Going gaga over Gaga

I'm fascinated. With Lady Gaga.

Aren't you?

Look at her. When I first saw her, she was performing on Miss Universe 2008. She was in a ridiculous black outfit and a long blonde wig singing Just Dance.

Everything about her, including her name, just sounded ridiculous.

But who's ridiculous now? Certainly not Lady Gaga.

She's one of the top names in the music scene now. The other day, at the mall, I passed by two shops, side by side, and both are playing her songs. One was blasting Poker Face, while the other had on Paparazzi.

It's amazing how silly lyrics and a catchy tune could be so popular.

Some might think that someone without real talent would resort to wild antics such as outragrous costumes and sensless dance ditties to be famous.

But no. Lady Gaga CAN sing. She has a soulful voice. So why is she doing this? Who the fark is Lady Gaga?

Well apparently, she started her life as Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta, and grew up normally, and by that, I mean she had a normal family life, as opposed to being in a dysfunctional family. She professed to be a studious individual and was disciplined.

But I guess something snapped at some point, and she knew that a normal life just wasn't for her.

From humble beginnings as a songwriter at Interscope Records, she began to carve her niche. Her stage name, apparently, was referenced from Queen's Radio Gaga.

But what fascinates me is how she transformed herself into this diva extraordinare over a couple of years to establish a formiddable presence in the music industry.

If anyone has seen her earlier works, one would know that Miss Gaga is a good singer. Why then is she masked behind the nonsense that are dance tracks? Why didn't she rely on her superb vocals?

Well I guess being plain ole Stefani Joanne posing with her long brunette locks on an album just isn't good enough.

Lady Gaga definitely has foresight. And a reality check. She knows that maybe sometimes, talent isn't going to take one very far. And in our increasingly superficial society, one needs to be either gorgeous, or outrageous. And since she ain't got the looks, she went the outrageous way.

Gone were her dark locks, and the flowy white dresses on boring album covers.

And Stefani Joanne was reborn as Lady Gaga. It was a really huge gamble that she took on, but it's a wager that she won, BIG.

She may be young, but Lady Gaga has a deep understanding of how our minds tick, and she's milking it for all it's worth.

Kids With The Darnest Names

I was bored so i decided to google some of the weird names that celebrities came up with for their children.

Some are really quite bizarre...

Here are 20 ridiculous names of children with famous parents...

1. Coco (daughter of Courteney Cox and David Arquette)

2. Pilot Inspektor (son of Jason Lee and Beth Riesgraf)

3. Igneous Rock (son of Chris Rock)

4. Memphis Eve, Elijah Bob Patricius Guggi Q (kids of Bono)

5. Dweezil, Moon Unit, Ahmet, Diva Muffin (children of Frank Zappa)

6. Daisy Boo, Poppy Honey (daughters of Jamie Oliver)

7. Levi Roan Green (son of Uma Thurman and Ethan Hawke)

8. Frances Bean (daughter Courtney Love and Kurt Cobain)

9. Rumer, Tallulah Belle, Scout LaRue (kids of Demi Moore and Bruce Willis)

10. Bechet Dumaine, Manzie Tio (kids of Woody Allen and Soon-Yi)

11. Hud, Speck Wildhorse (kids of John Mellencamp)

12. Seven (son of Eryka Badu and Andre 2000)

13. Dusty Rain (daughter of Vanilla Ice)

14. Ireland Einesse (daughter of Kim Basinger and Alec Baldwin)

15. Jaafar, Jermajesty (sons of Jermaine Jackson)

16. Denim Cole, Diesel Ky (kids of Toni Braxton)

17. Saffron Sahara (daughter of Simon Le Bon)

18. Bamboo (son of Big Boi, rapper from OutKast)

19. Blue Angel (daughter of The Edge from U2)

and the names that beats them all hands down...

20. Fifi Trixiebelle, Peaches Honeyblossom, Pixie and adopted child Heavenly Hiraani Tiger Lily Hutchence-Yates (kids of Sir Bob Geldorf).

Ten things about Christian Bale

With Public Enemies coming up, I couldn't help but think about Christian Bale. He's certainly come a long way.

Ever since capturing our hearts in his stunning debut as James Graham in Steven Spielberg's Empire of the Sun at only 13 years old, Welsh-born thespian Christian Bale has been establishing himself as a credible actor, proving that his incredible performance in Empire of the Sun is no accident. I loved the movie, it was so sad, so poignant, so very depressing. But on the other hand, it was also a movie on hope.

But anyway, in the days after Empire, I often wondered about Christian Bale. Was I gonna see him in the movies again? Back then, mind you, there wasn't the Internet yet, so I couldn't google him. Eventually, I did see him onscreen again, in Swing Kids. Since then, I remember seeing him in Little Women, Velvet Goldmine, and more.

Choosing diverse roles and going the distance to prepare for each movie, Bale has built up an impressive portfolio of movies.Iwas extremely pleased to see him cast as the Dark Knight. He have just enough intensity to play the troubled Bruce Wayne. Whatever shit he got into for his outburst during the shoot for Terminator, I'm still a fan, for the sheer fact that he's one helluva talented actor.

I've done some digging and found some interesting facts about the talented Welsh.

1. Debut with Rowan Atkinson


Christian Bale started his showbiz career modestly; by appearing in television commercials at age 9 - the most memorable one being a Pac Man cereal commercial. He then followed in his sister, Louise's, footsteps, and ventured into theatre workshops. It is from there that he made his professional debut as an actor, opposite British comedian Rowan Atkinson on the London West End stage in The Nerd, a stage comedy.

2. A stunning beginning

For his breakout role in Spielberg's Empire of the Sun, Bale beat out some 4000 kids for the coveted role of James Graham. His performance bowled over many critics, so much so that he received a special citation for Best performance by a Juvenile Actor from the National Board of Review, an award especially created for his performance.

3. The Welsh American Psycho

For the role of Patrick Bateman in American Psycho, the book's author Bret Easton Ellis, as well as the movie director Mary Harron, handpicked Bale to play the deeply disturbed homicidal maniac working on the New York stock exchange. He almost lost the role to Leonardo Dicaprio.


4. The man of all accents

Bale is Welsh born, but his original accent is hardly heard on films. He uses a different accent in each film that he is in. His real accent can be heard on 1997's Metroland, a movie based on the novel by Julian Barnes.

5. The man of Little Women

Bale was handpicked by Winona Ryder to star in 1994 remake of Little Women where he played the coveted role of Laurie. It was on the production set that Bale met his wife, Sandra Blazic, Winona Ryder's personal assistant then. The pair married in 2000 and Blazic gave birth to the couple's first child in April this year.

6. Anything for the role

An intensely dedicated actor, Bale dropped an astonishing 63 pounds for his role in 2004's The Machinist, as an emaciated insomniac. He shed the weight with help from just one single vitamin consultation with a nutritionist. For his drastic weight change, he only ate salads and apples, chewed plenty of gum, drank lots of non-fat lattes and smoked tons of cigarettes. Immediately after filming wrapped up, he started to work out to beef up for his role as Bruce Wayne in Batman Begins.

7. A caring soul

Christian Bale is known for his compassion. He supports a variety of causes, including Greenpeace, the World Wildlife Foundation, Ark Trust, the Redwings Sanctuary and the Happy Child Mission, which is a school for kids in Rio De Janeiro. Because of his charity work and popularity, he was invited by Disney to present the Environment Award for Discover Magazine.


8. The chosen cape crusader

Like his role in Empire of the Sun, it wasn't easy being the new Batman; Bale beat out many veteran actors for the desirable role. Actors that were considered for the role include Guy Pearce, Ashton Kutcher, John Cusack, David Duchovny, Joshua Jackson, Billy Crudup and Jake Gyllenhaal.


9. Fiercely Private Bale

If you are wondering why there is so little known on Christian Bale, it's because the actor is huge on privacy. He has said, '"I don't want to know about the lives of other actors and I don't want people to know too much about me. If we don't know about the private lives of other actors, that leaves us as clean slates when it comes to playing characters. That's the point, they can create these other characters and I can believe them. I think if you're a good enough actor, that's the way to longevity in the film business. Keep everybody guessing."

10. Sinking into depression

Before he made The Machinist, Bale confessed to have sunk into depression. He was feeling regretful of some wrong choices that he has made and spent weeks staring at the wall of his house. Then he was handed the script to The Machinist, and thought that it was the perfect role to pull him out of his depression. And thank goodness, it did!

Michael Jackson 1958- 2009

No matter what he became in the latter part of his life, there's no denying the magic that is Michael Jackson.

Suffice to say, at some point in anyone's life, Michael Jackson was part of it.

I was a huge fan when i was young, when he had hits like Bad, Beat it, and Billy Jean. I loved his music videos. I remember watching the Billy Jean video and was fascinated when the floor under his feet would light up wherever he stepped. He wasn't just a pop star. He was someone quite extraordinary.

Let's face it, we've all at one point or another, attempted his inimitable moonwalking moves... but failed. His attention to detail, his deliberate elegant moves, were all the works of a true artist.

To be honest, I had to hold back my tears when I learnt of his death. It was shock when I first heard the news, then surreal, then I thought... perhaps it's for the best. With a face that threatens to fall apart, and mounting debts... his life must not have been a bed of roses.

What if his comeback concerts was a big joke instead of success? What if he became a laughing stock instead of receiving a second wind? Isn't it better this way, the world remembering him as a legend?

My favorite Michael songs changes through the years, as he started to churn out more and more hits. I've had a week to think about it, and I've decided... my favorite Michael song ever is Man in the Mirror.

As I grew older, I found increasing meaningfulness in the lyrics. What he sang was right, If we're gonna make a difference, we must first start with the person staring at back at us in the mirror. All we need to do is to take a look at ourselves, and make a change.

And I take heed in that, small as I may be, I shall try to, in my own ways, to make a difference.

Man in the Mirror

'm Gonna Make A Change,
For Once In My Life
It's Gonna Feel Real Good,
Gonna Make A Difference
Gonna Make It Right . . .

As I, Turn Up The Collar On My
Favourite Winter Coat
This Wind Is Blowin' My Mind
I See The Kids In The Street,
With Not Enough To Eat
Who Am I, To Be Blind?
Pretending Not To See
Their Needs
A Summer's Disregard,
A Broken Bottle Top
And A One Man's Soul
They Follow Each Other On
The Wind Ya' Know
'Cause They Got Nowhere
To Go
That's Why I Want You To
Know

I'm Starting With The Man In
The Mirror
I'm Asking Him To Change
His Ways
And No Message Could Have
Been Any Clearer
If You Wanna Make The World
A Better Place
(If You Wanna Make The
World A Better Place)
Take A Look At Yourself, And
Then Make A Change
(Take A Look At Yourself, And
Then Make A Change)
(Na Na Na, Na Na Na, Na Na,
Na Nah)

I've Been A Victim Of A Selfish
Kind Of Love
It's Time That I Realize
That There Are Some With No
Home, Not A Nickel To Loan
Could It Be Really Me,
Pretending That They're Not
Alone?

A Willow Deeply Scarred,
Somebody's Broken Heart
And A Washed-Out Dream
(Washed-Out Dream)
They Follow The Pattern Of
The Wind, Ya' See
Cause They Got No Place
To Be
That's Why I'm Starting With
Me
(Starting With Me!)

I'm Starting With The Man In
The Mirror
(Ooh!)
I'm Asking Him To Change
His Ways
(Ooh!)
And No Message Could Have
Been Any Clearer
If You Wanna Make The World
A Better Place
(If You Wanna Make The
World A Better Place)
Take A Look At Yourself And
Then Make A Change
(Take A Look At Yourself And
Then Make A Change)

I'm Starting With The Man In
The Mirror
(Ooh!)
I'm Asking Him To Change His
Ways
(Change His Ways-Ooh!)
And No Message Could've
Been Any Clearer
If You Wanna Make The World
A Better Place
(If You Wanna Make The
World A Better Place)
Take A Look At Yourself And
Then Make That . . .
(Take A Look At Yourself And
Then Make That . . .)
Change!

I'm Starting With The Man In
The Mirror,
(Man In The Mirror-Oh
Yeah!)
I'm Asking Him To Change
His Ways
(Better Change!)
No Message Could Have
Been Any Clearer
(If You Wanna Make The
World A Better Place)
(Take A Look At Yourself And
Then Make The Change)
(You Gotta Get It Right, While
You Got The Time)
('Cause When You Close Your
Heart)
You Can't Close Your . . .Your
Mind!
(Then You Close Your . . .
Mind!)
That Man, That Man, That
Man, That Man
With That Man In The Mirror
(Man In The Mirror, Oh Yeah!)
That Man, That Man, That Man
I'm Asking Him To Change
His Ways
(Better Change!)
You Know . . .That Man
No Message Could Have
Been Any Clearer
If You Wanna Make The World
A Better Place
(If You Wanna Make The
World A Better Place)
Take A Look At Yourself And
Then Make A Change
(Take A Look At Yourself And
Then Make A Change)
Hoo! Hoo! Hoo! Hoo! Hoo!
Na Na Na, Na Na Na, Na Na,
Na Nah
(Oh Yeah!)
Gonna Feel Real Good Now!
Yeah Yeah! Yeah Yeah!
Yeah Yeah!
Na Na Na, Na Na Na, Na Na,
Na Nah
(Ooooh . . .)
Oh No, No No . . .
I'm Gonna Make A Change
It's Gonna Feel Real Good!
Come On!
(Change . . .)
Just Lift Yourself
You Know
You've Got To Stop It.
Yourself!
(Yeah!-Make That Change!)
I've Got To Make That Change,
Today!
Hoo!
(Man In The Mirror)
You Got To
You Got To Not Let Yourself . . .
Brother . . .
Hoo!
(Yeah!-Make That Change!)
You Know-I've Got To Get
That Man, That Man . . .
(Man In The Mirror)
You've Got To
You've Got To Move! Come
On! Come On!
You Got To . . .
Stand Up! Stand Up!
Stand Up!
(Yeah-Make That Change)
Stand Up And Lift
Yourself, Now!
(Man In The Mirror)
Hoo! Hoo! Hoo!
Aaow!
(Yeah-Make That Change)
Gonna Make That Change . . .
Come On!
(Man In The Mirror)
You Know It!
You Know It!
You Know It!
You Know . . .
(Change . . .)
Make That Change.

Oh captain my captain

One of the movies that left a deep impression on my during my formative years was Dead Poets Society.

It's the movie's 20th anniversary this June.

20 years.

I remember feeling Neil Perry's passion for the theatre, and was as anguished as he was when his parents frowned upon his choice. I remember how Todd Anderson transformed from a timid boy to a young man who stood his ground. I remember how my heart soared when Todd stood on his chair right at the end of the movie and declared his loyalty to the teacher who taught him how to be his own person.

I remember the deep impression the movie left on me. Now I wonder though, if I would find it cheesy, or feel the same waves of emotion I felt two decades ago. Would the movie have the same effect in today's society, or will it feel like a cliche? I started thinking about this after I read an article on the Times Online blog.

The article suggests to readers that if they have not seen it before, don't see it now. It might just ruin the good impression the movie has garnered so far. It does make sense. And with that thought, I'm gonna put the DVD way back into my cupboard. I don't think I wanna watch it again. Wouldn't want to ruin my fond memories of the movie.

I wanna remember how my heart skipped a beat when Ethan Hawke stood on his chair, lips quivering but voice firm, uttering the famous last words, "oh captain, my captain".

There's something strange, in the neighbourhood...

Oh yeah, the rumors are still going on. There is a chance yet that we might see the the reunion of our favorite ghost catchers back in action.

According to an article on Empire Online, Ghostbusters alumni Harold Ramis revealed "...Everyone says they'll do it, they've all said they'll do it. No one has signed anything yet--we haven't signed anything either--but there's the spirit of willingness in the air."

Sounds like a positive start.

Looks like there's a revival of the 80s recently. We have the Transformers movies, G.I Joe, Terminator: Salvation, and even Teenage Mutan Ninja Turtles.

I was a child of the 80s, so I appreciate these movies. It's like I'm transported back to my childhood again.

something random 2- Heath and Joseph

I noticed this the moment i saw them together in Ten Things I Hate About You.

But I'm not sure if anyone else does. After all, Joseph Gordon- Levitt was a scrawny kid then. But I've always found Heath Ledger and Gordon-Levitt look alike.

Don't you think so?