Let It Be

Justin Bieber covers famous Beatles song

Each year while Americans throughout the country are waiting impatiently to watch the ball drop on New Years Eve, big-name celebrities such as J.Lo and Lady Gaga perform live for our entertainment. Through the years, there have been many wonderful performances and many other not so wonderful ones. But when I heard the news that the well-known teen star Justin Bieber covered Let It Be by The Beatles, I was astonished to say the least. And certainly not in the good way.

I was actually just talking to my mom about that the other day, and she didn't refrain from making a few snarky comments such as, "Shouldn't he wait 'til his voice changes before trying that song?" and "I really hope Paul McCartney was watching that.". Now struck with curiosity, I watched the cover on Youtube. Needless to say, I agreed with everything my mother said. I'm never was a Justin Bieber fan or "belieber", though I had nothing against his music. Now I do.

Justin: I'm "speaking words of wisdom", you should have just "let it be".

Teen gets 21 years for killing gay peer

Teen from California killed a gay peer

Brandon McInerney(17) killed Lawrence King when he was meerly 14 years old and King was 15. Using a handgun at point blank range, he shot him twice in the head. Friends of the boys said that King was proud and unashamed of being openly gay, and had probably developed a little crush on McInerney. McInerney had brought the handgun to school, and proceeded to take the life of the young boy. 

It appals me that at 14 years old, someone could have so much disdain toward a certain person enough so to just take his life away. People shouldn't be judged for their sexuallity, let alone killed on account of it. McInerny is now facing 21 years of jail time for this, but I feel it isn't enough. No amount of time behind bars could compensate for taking another being off of this Earth with such awful intentions of doing so.  

Ke$ha Covers Bob Dylan

And surprisingly, it wasn't bad.

Usually when pop icons such as Ke$ha attempt to sing covers of songs like Bob Dylan's "Don't Think Twice, It's Alright", they end up becomming the laughing stock of the media. Well amazingly, that isn't the case this time around. Ke$ha did Dylan justice in my opinion with her airy, emotional, and actually un-autotuned redition of the hit song.

Most people seem to be unwilling to accept the fact that Ke$ha may actually have talent, due to how she portrays herself and the image she gives the media throughout her music and attire. That image is one of the typical "party girl" (booze, boys, gettin' messy, and tons of glitter). So yeah, I understand why people are cautious to change their opinion of this girl who likes to "run this town just like a club". Upon doing a little research on her, I found some orginal songs (before she discovered autotune) that I actually do enjoy. The two favorites I stumbled upon are "Goodbye" and "I'm The One", which both highlight the fact that she really does have an impressive voice. "Goodbye" is a heartfelt slow song about how distance really can play a part on two lovers, while "I'm The One" is more of a country song with a beautiful Taylor Swift-esque feel to it. Personally, I'm really glad this cover of "Don't Think Twice, It's Alright" came out. Maybe it will change the way society views this newer pop icon. Then again, maybe not... Ke$ha's just going to keep us guessing as to who she really is, I suppose.

Teen Mom?

Teen Mom

The somewhat new MTV series Teen Mom documents the lives of a few selected teenage parents through their trial and error way of living. The show is a spinoff of 16 and Pregnant, which is basically the same show, but documenting the earlier stages of the pregnancy and directly after the birth of their child. Teen Mom shows how the parents’ lives have changed and are still currently changing with a new child in their hands. But in many people’s opinions (such as mine), this show seems to glorify teen pregnancy and in a sense sends a message to young people that teen pregnancy isn’t a big deal.

So why do people watch it? Personally I can't stand watching shows like that, because they're unrealistic. If I would become pregnant at 17 years old, my father would kick me out without a second thought. The parents on the show are supportive, but would they be if the cameras weren't in their face? Not so much, I'm sure. People watch these teens "struggle" because they apparantly think that their hardships are interesting. I still don't see it though. Children need to be raised in a loving enviornment, and that enviornment isn't under the glare of cameras and bright lights.

Miley Cyrus...why?

Miley's at it again, folks.

I'm sure many of you remember how much of a commotion Miley Cyrus stirred up when the short video showing her taking a hit of salvia from a bong went viral last year. Well, Miley keeps on outdoing herself it seems. The video this time around is from Miley's "private" 19th birthday party, where Kelly Osbourne presented her with a cake adorning an image of Bob Marley's face on it. Now, honestly that isn't a big deal at all. Marley's amazing. But it's what Cyrus said about the cake that is making waves now.

Miley stated the following about the cake, “You know you’re a stoner when your friends make you a Bob Marley cake.You know you smoke way too much f***ing weed.” The company she said this in front of was also including her parents, Billy Ray and Tish Cyrus, claims The Daily newspaper. Kelly then joked, "I thought salvia was your problem, Miley." After the video began showing up everywhere, Osbourne immediatley defended Cyrus on Twitter by saying, “let me make something very clear after @MileyCyrus salvia incident we started calling her bob miley as a JOKE! the cake was also…A JOKE! it makes me sick that @MileyCyrus so called ‘friends’ would sell her out and lead people 2 believe she is someone that she is not!” And yes, while I understand that Miley didn't come out and directly say she was a stoner or was smoking "too much weed", that is certainly what the media is getting from this. As someone who is in the spotlight so often, Miley really needs to start thinking of the consequences that her actions (and even words now) will bring upon her.

Forced Resignation

Ravenstahl forces Harris to step down as chairman of Pittsburgh Promise

Pittsburgh Mayor Luke Ravenstahl initiated the call for Steeler great Franco Harris to step down as chair of the board of the Pittsburgh Promise scholarship program, the mayor's spokeswoman said. Ravenstahl sent Harris a letter stating this, and the reason? He supported Joe Paterno.

 

In a written response to the Ravenstahl letter, Harris said it is "distressing" that his public support of Paterno has led to his dismissal as spokesman for the Meadows Racetrack and Casino (which also happened) and to Ravenstahl telling him to step down from the Pittsburgh Promise board. Personally, I see this as a direct violation of the 1st Amendment. Anyone ever hear of freedom of speech? Yeah. I've got Harris's back on this one.

Paterno Fired Through Phone Call

64 Years Later

Former Penn State football coach of 64 years, Joe Paterno, was fired through phone call recently due to the Sandusky child abuse scandal. After hearing news of the firing, Paterno released a statement, saying: "I am disappointed with the Board of Trustees' decision, but I have to accept it. A tragedy occurred, and we all have to have patience to let the legal process proceed. I appreciate the outpouring of support but want to emphasize that everyone should remain calm and please respect the university, its property and all that we value." Well personally, I'm more than a little disappointed with the Board of Trustees' descision.

Through the 64 years that Paterno has been coaching, he also put millions of dollars toward improving Penn State in general. One of the lowest paid college football coaches gave the school a 10 million dollar library, and this is how he gets thanked? Legally, Paterno did nothing unlawful. He did what he had to do, and the people he alerted should have done more. But instead, the Board decided to fire Paterno through a phone call, of all ways. I feel like they should have let the 84 year old man who put so much time and effort toward Penn State's team to finish the season quietly and retire with a little dignity.