Dubbed by many ‘the most successful musician of all time’, Paul McCartney performed at the Opening Ceremony of the 2012 London Olympics, and showed the world why he is the pride of London and all of the UK.
LONDON, ENGLAND – JULY 27: General View as fireworks illuminate the sky during the Opening Ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium on July 27, 2012 in London, England.
The formation of the historic Olympic Rings
Queen Elizabeth II (R) and Jacques Rogge (L), President of the International Olympic Committee, attend the Opening Ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium on July 27, 2012 in London, England.
Overall, a really great show. And that’s what it was, a show.”The Ceremony is an attempt to capture a picture of ourselves as a nation, where we have come from and where we want to be,” Boyle released in a statement during the run-up to the Games, saying he hoped to tell the country’s story, with the help of a vast army of volunteers who, he said, “are the purest embodiment of the Olympic spirit and represent the best of who we are as a nation.” It was well received in the United Kingdom and abroad, drawing an average audience of 40.7 million people in the US, topping the previous record of 39.8 million for the 1996 Atlanta Games.
At one point, I wished I was British. Which, in my opinion, is what they were going for.
Michael Jackson passed away on June 25th, 2009 due to a drug overdose of sleeping medications in his rented Beverly Hills home while preparing for his upcoming concert tour based in London, “This Is It”. He was 51.
Michael Jackson may have been the “Dancing Machine” in life, but in death, he’s the money makin machine. Since his death in June of 2009, his estate has grossed a mere $500 million dollars in profits from deals including upcoming posthumous albums , “This is It” (behind the scenes of his tour practise), memorabilia, everything. The shocking thing is that his estate is only beginning to make the cash money, since that half a billion is going towards paying down the massive debt MJ left for the executors to slowly extinguish, which they are doing with flying colours. All excellent news. As time goes on, his children’s financial future can only become stronger and stronger. Sounds good right? Wrong!
The Jackson siblings (most of them) are waging a war against the “Michael Jackson Estate”, it’s executors and the will upon which the estate is based. Aaaaaand it’s all about the money. Publicly, they deny this of course.
Posthumously released, “This is It” captured Jackson and his entire crew as they prepared for their upcoming concert series with a duration of 50 shows. Grossing over 260M+ worldwide, it is the most successful musical documentary of all time.
Earlier this week, Jermaine, Randy, Tito, Marlon, Janet and Rebbie Jackson signed and released publicly (mistake #1) a letter to the executors of the estate John Branca and John McClain (not Bruce Willis character), demanding they resign from their posts for shady behaviour and greedy motives in terms of money (ironic coming from the Jackson siblings!). The siblings in their delusion, believe the will MJ signed was a fake, and that the executors had concocted the will for their own financial benefit once MJ had died. They also claimed that the MJ Estate execs had caused their mother stress to the point of a stroke because of money flow issues. Subsequently, Katherine Jackson, mother of the Jackson dynasty and guardian of MJ’s children, was whisked away to Arizona to a “spa” earlier this week by the Jackson siblings during this public ordeal, leaving the MJ children and the people around them in the dark as to why and where she went. Obviously a purposeful ploy to turn Katherine against the Estate and join in on the douchebaggery/ effort to overthrow the estate.
At that point, the crazy train was just leaving the station. After Katherine’s sudden removal from the home and the state of California, there was violence at the Calabasas house of Prince Michael, Paris and Prince Michael II “Blanket” (paid for by the Estate) involving security and Randy/Jermaine Jackson. The children were entering the property in a black SUV (pretty sure it was an Escalade), and following immediately behind them (extremely close) in another black SUV was Jermaine, Randy and Janet Jackson, allowing their vehicle to pass the gate without permission. With cameras capturing all the action, videos were released showing Janet confronting MJ’s teenage daughter Paris near the front door of the house, demanding her cell phone (Paris has been tweeting about the situation on Twitter throughout the week). It is seen in the video that Janet lunges toward Paris in an unsuccessful attempt to grab the phone, causing Paris to storm inside the house. Once in the house, it is reported that a physical altercation broke out between Trent Jackson (head of security at the house), Jermaine and Randy Jackson, leaving Jermaine with a busted open lip and Randy in a headlock. A war of words between Paris and her auntie Janet also occurred, with Paris proclaiming that this was her house, not the Jackson Family compound, therefore everyone needed to leave immediately. Yeah, I left out a few “fuck” words in her proclamation. Janet allegedly responded by calling Paris a “spoilt little bitch”, and slapping her across the face. (Makin poppa Joe Jackson proud?) A slap that was reciprocated by Paris right back to her superstar aunt. Sounds like an episode of a “Real Housewives of New Jersey”!
Meanwhile, back in Arizona, Katherine Jackson is oblivious to all this happening and clearly not fulfilling her role as guardian of the children. After news of all this broke, Katherine was notified and immediately fired the security team (the team had been with the family for YEARS), and demanded Janet Jackson’s security team replace them. Brainwash, brainwash, brainwash. It is reported that the Jackson siblings stuck the idea in Katherine’s head that Trent Jackson and the rest of his security team had shady motives (unclear ones) and were supporting the MJ Estate and the executors, which is a big no-no in the “Brainwash Mommy 101″ handbook. The siblings felt Trent and his team were coercing Katherine into supporting the Estate, which ultimately meant she would not side with her children in overthrowing the executors and the will = no payday for the siblings. Mix that in with Katherine temporarily losing guardianship of the 3 MJ children to Tito Jackson’s oldest son TJ (a court process strongly supported by Prince, Paris and Blanket), it was a tough week for the Jacksons.
Well, the plan is completely crumbling before the Jackson’s money hungry eyes. Days after signing the letter and having the world realize once again what the siblings have a reputation for, Tito and Marlon Jackson denounced their signature on the letter and came back to reality. Jackie Jackson, the oldest of the siblings, strongly disapproved of this action the whole debacle and is apparently furious at his younger brothers and sisters for what they have been trying to do. And having Katherine losing guardianship temporarily (possibly permanently) to TJ Jackson means that any support financially going to Katherine (she typically received $70,000 a month) has effectively been cut off. This is bad because part of the siblings’ eventual plan (after getting rid of the executors and placing Randy Jackson as new executor) was to massively increase Katherine’s support in the millions. Why was this important? Well, Katherine has allegedly been sending cheques to some of her strapped for cash children, and she is heavily relied upon to give out money. Therefore, the more money headed toward Katherine, the more money she has to give out. Money from the Estate meant for Katherine to maintain Michael’s kids’ lifestyles. Not to mention the amount of $$ the greedy Jacksons could stand to receive once she finally kicks the bucket.
Can you believe this? I don’t know what’s more shocking. The fact that most of these Jacksons are so openly out for money, or the fact I have written all of this without checking an entertainment website once! This has been in the news all week, and I’ve been soaking it all up one day at a time. It makes me feel for Michael. If the family is so relentlessly out for his money in death, could you imagine how unbearable they would have been when MJ was alive? That’d make me want to take Demerol and all the sleeping medications I could too. Hating on the executors makes no sense to me personally. These two men have been operating the estate like a business and killing it! $500 million in 3 years and they should resign? Where is the sense in that? Exactly, it makes no sense, and shows where Jermaine, Randy, Janet and Rebbie’s priorities are at. Not hard to figure out where Michael got the inspiration for the song “Money” from….
Funny thing is, even if the current will is found invalid, the siblings would STILL GET NO MONEY as they are not mentioned in Jackson’s previous will. They were screwed from the beginning, and ended up making themselves look terrible in the process. It’s unfortunate, but I think it’s a good thing MJ’s kids are learning the ways of their family early on. Moving forward, I cannot imagine they’ll forget who did what these past couple weeks and hopefully, they’ll be smart with the insane amount of money will each be waiting for them that their father left.
Best part of the story? It isn’t over yet! Stay tuned.
Meet the Jacksons! From the top left: Katherine, Prince Michael II “Blanket”, Paris, Prince Michael, Tito, Rebbie, Randy Jackson from American Idol (simple mistake anyone would make), Jackie, Latoya (surprisingly absent in all this mess), Jermaine, Janet and Marlon. Meet the Jacksons.
Going into the movie, I had really high hopes for this film. Truth be told, I’m a little obsessed with these celebrity-driven behind the scenes documentary movies, and when you add good music to it, what could be better? Like I said, high hopes.
Immediately into the movie, it didn’t take long to recognize the film I was watching would most likely end up being the “girl power” version of the 2009 Justin Bieber hit “Never Say Never”. Duh. The company behind the movies (financially) are one in the same (AEG), therefore the same executive producers. I enjoyed “NSN” so I knew this one had the potential to be just as entertaining. From the first frame, it was all about the inspiration felt by the fans because of the undeniable success of the artist (same as Bieber’s film). ‘Katy inspires me. Katy saved my life. Katy gave me a purpose’, yawda yawda yawda life is wonderful. Surprisingly to me, it was not annoying and rather heartfelt (unlike Bieber’s). Forgive me, I’m cynical.
Illustrated in the film, Perry is all about her fans and champions the utmost importance of being original and unique. Perry herself displays an aura of sincerity and devotion to her fans that is infectious. When she meets a lucky group of kids before each show, in one case a “Make A Wish” child; it seems as though Perry herself is one of the kids. When one child asks how old she is, and she admits to being 27; the child says she looks 16… and Perry replies with a wide eyed smile that she feels that way too.
Katy Perry during one her backstage “meet and greet” sessions with fans
Introduced to Perry piece by piece by piece, the audience is enlightened by her wonderfully ‘Hollywood’ rags to riches success story. Which it truly is. A talented, cute girl that has a big dream and an even bigger struggle. From two parents that were somewhat supportive of a music career (that they most likely envisioned peak in a Church choir) to record company after record company passing on what she puts forward, clearly Perry’s journey wasn’t an overnight pipe dream. Like all things, her journey took ambition, perseverance and a strong belief in a dream.
Once the viewer gets a little background on Perry, the movie then showcases what we came to see: Perry embark on her upcoming (massively successful) “California Dreams” world tour. From rags to riches turned pop princess, the audience gets an inside glimpse into the workings of what makes Katy Perry the global superstar she is today, and yeah, a little bit of where she came from to get to where she is today. Throughout, we are presented with multiple showings of Perry and her fellow on stage performers rehearsing relentlessly, meeting with adoring fans, and squeezing in time for family and friends. It really gives the person watching to see Perry for what she is behind the publicity, and I’m sure had the power to change a few minds of what she’s all about when the camera is off.
The part that really distinguishes Katy Perry’s movie from Justin Bieber’s is the emotional level of vulnerability Perry allows to be seen on camera. Her new marriage to Russell Brand in particular is a main vessel of the film and clearly a struggle for the pop superstar to keep up with. Certaintly not for a lack of trying. Almost reminded to the audience a few too many times by Perry and her team via interviews, it’s definitely put out there that the songstress put her marriage at a very high priority. Flying thousands of miles to be with her spouse for only a day or two, constant texting, calling and any form of communication possible, Perry’s dedication and commitment was unwavering. Brand’s is unknown and essentially unexplored. Leaves one to wonder…..A very memorably raw moment is when Perry is asked by a member of her entourage about Brand and his possible presence at her show that night. The star is visibly agitated and responds that he would not be attending her show that night “although he should be”. Another scene shows Perry sobbing before a show (reasons unknown, but one can assume) and her upcoming performance is called into question. Katy goes on, but the marriage ends (off camera) by Brand’s filing for divorce. Although it wouldn’t seem like it would, the film winds down on a chipper feeling with Katy ready for the future and ready to move on with her life.
Katy Perry and then husband Russell Brand walking the 2011 Grammy Awards Red Carpet. Perry and Brand became engaged on New Years Eve 2009 in India, and married there October 23, 2010. The divorce went public nearly two years to the day of the engagement, December 30th 2011.
Through and through, I really enjoyed this film. I liked it because it was an honest and upfront portrayal of the life of a superstar singer and didn’t try to hide anything and be something it wasn’t.. Yes, Katy Perry is a global superstar that seems to be known and loved from every corner of the world because of her feel good pop sound, but through it all she’s shown as a real person. Yeah, you read that correct. Katy Perry is a real person. :O
She’s a normal twenty something year old girl whose dream came true. She goes through the motions like everyone else, but on a much different platform. She’s a truly original artist. Unexpectedly, for me, it was Katy Perry the person that won me over, and not Katy Perry the performer. Hell, this whole review is about her personality!
In terms of the music portion, the songs are just as catchy and attractive as they were brand new. I definitely have a whole new appreciation and awareness for her ability to sing live and do it well! Something seemingly basic is unfortunately not a necessity anymore for artists Britney Spears. It would not surprise me if other moviegoers left with a whole new fascination for Perry’s music, and pick up a few new fans along the way. I’ll admit I was humming a tune of hers on the way home. Which was probably the goal in the end..
If anything, I think this film will humanize Perry for the millions of people around the world that have the chance to see it. If you love the music, you’ll be charmed by the artist behind the voice. As brilliant as her big blue eyes, Perry is charismatic, authentic, and effortlessly charming. “Katy Perry Part of Me 3D” is entertaining, easy and something you’ll walk away from feeling good about seeing. Add the 3D, and you’ve got a winner.
Robert Blake, former Hollywood actor, producer and accused murderer, appearing on the July 11th episode of “Piers Morgan Tonight”.
I don’t know what’s more shocking. Robert Blake acting like a crazy person, or the fact an episode of “Piers Morgan Tonight” is trending on Youtube! I watched the whole interview and it was… entertaining. Couldn’t tell you who the hell Robert Blake was- nonetheless, I enjoyed him in all his dementia troubled glory. Charlie Sheen meets drug induced paranoia + 30 years = Robert Blake. Take this clip, and add about ten more worth of crazy for a 44 minute interview.
I’m a strong believer that we experience things and meet certain individuals for reasons that we may not be privy to at the time, but important reasons nonetheless. A lot of the time, people often ask when they’re gonna get the promotion, why they’re born into the family they’re apart of, when they’re gonna meet the soul mate, etc. People want to know everything NOW. Letting things sink in and eventual epiphanies don’t seem to exist anymore. In the Age of Enlightenment (technologically speaking) that currently is our world, the ‘instant gratification need’ has intertwined with our relationships and the situations we’ve become involved with.
About a week ago, I was followed on Twitter by an online company called “Oranum Psychic”, a website upon which I had never visited nor heard of before. Well, once I read the word psychic, I was instantly intrigued. What was this website? What did they do? Could I possibly get ‘read’?! I needed to know! :) After going onto the website, I explored around and got better acquainted with the services. Oranum Psychic is essentially online professional psychics that are available to be ‘hired’ to read the customer wanting to be.. enlightened. For a price of course. They ain’t doing it for their health.
After exploring, I came across one psychic, screen name Mana22, who seemed to have a good energy and good vibes being expelled from her. Again, I was instantly intrigued.( I should mention that they do have free chats for each psychic, but this is pretty much for any of the unfamiliar people wanting services by the resident professional to ‘seal the deal’, and hire the psychic to read them.) Over the course of the chat, I got to talk to Mana, get to see what she does, and do my absolute best to charm my way into a free reading… I was having a fun time badgering Mana22 and I think she was equally enjoying my company. Unlike some of the other psychics I came in contact with on the website, Mana had the best energy radiating from her. I felt with Mana that if I were to get a reading, I could trust her ability to give me an accurate ‘state of the union’ of my life, future, and everything in between. According to her bio, it’s in her blood to gravitate toward this path of helping people realize their goals, and see their potentials within themselves. Mana is a psychic medium, empath with the abilities to read the oracles, palms, and get messages from guides. She also specializes in the funky areas of love, relationships, career and destiny readings for the clients she comes in contact with. As well as these, Mana is able to use a wide variety of divination tools and provide relief from, suffering and in many cases a miraculous reading.
I have provided her link below. I eventually did get the free reading and it was awesome. It was about an hour long, thorough, and most of the information I received seemed very realistic if not completely on the money in terms of its accuracy. This was not my first time getting read, so I think I was in a good position to judge whether she was legitimate or feeding me B.S. I highly recommend her. She’s a very sweet person that makes you feel comfortable and safe during an experience that could potentially be priceless to the person. I feel lucky to have come in contact with Mana22 and got a great reading and (more importantly), made a friend in the process. Go to her site now!! And tell her I sent you
Just goes to show that you never really know how important the smallest of things like getting a ‘follow’ on Twitter can be in your life. We’re all connected in one way or another. Everything happens for a reason, I truly believe that.
, “This is It” (behind the scenes of his tour practise), memorabilia, everything. The shocking thing is that his estate is only beginning to make the cash money, since that half a billion is going towards paying down the massive debt MJ left for the executors to slowly extinguish, which they are doing with flying colours. All excellent news. As time goes on, his children’s financial future can only become stronger and stronger. Sounds good right? Wrong!
