Long live the "King of Pop"

The world was saddened by the news that Michael Jackson, the “King of Pop” is no more. MJ, at age 50, suffered a cardiac arrest and died Thursday. The King of Pop had once shattered and stunned his audience with his moonwalk, feverish, crotch-grabbing dance moves in the music world. His high-pitched singing punctuated with squeals and titters had been his trademark. Who can ever forget his single sequined glove, tight, military-style jacket and aviator sunglasses? Indeed he was the most exciting performer of his generation!

Reports had it that Jackson died at UCLA Medical Center. He was stricken ill at his rented home in Holmby Hills. For nearly three-quarters of an hour, the paramedics tried to resuscitate him. Then he was rushed to the hospital where doctors continued to work on him.

At the time of his death, he was preparing for a comeback bid trying to rise up to the challenge of vanquishing his nightmare years of sexual social and financial calamity. The scheduled unprecedented 50 shows at a London arena was yet to be his greatest comeback which was first set for July 13.

There is still no final report about the cause of his death as his body is still to undergo an autopsy procedure. His death is currently being investigated by the police and the autopsy procedure is said to be just a standard procedure for high-profile cases. The family however believes that he suffered cardiac arrest in his home.

Michael Joseph Jackson was born Aug. 29, 1958 in Gary. In the late 1960s, MJ (who was just 4 years old) had been known with the Jackson 5's hits such as "ABC" and "I'll be there". The public had known him as the the precocious, spinning lead singer of the group together with his four older brothers : Marlon, Jermaine, Jackie and Tito.

His talent, charisma together with his early success of bubblegum soul made a break for him. His music is phenomenal. He went solo creating an innovative, explosive, unstoppable music. In 1982, his album "Thriller" alone mixed the dark, serpentine bass and drums and synthesizer approach of "Billie Jean," the grinding Eddie Van Halen solo on "Beat It," and the hiccups and falsettos on "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'.". He had made and sold roughly 50 million copies worldwide making it the best-selling album of all time.

The peak of his career may have started in 1983. At this time, Motown celebrated its 25th anniversary. This was all-star televised concert and Jackson showcased off his famous backward gliding moonwalk dance while joining his brothers for a medley of old hits. The crowd became excited with the part when he had the “Billie Jean” run-through with matching pointing, crouching, high-kicking, splay-footed and crotch-grabbing moves. He surely made his audience astonished giving him a roaring standing ovation. His moves and his level of performance had surely cemented his place in pop culture.

He was recognized to be one of the biggest pop sensations of all time like Elvis Presley and the Beatles. But as the years went by, he became an increasingly freakish figure, a laughing-stock with his surgically alternate appearance as a result of his sustained burnt during a production of the 1984 Pepsi commercial.

Following his career, he had managed to record strong follow-up albums such as “Bad” which was released in 1987 and "Dangerous" in 1991. His career began to wane in 1993 after his name was dragged in child molestation. He denied all of these allegations and tabloids have reported that criminal charges were not filed because they have made a $20 million settlement with the boy's family.

The incident took over a change in the public’s eye. His image started to come to the public as a middle-aged man-child weirdly out of touch with grown-up life. Some people have insulted him with his changing appearance. Others were bewildered when he wore a germ mask while traveling, adopted and named his chimpanzee “Bubbles” and saying that it was one of his closest companions. His career and image have been destroyed even more when people started criticizing and judging him when he surrounded himself with children at his Neverland ranch. From the “King of Pop” he was downgraded to “Wacko Jacko”. A Hollywood publicist in the name of Michael Levine commented that “His internal essence was at war with the norms of the world. It's as if he was trying to defy gravity,"

His image and career even went dimmer when he caused a public stir in 2002. The swarm of fans in Berlin is shocked to have seen from below MJ playfully dangled his infant son, Prince Michael II, over the hotel balcony.

There were many reports that he had molested children in Neverland but he was cleared of all the charges. Despite of it all, the case followed years of rumors of molesting young boys. This event took a huge toll and dampened the most on his career and image bringing him into serious financial trouble.

There is no doubt though that the legendary icon has been truly a great influence to many people. Many detractors would not agree with me when I say that even with the negative publicities that he was getting, he has at least left a legacy that will always be remembered not only in the music industry but also with the people he had helped one way or another.

This is the reason why his best friend, Elizabeth Taylor, gave him the title "King of Pop". He was believed to be the most popular music's premier all-around performer. He made a breakthrough by crashing the race barrier and uniting black and white music on MTV. He dominated the charts and dazzled even more on stage.

Among the many good deeds that he had accomplished is the setting up of the World Foundation after he co-wrote the song "Heal the World". He had also donated $500,000.00 for the benefit of the Negro society. He ensured that the proceeds of the hit single "Man in the Mirror" be donated in a foundation. During the time of former President Bush, he pleaded the government to make some donations to the HIV victims. There were varieties of different cause that he had been a part of and had advocated for that is why he had been loved by so many.

In fact, as word of his death spread like virus, MTV cancelled its regular program and played videos from Jackson's heyday. Most radio stations performed a marathon of his hits. Fans gathered outside the hospital to pray for his soul. In New York's Times Square, a low groan went up in the crowd when a screen flashed that Jackson had died. His star power is unmatched. As Billboard magazine editorial director Bill Werde puts it, "The world just lost the biggest pop star in history, no matter how you cut it,"

With his death, I am sure that the music industry will pay a lot of tribute to the Pop icon. I guess one way to relive his greatness is to continue the good deeds he has done. Long live the King of Pop!

Changeling

I thought at first it was wrong spelling but when I googled the word I found that it's for real. Changeling means a child secretly exchanged for another. This 2008 movie is based on a true story. Directed by Clint Eastwood and starred by Angelina Jolie and John Malkovich. A story based on the Wineville Chicken Coop Murders.

The story however focused on Christine Collins who dared what no one else had the guts to do. It depicted and detailed the fight that Collins went through against the LAPD in search of her lost son - Walter. The police thought they found the boy and had solved the case. Incidentally, the boy that they found in Illinois told the police that he was Walter Collins. Christine told the police that it was a mistake but the police didn't listen to her. To make it worst, they threw her in a psychiatric ward to cover up for their mistakes. With Collins determination and some help from concerned citizens, she brought to an end to the Coop Murders by fighting it in court together with the conviction of Gordon Northcott (the suspect). She won the case but still she wasn't able to locate her son.

CHangeling is one of the best drama movie that I've seen this year. When Angelina Jolie spoke to Gordon in the prison and asked him if he killed her son, I felt the agony, grief and hopelessness during that scene. As a mother, I've sympathized with what she went through just to look for her son. Every cast in that film gave justice to the story behind the Wineville Chicken Coop Murders.

Upon watching said movie, I did some research and interestingly found out some trivia. One of them is why Gordon Northcott
murdered those boys. At the back of my mind, I was sure that Gordon had some psychological problems because no sane person would even think about doing those things to those poor boys. I read that Gordon was not onlya product of incestuous action but that he was molested and abused as a child by the entire family.

Another interesting fact was the reason why the boy that the police found in Illinois pretended to be Walter. His name was Arthur Hutchkins and recounted the story when he was asked by the police if he noticed or knew Walter Collins. At first he said he didn't know Walter but when he heard the police mentioning California, he changed his story because he wanted to go to California to escape from his stepmother, Violet. (Left : Walter Collins; Right : Arthur Hutchkins)

When a man loves a woman

Through the good times. Through the bad times. When a Man Loves a Woman it's for all times. A 1994 hit movie that starred Andy Garcia and Meg Ryan. It has a soundtrack which was revived by Michael Bolton with the same title as the movie. A man who loved his wife through it all. They faced a difficult time of their marriage when Alice Green (Meg) who was an alcoholic and had hit bottom when she had compromised the safety of her own child when she was under the influence of alcohol. She then realized that she needed to go to rehab to save herself and her marriage. Still after what she had been through, Michael Green (Andy) embraced him wholeheartedly. When a man loves a woman is a typical drama love story which depicts a simple and yet profound love of a man for a woman despite all her imperfections. A man who has truly lived by his vows of "for better or for worse". A fictional movie which many of us would think only happens in the big screen.

The Hercules

Ever since we were boyfriend-girlfriend, I know that he is someone who will forever be young at heart. He is a certified music lover, passionate with video games, updated with different consoles, and a techie-lover!

I am lucky because he can play and be in tune with my daughter's hobbies and playful moods. I know that I will never understand his enthusiasts with the games that he have been playing (i.e. magic cards, network games, dungeon and dragon board games, catapult board games and there are more in the list).

Now I am saving up for something that he is eyeing for - the Hercules. No it's not the Roman God. Neither it is the Disney character or figurine. Hercules is a unique DJ Console Mk2. It is a revolutionary complete portable DJ controller, Mixer and USB audio interface for desktop/laptop PCs.

In his younger years, he used to be a DJ and he had made some money out of it by playing on parties and bars. Growing competition made him set aside his hobby. As the years passed by so with his equipment that he used to play with. Inspired by my brother who plays in hotels and who enjoys a lot with his JLB mixer, he drools out for this Hercules thing.

I got curious and bean researching what he constantly talks about. Internet articles states that the Hercules DJ Console Mk2 is perfect for digital DJs and has been labeled the next generation award winning DJ Console.

What are its features? It is compact and portable, a dual-deck controller with integrated audio for mixing MP3s, WAVs, WMA etc on a PC. A major new feature of the DJ Console Mk2 is the ability to connect up to two external analogue devices such as vinyl turntables, CD players or MP3 players - Multiplying the possibilities for DJs to master the art of MP3 mixing while also integrating the analogue equipment used by DJs.

Another good deal about it is that it is ideal to use with all of the latest music and audio applications including: Image Line FL Studio (Fruityloops), Cakewalk SONAR, Cakewalk Pro Audio, Guitar Tracks Pro, Home Studio, Steinberg Cubase VST, Cubase SX, Cubase SL, Cubase SE, Nuendo, Wavelab, Adobe Audition, Syntrillium Cool Edit Pro, Cool Edit Pro 2, Sonic Foundry Sound Forge, Acid, Samplitude, Propellerheads Reason, Ableton Live, and other music software.

Let War Games begin!

A blast from the past. Let me take you to my favorite era and let us talk about the movies of the 1980s. There are soooo many great movies that you can look for in any video rental store. Who would ever forget Ferris Bueller’s Day Off or Back to the future? How about the heartwarming story of E.T. and the exciting love story of Pretty in Pink?

I can go on and on with my list and I am certain that you all remember them and miss those classic flick movies. My personal pick : Some kind of wonderful. It starred Mary Stuart Masterson as Watts and Eric Stoltz as Keith. Aren't their names as cute as the characters they play? This classic teen comedy romance is all about two friends discovering their feelings for each other which goes beyond friendship. I just find the movie and the characters irresistible.

Incidentally, the 1983 sci-fi thriller movie entitled WarGames is celebrating it’s 25th Anniversary event which will be played today in select theaters nationwide. The story is about David finding himself caught between the real world and gamelandia. The young man is a hacker and he discovered a back door into a military central computer which started it all.

Don’t miss out on this one because the films will only roll in the big screen for only a night. Special features like never-before-seen interviews with film creators, cast and crew will be seen. Viewers will also get the chance to have a sneak peak of the making of the sequel which is entitled “WarGames : The Dead Code”.

Some kind of wonderful

I fell in love with the story. Keith and Watts are both lovely names and how I wish I can use them for my baby. The story tells us something about the life of being a teenager. I guess I could associate myself with Watts' character. I was a little boyish back then but not really tomboyish. I wore shorts instead of skirt, played basketball and volleyball. I was into Karate although most of my friends are girls. I guess I like to show people how tough I am and that no one can belittle us. It has become a realization to me that when you are in your teens, the physical looks matter more than the inside. Another thing that I've come to grasp is the concept of appreciating the one you love in the brink of losing them. It is only when our innermost feelings come into fire when the situation is already hurting you. When you feel that short stabbing pain, pinch in the heart and a fiery pang of jealousy it will surely hit you hard and hopefully wake you up. Whenever I watch the movie, I always feel like I am watching it for the first time. I can watch it again and again but I don't wanna feel the real deal again.

Fancy techies @ Hanspree

Necessity is the mother of all invention? Is this really true? How about those people who have invented or developed things just for fun? Are they creating their things out of boredom and that alone creates a need to color their dull world?



Hanspree, a Taipei company, has manufactured fashionable and TV/PC monitors that will suit and satisfy individual needs. Hannspree has reignited a revolution that will lead a design-centric technology that establishes an entirely new class of customized audio-visual products. They recognize the need to provide customers with the ability to choose products that express their own individuality and have retailed the products through flagship stores to create an atmosphere that is consistent with their mold-breaking brand.



Intrigued with what I am talking about? Check out their cool site and see for yourself their latest innovative, sporty, trendy and stylish products @ http://www.hannspree.com.

Barneymania

What's with Barney?! I don't even know the gender of this purple dinosaur. My 6-year old daughter was an avid fan of Barney before. Way back when she was just starting to appreciate movies other than commercials, I swear I was about to curse Barney. Why? It has invaded our viewing system. From the moment my daughter opened her eyes until yawn comes to her, Barney is on TV - singing, dancing and acting. The whole household memorized every bit of the lines and every song and dance numbers there are. But of course, how could I get mad with Barney when I saw that my daughter enjoyed watching the show. Her eyes would glow every time she would hear the word Barney or she would get so sweeter every time she hears the all-time song associated with Barney "I love you, You love me. We're best friends like friends should be. With a great big hug and a kiss from me to you. won't you say you love me too?" She gets teary eyed and would give us a kiss a big hug. I then realized that it has a big impact on her and that she also learned a lot of things while she was growing up especially good manners. Now that my 1-year old daughter would take my hand every morning, flashes her cutest smile and utter "Barney". I already know that she is asking me to play a CD of Barney. Even though she appreciated "Dora" first, it was Barney who can make her glued to the TV like her older sister. I read somewhere that there was a scientific study that the combination of the purple dinosaur have been a very attractive figure for children. It's like kids are being hypnotized when they see Barney. I guess my kids are just one of the living proof that this study is conclusive.

PDA...the dream lives on!

If there is one singing contest here in the Philippines that I have enjoyed watching that is the Pinoy Dream Academy. For me, it is always the audition phase that showcases the best part of the season. This is where the mentors and viewers get to see all the aspiring and crazy participants from all over the country. I guess the amusing part there is watching some participants who advertently auditions and who have a strong fighting spirit even though they have no real talent in singing. Now when these people try to step up on the stage and believe that by joining in the contest will change the course of their lives makes it real fun by turning the contest into some kind of circus.

Unlike any other singing contests, it just doesn’t provide you a show with the mere singing entertainment. It also gives you a glimpse shot of their personalities as they are housed in one roof. Today’s season has boarded in 16 contestants together with Teacher Monet as their in-house mentor. The other dream mentors composed of Mr. Ryan Cayabyab, the new Headmaster replacing Season 1’s headmaster Jim Paredes; Teacher Kitchie, the voice mentor; and Joey Reyes who is in charge of the personality development.
At this early stage, I have seen the disparity of these 16 contestants as opposed to another singing contest of the other network. It is definitely a no match when it comes to the talents that ABS-CBN has been producing and showcasing. Needless to say, the overall package of the talents has been thoroughly conceptualized which is why ABS-CBN has continuously delivered a better show.

Natsumi - the beautiful summer

Whenever I hear something about anime or Japanese Manga movies, the first thing that comes to my mind is my hubby and his niece. They are both avid fans of anime. I am sure that they will be excited when they hear about Bleach : Memories of Nobody which is going to be shown in the big screen for only two nights. Oh yes, NCM Fathom and Viz Media have decided to present the movie on June 11th and 12th at 7:30 pm on selected movie theaters nationwide which is dubbed in English.

Of course, the names of the characters are in Nihonggo so I try to figure out what their character name means. For example, the lead character in the movie Bleach would mean “the First Guardian” or “He who protects”. I find it interesting making a Japanese name on my own based on its meaning. If ever I am going to make a script, I would name the led character Natsumi which means a beautiful summer. I thought the name sounds nice and the meaning is appropriate with the life I want to envision.

Just to give you a brief background, the Bleach : Memories of Nobody is a 2006 animated film adaptation which is about Ichigo Kurosaki and Rukia Kuchiki who deals with the unidentifiable spirits that began popping up which are known as “Blanks”. They were lost in space between Soul Society and the real world, known as the Valley of Screams, and have been stripped of their memories. They were able to meet Senna who is a mysterious soul reaper who wipes out most of the strange souls. The excitement continues when a mysterious group appears which were called the “Dark Ones. They set their sights on Senna because they want to get revenge on Soul Society by causing a chain reaction that will collapse the entire dimension of the Soul Society and the real world.

The story itself is interesting and I know that it will be captured in the upcoming movie for anime fans. Don’t miss this exhilarating manga movie because seats are limited so hurry up and get your tickets by purchasing advance tickets which are already available online at www.fathomevents.com.

Julianne and Michael

I have watched the comedy-love story movie for like a hundredth time and every time I watch it I still can't help but cry during my favorite scenes. Although there is a never a dull moment in the movie, I really find it endearing when Julianne and Michael were in a city cruise trying to have their last time together alone. I feel for Julianne and I feel every part of the pain that she feels during that moment. I don't know why but whenever I hear their lines and the background music ..."Someday"... starts playing, my eyes instantly becomes misty no matter how much I try to hold them back. I feel a stabbing pain and the scene just hits me right through the bone.

I also like the ending part where Julianne gave her speech at the wedding. She let the couple use their best-friend signature song "The way you look tonight" as a gift to the couple while they were trying to figure out what their theme song is. I also liked her line where she said "I had the strangest dream. I dreamt that some psychopath was trying to break the two of you up. Luckily, I woke up and I see that the world is just as it should be. For my best friend has won the best woman.". I don't think I'll never get over this movie for as long as I live.

Serendipity and peculiarity

USA Network's new original series In Plain Sight is another crime-drama expected to be making a big hit on the tv screen. The TV-series stars Mary McCormack as Mary Shannon who plays a U.S. Marshal affiliated to the highly secretive Federal Witness Protection Program (WITSEC). Mary’s work is based in the greater Albuquerque/Santa Fe, New Mexico area. Her job is to protect and relocate Federal witnesses who roll out from all over the country. These witnesses come from different sides of the law and the only thing in common is that someone wants them dead.

This TV-series does not only feature a great story but also real-life characters with peculiar persona. While I was having a rundown of the different characters in www.usanetwork.com, I remember my sister in the character of Brandi Shannon played by Nichole Hiltz. I thought her character is very much alive in my sister. My favorite youngest sister lives in the moment. She is the type who never cares much about education and tends to fall to the worst possible men. She likes to earn a living already and buy whatever she desires without having to go through a formal education. Sometimes her peculiar situation and ambitions gives way to serendipity.

If you have missed its series premiere which started last June 1, you may catch it online at www.usanetwork.com. Happy viewing to all!

The Nephilim

Nephilim. I thought this was just some word invented in the tv mini-series "Fallen" but when I googled it up I found a lot of sites describing the word. After getting a rest from "Damages", I was just toying with other movie titles hoping that it would satisfy my craving for another mind-boggling series.

Then I was introduced to "Fallen". This is different from the tv series that I've been enjoying every night. First and foremost it is just a three-part series which would mean that I will be again scouting for movies after only a night. Oh yes, I can finish one season in just one night. Another thing is that this series presents alternative religion which tells about the battle between opposing celestial forces.

Nephilim, as most articles would describe, were a pre-flood race which are referred to in the Bible as giants. They were half humans and half Gods. It is most important to note that they are mentioned almost simultaneous to God's statement that He would destroy the earth by flood, and it seems from this association that their affect upon mankind was one of the primary justifications that brought the destruction.

Fallen has brought some interesting details and will surely capture everyone's attention with their almost factual storyline and effects.

Leaving Without a Trace

Without a Trace is a fast-paced drama about an FBI division that is in charge of missing persons. I just bought a complete series of Season 5. I am already into episode 3 entitled "Damage Done". Agent Malone, the head of the FBI team, had an encounter with Sadik, the leader of a mafia, in the previous episodes of Season 4. Ín this episode, Sadik's girlfriend (Julia) and son (Petros) was abducted. In the course of finding Sadik's son, Agent Malone was trying to shoot two birds with one stone - find Petros and nail Sadik to jail.
When Petros was born, he has brought joy to Sadik. The only thing that matters to Sadik is Petros. However, Sadik's way of upbringing Petros was through bloodmoney. With this, Julia knew it was not the right environment for Petros. One day, she got the couraged to leave Sadik. She packed a gun for protection but ironically it was the same gun that killed Petros. An accident which led to the staging of the abduction.
When Agent Malone delivered the news to Sadik, his tears wiped away the toughness in him. The angst and attitude was brought down by his emotion....his sadness.......the feeling of being lost...the emptiness that has covered him.
When we were young, I often hear them say that boys don't cry. There was even an 80s song about it. Men are taught to be tough...to put on a straight/poker face in situations where the world crumbles at their feet. Hard as it may be, they try to fight back the tears and act like a brave soldier. But I've known some people...in their solitude find ways to bring a tear drop from their eyes. I've seen them shed a tear....saw the fear in their eyes.....felt the sadness....the void.....the dread of losing someone...someday...and I say even big boys cry.

American Idol down to three!

So Jason Castro is finally out. American Idol's finalists are left with Syesha and the two David's - Archuletta and Cook. I bet the two David's will vie for the seat. Although David Archuletta has obviously flocks of fans, my bet is David Cook. I find him bold and daring and he has proved himself that the risks he took were worth our while. I just hope that Cook will remain to choose the right song till the end of the fight because it will definitely make him head and shoulders above the two other finalists and eventually be this season’s American Idol!

Frontier is a sure bet for the nightmare awards!

Yesterday, I just finished a post about the Frontier(s) and while my friend and I were crossing the street heading to the parking lot, we came around the topic. I mentioned that after watching the Frontier(s) trailer, I got excited about the movie and hope that I can get a copy of the DVD. She then replied that she doesn’t like horror movies and that the pictures that she saw were gruesome. I guess the trailer was effective that it really got my friend scared the wits out of her.

For some people, they can’t stand to watch horror movies because it gives them nightmare and this vivid and uncanny imagination that gives them a hair-raising moment. But not me! I love watching horror or thriller movies especially this upcoming movie that I’ve just recently blogged and posted here. I got so curious about this unrated, uncut and controversial movie. Unparalleled by its cinematography and storyline, the negative publicity and controversy that toppled on them did not stop them from hitting the theaters. This is not just some movie that was created just for the sake of making money but the producers and the scriptwriter made sure that they put some meat in the movie (no pun intended!).

Although, I read the synopsis in the trailer which by the way you can view at http://www.frontiersunrated.com, reviews and plot summary of Frontier(s), I am still excited with the release of the movie. I am sure that the trailer will give the viewer some gripping instant that will make them curious, horror-struck and will leave them some interesting and strange thoughts.

The plot revolves around the survival of the lead character Yasmine who was caught up in the middle of a deadly political riot in France. Seeking refuge from his ex-boyfriend tagging along two thug friends, they thought they find shelter and security at an inn run by a neo-Nazi family practicing some evil cult. Amidst the insurgence outside their world and the mental torture that they are facing inside the inn, they must keep their sanity intact and run for their lives. By just reading the summary and rewriting it makes me wonder how the story was filmed. If you find yourself in this kind of dilemma, try looking at the Frontier(s) site.

For interested viewers like me, you can catch the movie Frontier(s) at the select theater listings in the http://www.frontiersunrated.com. There are ten states which the movie will be shown so you can check out the nearest theaters in your area. To my friends who are residing in New York and L.A., you can catch them at the Village East Cinema and The Bridge Cinema, respectively. Enjoy and be horrified! Click the Frontier(s) site and enter the dreadful world of Frontier(s).

Keep the energy going!

Even before I was single, I already promised myself that when I have my own kids, I’ll be a cool mom. So my way of being cool and being close to my kids is to have time to play with them.
At this time and age, Atari and Playstations are already passé. I have to know the latest craze and be updated with the latest technologies so I can talk the same lingo that my kids do.
I then saw this opportunity and joined the You Make My Energy Pop Contest. In joining this contest, I can win the Xbox 360 Elite Bundle, $100 Gift Certificate, and a 12-pack of MAXXED Energy Pops. Isn’t it great?! Fascinatingly, if you have a blog, you can participate in the contest and join the Keep-Going-Sweepstakes where they can also win an Xbox 360 Elite Bundle.
All parents will agree with me that one need lots of energy when they play with their kids. Especially with my routine, I really need to store lots of energy because before I put my kids into bed I make sure that I spend quality time with them. It is only when they are asleep that I get to do my own thing – blogging. So for you readers out there, you might want to help me by clicking through my Energy meter to give me lots of energy. I will be needing them to keep the energy pumping in my veins.