BuzzSugar

Translate Any Phrase With Talk to Me For Android

GeekSugar — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 07:30:27 PST

Whether you're going abroad or just want to learn a new language, the Talk To Me app for Android phones is an easy translation tool. Speak a word or phrase into the phone and the easy-to-use app will translate and speak it back to you in the desired language. Talk To Me works with most languages that are based on Roman characters (French, Spanish, German, etc.) and will text translate many others.

It's a lot like the iPhone translation app I wrote about recently, and is just as awesome for travel, whether you need to find the bathroom or just introduce yourself to someone new. Talk To Me is free, and available in the Android Market.

What to Netflix: New DVD Tuesday

BuzzSugar — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 11:28:35 PDT

All of the new DVD releases hit stores (and Netflix) on Tuesdays. So each week in What to Netflix: New DVD Tuesday, I sort through the best of the batch and tell you what to add to your queue. In addition to the following titles, you can also check out License to Wed on DVD today, as well as the sixth season of Scrubs and, if you're so inclined, the first season of October Road.

Spider-Man 3
The third Spider-Man movie may not win tons of awards, but for those of you whose collections are not complete without all the superhero movies, Spider-Man 3 is now available on DVD. Along with the Peter Parker's shenanigans, more drama with Harry/Goblin and romantic troubles involving Mary Jane and a new lovely lady, there's the addition of Sandman and Venom to shake things up.

The DVD offers your garden variety special features like bloopers, commentaries, photo galleries and a Snow Patrol music video. If you spring for the 2-disc special edition thing, though, there's a crazy number of featurettes on the second disc, almost all of which focus on the special effects utilized in the film. You know, "making movie magic!"-type stuff.

For two more new releases,

read more Twin Peaks: The Definitive Gold Box Edition (Complete Series) Okay, so technically you cannot Netflix this. Yet. But you can buy it online! Until now, it was almost impossible to track down all the parts of Twin Peaks, the weird, wonderful series that captivated the nation in the early '90s. By the time the second season came out this spring, the first was already out of print, and the show's original pilot was even trickier to find. But now, everything is together in one set - and better still, it's absolutely loaded with special features. I'm most excited to see the reunion conversation between David Lynch and star Kyle MacLachlan, as well as four documentaries tracing the show's evolution and MacLachlan's Twin Peaks-themed Saturday Night Live sketch.
Talk to Me Because I love Don Cheadle and Chiwetel Ejiofor so dearly, I expected good things from this biopic - and I was not disappointed. In addition to the amazing performances and Kasi Lemmons' careful direction, the movie features some super groovy music that is worth the Netflix monthly charge alone. Cheadle plays the real-life Ralph Waldo "Petey" Greene, an ex-con who takes over the radio airwaves during a time of social and political unrest, bringing humor and inspiration to the citizens of Washington D.C. in the 1960s. Check out my full review of the movie here. In a perfect world, Cheadle and Ejiofor would receive Oscars for their performances in this film, both of which are layered and deeply impressive. I found myself pondering this movie for months after I saw it.

Talk to Me: Another Good Don Cheadle Performance

BuzzSugar — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 11:28:20 PDT

As a way of depicting an important slice of history, Talk to Me is successful. As a vehicle for Don Cheadle to amaze us once again with his utter transformation, it's excellent. As a work of storytelling, however, the movie falls short. Director Kasi Lemmons is fantastic at setting up artful shots and creating scenes full of tension. But these great pieces put together somehow don't add up to a satisfying, complete work.

Ralph Waldo "Petey" Greene was a prisoner in the 1960s, acting as radio DJ for his fellow cell mates. When he was released from jail he went straight to D.C. radio station WOL-AM to claim what he thought was his rightful job as a radio host. Dewey Hughes (Chiwetel Ejiofor), the only black man holding a high position at the R&B station, initially resisted hiring Petey - he was an ex-con after all - which led Petey to stage demonstrations in front of the radio station, accusing Hughes of not supporting a fellow black man. After much hemming and hawing on the part of the station manager (Martin Sheen), Petey was brought on board and he became the voice of the people. In turn, the radio station became the peoples' radio station. That's just the beginning, though, so

read more From that point on in the movie, there are many scenes about Petey being "real" vs. Hughes being "white," plenty of arguments between Petey and his girlfriend Vernell (the electrifying Taraji P. Henson), and Petey getting drunk and doing silly things. Everything comes to a standstill, however, at the murder of Martin Luther King. For a brief time, Petey Greene became a sort of coarse beacon of peace and hope while the streets of DC were filled with riots and fires. This is one of the most intriguing moments of the film, not least because of Don Cheadle's apparent internalization of this experience. The rest of the movie is a jumble of your normal rise-to-fame-fall-from-grace stuff, with a lot of crises arising between Hughes and Petey. Cheadle is flawless in this movie, though Ejiofor (who I love infinitely more now) puts forth an astounding performance as the upright, responsible working man making it in a white man's environment while trying not to deny his childhood spent in the projects. Not to mention he's absolutely gorgeous. Looking dapper in his suits, he employs a heavy-lidded sexiness and gentlemanly strength. Though, admittedly, at times it seems that Ejiofor's stage training comes through - his pronunciation so precise, his vocal technique so polished. Director Lemmons does her very best to deliver a tense, high-stakes atmosphere, all set to the soulful tunes of the 1960s and 1970s. Where the movie fails most is in the script. Sometimes the dialogue is spot-on, at other times it's laughably trite. For every heavy-handed moment, though, there's Don Cheadle undercutting the cliches with his impeccable comedic timing. If there's no Oscar nomination in Cheadle's future on account of this movie, I will be shocked.

Movie Preview: Talk to Me

BuzzSugar — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 08:30:00 PDT

Opening this Friday July 13 in select cities, Talk to Me is one of the movies I was most looking forward to this summer. It stars the awe-inspiring Don Cheadle as well as Chiwetel Ejiofor for whom I've professed my love. Cheadle plays the real-life Ralph Waldo "Petey" Greene, an ex-con who takes over the radio airwaves during a time of social and political unrest, bringing humor and inspiration to the citizens of Washington D.C. in the 1960s. From the looks of the trailer, this is just the sort of thing the Academy eats up with a spoon. Check out my review this Friday, and to watch the trailer,

Summer Movie Preview: So Much Drama

BuzzSugar — Wed, 02 May 2007 05:02:07 PDT

Earlier this week I brought you glimpses of some of this summer's big-budget films and then asked you which one interested you most as the first part of my summer movie preview. Now, check out the dramatic films that promise to be most arresting.

A Mighty Heart
This story shocked and saddened me when it first appeared in the news, and while I'm not eager to relive that, A Mighty Heart seems more likely to be a tender homage to the memory of Daniel Pearl, which is important. Pearl was a journalist working in the Middle East in 2002 when he was kidnapped and ultimately beheaded, his murder recorded on videotape and sent around the Internet. A Mighty Heart chronicles his wife Mariane's (Angelina Jolie) desperate search for him when he goes missing. The film opens June 22.

Many more if you

read more Evening This sentimental-looking drama features some of my favorite actresses: Toni Collette and Claire Danes. I can't help feeling happy when I watch Claire Danes, though I couldn't tell you why. Perhaps she'll always be Angela Chase to me. Anyway, in Evening she plays the younger version of a dying woman who reminisces to her daughters about her romantic past. The trailer is more intriguing than that description, however, so check it out before it hits theaters June 29. Talk to Me Wow - two actors I love and admire are in this true-story film: Don Cheadle and Chiwetel Ejiofor. From the looks of the amazing trailer, Cheadle plays Ralph Waldo "Petey" Greene, an ex-con who takes over the radio airwaves - and the hearts of a city's people - during a time of social and political unrest. Yet again, Don Cheadle transforms completely into someone the world has not yet seen on screen. Start talking July 13. Georgia Rule This is the film that earned Lindsay Lohan reprimands from producer James Robinson for her excessive partying and unprofessional behavior. Jane Fonda and Felicity Huffman are also in it. Lohan plays a rebellious girl who is forced to live with her rules-happy grandmother (Fonda). Watch the trailer before Georgia Rule opens next Friday, May 11. I Know Who Killed Me In other Lindsay Lohan movie news, I Know Who Killed Me comes out July 27 - and it's no Georgia Rule. Lohan plays a young woman who is kidnapped and brutalized and then returns home with an alternate personality. Becoming Jane Already released in the UK, Becoming Jane features Anne Hathaway in the role of Jane Austen. The story focuses on one of Austen's greatest romances - and one of her deepest heartaches. The movie's website includes the trailer, which looks delightful and sassy in the Jane Austen kind of way. Jane comes to America August 3. No Reservations This film may fall more fully into the "dramedy" category, as it has elements of a romantic comedy, yet the premise sounds really sad: Respected chef Kate (Catherine Zeta-Jones) has to unexpectedly take in her niece Zoe (Abigail Breslin) after the death of Zoe's mother. The rom-com element comes in the form of the new guy at work/love interest Nick (Aaron Eckhart). The film opens July 27. Bug The stage play version of Bug is thoroughly creepy - and that's without special effects or jerky editing. Thinking of this in film version already has my skin crawling. Bug is a psychological thriller about an ex-military man who is slowly consumed by paranoia due to his belief that his body is bug-infested. See it May 25 with bug spray in hand. El Cantante I'm a little iffy about Jennifer Lopez as an actress, but maybe she'll surprise me with her magnificence in El Cantante. The movie follows real-life Latino singer Hector Lavoe (Marc Anthony) and his lady Puchi (Lopez) as they help to bring salsa music the U.S. in 1975. Watch the trailer and then see the film in theaters August 1. Stardust The story description for this fantasy-adventure is this: "In a countryside town bordering on a magical land, a young man makes a promise to his beloved that he'll retrieve a fallen star by venturing into the magical realm." The all-star cast includes Claire Danes, Ricky Gervais, Robert DeNiro, Sienna Miller and Michelle Pfeiffer who looks gorgeous (er, through most of the trailer anyway). Check out the highly entertaining trailer before Stardust opens August 10.
Check out the trailer: Bug photo courtesy of Lionsgate Stardust photo courtesy of Paramount Pictures No Reservations photo courtesy of Warner Bros. A Mighty Heart photo courtesy of Paramount Vantage I Know Who Killed Me photo source Source for all other photos

Khloé Kardashian Odom Tells Us Women and Girls Shouldn't Be Shy About Their Bodies

Annie Scudder — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 14:00:01 PST

While Kris Jenner is making headlines for promoting a very adult product - arousal oils to be exact - her daughter Khloé Kardashian Odom is appealing to a younger audience. Khloé has teamed up again with U by Kotex, the eccentric line of pads and tampons for young women. Khloé told me that she loves that the line is "trying to destroy the old-fashioned belief that we have to be so discreet" and that it also supports the charity Girls for a Change. I chatted with Khloé, and she opened up about the awkward years in the Kardashian household, as well as her move to Dallas for love. Keep reading to find out all about it!

TrèsSugar: Why did you team up with U by Kotex?
Khloé Kardashian Odom: I love their packaging, the neon colors, the black boxes, they're trying to make everything so chic, and fun, and vibrant, like it's OK. Especially if you're in high school and you're pulling out one of those tampons or maxi pads, it's not as embarrassing. I love being able to let women, and especially younger women, know that it's OK to talk about this and to ask questions.

TS: Would this message have appealed to you when you were younger?
KKO: I am so thankful that I had older sisters, because I had a really tough time in school. I was always bullied in school. If it wasn't for my older sisters always making me feel like everything was OK and being able to ask them questions, I don't really know how I would have gotten through those years. I love that this brand is almost like an older sister but on a larger scheme. They're letting everyone know that this is what happens to everybody and it's awkward for everyone.

TS: So who did your older sisters talk to? Did your mom fill that role?
KKO: Kourtney told me that she didn't even tell my mom she got her period for the first year and a half. She said she told her friend and her friend just told her what to do. To me, I find that so weird. But that's Kourtney. Kim was always very open about it, but I think Kim got hers first, and I think Kourtney got jealous. Kids are weird! I don't get what that jealousy is. I'm like, "Honey, please. Be grateful that you don't have it." It's so funny that I'm 27, and my sisters are 16 and 14. I'm not so much older than them, but the comfort in talking about your bodies grows so much.

TS: Do you have an awkward or funny memory from that time?

Find out Khloé's answer, as well as the scoop on Dallas, when you keep reading.

The Vampire Diaries "Dangerous Liaisons": The Good, The Bad, and The Bloody

Shannon Vestal — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 07:52:08 PST

The original vampire family hosts a ball on this week's episode of The Vampire Diaries, and the whole town puts on their finest formal wear for the event of the supernatural season. Elena has two dates to the event, but it's her date to meet the original witch that gives us insight into what's in store for Klaus and his siblings.

Speaking of Klaus, we get some developments between him and Caroline that are sweet and promising (even if she's a bit cautious to date him because of his cruelty in the past and general bloodlust). There's also a hot hookup that I didn't see coming, so there's lots to talk about this week. To get to the good, the bad, and the bloody, just keep reading.

"We Had Drunk Sex and I Feel Awful"

Tres Community — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 03:05:00 PST

This question is from a Group Therapy post in our TrèsSugar Community. Add your advice in the comments!

I had been "seeing" this guy for about three months, when it appeared to me that he really wasn't that interested in me anymore. He would always say that I worry too much but eventually admitted that "He didn't want to be in a serious relationship, but enjoyed my company and still wanted to be friends." I stupidly agreed b/c I really liked him.

Through the time we had been seeing each other, we fooled around but never actually slept together. I had told him that I didn't want to have sex unless we were committed and since he couldn't commit, we didn't let it get that far. Well...being the idiot that I am, I decided to hang out with him one weekend and go out to have drinks. He invited me to stay the night since he didn't want me driving home intoxicated, and I agreed. The deal was we'd sleep in different rooms.

Long story short . . . I drank wayyyy too much. I didn't even realize I was so drunk until the morning. I had blacked out, and woke up to find that we had sex. I apparently came on to him, very aggressively and wouldn't take no for an answer. He told me he resisted a couple of times and told me things weren't like that anymore, but I kept pushing. He also said that I was acting completely out of character and that I usually freak out about things like that, but that I was all for it. So he agreed to it.

I don't remember any of it.

Needless to say, he says he had a great time and doesn't regret it and asked that I don't regret it either. I agreed, but told him afterward that being just friends sucks for me. He says he knows, but it's all he can give me.

I feel sooooo embarrassed and ashamed for doing this. I tried so hard not to sleep with him and I suddenly get drunk one night and am all for it!? He tried contacting me a couple of days ago, but I didn't respond. Idk if I should speak to him again. I'm hurt that I let myself get into this situation and also that he agreed to sex when he knew I was acting differently. I know it takes two to tango, but I never wanted it to be this way. Now I just feel hurt, and awkward. He says everything is cool and he's not upset about it, but I feel terrible. I don't like casual sex like that . . . especially with him. I feel cheap.

What do I do? Just move on, ignore him, and forget about the whole thing or talk to him about it? Being just friends is too hard, especially when this just happened. I really like the guy, I just can't believe I let it get that far, especially when I knew he didn't want anything more than friends.

Have a dilemma of your own? Post it anonymously to Group Therapy for advice, and check out what else is happening in the TrèsSugar Community.

"I Haven't Heard From Him - Should I Leave It Alone?"

Tres Community — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 03:05:00 PST

This question is from a Group Therapy post in our TrèsSugar Community. Add your advice in the comments!

I've been talking to a guy for about three months now. At first I wasn't looking for anything, I just wanted to go on a few dates with the guy. Sex was involved, but I inserted in my mind that I could not get attached because he had just got out of a long-term relationship as well. He is the second guy I've slept with ever and having sex just like that is something I never thought I was capable of but felt comfortable doing it with him. So after an amazing night, he was such a gentlemen and swooped me off my feet and then yes, we had sex.

The problem is, after this night I couldn't help but to fall for him. I guess I'm not capable of this friends with benefits ordeal. Now that I have let down my guard, the worst happened: He completely cut me off and now I'm crushed. Unless he is a great actor, it's safe to say he enjoyed that night as well. But now I'm crushed. He hasn't texted me in over 10 days and ignored me when I texted him yesterday morning. I have a billion thoughts going through my head as to where I went wrong other than having sex too soon. I know I have to move on but should I send him one last text to tell him how I feel or just leave it alone?

Have a dilemma of your own? Post it anonymously to Group Therapy for advice, and check out what else is happening in the TrèsSugar Community.

In Defense of the Chronically Late Mom

BabyCenter — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 10:01:11 PST

We're excited to share this post from our partners at BabyCenter! Every week, we will be bringing you the best parenting and lifestyle stories from the experts at BabyCenter, including this post from Betsy Shaw about being late for school.

If I were to wear a scarlet letter it would be T.

T for tardy. T for turd ball. T for totally inept mother.

We are late for school with such alarming regularity it’s embarrassing. The last time we were on time, after a mini snowstorm that excited my children enough to urge them into their snowsuits and outside at 6:30 a.m., we got to school five minutes early to find it dark and empty. Delayed opening. I was apparently the only mother who didn’t get the memo.

Calling Charlie Brown…

Being late for school brings up a vicious brew of conflicting emotion in me. On the one hand I just don’t care. Life is short. Far too short to risk traumatizing your children with a bullwhip and terrorizing morning walkers and squirrels, not to mention my own white-knuckled children, speeding our way to school like Toad on a motorcar bender each weekday morning.

On the other hand I am ashamed, deeply embarrassed, to be “that mom.” All the other moms can do it, even the single ones. Why. Can’t. I? What’s wrong with me?

I complained about this once to a woman from South Carolina who I met on my Guatemala trip and she told me her school started at 7:30. She also made it clear her kids were never late.

Never late.

Keep reading for more of Betsy's reasoning for being late.