At Super Bowl Fifty-One: Forget the Game, All Eyes are On Gaga

Preparing for Super Bowl takes the competition to a whole other level.  Over 110 million people are parked in front of their big screens to watch the spectacle worldwide. Commercials cost as much as $5M for as little as 30 seconds of air time. It is the second-largest day for food consumption only to Thanksgiving.  Americans slug over 325 million gallons of beer and don’t even get me started on the amount of guacamole and chicken wings that are downed for the big day. 

This year Bill Belichick has brought his New England Patriots back to Super Bowl LI for the 9th time a potential 5^th win to play the Atlanta Falcons who haven't been invited back since they lost to the Denver Broncos in 1999.  An estimated $4.7 billion will be bet on today’s game.

While throngs of fans are lined up to watch football, I am gearing up for Gaga.  I'll be on the edge of my seat come Half-Time waiting with anticipation over what color hair she'll don, how many revealing outfits she'll wear, will she appear as her alter ego Joanne complete with a cowboy hat or as Gaga circa 2009 when her career first took off?  And, most importantly, whether she'll use the stage to chastise our 45th President creating, even more, divisiveness or will she take the high road and use this incredible platform as an opportunity to bring Americans together.  The jury is out, but we are the judge.  So today as you get ready to cheer on your favorite team while consuming massive amounts of food and guzzling unimaginable quantities of beverages, remember to stay mindful of those around you.  The NFL players aren’t the only ones being held under a microscope, don’t be mistaken, your nearest and dearest are holding a close lens on you too.  Before stepping foot out the door, here's how to best mind your manners this Super Bowl Sunday.

Arrive on Time and Bearing Gifts.  Official start time isn’t until 3:30pm Pacific, but many parties will begin well beforehand.  Whatever you do, plan your arrival before kickoff so hosts will not feel compelled to welcome you and interrupt their viewing. Do not show up empty-handed. BYOB (the good stuff please!) or break out your stellar 7-layer dip recipe and you’ll be the life of the party.

Keep it Friendly.  Sunday is a family day so children are typically in tow.  Keep the atmosphere friendly and comfortable for everyone.  Reserve the foul language for the street when you’re walking to your car at the end of the game and monitor your alcohol intake so you don’t embarrass yourself and regret your behavior the next day.  

Acknowledge the National Anthem.  The moment you hear the music play and hear Luke Bryan hit his first note, it’s time to stand up straight, remove all head coverings, and place your hand firmly on your heart.  We stop and do this simply as a sign of respect.  All conversation should cease, but singing is encouraged right along with Ms. Gaga until the very last word is sung. 

Pay Deference to the Screen. Super Bowl fans want sufficient screen time, but there are always those who are more interested in making conversation than watching the game.  If there are multiple screens, station yourself in the room where you'll cause the least disruption. If you can’t find a seat or feel compelled to stand and shout for your team, just make sure that those behind can still see the game. And for goodness' sake, no giant hats or wild accessories that will prohibit the view.

Stay on Topic. On Super Bowl Sunday, the dialogue should be on the game. Know your facts beforehand so you are well-versed in the teams that are playing and the host city.  Learn the vernacular, know the difference between a touchdown and a field goal.  You want to be able to bond and converse with everyone.  This is not the time to bring up a serious conversation, mention a grave illness or ask for a job.  Super Bowl Sunday is supposed to be fun. Keep the tone light and breezy and pay attention to the ball.  Here’s a complete glossary to everything you could possibly want to know for game day terminology.

Avoid Being the Know-It-All.  You may be the type of person who thrives on knowing every minute detail about the two football teams, the players and the Tom Brady controversy. And you may enjoy spending hours researching the commercials that will be shown during the game, but that information is best kept to yourself. Today is not the day to sit on your soapbox espousing your knowledge. A know-it-all is a big turn off. 

Display Good Sportsmanship.  Wearing your team's jersey’s and caps, painting your body to show your support, showing the love by cheering them on is all perfectly fine.  What will not fly on Super Bowl Sunday is shouting expletives at the television screen when your team misses the field goal or picking a fight with your neighbor because he did a victory dance for a touchdown for your opposing team. Remember you are not playing in the game, you are just a fan.  Don’t make it personal.

Don’t Bet the Farm.  There are more Super Bowl pools than I care to imagine.  Know your limits.  If you’re an out of control gambler, designate the set amount for your bet before you leave the house so that you cannot be coerced into contributing more than you can afford.  There are plenty of pools to choose from and not all require a $500 ante.  You certainly don’t want to dip into your child’s college fund for a silly square on the football grid.

Absolutely No Double-Dipping.  As George made infinitely famous on Seinfeld, if you take a chip, you get only one dip and then end it! Rather than risk a lecture from the double-dip police, place a handful of chips on a napkin or small plate then use one large chip to scoop extra dip that you can then enjoy with the remaining chips.

Avoid Cutsies at Buffet Line.  Inevitably, there will be one coveted line with the short rib pizza or the crispy rice sushi that everyone is going to flock to. Whatever you do, please wait patiently for your turn. If you see friends further up, resist the urge to move even if they are waving you in with permission. It’s not their call and the others behind you will be most appreciative.

Leave No Trace Behind.  Be a good guest and clean up after your mess.  All those beef rib bones, leftover cold nachos, and ketchup-soaked napkins aren’t going to deposit themselves. Before making your way to partake in more witty repartee, do a complete 360 and leave no trace of trash behind. 

Compliment the Chef.  Super Bowl Sunday is the second most popular eating day after Thanksgiving and food plays a major part in the enjoyment.  Hosts spend weeks preparing the special menu of finger foods typically based around the two playing teams hometown favorites. A compliment to the chef lets them know they satisfied your every need.

You Gotta Give Thanks. Of course, it goes without mentioning to make sure you thank the host before you leave and follow up with a nice handwritten thank you note the following day.  Your graciousness will not go unnoticed.

On a final note today, please watch out for taboo topics.  We are still fresh off the swearing in which took place a mere two weeks ago and many are stick licking their wounds on both sides of the aisle.  While everyone has a right to their opinion, it doesn't give us license to shove that opinion down another person's throat. If you don't have something nice to say, keep it to yourself. Stay away from conversations that condemn Trump, hail Bernie Sanders, or defend Deflategate. Now go and enjoy the game!!

Chris Rock’s the Diversity Controversy, but Thank You Ticker Misses the Mark - Red Carpet Manners at the 88th Academy Awards

There hasn’t been a more highly anticipated monologue than the one Chris Rock had riding on his shoulders at the 88th Academy Awards. The last time he hosted more than a decade ago, both Jamie Foxx and Morgan Freeman went home with awards, but for the second year in a row not a single person of color was nominated in the most prestigious categories prompting the #OscarsSoWhite controversy and tasking producers David Hill and Reginald Hudlin with the delicate balance of delivering a show that blended humor with honesty.  What better man to address the elephant in the room than Chris Rock whose infectious smile and endearing demeanor manage to pull us in even when he’s going for the jugular.  During his ten minute opening, Rock took jabs, both hilarious and poignant, at everything from the show’s name proclaiming it, “the White People’s Choice Awards” to those who urged him to back out of his hosting duties altogether, and both Jada and Will Smith who decided to boycott the show. He included a stereotypical man-on-the-street bit that bordered offensive and a montage of African American actors recast in this year’s top films that earned some of the night's biggest laughs. He made fun of the In Memoriam stating that it would be replaced this year with only “black people who were shot by the cops on their way to the movies,” and compared Hollywood casting to a sorority, “We like you Rhonda, but you’re not a Kappa!” While the awards show was down to an 8-year low in the ratings, Rock received mainly supportive reviews, with the exception of the Latino and Asian American communities who wondered why their efforts were not more mindfully included in the diversity controversy.  During the three and a half hour long show, here’s what stood out for us as red carpet manners hits and misses.

Red Carpet Fashions Flaunted Side Boob. The ladies were showing lots of skin at this year’s Oscars. With plunging necklines that went practically down to the navel on some (Charlize Theron, Margot Robbie) and breasts that were taped strategically into dresses (Olivia Wilde, Rachel McAdams, Heidi Klum), it definitely seemed there were two camps of style, those that chose feminine and frilly (Cate Blanchett, Alicia Vikander and Heidi Klum) and others that were more slicked back and severe (Rooney Mara, Daisy Ridley and Olivia Munn). There was a great deal of strapless dresses (Naomi Watts, Reese Witherspoon, Kate Winslet, Sophia Vergara, Tina Fey), embellishments (Emily Blunt, Alicia Vikander, and Cate Blanchett) and embroidered dresses (Jennifer Lawrence and Chrissy Teigen). Colors ranged from pastels (Cate Blanchett's sea foam green) and a spectrum of jewel tones (Olivia Munn's rich tangerine, Brie Larson's royal blue, and Saoirse Ronan's emerald) to winter white (Lady Gaga’s architecturally-inspired ensemble). Most guys opted for the classic man look (Eddie Redmayne, Leonardo DiCaprio, Bryan Cranston) while the usual suspects took fashion risks to stand out (Jared Leto). Effortless hair was a trend on the red carpet (Margot Robbie, Heidi Klum, Saoirse Ronan, Kate Winslet), as well as flashing tattoos (Whoopi Goldberg).

Red Carpet Reveals. We noticed an extremely spacey Jennifer Jason Leigh offering a rather lackluster red carpet interview with host Ryan Seacrest. Priyanka Chopra divulged that she pre-recorded the names of the people in her category prior to presenting so that she would not butcher them live on awards night.  Olivia Wilde was coached not to hug anyone lest she stain her white Valentino dress, and when grilled by Billy Bush, Olivia Munn credited Japanese potatoes with giving her glowing skin.

The Night of 100 Important Issues. With an audience in the multi-millions, the Oscars is the perfect platform to share important issues and the winners and other powers-that-be know this all too well. From the smaller, sweeter encouragements like that of the Best Animation winner who inspired kids to channel their angst into creativity to the larger appeals like that of “The Big Short” director/co-writer Adam McKay, whose message to big banks rang loud and clear. Cheryl Boone Isaacs so eloquently set the tone for the evening exclaiming that today’s audience is "global and rich in diversity" and therefore the film industry should accurately reflect this world going forward into the future. Vice-President, Joe Biden made a call to action for victims of sexual assault as he introduced Lady Gaga who performed a song for the documentary film, The Hunting Ground. Sam Smith, who won for Best Original Song, stood loud and proud as he hoped all citizens of the gay community would be considered equals one day. Leonardo DiCaprio’s acceptance speech for Best Actor in “The Revenant” presented him with an opportunity to discuss a matter close to his heart - the threat of climate change, while the producer for Best Picture “Spotlight” was able to thank journalists for helping to stop sexual abuse in the clergy. 

Standing Ovation Suspense. There was a bit of confusion among audience members as to whether to stand for Vice-President Biden as he took the stage, but Louis Gossett Jr. took the lead and then other’s quickly followed suit.  Lady Gaga and her tribute to the many survivors of abuse garnered the next deserving standing ovation followed by ‘King of the World’ Leonardo DiCaprio for his 6^th nomination and win for Best Actor.

Utterly Gracious Upsets. Different from other awards shows, the camera lens was a bit more generous not lingering on nominees who lost to exploit there reaction.  We imagine it must be most difficult to lose in a category that the media and everyone else in the world has insisted was a sure thing. To be gracious, smile and wear a brave face as Sylvester Stallone did when he lost the Best Supporting Actor award to Mark Rylance is a test of resilience.  Eight-time nominee Diane Warren who lost the Best Song category with collaborator Lady Gaga found it a bit more difficult to mask her feelings as the camera caught her visibly upset at the snub.

A Few Awkward Moments. Undeniably, the most bizarre moment of the evening arrived when Chris Rock invited Stacy Dash to the stage. In a joke that was a little too inside, the former “Clueless” actress and current Fox News outspoken contributor made a facetious move in support of Black History Month that was completely lost on the audience.  Dumbfounded, the silence was so thick, you could cut it with a knife. In another bid to coax a smile, Rock brought onstage his Girl Scout daughter and friends to solicit cookie purchases and boost sales for the Girl Scouts of America. We witnessed a similar version of this when Ellen DeGeneres arranged for pizzas to be delivered two years ago that was much more original. Finally, when it came time for the annual introduction of the Price Waterhouse Coopers accountants responsible for keeping the Oscars ballots safe, Rock poked fun of Asian Americans by welcoming three pint-sized versions with briefcases instead. Needless to say, this incited a storm of backlash on social media.  

Thank You Scroll Attempts to Serve Purpose.  In years past, frequently flustered winners have struggled to remember the names of the important people who helped them along the way so producers Hudlin and Hill tried to remedy the problem by requesting nominees to submit a list of names beforehand to ensure thanks to all.  What was a well-intentioned endeavor to feature the names of executives and agents across the bottom of the screen may not have helped to curb the length of acceptance speeches. We noticed many of the winners ignoring the scroll and giving gushing speeches that thanked everyone on their team anyway.  In some ways, the thank you ticker became more of a distraction, especially if you were tempted like I was to read the names scrolling by at warp speed rather than focus on the person giving thoughtful thanks on screen.  The bottom line, it will always be more heartfelt and meaningful to say a name out loud.  

A Tribute Heavy Night Laced with Lackluster & Luminous Moments – Red Carpet Manners at the 58th Grammy Awards

Grammy producer extraordinaire, Ken Ehrlich, had his hands full figuring out how to incorporate the five collaborative performances honoring each of the musical greats who passed away within the year. There was no doubt they were going to need every minute of the three-hour plus program to properly pay homage to legends B.B. King, Natalie Cole, Glenn Frey, Lemmy Kilmister, David Bowie and Maurice White. Veteran host LL Cool J laid the foundation for the evening proclaiming the awesome power of music and praised the Grammys for being the only awards show that does not allow lip syncing. This of course garnered a big laugh from the audience who knows of his newfound fame as the MC of Spike TV's hugely popular Lip Sync Battle. Once the pleasantries were out of the way, it was time to get down to business and who better than to set the bar for the evening than T-Swift with her gorgeous looks and gifted pipes.  She opened the show dressed in a sequined jumpsuit to sing her hit "Out of the Woods," a collaboration with Jack Antonoff of fun. Owning the stage, she looked directly into the camera nailing each move and hitting each note with perfection.

Unfortunately, the show went downhill and uphill from there with an alternating mix of lackluster and luminous moments. The normally spot-on pairings we look forward to at the Grammy’s somehow went sideways this year.  It was a mashup of odd pairings and musical no-shows. The duet between country stars Sam Hunt and Carrie Underwood fell flat and the lineup for the Lionel Ritchie tribute while packed with individual talent felt particularly odd. Rihanna who was scheduled to perform had to pull the plug at the last minute due to doctors’ orders and Lauryn Hill who was supposed to join forces with the Weeknd left him fending for himself. Technical difficulties also played a part making powerhouses Adele and Justin Bieber sound flat and flailing about for a note. Still there were several luminous moments that hit just the right tone. Chris Stapleton's rendition of B.B. King's "The Thrill is Gone" featuring Gary Clark Jr. and Bonnie Raitt was outstanding and I could watch Little Bit Town sing "Girl Crush" a hundred times and it wouldn't get old. Kendrick Lamar's exhausting poetic performance gave us heart palpitations in a good way and Brittany Howard, frontwoman for Alabama Shakes, put incredible depth and feeling into an impassioned "Don't Wanna Fight." We weren't especially upset when the final production number front lined by Pitbull with a special appearance by Sophia Vergara along with Robin Thicke, Travis Barker and Joe Perry, was cut short by the rolling credits. Too many sparkles, not enough substance for our taste. Here's the rest of our recap on the nights red carpet manners hits and misses. 

Rings & A Rainbow on the Red Carpet.  Never one to disappoint on the red carpet, the artists were decked out in every color of the rainbow from canary yellow to blue tanzanite, but the color that continues to have the biggest impact in the music biz is black. Tove Lo (complete with silver nose ring), Adele, Anna Kendrick, Elle King, Jazmine Sullivan, Meghan Trainor and Carrie Underwood all wore various looks. Dresses in general ranged from the subdued to the sublime. Florence Welch won the most blah dress award in a pale pink long-sleeve gown from Gucci and we were not a fan of Beyonce’s white lace wedding dress from designer Inbal Dror's dress. Selena Gomez, however, got our attention with a jewel-toned cutout sequined dress from Calvin Klein. Both Taylor Swift dressed in Versace Atelier and Kimberly Schlapman wore nearly matching ensembles of fuchsia and tangerine.  Ellie Goulding looked playful and elegant in a low back blush-colored gown by Stella McCartney. At the Grammy’s, the men also come dressed to kill. Hunky Sam Hunt got into the spirit with a pink colored suit by Dolce & Gabbana while John Legend, Common and Charlie Puth wore black tuxes with embellishments. Diplo and Sam Smith were rather debonair in navy suits complete with pin and pocket square accessories. Black and white tuxes were also popular and worn by everyone from Fetty Wap and Big Sean to Justin Bieber. Never to shy away from bold color, Bruno Mars wore a plum colored blazer and vest with matching fedora while Lady Gaga channeled the late David Bowie with a sapphire Marc Jacobs coatdress. The most noticeable accessory this year? Rings and lots of them, even multiple on every single finger as shown by everyone from Andra Day to Ellie Golding and Tove Lo. 

A Trio of Mismatched Duets. Sam Hunt is one of my favorite country breakout stars and he’s not bad to look at either, but the chemistry between him and the equally eye pleasing Carrie Underwood was as mismatched as their attire. Carrie’s skimpy dress and overly glowing skin was equally distracting.  Andra Day and Ellie Goulding was another odd pairing that attempted to blend the breathy vocals of the British singer with the weighty bravado of her American counterpart. I could say more, but I was too busy looking at Ellie’s overly plump lips. Is she already getting injections at her age? She's only 29 for goodness' sake! Justin Bieber and Jack Ü (otherwise known as Diplo & Skrillex) experienced major sound difficulties that left Biebers vocals flat. I loved "Where Are You Now?" on the radio, but don’t think it's meant to be translated on to the live stage. Some songs simply sound better in a club.

Stick to the Singing Please. Arianna Grande may wish to work on her presenting skills.  She is getting older now, a whole 22 years of age, and it’s time to drop the little girl voice and tighten up her vocabulary. The best part of her presentation was when she broke out in song to introduce fellow artist and collaborator, the Weeknd singing, he "Earned It."

Resting Audience Face. You’ve heard of RBF (resting bitch face), well awards show audience members must become more aware of their resting audience face.  We caught many offenders in action throughout the show. Everyone from Pharrell to Sam Smith were looking less than thrilled when the camera lens panned a sweeping eye across the room. When Alabama Shakes won for Best Rock Song, Elle King did not applaud or look happy.  Artists must remember that unless they're seated in the nose bleed section, they must assume the camera is pointed towards them. That means no chewing gum, clapping and supporting fellow artists, bopping to the music, and smiling along at all times (even if it means through gritted teeth.)

A Night of Standing Ovations – Audience members must have been working their thigh muscles throughout the evening with standing ovations for every single one of the tribute songs, as well as for outstanding performances and winners.  Kendrick Lamar was the first to receive one followed by practically every other artist who took the stage thereafter. At one point, it seemed that no one in the audience knew whether to sit or simply stand for the remainder of the show. 

Tributes Galore.  The Eagles may have been singing “Take it Easy” to the late Glenn Frey, but it was a distressed looking Don Henley that had us feeling very somber. Jackson Brown did his best to front the band, but it just wasn’t the same without the singer songwriter. Lady Gaga in all her regalia did her darndest to honor rock icon David Bowie during the 10-song medley, but came across a bit more like a punk Elvis on steroids. Sorry Nile Rodgers, I just wasn’t feeling it.

Emotional Shout-Outs. Stevie Wonder had some fun taunting the audience when he read the name of the category winner in Braille, but then took a more serious turn by saying, "We need to make every single thing accessible to every single person with a disability." Here, here! Taylor Swift who swept up her second Album of the Year award had her own agenda to share as she encouraged young women to work hard and reach for the stars and not be deterred by naysayers who will try to sabotage you. Her words of encouragement were strong and resonating. And, Neil Portnow and Common made their feelings known by taking a stand for the people behind the music who receive practically pennies from streaming services for all their hard work. 

Heartfelt Acceptance Speeches. A surprised Ed Sheeran finally received the Best Song award for "Thinking Out Loud" sincerely thanked his parents for believing that he would one day win. Meghan Trainor was equally flabbergasted to win Best New Artist and also thanked everyone from LA Reid to her mom and dad through a steady stream of joyful tears. The Grammys went east coast with a win for Hip Hop musical Hamilton. Still haven't seen the show, but was mesmerized when a well-prepared Lin-Manuel Miranda's proceeded to rap his acceptance speech.

Pay Deference to the Screen & Other Golden Etiquette Rules on Super Bowl’s Golden Anniversary

Super Bowl 50 is hours away and more than 100 million people will be saddled in their seats watching every punt, tackle, and fumble.  This year’s game between the Carolina Panthers and the Denver Broncos at the newly constructed Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California promises to be a huge one.  After all, it’s the Golden Anniversary of the institution and they are pulling out all the stops. Stadium and at-home viewers alike are riddled with anticipation gearing up for every over-priced commercial and home-made delectable dish.  And let’s not forget the coveted half-time show sponsored by Pepsi and fueled by high-powered  talent. The night’s lineup will feature British rock group Coldplay with special appearances by Beyoncé and Bruno Mars, both of whom have headlined previously.

Today as you get ready to cheer on your favorite team while consuming massive amounts of food and guzzling unimaginable quantities of beverages, remember to stay mindful of those around you.  The NFL players aren’t the only ones being held under a microscope, don’t be mistaken, your nearest and dearest are holding a close lens on you too.  Before stepping foot out the door, here's how to best mind your manners this Super Bowl Sunday.

Arrive on Time and Bearing Gifts.  Official start time isn’t until 3:30pm, but many parties will begin well beforehand.  Whatever you do, plan your arrival before kickoff so hosts will not feel compelled to welcome you and interrupt their viewing. Do not show up empty-handed. BYOB (the good stuff please!) or break out your stellar 7-layer dip recipe and you’ll be the life of the party.

Keep it Friendly.  Sunday is a family day so children are typically in tow.  Keep the atmosphere friendly and comfortable for everyone.  Reserve the foul language for the street when you’re walking to your car at the end of the game and monitor your alcohol intake so you don’t embarrass yourself and regret your behavior the next day.  

Acknowledge the National Anthem.  The moment you hear the music play and Lady Gaga hit her first note, it’s time to stand up straight, remove all head coverings, and place your hand firmly on your heart.  We stop and do this simply as a sign of respect.  All conversation should cease, but singing is encouraged right along with Ms. Gaga until the very last word is sung. 

Pay Deference to the Screen. Super Bowl fans want sufficient screen time, but there are always those who are more interested in making conversation than watching the game.  If there are multiple screens, station yourself in the room where you'll cause the least disruption. If you can’t find a seat or feel compelled to stand and shout for your team, just make sure those behind can still see the game. And for goodness' sake, no giant hats or wild accessories that will prohibit the view.

Stay on Topic. On Super Bowl Sunday, the dialogue should be on the game. Know your facts beforehand so you are well-versed in the teams that are playing and the host city.  Learn the vernacular, know the difference between a touchdown and a field goal.  You want to be able to bond and converse with everyone.  This is not the time to bring up a serious conversation, mention a grave illness or ask for a job.  Super Bowl Sunday is supposed to be fun. Keep the tone light and breezy and pay attention to the ball.  Here’s a complete glossary to everything you could possibly want to know for game day terminology.

Avoid Being the Know-It-All.  You may be the type of person who thrives on knowing every minute detail about the two football teams, the players and the Peyton Manning controversy. And you may enjoy spending hours researching the commercials that will be shown during the game, but that information is best kept to yourself.  Today is not the day to sit on your soapbox espousing your knowledge. A know-it-all is a big turn off. 

Display Good Sportsmanship.  Wearing your team's jersey’s and caps, painting your body to show your support, showing the love by cheering them on is all perfectly fine.  What will not fly on Super Bowl Sunday is shouting expletives at the television screen when your team misses the ball or picking a fight with your neighbor because he did a victory dance for a touchdown for your opposing team. Remember you are not playing in the game, you are just a fan.  Don’t make it personal.

Don’t Bet the Farm.  There are more Super Bowl pools than I care to imagine.  Know your limits.  If you’re an out of control gambler, designate the set amount for your bet before you leave the house so that you cannot be coerced into contributing more than you can afford.  There are plenty of pools to choose from and not all require a $500 ante.  You certainly don’t want to dip into your child’s college fund for a silly square on the football grid.    

Absolutely No Double-Dipping.  As George made infinitely famous on Seinfeld, if you take a chip, you get only one dip and then end it! Rather than risk a lecture from the double-dip police, place a handful of chips on a napkin or small plate then use one large chip to scoop extra dip that you can then enjoy with the remaining chips. 

Avoid Cutsies at Buffet Line.  Inevitably, there will be one coveted line with the short rib pizza or the crispy rice sushi that everyone is going to flock to. Whatever you do, please wait patiently for your turn. If you see friends further up, resist the urge to move even if they are waving you in with permission. It’s not their call and the others behind you will be most appreciative.

Leave No Trace Behind.  Be a good guest and clean up after your mess.  All those beef rib bones, leftover cold nachos, and ketchup-soaked napkins aren’t going to deposit themselves. Before making your way to partake in more witty repartee, do a complete 360 and leave no trace of trash behind. 

Compliment the Chef.  Super Bowl Sunday is the second most popular eating day after Thanksgiving and food plays a major part in the enjoyment.  Hosts spend weeks preparing the special menu of finger foods typically based around the two playing teams hometown favorites. A compliment to the chef lets them know they satisfied your every need.  

You Gotta Give Thanks. Of course, it goes without mentioning to make sure you thank the host before you leave and follow up with a nice handwritten thank you note the following day.  Your graciousness will not go unnoticed.

Now go and enjoy the game!!

“Applause & Roar with a Side of Nasty” – Red Carpet Manners at the VMA’s 30th Anniversary

Huge expectations for the 30^th anniversary of MTV’s Video Music Award’s did not disappoint. The two hour plus show (if you include the pre-show), started off with awkward applause, ended with a big roar and in between got more than a little nasty. 

Far away from last year’s venue at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, MTV decided to commemorate the anniversary by going back to their roots relocating to their original hometown of New York, but taking up residence in the popular borough of Brooklyn. The still newish Barclays Center housed the majority of the show, with the exception of the grand finale which was held outside with a backdrop of the famous Brooklyn Bridge. 

The hoopla had been building for weeks with speculation surrounding a Justin Timberlake and ‘NSYNC reunion, a Lady Gaga what will she do next? show opener and a Katy Perry will she give us another anthem? closer that created a competition between the two ladies of pop before the show even hit the airwaves.  Other artists scheduled to perform included the dynamic duo of Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, Robin Thick and Miley Cyrus, as well as rappers Kanyé and Drake.  The highlight of the evening was projected to be Justin Timberlake's acceptance of the special Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award.

The night had me a bit nostalgic for my youth.  I will always remember exactly where I was when I turned on my MTV in August of 1981.  I can picture the early rotation of video performances by artists like Scandal (featuring Patty Smyth), Pat Benatar, J. Geil’s Band, Phil Collins, The Police, and Kate Bush. It was clearly revolutionary, but it was also fun, meaningful and fairly innocent.  Can’t necessarily say that about today’s music videos!  Had I known this evening’s awards show would be sprinkled with commercials touting Trojan condoms and performers strutting thong underwear and using foam fingers to perform lewd acts, I most certainly would've made a greater attempt to keep my girls (9 & 11) out of the viewing area.  

So what exactly stood out for us at the VMA's 2013?  Who were the biggest winners in the upstanding citizen’s category and who went down the less favorable path of total embarrassment and shame?  Take a look at our red carpet manners hits and misses below.  

Not Necessarily Applause Worthy.  After a rather long hiatus, Lady Gaga returned to the world of music and the audience was waiting with baited breath. Slated to open the show, imaginations were running wild with what elaborate costume she would arrive in.  Would it be another beef ensemble or an updated version of the egg-shaped cocoon? Nope. Instead, she appeared in full white nun regalia complete with tunic, pearls, scapular and a tricked-out version of a head veil. What followed was a spectacle that somehow fell short. Her new song “Applause” didn't exactly encourage us to want to perform the act. After a series of nonsensical wig changes, the lowest point was her stripping down to a thong bikini revealing butt cheeks that were neither tight nor appealing, for no apparent reason other than to try to be different and add an element of daring.  

Good Sportswomanship.  "Besties" Taylor Swift and Selena Gomez could teach a seminar on how to be supportive friends.  It doesn't hurt that they are equally talented, driven young ladies with good looks and multiple hit songs to boot, but they do seem to seriously support one another's achievements and that was evident in their hearty congratulations when they each took to the stage to accept their Moonmen awards.  Even when not supporting one another, they were caught on camera with giant smiles dancing enthusiastically from the audience showing unwavering support for their fellow performers.  Nice job girls and appreciated your choice of wardrobe!  Your elegant full-length gowns stood out amongst the sea of gawdy choices.

Most Shameful Performance.  Where in the world did our little Miley go and where were her parents when this genius decision was made? It was just yesterday that she blossomed as the wholesome “Hannah Montana" on the popular Disney channel and now she's Miss Nasty! Listen Miley, you don’t have to go down the road of indecency to transform your image. Although it may seem that gyrating and twerking with Robin Thicke in front of a live audience is good times, there are smarter ways to gain attention and affection. Your best moments were when you were singing about “The Climb” and other inspirational songs.  You are a talented young lady with so much to offer. Call it a momentary lapse of reason and decide to turn it around.  You will thank yourself in the end.

The Hardest Working & Most Well-Liked Man in Music.  I had the privilege of seeing JT along with Jay-Z at the Rose Bowl this summer and he knocked my socks off.  There is nothing this triple-threat talent cannot do!  He is more than deserving of the Vanguard Award he received having been at the top of his game for two decades, both as a member of 'NSYNC as well as a solo artist, delivering hit after hit while managing to maintain a squeaky clean public image.  His record medley in the middle of the show had everyone on their feet dancing from start to finish!  Justin is a role model extraordinaire for every young performer looking to get into the business. The introduction by fellow nice guy, Jimmy Fallon, only proves his likability factor. Listening to his acceptance speech sincerely thanking everyone who supported him over the years from his managers to his video directors, his family and former band mates, shows he is as appreciative and respectful as he is charming.  This guy will be around for a long time.   

Best Social Message.  When I first heard the song “Same Love” I was leaving a funeral for a young boy. I had been crying my eyes out for two hours straight and heard this song upon my exit and it stopped me in my tracks.  Macklemore & Ryan Lewis’ song could not be more on point if it tried.  No matter who you are, you cannot help but feel something when you listen to these lyrics.  The words may have been written in support of gay rights, but they resonate for anyone who has experienced social injustice due to sexual preference, race, religion and more.  It is an important step in music that has been embraced by the community at large.  The fact that Macklemore is not an overnight success, but has been working tirelessly on his talent for years, makes his story of achievement even more appealing. 

A Roar of a Performance.  Katy Perry was handed the throne of the final performance of the evening and she lived up to her title.  Taking a cue from Rocky III’s. “Eye of the Tiger,” she roared herself right to the top of the charts and into the hearts of the audience.  Not missing a beat and feeling the adrenaline of the city in front of the Brooklyn Bridge, the message of empowerment and hope for a girl seizing the moment and taking back control of her life was invigorating. When she held up the sign at the end of the song that read, “GAME OVER,” it was clear who was in charge.  Kudos Katy, you've magnificently lifted us up once again! 

In the event you missed the big show, here is a complete list of the winners.

Video of the Year

Justin Timberlake, "Mirrors"

Best Male Video

Bruno Mars, "Locked Out of Heaven"

Best Female Video

Taylor Swift, "I Knew You Were Trouble"

Best Pop Video

Selena Gomez, "Come and Get It"

Best Rock Video

Thirty Seconds To Mars, "Up in the Air"

Best Hip Hop Video

Macklemore & Ryan Lewis feat. Ray Dalton, "Can't Hold Us"

Best Song of the Summer

One Direction, "Best Song Ever"

Best Art Direction

Janelle Monae feat. Erykah Badu, "Q.U.E.E.N."

Best Collaboration

Pink feat. Nate Ruess, "Just Give Me A Reason"

Artist To Watch

Austin Mahone, "What About Love"

Best Video with a Social Message

Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, "Same Love"

Best Choreography

Bruno Mars, "Treasure"

Best Cinematography

Macklemore & Ryan Lewis feat. Ray Dalton, "Can't Hold Us"

Best Direction

Justin Timberlake feat. Jay-Z, "Suit & Tie"

Best Editing

Justin Timberlake, "Mirrors"

Best Visual Effects

Capital Cities, "Safe and Sound"

Red Carpet Manners @ The Grammy's 2011 - Volume & Vigor

I’ve been a lover of all things music since I can remember. I had a huge collection of 45’s with all the hits and would dance around my bedroom singing every lyric word for word. As I grew older, I tried my hat as a singer for a stint during college and a bit after performing in cabaret clubs here in Los Angeles. My first internships and jobs were in the music industry from MTV and KROQ to Capitol Records and Priority Records. My musical tastes range from Classic Rock to Alternative and Rap. When I want to relax and unwind it’s with Smooth Jazz or some Light Classical. I can appreciate a good Elton John or Temple of the Dog ballad in the same way that I can get excited over the latest Jay-Z or Drake. So watching tonight’s lineup of musical superstars was not a chore, it was pure enjoyment! One thing’s for sure, musical personalities are big, brash and bold and they do not disappoint. They make for good entertainment and loads of commentary, especially, when they break the rules of decorum and don see-through or meat inspired attire. Let’s take a look at tonight’s highlights and low points as we bring you our latest Red Carpet Manners at the Grammy's.

The Same Old Song. There was a tremendous amount of hype surrounding tonight's performance by Lady Gaga. Arriving in an iridescent egg carried Cleopatra style, Gaga was said to be "incubating" until showtime. So when she finally cracked the egg we were expecting nothing short of spectacular. Instead, what we discovered was an updated version of a mysteriously close sounding rendition of Madonna's "Express Yourself." Did Gaga think of contacting the Material Girl beforehand to formally ask her permission? The whole thing just sounded a little too close for comfort. It is perfectly fine to admire one's work, but outright duplication is difficult to forgive.

Angry Much? With eyes bulging and veins popping, you'd think Eminem had plastic surgery to keep the perpetual angry look on his face. His music is highly-regarded, but his relentless themes of hard knocks and violent acts is exhausting to watch. Does this guy ever smile? Yes, he seemed appreciative and sincere during his acceptance speech, however, I could not get over how much he resembled the crazy brother, Albee, in "Big Love." That is one creepy fellow and Eminem is following suit. We get it, it's part of your act, but lighten up a bit dude!

The Animals are on the Loose. MTV pulled out all the stops giving Snookie an opportunity to host on the red carpet. A rare moment found her interviewing a leopard-inspired Nicki Minaj complete with a bride-of-Frankenstein up do. With mikes in hands and mouths basically uncensored, the girls were free to banter back and forth. Unfortunately,the Jersey Shore and Queens boroughs were not far behind as they creeped into the conversation removing any trace of sophistication or class.

The Greeting Committee. The evening's most awkward greeting went to Matthew Morrison and Ryan Seacrest during Matthew's interview on the red carpet. Matthew went in for a shake with a simultaneous man hug that went awry and left Ryan in the awkward position of figuring out how to respond and make it look cool. The whole thing backfired in my opinion which is why we advise to stick with the simple handshake with two pumps and leave the more fancy interpretations when millions of eyeballs aren't watching.



Easy on the Gyrating. Rihanna and Drake turned the heat way up for their performance of "What's My Name," which would have been great for the AMA's or VMA's, but the Grammy's, not so much! The very explicit gyrating motions that Rihanna is known for pushed the limit and I am guessing that Neil Portnow, President of the Academy, received some flack for it. Don't even get me started on Puff Daddy/P. Diddy/Diddy Money, whatever his name is this week's introduction. Did he just get a mouthful of braces? He could hardly speak! It was a toss up as to who was a worse speaker, Diddy or Kris Kristofferson who also sounded like he had a mouthful of cotton.

Young Ambassadors. Justin Bieber and Jaden Smith's performance of "Never Say Never" was professional, clean and polished. No profanity or crotch holding necessary, these two young talented, teenage heartthrobs are dedicated with a tremendous work ethic and drive. They are not only adorable, but they are truly positive role models for children today.

The Grammy's are over and we are exactly two weeks away from Oscar Fever. The new young hosts of this year's show, the lovely Anne Hathaway and equally impressive James Franco, promise to breathe new life into what can often be considered a rather stodgy and stiff affair. Looking forward to seeing you there!

Best & Worst Manners List 2010

As the year draws to an end, we are besieged by the endless lists of the best and the worst of 2010. From television programs to magazine covers, lists of every kind appear whether it’s in the form of a Barbara Walters special or a Time Magazine cover spread, you simply cannot pass through to 2011 without a proper recount of 2010. We certainly did not want to miss the boat, so we painstaking compiled eleven (a nod to 2011) of the greatest and poorest manners moments of the last year. Unfortunately, there was no shortage of entries for the year's worst contenders. Twenty-ten presented to us a fair share of politicians, celebrities and athletes who had clearly lost their way, but of course, we wished to also honor those special few that deservedly held a place at the very top of our list. So in chronological order, here they are...

1. BEST Conan O’Brien. In early January, when Conan O'Brien received the news that NBC intended to move him as host of "The Tonight Show" to 12:05am to accommodate Jay Leno whose "Jay Leno Show" would be moved to 11:35pm, he was definitely unhappy. Rather than begin a negative campaign against NBC or Jay Leno, Conan took the high road. He made the decision to leave NBC, but not without obtaining adequate compensation for his many employees who had moved out from New York to Los Angeles. Throughout the ordeal, he remained polite, patient and committed to his work. On the last night of his show he said these words, "Every comedian, every comedian dreams of hosting The Tonight Show and—for seven months—I got to do it. I did it my way, with people I love, and I do not regret a second [of it].... All I ask is one thing, and I'm asking this particularly of young people that watch: Please do not be cynical. I hate cynicism; for the record it's my least favorite quality. It doesn't lead anywhere. Nobody in life gets exactly what they thought they were going to get. But if you work really hard and you're kind, amazing things will happen." What a classy guy!

2. WORST John Mayer. If you happened to catch a glance at his Playboy interview back in February or read the complete transcript online, you will understand why John Mayer made our list. For someone who apparently was growing tired of his "douche bag" reputation and poor interview skills, we're not so sure this guy cares to change anything. He comes across as overly arrogant, pompous, self-indulgent and self-aggrandizing. Besides his kiss and tell remark about Jessica Simpson, he provided a bevy of other slanderous statements and racially insensitive comments completely embarrassing himself. We hope this ridiculous egotistical attitude will wear off in 2011 so we can go back to enjoying his beautiful music.

3. WORST Jesse James. On March 17th, just ten days after his wife, Sandra Bullock accepted her winning Oscar, reports of Jesse James infidelity during their 5 year marriage were igniting all over the place. The affair with tattooed stripper Michelle ("Bombshell") McGee, rumored to have occurred during the time Bullock was filming "The Blind Side," was the longest transgression. We wonder what James must have been thinking as Bullock attended the awards circuit thanking him profusely for staying by her side during her career. When the news came out, he issued a public apology claiming, "There is only one person to blame for this whole situation, and that is me." While Jesse James made his best efforts to take full responsibility and reconcile with Bullock, the irrevocable damage had already been done.

4. BEST Sandra Bullock. In striking contrast to Jesse James' unscrupulous behavior, "America's Sweetheart", Sandra Bullock, was a pillar of strength and dignity in the days and weeks following the news of her ex-husband's sexual escapades. The bittersweet irony that she would receive a Best Actress award for her film "The Blind Side" while simultaneously experiencing being blindsided by her own husband would have left anyone devastated. Rather than go for the jugular and spew public hatred towards James, Bullock made the conscious decision to rise above the tabloid gossip and conduct herself with poise and decorum making sure to never mention anything contrary regarding the situation.

5. WORST/BEST Lady Gaga. The talented glam pop singer has a pension for stirring things up. Most of the time it is for her outrageously flamboyant outfits that actually landed her the Best Dressed of the Year Award by Vogue Magazine (remember the meat dress she wore to the VMA's?) and other times it is for her misguided public behavior. One moment stood out for us in particular over the summer in June when she wore only a bikini, fishnets and a baseball jersey to a New York Mets game. Inappropriately dressed and apparently "lit", she was moved from her front-row seat and into Jerry Seinfeld’s empty box. When the photographers went to take a picture, she gave them the finger. Cut to several months later and hopefully a bit wiser, Lady Gaga has focused her energy on her role as a rising iconic figure for the Gay community standing up for Gay rights and speaking on behalf of the US military in favor of reversing the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” campaign.

6. WORST Mel Gibson. Still fresh in our memory was the actor's anti-Semitic rant following his DUI arrest in 2006 and now Mel has done it again. Gibson was back in the news this July for his massive tantrum caught on audio tape with ex-girlfriend Oksana Grigorieva. After a series of countless allegations including everything from his abusive nature to racist remarks and a bitter custody battle over his daughter, he was finally dropped by his agency, William Morris Endeavor Entertainment.

7. WORST Lindsay Lohan. The innocent Lindsay Lohan of the "Herbie the Love Bug" and "Parent Trap" fame has certainly seen better days. This year found her grappling with endless legal troubles, rehab stints and court hearings. One particular court hearing that took place over the summer made headlines over her controversial nail polish. Miss Lohan had taken the liberty of writing in tiny letters "F--- U" on the nail of her left middle finger. The surveillance cameras in the courtroom caught the blatantly disrespectful message on tape and enlarged it for easier viewing. Within minutes, it was all over the Internet.

8. WORST Charlie Sheen. Playing true to his character on "Two and A Half Men," Charlie Sheen made headlines in October for his reckless and shameful behavior in the famed Eloise Suite at the Plaza Hotel in New York. Just a couple of months fresh out of rehab, Sheen digressed into the world of drugs and escorts and went off the deep end trashing his hotel room while naked and frantically searching for his missing cell phone and wallet. The worst part about the incident was that his ex-wife, Denise Richards, and their two daughters were also staying in the hotel at the time for a planned vacation.

9. WORST Meg Whitman & Jerry Brown. There was quite a bit of mud-slinging leading up to this year's race for Governor of California. A particularly low point found Democrat Jerry Brown's campaign calling Republican challenger, Meg Whitman, a "whore." This came on the heels of another unfortunate incident in which Meg Whitman's housekeeper of 9 years sued her for wrongful termination and hired Gloria Allred to represent her. A series of negative television ads were created by both camps and then fired back and forth for the remainder of the campaign. The smear tactics became so prevalent that it prompted Matt Lauer, who was moderating an impromptu discussion at the Women's Conference between the candidates, to get them to pledge a truce for the final week of the campaign. No such luck, the race was a fight until the bitter end.

10. BEST Nacho Figueras. In comparison to most of the athletes we hear about in the tabloids on a daily basis, Nacho Figueras has all the right stuff. While Tiger and Derek, Brett and Tony are busy getting press for all the wrong reasons, Nacho has been making a positive impression as a charming and passionate polo player and a committed family man. This year he travelled extensively spreading the word about polo and working diligently to turn it into a mainstream sport that is more accessible to the masses. In addition to being a star athlete, he is also a celebrity in his own right as the face of Ralph Lauren’s fragrances and a model for his Black Label collection. His stunning good looks and natural talents could easily make him arrogant and entitled, but instead Nacho is known for his eloquent style, polite nature and genuine friendliness emitting warmth and charisma wherever he goes.

11. BEST Elizabeth Edwards. This December Elizabeth Edwards lost her long battle with cancer. Despite the many months dealing with her husband's unsuccessful campaign for Vice President, the scandal surrounding his infidelity and the fathering of a child with his former aide, Edwards maintained her composure, remained poised and put on a brave face. The words resilience and grace do not even begin to describe her strength and courage as she knew the end was soon approaching. She had these final words to share. “You all know that I have been sustained throughout my life by three saving graces — my family, my friends, and a faith in the power of resilience and hope. These graces have carried me through difficult times and they have brought more joy to the good times than I ever could have imagined. The days of our lives, for all of us, are numbered. We know that. And, yes, there are certainly times when we aren't able to muster as much strength and patience as we would like. It’s called being human. But I have found that in the simple act of living with hope, and in the daily effort to have a positive impact in the world, the days I do have are made all the more meaningful and precious. And for that I am grateful. It isn’t possible to put into words the love and gratitude I feel to everyone who has and continues to support and inspire me every day. To you I simply say: you know."