Mark Kanemura: Lady GaGa Gave MeThe Courage To Be Myself

If you watched "Lady Gaga Presents the Monster Ball Tour: At Madison Square Garden" on HBO last weekend you may have noticed this gorgeous fellow right here >>>>>>>>>>>>

His name is Mark Kanemura; Most recognize him from Season 4's So You Think You Can Dance.  I totally loved him during that season and felt he deserved the win, more-so than Joshua or Twitch.  I mean look at him, he's absolutely beautiful.

And for those who never knew, Mark was a part of Lady Gaga's entourage during the Monster Ball Tour.  I knew it was him dancing up there, but of course I had my skeptics. Well in June of last year, Mark had an interview with PopWatch from The New York Post, where he stated that Lady Gaga gave him the courage to be himself.  Here is part of that awesome interview...

PW: It kind of foreshadowed your work on the Lady GaGa tour. What has that been like?
Mark: It’s been a dream come true. It sounds so generic to say that, but at the same time, people who know me know that working with her was so specific to me. That was the one job I put out into the universe. I just had to, had to, had to dance with this amazing artist. There’s just something about her that I need to be around and experience. 

PW: I'd imagine it's a very surreal existence on tour with GaGa.
Mark: It is. You wake up, go throughout your day and end up on stage with this incredible freak. I could not believe that I was doing that. I was so drawn to her was because I felt the way that she viewed art was relatable to me. She gave me courage to be who I was, and who I wanted to be and sometimes it’s hard to wear that freaky self that I am. She’s really inspirational. The journey itself has been incredible. 

PW: How has working with her changed your dancing?
Mark: They way that she is with her music and her fashion is the way that she is with her dance. When she’s performing, she holds nothing back. She lays it out there for you. To be around someone like that, who encourages you to go there, is incredible. Plus the choreographers – Laurie Ann Gibson and Richie Jackson – do an incredible job of not only choreographing, but encouraging the dancers to put ourselves in the dance. And that’s rare in the industry. They don’t want robots on there. 

PW: How did you get hired, an open call?
Mark: The story itself is crazy because I couldn’t go to the audition. I was in Nebraska teaching, so it was a huge gamble not going to the audition for an artist I really wanted to work with. But I had worked with the choreographers before somehow they remembered me from this past job, so they hired me.

PW: So you got the news in Nebraska?
Mark: When my agent told me I literally started crying my eyes out. I was running around with crazy eyes and people were scared. And on top of that I had just had this large cup of extremely large coffee, so those two together weren’t a great combination. I was bouncing off the walls, crying, screaming. It was the most ridiculous thing. I lost my marbles.

PW: Can you pinpoint a most memorable moment with her?
Mark: [laughs] It would have to be my first [performance with GaGa], the VMA’s doing "Paparazzi." Although, when I first met her, that was crazy too. She came in and we showed her the routine and I was like, “ok Mark, this is your opportunity” so danced harder than I ever had before. And I almost had an asthma attack [laughs].

And for those who question his homosexuality, I'll let the following pictures answer that for you.  The pictures feature another Lady Gaga dancer, Jeremy Hudson, who's appeared in her music videos, Telephone, Alejandro, and Born This Way.

More pics, and a very hot video after the jump...

Foods That Make You Cringe - Issue No. 11

For my 11th issue of 'Foods That Make You Cringe,' we have three appealing cuisines you'd definitely want to try at home.  I can feel my mouth water already.

The Melt Challenge

Five pound grilled cheese with13 different cheeses, 3 slices of grilled bread served with french fries and slaw.

Chocolate Covered Twinkies

Deep Fried Milky Ways

A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words - Issue 3

For my third issue of A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words, 21 yr old artist, Laemmen, describes himself as one who likes photography and esthetic design.  He is currently going to school at the University of Arts in Bremen where he has enrolled in Digital Media.

Judging from his first typographical portrait, he's headed towards a great career...

Self-Portrait by Laemmen

We Stand With Gaga on the Edge of Glory

While all you people continue to hate, Ryan and I will continue to love.  Maybe if "you people" took the time to understand why some lyrics are written, you'd understand the importance of  music in our lives.  And Gaga, thank you, for being the artist you are, and will become in the years ahead.  We stand behind you on the "Edge of Glory"

"How To" Guide on Amputations

If you're ever in the need to make an amputation, I highly recommend this chart.  It's a very useful guide, and if you don't have the equipment for an amputation, like an Amputation Saw, Gigli Saw, Amputation Knife and Tenotomy Knife, you can use "any saw or a domestic Knife."

"You will need to amputate a patient’s leg about five times more often than his arm. Once you have cut off a limb there is no going back, so try to retain as much function as you can. The patient is unlikely to get an arm prosthesis, and it would be of little use even if he could get one. So aim instead for the longest possible stump of an arm. Every centimetre is useful, so is an elbow which he can use as a hook, and so is any kind of a wrist."

click on picture for official guide

My Lord, I think I would freak out if I had to do something like this, but it happens.

Glee Does Friday - And Hits A Homerun!

If you watched Glee last night, you may have noticed a cover of a recent hit song - "Friday" by Rebecca Black.  Yes, the young YouTuber was just made richer.  While some people think she's a "one hit wonder," I beg to differ.  If you allow these sort of things to happen, you are only giving the artist more power, and who's to say she doesn't deserve it after all the humiliation.  Meanwhile, in the last 24 hrs, Glee's cover has hit iTunes, and she is happily reaping the benefits.

Sam , Artie, and Puck sang the addictive song during their prom, and I'd have to say it was actually quite good - there were times Ryan and I were tapping our feet.  Contrary to popular rumors, Black did not make a cameo on the show.

I think I may know what director and producer, Ryan Murphy was trying to convey by playing this song on prom night, and correct me if I'm wrong - but don't you feel he did this because of the backlash she got when the song was released?  Haters and bullies dissed her when she released her music video, and in the end, she was able to come out on top. This season's primary focus has been bullying, so it only makes sense to me.

Here are the boys (Sam , Artie, and Puck) singing Rebecca's song on last night's episode.

Ohhhhh.... That Strawberry Hill

Boone's Farm Strawberry Hill - It's the nectar of the gods! If you haven't barfed up this stuff at least once in your life, then you haven't really LIVED! It doesn't take much either, because it gives you the voms after a few glasses. I'm not too sure, but I think Strawberry Hill took my drunk virginity a trillion years ago. That is truly special and beautiful. It brings a tear to my eye..... and is making me kind of thirsty.

You can try other fine flavored wine products out there, but none of them will make you look like the truly elegant lady you are quite like Strawberry Hill.

OMG Hilarious! - Eyes

Movies to Watch: Final Destination V

What in Harry Potter shit is this?  Seriously?????

Dear Warner Brothers,

What in our God-given world made you sign a contract with New Line Cinema?  Really?  Did they have something on you that made you do this?  And why would you use Harry Potter lettering and smoke in your trailer for this crap?  I know I'm venting, but wasn't the last installment, "The Final Destination?"

Yours Truly,
Blade 7184

As with all the other movies, the trailer is full of hot guys who will meet their untimely death.  I think the only recurring character in this series, is the "Candyman."  But did we learn our lesson from the first 4 installments? Obviously not! As cheesy as these movies are, we still watch them.

Paula Abdul Returns To Television - In A Big Way

You know, as much flak as I gave Paula Abdul when she was on American Idol, I kinda missed her.  I don't think Idol was ever the same once she left.  With the addition of Kara DioGuardi, and Ellen the following year - it was just too much.

I'm happy to say, that Paula is back! Yes, you are reading this correctly.  She was hand-picked by Simon Cowell as the fourth judge on his new show, The X-Factor.  

I first heard about this 2 months ago, but put off talking about it until I knew it was official, and it became official on Mother's Day! She will be joining Cheryl Cole and Antonio "L.A." Reid on the Judge's table this fall.

What is the X-Factor?  Well, luckily for you back in February I wrote a post titled, "What Is The X-Factor?" - There is also a trailer by Simon Cowell himself.  

America’s sweetheart, world-renowned choreographer and pop icon Paula Abdul will join Cheryl Cole, Antonio “L.A.” Reid and Simon Cowell as a judge on THE X FACTOR, the highly anticipated singing competition series debuting this fall on FOX. Abdul, who sat alongside Cowell for eight seasons as a judge on AMERICAN IDOL, has worldwide album sales exceeding 50 million records, two No. 1 albums, six No. 1 singles, a Grammy Award, seven MTV Awards, two Emmy Awards, two People’s Choice Awards and two Kids’ Choice Awards. Abdul will join Cole, Cowell, and Reid as they travel to THE X FACTOR audition cities searching for the next global superstar or breakout music group. “This show would never have been the same without Paula and I can’t believe I am saying this – I have missed her a lot, and I am thrilled she’s on the show,” said Simon Cowell. “I am excited beyond words to be a part of THE X FACTOR. I couldn’t be happier to bring my love for cultivating talent and performance to such a wildly anticipated show,” said Paula Abdul. “I’m looking forward to being back with the FOX/FremantleMedia family and know that it will be an extraordinary journey — we’re going to have a blast. I’m also delighted and grateful to be sitting next to Simon again…but you might want to check back with me in a week or two!” “Paula is not only the lovely, nurturing person that America fell in love with, but she’s also one of the fiercest competitors I’ve ever seen — which makes her a perfect fit to judge THE X FACTOR,” said Mike Darnell, President of Alternative Entertainment, Fox Broadcasting Company. “Paula and Simon have undeniable chemistry, and together with L.A. Reid and Cheryl Cole, I think we’ve put together an incredibly entertaining judges’ panel.” “I’m thrilled to be working with Paula again,” says executive producer Cecile Frot-Coutaz. “A consummate entertainer in her own right, she has an extraordinary talent and generosity for nurturing performers — and her chemistry with Simon Cowell is like no other. I especially look forward to seeing her signature sensibilities in action during our mentoring rounds!” Auditions continue in Dallas, TX, on Thursday, May 26. THE X FACTOR is searching for undiscovered talent 12 years old or over – both solo artists and vocal groups – who are willing to brave the panel for a chance to win a $5 million recording contract with Syco/Sony Music. Interested solo artists and vocal groups should sign up now for audition information at fox.com/theXfactor or call toll-free 855-345-5678. In a departure from other singing competition series, the first time contestants audition for THE X FACTOR judges, they will do so in front of an audience of thousands – raising the stakes and increasing the pressure to impress not only the judges, but also a potential legion of fans. This will be the ultimate test to prove they have the vocal ability, charisma and stage presence that it takes to win an unprecedented $5 million recording contract with Syco/Sony Music.

Welcome back Paula! I can't wait to see you with Simon once again.  Just lay off the drugs and alcohol this time, lmao, just say'n.

For All You Star Wars (Prequel) Haters

Yesterday I brought you posters in Lego, today I bring you "The Force" in Lego!  Haha, it's actually a video done by YouTuber, dzine123.

So if your one of the original trilogy fans who hated the prequels and wish to see them in a condensed version - this video is for you.  All three prequels in less than 2.5 minutes - you can't beat that.  I'm still waiting for the condensed versions of Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter in Lego.  Hell, all of the Friday the 13ths in Lego would suffice. LoL

How To Use Chopsticks

I love to eat with chopsticks whenever we have Chinese takeout, but Ryan, on the other hand, doesn't.  Over the last two months when we ordered dinner from Panda Express, we made it a custom to eat with chopsticks.  Ryan was none too happy - he would get frustrated and start eating with a fork.  This image only reminded me of him.  LMAO.

OMG Hilarious! - Bugs

A moment later...

Keeping It Old Skool - Issue No. 7 - My Little Pony

Awwwww, "My Little Pony."  This was my partner, Ryan's favorite childhood toy.  I remember these god-awful creatures, and they still exist today.  I even remember my sister having a couple of these.  She would brush their long manes and gallop around the house like she was actually riding a horse.  Here's the original commercial >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Launched in 1983, these horrendous toys consisted of many different sets, starting with the Rainbow Ponies (which all sported rainbow-colored manes and tails). Other variations included the So-Soft Ponies (which were entirely covered in flocking), Twinkle-Eyed Ponies (with small rhinestones in place of the eyes), Twice As Fancy Ponies (with patterns covering most of the body), Brush n' Grow Ponies (which had a longer-than-usual tail stored inside the body that could be drawn out through brushing) and Baby Ponies, which were smaller versions of their mothers.

And if you couldn't remember their names, because you threw away their birth certificate and special little brush, all you had to do was look at their ass, because it was branded with a distinctive design reflecting their name.

Below is a video of My Little Ponies lip-synching to "Dreamgirls" and "Wicked."

Honestly, I couldn't get through it all, it was too freaking creepy!  I enjoyed playing with my Transformers, He-man and Star Wars figurines.  Really Ryan, what were you thinking? My Little Pony, really?

I won't lie, He-man did have fun riding my sister's My Little Pony.

Movies in Lego: Summer 2011

Back in February, Nextmovie.com released several movie posters before the Oscars which depicted the nominees for Best Motion Picture, all in Lego; I thought they were outrageously hilarious.

Nextmovie.com has now released their rendition of this Summer's blockbuster movies in similar fashion, and they are equally cute and funny.

Green Lantern, Captain America, and Thor are my favorites :-)

The Facebook Dichotomy

Ahhh, this comic is so true; Our society has become so ingrained in Facebook that we tend to overlook the way were before Facebook came to be.

Movies in Rewind: Thor

Ryan and I had the pleasure of watching "Thor" this weekend, and I'd have to say it was a great way to start off the Superhero summer.  Overall, I'd say the movie gets an 8 out of 10.

If you're not familiar with the story, Thor is an immortal god derived from Norse Mythology, and is a hammer-wielding god associated with thunder, lightning, storms, oak trees, strength, destruction, fertility, healing, and the protection of mankind. 

The Thor created by Stan Lee of Marvel Comics has been an ongoing member of the superhero team The Avengers.   In the movie, Thor is thrown down to earth by his father, Odin from the planet Asgard.  He was very arrogant and obnoxious so Odin felt he needed to learn how to be more humble and deserving of his hammer, which is the source of his might and power.

The movie, which also featured Anthony Hopkins and Natalie Portman, had some comedic elements to it too, plenty of one-liners and great special effects. On a side note, I couldn't picture anyone else playing Thor other than Chris Hemsworth - the producers made the right decision when picking him.  

Plenty of surprises are in store for whoever watches this movie - like catching a glimpse of Jeremy Renner as The Avenger's Hawkeye, and if you wait to see the post credits you'll see Nick Fury make a return as the S.H.E.I.L.D. agent from the Iron Man Films.  Most importantly, there's a scene which  really shows the set up for Captain America and The Avengers, as it shows the cosmic cube while Erik Selvig is talking with Nick Fury.

Ohhh... and it also shows that Loki now has control over Erik Selvig.

If you haven't seen the movie, I highly suggest you do,  Here's a 2-1/2 minute trailer for you to take a peak at....

 

What Really Happened To Osama?

So what really happened to Osama bin Laden?  Has the U.S. Government been telling us the truth?  After watching this chilling video, I'm not sure what to think anymore...

OMG Hilarious! - Cyclops

Thank you, Johnny!

On May 5th, Johnny Weir (my gay icon) became royally pissed-off that the U.S. Olympic Committee chose to designate former gymnast, Peter Vidmar as our country's 'chef de mission' for the International Olympic Committee and Olympic Games in London - a bigot who protested publicly and donated money to Prop 8, which eventually overturned gay marriage in California.

“I certainly wouldn’t want to be represented by someone who is anti gay marriage. It isn’t just about marriage; it is being allowed equal rights as Americans. The fact this man who is very publicly against something that may be represented on the American team is disgraceful.”

And it looks like the queen has spoken - my gay idol came out fighting, and won!  He took home the Gold Medal! 
According to USA Today, Peter Vidmar has resigned amid his personal beliefs. 

“I wish that my personal religious beliefs would not have become a distraction from the amazing things that are happening in the Olympic movement in the United States. I simply cannot have my presence become a detriment to the U.S. Olympic family. I hope that by stepping aside, the athletes and their stories will rightly take center stage."

Good Riddance!

Poster of the Week - Issue No. 13 - Delusions

Continuing alphabetically, I bring you this week's poster, "Delusions."

Let's Dance - Jennifer Lopez: On The Floor

Who's in the mood for a little upbeat music this morning?  How 'bout I play some Jennifer Lopez.  Let's Dance!   

On The Floor!

Dead or Alive?

Would it have been better to capture Osama bin Laden and try him for war crimes, or is he better off dead?  This is on the minds of majority of Americans.  

This article doesn't say it, but something tells me the right-wing nuts are only having a change of heart, because Obama is currently President.

Only Gay In The World - Video Premiere

I absolutely love Ryan James Yezak's music video parodies, they are the best!  I guess the fact that I'm Facebook friends with some of his performers makes me bias. NOT!!!  I would still love him and his excellent work.

A month ago I posted a parody to Britney Spears track, "Hold It Against Me," and it was much better than Britney's own video - not lying.  Ryan really puts a lot of time and effort into making these videos, and I highly doubt it's not costing him anything.

It's was a long time coming, but his next video parody has made it online, and as promised, it is titled, "Only Gay In The World," in reference to Rihanna's hit song, "Only Girl In The World."  As usual, the video is filled with hot, shirtless guys, and it follows a couple of gay kings, a cheerleader squad, some football players, gays in the military and ends with a reception preceded by a gay 'ol fabulous wedding.

Check it out - you're gonna love it! 

Quoted - Bill Clinton on Marriage Equality

"Our nation's permanent mission is to form a ‘more perfect union’ - deepening the meaning of freedom, broadening the reach of opportunity, strengthening the bonds of community. That mission has inspired and empowered us to extend rights to people previously denied them. Every time we have done that, it has strengthened our nation. Now we should do it again, in New York, with marriage equality. For more than a century, our Statue of Liberty has welcomed all kinds of people from all over the world yearning to be free. In the 21st century, I believe New York's welcome must include marriage equality." 

                                         - President Bill Clinton via a press release from the

Human Rights Campaign yesterday in New York.

We all know that President Clinton was instrumental in the passing of DOMA (Defense Of Marriage Act) and DADT (Don't Ask, Don't Tell,) but he did what he could at the time.  He had Republicans who were in control of the House and the Senate - there's really not much one can do with those nuts - he had to compromise.  

The former president has made up for it since he's left office, calling this his biggest regret and apologizing for it.  He has become a vocal supporter of the LBTQ community ever since.  Hillary, and daughter, Chelsea have also joined him in this fight.

OMG Hilarious! - Country

Must Watch - Beast, Havoc and Banshee - Each Got Their Own Trailer!

Totally awesome, totally cool. The boys from X-men: First Class - each got their own trailer!  I'm really excited to see this movie now!  This is definitely going to better than all the X-men films and cartoons combined!  Check them out below:

Nicholas Hoult as Beast, Landry Jones as Banshee, and Lucas Till as Havok.  Oh, I cannot wait!

Cover Wars - Issue No. 1

UPDATE: Drew Chambers wins first cover war!

As part of my new series, "Cover Wars," I would like to initiate the series with one of my favorite songs of the year, "Rolling in The Deep" by Adele.  It's from her new album, "21".

The premise behind "Cover Wars" is to get your opinion on who you think is the "best of the best" when performing a cover to a particular artist.  

Today I chose, Drew Chambers and Kris Cunningham feat. Natalia Brown to compete in the first round of my new series.

Who do you think has won this war?

I Want To Visit Ft. Campbell - Pretty Please, Mr. President

A Seal member preparing to capture top insurgents in 2007 near Fallujah, Iraq. Members of Team 6 are the elite of the elite.

If this picture is any indication of what our Seals look like, I want to book my next flight out there.  Like Yesterday!

President Obama will be meeting with the Navy Seals who killed Osama bin Laden on his trip to Ft. Campbell, Kentucky, and with service members who just recently returned from Afghanistan - the date is unknown at this time. 

 "The men, hailed as heroes across the country, will march in no parades. They serve in what is unofficially called Seal Team 6, a unit so secretive that the White House and the Defense Department do not directly acknowledge its existence. Its members have hunted down war criminals in Bosnia, fought in some of the bloodiest battles in Afghanistan and shot three Somali pirates dead on a bobbing lifeboat during the rescue of an American hostage in 2009." - The New York Times

Cooking Easy Food

Thinking of applying for the next season of Gordon Ramsay's Hell's Kitchen?  Well this handy chart could help you.  Hell, they make Risotto at every turn - now you can learn how to make it.  

Actually, the chart is pretty darn cool.  Check it out, there are several recipes I wouldn't mind trying.

Post Secret Fridays - Issue 058

 

PostSecret is an ongoing community art project where people mail in their secrets anonymously on one side of a postcard.

-----Email-----

Bring the magic to someone else, in whatever way you can.

P.S. Ever heard of the Harry Potter Alliance? 

See More Secrets. Follow PostSecret on Twitter.

 

 

Want to see my previous Post Secret Fridays? Go here.

OMG Hilarious! - George W. Bush Delivers Message on Osama after News on His Gopher

This is unbelievably hilarious.  Watch Will Ferrell's famous impersonation of President George W. Bush when he finds out Osama bin Laden has been killed, and his backyard gopher, Ardilla, has also been killed by his staff.  LMAO. Love it!

OMG Hilarious! - That's A Lot