Media, Music and Entertainment: Facts and Trivia

You have probably heard rappers rhyme about "dropping their 16 bars." Sixteen bars refers to the structure of a rap verse. Each line, whether it has a rhyming line or not, is a bar. So for example, here is a snippet of a popular rap verse from Biggie Smalls:

"...We use to fuss when the landlord disses us

No Heat, wonder why Christmas missed us!

Birthdays were the worst days,

Now we sip Champagne when we're thirstay..."

(Biggie Smalls, Juicy)

Each of those lines is a bar. Each verse in a rap song is 16 bars.

How does Nielsen determine the most watched television shows?

Nielsen Media Research, a company that measures audiences of television, radio and other forms of entertainment, can tell what people are watching using several methods. They ask viewers to participate in surveys conducted during what are called "sweeps" months (Feb., May, July, Nov.). Nielsen Ratings is a part of Nielsen Media Research that is charged with determining television ratings. They also use Set Meters in selected homes to determine what people are watching. Finally, Nielsen measures television viewership through TiVo, a digital recording apparatus that many people now use in their homes. Nielsen also conducts other forms of market research.

When is NY Fashion Week?

New York Fashion week actually occurs twice a year. Once in February, and once in September in Bryant Park, New York City.

What was the first movie ever made?

According to many sources, the very first movie, using the definition "motion picture" as the definition of a movie, ever made was titled "The Horse in Motion." The movie was made in 1878, and was just an series of random filmed images of a horse galloping.

What is the name of the designer who makes the signature shirts that Charlie Sheen wears on Two and a Half Men?

The shirts that Charlie Harper (played by Charlie Sheen) on the hit CBS TV show Two and a Half Men are called camp shirts, or bowling shirts. The majority of Charlie Sheen's onscreen wardrobe are by Nat Nast. Nat Nast clothing has been around since 1946 and is considered a classic line of men's clothing.

Who is the voice of Stewie on Family Guy?

The creator of Family Guy, Seth MacFarlane, is the voice of Stewie Griffin, as well as other characters from the popular television show.

Was Halle Berry the first black woman to win an Oscar?

No, despite what many people believe, Halle Berry was the first black woman to win an Oscar for Best Actress, for her role in Monster's Ball. The very first black woman to ever win an Oscar was Hattie McDaniel's, the woman who played opposite the main character Scarlet O'Hara in the movie Gone with the Wind.

Sources:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Family_Guy

http://www.who2.com/halleberry.html

Nat Nast Clothing : http://www.natnast.com/cat_r09_3c.aspx

Nielsen Media Research : http://www.nielsenmedia.com/nc/portal/site/Public/menuitem.55dc65b4a7d5adff3f65936147a062a0/?vgnextoid=b568b8ee80d06010VgnVCM100000880a260aRCRD

http://www.mbfashionweek.com/newyork/

Definition of 16 bars : http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=16+bars

Will Wright, "The First Movie Ever Made: A History of Film Firsts" Associated Content