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2018 North American International Auto Show Coverage

This year's North American International Auto Show was better than ever!  The atmosphere was positive, the displays were extravagant, a...

Saturday, 31 August 2013

Leah Remini & Corbin Bleu Interviews: Get Excited For DWTS Season 17!

Is it Wednesday yet? I'm dying for the ABC reveal of the Season 17 cast for DWTS. As I was going over the rumored cast list, I realized I had two old interviews with possible cast members: Leah Remini and Corbin Bleu. Coincidentally, the red carpet interviews I have with them were both done at the same event. It was the LA opening of the Ringling Bros. & Barnum and Bailey Circus back in July 2011.

Both of the interviews were pretty hilarious. Leah misunderstood my question, so watch have the whole thing goes down...over and over...



My interview with Corbin was kind of awesome because I had tickets to see him in Hairspray at the Hollywood Bowl as Seaweed J. Stubbs...and yes, the boy can dance. I think both Corbin and Leah are going to add a ton of personality to Season 17. Bring it on!

Are you ready for this season? I sure am!

Friday, 30 August 2013

VIDEO: My Interview with Stan Lee: 1st Annual Geekie Awards


I know many of you saw my photos from the Geekie Awards, but here's my official interview with the legendary Stan Lee and actor Seth Green who presented the very first Geekie award ever to him. It was an honor to interview the Marvel icon. I hope I'm as virile at 90. See our interview below...and let me know if my geek cred went up a notch in the comments below.

Have a great Labor Day weekend!

Thursday, 29 August 2013

AfterBuzz TV SYTYCD: Courtney Galiano


It was ladies' night last night on SYTYCD on AfterBuzz TV. We were excited to have Courtney Galiano back on our show after joining us last season. It was really important that she talked about her MS diagnosis and her charity because she's really an inspiration to so many. Even with obstacles, she's getting out there and living her dream of dancing. 

I know a lot of the fans were upset that Paul was voted off. I was, too. I sometimes feel like reality shows have a bit of producer manipulation behind the scenes and this was one of those times. Courtney feels like you should only be able to win in one country and I know she isn't alone. It will be interesting to see if they change the rules for next season. I loved Paul's journey on the season. The one thing we shouldn't be sad about is the fact that he will be working a lot. We will see him again soon.

With the Top 4 officially announced, who do you think will win? We haven't seen the final dances yet, but is Nigel right about Twitter popularity? What do you think?

Let me know in the comments below.

For more information on Courtney's MS Dance Walk on Sept. 22, click here.

Wednesday, 28 August 2013

DWTS Season 17: Initial Cast Thoughts


If my Twitter feed was an indication of what is to come for Season 17 of Dancing With the Stars, I am in for a busy fall. TMZ leaked a few of the celeb names today: Valerie Harper, Leah Remini, Elizabeth Berkeley, Snooki, Amber Riley, and Christina Milian. I've said it before and I will say it again, TMZ is pretty good about fact checking, so this list should be your six female celebs for the season.

Once it was revealed that Tristan MacManus was paired with Valerie, the tweets began. Many of the tweets were people who were angry that he was matched with a 74-year-old woman battling terminal brain cancer. Really? Doctors told her she would be dead by June and miraculously, she's still with us and is tackling DWTS. I don't know about you, but that's kind of awesome...and inspirational.


Look, I get it: We all love Tristan and we want to see him win. It was disappointing to see him have to drop out in Season 16 when Dorothy Hamill was injured. Then it was a bummer to see him injured during the finale and he couldn't have one last dance with her. (Bravo to Henry Byalikov for stepping in!)

I'm just not going to get my panties in a bunch over this. I'm going to look at it from the Sharna Burgess School of Opportunity. I love what she did with Andy Dick last season, it was fun and moving to watch his journey. I'm going to take that same approach with Tristan and Valerie. I have a lot of faith in his talent, don't you?

So let's kick off this season on a positive note. I know you guys won't always agree with me, but I love to hear your opinions as long as it's handled with mutual respect. I love a good dance debate!

Here's to a great Season 17. I'm excited by the cast so far and we've already booked our first guest for DWTS on AfterBuzz TV. Hooray!

I would love to hear from you....hit me up with your thoughts and opinions in the comments below.




Tuesday, 27 August 2013

AfterBuzz TV SYTYCD: Top 6 Preview


I think the cat is out of the bag and most of you know who are guest is this week. Yep, Courtney Galiano! She's returning to our show for the second time after making a visit last season. Courtney's story is amazing and she's an inspiration to us all. If you missed her All-Star appearance with Tucker on SYTYCD last week, make sure to watch it before our show on Wednesday.

Courtney recently has been a principal dancer on VH1's Hit the Floor and helped organize the upcoming 1st Annual The Beat MS Dance Walk on September 22. There's a lot to talk about! So get those questions in for Courtney at the comments below.

Watch us on Wednesday on AfterBuzz TV at 9pm PT right here.

Monday, 26 August 2013

HYD For Men Review

I usually get products to review for myself, but this time, my significant other had the opportunity to test drive a few new products. iFabbo and HYD for Men gifted these shaving items and I am happy to share the results with you.

Let's go through all three items:

Shave Cream:

Description of Product from the HYD for Men website:
HYD For Men Shave Cream allows your razor to glide effortlessly across your skin, resulting in a comfortable, more precise shave.

Key Benefits:
Shave Cream hydrates and rejuvenates your skin by minimizing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Our unique blend of natural oils and moisturizers allows your razor to glide effortlessly across your skin, reducing friction and irritation.

Our soothing low lather formula is designed to provide superior coverage while using less shave cream. As a result, your razor will perform better and your blades won’t clog from excess shave cream.

Ingredients:
Aqua (Deionized Water), Aloe Barbadensis Leaf (Aloe Vera Gel) Juice,Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine,Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Stearic Acid, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Sodium Polyacrylate, Isopropyl Palmitate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glycerin, Propylene Glycol, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Leaf Oil, Olea Europaea (Olive) Oil, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Mineral Oil, Hydrolyzed Wheat Proteins, Hydrolyzed Wheat Proteins, Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin-E), Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil, Camellia Sinensis Leaf (Green Tea) Extract, Dimethicone, Sodium Stearate, Citrus Aurantium (Orange) Oil, Sodium Hydroxide, Carbomer, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Palmitoyl Oligopeptide, Aceteyl Hexapeptide-8, Titanium Dioxide, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin


Does It Work?:
For a clean, close shave, this is a great product. You will love the results whether your man uses it for his face or if you use it to shave your legs. However, if you are ingredient-wary like me, note there are products like Mineral Oil and Sodium Lauryl Sulfate. As a result, it makes me give this a cautious review.

Cost: $12.99

Where Is It Sold?: If you go through the HYD for Men website, there's currently a 20% off your entire purchase code for you to use. Just plug in SAVE20.

Connect:
If you want to learn more about HYD for Men, visit their social media pages:

Buffer Stick

Description of Product from the HYD for Men website:
HYD For Men Buffer Stick exfoliates and energizes skin, allowing for deep hydration, while preventing ingrown hairs.

Key Benefits:
Eliminate 50 million barriers to healthy skin with this one-step microdermabrasion treatment. Buffer Stick combines hydration and long-lasting, skin-enriching treatment with professional-quality microdermabrasion.

Buffer Stick offers instant results with no pain or irritation, increased absorption of your skin care products and minimizes the appearance of dark spots and fine lines. Add to your grooming routine to hydrate your skin and gently remove dead skin cells while fighting ingrown hairs.

Ingredients:
Propylene Glycol, Aluminum Oxide, Nonyl Nonoxynol-150, Water, Sodium Stearate, Dipropylene Glycol, Chondrus Crispus (Carrageenan), Retinyl Palmitate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Coffea Arabica (Coffee) Seed Oil, Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract, Ferocactus Wislizenii (Cactus) Extract, Orchis Maculata Flower Extract, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract, Arctostaphylos Uva-Ursi (Bearberry) Leaf Extract, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Hydroxyphenyl Propamidobenzoic Acid, Caffeine, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Pentylene Glycol, Caprylyl Glycol, Lauryl Methacrylate/Glycol Dimethacrylate Crosspolymer, Mica, Titanium Dioxide, PVP, Trihydroxystearin, Fragrance, Phenoxyethanol

Does It Work?:
Again, I am hesitant when I see Aluminum Oxide on the list, so use with caution. This might be a good product to grab in a pinch if you need to soothe the bikini line area after waxing. Again, read the ingredients if you are worried about certain items in this product.

Cost: $24.99

Razor Shield: 

Description of Product from the HYD for Men website:
A proprietary formula that coats and protects razor blades, preventing oxidation and calcification to greatly extend razor blade life.

Key Benefits:
Razor Shield creates a liquid barrier, protecting razor blades from the corrosive chemical reactions that dull blades and make shaving uncomfortable.

Sharp blades coated in our proprietary blend of natural oils keep your face smooth and revitalized, making for a clean shave.


Ingredients:
Helianthus Annus (Sunflower) Oil, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf (Aloe Vera Gel) Juice, Petrolatum, Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Cholecalciferol (Vitamin D), Retinyl Palmitate (Vitamin A), Isopropyl Palmitate, BHT, Simmondsia Chinesis (Jojoba) Oil, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Australian Tea Tree Oil)

Does It Work?:
I love this product, especially if you have bought an expensive razor. It helps keep the blade lasting longer and sharper for better use. It's probably not worth it on a disposable razor, but it's great for those nicer blades.

Cost: $17.99

Don't forget about the 20% off code, use the link above to purchase any of the items. If you want to tweet about it, use #hydformen.
See my other reviews:

















2013 Cruisin' Hines Drive

001
Shockingly, the only pic I took of my car this time.

I think Hines Drive has been boosted above the Woodward Dream Cruise as far as "can't miss it" shows.  If for no other reason, only classics are allowed.  A few newer cars seemed to sneak in, and I was tempted to tell their owners "Nobody cares to see your new shit cruising," but I held my tongue.  I did a bit of cruising, then found a nice spot with a few friends, parked, and set up chairs awaiting for my girls to arrive.  One piece of advice, plan on bringing food to this even.  I'm not even sure there was a hot dog stand to be found.  Also, make sure if you decide to park that there is either port-a-jons or a facility close by, or you may be in for a walk.

In it's 3rd year, I'm sure this is one event that you will see continue to grow, year after year, and undoubtedly get more commercialized as time passes.  As it is, the cruising traffic isn't so heavy that you can't enjoy cruising, and do so without overheating.  There is also plenty of parking along the route.  They do need to work on entry into the park, as traffic southbound on Merriman was out of control, and after waiting around 45 minutes with little movement, I circled around and headed in from the south.  I was in within 5 minutes coming from Ford Rd to Merriman.

While not the last show, the season is quickly winding down after just starting for my Camaro.  I hope to hit a cruise night or two, and drive up (w/o Camaro) and checking out the Frankenmuth show on Saturday September 7th.  Until next time, take'er slow, cool, and easy.

010
Cool Mustang.  I think a 1969?  I can't recall if the 69 or 70 had the 1/4 panel scoops.

013
Still would love a wagon some day.  This one would do!

016
Nice old Ford.  I think maybe a 1931?

020
1940 Ford.

025
I love the big Mopars.

028
The C3 from Autorama a year or two ago that got me kinda liking the C3's.

035
This car is 55 simply perfect!  Love the stance!

036
Good Humor in my opinion.  This thing was baaaad!

045
Nice C2.

048
Nice C1.

055
Recycled Firetruck.

056
Nice 50's Ford.

057
Emma digging the cars.

058
Cool 340 Duster.

069
Nice Charger.

076
This style never gets old.

079
Rat Rod style.

080
Dropped Impala.

083
Black Beauty.  Perhaps Buick's last desirable classic built.  No, without question, Buick's last cool car.

084
A Deuce with a 502 Big Block in it.  You don't see a whole lot of BB's stuffed in these cars.

087
37 Ford Coupe.

090
Nice old Ford pickup.

104
Would you still label this "a blower sticking out the hood?"  I was thinking more like, a vette attached to the bottom of a blower motor.

106
Now here's a beauty!

116
AMC...Javelin I believe.

117
A Pacer.  That rear glass was killer!

126
Drop top Continental with the suicide, see me ride...

132
Nice, clean, Mopar.

134
I believe this is a 51 Ford.  Nice traditional look. Love the Mooneyes stickers.

138
The Crew.

145
I'm not sure what this is, or what it delivered back in the day (maybe milk?).  I do know that it was very cool though.

150
Nice 40-41 Ford Coupe.

153
Rod Calvin's 41 Ford Pickup.

161
A-Team Mustang II? Uh....still not cool.

172
Nice wagon!

176
Ok, the pipes out the hood are kinda cool.

178
The show took it's toll on Emma.  She passed out on the way home.


2013 Cruisin' Hines Drive

Saturday, 24 August 2013

Who Are You Wearing?: 1st Annual Geekie Awards Edition


I guess I need to wear the color blue more often...I received so many comments on this dress. Thank you!

Here are the details on the entire outfit:

Dress:  Taylor Petites (Nordstrom on sale for $82.80!)
Shoes: Guess (Winter 2007 at $110, You've seen them before here and here.)
Bracelet: Secret of Treasures, New York ($2.99, If you haven't checked this place out, look here.)
Ring: Alexander Kalifano ($20)
Necklace: Sorrelli (Compliments of Sorrelli.)

Hair: Elizabeth H. at DryBar
Makeup: Blushington





Reminder: Cruisin' Hines Drive is 8/25/2013

Just a friendly reminder, Cruisin' Hines Drive 2013 takes place tomorrow!  Last year was my first time attending, and only the second year for the cruise.  Let me say, it's arguable better than Woodward, as all that is allowed on Hines Drive are classic cars.  No fees, park where ever you want.  Parking is available for spectators only at designated locations.  Once lots fill, you must park off site.  If you have a classic car, this is a MUST ATTEND!  For more information, follow the link.

Cruisin' Hines

M1 Concourse - A car lover's dream!


Rendering courtesy of M1 Concourse

Imagine a place where you purchase a condo/warehouse where you can store anywhere from 2-50 cars.  You are surrounded by fellow gearheads, vendors, and restaurants.  Wait though, it gets better.  In addition, you have your own private test track with 1/3 mile straightaway and hair pin curves.  All this, tucked right along Woodward Ave in the heart of downtown Pontiac, MI.  Almost sounds too good to be true doesn't it?  Though not close enough to home to be practical, this is something I would seriously consider later in life.  Considering I'm already running out of storage space, I need to consider overflow storage any way.  What better location than the north end of Woodward Ave?

M1 Concourse: Coming to Downtown Pontiac, MI

Friday, 23 August 2013

TRAILER: The Book Thief


Oscar season is just around the corner and this film is high on my list. The Book Thief, starring the divine Geoffrey Rush and Emily Mortimer, opens on November 15. It has Oscar written all over it. The movie is based on the New York Times bestselling book by Markus Zusak. Watch the trailer and let me know what you think in the comments below.

I am already counting the days until this film opens.

Thursday, 22 August 2013

AfterBuzz TV SYTYCD: Audrey Case & Matthew Kazmierczak




This competition is tough and getting tougher. In the YouTube comments, someone asked me who I thought would make the Top 4. This is when the fan votes are strong and the judges don't have any say.

Here are my Top 4 picks: (based off of FAN votes, not who I want in the Top 4.)

Men:                        Ladies:
1. Paul                     1. Amy
2. Aaron                  2. Hayley

Sadly, my picks send Fik-Shun and Jasmine home. If my picks turn out to be true, I hate the thought that Jasmine is going home. All three women are incredible dancers. I would prefer to see Amy and Jasmine as the last two standing. On the men's side, if I am correct, I think it's time for Fik-Shun to go home. He had an incredible run and I've really enjoyed watching him on the show this season.

A huge thanks to Audrey Case and Matthew Kazmierczak for joining us in studio this week. I love that they are still friends after their season. Having former contestants on the show always gives us more and more perspective on SYTYCD. The stress, the excitement and the injuries are all a big part of each season, so I'm happy we've had some great guests to give us that insight.

If you missed our show last night, watch it below:

Don't forget to let me know your thoughts on this week's show in the comments below!



Photo Credit: Audrey Case

Extreme Plane Spotting at Maho Beach, Saint Martin

Located on the Dutch side of the Caribbean island of Saint Martin is the famous Maho Beach. While it has the characteristic white sand and turquoise water of a Caribbean paradise that is not what makes Maho Beach such a popular tourist destination.

Rather, it has much to do with the Princess Juliana International Airport directly adjacent to Maho. Arriving aircraft must touch down as close as possible to the beginning of Runway 10 due to the short runway length of 2,180 meters (7,150 ft), resulting in aircraft on their final approach flying over the beach at minimal altitude. 

Watching airliners pass over the beach is such a popular activity that daily arrivals and departures airline timetables are displayed on a board in most bars and restaurants on the beach, and one bar even has a speaker on its outside deck that broadcasts the radio transmissions between pilots and the airport’s control tower.