Is Anybody Out There? 'Heaven Is for Real' Tackles the Age-Old Question with a Child’s Insight

By Sherri Breitigan, Contributing Writer

With modern technology so apt to provide us with immediate solutions and clarity, it is sometimes grounding to realize that the oldest questions of humanity remain unanswered. What is our purpose on this Earth? Is there a Heaven? Did God see me eat that entire half gallon of ice cream or cut off that person in traffic? If so, will that send me to Hell or just Purgatory?

In all seriousness, no matter what our religious background or belief (if we have any), we all wonder what lies beyond. It’s why the Greeks are rich in mythology, and Dante illustrated his great Inferno. With the bestselling success of Don Piper’s 90 Minutes in Heaven in 2004, the near-death experience narrative remains relevant and gripping. We suspend our belief, or disbelief, and hope to know it all after reading these accounts.

Quick Things 5.28.11

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Get the RuMIXT: Girls!

Just in time for the long holiday weekend DJ RuBot has dropped a new RuMIXT to get you dancing!

Who Run the World? GIRLS! Tunes by Dragonette, Robyn, Mya, GaGa, Kylie, Wynter Gordon, Adele, Britney Spears, Kelis, Nicole Scherzinger, Alexis Jordon, Katy Perry, J.Lo, Beyonce, Willow Smith, Kelly Rowland, Jordin Sparks, Nicki Minaj and Rihanna! Download RuMIXT: Girls!

If you're digging all of The Ru-Mixes so far keep checking the blog or Fan DJ RuBot on Facebook!

Watch the Trailer for 'The Muppets' Starring Jason Segel and Amy Adams

The Muppets are back in their latest feature film! Kermit, Miss Piggy, Gonzo and the rest of the gang return to the big screen where -- with the help of three friends -- reunite in order to save their old studio from a greedy oil tycoon.

The film also stars Jason Segel (who penned the script) and Amy Adams, alongside a of other celeb cameos from the likes of Jack Black, Katy Perry, Emily Blunt and John Krasinski.

The Muppets hits theaters on November 23, 2011.

Click here to see even more movie trailers!

Pat and Carolyn Skype with Oprah

I am very lucky to be able to say that I did something that very few other people in the world can say they have done, too. I had direct contact with Oprah Winfrey.

In November 2009 my best friend, Carolyn, and I skyped with Oprah in an online Webcast about her book club selection Say You're One of Them by Uwem Akpan.

Fittingly, we discussed the chapter about best friends and talked for a few minutes with the Big O and Mr. Akpan. Oprah even called us cute! I still can't believe it.

The embeddable version of the Webcast is no longer available, but you can watch it on Oprah.com to see the proof! We pop up around 1:40.

We'll miss you, Oprah!

People Watching at the Chelsea Piers Skatepark

The weather has been really dank in NYC for the past week, but there was a small window of glorious sunshine this past Saturday. I took that as a chance to run over the Hudson to catch some rays near Chelsea Piers.

On my walk home I made a pit stop to watch the skateboarders do their thing at the Chelsea Piers Skatepark... and now you can, too. Check out the boarders -- good and bad -- practice their ollies and grinds (that's what the kids call it, right?) :

It's a little hypnotic, no? To be honest, I'm a little sad that nobody wiped out, but it was still fun to watch.

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See More Photos from the 'ANTM' Cycle 16 Finale

On Wednesday we found out that Pennsylvania native Brittani Kline took home the title of America's Next Top Model for Cycle 16 (check out her portfolio here), but today even more photos from the Moroccan finale hit the interweb.

Take a look at the Cycle 15 winner Ann Ward walking the runway alongside Cycle 16 contestants Kasia, Hannah and Alexandria. Plus check out some new photos of Brittani and Molly at panel, and Brittani's winner's shoot with Tyra Banks.

Kasia Pilewicz Dishes on the Drama 'ANTM' Cycle 16

Now that the season is over, the contestants of America's Next Top Model are able to speak out about their time on the show. Check out this great interview with the confident and likable Kasia Pilewicz, who came in fifth place on Cycle 16.


In a sit down with the Associated Press, Kasia gives us insight into her experience with the competition, what Alexandria was really like, and why she was rooting for Molly to win the competition. Check it out:

Kasia may not have been my most favorite model of Cycle 16, but I definitely think she's super talented and fun! Do you think she'd wanna be my friend?

What did you think of Kasia's interview? Leave a comment!

America's Next Top Model Is...

Hard to believe that Cycle 16 of America's Next Top Model is over already, but after some wild photo shoots, loads of drama and a trip to Morocco it was finally time to pick a winner. Both Molly and Brittani had strong performances in the final week, and through the season, but only one can be named America's Next Top Model.

Keep reading to find out who was the winner of America's Next Top Model Cycle 16...

First Look at Jennifer Lawrence in 'The Hunger Games'

Get excited! The first photos of Jennifer Lawrence at Katniss Everdeen in the highly anticipated film adaptation of The Hunger Games novels has arrived!


From Entertainment Weekly:

Fans of The Hunger Games – Suzanne Collins’ terrifically urgent dystopian trilogy about children forced to fight to the death — have always been protective of 16-year-old heroine Katniss Everdeen. So when Lionsgate and director Gary Ross announced that they had cast 20-year-old Oscar nominee Jennifer Lawrence (Winter’s Bone) in the lead role, the community was thrown into an inevitable tailspin. Was she too old, too blonde, too pale, too pretty to do the gritty warrior girl justice? In this week’s cover story, EW was granted an exclusive interview with a newly brunette Lawrence, and spent hours watching her train on a Los Angeles archery range and track, just days before she was due on the North Carolina set.

In a free-wheeling interview, Lawrence describes her first encounter with Ross last winter, during the height of Oscar season. “He was asking me what the experience was like,” she recalls, “and I just kind of opened up and said, ‘I feel like a rag doll. I have hair and makeup people coming to my house every day and putting me in new, uncomfortable, weird dresses and expensive shoes, and I just shut down and raise my arms up for them to get the dress on, and pout my lips when they need to put the lipstick on.’ And we both started laughing because that’s exactly what it’s like for Katniss in the Capitol. She was a girl who’s all of a sudden being introduced to fame. I know what that feels like to have all this flurry around you and feel like, ‘Oh, no, I don’t belong here.’”

Read the full piece over at EW.com. Anyone else as excited for the films as I am?

Watch Alberta Cross for Ketel One [SPONSORED]

Ketel One vodka invites you to see the first of clip in an exclusive video series featuring the band Alberta Cross, who Rolling Stone calls "unstoppable." Watch it now:


Ketel One vodka's "Gentlemen, This Is Vodka" campaign is directed by Academy Award nominee, David O. Russell (The Fighter & Three Kings). The three-part series tells the story of a remarkable night out amongst good friends.

The videos feature Brooklyn-based band, Alberta Cross, with a new single called "Money for the Weekend."

People Watching on West 4th Street

This past Sunday was a muggy and rainy day here in New York City, so I spent the majority of the day inside. Luckily, by late afternoon the sidewalks dried up and I got to venture out and get some fresh air. After walking through the neighborhood I wound up sitting down for an iced coffee and panini at Cafe Minerva in the West Village.

I guess I wasn't the only one who ran outside once the weather cleared up, because there so many interesting people passing by the cafe window. There were so many, in fact, that I decided to turn on my iPhone camera to capture the experience.

So, if you can't make it out today to sit in a cafe and sip a cool drink take a few minutes to look out a virtual window on West 4th street in NYC.


I especially love watching people's various paces as they pass by the cafe. Some are strolling casually and holding hands, some are walking briskly with a purpose, there's even a girl rushing into the brownstone across the street. Kinda nice, right?

Happy people watching!

Molly and Brittani Face Off in the 'ANTM' Cycle 16 Finale

It's time for the final showdown on Cycle 16 of America's Next Top Model as Molly and Brittani face off in the finale. During the taping of a Cover Girl commercial, one model over-analyzes her shoot and the other's nerves begin to get the best of her. Later, the girls get a surprise that brings them both to tears and participate in a final runway show, where disaster strikes for one of them.

Take a look at some stills from the girls' Vivienne Westwood fashion show, their Cover Girl ads and their dramatic short hair cuts at panel.

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'ANTM' All-Star Cast Is Revealed

Ever since news broke a few weeks ago that Cycle 17 of America's Next Top Model would be an All-Star season featuring contestants from cycles past the Internet has been buzzing with guesses at who would return to the show.

Well, the wait is over! Last night the ANTM family through a big bash in Los Angeles to reveal the 14 models who will give the run for the title another go. Tyra Banks, Nigel Barker, Andre Leon Talley and both Mr. J. Manuel and Ms. Jay were on hand for the live reveal and runway show. Plus, there was a special performance by superstar Nicki Minaj, who also joined the judges panel for the reveal.

Without delaying the news anymore, keeping reading to find out which fan favorites will return for America's Next Top Model All-Stars.

'America's Next Top Model' Cycle 16 Episode 12 Recap

Molly, Brittani and Hannah struggle through a talk show correspondent challenge and receive an impromptu visit by Tyra Banks that turns into a photo shoot. During another photo shoot, which includes a male model, the girls all struggle to remain composed with so much at stake and Ivan Bart, Senior Vice President and Managing Director of IMG Models, joins the judges’ panel to help choose the final two models.

Keep reading for the full episode recap...

Meet the Aspiring Singer-Songwriters of Bravo's 'Platinum Hit'

It seems like most professions out there have a reality show about them, and now aspiring singer-songwriters are getting their time in the spotlight with Bravo's new competition series Platinum Hit.


Platinum Hit (premieres Monday, May 30 at 10pm) follows 12 up-and-coming musicians as they battle through a series of innovative songwriting challenges testing their creativity, patience and drive. From dance track to love ballad, every episode will feature a different theme that will require the contestants to write and perform lyrics from multiple genres.

Joining the contestants will be two of the most accomplished songwriters today: Jewel will host the series, as well as gives her feedback as a judge, alongside former American Idol judge Kara DioGuardi, who is the head judge each week. There will also be more big-name judges including Leona Lewis, Natasha Bedingfield, Donna Summer, Jermaine Dupri, Taio Cruz and Ryan Tedder.

The winner of Platinum Hit will walk away with a $100,000 cash prize, a publishing deal with Sony, BMI Songwriters The Writing Camp, and a recording deal with RCA/Jive. Not too shabby!

Keep reading to meet the 12 singer-songwriters hoping to take home top prize on Platinum Hit:

Kristen Wiig and Maya Rudolph Talk 'Bridesmaids' on 'Today'

Two of my imaginary best friends -- Maya Rudolph and Kristen Wiig -- were on the Today show this morning to dish on their upcoming film Bridesmaids, which hits theaters this Friday, May 13.


The funny ladies (interviewed by the also funny Meredith Vieira) talked about their real-life friendship, writing Bridesmaids and how Wiig started her spot-on impression of Kathie Lee Gifford. Check it out:

The Final Three Pose for Their Life in This Week's 'ANTM'

Only Hannah, Brittani and Molly remain in Cycle 16 of America's Next Top Model and the competition is tighter than ever. This week the final three girls face a photo shoot with photographer and judge Nigel Barker (plus a handsome male model!)

Keep reading to see the girls' best shots (click to enlarge):

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Watch the Trailer for 'Crazy, Stupid, Love' Starring Steve Carell and Ryan Gosling

Cute and funny film alert! In Crazy, Stupid, Love Steve Carell stars as Cal, who -- with wife Emily (played by Julianne Moore) -- seems to have the perfect life and is living the American dream. Or at least he thinks, until Emily asks for a divorce. Cal is forced to navigate the single scene with a little help from his professional bachelor friend Jacob Palmer (played by an ab-tastic Ryan Gosling). Rising star Emma Stone also stars.

And a special note to fans of America's Next Top Model, over a year ago we posted that Cycle 11 favorite Analeigh Tipton was set to appear in an upcoming Steve Carell flick. Well, keep and eye on the trailer at 2:07 to see Analeigh in action (and kinda naked!)

Crazy, Stupid, Love hits theaters on July 29, 2011

Click here to see even more movie trailers!

'America's Next Top Model' Cycle 16 Episode 11 Recap

In this week's episode of America's Next Top Model the four remaining girls taste the delicacies in Morocco and, during a difficult challenge where the girls must conduct a tea tray-balancing dance with a twist, one of the models loses her cool. At the photo shoot in the outdoor market, one of the girls tries to overcome feeling sick, while another loses her confidence. London based fashion designer Daniella Issa Helayel joins the judges' panel to help choose the final three models.

Keep reading for the full episode recap...

Watch This Amazingly Creative Glowsticks Music Video

The other day I was personally contacted by the Australia creator of this awesome piece of art and I have to share.

Artist Darcy Prendergast and the creative team at OH YEAH WOW have paired with the band All India Radio to bring you their latest music video, Rippled. Painstakingly animated frame by frame, the piece is all shot in camera, by real people, in the real world, using long exposure techniques. Check it out:


Beautiful, right?

6 Things: My Favorite Kylie Minogue Videos

Nothing brings me more joy than a new tune from Kylie Minogue. And although she may not have any new songs out at the moment, I did get to see Ms. Minogue live in concert last night as part of the American leg of her Aphrodite Les Folies tour (and I'm going again tonight!)

To celebrate -- and to immediately improve your mood -- please enjoy my six favorite Kylie videos, in no particular order.

The Models Pose in a Moroccan Market in This Week's 'ANTM'

It's down to the final four girls in Morocco in Cycle 16 of America's Next Top Model. In this week's photo shoot in the outdoor market, one of the girls tries to overcome feeling sick, while another loses her confidence.

Keep reading to see Brittani, Alexandria, Molly and Hannah's best shots (click to enlarge):