RAVE: Blossom on ‘Secret Life’

ABC Family’s “The Secret Life of the American Teenager” is still a disaster every week, but the recent addition of former “Blossom” star Mayim Bialik makes the series too good to pass up on the weekly. Woah! Bialik plays new guidance counselor Dr. Wilameena Bink, whose sardonic and brittle persona adds a right touch to a series that exists in an entirely separate universe from one resembling real life. For those of us who watched the adventures of Blossom and best friend Six (Jenna von Oÿ) in the ‘90s on NBC, Bialik’s presence reminds us of a time when Will Smith was still the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Ace of Base topped the pop charts and the only late-night dust up featured Jay Leno stealing “The Tonight Show” from David Letterman (by golly, he’s done it again, hasn’t he?). In recent years, Bialik has turned up on HBO’s “Curb Your Enthusiasm” and TLC’s “What Not to Wear.” While Bialik lacks those super cool, colorful outfits and dazzling hats that once made her a fashion role model in the ‘90s, her quippy humor remains the same.

WRECK: ‘We are the World’ remake

Twenty-five years after Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie brought together artists like Cyndi Lauper, Bruce Springsteen and Billy Joel for a recording of “We Are the World” to benefit famine relief efforts in Africa, a shameful remake has been recorded for those who have suffered in Haiti (ironic, since we are the ones who suffer having to endure this torturous remake). Jermaine Dupri produced a new version featuring horrendous appearances from the flat and thinly-voiced Justin Bieber and the rap auto-tuned stylings of Lil Wayne. Odd additions like actor Vince Vaughn and Richie’s daughter Nicole, also make up a diverse group of performers. It is splendid that the music industry has pitched in to raise more money and awareness for the catastrophe that occurred in Haiti; however, remaking an already not-so-great song feels cheap. It does not help that the entire production seems rushed and thrown together. Perhaps, a newly written song benefiting those in need would make for a more effective single. Also, more artists with talent on the track would help. Next time, please include more Jennifer Hudsons and less Miley Cyruses.