Video: Live - 'Overcome' (Remembering 9/11)

Within 48 hours of the attacks on the World Trade Center, documentarians Camera Planet pieced together footage from around the site, which had come to be known as "Ground Zero".  They submitted the video to VH1, with Live's 'Overcome' as a backing track.  The network aired it immediately, without receiving clearance from the band.  The following message would scroll along the bottom of the screen:

"HOW TO HELP:  TO DONATE MONEY TO THE FAMILIES OF THE VICTIMS OF TUESDAY'S ATTACKS:  UNITED WAY (THEN A PHONE NUMBER)...AMERICAN RED CROSS (THEN A PHONE NUMBER)...SALVATION ARMY (PHONE NUMBER)...CATHOLIC CHARITIES USA (PHONE NUMBER)"


When Ed Kowalczyk, the singer of the band and 'Overcome's songwriter, saw the video later in the week, he eagerly gave MTV Networks permission to use the song.  In fact, the footage was later edited and became the track's "official" video.



It seemed like that video played every ten minutes, like clockwork, on every single video channel on cable.  In the week following 9/11, I must have seen it over a hundred times.  It's one of the greatest memories to stand out from that week for me.

Photo: Is Lil' Wayne WWE's Newest Wrestling Star?

This is a photo of Lil' Wayne performing at last week's MTV's Video Music Awards?  Is it just me, or does it look like he is calling out Hulk Hogan to a steel cage match?

In a related story, Tripp NYC, a clothing manufacturer, went to their Facebook page last week to thank Lil' Wayne for wearing their leopard print women's jeggings during the performance.  I see an opening in Lil' Wayne's entourage soon.

Video: Bruno Mars Performs 'Valerie' (Amy Winehouse Tribute)

I have avoided MTV's Video Music Awards for the last few years.  Between Bieber, Lil' Wayne and the cast of 'The Jersey Shore', I thought it would be best if I just watched something else.  Based upon the clips I've seen this morning, however, I think I may tune in next year.

Bruno Mars did a wonderful rendition of Amy Winehouse's 'Valerie'.  I've never thought about it before, but he is perfectly suited to sing her music.  It would have been nice to hear the two of them sing a duet.

There were some in the crowd singing right along.  You could tell that most had never heard the song before.  What a shame.  Adele appeared visibly moved by the performance.

Get More: 2011 VMA, Music, Bruno Mars

Video: Adele Performs 'Someone Like You' At Last Night's VMAs

A rare moment of class from last night's MTV Video Music Awards:

Get More: 2011 VMA, Music, Adele

Abercrombie Offers Unique Endorsement Deal To Jersey Shore Clan

In what has to be the strangest endorsement deal ever, Abercrombie and Fitch has offered Michael "The Situation" Sorrentino money not to wear their clothes.  Why?  In essence, it's ruining the brand's image.

A spokesman for the clothing line told CNN yesterday:

"We are deeply concerned that Mr. Sorrentino's association with our brand could cause significant damage to our image. We understand that the show is for entertainment purposes, but believe this association is contrary to the aspirational nature of our brand, and may be distressing to many of our fans.  We have therefore offered a substantial payment to Michael 'The Situation' Sorrentino and the producers of MTV's The Jersey Shore to have the character wear an alternate brand," A&F continues. "We have also extended this offer to other members of the cast and are urgently waiting a response."

 The 'Jersey Shore' cast devalues everything that they touch.  It is long overdue that a company has publicly drawn a line in the sand and said, "You can fist pump and bang your personal reputations to shit, but leave our products out of it".  Way to go, Abercrombie and Fitch.  I may not like your clothing, but I admire your style.

America's Chief Export: Syphilis

In the last decade, the UK has brought us some decent television.  With just 'American Idol' and 'The Office', remakes of British TV shows take up a large portion of many of American's weekly viewing.  And, don't get me started on 'Doctor Who'.

I guess it's time that we return the favor.  Premiering on May 24th, on MTV UK, is the British version of 'The Jersey Shore'.  It's called 'The Georgie Shore'.  Here is a preview.



I'm not kidding.  This is a real show.  On the cast bios, "Gary, 23" reads as follows:

"he has a manhood that’s the size of a TV remote control (he even has photographic evidence) and being “mint” in bed… or so he says!"

Maybe the Mayans were right about the whole "2012/End of the world" thing.  I need to take a shower. 

Neil Patrick Harris Sends Message To Gay Youth

Neil Patrick Harris, star of How I Met Your Mother and Harold and Kumar Go To White Castle, recorded a video message for MTV, encouraging gay youth to stay strong and have pride in the midst of bullying.

MTV Shows

MTV has started a new campaign called Love Is Louder, in which celebrities are making encouraging and inspiring videos.  I personally don't know why they couldn't have just endorsed Dan Savage's It Gets Better campaign.  There is really no need to have two competing campaigns out there in the media, in my opinion.  "Love Is Louder" sounds stupid, anyway.  But, the more the merrier, I guess.