The Blind Side / Image courtesy Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.

In the new Warner Brothers film by the same name (in theaters Friday, Nov. 20), teenager Michael Oher (Quinton Aaron) is surviving on his own—virtually homeless—when he is spotted on the street by Leigh Anne Tuohy (Sandra Bullock, who looks better than ever). Learning that the young man is one of her daughter’s classmates, Leigh Anne insists that Michael (aka “Big Mike”)—wearing shorts and a t-shirt in the dead of winter—come out of the cold. Without a moment’s hesitation, she invites him to stay at the Tuohy home for the night. What starts out as a gesture of kindness turns into something more as Michael becomes part of the Tuohy family despite the differences in their backgrounds.

Living in his new environment, Michael faces a completely different set of challenges to overcome. And as the family helps Michael fulfill his potential, both on and off the football field, his presence in the Tuohys’ lives leads them to some insightful self-discoveries of their own.

I saw a screening of The Blind Side this past week. And while I don’t envision any Academy Award nominations, it is a very solid movie that every member of the family should see—a heart-warming, feel-good film that really shows the spirit of selfless giving and care that each of us can learn from. Maybe we won’t take matters to the extreme that Leigh Anne Tuohy did (or maybe we will), but we see the difference that can be made in another person’s life if we would take the time to open our eyes and get involved.

While at times a little corny and unbelievable (I can’t accept that Michael’s coach really answers his cell phone on the sideline or that Mrs. Tuohy pretty much takes over a team practice), The Blind Side has enough beauty in its message to accept the story as pretty much the way it happened. And even if it didn’t, we’re left kind of hoping that it did. The inevitable moments of turmoil do predictably appear, but not without a belief that things will get better. Quickly.

www.theblindsidemovie.com
Special thanks to Roger Lawson and Warner Bros. Pictures Publicity

Post from: EveryJoe

Movie Review: ‘The Blind Side’

Norah Jones, The Fall - EMI/BlueNote

Producer Jacquire King—who has worked with Kings of Leon, Modest Mouse, and Tom Waits, among others—helped Norah put together a group of musicians, including drummers Joey Waronker (Beck, R.E.M.) and James Gadson (Bill Withers), keyboardist James Poyser (Erykah Badu, Al Green), and guitarists Marc Ribot (Tom Waits, Elvis Costello) and Smokey Hormel (Johnny Cash, Joe Strummer). Norah also joined forces with several notable songwriters on The Fall, including Ryan Adams and Okkervil River’s Will Sheff, as well as her frequent collaborator Jesse Harris. Daring? Considering she sold a combined 36 million copies of her first three CDs, maybe.

But, as Norah herself put it:

“I wanted the grooves to be more present and heavy. And I also just wanted to do something different—I’ve been hanging with the same group of musicians for a long time, and I thought it was a good time for me to work with different people and experiment a little.”

Some songs have more of a “commercial” appeal. And those just happen to be my favorite songs more often than not (depending on the day). First single “Chasing Pirates,” “Even Though” and “It’s Gonna Be” get in my head and stay there. Just ask anyone who has spent any time with me in the past week. There’s also the bluesy “Man of the Hour,” beautiful ballad “Back to Manhattan” and haunting, countryesque “Light as a Feather.” One thing’s for sure, though. There isn’t a bad song among the 13 on The Fall. And if you’ve enjoyed anything (or everything) Norah’s done before, you’ll love this.

Post from: EveryJoe

CD Review: Norah Jones ‘The Fall’

Manny Pacquiao TKO Win Over Miguel Cotto / Image: Zuma Press

Cotto managed to win the first round or two, depending on how you looked at the fight. I would say he definitely won the first round. He looked confident and seemed to be living up to the billing that he was the bigger, stronger fighter. But that was as close as he got to success in this fight. It was a war for the first 4-5 rounds (and Pacman has the scars to prove that), but Cotto was knocked down in rounds three and four and never really got the brief mojo he experienced early back again. I do give him credit for continuing to fight and for not giving up as the wheels began to fall off. But throwing in the towel by the 9th round would’ve been the thing to do as he was no longer competitive with Pacman. In fact, things looked so bleak that Cotto’s wife and son had to leave the arena because they were so distraught. Cotto was a bloody mess from the pummeling he was taking.

Pacman continued his dominance in a sport where he is widely considered to be the pound-for-pound best. He just wore Cotto down and broke his will to survive. Pacman is relentless like that, attacking and punishing his opponent into submission with furious speed and energy. He sliced and diced Cotto’s face until there was nothing left for Cotto to do but try to cover himself and protect his badly swollen right eye. It was almost uncomfortable to watch as the fight progressed. And as Pacman has become more comfortable with his added weight, he almost appears faster than ever. It’s frightening.

This now brings us back to the conversation of a potential Manny Pacquiao vs. Floyd Mayweather Jr. brawl. It’s clearly the fight boxing fans want to see, but how it happens or if it happens remains to be seen. If the fight takes place—and I believe that it will—I think it has chance to be one of, if not the best, boxing match-up of all-time. There was a time when I would pick Floyd Mayweather over any other boxer in his weight class. But I’m forced to seriously rethink that after watching Manny Pacquiao dispose of Oscar De La Hoya, Ricky Hatton and Miguel Cotto in his last three fights.

Source: ESPN.com

Post from: EveryJoe

Manny Pacquiao TKO Win Over Miguel Cotto

Wheaties Fuel—The New Breakfast of Champions

Wheaties Fuel is a lightly sweetened, crunchy bowl of whole wheat flakes and crisp rice. It has whole grains to provide long-lasting energy; complex carbs for fuel; B-vitamins to help your body release energy from food; and it’s an excellent source of fiber (five grams/serving). I had a bowl with some scrambled eggs, turkey sausage, a banana and a cup of apple cider for a complete breakfast. The taste is outstanding (cinnamon honey crunch-flavored). And I felt great afterward—I had plenty of energy, I felt alert and it kept me going for several hours until my next meal (I eat six times/day).

Dr. John Ivy, a world-renowned expert on the role of nutrition and exercise performance, said:

“We’ve learned a lot about the bond between nutrition and performance over the years and as today’s athletes continue to get bigger, faster and stronger, it was important to develop a cereal that evolved along with them. With the help of our elite athletes, we created a cereal whose nutritional profile will fuel the active individual.”

If you can’t wait until January to get your taste of Wheaties Fuel, visit wheaties.com/evolution to order your own Collector’s Edition box and find out a lot more about the evolution of “The Breakfast of Champions.”

Sources: wheaties.com/evolution, Twitter.com/Wheaties_Fuel

Post from: EveryJoe

Wheaties Fuel: A New Breakfast of Champions

There are unanswered questions for both fighters. Miguel has only lost once. That was a little over a year ago when Antonio Margarito beat him in what would eventually be looked at as a controversial outcome. Why? Well, Margarito would later beat “Sugar” Shane Mosley with illegal, hardened inserts in his hand-wraps. Makes you wonder if he wasn’t similarly outfitted when he beat Miguel. So, I’m wondering how good Miguel really is. Should he be currently undefeated? And even so, is he past his prime? He will be making a huge statement with a win over Manny Pacquiao.

As for Manny, I wonder if he’ll be able to take the punches from a bigger, arguably tougher fighter? Sure, he is quick and fierce. He’s like lightning in a bottle. But can he withstand the power of Miguel Cotto? Of course, if you look at the way Manny destroyed Oscar De La Hoya at 147 pounds, I don’t doubt he’ll be ready to knock Miguel out and prepare for what would be one of the most anticipated fights of all-time—Pacquiao vs. Mayweather—next year. Until then, I’m going to enjoy this one. It should be a great fight.

Source: HBO.com

Post from: EveryJoe

Countdown to Pacquiao-Cotto Begins Tonight

Body Worlds & The Story of the Heart / Image: Zuma Press

So what are Plastinates? Invented by Dr. von Hagens, Plastination is the anatomical specimen preservation method that makes the presentation of aesthetic anatomy possible. Translated, it’s a technique used in anatomy to preserve bodies or body parts. The water and fat are replaced by certain plastics, producing specimens that can be touched, do not smell or decay, and even retain most properties of the original sample. With Body Worlds, people of all ages—not just med students and doctors—can appreciate them.

As an example, in sheet Plastination, a cadaver is frozen in acetone and foamed with polyurethane. Then, millimeter thin slices of the body are created and after dehydration in acetone, the slices are Plastinated in an epoxy resin solution. Finally, curing is done with the aid of ultraviolet light. And there you have a translucent body slice to witness the good (and bad) of what’s inside of us.

In an overview of his exhibit, Body Worlds, Dr. von Hagens said:

“Knowledge about the human body should not remain the secret of a privileged few. It should be freely available to everyone. Nothing is as close to us as our body, but there is nothing else that is close to us about which we know so little ….. Body Worlds unveils the beauty beneath the skin frozen in time, between death and decay.”

My visit to Body Worlds & The Story of the Heart at the Buffalo (NY) Museum of Science was fascinating—it was both educational and entertaining, all rolled into a couple hour tour of the human body. Once you actually get into the exhibit (you will probably have to wait—it’s that popular), organs are separately and systematically organized by subject area where you can learn about their functions and common diseases. Then you can see authentic whole body models, created from people who agreed to give their bodies to Plastination after their deaths. You can do this, too—and inside the exhibit, you can find out how.

Body Worlds & The Story of the Heart / Image: Zuma Press

Each and every nerve of the anatomical structures had to be fixed in the correct position. It could take weeks just to get everything right. In fact, producing a whole body Plastinate could take 8-12 months. As an example, the “Rearing Horse with Rider” dragged out over three years. Keep that in mind when you check that one out. It’s huge. And in case you were wondering how everything stays put as it’s moved from one tour stop to the next—the models are irreversibly solidified. The process of creating these works of wonder is as fascinating as the subject matter itself.

I like how spaces were created in some of the models—fragments of the bodies are opened like doors to see what’s inside of inside, so to speak. Take your time and really check these out from all angles. You’ll tour the loco motor system, nervous system, internal organs; and the respiratory, cardiovascular, digestive, and urogenital systems. You’ll also see the spatial relationship of our organs and an amazing insight into prenatal development.

I have to admit, certain elements grossed me out as much as educated and intrigued me. I guess I’m just squeamish that way. But more than anything, the exhibit showed me how complex the human body is. It’s almost unfathomable how complicated we really are.

Body Worlds has been in close to 50 cities around the world with over 27 million visitors. In North America—the same exhibit I saw, Body Worlds & The Story of the Heart—is bound for Toronto and the Ontario Science Centre from October 9-February 28; and Body Worlds 2 and The Brain will be in Philadelphia from October 17-February 9.

Special thanks to Amy Biber at the Buffalo Museum of Science for the access and impressive press kit of Gunther von Hagens’ Body Worlds & The Story of the Heart. It was an educational experience I’ll not forget.

Source: BodyWorlds.com

Post from: EveryJoe

Body Worlds & The Story of the Heart

Fergie, Black Eyed Peas / Image: Zuma Press

The NFL and its players will support October’s National Breast Cancer Awareness Month with its largest on-field presence and a national screening-reminder campaign. In collaboration with the American Cancer Society, the initiative, called “A Crucial Catch: Annual Screening Saves Lives,” encourages annual mammograms for women over 40.

Wearing a pink NFL jersey, Fergie (who is a Dolphins fan, by the way), says in the PSA:

“Between touring, spending time with my family, and watching football, I am a busy girl. But, I know how important it is to take time for an annual breast cancer screening. Make a crucial catch: get screened. Learn more at NFL.com/pink.”

Fergie Supports NFL “Crucial Catch” Breast Cancer Screening Campaign With In-Stadium Public Service Announcement – WATCH THE PSA

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Fergie Stars in Breast Cancer Screening PSA

Starbucks VIA is a breakthrough innovation in instant coffee that delivers Starbucks coffee in—well—an instant. It’s 100% natural roasted coffee without any byproducts or chemicals. And it’s made from the same high quality arabica beans you find at your local Starbucks (the beans used to create Starbucks VIA are bought under the Starbucks Shared Planet ethical sourcing principles).

Starbucks VIA Ready Brew / Photo courtesy Starbucks Newsroom

There are two flavors of Starbucks VIA to enjoy. I was offered a sample of Colombia at my local Starbucks several months ago. Columbia is a medium-bodied coffee, smooth and well balanced, with a signature nutty flavor. I really enjoyed it, especially the convenience. Having a cup of coffee this good, this quickly, is a real treat. Whether it’s at home, at the office or on the go, you’ll never be without a great cup of fresh-brewed coffee again. Personally, half the fun of having a cup of Starbucks coffee is the experience of being there. I’d live on one of their couches if they’d let me. But when I can’t make it to the store, I can get the next best thing by tearing open a packet of Ready Brew. There’s also Italian Roast—a medium-bodied blend of Latin American coffees roasted a bit darker than Starbucks Espresso Roast for a sturdy, sweet, slightly smoky flavor.

Starbucks VIA Ready Brew can be purchased in U.S. Starbucks stores for $2.95 (3 servings) and $9.95 (12 servings) and in Canadian Starbucks stores for $3.45 (3 servings) and $11.95 (12 servings).

Note: A Starbucks VIA Road Trip began in Seattle on September 15 with stops in Vancouver, Denver, Chicago, Boston and New York City (among other places along the way). Check out the Starbucks YouTube Channel for the hilarity from comedian and actress Erin Foley and Starbucks coffee master, Twitter master and former Starbucks barista Brad Nelson.

Source: StarbucksVIA.com, Starbucks Newsroom

Post from: EveryJoe

Starbucks VIA Available Nationwide Today

Vitali Klitschko vs. Cris Arreola / Image: Zuma Press

Vitali looked strong and athletic. Cris looked fat and overmatched—so much so that I had a hard time believing he was undefeated at 27-0 entering last night’s bout. With, essentially, a home arena advantage, Cris (who is from nearby Riverside, CA) was never a threat to Vitali and was in tears (actually sobbing) when the fight ended—apparently upset by not only his performance, but also by the fact he felt his corner (with trainer Henry Ramirez) threw in the towel too early. In an unusual, expletive-laced post-fight interview with HBO’s Larry Merchant, Cris said: “I’m so sorry, I really wanted to be champion. I never wanted to quit.”

Cris was actually the aggressor for much of the fight, but Vitali continually beat him to the punch, assaulting his opponent from every angle in landing 301 of 802 punches. To Cris’ credit, I must say—the guy can certainly take the abuse. Vitali was taller and had a noticeable reach advantage. Throwing in the towel was the right thing to do. Cris’ face was a bloody mess after a ten round beating.

Source: ESPN.com

Post from: EveryJoe

Vitali Klitschko TKO Win Over Cris Arreola

Roy Jones Jr. / Image: Zuma Press

It’s so hard to believe this rematch didn’t occur earlier. Both fighters are now in their 40s—Roy is 54-5 with 40 KOs; Bernard is 49-5-1 with 32 KOs. And if Roy beats Australian cruiserweight Danny Green on December 2, Jones vs. Hopkins on HBO PPV in the first quarter of 2010 is on. Revenue will be split 50/50 unless there’s a knockout‚ in which case the winning fighter will claim 60%.

Said Roy about the pending fight:

“I love it. I absolutely love it. Love it. That is all I can say. I’m definitely looking forward to this fight. The fans have wanted to see it for a long time. For the longest time, he wouldn’t take it. Now he’s taking it. I’m ecstatic. I can’t wait.”

Source: ESPN.com

Post from: EveryJoe

Roy Jones, Bernard Hopkins to Fight in 2010