Suhweeet Sighting: Tom Cruise

Walking to work today, a huge crowd was outside. I went into the building and lo and behold, Tom Cruise was there. Tom is pimping his new movie HARD ("Valkyrie") in New York this week. He made his second appearance on the Today Show this morning and then scurried off to Regis and Kelly.

Meanwhile, Jamie Foxx was on Good Morning America this morning and then also performed at Regis and Kelly. Jamie's on the circuit for his new album. Jamie gave me the brotha handshake. Wasssup.

Tom was super friendly, told me "Merry Christmas" and had a solid handshake. He and Jamie talked awhile after the show was over, with Tom insisting Jamie call him up whenever he is in LA to hang out.

Now stop jumping on couches!

Suhweeet Sighting: Gabrielle Union

Gabrielle Union spotted at the Idealbite Green Awards party (http://www.idealbite.com/) handing out the Green Award for best new green product. Fyi - Idealbite is a newsletter company bringing you the "Sassier Side of Green."

Which got me thinking about going green. It is important. In fact, at times, you may save money in the long run by going green. But in these tough economic times, I wonder how "green" people will be getting? Often times, purchasing organic goods are more expensive with minimal immediate benefits. In the long run, it may be better, but most people think in the now, unfortunately when weighing their bank account versus their health.

Corporate Jibberish

Here is a back-and-forth between me and a co-worker on AIM during a 7 min stint on a conference call, quoting phrases someone used during an update. Wow.

me (1:34:29 PM): "rally"
me (1:34:33 PM): "low-hanging fruit"
me (1:34:39 PM): "trickle-down"
co-worker (1:35:03 PM): "scale-back"
co-worker (1:35:07 PM): "streamline"
me (1:35:20 PM): "robust"
me (1:35:57 PM): uhhh, like how twitter already exists?
co-worker (1:36:08 PM): "sooner rather than later"
co-worker (1:36:35 PM): "vehicle"
me (1:36:39 PM): "side-by-side"
co-worker (1:37:21 PM): "fleshing"
co-worker (1:37:45 PM): "touched on that"
me (1:37:50 PM): "capitalizing"
co-worker (1:37:53 PM): "move the needle"
me (1:38:06 PM): "timeless"
co-worker (1:38:12 PM): "more robust"
me (1:38:13 PM): "back to basics"
co-worker (1:38:40 PM): "direction we're moving in"
me (1:38:51 PM): "an eye towards..."
co-worker (1:38:59 PM): this is hilarious
co-worker (1:39:04 PM): i never noticed this before
me (1:39:07 PM): haha
me (1:39:10 PM): nothing is being said
co-worker (1:39:15 PM): "main driver"
co-worker (1:39:26 PM): "chime in"
me (1:39:37 PM): "driver"
co-worker (1:39:45 PM): "vehicle"
me (1:41:21 PM): "low-hanging fruit"
me (1:41:26 PM): "communication strategy"
me(1:41:52 PM): "re-focused"
me (1:41:58 PM): "stake in the ground"

Niiice

Suhweeet Sighting: T.I.

Last night went to almost the most thugged out concert of my life (DMX still takes the cake). An entertaining crowd indeed. Slim from 112 (where the playas dwell) was the opening act. T.I. busted out hits like "Whatever you like", "Swagger like us", "Top back", and "You don't know me." Power 105.1 show - shouts to DJ Self for the interlude between the acts.

Derrick Rose is Sick!

This is so sick I had to post it. I had the pleasure of actually watching a WHOLE Bulls game while I was back in chi-town and I am very impressed with the play of Derrick Rose. He is hands-down the Rookie-of-the-Year for me. OJ Mayo has got nothing on him.

Watch as he breaks Andre's ankles!

Suhweeet Sighting: Kanye West

One of the Suhweeetest Sightings thus far, I got to say! Chi-town Connection.

Suhweeet Sighting: Emeril

Emeril showed you how to make some delicious buttersquash something or other this morning.


Don't ask me, go to http://www.goodmorningamerica.com/ and I challenge you to find the recipe.

Kanye West on ABC News's Good Morning America

Ahh yes, Kanye West on Good Morning America (http://www.goodmorningamerica.com/) this morning and I was fortunate enough to meet him twice!

1st time - a quick introduction, before he went on. Apparently, he's been awake for 40 straight hours, took the redeye in from LAX to NYC this morning and had to perform 2 songs on GMA.

2nd time - post concert, outside the Green Room, even got a pic, but that will be coming later.

The music review is half-hearted for the 1st song he performend, "Heartless," and much better for the second song, "Touch the Sky."

Kanye even seemed to be more comfortable himself performing the older song, more energy and spunk overall. Or, the Redbull kicked in. Whatever the case, it was a pleasure to be there.

Get ready for Kanye on Good Morning America!

I'll also try to be in the crowd - check it out on ABC tomorrow around 8:30am.

Saved by zero - Toyota Commercial

This is all the rage now. I can't stand it, nobody can stand it, and it is finally coming down from our precious televisions.

If you don't know what I'm talking about, start watching some TV WITH commercials. It's also often on during sporting events.

Check out this Mashup of The Ring and this now infamous commercial.

Bond review

Checked out bond last weekend. Thought overall the action was good and Bond was his same "kick-butt" self. But what's up with the tight action shots? I was starting to feel like I was watching Bond in Cloverfield. It was a little too chaotic.

The lessening of the Bond Girl role is also a key development here as this solidifies a direction of the Daniel Craig era vs. Pierce "Mrs. Doubtfire" Bronson era.

I wonder if you replaced Daniel Craig with Matt Damon whether this could be the 4th installment of the famour Bourne series. Certainly is starting to feel the same.

What did you think?

http://www.rottentomatoes.com

Suhweeet Sighting: Bond....James Bond

Who is pumped to watch 007 kick some booty this weekend? I know I am.

(Quick tip on making The Vesper, Bond's drink:
3 measures of Gordon's Gin
1 measure of Vodka
1/2 measure of Kina Lillet Vermouth
Pour into a shaker with ice.
Shake until concoction is cold, pour into glass, garnish with lemon peel )


But imagine how pumped I was to actually catch a sighting of James Bond in person walking home from work tonight!

Just so happened that the opening premiere was here on the Upper West Side. In addition to Bond, the new unheralded Bond girls, Becki something-or-other from Ugly Betty, and Jeffrey Wright all spotted. I guess I missed Robert Deniro!! bummer

Yes We Did

Bueller Parade in NYC

Anyone know if this really happened???

"Bueller?...Bueller?...Bueller?
On October 31st, we are recreating the parade scene from Ferris Bueller's Day Off at the Village Halloween Parade. This will involve tens of thousands of people breaking out into the world's largest Beatles sing-a-long.

We want the streets to erupt in joy and for it to be one of the greatest experiences of everyone's lives.

We will need thousands of secret audience agents to get the ball rolling by imitating the extras in the scene and inspiring your neighbors in the audience to do the same.

We believe first and foremost in the power of joy and hope to celebrate this principle with you everyday for the rest of our collective lives.

Although there is a beautifully hand-written version of this note currently scotch taped to Matthew Broderick’s door, we thought we’d unleash it on the world wide web, in case we guessed the wrong door.


Dear Matthew Broderick,

In 1986, you made a movie that has been the standing template for cool since the day it was released. It has inspired and given people the courage to rock and roll and live authentically, a principle we would now like to celebrate in a most festive fashion this Friday night.

At 7:00 pm in the middle of 6th Ave, we are recreating the parade scene from Ferris Bueller’s Day Off as a part of the Greenwich Village Halloween Parade. We’ve got a 28 ft float, over 1,000 volunteers, balloons, sound equipment, and a whole entire marching band. There are no corporate ties to the event and it’s mostly just a group of friends looking to cultivate massive amounts of positive energy and for everyone to have an epically good time.

Our mission is to get everyone on the streets of NYC dancing until we reach or surpass the approximate enjoyment level of the original scene. We’ve been working hard to get all the pieces in place to give us the best chances of accomplishing this, and would now like to invite you to help us make this happen!!

Your role, if you choose to accept it, is to take over the float for one lip synching rendition of Twist & Shout in front of the TV camera crews stationed at 10th St & 6th Ave. With your brilliant coup, the crowd will absolutely go wild and NYC will erupt into one of the greatest and most joyous celebrations in the history of celebration in general.

Please let us know if you’re up for it. 2 million people are anticipated to view the event and would outrageously enjoy seeing you.

Thanks so much and have a super excellent evening!"

First Asian Boy Video

My friend, P, tipped me off to this YouTube craze - a parody off of Estelle's American Boy featuring Kanye West. I'm going to begrugingly guess he's Thai b/c of all the references, but hey, who knows? I guess it's really his girlfriend in the video, but in fact the song is better w/o the video.

Decide for yourself

30 Rock....falls flat

Wow, did anyone last night really want to laugh during 30 Rock's much anticipated debut only to find themselves slightly bemused?

I was really hoping it was going to blow me out of the water, instead it got really creepy really fast, with the return of Alec Baldwin pining for his old job and some unnecessary sexual tension with Liz Lemon.

Tracy Jordan struts his royalty checks around...heh heh - NOT.

I still like Kenneth - they should throw him some more material.

Also, Life On Mars on ABC got slammed in a review I read today in the WSJ - but what do they know about good television?

Halong Bay - Vietnam

One of the most breathtaking experiences of my life was recently taking a boat cruise in Halong Bay in the North Vietnam. Very mystical, enchanting place where thousands of islands have formed with adventures awaiting in the natural caves created on them.

As Ferris Bueller says, "I highly recommend it."

Mark Walhberg talks to Animals

This is so DEAD ON!

"Say hi to yo mutha for me!"

Completely under-appreciated given the media onslaught of Tina Fey doing impersonations of Sarah Palin.




Guess What?? Walhberg has a "cow"

Tiger Woods as a Caddie

This has to be a dream come true for this 59-yr old dude who lucked into playing 9 holes at Torrey Pines with Tiger Woods as his caddie. I guess he shoots in the 90s.

I've heard Tiger actually is a pretty funny guy when you golf with him, as seen when he played a round with Michael Jordan recently. He constantly was dogging Jordan throughout the round. I'm sure MJ lost a bunch of cash as well while playing Tiger.

I want to watch more of this coverage, so will post more if I can get my hands on it.

Sarah Palin...rapping?

Had to laugh a little bit here...SNL Weekend Update

Making the Band 4...Let's Go!

Great email from my friend, Ash Tre, about the Season Finale.

I can't believe my guilty pleasure came to an end aka Making the Band 4. Not going to front, Diddy got his Diddy Bop on when he bounced Audrey. That check was crazy Frito lay from the get. He kept on making these references that she wasn't the person he signed. it's obvious she let the 30 minutes of fame get to her head. But I think she probably paid a visit to Dr 90210. She made a comment from last week's episode that the group should be consulted if he wants to take one of them solo. Ha! Need I say M.A.$.E, Shyne Po, 112, Mary J, Faith, LOX. B.I.G. wouldn't even care if he made a move w/o him. He had Junior Mafia to roll w/. Anyway he cut her from the group and then the other foolio caught that same heat and she was bounced w/ the quickness. Loving it. They actually believed their own hype. The pitfalls of reality tv are amazing.

Last night was the season finale and let's just say Audrey is packing on a few LBs. The best is her twang came out it frustration. How you going to go from a wannabe 5th ave Gucci (fill in the blank) (w/ that STUPID 80's workout hair band) to an blump persona with a twang.

Ah, that's right, take that, take that, take that!

Who needs America's Best Dance Crew?

My bro, in black shirt white tie, busts a serious move! FFWD to 1:20 in the clip to watch some serious Iso moves.


2008-09-18 - Fusion @ Kaleidescope from Matt Chia on Vimeo.

Holla!

Suhweeet Sighting: Jack McBrayer (Kenneth on 30 Rock)

One of the "suhweeetest" sightings I must say - riding next to Jack McBrayer in the Downtown 1 train on my way to a meeting. Didn't recognize him at first, but after we both winced at a guy trying to get out of the train at the last second and getting his arm stuck, I realized it was Kenneth from 30 rock.

Told him I work at ABC and he told me to get off the train. Funny dude. Tells me he is on his way to Macy's to furnish his new UWS apartment. Wished him luck on the next season, which he is in town to film during the fall. On his way out he told me, "It was nice meeting you Kenneth - hey that's who I play on TV!"

His character has to be one of the funniest ones on TV today.

Bar Masa: Ice Ice Baby

Have you ever heard of the idea of hand shaving an ice ball to fit into a liquor glass? It takes 15 min - 30 min. Try it sometime if you are really bored. Or just go to Bar Masa and order it. Shout out to P for hookin' it up.

Jeff Koons at the Met

Checked out a couple of exhibits at the Met today. I came to the realization I like pop art and landscapes. Sort of perfect since Jeff Koons was on the roofdeck of the Met.

Superheroes costume / fashion exhibit ends today and I'm glad to have caught it. Did I tell you I'm acting like a tourist this long weekend?

When I say India...you say....

My first trip to India was a blast. Spent a week in Mumbai through work and found the people and culture warm and fascinating. Despite the suffocating traffic and torrential downpours (it was Monsoon season), my experience was amazing.

Below is an area where they perform massive laundry. You can imagine my surprise that there weren't any Koreans there. (Hey, I can say that, you can't. I know it's not fair.)

Here is a Jain Temple. I wasn't allowed in b/c they didn't allow visitors that weekend. Bummer.

The famous Gateway to India. Was built when the British were booted out.

Largest train terminal. Looks like an ideal setting for a sci-fi movie. Lots of folks live in the suburbs and take the train into work. Real estate costs in Mumbai are higher than Manhattan. Generally over $1,000/sq ft. Ouch! The average person's yearly income in India is $490 USD. Hmmm...

Many British influences around town and traces of the Portugese, who ruled Mumbai first. It was a lot to take in. All in all, a great trip, would like to hit up Goa, Bangalore, and Delhi next time.

While I was there, the first Indian individual Gold Medal in the country's history was won. Congrats Bindra! Supposedly the dude is single. Ladies?

The Hills: Season 3 Update

As the 3rd season of the acclaimed reality TV series, The Hills, begins, we must ask ourselves what "reality" TV has become. TV series have catapulted no-namers who have been blessed by the gods to be chosen out of the millions of commoners to become celebrities in the loosest of terms. And yet our attention remains captive. (Just look at growth of entertainment news and info traffic online).

Why do these so-called celebrities remain relevant? It is due to the role of TV series that help define today's pop culture. Therefore, as a natural student of pop culture, it thus remains in my DNA to continue covering and reviewing such elements of today's society.

The premise of The Hills has inevitably become a bit tired. We continue following the lives of LC, Audrina, Lo, and the arch nemesis couple of Speidi (Spencer + Heidi). Pathetically, Spencer's sister has latched onto LC as a friend to gain greater TV exposure, because let's face it, everyone is out for self on this show. Even Heidi's sister is getting into some air-time. We can all smirk at the lack of genuine intentions from her exploratory salutation at moving to LA.

Doug is introduced as an old prom date flame that promises to suffice as a temporary solution to the doldrums of LC's non-love life. And you can bet he was licking his chops at the chance to become a C-list celebrity merely by throwing a few off-handed compliments to our heroine, LC.

The first episode lacked the usual punch and tense moments that made this series watchable. Let's all hope the MTV producers and editors can get off their high horse and get The Hills back to its old "reality" form.

Kanye West and Jay-Z!

Last night went to the Kanye West Glow in the Dark tour at Madison Square Garden. By far, the most creative and entertaining concert I've ever attended. (The best concert though is still U2's Elevation tour at MSG post-9/11).

N.E.R.D. opened first since they had to book it to Belgium, but they are the rap-rock / skater music that young kids like. Made me feel old.

Lupe Fiasco then came out and killed it. He has a ton of energy - and I've got love for him since he's from Chi-town. He had a great mega-mix of "Superstar" at the end.

Then Kanye's show - intergalactic set, mixed in mostly new songs with a few oldies but goodies. "Can't Tell Me Nothin" was powerful, and "Jesus Walks" was great to hear live.

About 10 min before the end, I said, "Wouldn't it be great if Jay-Z were here?" In fact, while people were chanting, "Kanye! Kanye!" I was chanting, "Jay-Z! Jay-Z!"

Well, imagine my surprise, when the following happened:




I was pumped, in shock, and most definitely await Blueprint III's release. Jigga what?

Suhweeet Sighting: Meredith Viera

After leaving my building due to an unexpected fire alarm, I saw Meredith Viera right behind me. I told her, "Meredith Viera! Did you pull the fire alarm??" She responded, "No I didn't!" while touching my elbow. She was in full "Today" show form. Much nicer than when she does the "Who Wants To Be a Millionaire" show, which is filmed in my building.

She was then whisked away in a towncar, turning down my offer to join my group for drinks. She must work a ton since she's gotta be up around 3am to get to the studio by 4 or 5am for the Today Show tapings.

Bill Murray - Chicago's Finest

This is why you gotta love the guy. Too bad he's a Cubs fan and not a White Sox fan!

BILL MURRAY TO JUMP FROM PLANE AT AIR AND WATER SHOW
Actor and North Shore native Bill Murray is known for taking risks professionally. But who knew he'd be willing to jump out of an airplane in front of hundreds of thousands of fans -- and at North Avenue Beach, to boot!

The Oscar nominee will be the star attraction for an extra performance being added to the Chicago Air and Water Show on Friday, Aug. 15.

Murray has agreed to tandem jump with the Golden Knights onto North Avenue Beach at 3 p.m. that Friday afternoon. The actor, comedian and huge Cubs fan agreed to the stunt to bring attention to the USO of Illinois and the work that organization does on behalf of American troops here and overseas.

Actress and singer Florence Henderson will sing the national anthem that day to signal the opening of the air and water demonstrations, which also will include the traditional aerial acrobatics performed by the U.S. Navy Blue Angels.

Suhweeet Sighting: Drew Lachey

Caught the other Lachey with his wife and child in tow at the Time Warner Center on my way to Landmarc. I guess I was blocking the elevator accidentally b/c the wife ran over my toe with her stroller! My colleague had to peek out of our elevator once we discussed who it was. When she did so, he was staring right back at her. Awkward!

I guess he's hosting some new show? Who knows. Ahhh, those 98 Degrees guys. What are the other 2 dudes doing from that group?

Suhweeet Sighting: Girls Next Door

From the many sources for Suhweeet Sightings series, we have received hot off the presses a photo of the Playboy bunnies from the E! series: Girls Next Door. Looks like they're in midtown. Wonder why they are in NYC and not at the Mansion? Props to DA.

Their platinum blond hair is blinding!

ABDC 2: Xtreme Dance Force! (sucks)

While in the hometown (Naperville, IL) of infamous Xtreme Dance Force from America's Best Dance Crew 2, i noticed a flyer posted at the local Jewel-Osco promoting their next event showcase. Notice the scrawled misspelling of "coming" as "comming." They are by far the cheesiest group on the show and can be described really as Boy Band Rejects. That is a much better name than Xtreme Dance Force, wouldn't you agree?

here they are in action. Try not to cringe...

Suhweeet Sighting: Vanessa Hudgens

Caught Vanessa Hudgens coming out of the Trump Tower at Columbus Circle yesterday on my way to the subway. She was asking the doorman how far Bergdorf was from the hotel. Apparently she is in town promoting her new album. Someone told me she's not a bad singer!

Nerf Wars!!

I wish my office would have this on Fridays...


http://view.break.com/521743 - Watch more free videos

Suhweeet Sighting: Kelly Preston

Another addition to the new series, Suhweeet Sighting. Caught her coming out of our building on Columbus Ave. Can't say there were a ton of fans waiting, but who knows - maybe she's in a new movie or something...

Anyone know?

Last thing I remember her in was Jerry Maguire and that was a really long time ago.

Princeton - racist?

check this out...can't let all the Asians in though. We'd have some serious issues...

Princeton University said the Education Department broadened its investigation of possible discrimination against Asian-American applicants.

In 2006, federal officials began investigating a claim from a student that Princeton rejected him because of his race and national origin. The student, 19-year-old Jian Li, initially enrolled at Yale University and is now at Harvard. Princeton says it didn't discriminate against Mr. Li.

Jim Bradshaw, an Education Department spokesman, said the agency closed its investigation of Mr. Li's complaint in January "after reviewing preliminary data and statistics from the university" and instead initiated a broader "compliance review" to determine whether Princeton discriminates against Asian-Americans. Mr. Bradshaw said the review "covers the original complaint" and "in no way implies" that the agency "has made a determination on the merits of the complaint."

Princeton said the inquiry would focus on the class of 2010, to which Mr. Li had applied. The university disclosed information about the new inquiry late Tuesday and said it welcomed the chance to explain its admissions process to officials.

The inquiry comes as many Asian-Americans families complain that the nation's elite universities set a higher bar for their children than for other students, effectively setting caps on the number of admissions granted to a high-achieving minority group.

The treatment of Asian-American applicants by top universities has a long and bitter history. In 1992, the law school at the University of California at Berkeley agreed under federal pressure to drop a policy that limited Asian enrollment by comparing Asian applicants against each other rather than the entire applicant pool. Two years earlier, a federal government investigation found inequities at Harvard but didn't bring charges.

Mr. Li called the expanded inquiry "great news for those opposed to the use of racial preferences in college admissions" and said he "had hoped from the start that the scope of the complaint would be much wider than my individual case."

Mr. Li, who immigrated to the U.S. from China as a 4-year-old, scored the maximum 2,400 on the SAT college admissions test, and registered a combined 2,390 -- 10 points below the maximum -- on three SAT2 subject tests, in physics, chemistry and calculus. He was spurned by three Ivy League universities, as well as Stanford University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

The Education Department's civil-rights office initially rejected Mr. Li's complaint, saying the evidence was insufficient. Mr. Li successfully appealed, citing a white classmate from his public high school in Livingston, N.J., who was admitted to Princeton despite lower test scores and grades. Mr. Li's complaint was covered in a 2006 page-one Wall Street Journal article.

Princeton said 17,564 students applied to the class of 2010 and 1,231 enrolled. The university said 14% of its freshmen were Asian-American that year and in the most recent one. The school said it admitted only half of applicants with maximum SAT scores. About 5% of the U.S. population is Asian-American.

"We treat each applicant individually," said Princeton spokeswoman Cass Cliatt. "We don't discriminate on the basis of race and to the contrary, we seek to enroll classes that are diverse by a wide variety of measures."

Michael Jackson the new Celine Dion?

I would go watch him in Vegas...and you would too.

Michael Jackson: The Next Elvis?

A private-equity group is hoping to do for Michael Jackson something a long parade of music-industry veterans, lawyers and billionaire friends have failed to accomplish: Revive the pop star's dormant career after a 2005 child-molestation trial and a financial meltdown.

Colony Capital, which owns the Las Vegas Hilton and is a major shareholder in closely held Station Casinos, is in discussions with Mr. Jackson to get him back onstage and in the spotlight via a long-term stand in Las Vegas. It also wants the singer to sell his Neverland Ranch, the home of his private amusement park and menagerie and site of his controversial sleepovers with young children.

Colony and its executives aren't working with Mr. Jackson as managers or personal advisers. But they may nonetheless have a better chance of succeeding with Mr. Jackson than the many figures who have served in those capacities, thanks to Colony's major leverage with the pop star. The private-equity group in May bought from hedge fund Fortress Investment Group a $23 million loan backed by Neverland, in Los Olivos, Calif. Mr. Jackson, 49 years old, was in default on the loan and Fortress had initiated foreclosure proceedings. After buying the loan, Colony negotiated some short-term breathing room for Mr. Jackson. Under discussion is a scenario in which he would be allowed to put off making payments for a while, in exchange for more money further down the road.

"We bought the note and we've been having discussions with Mr. Jackson about a recapitalization and refinancing of Neverland in addition to various other business opportunities and mutual interests," says Colony CEO Tom Barrack.

Now Colony is urging the singer to emerge from the rural Nevada compound where he has recently been holed up with his family, to stage a residency performance -- either at one of its gambling and entertainment properties or elsewhere in Sin City.

Michael Amir, a spokesman for Mr. Jackson, confirms that the singer is in talks with Colony: "We're moving forward and looking to do some positive things in the future."

Since Mr. Jackson's 2005 acquittal on child-molestation charges, various entertainment-industry executives have pursued some kind of splashy comeback for him. For the most part, the singer hasn't played along. In February he backed out of a planned performance during the Grammy Awards telecast. Around the same time, he also declined a proposal to perform for 10 nights at a London arena. People who have spoken to Mr. Jackson say he has simply not felt up to the rigors of performing after his lengthy legal ordeal.

Recently the singer has been living in Pahrump, Nev., an unincorporated town 60 miles west of Las Vegas, where he has been writing new songs in a home studio and having his three children (ages 11, 10 and 6) home-schooled.

He did cooperate with Sony BMG Music Entertainment in the creation of a 25th-anniversary edition of his "Thriller" album, which posted unexpectedly strong sales in the U.S. and around the world. But even that undertaking -- which included one new song and remixes of several old hits -- may have contributed to Mr. Jackson's problems getting back to real work.

One person close to the famously distractible singer says that for a time he became preoccupied with making a feature-length movie based on the music video for the album's title track.

The current situation is the latest twist in a long-running saga that peaked three years ago. Funding his high-flying lifestyle with loans like the one backed by Neverland, he simultaneously stopped working and racked up millions of dollars in lawyers' bills to fight child-molestation charges.

The singer was acquitted in 2005 by a jury in Santa Maria, Calif. But he is still carrying almost $400 million in debt secured by his extensive music-publishing holdings, in addition to the smaller loan backed by Neverland.

Since then, according to people close to Mr. Jackson, he has cut back his personal spending somewhat. The biggest of Mr. Jackson's loans is backed by his share of Sony/ATV Music Publishing, a joint venture he owns with the Japanese media and electronics giant. Mr. Jackson's stake is likely worth $500 million or more. But the partnership agreement is set to expire in two years, at which point provisions kick in allowing one side to buy out the other.

People familiar with the situation say Sony has always presumed that it would exercise that right -- and has even worked to prevent creditors from seizing Mr. Jackson's half of the company partly with the aim of buying it later. But if Mr. Jackson had a deep-pocketed partner like Colony, it could complicate such a transaction.

Adding to the chaos until now: Throughout much of that time, Mr. Jackson has put his business affairs in the hands of a rotating cast of advisers. Some of these have dealt honestly with the singer, but others have had previously-reported conflicts of interest.

Mr. Jackson has run into trouble making payments on his loans, which have been passed around among banks and other Wall Street players who have balanced the risk of default against the possibility of acquiring the valuable assets backing them.

Colony in recent weeks has presented Mr. Jackson with a range of possible Las Vegas comeback scenarios -- each of which borrows elements of other pop stars' highly successful long-term Las Vegas runs.

One option would be for Colony to create for Mr. Jackson a purpose-built theater at one of its hotel-casinos, where he would need to perform up to 180 nights a year. Céline Dion's four-year run at Caesars Palace grossed more than $400 million, while Barry Manilow earned $23.7 million for 88 shows at the Vegas Hilton in 2007. But the rigors of any such commitment would likely be too taxing for Mr. Jackson.

The most likely option would be to create something like "Love," the Cirque du Soleil show built around Beatles tunes. Mr. Jackson wouldn't be a regular part of the performance but would appear for 20 to 30 performances a year, possibly with his brothers.

Any of these scenarios would be paired with a plan to restore his image.

The first step in that plan is to distance the singer from Neverland, which, as a focal point for the trial, is indelibly linked with those charges in the eyes of the public. Mr. Jackson has vowed never to live at the ranch again, given its associations. But he nonetheless has entertained visions of turning it into a family-oriented theme park, with rides for children. Colony executives consider the residence completely toxic to Mr. Jackson's image, and are urging him to restore the property's original name, Sycamore Canyon Ranch, and to sell it as quickly as possible.

Colony is also urging him to make a public statement further distancing himself from the controversy, in a venue like Oprah Winfrey's talk show. A person familiar with the discussions says the general idea of such remarks would be for Mr. Jackson, who moved temporarily to Dubai following his acquittal, to say that the American legal system exonerated him, and that he now hopes to move on.

The final step would be for him to stage some kind of televised performance -- ideally in the context of a high-profile charity concert -- to prove to the world that he can still sing and dance.

If all goes according to plan -- a long shot, to be sure -- in three to five years, Colony would like to develop a Thriller Casino with Mr. Jackson. That is something Mr. Jackson has kicked around for more than 10 years.

Ok, America's Best Dance Crew 2...get ready!

To prep for the next season, take a look at this clip. It's from the 2007 World Championships and pits Korea vs. Japan. This is real breakin!

Chris Breezy and David Gregory

Something really funny about seeing big goofy David Gregory bust a smooth move with Chris Brown...again. If you recall, this happened the last few times The Today Show had Chris Brown on.

Here's the latest installment. And I would argue David Gregory is better than Chris Brown on this move!

your baby or your dog?

great article in WSJ today about new parents demoting their "baby" dog to what they really are...their pet, not their kid.

Thailand pipin' up again...unrest inevitable?

Settle it and move on - that's what I say...


Tension Mounts in Thailand
Some Fear a Threat Of Another Coup Amid an Impasse
By JAMES HOOKWAYJune 2, 2008;

BANGKOK, Thailand -- A standoff between riot police and thousands of Thais protesting what they say is the behind-the-scenes influence of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra is entering its second week.

The protests, organized by a group called the People's Alliance for Democracy, are increasing political tensions as they revive memories of large demonstrations that preceded Mr. Thaksin's ouster in a military coup in September 2006.

Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej -- who described himself as a proxy for Mr. Thaksin when campaigning in December's parliamentary election -- warned on television Saturday that protesters would be forcibly dispersed. But officials later said Mr. Samak had backed off his threat.
"We will not be using force as long as the protesters remain peaceful and conduct themselves within the law," Interior Minister Chalerm Yoobamrung said.

The confrontation is unnerving investors and business leaders who fear the army could again stage a coup to resolve the impasse.

The threat of a second coup in less than two years in one of Southeast Asia's major economies is also worrying Washington. U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates flew into Thailand on a visit Sunday after declaring that the U.S. opposes any attempt by Thai military leaders to seize power again.

"Our position is pretty consistent. We want to see democratically elected governments and we will convey that," Mr. Gates told reporters in Singapore before heading for Bangkok, according to Reuters.

In the past week, the number of participants in the protests has been as high as 10,000 at various points. The protesters accuse the Samak-led government of being a puppet of Mr. Thaksin and demand that it resign.

At Saturday's gathering, many protesters wore motorcycle helmets and improvised masks to protect them from tear gas. Others chanted "We love Thailand, we love our king" in English, aware that international news organizations were covering the standoff. Periodically, loud chants of "Thaksin, get out!" broke out.

Mr. Thaksin says he has washed his hands of politics since the 2006 coup that removed him. Back home after a period of self-imposed exile, he is preparing his legal defense against a series of corruption cases filed against him and his family shortly after the coup.

Still, the populist telecommunications tycoon has been unable to shake off belief among some that he is quietly directing Mr. Samak and his government -- especially as Mr. Samak openly campaigned for election by telling voters he was serving as Mr. Thaksin's proxy.

Thai media mogul Sondhi Limthongkul, who had campaigned against Mr. Thaksin before the 2006 coup, is one of the leading figures behind the People's Alliance for Democracy. His satellite-television company has been showing extensive footage of the protests.

Tensions were further heightened last week after police recommended that a cabinet minister be prosecuted for insulting Thailand's long-serving, 80-year-old monarch, King Bhumibol Adulyadej.
Jakrapob Penkair, a minister in the prime minister's office, resigned Friday in an effort to defuse the situation and protect the government from any suggestions that it reveres the monarchy any less than the protesters gathered on the streets of Bangkok.

Sunday, Mr. Samak accused protesters of inconveniencing the royal family by blocking important roads near Bangkok's royal palace

Lil Wayne - Overdose!

I am getting pretty sick of Lil Wayne being all over the airwaves. He's the new ODB, but with less talent. Thoughts?

Suhweeet Sighting: Vince Young

I walked onto my plane back to New York and guess who is sitting in 1st class? Vince Young! My co-worker pointed it out first (as he had him on his fantasy football team), so I had to take another quick glance. The big give-away was his Tennessee Titan gear and the fact that he is an enormous guy.

After retrieving my luggage at the airport, I walked out at the same time as he did.

Me: "Hey Vince! What are you doing in New York?"

Vince: "Nothin man, nothin. Why does everyone think I'm Vince Young? I'm not Vince man."

He then ducked into a stretch limo and zoomed off. Interesting strategy - denying thyself to avoid the attention.

Don't worry Vince - I still got love for you for single-handedly beating USC in the National Championship game!

Suhweeet Sighting: Irv Gotti

I saw him dining in a private dining area at Katsuya. He was with about 7 others, wearing an oversized T-Shirt, rapper style. If you don't know Irv Gotti, then you are not really in the minority.

Guess what? Irv Gotti also had a reality show - not quite sure what they could show of his life though. They filmed it in Tribeca here in New York.



He is still down with Fat Joe, Jada, Ja-Rule, etc...Murder INC got renamed to The INC. And speaking of The INC, I just watched "John Tucker Must Die" and Ashanti had a major role in that movie. Not bad as an actress, but it's all relative.

Suhweeet Sighting: Dave Navarro

Yes, the punk guitarist spotted while I was walking to Katsuya on Hollywood and Vine in LA. Was with a friend, walking into the hotel lobby next door to Katsuya. I guess he had just gotten a drink at the restaurant and was wandering the streets. Had his all black rocker thing goin on.

What happened to Carmen Electra?

I remember they had some short-lived reality show on MTV (what? a reality show on MTV? they should really rename that network).

Suhweeet Sighting: David Spade

I was grabbing some late night grub / drinks with my friend L. at Katana in LA when I saw David Spade sitting outside with 2 other friends. It was amusing to watch a blonde girl approach him and let him know that they met when she was a production assistant on one of his movies...he was gracious, especially b/c it was a girl.

Makes me miss Chris Farley...

New Series: Suhweeet Sightings

It's been awhile since I've blogged and I must say I have run into plenty of celebs. My new series, Suhweeet Sightings, will document these run-ins with people you may or may nor care about.

If you have any Suhweeet Sightings, send them my way!

Full episodes Embedding

I am testing the full episode embedding capabilities of the new JV between NBC and Fox. Here is a full episode of The Simpsons. Check it out.

Go Go Brotha

If you're a fan of MTV's America's Next Dance Crew, then you will appreciate these photos of my brother chillen' with Kaba Modern.

My Brother battles Yuri Tag from Kaba Modern!

Oh yea, bring it Kaba - you ain't seen nothin' yet.

My brother is the one in grey about 3 min into this clip.

Nina Garcia - You are out!

Nina Garcia is leaving her post at Elle Magazine after they hired another creative director. But they are still in discussions to find a role....yea right....One day you're in, next day you're out!

"While it's true that Garcia is no longer fashion director at Elle, an inside source at the magazine says the Project Runway judge-turned-author is "still in negotiations" with the powers that be at the magazine. An announcement could come as early as today. She is also reportedly talking with Harvey Weinstein and Bravo about new television projects."

Lunch with MC Hammer!

Yes you can be jealous - I did have lunch with MC Hammer this week. What a trip. Did you know his daughter is on MTV's version of American Idol ("Rock the Cradle")?

He was actually pretty cool and is really one connected guy. He's down with Asian culture too.

He even told me about his newest artist, Das It, who he thinks is going to be pretty hot. To be launched on his label Full Blast. He even busted out a few rap lines on the spot over our enchiladas. Awesome!

The one thing I will say is that he is a really down-to-earth person. Having experienced his life, and continuing to look forward, I must say he has the resilience to keep on going.

Please Hammer Don't Hurt Em!

The Hills Update - LC befriends Spencer's sister

In this weeks back-to-back episodes, LC is back in LA and in fine form when she refuses to hug Brody at a nightclub b/c she is pissed Brody has already moved on to another fling. Frankie, Brody's worthless sidekick, admonishes LC for this outrageous behavior. Brody bounces, and LC is left looking like the loser.

Spencer's sister is starting to take on Spencer's role and is getting more airtime now. Bummer for Spencer, which is funny b/c the whole reason why he wanted to date and get "engaged" to Heidi.

She is now a classmate of LC, who always dons her Prada frames in class - wonder if they are true glasses. They are soon becoming bff.

Whitney got a new job at People's Revolution - a PR firm. She seems to be settling in nicely in her new role and gotta give her experience some credit - it helped her in a tight position of whether to show the pants of one outfit during a fashion show. Work it!

Open questions: What happens to LC and Audrina? Audrina and Justin/Bobby? LC and Brody? Frankie and himself? Whitney and, welll, i don't know...we want the return of Kristin Cavelleri

This jacket screams Karate Kid

Tonight I saw this jacket (at Penn Station) and it really reminded me of Cobra Kahn / Johnnie from Karate Kid. Remember when they beat him up that night he dresses up as a "shower?"

Nicely done dude!

Spitzer's "other girl" to be on new Trump show

It really amazes me how someone like Spitzer's side-chick can continue to get work now that she has become infamous.

An insider at Donald Trump’s newly announced My Fair Lady-style MTV reality show tells PEOPLE that infamous call girl Ashley Alexander Dupré has been asked to join the cast.
The still-untitled show, produced by Donald Trump Productions (and referred to in some press reports as “Lady or a Tramp”) was picked up by MTV for eight hour-long episodes. Based on a British show called Ladette to Lady, the show will take a group of 15 hard-partying young women and send them off to a boarding school environment where they’ll learn to become more ladylike.

“She’s the perfect candidate,” the show insider says of Dupré, the 22-year-old at the center of the Gov. Eliot Spitzer prostitution scandal. The show has not yet heard back from Dupré with any reaction to the offer.

The Hills is back - Update!

LC and Whitney fly out to France, where THE cheesiest french dude, Mattheus, drops the line, "Have you hever seen zee Eiffel Tower, Lauhren?" Wow. It's like me saying, "Have you ever seen the Statue of Liberty? Well, uh, there it is! And oh! There's Staten Island!" Dude got extra creepy near the end, jumping out of the bushes to "surprise" LC. Oui Oui, creep!

Meanwhile, Heidi goes back to Crested Butte, CO to hang with her mom and step-dad. Spencer gets on a plane to go visit her, and the reception he gets is colder than the frigid weather! Sorry, dude. His werewolf-ness gets turned away by the family. Super-awkward. But not as awkward as Heidi's new lip filler surgery.

LC also finds out Brody has already moved on. The best line is, "Well...that took all of 2 days!" by our Whitney. Whit(ty) seems disillusioned by her job and her prick boss-guy (Prada ad wanna-be who needs to get his face punched) tells her maybe it's a good idea for her to move on. Someone shove him into the Seine!

Centro - great place!

Centro was the site of my birthday dinner and it was awesome. Small bite-sized plates (porcini mushrooms, frittata) were excellent as was the wine (barbara d'alba). Try the wild boar ragu with gnocchi as a Primi and the Lambshank as the Sccondi. The waiter was the best - telling us what to order and what to avoid. An honest waiter is such a huge plus! He earned a healthy tip at the end of the evening. Thanks to A for planning!!

Hulu launches...and I found a great clip!

I'm testing out the embed function of hulu's new player. If you don't know what Hulu is, it is the joint venture of NBC and Fox to provide a single destination for the majority of their shows from the past and present...but NO American Idol...too bad for all you fans out there. Check out this Natalie Portman rap video from SNL.

MC Hammer says, "Hammertime"

Was at a digital media event tonight and saw that MC Hammer was to attend. The funny thing is that he had a name tag just like all of us....

Except his first name was written as "MC." Does that mean I was supposed to call him MC? (I didn't).

He was there to promote his website, http://www.dancejam.com

Once I saw him roll in (sans entourage), it was like in slow-mo. I had flashbacks to the old cartoon that he used to have - wasn't that called "Hammertime?" Anyway, I talked to him for a bit. We covered subjects like his new website...here are some tidbits...

On Dancing with the Stars: "Yea, they've asked me to do it every year since they started the show. But what would that say about me as a dancer when someone like Emmitt Smith would win? That would say that I'm just as good as Emmitt Smith. And that wouldn't be good for me or my image."

On America's Best Dance Crew: "We've been talking to those groups on the show. JabbaWockeez. Yea!"

On DanceJam: "It's the ultimate dance website. You can upload your own videos and you can dance and the online community can vote for their favorite dancers. MTV wanted to buy it already, but I'm not for sale yet."After giving him my card, he wrote me an email!

----- Original Message -----
From: MC Hammer
To: Suh, Kenneth
Sent: Tue Mar 18 20:28:45 2008
Subject: Hammertime

Good to meet you. We should chat.

Best

Hammer

Sent from my iPhone

Dancing with the Stars - Monica Seles?

I stumbled upon this show, even though I work at the network, and I have found it mildly amusing. They have really assembled a bunch of crazy "Stars" to dance with real dancers. Just watched Monica Seles dance. I remember when she got stabbed. That made me sad. So it was good to see her bustin' a move now.

The best is Kristi Yamaguchi! Someone in the middle of nowhere in illinois asked my sister while she was in a Walgreens whether she was Kristi Yamaguchi. ha!

I wonder if they picked "Teller" from Penn & Teller, whether he would speak at all during the rehearsal segments?

Porn out earns Pro Sports!

A tip from our friend, N, tells us that the porn industry online out earns the revenue of all pro sports combined!! I wonder what could beat porn in terms of revenue?

Hip Hoppers, like Kanye West, love Connect Four

Heard a tip that Connect Four is making a comeback with hip hoppers and after a little snooping around, the reporters for Suhweeet Blog has confirmed it. Kanye West and Beyonce have a mean game, as does Jay-Z!

Last time I played was getting my butt kicked by my boss at Dive 75 on the UWS. The disclaimer for me is that I was drinking and he wasn't.

Kaba Modern is Awesome!

If you haven't had the chance to catch America's Best Dance Crew, (annoyingly presented by Randy Jackson), then you should watch it tomorrow on MTV to catch the hottest dance group Kaba Modern, from UC Irvine.

For a sneak peek - check this out:

Eliot Spitzer No.9

Wow, bomb drops on Eliot Spitzer (or did he drop it himself so the mob won't have any power over him?). Affectionately known as Customer "No. 9", Spitzer today admitted being a part of a prostituion ring...aka I love hookers!

Some other fun facts include a ranking system for the prostitutes (on a 1 to 7 diamond system) and payments of $1,000 to $5,500 PER HOUR!!!! Were they also giving out insider trading tips during these intimate sessions??

The heartbreaker is that he visited one of his hookers on February 13th. No wait, the heartbreaker is that he has 3 kids and his wife is stickin' with him.

New York Politics = Dirty (in more ways than one)!

The Egg Cracks

My cousin busted P's egg lamp last night transporting a chair to the living room, but it ended up being all good as it's a memoir of a past life best forgotten. How appropriate that it was broken!

Not sure if J is going to take it and put it in her new phatty office. Super Glue!

Go Shorty...It's yo birthday!

Went to El Centro for some serious birtday celebrating for P and B. Now that they're over the 30 hump, it was less about the booze, more about the food and laughs.

Afterwards, headed to Bar Masa where I ran into Swan from B-School eating dinner. We ended up drinking some very smooth sake - Liquid Platinum. As Lil Jon would say, "Yeaah!"

Thanks to P for the drinks. Best quote of the night- "If I wasn't bald, I don't think I'd be getting engaged."

Whale watching...and a sunburn

Went on a boat to go whale watching while in Maui - what a great time that was. Unfortunately, I fried my face off, but it was well worth catching 2 humpback whales breeching. Too bad my crappy camera has a 3x zoom, not giving me much return on the shots I attempted take.

These animals are enormous, although you are not allowed to drive your boat beyond 100 ft of the whales. Here's one jumping out now!

Kona is Krazy

Visited Hawaii last week and it was a blast. Trip started off flying from New York through Chicago O'Hare into Honolulu. What a long flight, but well worth it!

Bummed on Waikiki Beach (in front of the Hilton Hawaiian Village where we stayed) with A's family. Good times, great sun.

While A's family stayed back in Honolulu for a few nights, we flew out to Kona to experience the Big Island aka Hawaii.

Amazing terrain there, as black lava covers the land. Interesting to stand on it, as it is like hardened sponge material.

Drove to an active volcano and took the winding road all the way down to the ocean, where lava once flowed. A large chunk of the island washed away just a few years ago! Livin' on the edge, literally.

Waterfalls happen to be extraordinary in Kona, and we were fortunate to catch two, neither of them requiring much of a climb or hike!