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Live Blogging the 2009 Oscars!

BuzzSugar — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 21:02:06 PST

The 81st annual Academy Awards have come and gone, and the winners are off to their parties, but it's not too late to join the celebration here on BuzzSugar! All through Oscar night, I gave my play-by-play right here, along with live-Twittering updates from the press room with Pop and Molly by my side. Want to see what I was thinking as the show went on? Just read on. All time stamps are PST, and the updates go from last to first. Let's go!

9:00 p.m. And that's our show! A little confused that they closed on an image of G-Force, which appears to be an animated film about a gerbil. But hey, there were glimpses of Amelia and Sherlock Holmes in there, too. Maybe we'll be seeing some of them this time next year.

8:55 p.m.: "Mad love" is a really good term for what I'm feeling right now. I'm not sure if it's being in LA or what, but I'm just overwhelmed.

8:54 p.m.: I just screamed out loud. So happy for Slumdog! And look at the littlest kid! Maybe someday someone will wade through poo to get his autograph.

8:44 p.m.: And in the final round of Penn vs. Rourke, Penn takes it! Does this still qualify as an upset?

8:42 p.m.: Somehow, Ben Kingsley giving a tribute to Mickey Rourke seems like the best pairing out of all of these.

8:35 p.m.: "I think we all can't believe we were in a category with Meryl Streep at all!" - Kate Winslet

8:34 p.m. Kate's dad has a sharp whistle and a sharper hat!

8:33 p.m.: Kate Winslet says she probably gave a version of her acceptance speech as an 8-year-old staring into her bathroom mirror and pretending her shampoo bottle was an Oscar.

For my earlier updates, just

8:28 p.m.: I admit, watching the Best Actress nominees react to their tributes is winning me over. But would these kinds of intimate speeches be better at something like the Screen Actors Guild awards?

8:26 p.m.: This explains why Sophia Loren was on the red carpet.

8:21 p.m.: Danny Boyle accepting his Oscar "in the spirit of Tigger from Winnie the Pooh" is my new favorite moment of the night. I hope he bounces in the press room!

8:20 p.m.: Is it bad that I kind of forgot the entire frame of this year's Oscars was "Let's look at all the pieces that go into making a movie"?

8:15 p.m.: I'm surprised at Queen Latifah singing during the In Memoriam montage. Maybe it was more effective in person?

8:07 p.m.: Is this foreign film winner the night's first big surprise?

8:00 p.m.: Hmm, did Peter Gabriel make the right decision not to perform? The short time slot may not have done his song much justice, but I'm not sure John Legend did, either.

7:56 p.m. I wish AR Rahman were singing right now with his Oscar in hand.

7:54 p.m.: After a lull, Slumdog wins for score. Even though it means I'm down one on my ballot, I can't be too sad; I've been listening to the soundtrack nonstop.

7:42 p.m.: To my earlier point, it's now official: Coldplay is the new U2.

7:38 p.m.: I'm beginning to feel exhausted by the pacing of this show. It's like, here's a bunch of awards in three minutes! And then 10 minutes spent on one award! And then a production number!

7:34 p.m.: I think that sound mixer from Slumdog Millionaire just gave my favorite acceptance speech of the night so far.

7:32 p.m.: I have to admit, I still don't really know the difference between sound editing and sound mixing. Even so: How does Wall-E not win a sound award?

7:26 p.m. Heh, love Will Smith rhapsodizing about how visual effects masters can "take Brad Pitt and turn him into a garden gnome."

7:18 p.m.: Is that the first Oscar acceptance speech to include magic tricks? Philippe Petit balancing the Oscar on his chin was a pretty good move.

7:14 p.m.: It seems awkward to have Bill Maher presenting the documentary award in a year in which he created a documentary that didn't get nominated.

7:11 p.m.: "Tonight we are choosing to celebrate and be happy for what he has achieved," said Ledger's mom. "We proudly accept this award on behalf of your beautiful Matilda," his sister added. A powerful moment.

7:08 p.m.: I assumed Christopher Nolan would be accepting Heath Ledger's award as he had at other awards ceremonies; it gave me chills when his family stood up. I can't even imagine what a bittersweet moment this must be for them.

7:03 p.m.: These tributes from past Oscar winners kind of remind me of secret society inductions - like on Greek when they have all sorts of odd candle rituals. I expect an anointing at the end.

6:56 p.m. And cue Efron! OK, this is impressive in scale, but is this why we're not getting to hear all of the Best Original Song nominees in full? I think I'd prefer a "Jai Ho" production number.

6:53 p.m.: Time for more singing. That's a lot of tuxedoed men! And Beyonce! It's like the Tony Awards, but with movie stars . . . and an audience.

6:43 p.m.: Wow, it's Pineapple Express at the Oscars. Is stoner humor part of their plan to draw in the young'ns? "Who do you think is a better actor: Ronald Reagan or Barack Obama?" "That's Robert Downey Jr., man."

6:32 p.m.: I hate to burst Ben Stiller's bubble, but the Independent Spirit Awards totally got to that particular Joaquin Phoenix joke first.

6:27 p.m.: Speaking of which, has Coldplay officially replaced U2 as the official band of cinematic montages? Discuss.

6:26 p.m.: With all these montages, I'm getting a little confused about why we're only getting a medley of the three nominated songs.

6:24 p.m.: They're really racing through this batch of visual and technical awards, aren't they? Especially compared to how things started with Best Supporting Actress.

6:17 p.m.: And Benjamin Button gets its first award of the night. I honestly wouldn't be shocked if it sweeps all the visual categories.

6:11 p.m.: Things I never thought I'd hear at the Oscars: "Domo arigato, Mr. Roboto."

6:08 p.m.: Love that Andrew Stanton actually played Barnaby in Hello, Dolly!

6:04 p.m.: The whole press room gave a big audience reaction when they cut to Angelina and Brad during Jennifer Aniston's presentation. Like, "Oohhhhhh!" Yikes.

6:02 p.m.: "The moon, the South Pole, the Miss World podium, and here": the places where Best Original Screenplay winner and Slumdog Millionaire writer Simon Beaufoy never imagined standing.

5:59 p.m.: Also: First time I'm weeping tonight. Done.

5:58 p.m.: Dustin Lance Black is trying so hard to hold it together while accepting this award. What a sweet speech.

5:56 p.m.: Never fear, Tina Fey is here! With Steve Martin, to boot - and doing a kind of cool intro for the Best Original Screenplay category.

5:48 p.m.: After the longest intro ever, we have our first winner: Penelope Cruz! I suppose that means the leaked "winners list" is officially false, because it had Amy Adams.

5:45 p.m.: Was that a Sister Act joke, Whoopi? Hahaha! Wow.

5:41 p.m.: First technical difficulty: Did a producer just yell "Open it!!" to those black curtains?

5:40 p.m.: Ha! The press room just burst into applause at Jackman's "I'm Wolverine!"

5:38 p.m.: "I'm Woool-verrr-innne!" Also, can I have one of those fold-up cardboard Oscars for my room?

5:35 p.m.: Wow, I wouldn't have pegged Anne Hathaway as the star most likely to join Hugh up there, but that sad-face Nixon pose? Pretty hilarious.

5:32 p.m.: Less than 90 seconds to singing Hugh! Nice. Is there anything hotter than Hugh Jackman serenading Kate Winslet about poo?

5:30 p.m.: And it's time for our new-look Oscars! No nonsense, just straight to Hugh Jackman in a tux.

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Live Blogging the 2008 Oscars!

BuzzSugar — Sun, 24 Feb 2008 20:53:18 PST

The 2008 Oscars are now history, but throughout Sunday's ceremony, I live-blogged some of the highlights, dull spots, and sweetest moments of the night. Read on to see what I made of the ceremony as it was happening - and share your thoughts in the comments! (All time stamps PST, last entry first.)

8:52 p.m.: So, No Country for Old Men is the 80th Best Picture, the Coens took home a couple of twin statuettes, several of the year's best performances got their due - I'm pretty pleased with this year's awards. You?

8:48 p.m.: And, that's it! Only 18 minutes over, with just credits left to go - well played, Stewart.

8:46 p.m.: And No Country takes it! This really was their night. Oh, wow, and Cormac McCarthy is there!

8:45 p.m.: OK, this one's for all the marbles . . .

8:43 p.m.: I'm so torn: On the one hand, I'm disappointed that Diving Bell and the Butterfly will be shut out tonight; I thought Schnabel was a lock for Best Director. On the other hand, the Coens are wonderful. And Frances McDormand looked so pleased!

8:35 p.m.: Daniel Day-Lewis got an Oscar and a near-knighthood. Pretty good for one night, eh? It always amazes me how little he seems like any of his characters - very sweet and gracious, not brooding at all.

8:31 p.m.: Helen Mirren is just the very embodiment of classiness. I want to be Helen Mirren when I grow up!

Lots more, so

8:29 p.m.: My official ending time prediction: 8:52 p.m. PST. We'll see, though; they really do seem to be picking up the pace now.

8:25 p.m.: I'll be honest, I would have been happy with a lot of the Best Original Screenplay nominees winning. But Diablo Cody winning is just wonderful - and the way she grabbed Ellen Page's hands just there? The sweetest! Wow, what an emotional moment for her. I wonder if she was just trying to get offstage before she totally lost it?

8:22 p.m.: Supposedly, the Oscars will end in eight minutes. That's clearly not happening, so I'm taking predictions: What time will this year's ceremony end? Leave your bets in the comments!

8:13 p.m.: I am loving how happy this one Freeheld director is with her award! Sometimes I think the Oscars are just old hat for everyone in Hollywood, and then we get a moment like that.

8:08 p.m.: Whether or not that was Amy Adams dancing during that last Enchanted song, she certainly has had to work for her supper tonight, huh?

7:57 p.m.: Aw, there's Marketa's moment! Thank you, Jon Stewart. You are truly a mensch. And my hero.

7:50 p.m.: OK, all you Once fans, let's hear it! "What are we doing here? This is mad!" Also: Come on, Oscars, let her talk!

7:48 p.m.: And in waltzes John Travolta! Oh, John, you are not that dashing.

7:43 p.m.: I already really wanted to see The Counterfeiters, but this really seals the deal. Also, just gotta say, I love the array of accents on the stage tonight - is this one of the most international Oscars ever?

7:33 p.m.: I was going to say something nice earlier about how the pacing of this year's Oscars felt so much better than normal, but I might have to take that back. We've clearly entered the notorious dead spot - not even presenting Best Actress way early can prevent it. However, the actors in the room really do seem moved by the honorary Oscar presentation. Or maybe they're just paid to look like that.

7:24 p.m.: And, now we're listing 79 movies. Bathroom break!

7:14 p.m.: Wow, Marion Cotillard is adorable! Thanking "life" and "love" and "there are angels in this city" . . . aw, guys, I think I'm going to cry now! What a lovely speech. (Also, not to brag, but I so called that!)

7:08 p.m.: This is usually the deadest hour for the Oscars, so far be it from me to complain, but this seems a little soon for Best Actress, no?

7:03 p.m.: Well, that "and the baby goes to . . . " faux-ceremony was a little awkward, eh? Also disappointing: Jonah Hill and Seth Rogen's bit. Man, I thought they'd be funnier.

6:54 p.m.: Oh, so now I get all the old people in costumes hanging out backstage - they're all extras for "That's How You Know." Also, if somehow Kristin Chenoweth and Amy Adams could do a duet for one of these songs, I think my brain would burst from the cuteness.

6:48 p.m.: Sheesh, the Best Adapted Screenplay category was such a toughie this year - so many of the year's best movies in one little package. I thought it would be Atonement, but I certainly can't fault the Coens' work. Also, I always forget which Coen is which - is Joel the tall one?

6:38 p.m.: Wow! There's our first big upset of the night: Tilda Swinton for Best Supporting Actress. I truly didn't see that coming. And neither did she! That was some genuine shock, right there. And now we know her agent has the butt of an Oscar, so there's that.

6:32 p.m.: Seriously, how great do all the animated shorts look this year? And is that a Peter and the Wolf doll up on stage to accept the award along with the filmmakers?

6:31 p.m.: Um, this Bee Movie tribute to bees is seriously making me long for some more binoculars and periscopes.

6:23 p.m.: Oscars Salute to Binoculars and Periscopes! That almost made me spit soda, right there.

6:18 p.m.: And it's Javier Bardem! No big upsets there, but I think it's the right call - his performance still gives me chills. Aw, and he spoke Spanish for his mama!

6:16 p.m.: Finally, our first big award - Best Supporting Actor, just 46 minutes in.

6:12 p.m.: Yay for Sweeney Todd in the Best Art Direction category - I think that's well-deserved. And I think a number of you will agree!

6:01 p.m.: Amy Adams is adorable as anything, and she looks great, and her voice is wonderful, but this song just isn't the same without rats and termites jumping around. On second thought, maybe it's good that they skipped the termites.

5:58 p.m.: If only all acceptance speeches would follow the model of the La Vie en Rose makeup artists' speech: "I'm proud to be here with you. Bye."

5:57 p.m.: Wow, Katherine Heigl's voice is shaking! I can't believe how nervous she seems.

5:55 p.m.: I don't think I'll ever get sick of Jon Stewart and Steve Carell interacting. They're cute, those two. Also: Yay for Ratatouille!

5:51 p.m.: Great, now "My Heart Will Go On" will be stuck in my head all night. Thanks a lot, Oscars. Is that really the best way to celebrate 80 years of great cinema?

5:48 p.m.: George Clooney's on stage - I guess that means it's really the Oscars now!

5:43 p.m.: Huh, so Best Costumes come first this year – I always expect a supporting acting award this early. Anyway, Elizabeth: The Golden Age won, and I'm 1 for 1 on my ballot. You?

5:41 p.m.: I wonder if the Oscars are mad that the Independent Spirit Awards got to the "we're green so Ed Begley Jr. is powering our show via bicycle" joke before they could use it.

5:36 p.m. Jon on Norbit's nomination: "Too often, the Academy ignores movies that aren't good." Seriously, how preposterous is it that now and forever, they'll be able to market that movie as "the Oscar-nominated Norbit"?

5:33 p.m.: First chuckle courtesy of Jon Stewart: He just described the Oscars as post-writers' strike makeup sex.

5:30 p.m.: And we're off, with a crazy animated montage of movie moments - John Travolta dancing, Mary Poppins flying in. Man, am I glad I have HD right now.

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Lil Links: How Do You Decide to Add Another Baby to the Family?

Rebecca M Gruber — Fri, 25 May 2012 05:32:19 PDT

Is three children one too many? - BabyCenter Blog
Sienna Miller shows off her boho-chic bump - Celebrity Baby Scoop
16 reasons to live like a 2-year-old - HuffPost Parents
Jillian Michaels says adoption is a calling - Celebrity Baby Blog
The pros and cons of common labor and delivery positions - FitPregnancy
The best baby travel gear - Parenting
9 cute headbands for baby girls - The Bump
Should this little girl's hair bow have been banned from school? - Yahoo! Shine
6 mom-approved movies for grade-school kids - Circle of Moms
How to cut your kids' hair at home - LearnVest
Custom birthday books moms and kids will love - Cool Mom Picks

9 Ways to Earn Extra Cash When Money Is Tight

Wise Bread — Thu, 24 May 2012 11:51:58 PDT

I'm sure everyone can do with a little more cash in their wallets. Here are some great suggestions by Wise Bread for you to make extra money.

Even though I'm self-employed full-time, I'm always looking for new and exciting ways to make more money.

Earlier this year, I wrote a Wise Bread post on websites that can help you earn extra cash. More recently, I came across a blog post on Zaarly titled, "10 Ways to Make Money Without a Job." After reviewing the latter post, I thought it was time to revisit the topic and let you in on a few more ways to get paid.

The ideas that Zaarly presents are perfect for the unemployed or those who just want to pad their pockets a little more. In addition, there are moonlighting jobs that I do that I thought you should know about. Thus, if you're without a steady paycheck or you just want to build up a rainy-day stash, here are some of your options.

1. Offer Experiences to Strangers

I recently learned about a new site called Vayable, which allows people with specialized knowledge and talents, local info, and time on their hands to create experiences that others can purchase. It's basically a touring and activity company without the company. Anyone can join the site and set up an experience. For instance, the Kan Brothers offer motorcycle tours of San Francisco - which include helmet rental, a drink at a local hot spot, and a city map - for two to four people at $75 per person. In New York City, Kim G. is offering a personalized painting lesson for groups of two to six for a flat rate of $300; the experience includes acrylic paints; canvas board and supplies; studio space; wine, cheese, and crackers; and Kim’s undivided attention. Consider this tip if you're interested in joining Vayable: Browse the site to see what other people in your area are offering. By creating a unique experience that no one else has established, you have a better chance of getting booked.

Read on for more.

Lease Leonardo DiCaprio's Malibu Beach House This Summer - For $150K a Month

Elka Karl — Mon, 21 May 2012 11:03:03 PDT

Sure, it may be some serious cash, but dedicated fans may find the price of admission worth it if they can live in Leonardo DiCaprio's Malibu beach house this Summer. Recently updated and ready for Summer parties, this seven-bedroom compound - it includes a main house, loft, and guest cottage - is perfect for hosting friends and family.

The listing reads:

Just completed a beautiful remodel in time for Summer! Unique property has a 4-bedroom main house on ocean front, a two bedroom detached guest house, and a third detached loft with gym, Media room, seventh bedroom, office area. The short term rate - less than 6 months is $150,000/month. Beautiful gardens and lawns very unique to the beach front!

For more information on DiCaprio's other properties, and how you can rent this property for less, check out Trulia's blog. To take a closer look at the property, just keep clicking!

Leonardo DiCaprio photos courtesy Getty

Real estate photos courtesy Arete Estates

An Eloise-Inspired Hotel Birthday Bonanza

Lisa Horten — Fri, 11 May 2012 14:53:07 PDT

When True requested a hotel stay for her sixth birthday, mom Rubyellen was more than happy to oblige. "This idea of hers was inspired by her favorite book character, Eloise, who is six and lives at the Plaza Hotel," the crafty mama said. The mastermind behind Cakies, a gorgeous blog focused on DIY projects, family happenings, and incredible photographs, Rubyellen was sure to make the family outing extraspecial.

"We also asked her if she wanted a party and she said, 'Yes, just the six of us.' Other requests she had were swimming, watching My Little Pony in the room, and a vegetable cake. You shake up all the little requests she had in a box and this is what we came up with," Rubyellen said. Click through and enjoy the offbeat, bright birthday bash!

Did Justin Bieber Bomb on The Voice?

Katie Henry — Wed, 09 May 2012 12:52:43 PDT

Did Justin Bieber disappoint with his live performance on The Voice? - Zap2it
Check out Snooki's makeunder - Jezebel
Tom Hanks is heading to Broadway - HuffPost Entertainment
John Travolta's lawyer calls accusations "absurd and ridiculous" - People
Will Smith has a history of animated premiere appearances - Lainey Gossip
Will Alaric be killed on The Vampire Diaries season finale? - BuddyTV
Linda Evangelista isn't getting $46K a month in child support - D-Listed
Brooklyn Decker talks about being snotty - JustJared
Everything you need to know about the Christina Aguilera and Tony Lucca feud - BuzzFeed
Dakota Fanning flashes her midriff - Hollywood Tuna
See the first images of Lindsay Lohan on Glee - Pink Is the New Blog
Ian Somerhalder is an iPhone trendsetter - The Superficial
Find out what Shaq and Natalie Portman have in common - The Daily Beast
AnnaLynne McCord goes nude on Twitter - The Blemish
Carmen Electra babysits in a bikini - TooFab

Details on Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds's Family Dinner in Canada

Lauren Turner — Tue, 08 May 2012 12:42:43 PDT

Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds dine with family in Vancouver - People
Why Rihanna doesn't get enough credit for her fashion sense - Lainey Gossip
How Justin Bieber has already started celebrating Mother's Day - HuffPost Entertainment
Julianne Hough bounces around in a bikini - Hollywood Tuna
How Gwyneth Paltrow helped Courtney Love lose weight - D-Listed
Andrew Garfield talks about his Spider-Man dream - JustJared
Listen to Jon Hamm freestyle rap - BuzzFeed
What do you think of Kate Beckinsale's hilarious political video? - The Frisky
Dustin Hoffman's good deed saves a man's life - Pink Is the New Blog
Did something happen between Alexander Skarsgard and Rihanna? - The Superficial
Meet the woman behind New Girl - The Daily Beast
Chris Colfer and Cory Monteith spill Glee details - Zap2it
Who wins in a bikini battle between Kim Kardashian and Halle Berry? - TooFab

Should There Be a War on Makeup For Little Girls?

BabyCenter — Wed, 02 May 2012 10:57:47 PDT

Here's a post from our partners at BabyCenter! Every week, we bring you the best parenting and lifestyle stories from the experts at BabyCenter, including this post from Betsy Shaw about kids and makeup.

Hope Perlman survived the moment of mothering girls I dread. In her post for NY Times' Motherlode, she relays the day her 13-year-old daughter begged to be allowed to wear makeup to a party.

After much soul searching – Perlman occasionally wears makeup herself – and lecturing, she said yes. She describes her rationale here:

"I wanted her to fit in, because I know fitting in is what middle school is about. But what, exactly, was she starting to fit into? The role of the teenager tortured by her failure to live up to a magazine picture? I'd been that teenager, with a picture of a model taped to my bedroom mirror. It wasn't what I wanted for my child."

So she acquiesced. But not before letting her know exactly what she thought about the message, so aggressively delivered by a male-dominated advertising industry, that girls and women need to paint themselves, cover their skin with lotions and potions, to be beautiful and feminine.

"So that's how I allowed my daughter to start wearing makeup," Perlman says at the end of her essay, "I gave her permission - along with a large and cumbersome bag of guilt. The personal is political. Better remember that. Here's your mascara, honey. And your burden of awareness. Enjoy!"

I relate to Perlman’s story: When my daughter first sensed I had "issues" with makeup, she was about four years old. She asked me to get her a makeup kit, like the one her little friend Hanna got for being a flower girl, and I refused.

"Why not?" she pouted.

Instead of simply saying "because I said so," I treated her to a verbal tirade of stinging righteousness that came from an apparently conflicted place inside of me.

Keep reading for more of the story.

Fifty Shades of Grey, Fight Club, and the Complications of Male Dominance

The Good Men Project — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 02:00:55 PDT

We're happy to present this story from one of our favorite sites, The Good Men Project. Clarisse Thorn sees nothing new in eroticized images of male dominance and violence, but she sees plenty that's thought-provoking.

Much is being made of the highly successful S&M erotica novel 50 Shades of Grey. People are blaming feminism for making women into submissives, blaming feminism for preventing women from being submissives, blaming women for having sexual desires at all, and a whole lot of other boring and typical stuff that comes up in any conversation about women and S&M. News flash: it’s not the feminist revolution that is "causing" women to have fantasies of submission. S&M fantasies have been around since the beginning of time. (And the 1950s S&M-sensation book, The Story of O, was much better written than 50 Shades of Grey.)

Top 10 Reasons to Use Condoms

As an S&M writer, I hear a lot of allegations about how "all" (or "almost all") women are sexually submissive and how this must Mean Something. This is echoed in the coverage of 50 Shades of Grey, in which everyone is demanding to know What It All Means About Women. I wrote a piece a while back called Inherent Female Submission: The Wrong Question, in which I took on a lot of this stuff. But there’s another submerged question here - about men. There’s plenty of talk and stereotypes about how men are inherently violent, or more aggressive than women, or "the dominant sex."

Keep reading below.