the underground club

Friday night caught me too tired. I took a nap starting at 8 and woke up at 1:44 am, too late to go to a club, as in freakin' Toronto last call for alcohol is at freakin' 2 am. So I went to the local bar, then to an underground (after hours) club.

dilema lui gramo–plaja pustie

M-am apucat sa-i raspund lui Gramo. Apoi mi-am amintit ca n-am mai scris demult pe-aici si-n plus s-ar putea sa-mi cenzureze comentariul, asa ca mai bine scriu aici.

Mel Gibson and Oksana Grigorieva

The new scandal with Mel Gibson is set to dominate the news at least for the next few days. One would think that there is some kind of conflict, allegations and things left unsaid, but we know better (or we think we do).

One thing is driving me crazy in the wholesale demonization of Mel. He’s getting older and this is what always happens with testosterone kings at his age – they turn irremediably into bitter old men. I’m not sure how Jack Nicholson managed to pull it through, but Jack was always the quieter anger. Mel, on the other hand, could talk fast – he’s always been far more talkative and, dare I say, smarter.

Sure, he should’ve seen it coming and nobody could’ve played him like he’s being played if there wasn’t some hate foundation inside to start with. But he’s no different than most other men his age in his beliefs and outlook on life. Consider, for instance, a famous Kraftwerk song:

This happens to be one of my favourite Kraftwerk songs. I included the Balanescu Quartet cover with David Byrne.

Sie ist ein Modell und sie sieht gut aus Ich nehme sie heut' gerne mit zu mir nach Haus Sie wirkt so kuehl, and sie kommt niemand 'ran Doch vor der Kamera da zeigt sie was sie kann Sie trinkt im Nachtklub immer Sekt (korrekt) Und hat hier alle Maenner abgecheckt Im Scheinwerferlicht ihr junges Laecheln strahlt Sie sieht gut aus und Schoenheit wird bezahlt Sie stellt sich zu Schau fuer das Konsumprodukt Und wird von millionen Augen angeguckt Ihr neues Titelbild ist einfach Fabelhaft Ich muss sie wiedersehen, ich weiss sie hat's geschaft

She's a model and she's looking good I'd like to take her home that's understood She plays hard to get, she smiles from time to time It only takes a camera to change her mind She's going out tonight, loves drinking just champagne And she has been checking nearly all the men She's playing her game and you can hear them say She is looking good, for beauty we will pay She's posing for consumer products now and then For every camera she gives the best she can I saw her on the cover of a magazine Now she's a big success, I want to meet her again!

Interestingly, one of the video clips explanation on YouTube states

“This song tells the honest truth about many women today.” – except, of course, that the song dates back to the 70s.

Oksana is a model. She’s playing her game and you can hear them say/ She is looking good, for beauty we will pay. I can’t help feeling sorry for Mel, he seems defenseless and maladapted for our hypocriticalpolitically correct times.

Watch all the controversy, the doctored tapes including a mashup and Mel's anger in the playlist below.

One last thought: I can’t stand implants..

Sources / More info: wiki-mel, wiki-kraftwerk, yt-model, yt-mel, 

VerbaVolant, model, modelling, kraftwerk, shakedown, mel, gibson, divorce, pr, public relations, political correctness

Melissa Etheridge’s Ex – a deadbeat?

We have recently heard about the rather acrimonious split of Melissa Etheridge. What is interesting is that his lawyer claims that the Ex is a deadbeat, while the "deadbeat" promises details on her blog.

Like many other trials / matter / actions, this one is playing first in the “public court”, with the lawyers acting more like PR agents. Melissa announced their separation after 9 years in April 2010, calling it “sad” on Oprah. Melissa’s wife Tammy claimed that they were left broke and destitute and filed for full physical and legal custody of their 3-y.o. twins, Johnnie and Miller. What a wonderful opportunity for their respective lawyers to get some media exposure!

Tammy, known prior to her relationship with Etheridge as Tammy Lynn Michaels, has subsequently claimed that the singer has left her and her children broke. Tammy Etheridge's attorney, Steven Knowles, called his client "destitute," stating that her credit card was declined when attempting to purchase food and clothing for her children, admitting only that the singer paid for "various sundry expenses."

These claims have since been refuted by Etheridge's lawyer, Neal Hersch, who told PEOPLE, "[Tammy] is being completely supported by Melissa and has been since they separated," calling the actress and her children, "well-provided for and then some." Hersch stated that on top of a $2,000 a month allowance for her former partner, Etheridge continued to pay Tammy's household expenses, utilities and the lease on her car.

Despite the initially civil-seeming nature of the split, Tammy fired back at Etheridge on her blog, saying that she was "blindsided" by the breakup, and claiming that she and Etheridge had decided to put off filing for separation until Etheridge's tour was over. Following the announcement of their split, Tammy filed for full physical and legal custody of their 3-year-old twins, Johnnie and Miller.

The show started. See more with Melissa below and a link to Tammy’s blog.

I know she’s got other songs since, but to me, “I want to come over” is the best stalker song ever made. If you want to understand creeps, you only have to listen to it.

Sources / More info: ppl-me, pe-melissa, wiki-melissa, hw-fg, yt-melissa

VerbaVolant, melissa, separation, divorce, custody, children, bitter, kramer, child support, pension, life after love, legal, breakup

Would Putin beat Obama in b-ball?

It seems like there is nothing Putin couldn't do. He succeeded alcoholic Yeltsin and strong-handedly re-enforced state power at the expense of some "unruly" oligarchs - and critics say, democracy itself. He then "retired" in order to kontrol the Kremlin from the shadow.

The latest news to come from his well-oiled (with petroleum-based jelly) media machine is that he attached a radio-transmitter to a polar bear, obviously combining his KGB expertise with the prowess of taking down oligarchs.

This is the latest in a string of similarly PR-brazen accomplishments (videos at bottom):

• he “saved” Russia from democracy
• media infested with “sexy” photos of him half naked
• he “saved” reporters in the forest by shooting Siberian tiger
• kicks ass at Judo championships
• divorces old wife, gets new one, survives
• tags Beluga (whale) in the Pacific Ocean
• sings / raps on TV
• does not hesitate in giving reporters curt answers

In a game of basketball, would Obama or Putin win? That’s hard to tell. First of all, Obama has a strong instinct to bow and that’s not helping in a game where you have to jump high in order to win. Putin does not appear to be tall, and besides, I’ve heard that in Russia people only take their furs off to have sex, and even then not entirely. But let us see what Obama cand do:

There was a time when enlightened leaders would fight each other to determine the result of a battle, sparing the lives of their troops. Though USA and Russia are no longer in a cold war, what do you think? Can Putin pull it off?

Sources / More info: putin-tiger, yt-obama, yt-putin

VerbaVolant, putin, czar, tsar, kgb, nkvd, eltsyn, eltsin, gorbachev, perestroika, authoritarian, authoritarianism, plutocracy, oligarchy, badass

Michael Jackson is dead – le Roi (du pop) est mort

..vive Madonna! Unfortunately, the news, initially brought to us by TMZ and disseminated like crazy by the twittersphere, are true. He died of a heart attack at 50 years old.

He passed away in the mansion the promoters of his new concert. The paramedics, called by a staff member, found him not breathing and all efforts to resuscitate him were in vain. He was 50 and was on some sort of medication which may have acted to end his life. Michael leaves behind 3 children: Michael Joseph Jackson, Jr., Paris Michael Katherine Jackson and Prince "Blanket" Michael Jackson II. He was married to Elvis' daughter, Lisa-Marie.

I too was raped by Michael!

.. but I liked it and I did not sue. I used to be electrified by his music and dance moves up until about his Bad & Moowalking albums. I liked the music on the latter, but he was nowhere to be seen – he emerged later on completely changed. Nobody knows for sure if the children who accused him of sexual assault were honest or were just trying to scam money out of him, pushed by their parents. There is a strong possibility that he was (just) sleeping with them out of a desire for affection and in a futile attempt to live the childhood he never had. This is not a behavior one would expect from a man but his childhood was wasted in endless performances. Joe Jackson, his father, is accused by some of having been obsessed to make money. He once launched his signature beverage, Joe Cola, which you can see in one of Janet's videos. In addition, his Michael’s idol, Diana Ross, whom he tried to emulate, was a motherly person.

The concert in Bucharest or'92 is considered one of the most successful broadcast on HBO and had the best ratings of that network until then. Another significant milestone (other than, of course, Thriller) was his interview with Oprah at Neverland. When asked “are you a virgin?” Michael, visibly shaken, asked in his infantile voice: “Oprah, how can you ask such a question?”. Today, Oprah is the highest rated talk show, and an appearance on Oprah virtually guarantees mainstream acceptance, but back then, it wasn’t so clear who is launching whom.

Constantly assaulted by reporters, he once said:

Why not just tell people I'm an alien from Mars. Tell them I eat live chickens and do a voodoo dance at midnight. They'll believe anything you say, because you're a reporter. But if I, Michael Jackson, were to say, "I'm an alien from Mars and I eat live chickens and do a voodoo dance at midnight", people would say, "Oh, man, that Michael Jackson is nuts. He's cracked up. You can't believe a damn word that comes out of his mouth.

Paul McCartney

A few very good songs came out of the father – son collaboration between McCartney and Jackson. What few know is that Paul taught Michael how to profit from copyright by acquiring old songs and renting them out. Michael applied this knowledge to a few songs by Beatles and using them in ways that Paul did not approve. Their relationship soured and did not recover.

This is it

Known as “a millionaire who spends like a billionaire”, Michael had made huge debts. He was hoping to get back in black with the O2 - This is it concerts. His perfectionism and most likely fear of failure made him postpone them four times(!) He requested that his choir be racially equal. AEG Live, his promoter, had made a major investment, paying $5 millions to settle a lawsuit with a Bahrein prince. His concerts would've brought AEG Live $70 millions and would have kickstarted a 3 year international collaboration. 750,000 tickets at prices starting at $81 per bilet had already been sold

Condolences

His death touched quite a few celebrities:

Arnold Schwarzenegger: We lost a great entertainer and a pop icon. My thoughts and prayers go out to Michael Jackson's family, friends and fans.

Diddy: Michael Jackson showed me that you can actually see the beat. He made the music come to life!! He made me believe in magic. I will miss him!

Samantha Ronson: His music is just as relevant now as it was the day they pressed record, I'm sure it will remain so for generations to come.R.I.P.Mr Jackson.

Dane Cook: I'm dedicating my show 2night to Michael Jackson. THRILLER got me laid. Well... At least thats what I told my friends.

Heidi Montag: the world has suffered a GREAT loss today Michael Jackson my thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and fans God bless.

Ice T: Rest In Peace Mike. People can say what they want but you were 100% original. WE will always love , miss & remember your GREATNESS.

John Mayer: Dazed in the studio. A major strand of our cultural DNA has left us. RIP MJ. I think we'll mourn his loss as well as the loss of ourselves as children listening to Thriller on the record player.

Ashley Tisdale: So sad. Saying a prayer for Michael Jackson.

Miley Cyrus: michael jackson was my inspiration. love and blessings

Ludacris: If it were not for Micheal Jackson I would not be where or who I am today.His Music and Legacy will live on Forever.Prayers to the famR.I.P.

MC Hammer: I have no words.. I loved Michael Jackson.. RIP..

Kelly Rowland: Michael you left such a legacy on this earth, have touched SO MANY!!! We thank you for such a driving inspiration in music & our lives!! This has got to be one of the saddest days in music history!! Michael Rest In Peace! WE miss you!

Star Jones: Death comes to all. But great achievements build a monument." He IS and WAS the greatest entertainer of all times...Peace to you brother.

Lindsay Lohan: NO OMG ... sending my love and prayers out to Michael and his family ... i feel sick..

Marlon Wayans: My prayers, my love, my heart goes out to michael jackson and the entire jackson family. I pray so hard for them. I'm crushed! Please pray.

Pete Wentz: Prayers and thoughts with michael jackson ... I haven't hope in so long that news isn't true.

Kim Kardashian: Wow I am truly in shock that Michael Jackson has passed away! I love u Jackson family, my prayers are with the whole family!

Ashton Kutcher: Rip Sending love and light to family and friend but especially his kids.

Shanna Moakler: The hard thing about getting older is watching all those who inspired you pass, love to the jackson family..

Rachelle Lefevre: Rest in peace Farrah Fawcett & Michael Jackson. Condolences to their families.

Paul McCartney: It’s so sad and shocking. I feel privileged to have hung out and worked with Michael. He was a massively talented boy-man with a gentle soul. His music will be remembered forever and my memories of our time together will be happy ones.

Eugene Lambert (Ireland's best puppeteer whose son performed at J's b-day party): Michael and the kids seemed to enjoy the show equally. My son sang happy birthday to Michael, who seemed genuinely touched by the attention. Michael rang me that night to thank me for the show. He said he hoped he’d be as happy at his work as I am at my age, and of course I’m 80.

Lenny Kravitz: It was the most amazing experience I’ve had in the studio. He was funny. Very funny and we laughed the whole time. I also saw what a beautiful father he was. He was a beautiful human being. If not for him, I wouldn’t be doing what I’m doing. He gave me joy as a child and showed me the way to go..

Byron Garcia (security consultant at a Philippine prison who organized the famous video of 1,500 inmates doing a synchronized dance to “Thriller”, gathering 23.4 million hits): My heart is heavy because my idol died.

Imelda Marcos: Michael Jackson enriched our lives, made us happy. The accusations, the persecution caused him so much financial and mental anguish. He was vindicated in court, but the battle took his life. There is probably a lesson here for all of us.

Whatever some might think or say about him, he was undeniably an innovator, he influenced many artists and at the top of his career has simply the best. I hope that in his everlasting Neverland he’s no longer taunted by his own demons or cocky reporters..

Sources / More info: wikipedia (RO), wikipedia (EN), google news, rolling stones, yt

Michael Jackson: Live in Bucharest - The Dangerous Tour (.CA, .UK, .FR, .DE, .JP, .cn)

Jackson, Michael: Video Greatest Hits: History (.CA, .UK, .FR, .DE, .JP, .cn)

Jackson, Michael: Number Ones (.CA, .UK, .FR, .DE, .JP, .cn)

1969-2004: Ultimate Collection [Best of] [Box set] (.CA, .UK, .FR, .DE, .JP, .cn)

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