Time for an update

It's been a month since my last update and a lot has happen since then.

I've started on my annual summer long blogging for +CBS Detroit in recapping episodes of +Big Brother! Though it's still a hope that one day (hopefully next season) that I will be on the show competing, manipulating, sabotaging, creating drama and winning the show! In the interim I'll take to writing about it and connecting with fans! 

Sad news, I've been let go as a resident Actor at The Flea Theatre, however I am now an alumni. My time at the The Flea has been positive and learning opportunity as an actor. I've met some great people and hope to continue to do some great work with many of them. Though I may not be at The Flea, I'm still a proud supporter of the theatre and look forward to what the new artistic director as well as The Bats have in store! As one door closes another door opens. This is just another chapter ending and a new one beginning!

I throughly enjoyed my time this year at the Thespian Festival, held in Lincoln, NE at the University of Nebraska - Lincoln, campus. The UNL staff and the Educational Theatre Association were great. Being someone who was a student and now coming back as a guest artist has been great! I hope to continue to come back an inspire more students. Plus I was able to reconnect with other artists and make new connections as well!

Last summer I decided to make a hair change and again this year I decided to do it again! I just wanted a summer look you could say but also I just really wanted to do something different. Change is good and change is bad. But it's all an experience! 

This has been a sufficient update I do say so myself! I'm going to try and update more because I think it just feels right. Also this is another way to be an outlet other than my Big Brother recap blogging! 

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Forgiveness

Wrote this while on my flight...

Nearly a year ago, I made a decision that I thought was best for myself. Some of my closest friends really encouraged it to happen, others really didn’t know the situation but supported me anyways and those that were impacted just want what’s best. However a part of me feels like I made a mistake but another part of me is really proud of what has transpired. Overall, I owe it to myself to forgive myself and what has happened. I know that I can own up to my wrong doings as well as my own transgressions.

If you really care about someone but know that there isn’t anything you can do at that moment, is to let them go and hope one day they’ll come back or each other’s paths will cross again. There are so many things I want to say but just can’t seem to find the words to say it. Those friends who encouraged this are not surprised that I would fall back into a habit, but all they want for me is to be happy. A part of me isn’t happy about how things left, but another part of me is really glad it happened. Growing up is hard but no one ever said it was going to be easy.

This literally sounds like I’m just running around the issue and not facing it head on. But, what’s the point? I’ve said my peace and have tried to move on. Communication is a two way street, though I like taking the beaten path or at least a one way street. There is less to worry about but there is a lot of assumptions, misinformation and misconceptions. 

I guess what I’m trying to say is “I’m sorry,” I’m sorry to myself and I’m sorry to the situation. Am I mad that it happened, no, it has been a great time soul searching and really know what I want. So I guess what I want is forgiveness. I forgive myself but will I be forgiven for what has happened? Only time will tell and I just hope that I can just add this moment to another chapter of my life. 

Will I expect anything to come from this? No, but hopefully with me vaguely clearing the air, the message comes across to those loud and clear. If not, at least I can say that I’m happy with where I am and only hope for the best in others. Having hate is unnecessary energy and a waste of time. Value those who care about you and value them right back with the same if not more. Here’s hoping I’m valued because i know I value others and I do not like having hate towards others. 

On that note, I’m ready for my vacation and time away from the city!

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Three Trips in May

As I'm awaiting to board my flight, I'm stopping near a food place to eat and to also blog.

The past two weeks, I've made trips back to "Pure Michigan," for my friend's graduation as well as surprising my mom for her birthday.

My first trip was only three days and I was able to see my friend graduate with their master's degree from Wayne State University! So proud of them and it was great to see some friends graduate with their undergrad from WSU as well.

I may have missed some friends my first trip back but I assured others that I would be returning the following week for a surprise but planned visit. My mom's friends' were planning her a not so surprise birthday party and I knew about this weeks in advance but didn't know about it until after I had booked my first trip. Knowing the cost of travel it was something that was weighing on my mind. But to surprise my mom was a great moment. She had know idea and was brought to tears. It was a special moment and I'm glad I was able to keep it a surprise.

Overall it was nice to visit friends and family from Michigan, but I'm ready to get back to the hustle and bustle of NYC, my new home! However I still have a home in Michigan.

Now in a week I'll be traveling to Mexico for a vacation/birthday celebration! I'm looking forward to my trip abroad, even if it's just Mexico. I look froward to warm weather, hanging out with friends and working on a tan!

May has been great for traveling, I'm thankful I'm Pre-TSA where I am able to skip the line.

My food is here and I'm starving! I've got work tonight as well back home so I'm back to me regular routine!

=]

Camp Nano

So a month ago a friend of mine announced they were doing Camp Nano and I was interested in participating myself. A few short minutes later I had created an account and signed up to do it too!

Right now I'm writing a play that I actually started back in college, but left it unfinished, due to being inspired to write a different play at the same time as well as having a bit of a writer's block in trying to think of what could happen next. However when I looked over it I got inspired to finish it and I also got to thinking how did I ever come up with this idea!?! It was amusing to read and reinvigorated my passion to write and continue it.

The plot of this play is kind of like Revolution but with a hint of comedy and doesn't focus on panic or chaos but more so how would a family adapt to no technology. So this isn't a new but it's my take and I look forward to seeing how it ends up. Who knows maybe I'll do a stage reading of it when I'm done to get a good read of it.

=]

Arts Advocacy Day 2015

#AAD15

"Advocacy must be a part of your daily mission," words spoken by Jay Dick the Senior Director of State and Local Government Affairs from Americans for the Arts (AFTA) in the opening of this year's Arts Advocacy Day. With over 550 advocates from 48 states it was great to see so many people passionate about advocating for the arts. Being able to take this opportunity to travel to Washington D.C., speak with our government officials and advocate for the arts was such a great experience in learning why I love doing what I do as well as continuing to fight to have the next generation to have the same opportunities that I was given. Even though this was my first time attending the event, this was not the first time I've spoken to my elected officials about advocating for the arts as well as having my voice heard.

To read more of what I wrote go to the Educational Theatre Association page.

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Transformation

It's been a couple months since I've updated here.

I'd like to think the year is getting off to a great start, I've put up my website (www.whoismarkdrum.com), I'm dancing in a showcase at Alvin Ailey, I'm attending this year's Arts Advocacy Day in Washington D.C., and I'm relearning my native language.

Change is never easy and doesn't happen overnight. It takes time and I'm continuing to make the positive changes I want in my life. I can say I'm learning from experiences whether it was good or bad, I can admit when I'm at fault or was wrong and I'm just overall trying to be happy.

Isn't that what everyone wants? To be happy?

I can say that I'm keeping up with my resolutions and continuing to find more reasons why I love where I am. The next few months I've filled my calendar with events and I've even scheduled a little vacation in between! However I'm still pursuing acting and I say that I'm a blogger but I haven't blogged much. So hopefully more post will come to fruition and I'll continue to share my story to those who want to read.

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My website!

I finally decided that this year would be the year I would put my professional website up. It will house my acting and photography stuff.

I'll still use this to blog and to post photos too.

But I'm glad that I'm getting my resolutions for this year in motion.

Progress, slowly but surely!

Check it out

www.whoismarkdrum.com

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2015 New Year's Resolution

So keeping with my resolutions from the past few years, I'm adding some new ones.

1. Travel the world - I mentioned yesterday that I renewed my passport and I really want to explore the world...I'm 26, single and I haven't really seen the world except for the Philippines, Canada and the US.

Places I'd love to travel to
Europe - literally almost every country on the continent
Brazil - because I have friends from there
South Africa - one of my favorite artists is from here
Australia - I want to see the Outback, check out the Sydney Opera House and explore the island continent
New Zealand - visit Middle Earth lol
Japan - home of Pokemon
China - see the Great Wall, try and navigate through a place with over a billion people populating the country

2. Do some video blogging and start a podcast with a friend

3. Making mistakes, learning to forgive and letting go - So in keeping with ending the day on a positive note, I'm adding this as a self reminder that it's ok not to be perfect and it's the imperfections that makes us stronger.

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With these additions I'm optimistic 2015 will be a good year!

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Another Chapter Coming To A Close

2014 has had some ups and downs, but in the end, I'm glad to have experienced everything that has happened.

Here are 14 things I have learned this year

1. I love acting and will continue to pursue my dream

2. If you want a friendship to work it takes two to communicate effectively 

3. Friendships can have an expiration date

4. I'm glad to have the friends I do have

5. I'm happy with where I am but continue to want to grow

6. It's ok to make mistakes

7. Crying isn't a weakness but when it happens it's never pretty, however very therapeutic

8. I want to see the world and thankfully I've renewed my passport to do so

9. Being a responsible adult may not always be fun but it's a necessary evil to overcome

10. My personal life is personal but I enjoy telling my story...within limits

11. Working the overnight life is a lot easier than some other jobs that some people have

12. I enjoy turning off all electronics on my day off when I go to bed

13. Braces have made improved my teeth but I miss smiling

14. 2015 will be a great year of new adventures!

Cheers and I'll post tomorrow of my resolutions!

=]

Opportunities Abound

It's a new month and I'm really excited because I've just been working hard to pursue what I love and it's slowly coming together.

I'm part of an AMAZING organization, the Educational Theatre Association (EdTA) and this year I've finally paid my dues (literally) to become a professional member. I had been a part of the organization through the International Thespian Society as a Junior Thespian (Troupe #88331) and Thespian (#Troupe 6513). Now living in New York, I've been asked by the Chapter Directors of the state to be the new Student Thespian Officer (STO) Coordinator. Which I was thrilled to have been asked and honored to have been consider. I of course humbly accepted and now I'm getting to work with a great group of kids. Though I'm still relatively new to the role, I have plenty of leadership experience and hope that I can make an impact.

Also with the organization, since the National Festival, held every year at the University of Nebraska - Lincoln, I've been making a push to reach out to other state festivals/conferences to help out. I'm happy to say that I'll be getting to go to the Georgia Thespian Conference in February to teach Beginning Hip Hop. I'm really excited for the opportunity and it'll be my first time visiting the GA Thespian Conference. Hopefully this will be the beginning of more to come! Here's a link of me dancing during a Hip Hop Class at Alvin Ailey taught by David Terry to see my moves.

I also had the privilege last month to help out with Broadway Cares/Equity Fights Aids annual Flea Market. It was great getting to be a part of the event and help out! So many theatre goers at the event supporting the cause! Here's a pic from the event, where I was at the EdTA table along with this year's International Thespian Officers (ITO)

Last month I made my debut on a New York Theatre at The Flea Theatre performing in #serials@theflea in a show called, "A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Dragon," by A.J. Ditty. The best part of doing it was the show was selected to come back this month and I'll get to perform with it (hopefully) in two weeks. It just needs to survive this next week and I have a good feeling it will! The writing and the cast has been great! Plus the audience has been very receptive and loving it! However it will have to place in the top three against four other shows!

I've also been cast in another Flea Production in The Cutthroat Series: Grand Guignol Duels - Night Terrors in the show "The Blind." I'm excited for another great opportunity with this theatre community. I look forward to the rehearsals and the experience! 

Besides my theatre involvements, I've finished another year of blogging as a freelance writer for CBS Detroit for the show Big Brother. Now that it's been announced for two more season, only continues to fuel my desire to be on the show! But I'm thankful for the opportunity that I've had to write and even though I'm not getting paid for it, I'm doing it for the experience. Plus the byline isn't so bad as well as the exposure I've gotten. I love reading the comments (both positive, negative and random) as well as emails from fans of the show. I get into weekly conversations with a friend of mine who now lives in Canada about the show! Check out all my articles on CBS Detroit!

My job has been good too! I've been giving the opportunity to train the new hires as they start with the company. It's always great being able to mentor and resource for my new co-workers. Plus I'm thankful my job has been able to work with my passions of acting and be able to have a "survival job" and do what I love. 

This weekend I head back to Michigan (or home you could say) to be the photographer for a friend's wedding. I am honored and excited for this opportunity. This will be my third wedding I'll be photographing. I'm just hoping the rain won't be an issue as this will be my first outdoor wedding I'll be doing, but rain or shine I will be capturing the moments! I look forward to the challenge!

One Year in NYC

I've officially lived in NYC for one year now and it's been nothing but an adventure to say the least. Learned a lot about myself and I continue to learn and grow as a person. Friends have come and gone but the memories are still intact. I only had to move once while in the city, though even once was enough. My roommates are great even though I'm barely around the apartment. I try and explore the city as much as I can. I've gone to multiple dance classes and continue to audition.

Today being my one year I also am performing tonight in a show! I'm so thankful for the opportunity and experiences! I've made some new contacts and new friends from it!

I can't wait to see what this upcoming year has in store!

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Big Brother Season 16

If you haven't already known...
I didn't get cast but I am continuing to write about the reality tv show Big Brother for CBS Detroit 62 as a freelance writer!

Check out my entries for this season by selecting the tab at the top!

Do it!

=]

Tonys 2014 Predictions

Just like when I (miserably) put my predictions for the Oscars, I'm doing it again but this time for the Tonys! 

I have the great opportunity to be in the city, however not fortunate to be in Radio City Music Hall. But I will be with friends and watching it at a viewing party!

We'll see how I fare this time around with these predictions, let's hope better than the Oscars...

These predictions are completely guesses and I had to do some research on some of the shows since I haven't seen all of them. 

Best Play

Act One 

All The Way

Casa Valentina

Mothers and Sons

Outside Mullingar

I predict: All The Way

Best Musical

After Midnight

Aladdin

Beautiful - The Carole King Musical

A Gentleman's Guide to Love & Murder

I predict: A Gentleman's Guide to Love & Murder

Best Revival of a Play

The Cripple of Inishmaan

The Glass Menagerie

A Raisin in the Sun

Twelfth Night

I predict: Twelfth Night

Best Revival of a Musical

Hedwig and the Angry Inch

Les Misérables

Violet

I predict: Hedwig and the Angry Inch

Best Book of a Musical

Aladdin (Chad Beguelin)

Beautiful - The Carole King Musical (Douglas McGrath)

Bullets Over Broadway (Woody Allen)

A Gentleman's Guide to Love & Murder (Robert L. Freedman)

I predict: A Gentleman's Guide to Love & Murder (Robert L. Freedman)

Best Original Score

Aladdin (Music by Alan Menken; Lyrics by Howard Ashman, Time Rice and Chad Begeulin)

The Bridges of Madison County (Music & Lyrics by Jason Robert Brown)

A Gentleman's Guide to Love & Murder (Music by Steven Lutvak; Lyrics by Robert L. Freedman & Steven Lutvak)

If/Then (Music by Tom Kidd; Lyrics by Brian Yorkey)

I predict: The Bridges of Madison County (Music & Lyrics by Jason Robert Brown)

Best Actor in a Play

Samuel Barnett, Twelfth Night

Bryan Cranston, All The Way

Chris O'Dowd, Of Mice and Men

Mark Rylance, Richard III

Tony Shalhoub, Act One

I predict: Bryan Cranston, All The Way

Best Actress in a Play

Tyne Daly, Mothers and Sons

LaTanya Richardson Jackson, A Raisin in the Sun

Cherry Jones, The Glass Menagerie

Audra McDonald, Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill

Estelle Parsons, The Velocity of Autumn

I predict: Audra McDonald, Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill

Best Actor in a Musical

Neil Patrick Harris, Hedwig and the Angry Inch

Ramin Karmloo, Les Misérables

Andy Karl, Rocky

Jefferson Mays, A Gentleman's Guide to Love & Murder

Bryce Pinkham, A Gentleman's Guide to Love & Murder

I predict: Neil Patrick Harris, Hedwig and the Angry Inch

Best Actress in a Musical

Mary Bridget Davies,  A Night with Janis Joplin

Sutton Foster, Violet

Idina Menzel Adele Dazeem, If/Then

Jessie Mueller, Beautiful - The Carole King Musical

Kelli O'Hara, The Bridges of Madison County

I predict: Jessie Mueller, Beautiful - The Carole King Musical

Best Featured Actor in a Play

Reed Birney, Casa Valentina

Paul Chahidi, Twelfth Night

Stephen Fry, Twelfth Night

Mark Rylance, Twelfth Night

Brian J. Smith, The Glass Menagerie

I predict: Mark Rylance, Twelfth Night

Best Featured Actress in a Play

Sarah Greene, The Cripple of Inishmaan

Celia Keenan-Bolger, The Glass Menagerie

Sophie Okonedo, A Raisin in the Sun

Anika Noni Rose, A Raisin in the Sun

Mare Winningham, Casa Valentina

I predict: Celia Keenan-Bolger, The Glass Menagerie

Best Featured Actor in a Musical

Danny Burstein, Cabaret

Nick Cordero, Bullets Over Broadway

Joshua Henry, Violet

James Monroe Inglehart, Aladdin

Jarrod Spector, Beautiful - The Carole King Musical

I predict: James Monroe Inglehart, Aladdin

Best Featured Actress in a Musical

Linda Emond, Cabaret

Lena Hall, Hedwig and the Angry Inch

Anika Larsen, Beautiful - The Carole King Musical

Adriane Lenox, After Midnight

Lauren Worsham, A Gentleman's Guide to Love & Murder

I predict: Linda Emond, Cabaret

Best Direction in a Play

Tim Carroll, Twelfth Night

Michael Grandage, The Cripple of Inishmaan

Kenny Leon, A Raisin in the Sun

John Tiffany, The Glass Menagerie

I predict: Tim Carroll, Twelfth Night

Best Direction in a Musical

Warren Carlyle, After Midnight

Michael Mayer, Hedwig and the Angry Inch

Leigh Silverman, Violet

Darko Tresnjak, A Gentleman's Guide to Love & Murder

I predict: Darko Tresnjak, A Gentleman's Guide to Love & Murder

Best Choreography

Warren Carlyle, After Midnight

Steven Hoggett & Kelly Devine, Rocky

Casey Nicholaw, Aladdin

Susan Stroman, Bullets Over Broadway

I predict: Warren Carlyle, After Midnight

Best Orchestrations

Doug Besterman, Bullets Over Broadway

Jason Robert Brown, The Bridges of Madison County

Steve Sidwell, Beautiful - The Carole King Musical

Jonathan Tunick, A Gentleman's Guide to Love & Murder

I predict: Jonathan Tunick, A Gentleman's Guide to Love & Murder

Best Scenic Design in a Play

Beowulf Boritt, Act One

Bob Crowley, The Glass Menagerie

Es Devlin, Machinal

Christopher Oram, The Cripple of Inishmaan

I predict: Beowulf Boritt, Act One

Best Scenic Design in a Musical

Christopher Barreca, Rocky

Julian Crouch, Hedwig and the Angry Inch

Alexander Dodge, A Gentleman's Guide to Love & Murder

Santo Loquasto, Bullets Over Broadway

I predict: Christopher Barreca, Rocky

Best Costume Design in a Play

Jane Greenwood, Act One

Michael Krass, Machinal

Rita Ryack, Casa Valentina

Jenny Tiramani, Twelfth Night

I predict: Jenny Tiramani, Twelfth Night

Best Costume Design in a Muscial

Linda Cho, A Gentleman's Guide to Love & Murder

William Ivey Long, Bullets Over Broadway

Arianne Phillips, Hedwig and the Angry Inch

Isabel Toledo, After Midnight

I predict: Linda Cho, A Gentleman's Guide to Love & Murder

Best Lighting Design in a Play

Paule Constable, The Cripple of Inishmaan

Jane Cox, Machinal

Natasha Katz, The Class Menagerie

Japhy Weideman, Of Mice and Men

I predict: Natasha Katz, The Class Menagerie

Best Lighting Design in a Musical

Kevin Adams, Hedwig and the Angry Inch

Christopher Akerlind, Rocky

Howell Binkley, After Midnight

Donald Holder, The Bridges of Madison County

I predict: Kevin Adams, Hedwig and the Angry Inch

Best Sound Design in a Play

Alex Maranowski, The Cripple of Inishmaan

Steve Canyon Kennedy, Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill

Dan Moses Schreier, Act One

Matt Tierney, Machinal

I predict: Steve Canyon Kennedy, Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill

Best Sound Design in a Muscial

Peter Hylenski, After Midnight

Tim O'Heir, Hedwig and the Angry Inch

Mick Potter, Les Misérables

Brian Ronan, Beautiful - The Carole King Musical

I predict; Brian Ronan, Beautiful - The Carole King Musical

In Flight Recap

After my Oscars predictions, I pretty much fell off the from blogging, not because I didn't want to, but because I just didn't. But I'll try and recap what has happened since then...

March: 

My Grandlittle and very good friend came to visit as well as perform in his senior showcase in NYC. It was great to see him and know that I'll have another friend coming to the city! We also caught "A Gentleman's Guide to Love & Murder," which is nominated for 10 awards! Fun fact a former professor is a part of the talented group and it's great to see this show doing well. If you get the chance to see it, you should!

While my GrandLittle was visiting, a friend from Michigan was also in town for a conference and I was able to catch up with her.

I also auditioned for a Broadway show that featured a hip hop dance audition, which was interesting because the musical typically doesn't have hip hop in it. The audition was so much fun and it got me really addicted to the song they used for the piece.

Since I attended nine of the same theatre festival, I have made countless friends and I had the great opportunity to catch up with a one of them. It had been over seven years since we last met up.

April:

On the 1st of April, which is also known as April Fools, I entered the Book of Mormon lottery for NY residents, to win discounted tickets for the following day's performance. To my luck I had won, which I thought was first a prank, but turned out to be a great surprise! I was able to go and bring a friend to the show. It was also my friend's first Broadway musical and they and definitely enjoyed it!

I decided on a whim to go and visit my friend in DC to see the Cherry Blossom Festival. It was my first time in DC and I had a great time! I even got to catch up with my Senior RA from my first year at my university as well as another friend. 

For Easter I was able to spend some time with family and meet some new relatives in the same process. With work my schedule, I now have the weekend off, so I was able to catch up with family and friends who normally work a 9-5/Mon-Friday job. 

Went to the New York International Auto Show with some co-workers from work. I had mentioned to some that I really wanted to go and it would be my first time going in the City. I have gone to the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, but wanted to see what NY had to offer. There were definitely some similarities as well as differences. Also was a great opportunity to hang out with co-workers outside of work and make new friends!

That's pretty much what has been happening, it doesn't seem like much but after writing it all down, I can say I've kept myself busy and look forward to this month as well as what the rest of the year brings.

Oh and I also started the process of straightening my teeth, meaning I got braces. I have overcrowding in my teeth as well as an interesting bite. So I finally made the decision to get them fixed. Definitely worth the investment and luckily I'll have them off in two years. Though definitely changes the types of roles I'll go for, but again will be worth it in the long run. I'm thankful to have a job that has a good dental plan and I'm able to make this investment affordable.

I'm currently on my way back to my Alma Mater to wish one of my Little, GrandLittle, fraternity brothers and friends the best as they graduate today and tomorrow! 

(Hopefully I'll be able to add more pictures later)

=]

My 2014 Oscar Predictions

Just for fun, I'll post my prediction of this year's 2014 oscars. Then we'll see how well I do too! In all seriousness I've seen a handful of these and in no way am I giving my expert advice on these choices.

Best Picture
American Hustle
Captain Phillips
Dallas Buyers Club
Gravity
Her
Nebraska
Philomena
12 Years A Slave

Should Win: 12 Years A Slave
Will probably win: American Hustle
Why?: Saw American Hustle, it was good, but I've heard nothing but great things about 12 Years A Slave, but again I'm no expert.

Best Actor
Christian Bale - American Hustle
Bruce Dern  - Nebraska
Leonardo DiCaprio - Wolf Of Wall Street
Chiwetel Ejiofor - 12 Years A Slave
Matthew McConaughey - Dallas Buyers Club

Should Win: Chiwetel Ejiofor
Will probably win: Leonardo DiCaprio
Why?: Apparently the movie was good, also he's been nominated plenty of times and has yet to win, isn't it time to give him a win?

Best Supporting Actor
Barkhad Abdi - Captain Phillips
Bradley Cooper - American Hustle
Michael Fassbender - 12 Years A Slave
Jonah Hill - Wolf Of Wall Street
Jared Leto - Dallas Buyers Club

Should Win: Jonah Hill
Will probably win: Jared Leto
Why?: He's a rockstar turned actor and his acting in the movie was apparently really good.

Best Actress
Amy Adams - American Hustle
Cate Blanchett - Blue Jasmine
Sandra Bullock - Gravity
Judi Dench - Philomena
Meryl Streep - August: Osage County

My personal want to Win: Meryl Streep (I'm bias, because I love her work and she's MERYL FREAKING STREEP)
Should Win: Amy Adams
Will probably win: Cate Blanchett
Why?: Because apparently if you star in a film by Woody Allen, most likely you win an Oscar...but the competition for the ladies this year are FIERCE...lol

Best Supporting Actress
Sally Hawkins - Blue Jasmine
Jennifer Lawrence - The Hunger Games: Mockingjay American Hustle
Lupita Nyong’o - 12 Years a Slave
Julia Roberts - August: Osage County
June Squibb - Nebraska

Should Win: Lupita Nyong'o
Will probably win: Jennifer Lawrence
Why?: Because Katniss Everdeen never loses...lol

Best Animated Feature Film of the Year
The Croods
Despicable Me 2
Ernest & Celestine
Frozen
The Wind Rises

Should and will win: Frozen
Why?: "Let it go," "Do you want to build a snowman," broadway singers Idina Menzel, Jonathan Groff and Josh Gad, and Olaf the Snoman!

Achievement in Cinematography

Philippe Le Sourd - The Grandmaster
Emmanuel Lubezki - Gravity
Bruno Delbonnel - Inside Llewyn Davis
Phedon Papamichael - Nebraska
Roger A. Deakins - Prisoners

Should Win: IDK
Will Win: Phedon Papamichael
Why?: Only movie I saw and enjoyed it

Achievement in Costume Design

Michael Wilkinson - American Hustle
William Chang Suk Ping - The Grandmaster
Catherine Martin - The Great Gatsby
Michael O’Connor - The Invisible Woman
Patricia Norris - 12 Years A Slave

Should Win: IDK
Will Win: William Chang Suk Ping
Why?: Costumes looked cool I guess...idk

Achievement in Directing aka Best Director
David O. Russell - American Hustle
Alfonso Cuarón - Gravity
Alexander Payne - Nebraska
Steve McQueen - 12 Years A Slave
Martin Scorsese - Wolf Of Wall Street

Should Win: Steve McQueen
Will probably win: Alfonso Cuarón
Why?: He's apparently a front runner...so why not, plus it's a movie set in space, imagine having to literally direct that film. Luckily it's all done thanks to special effects and tons of strings on the actors.

Best Documentary Feature

Joshua Oppenheimer and Signe Byrge Sørensen - The Act of Killing
Zachary Heinzerling and Lydia Dean Pilcher - Cutie & The Boxer
Richard Rowley and Jeremy Scahill - Dirty Wars
Jehane Noujaim and Karim Amer - The Square
Morgan Neville, Gil Friesen and Caitrin Rogers - 20 Feet From Stardom 

Should Win: IDK
Will probably win: ?!?!?
Why?: Your guess is good as mine...Let's just say the The Act of Killing will win...it sounds uplifting (sarcasm)

Best Documentary Short Subject

Jeffrey Karoff - Cavedigger
Jason Cohen - Facing Fear
Sara Ishaq - Karama Has No Walls
Malcolm Clarke and Nicholas Reed - The Lady In Number 6: Music Saved My Life
Edgar Barens - Prison Terminal: The Last Days of Private Jack Hall

Should Win: IDK
Will probably win: ?!?
Why?: Yeah again, your guess is as a good as mine....I'll say Facing Fear, no reason...

Best Achievement in Film Editing

Jay Cassidy, Crispin Struthers and Alan Baumgarten - American Hustle
Christopher Rouse - Captain Phillips
John Mac McMurphy and Martin Pensa - Dallas Buyers Club
Alfonso Cuarón and Mark Sanger - Gravity
Joe Walker - 12 Years A Slave

Should Win: IDK
Will Probably Win: Alfonso Cuarón & Mark Sanger
Why?: You try editing a movie about space and trying to survive in zero gravity with the possibility plummeting to Earth or forever lost in space. There's probably a lot of footage that had to be cut...(sarcasm)

Best Foreign Language Film of the Year

Belgium - The Broken Circle Breakdown
Italy - The Great Beauty
Denmark - The Hunt
Cambodia - The Missing Picture
Palestine - Omar

Should Win: IDK
Will Probably Win: ?!?!
Why?: The Hunt, because it sounds like a fun game that I want to watch as a movie (sarcasm)

Achievement in Make Up and Hairstyling

Adruitha Lee and Robin Mathews - Dallas Buyers Club
Stephen Prouty - Jackass Present: Bad Grandpa
Joel Harlow and Gloria Pasqua-Casny - The Lone Ranger

Should Win: Adruitha Lee & Robin Mathews
Will Probably Win: Stephen Prouty
Why?: Wouldn't it be great if an MTV movie won? Plus surprised it even got nominated, though the make up work and hairstyling was definitely on point.

Achievement In Music Written For Motion Pictures (Best Original Score)

John Williams - The Book Thief
Steven Price - Gravity
William Butler and Owen Pallett - Her
Alexandre Desplat - Philomena
Thomas Newman - Saving Mr. Banks

Achievement in Music Written for Motion Pictures (Best Original Song)

"Happy" - Despicable Me 2 (Music and Lyric by Pharrell Williams)

"Let It Go" - Frozen (Music and Lyric by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez)
"The Moon Song" - Her (Music by Karen O; Lyric by Karen O and Spike Jonze)
"Ordinary Love" - Mandela: Long Walk To Freedom (Music by Paul Hewson, Dave Evans, Adam Clayton and Larry Mullen; Lyric by Paul Hewson)

Should and Will Win: "Let It Go," from Frozen
Why?: If you have not heard this song, you must literally be living under a rock. Plus it shall be performed tonight by Idina Menzel! It's going to win, it's like Adele for "Skyfall." It's a no brainer, just saying.

Achievement in Production Design

American Hustle (Production Design - Judy Becker; Set Decoration - Heather Loeffler)
Gravity (Production Design - Andy Nicholson; Set Decoration: Rosie Goodwin and Joanne Woollard)
The Great Gatsby (Production Design - Catherine Martin; Set Decoration - Beverley Dunn)
Her (Production Design - K.K. Barrett; Set Decoration - Gene Serdena)
12 Years A Slave (Production Design - Adam Stockhausen; Set Decoration - Alice Baker)

Should Win: IDK
Will Win: !?!?
Why?: Gravity, because thinking of the set design for space must have been very difficult as well as the set decorating (sarcasm)

Best Animated Short

Daniel Sousa and Dan Golden - Feral
Lauren MacMullan and Dorothy McKim - Get A Horse!
Laurent Witz and Alexandre Espigares - Mr. Hublot
Shuhei Morita - Possessions
Max Lang and Jan Lachauer - Room On The Broom

Should win: IDK
Will Win: !?!
Why?: Because Feral just sounds so pleasant (sarcasm)

Best Live Action Short Film
Esteban Crespo - Aquel No Era Yo (That Wasn't Me)
Xavier Legrand and Alexandre Gavras - Avant Que De Tout Perdre (Just Before Losing Everything)
Anders Walter and Kim Magnusson - Helium
pitÄÄkÖ mun kAikki HoitAA? (Do i HAve to tAke cAre of everytHinG?)
Selma Vilhunen and Kirsikka Saari - Pitääkö Mun Kaikki Hoitaa? (Do I Have To Take Care Of Everything?)
Mark Gill and Baldwin Li - The Voorman Problem

Should Win?: IDK
Will probably win: ?!?!?!
Why?: Because what problems does a "Voorman" have?

Achievement in Sound Editing
Steve Boeddeker and Richard Hymns - All Is Lost
Oliver Tarney - Captain Phillips
Glenn Freemantle - Gravity
Brent Burge - The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug
Wylie Stateman - Lone Survivor

Should Win: IDK
Will probably win: The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug
Why?: It's LOTR, duh!

Achievement in Sound Mixing
Chris Burdon, Mark Taylor, Mike Prestwood Smith and Chris Munro - Captain Phillips
Skip Lievsay, Niv Adiri, Christopher Benstead and Chris Munro - Gravity
Christopher Boyes, Michael Hedges, Michael Semanick and Tony Johnson - The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug
Skip Lievsay, Greg Orloff and Peter F. Kurland - Inside Llewyn Davis
Andy Koyama, Beau Borders and David Brownlow - Lone Survivor

Should Win: IDK
Will probably win: ?!?!
Why?: Because I wonder how you mix sound from Inside Llewn Davis (sarcasm)

Achievement in Visual Effects
Tim Webber, Chris Lawrence, Dave Shirk and Neil Corbould - Gravity
Joe Letteri, Eric Saindon, David Clayton and Eric Reynolds - The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug
Christopher Townsend, Guy Williams, Erik Nash and Dan Sudick - Iron Man 3
Tim Alexander, Gary Brozenich, Edson Williams and John Frazier - The Lone Ranger
Roger Guyett, Patrick Tubach, Ben Grossmann and Burt Dalton - Star Trek Into Darkenss

Should Win: The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug
Will Probably Win: Gravity
Why?: I mean space looked almost real, from what I heard from watchers of this film.

Adapted Screenplay
Before Midnight (Written by Richard Linklater, Julie Delpy, Ethan Hawke)
Captain Phillips (Screenplay by Billy Ray)
Philomena (Screenplay by Steve Coogan and Jeff Pope)
12 Years A Slave (Screenplay by John Ridle)
The Wolf Of Wall Street (Screenplay by Terence Winter)

Should Win: 12 Years a Slave
Will Probably Win: The Wolf Of Wall Street
Why?: Hollywood likes corruption financial movies, I guess...

Original Screenplay
American Hustle (Written by Eric Warren Singer and David O. Russell)
Blue Jasmine (Written by Woody Allen)
Dallas Buyers Club (Written by Craig Borten & Melisa Wallack)
Her (Written by Spike Jonze)
Nebraska (Written by Bob Nelson)\

Should Win: IDK
Will Probably Win: Blue Jasmine
Why?: Apparently it's that good.

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Keep up with my twitter to see the updates for tonight!
Twitter follow me: @whoismarkdrum

A Much Needed Vacation

So last month when I went to my friend's wedding, their family asked if I had any vacation time next month to join them in Florida. Luckily I did have some vacation time from work and planned to go on vacation!

Two weeks ago I had the amazing time of going to Florida with my friends and their family. As much as I love NYC, it's really nice to get away from the fast pace and just relax. Which I can definitely say was needed.

I arrived to much warmer temperatures and in open arms! What the vacation taught me was that I am pursuing a lifelong dream, that it's nice to just take a step back and enjoy life. That's exactly what I did during the vacation! I was spending time with friends and not having to think about work or NYC for a week. It was such a blast!

While on vacation I even got to see my Grand Little, who I haven't seen in two years, since him and his family moved to Florida! It was great to catch up with him and his girlfriend.

Below are some pics from that week! I went to the Universal Studios theme parks and Disney World, specifically Magic Kingdom and Epcot! Took a day trip to Cocoa Beach, which a good friend of mine just moved from to NYC and luck would have it was visiting while I was there.

Enjoying a Butterbeer in Diagon Alley in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Island of Adventures

With Sideshow Bob and Krusty the Clown outside of Kwik-E-Mart in The Simpsons at Universal Studios Theme Park

Awaiting to go into Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom

At Walt Disney World Epcot meeting Duffy the Bear

In front of the Epcot Ball at Walt Disney World

At Cocoa Beach, FL

With my Grand Little

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Now I've been back in the city reenergized and ready to continue to pursue my dreams!

=]

Auditions in NYC

So there was one resolution that I know I should have included, but I see this as more of a life goal than just a year resolution. You could honestly say that resolutions shouldn't just be a yearly thing but a lifelong betterment of oneself right?!

Anyways a goal of mine is to work on Broadway and be hopefully one day (sooner rather than later) be part of AEA and SAG-AFTRA. Now there was a really great article I just found from Backstage that explains how to join AEA.

Then there is another caveat, trying to find out the auditions.

With social media I feel like it should be easier right? WRONG! I look at the linsk and some are for different states or they're looking for "EQUITY/AEA" members and/or I just don't fit what they're casting for.

A friend of mine has said they've even still submitted their stuff for shows that call for EQUITY people only. However for me, I feel like that's some sort of taboo or they'll just throw it out the pile when they see my resume and it doesn't say I'm a EQUITY person or even an EMC (Equity Membership Candidate).

Which then lies the issue of auditions. Do I do what my friend does and submit my headshot/resume too? Do I sacrifice my time to wait in the lines with everyone else who may not be union and give it a shot?

My inner child voice says, "YES!"
But the logical adult voice says, "No!"

And I feel conflicted. However it's a new year and I know I can't get a role without auditioning or even just getting a chance to show my stuff.

I'm just rambling....
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tl;dr
I want to be a Professional Actor that is a part of AEA & SAG-AFTRA. Auditions stress me out. I will be auditioning for anything and everything I can. New Year, New Opportunities!

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A New Year's Resolutions

Happy New Year!

Although the last day of 2013 ended on a sour note, I'm feeling optimistic and positive about this year! Even though it's just another day, it's a new year and with a new year resolutions!

Last Year's Resolutions (& If I stuck to it):
1. Blog every day - whether it be a short or long or somewhere in between I shall blog. This will help me just look back at the day and to reflect. Plus I enjoy just rambling and a story usually ensues.
Now I definitely tried for the first few months but it just inevitably didn't last. 

2. Work Out  - Generic yes, but I shall stick with it. I did good the past few months so I'm going to continue with it. Luckily I am able to go to a gym that's near my work and where I live so I can't really complain about not having time when the gym is right there. Also when it gets warmer running outside
I had a good routine for a while, fell off then got back on but then fell off. 

3. Find someone - Let's be honest we all want to be in a relationship so I think this year will be a good year. Granted I've to stick myself out their and just go for it so we'll see how this one goes.
Tried, didn't happen.

4. Continue to pay debt - We all have bills and this isn't going away until it's all paid for. So good resolution right?!?
I actually did and still have debt but it's getting less!

5. Positivity - End the day on a good note as well as start the day with the expectation that it will be a good day. Trying not to let the negative get me down or stress me out.
I actually did this too! 
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What I learned from these resolutions, some were very overly ambitious but with a tweak or two here are my resolutions this year:

1. Continue to pay off debt - Since I deferred my student loan debt for a few months, I've increased some amount but it's not going to stop me from getting my debt paid off!

2. Positivity - Even though I don't acknowledge this everyday, I know that this has been a good resolution and nobody likes negative people, right? Right!

3. Be Healthy & Fit - Instead of committing to work out, I just want to be healthy and fit! So going to the gym will definitely be a part of this resolution but it's about feeling good about myself physically. 

4. Find someone - They're out there somewhere and it'll only happen if I just let it happen. So we'll again see how this year will go!

5. Blog when I want - I won't say everyday but when I want. If I feel inspired to blog I'll blog, but I'm not going to force myself to do it when I may just not feel like doing it. Blogging for me is a great way for me to express my thoughts and opinions. 

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Again Happy New Year!

Day 338

Well I'm 10,000 feet above the ground and I'm on my laptop flying from the east coast to the rocky mountains. 

This was my first trek back to LGA since 2008, which seems like forever ago.

Time to catch up on some blogging since I'm on a flight with literally nothing to do. Actually there are plenty of things for me to do, but I really wanted to blog!

My new place I moved into in Astoria has been great! My roommates are great and I'm away from the city to enjoy it without going too crazy. I love NYC but it's nice to have a little piece of suburbia (i.e. Trees and not just buildings). My friend whom was one of the reasons I moved to Astoria (but also I liked the neighborhood) has decided to move back home and start another chapter of their life. They want to pursue graduate school and found it best to go home. I commend them for realizing it but selfishly wish they were still here. But I know they'll do some great things!

I've had the great opportunity of auditioning for a theatre company and I'm still awaiting to hear back. I was fortunate to make it through two different callbacks and the experience has been the most rewarding. On top of the audition, I had the opportunity to apply for a position at my job as well. 

Like anyone else trying to multitask things as well as pursue multiple things at once, knows how stressful and tiring it can be, but the rewards are worth it. However the position at my job, I wasn't selected to move on but I did get something out of it, so it was a win-win.

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Never really mentioned why I'm on a plane. I'm actually going to a theatre conference in Colorado which I've been a part of for six years now helping out. I'm excited to see familiar faces and see the talent from the high school and middle school kids. I also decided to come a day early and visit my alma mater. Looking forward to seeing my college friends and fraternity brothers both old and new.

However I'm not looking forward to this sub zero temperatures. I'm thankful most of my time will be done inside. 

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I'll add some photos from the past month up as well. But the wifi on the plane isn't permitting me to do so. 

Until next time!

=]

Day 309

I've been off on my days this year by 10....whoops! At least I was consistent. Anyways it's November already and the year is almost over!

Last week I moved into my new apartment with new roommates. Now living in NYC has been a little difficult for me because I had been missing friends back home. The first place I was living just wasn't the place I wanted to live and so I made the decision to start looking for a new place. Now I am a person who hates to say goodbye or leave, but luckily my landlady understood. However there was of course it's roller coasters. With the roller coasters I took it with stride and in the end come out of it learning more about myself.

Trying to balance work and pursuing a dream is never an easy task. I'm definitely still trying to figure it out, but right now I'm trying to really get my feet on the ground as well as get them wet too. I had an unexpected opportunity last month and I did my best. Even though it didn't turn out in my favor I learned from it and I'm moving forward. I am thankful for having a full time job and it's been work trying to adjust to the time difference. I remember in college (which is only two years ago) that I was pulling some late night shifts, going to class, going to rehearsals and being a leader on campus. Now it's just working late shifts, trying to pursue my dream for acting and trying to sleep.

Funny thing about moving to my new place is that I wanted to live closer to a friend. Now ironically that friend is leaving the city. Which I'm sad to see them go but happy that they're doing what makes them happy. I can't be selfish about that and besides my new roommates are great. Also since my family visit, I've been in touch with my "uncle" or my mom's cousin and will hopefully soon be meeting more family members. Glad to know I have family around the city and am slowly making new friends in the city.

Anyways today should be a good day. I'm off from work, going to the bookstore to do some research on some plays to look for monologues for auditions and going to meet some cool people tonight. Then tomorrow a friend from out of town is coming in for the weekend and I'm going to an alumni event for my fraternity.

Things are looking good!

=]

Day 299

It's been a few weeks and I can't believe that I've already been in living in New York for a little over two months!

Learning a lot about myself and trying to live the dream.

Adrian Wilson (look him up on Google+) did an awesome event at the Apple Store in SoHo last week and from it just reignited my fuel to continue to do what I love. But it also got me to thinking that I should blog more. Since I call myself a blogger, I should be doing more of that! Also I love to take pictures and I'll start posting more photos here as well!

My family came to visit to see how I was doing in the city and while visiting we took a trip to see the Statue of Liberty. While on the ferry, I took this show of NYC! 

I've been trying to find some Filipino food in the city and luckily I have found three places! With the help of my co-worker back home and my own search, I was able to find them. 

Maharlika & Jeepney are sister restaurants and on the Lower East Side of Manhattan. The selections are great and their menus vary from lunch and dinner. 

My lunch when my family came into town! 

If there was a fast food restaurant that I would go daily and feel no regret it would be Jollibee! It's a Filipino company! It's the Philippine's version of McDonald's but even better! They have a burger, chicken and pasta menu. Plus something new that I discovered they serve SPAM sliders!

Located in Queens, NY - worth the trip!

So the new Pokemon X & Y games came out and I'm a fan of the series since it's introduction back in 1998! The game is really fun and it continues to challenge me. However just like every time I play the series, I get bored after beating the Elite Four. Even though there are more fun things to do after, I just get bored and move on. We'll see how long it takes for me to get bored with this series. After four days I've complete all the gym leaders and am training to defeat the Elite Four. I'll be honest, I totally use the strategy books before hand instead of going blind. I want to make sure my Pokemon are leveled up higher than the Elite Four or at least enough for me to win as well as the Champion.

Day 280

I've fallen off the personal blog wagon. But I definitely kept up with my Big Brother blog for CBS Detroit. I will admit however that I didn't blog about the "recap" episode because it was just a filler and nothing really needed to be said about it.

Anyways 70  80 (UPDATE: I can't count...lol) days have gone by and there have been a lot of things that have happened!

Biggest thing...

I've moved to NYC!

Thankfully with my job I was able to transfer and get full time! Which has been a blessing and I've even found my apartment right before going into my first day of work! 

This is the first time I've moved to a big city, lived with roommates and used public transportation to get to work.

I love it! I'm a city type of person and as much as I loved suburbia I love the city life! I've been here for almost a month and during August I had an interview for the position then finally accepting the job! 

Sad to leave the friends and family but this was a much needed change!

I could even check this off my goals list! Moving to NYC was one of them! The other thing I was able to accomplish this summer was skydiving!

I can't wait to see what the future holds for me out in NYC!

Big City, Big Dreams!

=]

Day 210

200  210 (UPDATE: I can't count...lol) days already this year! How crazy is that!?!?

As always, I've neglected to blog on here, but I had thought about posting within 30 days of the last one but that didn't turn out.

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Summer has been literally a roller coaster of emotions. I even went to ride roller coasters this past week. After going with some friends from work and going on the rides, it hit me that, it's ok to go through all the emotions, just as long as I enjoy the ride. I can't keep living in fear and I just need to take things in stride.

I have had some not so great things happen recently some of it is my own doing and some just wasn't meant to be, but I'm learning. I'm a young adult and living my life. It may not have been the life I dreamed of when growing up but it's still my life!

I think the one constant this summer has been my blogging about Big Brother! I'm literally a die-hard fan, without being too crazy, if that even makes sense. I don't subscribe to the live feeds, but I support the fan pages. Granted I should really purchase the live feeds, but that's one expense that's not worth just for three months when I've got student debt and living my life to worry about. Big Brother is that nice escape and really shows that I am a good person, even though I have a very strange fascination with being on a TV show that documents everyone's life for 24/7 for three months and trying to win $500,000. I guess you can say that's the competitor in me. I'll be really sad if the show gets cancelled, but I'll be honest, there are other reality tv shows out there, yet Big Brother has a place in my heart!

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I've been on and off the getting fit wagon. I keep seeing my friends heading to the gym and I'm here just lounging around. When I see their progress it makes me jealous and makes me get my butt into the gym. Then I remember I'm not trying to be a gym rat or a meat head. I'm just trying to feel physically fit and have a body I'm happy with. I'm slowly seeing changes and I can only hope that when I continue to keep going that I will see the results I want. My weakness at the moment is my diet and motivation. Right now my eating habits could be improved but I'm doing fine with where I am, however if I want to pack on the muscle weight, I need to change my diet and continually exercise to burn the fat and build the muscle. Let's be honest to change my diet that means I need to honestly eat more which costs money and with my current financial situation that doesn't seem like it will change anytime soon. So I'm making due with what I go. On the plus side, I'm seeing abs, people have noticed that I've been working and I'm feeling good about myself. So it's a win-win.

Until next time
=]

Oh and here are my blog posts for CBS Detroit for Big Brother 15!
Check them out!

Read all my blogs for Big Brother here!

P.S. I'm really excited for the new Backstreet Boys album that's being released tomorrow.

Day 177

Wow, just got done watching So You Think You Can Dance and just WOW!

This season they've set the bar high! These contestants mean business. I'm glad that the producers of this show are working their butts off to make sure the "big wigs" (aka FOX) sees how much dance is an amazing form of entertainment and this show needs to get back to two shows a week.

::stepping down from my soap box::

Now for the actual show...here's where I'm ranking the guys and girls.

Girls:
1. Amy Yakima - She had the dance of the night with her partner. It was great and she has a great personality to match her awesome dancing.
2. Jasmine Mason - Doing a dance blindfolded is skill and then having complete trust in your partner while blindfolded. Jasmine M, did great this week.
3. Jasmine Harper - Jasmin H is definitely in a power couple and both are "giants."
4. Brittany Cherry - Afro-jazz is hard but Brittany made it look easy.
5. Hayley Erbert - She may be in the middle of the pack on my list but she definitely caught my eye during this weeks piece! Hayley has swag!
6. Jenna Johnson - Safe, honestly couldn't really say it was the strongest but definitely not the weakest.
7. Makenzie Dustman - I literally was like, "Who is this girl," when she was all dolled up. But then remember she's a great dancer! However their are plenty of strong girls and she's fallen short on my list.
8. Malice Miller - I like Malice, but I fear she'll be dancing for her life. Her piece was great, she definitely matured but will it be enough to keep her in the competition. I'm predicting yes, but we'll see.
9. Mariah Spears - I want this girl Krumper to be safe but I fear she too will be in danger.
10. Alexis Juliano - She can tap but she's gotta work on her swag. I like Alexis but that piece was not up to par.

Guys
1. Fik-Shun - This guys got personality and the talent to back it up. He'll be safe but I would definitely like to see some struggle from him. Nobody can be great all the time.
2. Curtis Holland - Curtis did a great job with the hip hop piece, I was a little nervous since he was always a happy guy could he get down and dirty. He delivered.
3. Aaron Turner - If this dude is not safe, America I will flip a table and yell at everyone who voted for the other guys. He was 11 on the judges short list this season and with a twist of fate was given an opportunity to prove those judges wrong. Let's keep him in the competition to prove the judges wrong. He may not be the top person on my list but he's my FAVORITE DANCER so far! I like an underdog and his talent is endless! #TeamAaronTurner
4. Alan Bersten - Alan would be higher on my list but sadly I had to agree with the judges, I needed more emotion. He was a great partner, but I needed more. He'll definitely be safe.
5. Tucker Knox - Middle of the road performance but I know Tucker can do better. His personality shines through but I wasn't jumping up for him.
6. Paul Karmiryan - Even though Paul may have won the Armenian SYTYCD he's definitely trying to prove America he can dance. Give this guy a chance, but I know the fact he "won" another countries dance version is hindering him from advancing with some votes.
7. Jade Zuberi - I want Jade to stay in this competition but I fear there are way too many good guys (like the girls) where he's getting lost in the light. He did have a great piece this weak and he's from Michigan, I've got to support a local!
8.  Blueprint - It was good, but was it great for me, no. He'll be safe but I wouldn't be surprised if Blueprint had to dance for his life.
9. Carlos Garland - Carlos will also be dancing for his life. The Jive piece wasn't bouncing enough and personally I couldn't remember who Carlos was. Sorry to fans of him but I there are "bigger" personalities and talent in this guy pool.
10. Nico Greetham - Didn't have swag and could be his swan song. But next week is another day and he could pull an amazing redemption routine to convince this judges.



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In other news, glad to hear the announcement of Project Runway returning next month. Also new shows I've started to watch (and catch up on, since I work when these shows air) The Goodwin Games (FOX) and Devious Maids (Lifetime). I'm not ashamed to say that I'm watching a Lifetime show, but there has been "controversy" on the whole stereotyping and what not. I'm watching it as a show and they all so happened to be a certain ethnicity, big deal. Besides it's based off a Telenovela, just like many shows that air in the US. Funny that both new shows I'm watching have two actresses that have been in a show I also enjoyed but now has been off the air for three years, Ugly Betty. Ana Ortiz and Becky Newton are doing well for themselves. Too bad Vanessa Williams and Michael Urie didn't have much success, but they'll find something. Also I want America Ferrera back in my life, she needs to be in a TV series or do an Ugly Betty Movie.

Speaking of another Ugly Betty cast member, Christopher Gorham will be returning on USA's Covert Affairs next month and I'm looking forward to that. Plus I'm following him on twitter (no shame) and the locations he's traveling to, ridiculous and jealous! Also another USA show I'm glad that's back is Royal Pains and coming back next month Suits! Oh I did forget to mention Graceland is a new show I'm trying to watch. One of the show leads happens to be a Broadway vet and is now on the small screen.

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That was a lot of TV, life wise, it's a roller coaster but I'm taking it in strides and trying to stay positive and hopeful for the future!

Oh Big Brother starts at 8pm tonight! SO EXCITED!

=]

Day 171

Big Brother Cast was revealed today!

I'm really looking forward in sharing my thoughts on all the new houseguests!

Remember to keep an eye out on CBSDetroit.com for my Big Brother blog articles!

***UPDATE***
Big Brother 15 Twists and What's New This Season
Big Brother 15 Houseguests First Impressions

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