Just 48 hours after becoming a father, Rap Mogul Jay-z released a track titled, Glory which is celebrating fatherhood and the birth of his daughter. This track is produced by the Neptunes. I doubt anyone was expecting a track from either parent so soon, but I must congratulate Jay-z for taking this step.
Category Archives: Media
NFL Playoffs In Full Effect
The NFL’s Wildcard weekend has come and gone but it was full of excitement. The Houston Texans in their first playoff game ever outscored their opponents by 21 points. The Saints outmatched the Detroit Lions in a high scoring game. The Giants only allowed the Falcons to score on a safety, and we also had the Denver Broncos shock the Pittsburgh Steelers in Overtime. Overall, I very much enjoyed Tim Tebow and the Denver Broncos game this weekend as well as the clinic that the Giants put on against the Falcons. What will be in store this weekend?
The Schedule for the Divisional Round is as follows:
Texans @ Ravens Sun 1:00pm
Broncos @ Patriots Sat 8:00pm
Saints @ 49ers Sat 4:30pm
Giants @ Packers Sun 4:30pm
Interview w/ Melanie Minichino
Can you tell our readers a little about yourself?
I am a first generation born Italian from New York. I started acting/comedy at 8 years old by making fun of my dad and all his Italian buddies. Ever since then I never stopped making fun of people, I mean acting. Through acting in New York I fell into the voiceover world and started doing promo’s, commercials and eventually cartoons. I moved out to LA in 2010 to be the voice of Disney Junior and here I am. People that inspire me are Larry David, Ricky Gervais, Woody Allen, Tina Fey, and Lucille Ball, just to name a few. To me being inspired is as important as a good meal and breathing.
What gave you the inspiration for your you tube show?
The main inspiration for “The Maurizio Show” can only be no one other than my father Maurizio himself. A lot of inspiration also came from growing up with crazy musician parents who always had passion and drive for what they did. Friends would come over and see my mother practicing her drums next to a Cuban man draped in traditional afro-cuban garb and my father running between making sauce and playing scales on the piano. They were confused…so I made them laugh to distract them.
When did you decide that you wanted to create a funny web series?
I have to give a lot of credit to my manager Dan Cotoia who saw the possibilities in me. He kept pushing me to write and really gave me the fire and opportunity to create this series. He then teamed me up with one of his production company associates at Media Meld Studios, Brian Bellinkoff. Brian is a very talented young writer/director/editor and shooter. Yeah he does all of that. I pitched the idea for the show to the both of them and we were on our way. This show would have never happened if it weren’t for those 2 and Media Meld. We are a great team and all of the same vision, creativity, and sense of humor.
What goes into the development of your web series? How often do you brainstorm for an episode?
Our process of creating each episode is really simple actually. We come up with a general premise of each episode and then write a beginning, middle, and end. After that, I just improvise and hope that something magical happens. Since we shoot a lot in public, there are many variables that can either make or break the episode. We haven’t experienced the breaking yet. Brian is an amazing director/shooter/editor which also makes this process so fun and easy. We are really just having fun and hoping for the best. Also hoping to not get arrested!
When people see you in person do they know you as Maurizio or just as Melanie?
When people see me they recognize me as Melanie. This I am extremely thankful for because if I don’t have a mustache on and a man wig and people still think I look like a small man, then I have bigger problems to worry about.
Describe the Maurizio series, why people should pay attention to it, and future plans?
The Maurizio Show is based on my real emigrated Italian father. It is a semi-scripted comedy web series that chronicles the larger than life antics of Maurizio. Utilizing hidden cameras in public places, Maurizio is out to prove to anyone that he knows everything about everything. People should definitely check out the show if they enjoy true unexpected comedy. They should also check it out to be the first ones to say they knew about Maurizio before he was super famous and on the Wendy Williams show! The Maurzio Show is planning on a season two with some celebrity guest appearances and an introduction to some new characters. I’d love to team Maurizio up with one of his favorite celebs also, like Queen Latifah or Phil Collins!
What do you hope to accomplish in 2012, both personally/professionally and with the series?
We hope to find a real home for The Maurizio Show in 2012. Whether that be having a great comedy site buy it, or Comedy Central. Kind of the same thing right? Ha. I personally wish for the show to become globally popular where people of all ages will know and love it. The ultimate goal to be able to make the whole world laugh.
Check out Maurizio’s official website
Access to the web series
Drop by the official Twitter and FB page for the Maurizio Show
Jay Z and Beyonce Welcomes Baby
Congratulations to the power couple, Jay z and Beyonce for welcoming a newborn into the family. Beyonce gave birth to a baby girl in New York early this morning at Lenox Hill Hospital. Blue Ivy is the baby girl’s name despite numerous reports earlier that her name was Ivy Blue. I hope all is well for the power couple and may we see many more offspring of the two in the future. Currently, there are no pics or videos available but I’ll post as soon as they are released.
Wizards of Waverly Place Series Finale
Before you knew her as Justin Bieber’s girlfriend, Selena Gomez became a household name for starring in the hit Disney series, “Wizards of Waverly Place”. Since 2007 this series has been a staple in Disney’s programming. Tonight, it all comes down to an end. Who will be the family wizard is the question that will be answered. This was one of the best shows on the Disney Channel due to the personalities of the cast members. Each of them blossomed as each season passed.. In the series finale tonight, will it be Alex(Gomez), will be Justin(Henrie), or will it be the youngest of the family, Max(Austin)? Tune in to the Disney Channel at 8pm EST. I personally believe that someone will make the ultimate sacrifice tonight. Wizards of Waverly Place will teach tonight that family comes first no matter what, and this series will be missed as we move forward.
Interview w/ Caite Upton
Happy New Years! Where were you when 2012 rung in?
In the North Beach district of San Francisco watching a live reggae performance band LIVING it up! Had a great time. Excited about 2012.
Many people have been introduced to you via the show “ridiculousness”. How did you go about guest starring on the show?
I actually auditioned for a couple of things at MTV and they asked me to be on the show after that. Worked out pretty nicely. I still stay in touch with Rob and everyone from that show and they are cool people so maybe someday in the future I’ll have the opportunity to work with them again on something. We’ll see!
What are your New Years resolutions. If any?
To 100% dedicate myself to my career and being physically and mentally healthy. Sometimes the industry can get a little intense and you can get so busy worrying about making things happen that you don’t take as good care of yourself as you should. Career is first for me now but I want to make sure that I’m healthy and happy as can be in the new year, as well.
You are a southern gal, what was life like for you while growing up?
I was privileged growing up in the small beautiful town of Lexington, SC, right off the lake. I am an athlete so I played sports year around and on my down time would wakeboard or head up the mountain to snowboard. My family taught me how to always stay humble and genuine and to never undermine people. They raised me to learn how to do things on my own at a young age like taxes, cooking, paying for my car, etc. I work for everything. I am very thankful for my parents and upbringing.
Your exposure from your pageant days has opened many doors for you, what other type of projects do you hope to take part in in the future?
I just came from an appearance for Dodge Ram, which was a cool opportunity and my first job of the new year so far. I’m currently on hold for a big commercial campaign (for a brand I can’t name just yet) that would send me to Korea to shoot! Got my fingers crossed there. I have a feeling 2012 will be a great year. Hopefully a lot more tv/film and modeling work. I’ve been going out on a lot of acting and hosting auditions lately and in class prepping. I’m grateful for my manager and all the hard work he puts in to help me with things. He has a production company too (Media Meld Studios) so we have some projects in the works that are being produced and pitched. One of them is my web series called “Learning Stuff w/ Caite Upton” where I humorously educate myself on important topics and current events. Its a lot of fun to shoot and really funny stuff!
Let’s get to know a bit about Caite Upton. What is your favorite movie of all-time?
Of all time would have to be Lord Of The Rings 1,2,3. The reason for this is not too many people know I’m an artist: drawing and computer artist. I studied in college Visual Effect design for movies and TV. The Lord Of The Rings was my over all inspection the moment I found my God given talent. So I wanted to take full advantage and show people another side of me. And for TV my favorite channel is SyFy. Love all the shows on there and would love to work with them someday.
What are some of the songs on your music play list?
Out of all music, I love reggae, alternative, & soft rock the most. My favorite song is Sail by Awolination. Other favorite artists are Citizen Cope, Damian Marley, and DJ Harry.
Where do you see yourself 10 years from now?
A women who has reached her ultimate success in her career and in life in general. To hopefully be a role model for people, all ages, all success levels. I want to be a role model for people trying to overcome obstacles and tough situations. I’ve fought through a lot of negativity and I feel like many people can relate to me and turn their negative situations positive, like I did. Hopefully one day I can write a book about it all.
What would you like to say to all of your followers, and potential future fans out there?
Thank you everyone who believed in me and also thank you to everyone who never did because its my motivation that made me who I am. All those who fought for me and against me..it pushed me harder and made me determined and driven. I plan on having a long successful career and happy life. I’m not going anywhere. Hopefully you can all come for the ride with me!
Check out Caite’s Facebook page
Also go follow her on Twitter
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