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http://www.examiner.com/x-53861-Riverside-Pop-Media-Examiner

Lady Gaga bares more than her heart on the cover of Rolling Stone

The latest issue of Rolling Stone features Lady Gaga on the cover sporting a gun bra and little to nothing else. Lady Gaga opens up to Rolling stone about being a diva and her public image.

As of late, Lady Gaga has been showing some diva like behavior. Showing up to Citi Field in her bra and underwear, 'flipping the bird' to photographers, and allegedly crashing the Yankees' clubhouse is her latest stunt, yet Gaga insists, “I’m not a diva, in any sense of the word.”

Rejecting the diva title, Gaga gives a simple reason for the public spectacle that is Lady Gaga. “This is showbiz for me,” she tells Rollingstone [via the New York Daily News]. I don't want people to see that I'm a human being."

Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta, better known as Lady Gaga, credits Michael Jackson for the inspiration to always stay in character for her fans.

"Michael got burned, and he lifted that glittered glove so damn high so his fans could see him, because he was in the art of show business. That's what we do.”

Contrary to her flashy public image, Lady Gaga admits she has insecurities, but quickly reminds her self, ”Bitch, you're Lady Gaga, you get up and walk the walk today."

Katy Perry has a line?! And it was crossed?! I bet Lady Gaga had something to do with that.

Yesterday after the premiere of Lady Gaga's video "Alejandro," Katy Perry, the ex-christian singer turned "I Kissed A Girl" pop icon, blasted on her twitter page, "Using blasphemy as entertainment is as cheap as a comedian telling a fart joke." Most people took that as an indirect jab at Lady Gaga.

It is understandable that Katy Perry would be offended, like Gaga, Katy Perry has a religious past. Both her parents are pastors and she was raised evangelical. The out-of-character use of religious symbols, should agitate the average christian, but is Katy Perry the right person to take on this fight?

Katy Perry is known for her quirky and unconventional style and songs, most of which she would not be able to wear or perform in her own church. I'm sure the christian community was not blasting "I Kissed a Girl" at church functions, so Katy needs to watch throwing those rocks in that glass house of hers.

Lady Gaga's Ale-Ale-jandro video!

Lady Gaga’s highly anticipated follow up to the hugely popular “Telephone” video has been released! Directed by fashion photographer Steven Klein, “Alejandro”, true to Lady Gaga style, is a fusion of fashion, dance routines, and an abundance of jaw-dropping O-M-G moments.

A far cry from the colorful and satirical “Telephone” video, the nearly nine-minute somber cinematic short takes on a blatant religious and political angle. From the Madonna-esque machine gun bra, the latex nun outfit, and the Lady Gaga described, “homo erotic military” dancers, Gaga has not only pushed the envelope again, but also indefinitely will stir up some controversy.



The blatant sexuality of “Alejandro” and the images of Lady Gaga swallowing a crucifix in a red latex nun outfit are some of the things that will be deemed controversial, and will more than likely not be well received by the religious masses.
As of now, the full meaning of the “Alejandro” video is yet to be revealed, but Lady Gaga has said on Larry King, “It’s a celebration of [her] love and appreciation of the gay community.” Gaga will most likely go into deeper explanation in the upcoming days.

People may not agree with Gaga's views, or how she goes about communicating them, but no one can deny that she is an artist in every sense of the word, a black sheep in a flock of vapid and conforming pop stars. I personally loved it! I understand that many people will be offended or call the video blasphemous, but i realize that it is art and its interpretation will vary from person to person.

Reality Check

This morning i woke up to the exciting news that the SAINTS one the Super Bowl. Moments later I was made aware of a sadder news. One of my classmates dad had passed away. Normally the day after the Super Bowl, the classrooms and lunchroom are filled with Super Bowl cheer and boasting, but today the atmosphere is not boastful or cheerful, but overwhelmingly sad and quiet. News had spread around the whole campus and today teachers put aside their lesson plans and spoke about this tragedy.

After I had heard the news, the first thing I wanted to do was call my dad and tell him how much I love him. I refrained because it was 3 am Cali time, but i could'nt help but wonder, why does it take a tragedy for us to realize what we have. It took 9/11 to unite us, Katrina to re-unite us, and Haiti to help others less fortunate than us. Why is it that we humans have to learn the hard way. Why can't we realize what we have while we have it, instead of when its gone. I am very guilty of that. Before Spain, I usually only called my family when I need something.

As soon as I post this I am going to call my family and tell them I love them, its just sad that it took someone else's tragedy to make me realize what i should've been doing anyways. So the moral of this post is, cherish and appreciate the people in your lives now, so when they're gone you won't look back and wish you had done more.

Reality is a hard pill to swallow

I woke up today feeling not myself. The world around me was abnormally dim, and i was extremely moody. In the midst of my gloom I thought back to last night when I was watching The Princess and the Frog. By the way, I thoroughly enjoyed that movie despite the precariously bold stereotypes, but thats another issue. I was reflecting on a scene in the movie where Tiana, the protagonist of the story said, and i paraphrase, "its ok to dream but you cant just wait on a it to come true, you have to "meet it half way," or do the work required to live reach it." Thinking about that made me realize that this is the time of my life where i will see my dream slowly unfold, or dramatically crash and burn before my eyes. I either become the professional woman I dream of, or watch someone else (literally watch because I want to be a reporter) live out my dream for me.

There are members of my family that have failed miserably at life, and then there are those who have gone after what they wanted and succeeded. I pray I am in the majority that has succeed, because failure is not an option. I know deep down in my heart that God has a plan for me. I just hope that what I want coincides with HIS plan for me. Time will tell.

We shoot ugly people around here

I was browsing on CNN.com today, as usual, when I stumbled across this heading "Dating site for beautiful people expels 'fatties' after holiday weight gain." Intrigued I click on the link and was flabbergasted and amused at what I was reading.


Beautifulpeople.com kicked off 5,000 of its members because they were said to have "gained to much holiday weight." Thousands of members its posted post-holiday photos showing them with a little extra pudge, and were axed. I know your thinking, "How can that be allowed?" "This can't be legal, right?" Actually it is, and yes they can. According to CNN.com "The site describes itself as an "elite online club, where every member works the door" -- that is, users can join only after enough members vote them "beautiful" during the 48 hours after their profile is uploaded."


This site takes the frequently used "1-10" scale and applies it to each profile picture allowing members to "rate" them. Hopefuls want their picture to be rated in the green area toward the "in" side and not in the red area toward the "out" side. Unfortunately for them *sarcasm* these once accepted members, did not make the cut this time around. So who were these booted members??



Beautifulpeople.com is an international company with a variety of people from many different countries. Of the over 5,000 members that were booted off, 1,520 were from the United States, 832 from the U.K., and 533 from Canada. It's no surprised the fattest country, the U.S., has the most members booted, and almost doubles the second highest countries member loss.

To cater to all of the complaints the site gave all 5,000 people the chance to re-upload their pictures and go through the firing squad again, but only a couple hundred re-made the cut over 5,000 were shot down, again.

To do my own little research I went to the site myself, and was LMAO when I read the captions on the homepage. They cater to attractive clients promising, "No more filtering through unattractive people on mainstream sites." What got me was at the bottom it says, "To ugly to sign up? View beautifulpeople as a guest" I was *DEAD* from laughter. I couldn't believe a site like this existed. Highly intrigued, i did what any other person would do, I signed up! My picture is being rated and I will know in 48 hours, the regular "screening time" if im "beautiful" enough to make the cut. I'll keep you posted! HAHA

Kill the Gays: It's 2009, Everybody's Doing It! Part 1

DISCLAIMER: I in no means support this bill. I personally think its disgusting, and hope for its failure.

Over the last few weeks, a story has broke, mostly thanks to Rachel Maddow, about the Ugandan governments agenda to pass legislation making homosexuality a crime punishable by law. A few punishments outlined in the bill are, life in prison for being a homosexual, death by hanging if your gay and HIV positive, and up to 3 years in prison if you know someone is gay and do not report them. Now I know that this sounds crazy. U must be thinking how can people get away with that this day and age? This would never happen in America. While there is no "burn the gays at the stake" bill in America, certain elite Americans have been most influential in the inspiration of the Kill the Gays Bill.

Now, in order to get a bill passed, there has to be a pretty convincing reason for needing the law. Right? In California, the no texting while driving law was passed because someone convinced the government it was a much needed addition for peoples well being and safety. So who or what could have justified the need for a "kill the gays bill?" The answer is one of the forerunners of the "cure the gay" movement, Richard Cohen.

In the clip below, Rachel Maddow introduces Richard Cohen and his unconventional "curing" techniques.

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Richard cohen is a non-licensed, former gay, councilor who claims he can cure the gays, by having grown men cuddle with eachother. In fact, he has written a book, "Coming Out Straight: Understanding and Healing Homosexuality" that gives a step by step guide to do just what the title says, come out straight.

Cohen, is the influential force behind the kill the gays bill. At a "pray the gay away" conference in Uganda, Stephen Langa, the leader of the conference,uses Cohen as a prime example to support claims that homosexuality is a choice.

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Stephen Langa is filmed citing Cohen's book and his life experiences as evidence that homosexuality is curable. Langha later on had a strong hand in drafting the kill the gays bill.

Now these are outrageous claims Rachel Maddow has made, so she rightfully gave Richard Cohen a chance to maybe clear the air. Not only did he give his side of the stoy, but in the process also made himself seem less credible, even though him not being a licensed anything does that by itself. Watch the clip in its entirety...it's entertaining.

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Being gay herself, Rachel Maddow, is very passionate about this subject, and does not go easy on Cohen. They have a spirited debate which ends in Cohen publicly denouncing things he wrote in his book, and losing the little credibility he had.

There is so much more to speak on about this issue. Inequality, and hate against homosexuals is not only Uganda, but also in our own country and around the world. There is so much more to speak on about this issue so I will be writing a second blog, part 2, in the days to come.

Rihanna Rated R Album Review

I have always been a Rihanna fan, but my level of interest in her increased after the Chris Brown incident took place. So when she announced the release date of her "comeback" CD, Rated R, I almost slit my wrist in anticipation. Thanks to the advancements of technology, and probably some clever PR work, Rihanna's CD, Rated R has leaked before the Nov. 23 release date, and it is definitely FIRE!! When i pushed play, i expected the regular "Pon De Replay", "SOS", and "Umbrella" which has made Rihanna the queen of catchy dance floor anthems, but I quickly discovered that this time around she pushed herself to a whole other creative level.

If Rihanna was the Good Girl Gone Bad last album, this one she is Good Girl Gone Hard and Provocative. On songs like "Rockstar" ft Slash she defiantly boasts,"Got my middle finger up, I don't really give Fuck," and "G4L (Gangsta 4 Life)", she warns, "Any mother fuckers wanna disrespect/...we dont play that shit." . The track,"Rude Boy", introduces the world to Rihanna's sexual side. She candidly talks about her sexual rendevous with her lover saying "I like the way you touch me there, I like the way you pull my hair," and "Come here rude boy, is you big enough/ come here rude boy, can you get it up." Unlike "Shut Up, and Drive", from her previous album, which disguises her sex-capades with a clever metaphor about a car, Rihanna is embracing and putting her sexuality out there which is evident by her song lyrics and artwork.




Of course one of the big reasons why Rated R is so highly anticipated, it is the first project after Rihanna's widely publicized domestic violence incident with her now ex boyfriend, Chris Brown, earlier this year. Like the rest of the album, Rihanna is not subtle or unapologetic in her lyrics and Chris was no exception. "Stupid in Love" is an extremely emotional and candid song about her emotions after the domestic violence incident. She shamefully admits, "My new nickname is you idiot," referring to how she went back to her abusive relationship despite everything. Resentfully, Rihanna says in "Fire Bomb," "I wish I could set you on fire, so I wouldn't have to burn alone." She then drastically changes the pace in, "Photographs," a reminiscent song about the good times, and how life without the love of her life is difficult, saying "today would be better babe, if they were our yesterdays." "Cold Case Love" is a blatant stab at Rihanna's and Chris' relationship, saying, "What you did to me was a crime," is referring to the actual crime Chris Brown infamously committed against her.

Her other songs like "Mad House," "Russian Roulette," "Te Amo," and "The Last Song," all tell different stories with eerie metaphors, same sex crushes, and a haunting intro, which i personally feel is out of place.

Overall the Rated R experience is a pleasurable one, and it is a definitely Rihanna's best CD to date. It might not have the same hit producing tracks as Good Girl Gone Bad, but it is filled with lyrics relevant to the place Rihanna is at right now. This album shows her growth as a vocalists and as an artist. This is a must get CD.

Little Miss Spray Tan

So after lunch I log onto Twitter to find Carrie Prejean in the Trending Topics. I rolled my eyes and said to myself, "what has she done, or said, to set women back another 50 years now?" As i read other peoples comments about her, which were mostly negative, I discovered all the buzz was about a Larry King interview she had done yesterday evening.

For those of you who may not know or need a little reminder of who Carrie Prejean is, here is the moment that made her the infamous martyr of "opposite marriage."

Carrie ended being the runner-up to Miss USA (whatever her name is), and the next day started blasting Perez Hilton and the "liberals" for sabotaging her chances at winning because she was against gay marriage.

Even though I do not agree with her answer, it is her right to believe that way. She did not win because of her beliefs, it was because she delivered her answer with as much grace and poise as cracked out Whitney at an award show (remember that?). If these beauty pageant women are going to portray the males unattainable fantasy of us women, then they have to be the total unrealistic package. "I believe in opposite marriage," is a horrible disqualifying answer.

Fast-forward to Carrie being dethroned as Miss California, a nude photo scandal, a boob job and a sex tape, you stop at the Larry King interview. Now Carrie was being interviewed to promote her book, but the real news is why she settled her law suit against Miss California Organization, (MCO). Rumor has it the ex Miss California's lawsuit torpedoed when her sex-tape surfaced which (MCO) has in their possession.

See this is why you don't have people who have run out their 15 minutes of fame go passed their 15 minutes, because somehow they think they are important enough to call shots. The only reason Carrie is still relevant today, is because we're all waiting for the sex tape to leak, and you know how America LOVES a good sex tape. As hypocritical as she is I'm still waiting for her secret lesbian lover to come out the closet and expose her.... I don't know maybe that's a little ambitious, but who knew that little miss spray tan would have a sex tape??

The Beginning

Wow it's my first of many blog entries, and I would like to start off by allowing you all to get to know me. Who am I? I have yet to figure that out but I will tell you who I think I am. I, Royal Zaria Williams, am happy, sad, funny, silly, shy, outgoing, cocky, insecure, spontaneous, jittery, opinionated, speechless, balanced, unbalanced, empathetic, heartless (at times),caring, and compassionate just to name a few.

Basically I'm on an emotional roller coaster full of contradicting emotions, and my mood depends on what day and time it is. I am a Gemini, and I embody and embrace everything about that sign. I believe in the good in other people, but that often leaves me disappointed in the end. Trust is something that is earned from me, but once it's broken it can never be earned back. I have a weakness for helping people in need, which is why I want to become a journalist. I'm a hopeless romantic but at the same time a realist. I keep up with pop culture, news, and politics, which will all be covered in my blog. In time you will see how much of a bipolar mess I really am =).