Site News: A Bit Of A Reduction Ahead

Hello my loyal readers. I am saddened to bring you this news, but it has to be said. I took on a far too large of a group of shows to review. Four shows a week has been taking a tole on me these past couple weeks and I have basically reached my breaking point. I am missing so much in the spectrum of news and music, and the reviews are not getting the numbers of hits that I was hoping they would. So effective immediately, I will no longer be reviewing Work Out New York, Vanderpump Rules, or Apres Ski.

While I immensely enjoy watching these three shows, it has become a burden and almost a chore to watch them in the time constraints that providing a review presents. It is unfair to me as a fan and unfair to you as readers. Over the past weeks I have noticed my reviews become more cynical and harsh. It's not what I deserve as an avid fan of these franchises and not what you as readers and fans yourselves deserve either. I may revisit these shows in the future, as well as give updates periodically on my opinions on the twists and turns they'll take, but at this time I can no longer commit to reviewing four shows a week.

The good news is I will continue to review The Real Housewives Of Beverly Hills, as it does get good hits and has been one of my flagship shows (along with RuPaul's Drag Race and Skin Wars) and have been a staple in my reviewing segments over the past few years. I have certainly learned my lesson in taking too big of a load, especially around the holiday season. I hope that this apology suffices. I promise to look into scheduling before committing to shows in the future.

With this reduction in work load, I hope to be able to bring you more news as well as have more time to actually enjoy my holiday. With reviews only coming out on Wednesdays and no solid release date for either Skin Wars or RPDR just yet, I might actually be able to go back to doing some of the things I love to do. Again, I'm sorry if you were enjoying my reviews of this show. I have a lot more in store from my recently activated YouTube channel focused on anime to an upcoming musical related project, you'll still have your fill of me.

And that sounded really wrong.

Anyway, thanks for reading. You all mean so much to me. I'll try and do better in the future.

Check It Out - I Have A New Side Project

In case you have been wondering what the decrease in posts around here is all about, I thought I'd let you know that I have been working on a couple of side projects. Yes, Famous By Proxy is still in the works (and much further along than I might have let on), but this one is a bit different. It's aimed at a bit of a different audience than usual. This time around, I'm getting into some anime and manga discussion. Welcome, lovers of Japan!

I know, I know. Anime isn't what this site is all about, but it is something I am doing, and it is worth noting why I've been a bit MIA lately. I will still keep up with the weekly episode reviews, and next month I am picking up a new show (No, not RHOA). I hope you can all stick with me through this, and even support the new YouTube channel by liking and subscribing if that's your thing.

If not, it's all cool. I wanted to showcase two different facets of myself in two different ways. I have been interested in anime and manga for far longer than I have in pop music and drag queens, so to be fair this is something I've been putting off. I hope that those of you who like both, much like me, will take the time to look into what I have to say. I have more reviews coming soon, so don't worry. The channel is barely a week old. There is plenty more to come in the upcoming weeks.

Again, thank all of you for your continued support. There will be more info on the Famous By Proxy podcast closer to the new year.

Site News: Two New Series Reviews Coming This Month

As Skin Wars comes to a close, I've been looking for another TV series to do weekly reviews for. When I looked at upcoming shows, I fell in love with two. So instead of choosing just one, I decided to do both. That means that on both Wednesdays and Thursdays you'll be getting reviews of two of the hottest new shows. That's right. They're both season ones. And they are both amazing looking.

First up: Work Out New York

Premiering Tuesday August 18 is Work Out New York. It's a spin off of Bravo's long gone Work Out series that took place in California. This time they are focusing on professional personal trainers in New York and the drama that happens between their incredibly buff set of friends. The mega teaser looks amazing. I can see myself being in love with this show from the first episode, and that's why I'll be reviewing it. If you don't like it then obviously you are on the wrong site because I firmly believe my readers all love hot buff shirtless dudes. Plus it will keep us held over until Bravo decides to finally let us see the new season of Vanderpunp Rules.

And our second show is -- Steampunk'd

Steampunk'd is the sister show to Skin Wars, as shown when Skin Wars had a steampunk challenge with the sole purpose of introducing the show. I have been interested in this show ever since the small 15 second teasers started popping up on GSN. This could be the most original reality competition I've ever seen and even though I don't know a whole lot about Steampunk, I will be reviewing this one, too.

It's going to be a busy rest of the summer. I suspect that both shows will be relatively short, but with two shows happening at the same time, I'll definitely have my hands full. But alas, I love reality TV, and this year I made a commitment to bring you more. We've had three shows so far, and even more coming. Get ready!

Help Fund Our New Project: Famous By Proxy the Podcast!

I finally got everything together! Yay me! Well the time has come. We've been planning this for months and now the time has come for you to do your part. I am ready to make Famous By Proxy a reality, and I would love for you all to be a part of it!

Please please PLEASE go to our Kickstarter page and donate! There are tons of great rewards for those who want to donate and become a part of the project.


Everyone who donates at least a dollar will be personally thanked on our Facebook Page, for the whole world to see, but for those who want to give a little more, there are even greater rewards.

For 15 dollars: You will be featured on this very site for the rest of it's existence (which will be forever, obviously). We will be starting a "Wall of Fame" page for this level of backer and above starting July 1st.

For 30 dollars: We will thank you personally in our debut episode, expected to premier in December as long as we meet our funding!

For 75 dollars: You can get our first ever T-shirt featuring the fantastic logo designed by my good friend and record producer Jared Jones.

For 150 dollars: I will talk about your music, and even play a track! Not an artist? Well I'll play your favorite small time artist to get their name out there!

For 250 dollars: You can be my co-host for an episode. Come along and comment on all the music, tv, and drag you can handle!

For 500 dollars: You get to help me interview someone! I will have a list of celebrities (musicians, drag queens, and reality tv contestants) who want to participate, and you can do a ride-along, and ask up to five of your own questions to be featured on the show, or just for your own private use!

This is my dream, guys, and I hope that we can make this a reality! Thank you all so much for the opportunity, and please don't mind the low quality video. I guess it's just more proof we need better equipment!

Site News: Poll Time! I Need Your Opinion On A New Show To Follow

Hey guys! As the fall/winter reality TV schedule is starting to wrap up and we make room for Spring shows, I find myself missing out on a few that I would love to be doing, but I don't really have all the time I wish I did. I need your help to figure out which show I should fit into my tight schedule.

So on this poll we have four options:

1. Vanderpump Rules
I hadn't paid any attention to this show until this year and I more or less fell in love. All of these people are more or less awful human beings, which makes for the best TV you can have. I already review Beverly Hills, so this could be an easy fit into the list.


2. The Real Housewives of Cheshire 
 This is the latest over-seas housewives show, and people are going crazy for it. With the British Re-Invasion happening in Sci-Fi shows, it's about time we embrace their reality TV as well.


3. The Real Housewives of Atlanta
I personally love this show, but I didn't get as big of a reaction to my monthly recaps of it as I would have liked. Maybe if I review it weekly, we will have the kind of draw I was looking for. Plus, Nene Leakes is my hero.


4. Face Off
Kind of the oddball here, but I have been loving this show for a long time, and with Drag Race already under way this year and Skin Wars already on the list of shows for me to review, this won't
seem so out of place by the time the next season pops up.


Let's be clear that this won't be the end-all-be-all for the site, and I do have the final say on things, but I really would love to see what the readers think. Based on our current 2015 lineup of Beverly Hills, Drag Race, and Skin Wars, we are definitely looking to expand for next year. We need to keep the ball rolling!

Head over the right side of the page and let me know what you think!

Contest Alert! Rukkus Is Going To Pay For Your Concert Tickets!

That's right! A site I've been working with and purchasing through, Rukkus.com is holding a new contest to give away 200 USD in concert tickets! The money can be spent on any concert listed on the site, and entering is simple and interactive.

Get details here.

 No longer will you have to miss out on your favorite concerts just because you can't afford the tickets -- and believe me, some artists charge a hefty price to see them perform. There is nothing that beats seeing your favorite artist live, and it's never been easier than this here.

There two ways to enter, and both of them count as separate entries (meaning your name is in the pot twice!).

To get your first entry simply email giveaway@rukkus.com with a short four sentence poem about your live music experience. Get creative. Never been to a live show? Tell us about your dream show!

To get your second entry, tweet “I just entered to win $200 in concert tickets from rukkus.com #jointherukkus”. It's really that easy.

Just a couple minutes of your life could land you the best night of your life (or nights, depending on how far you can make that 200 stretch).

We here at TOTU are planning to implement more contests and giveaways in the future. If you would like to see more of this type of event, let us know on our official Facebook page, or via twitter @GaoSalad.

Site News: #TheReturn

Hello to all of my readers. It's been a while, I know. I have plenty to say to you all and not a lot of time to do it, so why don't we get started? First of all comes the big announcement: Taking Over The Universe is coming back! Check it!

I am super excited to announce that the blog is going to come back full time starting this October. I am currently planning a big comeback week jam packed with interviews, "top lists" and maybe even an essay or two. I have been pulling favors and grabbing onto stories for the past month trying to pull together a great comeback week (or even week plus) so that you guys all can remember what you loved about this site in the first place.

I want some of the return week to be a surprise, but I can say that if you like my Facebook page you will get many more exclusive sneak peeks. All you have to do is like the page, and then click on the arrow next to the "like" button and click receive updates. It's that simple. You will get advance notice of who I am doing interviews with, what sort of essays I've been working on, and polled for input on all the upcoming top lists. Often I will go on Facebook and Twitter alike, and tell everyone who I am speaking with that week and see if anybody has any questions they want to ask the artist.

This brings me to our next topic: I am making a pledge right now to make this site more than just a music blog. Yes, music will still be a huge focus, but there are so many other aspects of this universe, and if I am to take it all over, I've got to start branching out. I am going to do weekly reviews of a few more tv shows, including the return of my RuPaul's Drag Race reviews. I have not decided which shows to follow exactly, but I will do my best to provide news on a wider variety of series.

I want the site to come back to not be just a good website, but a great one. We left off at a crucial moment with the UCA awards, but due to sickness and other personal problems, I was not able to continue things at the speed and consistency that my readers have come to know and appreciate.  That being said, the Universal Conquest Awards from 2013 are null, and due to the hiatus the 2014 UCAs will not be taking place. I have yet to decide if the UCAs will come back next year, but that is not even an issue this early in the game.

Basically, as a writer, I have been itching to get back on the scene. Writing is something I love to do, and I love that you all read and support me. I hope that this past year of being gone hasn't set me back too far. My goal is to continue on that upward slope, getting bigger stories, bigger interviews, and bigger readership.

Thank you all. It's time to for our comeback. It's time to take over the universe -- again.

If you would like to help, go on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and every other oddly named social media and hashtag #TheReturn and #TOTU and link them here. October 1, 2014 will be the dawn of a new era for us.

Universal Conquest Awards 2013

TOTU is back! It's time for the third annual Universal Conquest Awards. Due to time restraints, I'm doing things a bit different this year. Now we are going to vote for things in waves. This means that the categories will won't be released all at once, but rather one at a time in order for each participant to get their fair share of the lime light.

Today we welcome in Song of the Year for voting. We have the five chosen songs from across the year, along with two wild cards. The entries are:

Kids Without Instruments - Nausea Nostalgia
Brandon Hilton - Daddy
Kim Smith - Jealous
Dream Beats + Molly - Beneath The Lights
Cascada - Glorious
Levi Kreis - Gonna Be Alright
Natalia Kills - Saturday Night
Giulietta - No De$$ert
Colette Carr - Ham feat Ben J
Adam Barta - Superficial
Hyper Crush - Visions of Coleco (Wild Card)
XELLE - Red Flag (Wild Card)

Who do you think deserves to be the indie music world's best song this year? Voting ends Christmas day!

Happy Birthday Dina Delicious!

Every so often here at Taking Over The Universe, I like to take the time to recognize the birth of a special someone in the lifespan of the site. Today is a celebration for one special lady who has not only been an inspiring artist, but also a great supporter of the site and myself as a human being. I'd like to give a big warm happy birthday to Dina Delicious!

How can you describe Dina Delicious. I like the words "brave", "original" and "hilarious". I may not have known Dina for very long, but I can say she is an amazing person, and I'm not the only one who thinks so. She's touched many lives with her personality and her life story of striving to be who she feels she really is.

I rarely get personal on this site, but I feel like this needs to be said. A while back, I was in a bit of a dark place in my life. I don't often share on social media, but sometimes I leave cryptic messages for those who pay attention. It came as a surprise to me that out of everyone on my friends list, Dina was one who payed attention. She quickly shot me a message letting me know that I was not alone in the world and that there are always people who care about you and want to see you succeed.

Well Dina, the feeling is mutual. I care about you, and I want to see you succeed, too. Even further than you already have. You're a bright star, honey, and today moreso than any other day, is your shining moment. Live it up and have the best birthday ever!

An Important Update For TOTU

I come to you today addressing all of my readers not as a reporter or a comedian, as you probably have known me in the past, but as a person. I know that this site isn't the most important thing in the world, but I also know that many of you have come to rely on me for continual updates in both the independent pop music world, but also the LGBT community in general.

As you may have noticed, there has been a real lack of updates lately. June was a planned hiatus that I take every year, but the resulting time after has been a different story. Recently, my life has taken drastic turns, some better and some worse, which have resulted in less time to dedicate to this project. This website takes a lot of time in not only writing and planning, but also researching, contacting artists and management, and advertising. It was a huge undertaking even when I had the spare time to do it all, and now that my free time is dwindling, I feel that the site is going to suffer.

What I can say is there is a positive side. I've reduced my old goal of five posts a week to three. These will be less fluff and more quality about not only new and exciting artists, but also those who you've come to know and love either via TOTU or your own discovery. I will be resuming my Real Housewives review with a triple play later this week to get caught up to the current episode, and will resume my weekly reviews. I also will not be dropping RuPaul's Drag Race from my list of shows to cover. I will also be dedicating time to selecting the perfect choices for Song of the Month, and we will still have Universal Conquest Awards in December. This year I have even more curve balls for you all.

I'd like to also take a moment to once again recognize everyone who's helped me along the way. I've had far too much support, far too many favors called in for me, and beyond far too many artists personally thank me for all I've done for them to give up now. This is not the end of Taking Over The Universe. It's merely a new chapter in the continuing saga. Writing is my passion and I won't be giving it up any time soon. I simply hope my readers can stick it out, and my friends can help me keep my head held high during this rough patch in my personal life. My numbers have grown so much over the years, and I've had so many opportunities arise from what started as a way for me to express my eclectic taste in music.

YOU are the reason I'm not giving up so easily. YOU the reader. YOU the artist. YOU the friend. Thank YOU from the bottom of my heart. 

Site News: Drag Race Updates And Disclaimers

I didn't know if I should even "go there" and post something like this, but after all the insanity that was Drag Race Season Four, I think it needs to be said. I am going to take a moment to discuss with you my reasons for saying what I say and doing what I do. Consider this your warning.

Where should I begin? First of all, I have to say this, and make it very clear. When I read a queen, it is almost always in good fun. These are people on a television show. Unless you are their friend or have met/worked with them, you really have no business judging them. I write for your entertainment and to be funny, so when I say something like "...and that wig looked rancid!", it is merely to get a laugh out of a few people, not to say that said performer is bad at what they do. They did make it on the show, after all, and that has to say something if they were picked out by Ru herself.

That brings me to my first major point. Any rude comments said out of malice or hatred will be removed. Period. I put up with some very rude people last season, and I won't do so again. I don't care if you can't stand a queen. Go ahead and tell me why, but if one cannot convey their opinions without degrading someone else, the comments will have to be taken down. This is for the good of not only myself, but for the queens themselves.

Secondly, I have to bring up something that has put me under fire recently. Yes, I do find much of the casting this season to be very suspicious. I will do my best to put these feelings aside and keep in mind that it is just a TV show, but this can be hard to do. As a human being I have my own opinions, and I will do my best to convey them in the most civilized way possible. If I don't fawn over your favorites or judge them more harshly than you think I should, don't get too offended. We are all coming into the show with our predetermined thoughts. I originally didn't agree with the casting of already famous Chad Michaels being cast last year, but she completely changed my mind. If you really have faith in your fave, give me a few episodes. Maybe I'll change my mind.

Lastly I want to say that this is a spoiler free zone. Occasionally information is spread around, most of which makes it's way to me, but I will not be posting about anything that has not aired on Logo yet (hence why I haven't put up my review of the first episode even though the full episode minus the elimination has been on their website). I didn't have a problem with fans posting spoilers or rumors in the comments last year, and I appreciate your courtesy. 

Thank you all for your support. Drag Race has been a big part of TOTU from day one, and will continue to be as long as it stays on the air. I hope that I can keep the laughs going this year in my reviews, and I can't wait to hear what you guys think of my oddball take on things again. Tomorrow will kick off the first of my reviews, to which will hopefully stay on schedule this season.

The 2012 UCAs - You Betta Vote!

It is that time again. December (although it is still a few hours away) is the official month for the Universal Conquest Awards. Every year TOTU honors the people that have been featured all year long by choosing the best of the best for various awards. This year we have expanded the voting to every category, meaning you, the reader, are in 100% control of the outcome. Who is your favorite? Click the link at the top of the page (or just here) and pick your favorites!

The official categories and nominees are as listed below. Who are your favorites?

Album of the Year
Express Non-Stop - Alphabeat
Spin Me Ever After - Side FX
Magic Hour - Scissor Sisters
Night Wave - Hyper Crush
911: Code Pink - Giulietta


EP of the Year
The SOPA Opera EP - Vincent Did It (Frankmusik)
Queens - XELLE
Pleiades - Quigley
Adamantine Heart - Kieran Strange
Supersonique - Jada


Best Drag Song
How Embarrassing - Pollo Del Mar
Bext XXXcessory - Manila Luzon
Sublime - Raja
Chow Down - Willam, Detox, and Vicky Vox
Love Pinata - Tammie Brown

Best Debut
Holly Elle - Infinitude
Tokyo Black - Steal The Night
Pob - Greatest Hits Volume One
Belmont Lights - Telegraphs
Di'zain - Play The Game

Best Lyric
"I'm a gladiator in a thong." - Kwanza Jones [Supercharged]
"Nice car - Shame about your penis!" Pandora Boxx [Nice Car! (Shame About Your Penis)]
"Tag me!" Kat Graham [Put Your Graffiti On Me]
"This record hotter than ten bitches in a hot tub" Nadia Oh [Slapper (Ayye)
"This city can't live without me." Dragonette [Live In This City]

Site News: Announcing the 2012 Universal Conquest Awards Categories

Yup. It's that time again. It's time for my very own awards to be figured up. This time I'm gonna make it a bit different. No, not because I've had time to plan or think things out better (who does that?), but because I'm leaving the whole thing in your hands -- if I can get the voting to work right. That's right. Every category sans the editor's pick will be chosen by you, the reader. Can you handle the pressure?

I can't believe it's already time for the UCAs again! It seems like only yesterday I was rigging carefully selecting and hand picking each category. This time, since I have a much larger viewership, I'm hoping for an even better turn out. That means you betta vote. I mean what does it matter who the next president is when the Song of the Year is on the line?

The setup is going to be similar to last year. Starting December first, all Song of the Week posts are hereby considered in the running for 2013. That means that the song chosen on Monday, December 3 will be in the category for next year. In a similar fashion, the first few selections for the award this year are actually from 2011. It makes sense in my head so just shut up. Anyway, I will compile a list of every Song of the Week from the previous year and put them up for voting for the category of Song of the Year. It's gonna be a lot to choose from, so make your selections wisely. The editor's pick will be chosen by myself only. In the case that my top pick and the winning vote are the same, my second pick will win the category.

As for what you are voting on, things have changed a bit this year. You'll see some old tired and true categories returning as well as some brand spankin' new ones. The categories are as follows:

Song of the Year (Vote)
Song of the Year (Editor's)
Album of the Year
EP of the Year (Because everybody these days is doing EPs!)
Best Drag Song
Best Debut*
Best Lyric**

I'm going to try my best to select the best of the best this year, but after getting a bit of feedback from last year, I must call upon my readers once more. I need you to put your two cents in, giving me options for nominees. What drag queen released the best track this year? Who's EP shined better than the rest? Who was a lyrical genius? Let me know! Any and all help is welcome. Suggestions do not have to be something I've covered over the year (although it is preferred). In order to have the best of the best, I gotta know what the people want.

The deadline to get your nominees to me is Sunday, November 25. You can get in contact with me via email at TakingOverTheUniverseBlog@Gmail.com or better yet, "like" my Fanpage on Facebook and give your favorite artist a shout-out.

*Best Debut must be an artist who released their first official single (or EP/Album if they didn't have a single before) between December 1, 2011 and November 30, 2012.

**Best Lyric must be no longer than two lines. The category is meant to be funny, but serious lyrics are certainly welcome. The song they come from must be released officially between December 1, 2011 and November 30, 2012.

Site News: Major Event Coming This Month!

In case you haven't been following me on Facebook or Twitter (get the hint? Hop on that!), Taking Over The Universe has decided to take a full week to set aside to be dedicated to all the amazing albums coming out at the end of the month. Seven different artists have been chosen from the literal landslide of albums being released the weeks of September 18th and 25th. We are calling it A Week of Album Awesomeness -- and the artists chosen are below! The event kicks off September 25th and lasts through October 1st!

Day 1 No Doubt - Push And Shove

(See the rest of the picks and the order they'll come in under the cut!)

September Popologist Panel

I  am really bad at promoting this, aren't I? Well every month, buddy Vertigo Shtick has enslaved myself and a handful of other notable bloggers from the pop-reviewers world to review whatever he wants. Ok, so it's not as bad as it really sounds. Sometimes it can be fun, and often times I find out about artists I may never have seen otherwise. It's worth checking out.

This month we covered Nicki Minaj, Elle Varner, Alanis Morissette, Neon Hitch, Mariah Carey and more. Hop on over to Vertigo Shtick's blog to see the full article featuring The Pop Messiah, Popledge, Lost in a Melody, Techno School, and Unapologetically POP!

CLICK DIS

Site News: Reality TV Coverage Coming Soon

So I took a break for this season's Ru Paul's Drag U, but I'm not done with the reality TV portions of this site. As a matter of fact, I plan on expanding this track. In the coming months, I will be covering many more shows episode by episode, as well as posting news on select shows. Check it.

So by the picture, I'm sure most of you realized that I will be covering The Real Housewives franchise, most notably the Beverly Hills series. I may be a bit late on the casting news, but I am keeping my eye out for more news from the third season of Beverly Hills as well as covering it episode by episode, making it my longest review series to date (the Real Housewives seasons last on average of 20 episodes these days). I have yet to decide if I will cover any other seasons of the RH series, but I have been brainstorming on some possibilities.

I have also decided to cover both the All-Star season and fifth regular season of Ru Paul's Drag Race. All-Star will premier this fall, and season five will premier next January. I will post any news as soon as I can regarding the cast, but so far all the persists is rumors (albeit reliable rumors), and I don't report on anything unless there are press releases.

Lastly, I will pop in from time to time with news on my favorite reality TV stars with their latest projects such as Tone-Tone (Cake Boss), RoBear (NY Ink), Pandora Boxx (Ru Paul's Drag Race), and many others.

Site News: GaoSalad On New Pop Music Critic Panel

Recently, I (GaoSalad, this site's lead blogger) was invited by a friend of mine to join a group of talented writers to examine pop music and discuss it beyond just saying "Oh that is a flop/Thats a total smash." Check out the full article via David's website Vertigo Schtick.

 

A few of them I knew beforehand, a few I am just getting to know, but I am honored to know that I was selected. Dean, David, Sarah, Gregory, Minna and Techno School are all talented writers, some of which I actually look up to. I will continue to show my support for the underdog (it's in my nature) and probably end up disagreeing with the other panelists most of the time, but that's what makes it fun. This month we reviewed Adam Lambert, Cheryl (who I am the only fan of, apparently), Queen of Hearts, and more.

The panel will be a monthly project, posting the first Thursday of every month. I will continue to write on this "Popologist" post for as long as David continues to ask me back. I had a great time working on this edition, and the future looks even brighter. 

As for other news with the site, I am back from vacation, and posting will resume tomorrow (possibly with multiple posts in one day to catch up). I have a few album reviews, a few returning segments, and a couple of surprises up my sleeve. Stay tuned, folks!

One Year Anniversary Thank You

I can't believe it. I have made it one entire year. I know that most other bloggers have been doing this for countless years, but they often forget about those who start up blogs, and quickly loose interest after a few weeks. I think that the one year mark is an achievement I should be proud of.

If you would have told me a year ago that I would be anywhere near I am today, I would call you a liar and punch you in the face. I have come a long way from being a complete nobody. I've stepped up to being only a semi-nobody. Great, no?But the purpose of this post is not (only) to talk about how great I think I am. I really want to take a few moments out to thank everyone who has helped me thus far.

First and foremost, I need to thank Pollo Del Mar. Without this fabulous drag queen, I wouldn't have been able to do any of what I am doing now. Without giving it a second thought, he gave me advice and got me not only my first official interview, but also helped me get countless other interviews secured. Thank you, Momma Del Mar!

Speaking of interviews, I would like to thank everyone who allowed me to speak with them over the past year. Thank you Young London, XELLE, Mason Black, Angel Anatomy, Phi Phi O'Hara, Jada, The Princess, Kwanza Jones, Chris DiSario, Pandora Boxx, Sahara Davenport, Jipsta, and everyone else I have spoken to over the past year.

I would also like to thank all of my friends who have supported me through this adventure. Sarah (who has allowed me to guest blog on her site), Vertigo Schtick, Julie Hayes, Popsessed, Hollis Hollywood, and everyone else who I have conned into reading my ramblings. I love you all I really, really do.

Lastly, thank you. Thank you for all the retweets, comments, and positive energy you, as the reader, have sent my way over the past twelve months. Without you all coming to my site, not just once or twice but many on a regular basis, my ego wouldn't be as inflated and I would probably required to check into a mental institution.

Here's to one more year! Right? Back me up here!

Welcome To The New Domain

In case you haven't notice, I haven't posted anything in the past few days. I've been dying to get back in the game, but apparently buying a domain is stupid as hell and requires an eternity to set up. Luckily, from now on, this should be a thing of the past. I guess what I'm trying to say is

UPDATE YOUR ADDRESS BOOKS

TAKINGOVERTHEUNIVERSE.NET

God that feels good.

New Years Resolutions? Think Again!

Ok, so it is kind of a bad pun. I didn't get a chance to blog about Kwanza Jones's smash song "Think Again" because it was already out for a while by the time I got my blog revamped and ready to present to the masses. I just wanted to make one last post this year, showcasing this amazing song and video, because when the album comes out, this very song will be completely different!



2012 is going to be an amazing year. I already have a lot planned for the new year including interviews, an exclusive new song preview, some new reoccurring features, and guests posts (both friends writing for my blog and me writing for others). It's gonna be a busy year and I hope everyone continues to to support me in my efforts to spread the love and joy of pop music to every corner of the universe -- before I take it over, that is.

On a side note, I am taking a mini-vacation this weekend. I threw this post together quickly (obvious, no?). But never fear, I will return Monday with the Song of the Week. I hope you all have a great New Year's Eve and New Years Day. Don't drink and drive and stay safe both physically and sexually! Love you guys!