep me thinking that we almost had it all." That's probably the longest and most relevant sentence ever sung.

Best New Artist:

Marsha Ambrosius or Nicki Minaj.

I don't think Marsha will even be nominated but in a perfect world, she will be. I predict Nicki Minaj, Bruno Mars, Young the Giant, and The Band Perry will each be nominated here. Who's the Best New Artist of 2011? To me, it's hands down Nicki Minaj. Or Marsha, Marsha, Marsha!

Album of the Year:

"21" - Adele.

Sorry to anyone who thinks they deserve this award more than she. "21" is no sophomore slump and as 2011s best selling album, it ought to win Album of the Year. Period.

Best Female Pop Vocal Performance:

"Someone Like You" - Adele.

Best R&B Album

"Loud" - Rihanna.

Beyonce's "4" and Marsha Ambrosius' "Late Night & Early Mornings" are my other choices. These three are all so very good. The best of these, however, is Rihanna's "Loud."

Best Dance Recording:

"Titanium" - David Guetta and Sia

Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal:
"My Body" - Young the Giant.

Best Female Country Vocal Performance:
"Back to December" - Taylor Swift

Zombie

Sometimes, I think
we've been wrong all along
What if maybe He did her a favor
and here I am
cursed
What if He didn't actually take her life, like they say
I mean, she's up there dancing in heaven, yes
there's no doubt
but, maybe
just maybe
her life was the one that was spared
and I'm the one who's actually really truly gone and dead

Following?
I don't know if I'm articulating this in a way that's clear
but what I mean is this:

Survival is a gift, apparently
but why does it feel so fucking wicked?
Did He spare me my life or did He take it away
the day I made it out alive after that evil accident that put me in the hospital
and took away my mommy
I wonder.

If I'm supposed to be happy I'm alive,
why can't I feel it?

Please, Do Not

Never-ever give a married man the time of day
You give your heart
and, I swear it,
it won't mean anything at all to him
'cause he'll just fold it up and hide it in his wallet behind a photo of his pretty little lady
you'll see
and he'll forget it's there
'cause all that'll really matter to him
will be your stupid little perverted parts
and those he'll get whenever he picks up the phone

Flores Para Los Muertos

I bet if I whispered in your ear
all the things I think about you,
it'd kill you

And I’d have no time to apologize
even if you asked and
I was just being honest
you’d die
just like that
and your wicked ol’ death would haunt me for the rest of my life
'cause although your go would be your very own fault
I’d mourn your death and blame it myself

That’s just the kind of guy I am

...at least cock sucking you can prove.

Every gay person, anti-gay hatemonger, and bible junkie ought to see this.

Weirdo

Human beings are very weird.
I've spent my morning wondering—
why do we do the things we do?

Notorious P.I.G.

Every time I write something new here, he asks:

"why are you writing about me again?"

Every time it isn't about him, he insists it is

and whenever it actually is, he doesn't notice

Here's the thing, though:

if he thinks I'm always bashing him here, why is he still reading?

KKK(H)

So, most gays cannot marry because it (supposedly) goes against the sanctity of marriage and yet here's Miss Kim marrying for shits and giggles. I don't follow the Kardashian clan much, save for my itsy bitsy obsession with Rob - but I seriously - and perhaps stupidly - thought her love and marriage was real. I'm kind of shocked she has filed for divorce after only 72 days of marriage. How does one do that? If marriage takes a boatload of work... AND stress... AND love to make it last, can anyone honestly say they TRIED their darnedest to salvage AND PROTECT their marriage after only a few months and some weeks together? I don't get it. Kim says she married for love. Why doesn't it seem so? Was it for ratings...financial gain...media exposure? If Kim isn't a self-obsessed famewhore then she is obviously a liar. I don't have any right to judge her, but seriously, let's be real here... what on Earth is this woman all about? What is her life's purpose? What is she doing!? And to think: this was considered our version of the Royal Wedding? Ha! America.

I'm Going To Die

I know why I’m sad
and that’s a big step because
usually I don’t know why I can’t smile
but today I know everything

I’ve got to get stuff done
I’ve got to get stuff checked
Those things we know we need to do keep us from moving on if we don’t do them
I can’t think or breathe right
and I probably won’t ever get to
unless I wake up and start doing, or
get moving

I know this probably won’t make sense to most of you
but I'm writing it out here and releasing it to the universe anyway
because somewhere out there,
some higher power or regular human even
will know where I'm coming from,
what I'm talking about
and they'll pray.

I have a headache now
and if I don't fix things soon,
I'm going to die

My Radio: What I'm Listening To

"Just let go anyway."

We Found Love - Rihanna (w/ Calvin Harris)

25/8 - Mary J. Blige

Domino - Jessie J

Dreams - Fleetwood Mac

In the Dark - Dev

Body and Soul - Tony Bennett and Amy Winehouse

Sol do Sul - Daniela Mercury

Something in the Water - Brooke Fraser

Mientes - Camila

You Mean the World to Me - Toni Braxton

Clean

"Fragrance is an incredibly intimate thing. It can evoke very specific thoughts or memories & is a little different for each person who wears it."

Dame Elizabeth Taylor

I love a man who smells like heaven. Here's a list of my favorite colognes. What are you wearing?

1. Clean for Men, by Dlish

2. Curve, by Liz Claiborne

3. Dolce & Gabbana, by Dolce & Gabbana

4. Desire, by Alfred Dunhill

5. DKNY New York, by Donna Karan

Netflix Vs. the World

Earlier this year, Netflix sent an email to all of its members highlighting price increases which separated online streaming and DVD mailings into two separate plans. The separation seemed to make sense, particularly for those who never took advantage of both services. But it also seemed to punish those who did utilize both offerings, like myself.

At first, I was a bit annoyed. This new scheme surprised a lot of us Netflix members. With the new price plans, I saw my subscription go from $16.32 to $21.75—same service, no additions or anything, six dollar increase. Totally insane.

But after careful consideration, in spite of it all, I figured: twenty bucks for commercial-free unlimited streaming and two DVDs out at-a-time is actually still a total steal. That day, perusing the Netflix site, I thought about canceling my membership. However, I couldn't. I was still too in love with the service to think about ending my relationship with them. The day they announced the new prices, I considered terminating my membership for about five minutes. Then, I quickly came to my senses and understood: with all the films and TV shows available to me on Netflix, I am really saving on other costs.

Just think: if it weren't for Netflix, I would never get the chance to see the complete Ally McBeal series again unless I purchase the DVD set from Best Buy or somewhere on the Internet. The complete series costs about $100. For twenty bucks, I get to see every episode as many times as I want and if I want to rent it, I can and it'll be in my mailbox before the end of the week. It's that simple. Although the price hike feels utterly annoying and depressing, we still get our money's worth.

So, here I am. A real live and actually satisfied Netflix member. Although a lot can be done to improve its customer service (they clearly have no respect for its members and are currently paying for some shady business choices), Netflix is still an amazing service. It has reinvented the movie-rental industry and I am grateful for that.

Emmys 2011

Tonight, the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences will award some of television's finest shows and actors with the prestigious Emmy Award in a slew of categories, including these 10 here. These are the nominees.

BEST COMEDY ACTOR
Alec Baldwin, "30 Rock"
Steve Carell, "The Office"
Louis C.K., "Louie"
Johnny Galecki, "The Big Bang Theory"
Matt LeBlanc, "Episodes"
Jim Parsons, "The Big Bang Theory"

Unfortunately, I don't watch any of these shows so I don't really care who wins. I have seen at least one episode of all of these before though so I guess based on what I have seen, perhaps the award should go to Jim Parsons again this year. He won last year for his portrayal of über-nerd Sheldon Cooper. I saw him in a play earlier this year and really enjoyed his acting. He's amazing. However, perhaps the award should go to Steve Carrell since this last season was his final one. This would be a great parting gift.

BEST COMEDY ACTRESS
Edie Falco, "Nurse Jackie"
Tina Fey, "30 Rock"
Laura Linney, "The Big C"
Melissa McCarthy, "Mike & Molly"
Martha Plimpton, "Raising Hope"
Amy Poehler, "Parks and Recreation"

Last year, the one actress who didn't deserve it took home the award. These things usually go to the most popular actress, as opposed to the most deserving. Edie Falco is a fine actress but I have a very big problem with her character on Nurse Jackie. She just isn't funny whatsoever. It's just odd to nominate her here when the supporting cast on the show is a lot funnier than her character. That said, I would love to see Laura Linney win. She plays Cathy Jamison, a schoolteacher who decides to live as happily as she can after she is diagnosed with stage 4 melanoma. The show is heartbreaking at times but Laura Linney is hilarious. PS: The fact that Courtney Cox wasn't nominated in this category this year kind of makes this an incomplete category.

BEST COMEDY SUPPORTING ACTRESS
Julie Bowen, "Modern Family"
Jane Krakowski, "30 Rock"
Jane Lynch, "Glee"
Sofia Vergara, "Modern Family"
Betty White, "Hot in Cleveland"
Kristin Wiig, "Saturday Night Live"

I'm rooting for Sofia Vergara or Julie Bowen tonight. Jane Lynch wasn't as funny as she was last year so I hope she doesn't win again. She'll most likely win, however.

BEST COMEDY SUPPORTING ACTOR
Ty Burrell, "Modern Family"
Chris Colfer, "Glee"
Jon Cryer, "Two and a Half Men"
Jesse Tyler Ferguson, "Modern Family"
Ed O'Neill, "Modern Family"
Eric Stonestreet, "Modern Family"

Chris Colfer is 2010s best supporting actor in a comedy, hands down. Jesse Tyler Ferguson and Ty Burrell are his only true competitors this year.

BEST DRAMA ACTOR
Steve Buscemi, "Boardwalk Empire"
Kyle Chandler, "Friday Night Lights"
Michael C. Hall, "Dexter"
Jon Hamm, "Mad Men"
Hugh Laurie, "House"
Timothy Olyphant, "Justified"

Michael C. Hall's Dexter Morgan is creepy, creepy, creepy! He should win. Jon Hamm is going to win though. Of course, Kyle Chandler may be the sentimental favorite since his show has ended. I think it's a grave travesty William H. Macy wasn't nominated here. Shameless was my favorite show last year.

BEST DRAMA ACTRESS
Kathy Bates, "Harry's Law"
Connie Britton, "Friday Night Lights"
Mireille Enos, "The Killing"
Mariska Hargitay, "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit"
Julianna Margulies, "The Good Wife"
Elisabeth Moss, "Mad Men"

Seriously, WTF Kathy Bates? Get out of here! My choice - Mireille Enos or Julianna Margulies. Both are equally deserving.

BEST DRAMA SUPPORTING ACTOR
Andre Braugher, "Men of a Certain Age"
Alan Cumming, "The Good Wife"
Peter Dinklage, "Game of Thrones"
Josh Charles, "The Good Wife"
Walton Goggins, "Justified"
John Slattery, "Mad Men"

I'd love to see John Slattery win because he's such an amazing actor. Alan Cumming is another favorite of mine.

BEST DRAMA SUPPORTING ACTRESS
Christine Baranski, "The Good Wife"
Michelle Forbes, "The Killing"
Christina Hendricks, "Mad Men"
Kelly MacDonald, "Boardwalk Empire"
Margo Martindale, "Justified"
Archie Panjabi, "The Good Wife"

I'm rooting for Michelle Forbes. Archie Panjabi is my real favorite but she won last year and repeat winners kind of spoil the fun out of these kinds of shows. Still, if she won again, I'd be very happy. I'd place my bets on Margo Martindale though. Critics have praised her galore this last season so she may prevail.

BEST DRAMA SERIES
"Boardwalk Empire"
"Dexter"
"Friday Night Lights"
"Game of Thrones"
"The Good Wife"
"Mad Men"

Dexter should win. It's a creepy and very intelligent show that keeps viewers at the edge of their seat every week. It's great TV.

BEST COMEDY SERIES
"The Big Bang Theory"
"Glee"
"Modern Family"
"Parks and Recreation"
"The Office"
"30 Rock"

Modern Family is the funniest television show on TV now. Glee comes close but last season was so out of place, it really doesn't deserve to be named Best Comedy Series just yet.

Fall TV 2011

For a man who is absolutely in love with the summer, loving the fact that it's finally September can only mean one thing - I'm a TV addict. September means my favorite television shows are back and it's time to find a few new ones to love and occupy my time with as well. This year, it seems like there are a lot more interesting choices to choose from than ever before.

Here's a list of what I will be watching on TV this season.

Monday: 2 Broke Girls

Tuesday: Glee, Ringer, New Girl

Wednesday: America's Next Top Model, Up All Night, Suburgatory, Modern Family, Happy Endings, Cougar Town, Revenge

Thursday: The Vampire Diaries, Whitney, Private Practice, Prime Suspect

Friday: Grimm

Sunday: Once Upon a Time, Desperate Housewives, The Good Wife, Dexter, Homeland, The Walking Dead, Pan Am

I probably won't keep up with half of these shows as the weeks progress. I am only interested in catching the first two or so episodes of some of these listed here to see if they're any good. We'll see which ones prove interesting and entertaining. How many will survive? What will you be watching?