Boogie Nights DVD

Though initially it hit screens through limited release, Boogie Nights went on to make millions at the box office, snag several awards and nominations, including three Academy Award nominations, introduce some of today’s biggest stars, and establish itself as a fan favorite and cult classic. Don’t miss out on the chance to relive the drama, comedy, and history, get your copy of Boogie Nights on DVD.

The Film

Written and directed by Paul Thomas Anderson in 1997, Boogie Nights is set during the “Golden Age of Porn”, in southern California. Mark Wahlberg plays Dirk Diggler, a high school dropout and male prostitute who works as a dishwasher in a nightclub. He is discovered by a porn producer, played by Burt Reynolds, who goes on to cast him in several films alongside porn actress “Rollergirl” (played by Heather Graham), and Dirk’s best friend, Reed Rothchild (played by John C. Reily). The film follows Dirk Digger’s road to riches and success, followed by his inevitable downward spiral back to reality.

Critical Acclaim

Boogie Nights made an overall total of $43,101,594 at the box office, and it was highly acclaimed. It still holds that high standard, with a 92% positive reviews rating on the site Rotten Tomatoes. The film is praised for addressing the true nature of the porn business, while using a humorous yet realistic and complex approach. The film also earned Anderson the title of a “true storyteller” from the Los Angeles Times. If you haven’t seen the film Boogie Nights, then you have probably heard of it. It has fans spanning across all age groups, and it has appeal amongst drama and comedy lovers alike. Maybe you were too young for an R rating back in 1997, but now is your chance to go get yourself a Boogie Nights DVD copy and join the club!

Tags: dvd, movie

Rikers Island: Jailhouse to the Stars

Riders Island has been home to many celebrity inmates. That's not surprising, given the sheer number of people who live in New York City, but the names of the famous and the nature of their experiences are etched into Riker's Island lore. Bear in mind that these were famous people who found themselves on the business end of the legal systems. Whatever the outcome of their cases, they had more to work with than an underpaid, exhausted public defender.

The Power of Privilege

One of the more recent high-profile tenants at New York City's main jail complex was rapper/artist Dwayne Carter - better known as Li'l Wayne. Convicted of a gun charge, he was remanded to Rikers Island to serve an eight-month sentence. He may not have enjoyed the perks of privilege, but he certainly received them. A Village Voice article reported that Carter had food brought into him from restaurants, that he was allowed longer visitation periods and that jail staff tipped him off as to searches so he would not be caught with such innocuous contraband as an mp3 player and headphones.

From Football to the Big House

Another fallen star that came through Rikers Island was New York Giants football player Plaxico Burress, who was sentenced to a two-year term after shooting himself in the leg with his own Glock while partying at a Midtown nightclub. Only there for a one-night stay on his way to Ulster Correctional Facility, Burress was subjected to obscenities and derision by Rikers Island's hard-bitten inmates. "He was depressed," a guard told the New York Post. "He was trying to keep to himself, but everyone was yelling at him."

Foxy Brown has been a guest, and Tupac Shakur also took up residence there, but the most infamous and tragic figure to have been housed at Rikers Island was punk-rock star Sid Vicious, bassist of the Sex Pistols. He spent 55 days at the complex while awaiting trial for the death of his girlfriend, Nancy Spungen. The day after he was released on bond, he died of a heroin overdose, joining his lover in the afterlife.

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“The Biggest Loser”- America’s Favorite Weight Loss Challenge

How did they do it? How did NBC get America hooked on a show about morbidly obese people? I mean really, who needs that? Apparently, we do.

Is Watching T.B.L. Morally Uplifting?

Watching those poor, unfortunate souls struggle through excruciating challenges, being away from their families, giving up their favorite foods… ugh; it’s just too much. Then you grow to really like one of them, only to have that person voted off. Come on, Alison, step in there and stop the madness. The happy endings are, of course, the best. Who didn’t absolutely love the Season 10 Finale? There wasn’t a dry eye in my living room when Patrick won. It was heart wrenching enough when all the contestants got together and gave him the car. You had to feel for the guy; a great family, lost his job, weight out of control, it was a true Cinderella story.

Or, is Watching T.B.L. Like Driving Past a Car Accident? You Have to Look.

It happens all the time; you’re driving down the street and on the side of the road is a car accident. Even if you are faint of heart, what do you do? You slow down and practically break your neck, or get into an accident yourself, trying to see the gore. It’s not that you want to see someone’s head rolling across the asphalt, you just can’t help it. Maybe watching these huge contestants is like that. You can’t not look!

Personally, I know that I feel uplifted at the end of each show, and that it’s helped a lot of people who ordinarily might not have taken the initiative to get out there and do something about their weight. Bob and Jillian (though I hear she’s leaving, and that will take a lot of the goodness out of the show for me) have inspired generations of overweight Americans. Thanks guys. We love you for it.

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Tags: biggest loser, weight loss

The Future of Rafael Benitez

Former Liverpool and Inter Milan football coach Rafael Benitez has had a long and storied career, and it's not likely to be over anytime soon. The fiery Benitez (known as "Rafa") may have a reputation for being difficult to deal with, but the results on the field cannot be argued with - his Inter Milan team, after all, won the FIFA Club World Cup shortly before he was dismissed.

An Impressive Resume

Players respect Benitez for myriad reasons. Foremost is the fact that he was a player, a midfielder on two Italian football clubs. Consider, too, that his tirades have always been directed at the club's manager in defense of the players he has on the team. The fact that he's a proven winner doesn't hurt when it comes to getting a response out of well-paid grown men with egos as big as their paychecks. While he may not be the warmest and fuzziest man on the sidelines, his calm demeanor and tactical prowess have given the players what they really want - victories.

Time Off

Right now Rafael Benitez enjoys being a husband and father. At the relatively young age of 50, he certainly has the energy and passion to coach football again. WIth the revolving-door nature of European football coaches, he's bound to get another chance, even if some owners may not appreciate his willingness to stand up for himself. Fluent in Italian, Spanish and English, "Rafa" can both read and write the ticket to his next destination.

If European bookies are to be believed, it will be in Spain, but his return to his Liverpool home has England abuzz with rumors of a Benitez comeback. At this point in time, all of his options make perfectly good sense.

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Tags: Football, soccer

Don’t Let a Hideous Mole Keep You From Being Fabulous

You’ve probably got at least one mole or know someone who has. I, myself, have several as well as a few freckles. These types of spots and skin irregularities are perfectly normal. Many people are born with them and many more will develop them over their lifetime. The only way that they can become a health concern is if they show signs of growth or change—an evolving mole can be one of the first recognizable signs of skin cancer. Most moles will never change, however, instead they will simply be a part of you. They, like your blue eyes, will simply render you unique and attractive.

What Are Moles?

Moles, which are actually clusters of pigment producing skin cells that are normally spread through the dermis, are a common skin marker. The ones that you are born with are known as congenital nevi. They occur in about one in one hundred people. The type to watch out for are dysplastic nevi, which are irregular in shape and larger than average. These moles are much more likely to develop into a melanoma and should be watched for that reason. Still most moles are not dangerous and either way, there are ways for you to deal with them.

Treating Moles

If you find that you would like to get rid of your moles, either because of health concerns or for cosmetic reasons, all you need to do is talk to your dermatologist. Commonly, skin moles that become a problem for any reason are simply removed. It is a very basic and safe procedure and if you have any concerns about cancer, then you can have the mole biopsied either before or after complete removal. That way, you will know for sure whether or not it is a danger to your health.

Tags: moles, removing skin moles, skin moles

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