BANTER BLENDER #99: Ray Rice, Taylor Swift, Joan Rivers, and ‘Utopia’

Writer Jessica Ogilvie (Playboy) returns to the Banter Blender podcast to discuss the latest events in a summer of craziness. We start with Ray Rice and the larger question of can bad behavior ever be forgiven? This leads to discussion of Chris Brown and Michael Vick before eventually landing on the most pressing debate of …

BANTER WITH BEN AND LISA #64: Miley, Gaga, and the VMAs

This week, Ben Mandelker (bsideblog.com) and Lisa Timmons (socialitelife.com) take on MTV’s annual display of craziness: the VMAs! We tackle everything from Miley’s twerking to Gaga’s wigging out. Plus, the much-hyped NSYNC reunion, Macklemore’s J-Hud moment, and Katy Perry’s time in the ring. Come listen!

Watch a Sweet Rendition of ‘Teenage Dream’

YouTube covers of pop songs are a dime a dozen, but every now and then, one sticks out from the fray. Case in point: the above cover of Katy Perry’s hit “Teenage Dream,” this time reimagined by Jussie Smollett and singers Chia and Gaby. What can I say? It’s charming.

GRAMMYS PHOTOCAP: Edgy Performances, Safe Wins

In case you didn’t hear, The GRAMMYS aired last night, and it was pretty much the same thing as every year: tons of megawatt performances, about four awards, and lots of disappointment. Once again, the old fogies ruled the day, letting pleasant but forgettable tunes like “Need You Now” win out over edgier material over …