MTV VMA'S live blog

Lady Gaga dressed as a man, i'm sure it's already on YouTube.

Britney Spears won best pop video...shes still one of my idols

Kanye and Jay-Z performed from Watch the Throne "Otis" pretty great duo, but I do think Jay-Z makes Kanye look short!

Foo Fighters won best rock album, well deserved.

KIA Sol's are the cars of the future I guess...Hamsters driving and robots groovin'.

8:47 Best Collaboration goes to Kanye and Katy Perry with the pink hair. I think she's pretty awesome AND she was nominated for 10 vma's!!

8:50 Neyo ft. Pitbull and Nayer perform "Give Me Everything" ...is she wearing a body suit? making her look naked?

Kim looking "dashing" as usual

Debut VMA performance for Adele. She is so talented and what a gorgeous face. Her album "21" is something to hear. She sounds just as great live as on the cd.

9:05 BRITNEY IN 20 minutes!!

9:11 Nominees for best male video announced by Kim Kardashian:
cee lo green, kanye west, bruno mars, eminem, justin bieber

...goes to JUSTIN BIEBER. And there is that rumor about Kim Kardashian and Justin Bieber being in love. They probably get paid to do that!

Chris Brown is finally back on top of his game and that whole violence dispute with Rihanna. He is a great performer.

"Beautiful people" and flying through the air in a white suit. Beautiful timing but its pretty insane. This performance is a statement about his career in a way, he is back, he is the future kinda thing.

CANNOT WAIT FOR ALL OF THE 'POP QUEENS'

Does anyone know who this singer girl is?

Lady or shall I say Lad Gaga's biggest inspiration was Britney Spears! And honestly she was sooooo amazing back in the day.

9:28 Tribute to Britney starts with Hit me Baby one more time..oops i did it again..toxic..slave 4 u...till the world ends. STANDING O for Britney who looks great! But Gaga was taking away from her speech.

#itsbritneybitch

Are they gonna make out

BEYONCE is performing in a sparkly purple suit, but she's still rocking it hard, never heard this song but I love it, so powerful and confident!

And she reveals the BABY BUMP! congrats honey-B and Jay-Z

Who is gonna be the best new artist? Nominees are Foster the People, Wiz Khalifa, Tyler, the Creator, Big Sean, Kreayshawn

and it goes to Tyler, the Creator!!!

9:45 VMA Debut, Young the Giant, Indie group gone famous. They put on a good show.

Just found out the singer is Jessie J...an english, R&B, and soul artist

DO you think the jersey shore girls coordinated their outfits ?

9:58 BEST FEMALE VIDEO: Lady Gaga "Born this Way" I'm nervous for what Gaga is doing right now.

I would be kind of pissed if I was sitting behind Katy Perry in that Hat.

Gaga is accepting of all people no matter what and I think that's pretty cool of her. She is clearly making a statement with her song and outfit tonight.

Russell Brandt tribute to Amy Winehouse acknowledging alcoholism and drug addiction. Her death did effect all of us she was a great talent.

10:08 Tony Bennett speaking of Amy and their recording together. Calling her a true "jazz artist" along with Ella Fitzgerald! Recording of "Beautiful" from March 23, 2011. What a great way to celebrate her life and talent.


-Carly Hurwitz

Feel Good Movies

Now that classes have started up again, it won’t be too long until we’re all stressed, crabby, hopped up on coffee, and sobbing silently into our pillows.

But have no fear, I’m sharing my favorite feel-good-distract-you-from-your-troubles-temporarily movies. Admittedly, most are somewhat sappy; I can’t help it if I enjoy a good romantic comedy. If it’s not for you, it’s not for you, but if you give one a try, you just might like it.

1) Annie

Seriously, Annie is such a classic. Both the 1982 and the 1999 version are great, with really excellent people and that adorable dog. If you’re craving some edginess, go with the 1982 version; it’s much scarier than the remake (Rooster chasing Annie on the bridge, anyone?) This movie is a nostalgia rush.

2)The Princess Bride

This was my favorite movie when I was 5 years old. So many excellent quotes, and Westley (Cary Elwes) was a total babe. I like my fairy tales with a good dose of tongue-in-cheek humor and this movie satisfies that requirement. Buttercup is a bit wishy-washy for my taste, but Inigo Montoya, Fezzik, and Westley make the film. A movie trailer, you say? “As you wish.”

3) The Holiday

I don’t even like Cameron Diaz, but I love her in this movie. Kate Winslet, Jack Black, Jude Law, and Cameron Diaz are perfect together. This is a great distraction movie-amazing vacations, romances with adorable men; Your heart will be glowing in no time.

4) About a Boy

I will always have a huge crush on Hugh Grant. I don’t care what anyone says; he is a dreamboat. This movie may not seem like your typical feel good movie (suicide, womanizing, bullies), but it’s probably my favorite movie ever, and it always makes me feel better.

5) Elf

Will Ferrell at his best. A delightful movie at any time of the year, a heaping helping of Christmas spirit will always brighten your day. I love Christmas. I love Christmas movies. Be careful with this one though; if you watch it a few weeks after Christmas, you will feel depressed because Christmas is over. This is a very real concern.

If you don't feel better by now, I don't know what to tell you; my area of knowledge is pretty much solely located in goofy movies that make me smile.

-Julia Jessen

Back to School, Back to School

The Daily Iowan Arts and Culture blog is now back in full swing. Sort of...

Check out the first print and online publication of 80 Hours in The Daily Iowan tomorrow, Thursday, August 18.

Enjoy your last weekend of freedom before the lectures, labs, homework, studying and days with little sleep commence.

Go see some of the fun bands, art exhibits and "foody" events that are featured in this week's 80 Hours!

More to come next week...