Michael Jackson: Was He Off The Wall? June 26, 2009

Posted by Ruth in : Music, Ruth's Ramblings , 4comments

Waking up to the news that Michael Jackson had died was something I’d never expected to hear, I don’t know why, but you think someone like Jacko is invincible, after all, he is, and will remain, The King Of Pop, and to some, Wacko Jacko.

The first time I really heard him I was in junior school, and I’d gone for tea to my friend Rachel Gregory’s house for tea, when we were messing about in her room putting make up on and generally acting like kids do, she put on one of his albums, and I heard The Earth Song for the first time.

There was something in hearing that song that made me really sit up and recognise how influential these lyrics were, and I asked Rachel to make me a tape of that CD… and when it was done, I was constantly rewinding The Earth Song as I walked to and from school.

It’s shameful to admit I only really listened to that, but let’s face it, I was only 10 years old, and my musical tastes weren’t quite as broad back then, I really only listened to what my mum used to sing along to in the car.

To be honest, I was never really a true ‘fan’ of Michael Jackson, and as I got older and saw the media calling him a peadophile and ‘Wacko Jacko’ I’m going to have say that, as an impressionable young girl, I took in everything they said.

I carried these opinions of the star with me into my adult life, as it seemed the papers only ever focused on the crazy antics of Michael, for example his colour changing skin, the adoption of a Chimpanze called Bubbles and the opening of Neverland Ranch, aimed to bring pleasure to under privileged kids.

Obviously the influx of children to his home led to money grabbing families to realise they could exploit the already negative image of Michael and a number of alleged assaults came to fruitition, with one of the families being quoted as saying; “If I go through with this, I win big-time. There’s no way I lose. I will get everything I want and they will be destroyed forever…Michael’s career will be over”

The problem is you see, whilst I appreciate what a massive recording artist he was, the only memories I really have of Michael, is that evening listening to him with my friend, and the reports of what a bad man he was, and I worry that his memory might be tarnished by what he did (or didn’t do) during his life, rather than his huge musical achievements.

No matter what your opinion is of Michael, or whether you own just one single or his whole back catalogue, the influence he had on this music business should never be overlooked when telling the story of this incredible human being.

Please share your thoughts with me, I would love to hear how Michael touched you.

Ruth. xx

New Clash of the Titans Image June 26, 2009

Posted by Helen in : Movies , add a comment

It seems that the production on the remake of The Clash of the Titans is coiming along nicely.

Terminator Salvation actor Sam Worthington is being kept a busy boy as he takes on the role of Perseus.

The movie follows his quest to battle both Medusa and the Kraken monster in order to save the Princess Andromeda.

Take a look at the second still from the movie:

First Trailer From The Firm June 26, 2009

Posted by Helen in : Movies , add a comment

Filmmaker Nick Love, the man behind The Business and Football Factory, is back with his new movie The Firm.

Loosely adapted from Alan Clarke’s 1989 classic TV film, Nick Love’s film is set earlier in the 80’s and retells a similar story to the original – but from a different character’s point of view.

The film centers on Dom, a young wannabe football casual, who get drawn into the charismatic but dangerous world of the firm’s top boy, Bex.

Accepted for the fast mouth and sense of humour, Dom soon becomes one of the boys.

But as Bex and his gang clash with rival firms across the country and the violence spirals out of control, Dom realises he wants out – until he learns it’s not that easy to simply walk away.

Here is the first trailer from the movie:

Ruth’s Friday Filling June 26, 2009

Posted by Ruth in : Daily Dis , add a comment

This time next week I’ll be hanging out with the super gorgeous new man in my life, *ahem* I mean, on the music scene, Steve Appleton. so if you want to ask him some questions or win some of his goodies, head over and get involved!

Horray for the single ladies… Nick Lachey has split from girlfriend Vanessa Minnillo. Now we’re not completely heartless in that we’d be jumping for joy whilst Nick cries his heart out, oh no, Nick, there’s a shoulder for you to cry on right here… see, I am caring.

I thought i’d seen it all from Peter Andre but in his latest publicity stunt he’s decided to dress up like a Bollywood actor… sorry Pete, but those Greek features don’t fool us!

If you are a FemaleFirst regular, you’ll have heard all about our Band Wars event which is coming to Manchester next month… we are giving away tickets to come and hang out with the FF team, so what are you waiting for!

Angelina Jolie can apparently kick ass as good as any man according to filmmaker Philip Noyce, and we will be able to see this talent in her new movie Salt. Bear in mind that Jolie fainted on set of the film as well as getting injured you have to ask yourself is it really worth it? That’s what they have stunt people for love!

Finally, if you’re a fan of Big Brother you can find all the gossip from the housemates locked inside Big Brother 10 on FemaleFirst – and trust me, we tell you how it really is.

Ruth xx

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