What Do MJ, Nuclear Power and Andie MacDowell Have In Common?

The Save the World Awards used their title to tongue-in-cheekily pay tribute to Michael Jackson, in which they have not saved the world by contributing to the incessant focus on his passing. Or have saved the world by producing one of the funniest, strange and weirdly honorable press releases I have read in quite some time. That doesn't make any sense.

For example:

1. The awards were hosted by Andie MacDowell, who I fell in love with all over again while watching St. Elmo's Fire with my teenage daughter a few nights ago. Ahhhh....dreamy Rob Lowe, more appropriately aged Demi Moore, and lycra on Mare Winningham's thighs.

2. A typo has Nobel Peace Prize winner Betty Williams and Olympic sprinter Carl Lewis mubbing together.

3. Who builds a nuclear power plant, never uses it for its intended purpose and instead throws a lavish awards ceremony in it? Answer: Austria.

4. One of the environmentally friendly, eco-conscious, carbon footprint removing efforts employed at the event was composting. Most likely with one of these handy-dandy home future solar power station composters.

Not to throw into question whether Michael Jackson was charitable, but to carefully examine whether he truly 'saved the world', I found this look at his Heal the World charity interesting. Here's your chance to think for yourself.

Jackson Honoured at Awards Held in Austrian Nuclear Plant [AFP]

Is Michael Jackson's Charity a Fake? [uncivilsociety.org]

Photo credit: World Awards Media

VMAs Jump on the Brand Wagon -- Again!

I'm almost positive that with Russell Brand hosting the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards again this year, I will never get to the front of the library loaner line for My Bookie Wook. I am currently number 14; because I find him particularly hilarious and to maintain some sense of relevancy, I'd like to read the book before the VMA's in September. Keep your fingers crossed.

MTV points out that Brand will be hosting for the second year in a row, which is somewhat of an anomaly for VMA hosts. In the same way that his hair is an anomaly to his head. While I do want to take MTV to task for using the words 'VMA' and 'elite' in the same title, and would also like to question whether 'multi-time' is an actual world, I can respect their decision to have Brand host for a second time.

Other notable repeat hosters include: Arsenio Hall (4 consecutive), Dennis Miller (2 consecutive) and Chris Rock (3).

Russell Brand Joins Elite League of Multi-Time VMA Hosts [MTV Newsroom]

Highlights from the BET Awards

Not only did the BET Awards turn into a heartfelt tribute to the late Michael Jackson, it also created a lot of stir in the headlines for other reasons. Here's a recap:

Despite the climate of loss and remembrance brought on by MJ's recent death, BET producers made no plans to alter or remove Drake's womanizing performance of "Every Girl", which spiraled out of control when Lil' Wayne allowed his young daughter and her friends out onto the stage. I had planned on quoting a few lyrics, so you to get a feel for the inappropriateness of the situation. However, a mere glance caused me to be temporarily blinded. Not for the faint of heart that Lil' Wayne.

Access Hollywood had reported that Chris Brown would be taking part in the BET Awards tribute to Jackson, but the mysterious performance never materialized. What happened to Brown has been hotly debated, and his no show is likely linked to the infamous smack down he gave Rihanna following the Clive Davis 2009 Grammy pre-party. It's about time one or more hip-hop mogul stood up and indicated by their actions, that if you beget violence either on the street or in your home, we will not support you.

Drake Regrets Controversial BET Awards Set... [SOHH.com]

Chris Brown Tribute to Michael Jackson - LIVE BET Awards [industryfinest.com]