Newtown, Connecticut... Unthinkable Acts

The events that occurred today in Newport, Connecticut, are simply impossible to fathom or to process. The lives of innocent 5-10 year old children, both the 20 massacred and those who will forever be impacted, the six adults slain, a community torn apart... and the question of why these horrible events continue to happen time and again in America... Teens and young adults bearing guns and carrying out unthinkable acts.

Watching President Obama's reaction tonight—with tears in his eyes—made me react similarly. There are so few words... *

The One That I Want: ONJ & John Travolta Reunite For Christmas CD!

Olivia Newton-John & John Travolta's duet from "Grease," "You're the One That I Want," remains the best-selling pop duet in history. Take that "Endless Love"! This week, the gay-friendly pair—Livi as a forever friend to the community and Johnny perpetually living behind that uncomfortable closet door—reunited for the release of seasonal album "This Christmas," which came out Tuesday. It's going to be fascinating to see next week's Billboard chart: This has potential to return ONJ to the top 10 for the first time in almost two decades.

Guests on the project include Cliff Richard, Barbra Streisand, Tony Bennett and James Taylor. The emphasis single, unfortunately, is an odd country hoedown, "I Think You Might Like It," which I honestly could have done without. All the same, it comes complete with a music video. Great to see Olivia looking radiant as ever... while John, ever aging out of living a miserable life of lies, seems to have his scalp painted with... uh... hair. See it right here! *

Happy 12-12-12!

The last time within our lifetimes we'll ever see such a phenomenon. Seems like a good reason to dance naked up and down the street. *

The Return Of Aussie Chanteusse Delta Goodrem

Delta, Delta, oh sweet Delta, at last you have returned! Among my handful of favorite contemporary female vocalists, Aussie Delta Goodrem remains among the most gifted singers & songwriters in the world. That would be the entire big bad universe, cool cats.

While her attempt with Sony Music at U.S. success was perhaps ill-timed in the middle of the previous decade—in the midst of hip hop's endless reign on the American pop charts, thankfully, a decade after conquering the charts, she continues to be one of Australia's most consistent and popular pop acts.

In 2003, Delta scored my No. 1 song of the year, "Born To Try," while her album "Innocent Eyes" topped my album list. She was also my Best New Artist for the year... In all, she has charted with nearly 20 songs on the Taylor Top 40 over the past decade or so... In addition, I hosted her when I was working for Billboard magazine as a Cafe artist and interviewed her for billboard.com.

Over the course of those several years, I lunched with her in NYC, attended an intimate birthday party, saw every U.S. performance she made in New York... and fell completely in love with a sweet, gorgeous, talented, smart lady.

Her new album "Child of the Universe" is just penetrating my playlist (thanks, Markie!). At first listen it appears she is in fine form, with a posse of strong, melodic, anthemic tracks. I can't wait to dig in deep.

While American radio may continue to believe that Nicki Minaj is worthy of fame & fortune (thank god she was deservedly snubbed in this year's Grammy nominations), it's comforting to know that true talent continues to reign, if on the other side of the world. Aaaah, yes! *

VH1 Divas Beefs Up Line-Up (Ever So Slightly)

The upcoming VH1 Divas Live concert, which airs from Los Angeles Sunday, December 16, "boasts" a line-up that is really, truly, honest-to-fuck a sham to the proud term diva, cool cats.

With a line-up comprising Ciara, Miley Cyrus and Demi Lovato, I can only imagine that such past headliners as Celine Dion, Mariah Carey, Shania Twain and Tina Turner are giggling into their bedpans.

Thankfully, true divas Jordin Sparks and Kelly Rowland are also part of the cast, to save the day, alongside divo host Adam Lambert.

Apparently, VH1 recognized that its roster was as lame as a flaccid winkie, because now the list has grown slightly more robust. Added to the ticket: Kelly Clarkson and Natasha Bedingfield.

That's the good news... Also added are a bunch of no-names: Melanie Fiona, Metric and Havana Brown. And just to stir the pot with a guaranteed tune-out: Pitbull!?! God, this is actually getting worse by the moment.

And appearing as presenters: La La Anthony, Jenna Dewan Tatum, Stacey Kiebler, Kelly Osbourne, NeNe Leakes, Brandy, Keri Hilson, Bootsy Collins, Ledisi and Iggy Azalea.

Thanks to Homorazzi for the update!

2012 Grammy Nominations!

Arghhhhh! It's one of my favorite events of the year... the announcement of the 2012 Grammy Award nominations... and one of The Smoking Nun's premiere opportunities to dish about the best of the year in music... and of course, more fun, the horrendous gaffes. Last year it was all about Adele, whom I supported wholeheartedly. This year, there's no clear leader in the quest to forever mark the best o' the past 12 months.

As a NARAS voter, I take particular interest in the annual expedition of helping select who wins... but as I've stated in the past, in recent years, it pains me that I'm more often voting against contenders rather than piling on kudos.

I mean, Nicki Minaj, critically acclaimed? Seriously? It's enough to wonder if the Grammy Awards more resemble the People's Choice Awards.

Stand by for my take on the best and worst... as soon as I can get a grip on my home office, post-renovation. Soon, no really. Meanwhile, read the major noms here. *

Rainy Days & Fridays

Sequestered... That's my present state, more or less... Yes, it's that damn living room renovation, which I really should redefine at this point. The actual LR reno is done, and as of the end of the week, new hardwood flooring has extended throughout the rest of the unit, save for the kitchen & bath.

That's meant moving furniture from one crowded space to another, as well as intermittent loss of WiFi and, egads, my desk, where all good words customarily come together. One more week to go... and meanwhile, yes, oh so good to get the hell out of the house.

P.S. No, that's not me in the Converse jacket... Hell, my name is Chuck Taylor. That would be redundant, wouldn't it? Pic in Manhattan along Second Avenue. *

Sheena Easton: I Love The '80s

Oh, youth... Sheena Easton's Japanese territory singles covers. How I love the 80s! *

Living Room Renovation: Week Six

Sigh... Okay, this has admittedly gotten the slightest bit wearying at this point. In week six of my apartment renovation—with delays here and there—floors continue to go down in the hallway, while the living room, kitchen and bedroom are an absolute tidal wave of furniture, dust and overall reno havoc. Navigating the apartment is kinda of like being a mouse in a maze.

I keep repeating, "Short-term pain for long-term gain." We're truly, honest to god within a week of wrapping. Then... all new... I can't wait to start cleaning, painting, organizing, rediscovering space...

Honestly, it's totally been worth every iota of inconvenience. And it doesn't hurt that my contractor Angelo and son Mike are—without exception—conscientious, on the job and utter perfectionists. Hell, at this point, they're pretty much part of the family. *

Eric Decker: Oh, Babe What Would You Say?

Sports, oh, how we love sports! Watching it, oh, who cares? Observing its players, now that's a different story. I've just discovered Eric Decker, who plays for some football team called the Denver Broncos. Ooh la la! *

Happy December From Abby & Spencer

It's getting cold outside. Nothing like a little critter loving to keep the nights warm & toasty. Happy December 2012! Last week was the second anniversary that these wonderful doggies were delivered on our doorstep from a Missouri rescue organization. *

David Beckham's Latest H&M Undies Campaign: For Real?

David Beckham's Fall 2012 campaign for his H&M Bodywear line reveals that the man's prominent bulge continues to be a source of pride for the soccer player.

Honestly, this makes Calvin Klein's undies ads from the 1980s look like white bread.

A webbie search for "David Beckham" and "H&M" brings up the word "bulge" almost without exception, from even the most respected mainstream sites. There's just no denying this man's worldly attributes, is there? Hey, no complaints here! Bring it on, sir. *

Shania Twain Launches Las Vegas Residency At Caesars Palace

Shania Twain launched her first live show in more than eight years as she began a two-year residency at Las Vegas' Caesars Palace. The 47 year old is, of course, performing in the space all but owned by fellow Canadian Celine Dion during her breaks from her latest five-year sold-out run at Casears.

Twain's set list includes all of her '90s hits, including: "Whose Bed Have Your Boots Been Under," "Any Man of Mine," "That Don't Impress Me Much," "If You're Not In It For Love (I'm Outta Here)," "You're Still the One," "Man! I Feel Like a Woman" and my fave "From This Moment On."

According to press reports, "Saturday's show was extra meaningful in part because Twain has been in vocal rehabilitation for years, since reporting the sudden loss of her voice following her painful split from studio wizard and key creative collaborator Robert (Mutt) Lange."

Her initial run will include 10 shows through Dec. 15, with the next 14-show engagement beginning March 19. Added press report: "It's still unclear whether Twain has the globe-spanning appeal of Céline Dion, whose own residency at the Colosseum has become one of Las Vegas's premiere attractions." *

Bradley Cooper Beams On December 2012 'Esquire' Cover

Bradley Cooper, who has Hollywood's most beautiful teeth, decorates the December 2012 cover of Esquire. Now that's a holiday gift, for sure. Ooh la la! *

Post Hurricane Sandy: And There Was (Blessed) Light

The price tag from Hurricane Sandy’s damages in NY totals $42+ billion, according to the latest tally from Gov. Andrew Cuomo, including $33 billion to repair housing & infrastructure and $9 billion to protect transit systems, the power network and sewage treatment facilities from future storms.

While many neighborhoods continue to suffer, there’s solace in again seeing the bright lights of the Manhattan skyline from the Brooklyn Heights Promenade, with this pic taken Friday just after dusk… quite a difference from the view just after the storm. *