Saturday, December 28, 2013

Britney Then vs Miley Now

Miley Cyrus has been one of the most controversial characters of the pop cultural scene of 2013. I am sorry to say that I may have been a bit harsh on her, but I didn't (and still don't) like what she is doing.

Some have also seen parallels with Britney Spears, in the past that is. Britney was also quite a controversial character in some circles some time back, much of it having to do with her fashion style. Back then, I was quite vocal about just letting people do what they want, letting them have fun, etc. So how is Miley different for me now?

Well, there's a world of difference here for me. Britney was disliked by some for her appearance, and that was it. Miley, on the other hand, has been doing some really off-putting things, and is showing no signs of stopping. Britney was about having fun, no matter if you liked her appearance or not. But Miley - that's certainly not fun, whatever she is doing.

By TaraElla (News, Website) Discuss at the Forum!

Wednesday, December 25, 2013

Merry Christmas Everybody

Hey it's TaraElla here, 2013 has been a rollercoaster of a year, and it's finally winding down.

Merry Christmas everybody, and Happy New Year!

By TaraElla (News, Website) Discuss at the Forum!

Kelly Clarkson's Big Family Christmas

Kelly Clarkson has said that she wants to spend her first Christmas as a married woman with her family on both sides, in a big family event.

"We're starting a family tradition, and I'm excited about it," she said.

That's the spirit of marriage and family, isn't it?

If you haven't fully embraced this spirit yet, I suggest you do so. It's so rewarding!

By the way, if you don't currently believe in marriage and family, think again. If you do, think of the ridiculousness of denying marriage in a legal way to gay couples, and think if that is fair at all. That is all.

By TaraElla (News, Website) Discuss at the Forum!

Monday, December 16, 2013

Let's Help Kelly Clarkson Feel Better

It has been reported that Kelly Clarkson is suffering from severe morning sickness due to her pregnancy. It's been said that she is vomiting up to a dozen times per day.

It must be so difficult for her.

I guess we can all post our sympathy and well wishes for her everywhere on the internet. She will at least get some of it, I think. It would really help, I believe.

By TaraElla (News, Website) Discuss at the Forum!

Tuesday, December 10, 2013

Zoe Saldana Keeping her Marriage and Private Life Away from Spotlight

Since her marriage this Northern summer, Zoe Saldana has not been very willing to discuss the details of her married life with her husband. Now she has explained it all to Ocean Drive magazine.

"I realized throughout the years of being in this business that the only way to maintain some kind of sanity is to protect that which is most dear to you, which is your life and everyone that's in it," she said.

I agree fully. And it's not just those as followed as Zoe that can take this on board. I personally do not discuss my personal life either. There are many more interesting things out there to discuss anyway. Everybody needs a bit of privacy, I think.

By TaraElla (News, Website) Discuss at the Forum!

Friday, December 6, 2013

To Britney's Sons, She's Just Mommy

Britney may have been quite a major cultural icon for the past two decades for most of us, but apparently her sons may not see it that way.

"I think they are kind of blinded by it. I don't think they really comprehend. They just think of mommy as mommy," Britney told MTV recently.

And I think it's just natural. I mean, for a kid it's weird enough for your mom to be in the news all the time, isn't it?

It just remind us that even mega-sized cultural icons are just people with lives and families.

By TaraElla (News, Website) Discuss at the Forum!

Tuesday, December 3, 2013

Lorde on 'Haters'

Some people just throw around the word 'hater' too much. It appears that Lorde has something to say about it.

"I think there's a funny culture in music that's only happened over the last 15 years, that if you have an opinion about something in music that isn't 100-percent good, you're a 'hater,' even if you have perfectly reasonable grounds for that critique," she said.

I agree. I would even go further to say that 'hater' has become a term to silence people. There's nothing wrong with hating crappy music that talks about greed, sex and drugs all the time, for example.

By TaraElla (News, Website) Discuss at the Forum!

Sunday, December 1, 2013

Chaz Bono Loses 85 Pounds, Gets Money from Mom

Cher's son Chaz Bono has lost 85 pounds, it has been reported. I had a look at the pictures - he looks like a much fitter man, I think.

It has also been reported that his mother gave him money along the way to encourage him.

I wish my mother would do that!

By TaraElla (News, Website) Discuss at the Forum!

Friday, November 29, 2013

I Really Cannot Understand Lorde Sometimes

In case you have been living under a rock, New Zealand musician Lorde has made headlines in recent months by her song Royals going top 5 almost everywhere.

To be honest, I personally do not get the appeal of Lorde's music. It's just not my cup of tea, I guess. But I wouldn't say it's bad. Some of her comments are, in my opinion, a bit weird.

For example, she recently said that Taylor Swift was too unattainable. "Taylor Swift is so flawless, and so unattainable, and I don’t think it’s breeding anything good in young girls," she said. Later she apparently said it referred to Taylor's physical beauty and maybe her talent. However, the industry is full of impossibly beautiful people - why did she choose Taylor Swift, and only Taylor Swift to make the point? Plus the "it’s breeding anything good in young girls" part - what was that supposed to mean? I'm pretty sure Taylor Swift is more than good for the young girls who like her. I'm pretty sure if I had a younger sister I would prefer that she liked Taylor Swift than Lady Gaga, for example.

I found her comments on Selena Gomez's Come and Get It much more appropriate, however. "I’m a feminist, and the theme of her song is, ‘When you’re ready come and get it from me.’ I’m sick of women being portrayed this way," she said. Though I personally would not call myself a feminist, I really took issue with the theme of that song, and frankly I felt guilty even liking it a bit. So thank you for speaking up.

By TaraElla (News, Website) Discuss at the Forum!

Thursday, November 28, 2013

Lady Gaga in the Louvre?

Apparently there is now Lady Gaga inspired art at the Louvre.

Seriously, I don't think anything related to Lady Gaga deserves to be there. I just don't think anything she does is good enough for the Louvre.

Sorry.

By TaraElla (News, Website) Discuss at the Forum!

Friday, November 22, 2013

Demi Lovato has Respect for Taylor Swift

The Hollywood shock value scene is getting more disgusting by the minute. It's in the performances, it's in the music videos, it's even in the lyrics of some songs. My 'boycott list' is growing larger by the year. Fortunately, there are still plenty of artists who would never do things like that.

Taylor Swift is perhaps one of the best examples of a genuine artist who doesn't get involved in the crazy side of Hollywood, and Demi Lovato wants to follow in her footsteps.

“She's like, 'Well, I don’t go out.' I don’t go out to clubs and I don’t party and to me, it says more when you don’t have to do things for shock value. You're more respected as an artist. And that’s what I want to be, I want to be respected as an artist and not a tabloid headline," Demi told Entertainment Weekly recently.

I think being real and having decency standards are a large part of Taylor Swift's popularity. In this regard, Demi Lovato is definitely on the right track. I am pleased to see that she will continue to follow this path faithfully into the future.

By TaraElla (News, Website) Discuss at the Forum!

Wednesday, November 20, 2013

Katy Perry vs Lady Gaga

Katy Perry and Lady Gaga are two of the most popular contemporary pop artists. The two each releasing new stuff this year has prompted comparisons yet again. Even Glee had an episode on this just recently.

Honesty, until recently, I have never thought of Katy Perry or Lady Gaga as opposites - to me, they both did outrageous things - Lady Gaga had the Poker Face video as well as quite a few other boundary pushing ones, and Katy Perry had songs like I Kissed a Girl (which by the way was disrespectful to the gay community in my opinion) and videos like California Gurls. Sure, Gaga was weirder than Katy, but I thought it was a small difference anyway.

Needless to say, I disliked both of them. To me, a better contrast would be with artists like Taylor Swift and Carrie Underwood, who would never do things like that.

Katy Perry has put out quite a good album this time round however, and my view of her appears to be changing. Maybe one day I will learn to truly like her. Lady Gaga, meanwhile, her stuff has gone downhill in my opinion. I don't think I will ever learn to like her.

So maybe Glee did have a point - Lady Gaga and Katy Perry may indeed be opposites in some ways.

By TaraElla (News, Website) Discuss at the Forum!

Monday, November 11, 2013

Why Portia Didn't Want to be a Lesbian

Portia de Rossi, wife of Ellen DeGeneres, recently revealed why she did not want to be a lesbian in the past.

"I just didn't want to be a lesbian. I'd never met one for a start and I just thought they were strange and that they hated men and they were very serious and I had these ridiculous images in my head and there were no out celebrities or politicians or anybody that I could look to and go, 'Oh, I could be like that'," she said.

I guess one just cannot choose to not be something one is by birth, right?

Anyway, I think it's important that more 'normal', 'next door' type gay and lesbian characters for young gay people to relate to. It's all good being unique and a bit strange, but most people are not like that, nor do they want to be like that, gay or straight.

By TaraElla (News, Website) Discuss at the Forum!

Wednesday, November 6, 2013

Avril Lavigne and Chad Kroeger Taking their Marriage Seriously

Recently married couple Avril Lavigne and Chad Kroeger appear to be taking their marriage quite seriously - more than what many couples would do anyway.

"We don't drink when we're apart... We don't want to go anywhere that you're asking for trouble," Chad recently told the media.

They reportedly have an alcohol and club ban when apart.

"It sucks! But when you've got something special, you can't be careless with it," Avril said.

A very good idea, I think.

It has also been reported that they are not rushing to start a family yet - they are still finding time for it, it seems.
They're both still young, and I don't think they need to rush either. Take your time!

By TaraElla (News, Website) Discuss at the Forum!

Saturday, November 2, 2013

Even Katy Perry has Some Limits

The recent proliferation of gross and controversial music videos from multiple female entertainers has provoked an increasingly hot conversation about whether things are going too far.

"I think there's a difference between pushing the envelope sexually and pushing the envelope creatively," Bette Midler recently told Katie Couric.

It appears that even Katy Perry, whose California Gurls video in 2010 made some of us really uncomfortable, wants less of what we are seeing out there too.

"I'm not talking about anyone in particular. I'm talking about all of them. I mean, it's like everybody's so naked. It's like, 'Put it away. We know you've got it. I got it, too'," she said.

I think we can safely conclude that things have gotten too far in 'pushing the envelope sexually' recently, and a return to more family friendly styles would be popular right now. Who is going to lead in that area? It would take someone brave to fill that role, I think.

By TaraElla (News, Website) Discuss at the Forum!

Wednesday, October 30, 2013

The Old Taylor Swift vs the New One: They Are Both Good

It's certainly not the first time I have been talking about what I have been calling the 'old Taylor Swift' (before her album Red) and the 'new Taylor Swift'. I have also made no secret that musically I certainly prefer the old version. I do know of some friends who prefer to the new version though.

The 'New Taylor Swift' also has an inconsistent and weird fashion sense, in my personal view. But I guess that should be irrelevant to how we view a person, isn't it?

But actually, in many ways, the new Taylor Swift is just as good as the old one. In fact, that's because they are actually one and the same. Taylor may have changed her musical style and her fashion style, but she is clearly the same person. She is still herself, and not some other character. This is much more than can be said for many other people in the industry. And that's what's important.

By TaraElla (News, Website) Discuss at the Forum!

Saturday, October 26, 2013

Glee and Inclusive Family Values

As an outspoken advocate for what I call 'Inclusive Family Values', it is perhaps unsurprising that I do view almost everything through those lenses first and foremost. In fact, some of my friends think it's admirable, whilst others think that it's an outdated way of seeing things. I don't care, as I for one have never subscribed to the 'fashion of the day' personally, as evidenced by my music tastes, which are largely 90s styled.

Glee has been both praised and condemned by various self styled family values advocates. So what do I think of those comments? Well, firstly, those based on homophobic viewpoints will receive no attention from me, as what I support are 'Inclusive Family Values' not 'Fundamentalist Religious Family Values', and there's a big difference there.

Homophobic arguments against Glee aside, the Parents Television Council classifies Glee in the category of shows which "may include gratuitous sex, explicit dialogue, violent content, or obscene language, and is unsuitable for children," and further recommended that it is not suitable for people under 16. Their advisory further states that there is plenty of profanity in the show, where words like "bastard," "bitch," “hell,” and “damn” are used. These are clearly not just referring to the gay themes in the show. To this list, I would add the behaviour of the adults in their relationships in the show, some of which in my opinion borderline on cheating, something clearly not acceptable to be morally.

However, the way I see it is that Glee just reflects reality, and is set in a cultural background where family values simply isn't as strong. It really doesn't go out of its way to promote immoral behaviour, in my view, but simply reflects that it does exist in the big bad world out there. It is therefore my belief that parental guidance is required for younger people, but otherwise it's really not as bad as what the PTC says it is.

There is always two sides to one coin though, so after having looked at the negatives I think it's time to explore the positives. Glee sends a great message to LGBT young people and their families. Just by doing this it is doing our society a great service. Furthermore, it often showcases LGBT people and their relationships in the greater scheme of family relationships. Its storylines reflect an important process currently happening in our society, and I believe one of the most important processes in this history of humankind: traditional family values and LGBT inclusiveness embracing each other. The positives clearly outweigh the negatives in the case of Glee, from what I see.

In conclusion, I believe that Glee is a great thing for Inclusive Family Values overall, and should be embraced by us who share these values. If I were the director I would set the whole show in a more family friendly culture and remove some of the questionable behaviour of some of its characters, but that's just a small negative compared to the important social value it is giving our society.


By TaraElla (News, Website) Discuss at the Forum!

Sunday, October 20, 2013

Schwarzenegger for President? I Wouldn't Support Him, but Let Him Run!

With President Obama having to step down in 2017, there is again lots of talk about who should be the next US president. Hilary Clinton is an often mentioned name.

There have also recently been reports that Arnold Schwarzenegger may run - but of course only if the constitution is changed to allow him to do so. You see, Schwarzenegger was not born in the US, and that currently disqualifies him.

I personally wouldn't support Schwarzenegger, or most other Republicans for that matter, but I think he should have a right to run. Why shouldn't he?

By TaraElla (News, Website) Discuss at the Forum!

Friday, October 11, 2013

Lindsay Lohan's Rehab Centre?

It has been reported that Lindsay Lohan is considering opening her own rehab centre.

It's a great idea, I think. She would have an opportunity to use her experience in a way that would help other people. That's one of the most meaningful things you can do in life, I think.

She would have to really stay out of rehab herself from now on though - or she would have no credibility on this, I think.

By TaraElla (News, Website) Discuss at the Forum!

Tuesday, October 8, 2013

Jennifer Lopez Gets Equality Awards. But for What?

Jennifer Lopez has received the 2013 Ally for Equality Award, in recognition for her support of causes including marriage equality, HIV/AIDS research, and anti-bullying.

But why Jennifer Lopez? In Hollywood, I am pretty sure I can find plenty of people supporting those things. Even more importantly, these things are supported by the vast majority of young people under 35 out there. Jennifer Lopez may support these things, but it doesn't make her unique in any way, I think.

So who should qualify for an Equality Award then? Somebody who is actually helping to change things in a major way. Simply 'supporting' causes is inadequate as it does not create change quickly enough. For example, in many Western nations more than 60% of the population support marriage equality but only 10% or so really care about it. That is sad. That is why politicians who oppose equality still routinely get elected - the latest examples being Angela Merkel in Germany and Tony Abbott in Australia (these literally happened just a few weeks ago, right here in 2013).

Change requires care, and I care. But not enough people care - this needs to be changed. Somebody who changes things in this area would truly deserve an award, I believe.

By TaraElla (News, Website) Discuss at the Forum!

Wednesday, October 2, 2013

Joel McHale: Miley Cyrus and Justin Bieber Look Similar

Apparently I am not the only person who thinks Miley and Justin now look similar.

"I love her new haircut, because I can't tell the difference between her and Justin Bieber… they are both very pretty," US television host Joel McHale said recently.

Good observation, I think!

And I think Miley's new style is ugly, for the record. The hair may suit Justin, but it surely doesn't suit Miley. There is no other way to put it, unfortunately.

By TaraElla (News, Website) Discuss at the Forum!

Monday, September 30, 2013

Miley Needed to Come Out of Hannah Montana, But Not Like This

Miley's dad Billy Ray Cyrus is continuing to defend his daughter in the face of controversy.

"Miley's smart enough to know that to come out of the shadows of 'Hannah Montana,' it really takes something extremely drastic, which when you go to that level, it creates passion, and passion is either love or hate. But there's no middle of the road for passion," Billy Ray said recently.

I think that's a bad way of thinking about it. To come out of the shadows of Hannah Montana is to grow up, and growing up can happen in a number of ways. For me, growing up meant being aware of the issues in our world and the plight of people, and working to make things better, for example. In my own work I create passion too, a passion that can be divisive as Billy Ray said. For example I have created a common bond with our passion with many people working for social justice over the years, however many of the more conservative people from my past really don't like my staunch support for marriage equality.

Growing up and creating passion is necessary, but what Miley did is a poor way to achieve these things.

By TaraElla (News, Website) Discuss at the Forum!

Saturday, September 28, 2013

Miley Cyrus said Boys are Seven Years Behind. What?

Miley Cyrus has gone from weird to weirder yet again - this time in an interview with Rolling Stones Magazine. In the interview, where she talked about Justin Bieber, she made an astonishing claim: "I think boys are, like, seven years behind. So in his head, he's really, like, 12," she said.

Where did she get the idea that boys are seven years behind - and not five or nine? Or that boys are behind at all, rather than just different? This is a seriously weird claim! What's more is that when you try to apply it to reality it doesn't work. We generally think people become adults at 21, so if males were indeed seven years behind, it means they don't become adults until 28? That's a really scary thought!

I also find it ironic that Miley Cyrus is commenting about somebody's maturity at all. Justin Bieber sure isn't known for being particularly mature, but neither is Miley herself! In fact, I don't think I know any 20 year old who acts like Miley does - they are generally past that stage, I believe.

Miley also claimed that she was sort of mentoring Justin Bieber: "I'm not much older than him, so I never want it to feel like I'm mentoring him," she said. But then she added the "But I do mentor him in a way." Well, it doesn't sound good for Justin to be mentored by someone who has caused such outrage around the world, I believe.

By TaraElla (News, Website) Discuss at the Forum!

Thursday, September 26, 2013

Jane Lynch Pays Tribute to Cory Monteith, Talks About Addiction

At the Emmy's, Jane Lynch paid tribute to her Glee co-star Cory Monteith, who passed away this July. “Cory was a beautiful soul. He was not perfect, which many of us here tonight can relate to. His death is a tragic reminder of the rapacious, senseless destruction that is brought on by addiction," she said.

And it was tragic. Thanks Jane, for raising the issue once more. We need to talk about it.

I think now, more than ever, the issue of addiction needs to be addressed by Hollywood and people out there alike. It's probably more common than you think in Hollywood, and it's also probably more common than you think out there in our communities.

And a word about judgmental attitudes - like the 'War on Drugs' and calling people drug abusers. Just reading stories on this tribute I have seen too many of those stupid comments, unfortunately. It isn't news that those aren't really helpful. What we need is a proper, respectful conversation about addiction and its impacts, and how we can avoid more tragedy.


By TaraElla (News, Website) Discuss at the Forum!

Monday, September 23, 2013

Selena Gomez Forced to Cancel Russian Shows

Selena Gomez has cancelled shows in Russia because of visa problems. And it appears that homophobia may be the cause. Russia recently changed and complicated the process for stars applying for visas to perform in the country, after performers like Lady Gaga and Madonna tried to promote gay rights in their concerts. As a result, concert organisers have become confused about the visa application, and in the process delays happened meaning the shows cannot go ahead.

Well, it's beyond me why Russia would want to do that, and in the process disappoint many Selena Gomez fans too. It's not as if gay people would cease to exist in Russia, right?

I think the rising homophobia in places like Russia, Africa and the Middle East needs to be studied. We cannot just say that they are stubborn and settle the matter like that, or things will never change. I personally think it has something to do with a recent breakdown of family values in the West and the creation of a non-family-friendly culture, often termed Western vices in other parts of the world, that has caused gay rights to be lumped together into that and rejected by those outside the West. I therefore have vowed to support and uphold family values wherever possible.


By TaraElla (News, Website) Discuss at the Forum!

Thursday, September 19, 2013

Miley Cyrus Defends her Video, but Why Did She Land Herself There in the First Place?

Miley's new video for the song Wrecking Ball is provoking huge controversy again. This time, it's because she appears to have no clothes on.

Now she is out there defending herself again. "I think the video is much more. If people get past the point that I'm naked and you actually look at me, you can tell I look more broken than even the song sounds," she said.

Actually, I believe the song is great. It's a shame that it's been spoiled by this controversy.

I am not one who supports rigidity. In fact, back in the year 2000 there was a major debate about whether Britney Spears was an inappropriate role model because of the way she dressed. I actually sided with Britney - she was otherwise wholesome and pro-family, why did people have to be so rigid, I asked back then.

But there is a world of difference between Britney back then and Miley right now, I think. For Britney, it was just how her personal style was. For Miley, it's not about any personal style, it's just about controversy all the time, new controversies every day. The controversies are centre stage, and she keeps pushing the boundaries even though we have told her collectively that it is not acceptable. Whilst I believe it is pointless arguing whether one should be allowed to dress in this or that for a public performance, dressing in nothing at all is a different thing - it is unacceptable everywhere around the world, and it is deliberately asking for controversy.


By TaraElla (News, Website) Discuss at the Forum!

Monday, September 16, 2013

No Drugs = Good Role Model?

Some people have been talking to me about my recent comments that Diana Vickers was a good role model because she hasn't tried drugs. Am I being judgmental about people who have used drugs, I was asked. And how about somebody who doesn't use drugs, but is racist and homophobic?

Well, I am not saying that somebody who doesn't use drugs are automatically a good role model, or that somebody who uses drugs are automatically no good. But there is really an imbalance regarding the 'debate' on recreational drugs out there. There are plenty of people representing the side that believes that marijuana and other drugs are fun and totally benign out there in Hollywood and other popular culture scenes. The other side of the debate, that a drug-free life is worth it, is underrepresented at the moment. As a proponent on the drug-free side, I just like to see more people representing our side. After all, I strongly believe that a drug-free life is something people can benefit from, and I would like to see that idea promoted - just as some people want to promote the idea that drugs are harmless.

In short, I remain respectful to other people's personal choices. But I don't like to see a serious 'debate' skewed in favour of one side, and I am more than happy to see that changed.

By TaraElla (News, Website) Discuss at the Forum!

Sunday, September 8, 2013

So Twerk is now in the Dictionary?

It appears that the word 'twerk' has been added to the Oxford Dictionaries Online.

It's definitely not for me, but each to their own, I guess.

By TaraElla (News, Website) Discuss at the Forum!

Thursday, September 5, 2013

If You Want Courage, Then Look No Further Than Kevin Rudd

Kevin Rudd, current Australian Prime Minister, is facing a tough election tomorrow. He has a great record but the circus they call the media here is trying to get him out of office, by spreading unfound fear about our economy, an economy that he was responsible for saving from the Global Financial Crisis.

He has got to be one of the most courageous Prime Ministers in our history:


Meanwhile, his opponent Tony Abbott is quite elusive on this and other matters.

And it's not just marriage equality. Consider the following: it would be a shame if Australia missed out on ANY of these things, don't you think?



Meanwhile, the media are desperate to destroy the best PM we ever had, likely because its interests lie elsewhere:


Just something to make your blood boil, isn't it?

Final words: If you are Australian, please consider your vote carefully. If you are not Australian, then it may help to raise what I just said with an Australian you might know. Australia just cannot afford to lose a great PM like Kevin Rudd.

By TaraElla (News, Website) Discuss at the Forum!

Tuesday, September 3, 2013

Don't Judge? Stop Using That Excuse!

In light of the recent Miley Cyrus VMAs scandal that I have already talked extensively about here, some people have raised the idea that, well, we shouldn't be so judgemental.

Excuse me? Judgemental? When I am only trying to protect the reputation of Western culture so that other Western-originated movements like women's rights and gay equality don't also get tarnished with the same brush?

Truth to be told, the idea of 'don't judge' has gotten too far nowadays, really. I surely won't judge Miley - if she did what she did in her own bedroom. But pushing our culture and anything good with it down the drain is something I cannot just sit and watch and 'not judge'.

If we, as a society, ceases to be outraged by incidents like Miley's VMA controversy, I don't think we are heading in the right direction at all.

By TaraElla (News, Website) Discuss at the Forum!

Sunday, September 1, 2013

What if Miley Cyrus Gains Album Sales After That?

Miley Cyrus has a new album out in October. And after the VMA controversy, you would expect her sales to take a hit, right? Not that there's anything wrong with it, it's just what she deserves.

But there are entertainment columnists out there who are predicting the opposite - a boost in sales for Miley. I personally have more faith in humanity than to expect that, but the market out there is really unpredictable, so frankly, I cannot be sure either.

Just like an election campaign, both sides have to make their case, and try hard to make their side win. Our side, the Let's Make It A Flop side, need to go out and convince our friends why we should collectively boycott that album. My advice to my friends: Be strong and boycott that album, please. It's a matter of saving our civilisation and its reputation.

By TaraElla (News, Website) Discuss at the Forum!

Friday, August 30, 2013

Hayley Williams of Paramore and her Take on Miley at the VMAs

Hayley Williams of Paramore has become one of the latest people to publicly comment on Miley Cyrus's VMA controversy.

"It seems like more people are focusing on the trashiness or the dancing, the clothes. But I, actually, am uncomfortable with the racial aspect of it. I feel like she’s sort of taking a culture that isn’t really hers and sort of using it as an accessory, and that actually bothers me more," she said.

There were just so many things wrong with that performance. For me, the number one wrong thing will always be her attempt to push our culture down the drain, and it's just one more act in that direction from her recently. But there were definitely more wrongs than one in there.

By TaraElla (News, Website) Discuss at the Forum!

Thursday, August 29, 2013

Taylor Swift and Harry Styles as a Couple Again?

Apparently Taylor Swift and Harry Styles have been photographed together (also with other people) recently. This has led to speculation that they may become a couple once more.

Actually, I would love to see that personally. They are nice together.

By TaraElla (News, Website) Discuss at the Forum!

Miley, You Have Done So Much Damage, Now Just Disappear Like Janet Jackson Please

The Miley Cyrus VMA controversy is this decade's Janet Jackson Superbowl controversy in my opinion, and I believe it should result in a similar downfall of the star involved, so as to rescue our culture. Sounds serious? Let me explain.

When Miley Cyrus (or any other public figure) tries to challenge our shared moral sense of decency, does she really think she is hurting nobody, I wonder?

Back a few years ago, when Miley was still on the family friendly side, she proclaimed her support of marriage equality. Maybe she doesn't realise it, but by that act she brought hope a lot of people. When people see that a family friendly star is also insistent on supporting equality, they rethink their opposition to equality. Maybe after a few attempts they will see that supporting equality is an inherently logical and morally required extension of genuine family values. Maybe just as importantly, a lot of gay and lesbian people from traditional backgrounds will see someone they can identify with, as some sort of cultural hero. After all, although Lady Gaga may support marriage equality, it is hard for someone of a conservative background to identify with her.

Today, Miley has undone all that (although fortunately others like Carrie Underwood and Kelly Clarkson have now stepped in). Even worse, she has become one of those people who are actively making a bad name for contemporary Western culture in the eyes of the world. And guess what that bad name can also transfer to? Marriage equality, or even basic gay rights, along with women's rights and gender equality, and even the very notion of Western style freedom of speech itself are possible victims, to name a few.
For those of you who never left the West and haven't had a look at the world outside the West, the rest of the world have been decrying 'Western vices' for decades now. And that kind of rally cry can then turn into programs of racism, sexism, homophobia, etc. As for myself? I morally cannot bring myself to do what Miley did, even for a million dollars, because I know the potential moral implications. If I made a living by doing that, I wouldn't be able to sleep at night, honestly.

I think the best thing that can happen now is for Miley to disappear back into anonymity, and stop destroying our culture the way she is going. And the public can make this happen, I believe. After all, in 2004 we showed our collective displeasure at Janet Jackson's actions and her career went south right away, why can't we do that with Miley too? Failure to do that would reflect badly on us indeed, I believe.

By TaraElla (News, Website) Discuss at the Forum!

Wednesday, August 28, 2013

Miley Cyrus - There's Probably No Hope for her Now

A few weeks ago it was just me who was unhappy with the new direction Miley is taking. Some people even questioned why I was so angry at her back then.

And then that dreadful VMA performance happened. (And no, I didn't watch it, nor do I want to, I just heard about it because it is, like, everywhere right now).

And still Billy Ray hasn't been too angry, apparently. As a dad, I think you should have spoken out. She needs to be taught a lesson, now. Meanwhile, Robin Thicke's mother, Gloria Loring, sounded like a much more responsible parent. She spoke frankly of how horrible the whole thing was. And that's the way it should be, I think.

By TaraElla (News, Website) Discuss at the Forum!

Sunday, August 25, 2013

Demi Lovato to Join Glee

It has been reported that Demi Lovato will guest star in Glee in the upcoming season. There have also been reports of a planned duet with Naya Rivera!

I think it's great news. It's Demi chance to shine in a role that suits her, I think. As I said last year, I believe she wasn't ready for X-Factor, and that she still isn't. Glee is another game however. It's something that she can take her singing talent and shine in.

I will definitely be looking forward to it!

By TaraElla (News, Website) Discuss at the Forum!

Monday, August 19, 2013

Australians, Listen to Kelly Clarkson

Last year during the 2012 US Federal Election Campaign, Kelly Clarkson said she planned to vote for President Barack Obama because he supported marriage equality, even though she is a "Republican at heart". "I can’t support Romney’s policies as I have a lot of gay friends and I don’t think it’s fair they can’t get married," she put it simply. Note that it doesn't affect her personally - but being unselfish is the hallmark of a decent human being. She also had another reason too: "I’m not a hardcore feminist but we can’t be going back to the ’50s."

Now Australia will face a similar election in a few weeks, where one candidate supports marriage equality and the other does not. One candidate is clearly no sexist, and the other, well, it's not very clear it seems, especially with his recent 'sex appeal' comments. One candidate is clearly about the future, the other is often called a '50s man'. Plenty of parallels there. Think about it.

It may not matter to you personally, but you really should think about your choice. It will affect our future. Be non selfish and do the right thing.

By TaraElla (News, Website)
Discuss at the Forum!

Thursday, August 15, 2013

Katy Perry, Thanks for Challenging Abbott's Inequality, All is Forgiven

Katy Perry has challenged Australian opposition leader Tony Abbott on the issue of marriage equality on radio this morning. "I love you as a human being but I can't give you my vote," she said, about Abbott's opposition to marriage equality.

Thanks for standing up for your beliefs. All is forgiven about the past.

By TaraElla (News, Website)
Discuss at the Forum!

Rudd and Albo, Three More Years!

The Australian election is coming up. My friends, in life there aren't many easy choices, but here is one. I believe we have the clearest choice in the country's history this time. In my opinion, anybody not voting for the return of the Rudd government is a fool - there's no nice way of putting this.

Here are my reasons:

1) The Rudd government has been a good custodian of our country. Its economy has weathered the global financial crisis well, and I trust that under the Rudd government we will weather any future challenges, including the end of the mining boom, very well.

2) Kevin Rudd and Anthony Albanese support marriage equality. In contrast, Tony Abbott has called it a 'fashion', and even prevented his colleagues from voting for it! Tony Abbott is every bit a right wing extremist who will take away freedom, equality and opportunity when it fits the right wing agenda.

3) Tony Abbott's sister is in a committed lesbian relationship, and hopes to get married. If Abbott does not even care about his sister, will he care about the rest of the country?

4) Tony Abbott's economic policies hurt families. Workchoices and 15% GST are possibilities, and to see their impact one only needs to look at the original GST and Workchoices as implemented by the Howard government. Going even further, Tony Abbott has talked about changing the already meagre Newstart allowance so that potentially people will have to move miles away from their families to work in mines and farms when they are not even trained to do so! An Abbott government will be toxic for families. For this reason alone it is scary.

5) The 'direct action' environmental policy is not only inferior to the Rudd government's Emissions Trading Scheme, it is also very costly and will lead to either unnecessary new taxes or cuts in spending - ultimately, it is families who get hurt. All this so that the Coalition can have a 'different' policy!

6) Team Abbott have been playing dirty, in my opinion. They have released policies which do not add up in a hope to get over the line. The Murdoch-led media has also been very biased, hellbent on getting Abbott into office. One widely suspected reason is because Murdoch fears the government's National Broadband Network will affect the business of Foxtel. All this cannot be rewarded. We need to show them that this is a democracy, and WE are in charge.

7) Tony Abbott has also repeatedly singled out the Greens as an 'extremist party', probably because they wouldn't support him to be PM in the 2010 hung parliament negotiations. There are some things the Greens do that I will not agree to, but I believe the Liberals under Abbott are much more extreme than the Greens. Even under Howard they had Workchoices, something more extreme than any Green policy will ever be. And Abbott looks more of a right wing extremist than even Howard. The pot calling the kettle black is just not on.

Therefore, isn't it a clear cut choice?

By TaraElla (News, Website)
Discuss at the Forum!

If Miley Cyrus has Forgotten How It's Done, Maybe Rebecca Black can Show Her

You may remember Rebecca Black and her viral video Friday. It was widely disliked, but at the time you may remember that I said she didn't actually do too badly? Well, her latest work is a cover of Miley Cyrus's global hit We Can't Stop, and it sounds quite good! It's sort of like how Miley's stuff sounded in the past, actually.



By TaraElla (News, Website)
Discuss at the Forum!

Wednesday, August 14, 2013

Emma Roberts Determined to Make Her Marriage Work

When Emma Roberts gets married, she has determined that it needs to be for life.

"I've grown up in a business where we're taught to think that relationships don't last, and that people are supposed to be married a bunch of times. But I come from the school of getting married once," she explained.

I too am a believer in having a family relationship for life, committing to one partner for life. And every time I raise that I get called all sorts of things. Does she have it easier? Apparently not.

"Everyone kind of rolls their eyes at me, but I still believe in the romantic movie outcome," she said.

It's great to know that there are others out there fighting the same fight. Keep it up!

By TaraElla (News, Website)
Discuss at the Forum!

Monday, August 12, 2013

Beyonce's New, Shorter Hair

Beyonce has debuted a dramatic new look - a short hairstyle. Who would have thought!

"I'm so happy because the extensions give women the wrong expectation of what their hair should look like - it's great for onstage, but everyday women shouldn't have or want to have five pounds of hair on their head. This hair is more natural, more realistic," her stylist Rita Hazan explained to Us Weekly.

I think it's great that Beyonce is taking control of her hair. Hollywood is too often image-obsessed, and wrestling back a bit of freedom from that is always good.

By TaraElla (News, Website)
Discuss at the Forum!

More Weird and Wonderful Versions of Blurred Lines

Since Blurred Lines continues to be a popular hit worldwide, and we are continuing our boycott of the original, I guess it would be a great idea to share some more of the weird and wonderful versions out there.

YouTube musician AlexG has done quite a nice version of it:


Sarah Starr from The Empire Lights has done a version that's a bit different. You may like it if you're into Jazz and Blues:


Finally, Shak H and Storm have done a unique take of the song in their version:


By TaraElla (News, Website)
Discuss at the Forum!

Saturday, August 10, 2013

Mariah Carey Recalls Racist Attack

Mariah Carey is rich and famous, and loved by many around the world today. But back when she was younger, she had more than her fair share of being discriminated against. In fact, for being biracial, somebody once spit in her face when she was a child, she recently revealed.

Sadly, racism is still around today. Racism is sad, and it needs to be eradicated.

Some people have asked me how is it possible 'eradicate' racism. I am not going to say that it's going to be easy. But we must try. For starters, next time you hear a racist comment, you should stand up against it, rather than try to ignore it for the sake of 'keeping the peace'. At the ballot box, you should not vote for politicians who appeal to racist voters. Also, racist slang (you know what I am talking about) is not okay, and this needs to be made clear when somebody simply doesn't get it.

By TaraElla (News, Website)
Discuss at the Forum!

Wednesday, August 7, 2013

Glee Cast Has Returned to Work. Is It Too Soon?

It has been reported that the cast of Glee has returned to work, just weeks after the shocking death of cast member Cory Monteith.

I personally think it's too soon. It must be terrible for the cast members to work under these conditions.

What do you think?

By TaraElla (News, Website)

Discuss at the Forum!

Tuesday, August 6, 2013

Cover of the Week #3: Way in the World by Nina Nesbitt

And here's one final cover for this week. It's Way in the World by Nina Nesbitt. Enjoy.



Discuss at the Forum!

Monday, August 5, 2013

Cover of the Week #2: Firestarter by Samantha Jade

Since this week I am in a musical mood, there will be more covers than usual. Today's cover is of Firestarter by Samantha Jade, winner of last year's X Factor Australia.



Discuss at the Forum!

Sunday, August 4, 2013

Cover of the Week #1: You Have More Friends Than You Know by Glee Cast / Mervyn Warren / Jeff Marx

If you have been following my blog, you would know how much I really love this song. It was originally written for a show about It Gets Better, which adds another layer to its meaning, I guess. Then it was made famous by Glee back in April. Now, here's my cover version:



Discuss at the Forum!

Saturday, August 3, 2013

My Latest Interview

As promised, my latest interview is ready!

Here's a snippet:

We have followed you for quite a few years, and we have noticed that you changed and somewhat matured over the years. How do you feel you have changed?
I have definitely changed. I feel as though I see things more clearly now, and have more holistic ideas about the world. I am also a lot less critical of some people and things, I guess. I am still angered by the lack of justice in this world, however.


Read the rest at TaraElla FanSpace.

By TaraElla (News, Website)

Discuss at the Forum!

Lady Gaga and Miley Cyrus are Controversial Topics at the Forum

Looks like my recent blog posts on Lady Gaga and Miley Cyrus have proven controversial topics for my readers and fans at my website forum.

If you are interested, you can go ahead and look at what people have said:

The Lady Gaga Thread

The Miley Cyrus Thread

By TaraElla (News, Website)
 
Discuss at the Forum!

Thursday, August 1, 2013

New TaraElla Interview Coming Soon

I just did an interview with one of my fansites. They will have the transcript online soon.

In the interview I will talk about how I have changed over the years, and how it affects my writing and my music.

I will keep you posted.

By TaraElla (News, Website)

Discuss at the Forum!

Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Lady Gaga Changes 12 Times a Day? We Need to Tell Her That's Stupid!

It has been reported that Lady Gaga's stylist Nicola Formichetti has quit the job, because he just cannot keep up with her 'insane' demands.

"I've done two albums with her, it's been like five years, and you know, I'm always going to be involved somehow, but I cannot do it every day. She changes 12 times a day; it's insane," he explained.

I think we, the public, have been encouraging Lady Gaga's bizarre behaviour for too long. But this is just too crazy. If your friend changed 12 times a day, you would think that's a bit, well, unhealthy, right? How would Lady Gaga be any different?

By TaraElla (News, Website)

Discuss at the Forum!

Up Or Down List

This week (read recent posts on this blog for further info on some of the following):
+5 Kelly Clarkson - in recognition of her great new pro-commitment song
+1 Britney Spears - shows her family side, as she takes her kids to The Smurfs 2 Premiere
+1 Carly Rae Jepsen - let her fans help her pick the name of her new tour, The Summer Kiss Tour.
+1 Demi Lovato - looking out for her friend Miley Cyrus
-1 Lady Gaga - her 'insane' fashion demands has caused her stylist to quit! We shouldn't encourage behaviour like that
-1 Katy Perry - looks weird in her new Killer Queen fragrance promo. Plus I hate that name!

Running total:
Demi Lovato +7 (+1 this week)
Kelly Clarkson +5 (+5 this week)
Taylor Swift +5
Britney Spears +2 (+1 this week)
Carly Rae Jepsen +1 (+1 this week)
Lady Gaga -1 (-1 this week)
Katy Perry -1 (-1 this week)
Rihanna -5
Miley Cyrus -10

By TaraElla (News, Website)

Tuesday, July 30, 2013

Kelly Clarkson's Tie It Up

Committing to a partner is something to be celebrated. This too often gets forgotten in the modern world, where commitments are seen as hassle. Luckily, there's always something to remind us about the value of commitment. Like this new Kelly Clarkson song:



By TaraElla (News, Website)

Thursday, July 25, 2013

Demi Lovato Says Drug Addiction is a Disease

In the aftermath of the tragic death of Cory Monteith, people are now having a discussion about drug addiction and its associated tragedies.

Demi Lovato, having been through similar struggles herself, has joined the conversation. "It's not a choice. Nobody chooses to use. He didn't choose to die. It was the disease. It can creep up on you at any moment. It only takes one moment of relapse to potentially die. It's really scary, but I'm really hoping that from this, people are able to see this is a very, very, very dangerous disease," she told PEOPLE recently.

I agree it's a disease, and it needs attention. I think it's a good thing people are waking up to this problem. We don't want any more tragedies.



By TaraElla (News, Website)

Up Or Down List - Now Weekly

Reminder:
This is a new feature coming to TaraElla's column. Every week, we will look at who is moving up and who is moving down in TaraElla's books. A running total will also be kept.

+1 = normal rise. Someone did something good, according to TaraElla
+5 = big rise. Someone did something very good, according to TaraElla
-1 = normal fall. Someone did something bad, according to TaraElla
-5 = big fall. Someone did something very bad, according to TaraElla

This week (read recent posts on this blog for further info on the following):
+5 Taylor Swift - visited sick kids in hospital
-5 Miley Cyrus - disowns the past Miley which we liked
-5 Miley Cyrus - encouraged controversy with her lyrics
+1 Demi Lovato - reminded us that drug abuse is a tragic disease, not something to be judged
-1 Selena Gomez - released bad video for Slow Down

Running total:
Demi Lovato 6 (+1 this week)
Taylor Swift 5 (+5 this week)
Britney Spears 1
Rihanna -5
Miley Cyrus -10 (-10 this week)

By TaraElla (News, Website)

Wednesday, July 24, 2013

Miley, Mark My Word, You Will Regret It

‘I would say everyone has to start from the bottom, to get where they want to go and work on things they don’t really care about doing. So I had to do that for five years. I had to work on something that wasn’t really a passion for me just because I wanted to be able to get here, so when I was older I’d be able to just do what I want and not have to work for money," Miley recently told the Daily Mail in the UK regarding her changed image.

It would mark my greatest disappointment in Miley Cyrus, like ever. Are you really telling us that the Miley we liked was not a passion for you at all, and the real you is like what we are now seeing? I guess I really have to re-assess how I see you, and what I have seen in you all these years.

"I don’t think people have a hard time understanding that I’ve grown up," she also said. Well, it's not about growing up. It's about what kind of lifestyle, what kind of values you represent. If this is your true colours that you are now showing us, then it's not pretty at all.

I guess Miley has top and bottom mixed up. She started from the top, and is about to hit rock bottom, whilst thinking that she was going the other way. How tragic. At least those who grew up with Hilary Duff as their childhood idol didn't have to suffer seeing her 'change' like that.

By TaraElla (News, Website)

Tuesday, July 23, 2013

I'm Disappointed in Selena Gomez Again

Selena Gomez recently released yet another new song - Slow Down. I thought the song was not bad. Maybe this could be the hit for her in 2013, I thought.

In recent days, a video of that song was released. It is, in my opinion, meaningless, and to put it mildly, not very modest.

I am disappointed with her again.

By TaraElla (News, Website)

I Guess I Have No Choice but to Boycott Miley, for the First Time Ever

We Can't Stop, Miley Cyrus's latest single, has ignited several controversies at once. A major controversy was about a line in the lyrics, 'dancing with Miley' - or was it something else, perhaps even a drug reference?

Now Miley herself has spoken up about it. "It depends who’s doing what. If you’re aged ten it’s ‘Miley’, if you know what I’m talking about then you know. I just wanted it to be played on the radio and they’ve already had to edit it so much," she told the Daily Mail in the UK. It doesn't appear to clear anything up to me, but she is at least letting the controversy boil on.

I guess now I have no choice but to call for a boycott of the song officially, unless she comes out and officially states that it is NOT what some people think it is. I am also officially backing away from the role model thing. The old Miley was a great role model, I'm not sure about the new one. I have given Miley many chances to prove herself to be a worthy family orientated public figure, but I am afraid that maybe she has now strayed too far.

By the way, no ten year old should be listening to stuff like that, Miley. You should be ashamed of yourself for even suggesting that.

By TaraElla (News, Website)

Saturday, July 20, 2013

Taylor Swift Fans Angered by New T-Shirt

"She wears short skirts, I wear T-shirts," so goes the classic Taylor Swift song that many of her fans have embraced as an anthem. But you won't see any of them wearing THIS T-Shirt.

Bad Kids Clothing have made a T-shirt that features the names of nine of Taylor Swift's famous ex-boyfriends. Now Swifties across the world have become outraged.

It's very inappropriate. It's a form of bullying, in my opinion. Anyone who wears one of these should be ashamed of themselves. We as a society should come together and condemn this kind of behaviour, Taylor fan or not.



By TaraElla (News, Website)

Ooh La La Video a Welcome Change

The new Britney Spears song Ooh La La debuted to quite positive reception amongst people I know. Now it also has a video too - featuring Britney and her kids.

I must say that whilst I haven't liked any Britney video for a long time (possibly since 2004), I find this one a welcome change indeed.

Check it out here:



By TaraElla (News, Website)

Tuesday, July 16, 2013

Party in the USA as National Anthem? No Way!

Recently, somebody has set up a petition on the White House website, hoping to lobby the government to make Miley Cyrus's Party in the USA the new US national anthem.

Britney and Jay-Z to define what America is? Really?

There have been past petitions like calling on the Mint to produce a platinum trillion dollar coin, but I guess this one could potentially be the most ridiculous one ever.



By TaraElla (News, Website)

Sunday, July 14, 2013

Up Or Down List

This is a new feature coming to TaraElla's column. Every week, we will look at who is moving up and who is moving down in TaraElla's books. A running total will also be kept.

+1 = normal rise. Someone did something good, according to TaraElla
+5 = big rise. Someone did something very good, according to TaraElla
-1 = normal fall. Someone did something bad, according to TaraElla
-5 = big fall. Someone did something very bad, according to TaraElla

The past month (read recent posts on this blog for further info on the following):
+1 Britney Spears - Ooh La La Video was a welcome change to her recent stuff
+5 Demi Lovato - Launches foundation in honour of her father
+1 Miley Cyrus - Encouraging the new inclusiveness at Disney Channel
-5 Rihanna - Glorified Marijuana Use
-1 Miley Cyrus - Released horrible video for We Can't Stop

Running Total:
Demi Lovato 5 (+5)
Britney Spears 1 (+1)
Rihanna -5 (-5)

By TaraElla (News, Website)

Saturday, July 13, 2013

Taylor Swift: I knew you were trouble when you walked in. NO TRESPASSING

Taylor Swift has added new anti-trespassing signs around her Rhode Island home recently. And what do they read?

"I knew you were trouble when you walked in. NO TRESPASSING"

Pure Genius!



By TaraElla (News, Website)

Monday, July 8, 2013

Nina Nesbitt Also Inspired by the Old Taylor Swift

Besides Miley Cyrus, another artist of which I wish to see the old version come back would be Taylor Swift. Her old music, when she stuck to her country style, was so much better, I think.

Apparently new singer-songwriter Nina Nesbitt also likes the old Taylor stuff. "I think Taylor Swift, in the days when she was kind of doing more country style, definitely was a big inspiration for me," she told MTV recently.

And we are liking Nina's stuff too. Probably more so than Taylor's new stuff.

And here's some of it:


Would the old Taylor Swift please come back?

By TaraElla (News, Website)

Thursday, July 4, 2013

Demi Lovato Launches Foundation in Honour of Father

Demi Lovato has launched a foundation to provide a scholarship program for the mentally ill, in honour of her father, who passed away recently.

Demi had been estranged from her father, but that hasn't affected her decision, it seems. "My father and I didn't have the most ideal relationship, but at the end of the day he's still my dad and I grew up with him. He's a wonderful person," she said.

I think it's important to honour your parents when you can, no matter what your relationship was like. So good on Demi.

By TaraElla (News, Website)

Tuesday, July 2, 2013

At the End of the Rainbow...

Hollywood actors Kristen Bell and Dax Shepard have vowed not to marry until their fellow Californians can. Now that Prop 8 has been overturned and same sex marriages have resumed in California, the Kristen has asked Dax to marry her. A happy ending indeed!

As I previously said, marriage boycott is not for me personally anymore, but it's still noble for the people who are doing it. The fight for equality would benefit from everyone's participation, and gay equality is the issue of our generation, I believe.

Marriage is a good way of securing a long term, hopefully eternal, commitment, and thus a great basis for starting a family. It should be available for all.

By TaraElla (News, Website)

Sunday, June 30, 2013

Miley Cyrus Thinks New Disney Storyline is Inspiring

Miley Cyrus may have left Disney Channel (and her Hannah Montana image) behind a long time ago, but apparently she still cares about developments there. The recent announcement of the inclusion of a family headed by lesbian parents in the show Good Luck Charlie has prompted Miley to take to Twitter to express her views. "I commend Disney for making this step into the light of this generation. ... This is INSPIRING," she tweeted.

Yes, I agree this is inspiring indeed. TV shows should reflect reality, and be inclusive to all its potential audience. Taking extra care to make sure nobody misses out is an important element in the development of great shows. It's good to see Disney taking this duty seriously.

By TaraElla (News, Website)

Thursday, June 27, 2013

Rihanna, Marijuana and Instagram

Rihanna has taken to Instagram to make her stance on marijuana known. Now there is a photo of her wearing a T-shirt with a marijuana leaf logo.

I am personally supportive of decriminalising marijuana. I guess I just don't agree with sending people to jail over a lifestyle choice that does not appear to harm others, and potentially break up families as a result.

However, I personally think what Rihanna is doing is glorification of marijuana use, something which I really don't agree with. I mean, people should have the right to do whatever they want, but think about this: marijuana is harmful to human brains. Therefore, to me, glorification of marijuana use is like glorification of smoking regular cigarettes, which has been almost universally condemned as effectively promoting lung cancer. It is utterly irresponsible behaviour.

Another reason to continue my Rihanna boycott, I guess.

By TaraElla (News, Website)

Tuesday, June 25, 2013

A Baby Named North West

It has been reported that Kanye West and Kim Kardashian have named their baby North West.

Is that even a name? I have been asking this question, and so have many people. I have to say it's a decision I really don't agree with. Some have even called for names like these to be banned.

However, I recognise that everyone has the right to do what they think is right. Therefore, we'll just have to accept the parents' choice. Or else, we will turn out like Sweden, where all baby names have to be government approved. I'd prefer our present system any day.

By TaraElla (News, Website)

Sunday, June 23, 2013

Torn on the New Miley Song

Miley Cyrus's new song We Can't Stop has hit the airwaves, and it's proving to be quite controversial. In fact, I am about to confess that I am officially torn over this track.

On one hand, I do like the music. Miley also does an excellent job on the vocals as usual. However, the other day I saw the video, and I have to say that, well, it is not acceptable to my standards. Here's my summary: it's weird and cheap at the same time, and does not appear to mean anything at all. I also thought some of it was very gross - hence I am not embedding it here.

I guess Miley wanted controversy, and she got controversy. People have a right to do what they want, I guess.

By TaraElla (News, Website)

Friday, June 21, 2013

TaraElla's Top 3 Taylor Swift Hits Ever

I'm going to start a series of mini entries about the top 3 songs I like from different artists.
Taylor Swift has had 19 #1s on the Jenienland Chart, and she has been one of my favourite artists. So let's start with her.

#1: The Best Day (Jenienland end of year chart #3, 2009)
Being a fan of her music generally, it might surprise you that this is the only Taylor song that I can personally identify with. It's a shame that it was never formally released as a single or was more popular.

I have even done a cover of this, dedicated to my own mother.

#2: Love Story (Jenienland end of year chart #9, 2008)
The first Taylor song I really loved. I mean, Teardrops on my Guitar was pretty good, but this was the one which made me really look out for Taylor's releases going forward. It was also her first #1 from me.


#3: Fifteen
A great song with a great message. Enough said.


By TaraElla (News, Website)

Wednesday, June 19, 2013

Tish Cyrus Files for Divorce

Tish Cyrus has reportedly filed for divorce from husband Billy Ray Cyrus, and is seeking custody of daughter Noah, 13.

The breakup rate of Hollywood couples never ceases to astonish me, and frankly, make me feel more than a little sad. I guess I was lucky that my parents stayed together no matter what for the sake of the family. Yet it is something that is becoming rarer and rarer in Hollywood circles.

Meanwhile, Miley Cyrus continues to promote her new song We Can't Stop everywhere, giving media interviews over a wide range of topics. I honestly don't think I could do that if my parents were breaking up. I would probably be sitting at home crying. I wonder how she does it.

By TaraElla (News, Website)

p.s. Since this is a divorce-related post, I thought I should promote my 'permanent commitment' alternative. Read this for more information.

Monday, June 17, 2013

I Still Miss the Old Miley, to be Honest. She was an Inspiration to People Like Me.

When Miley Cyrus first came to the media's attention, she was only a teenager acting in a Disney show. Over the years, I came to think that she was a great addition to the entertainment industry. One thing I particularly liked about her was how close to her family she was. The entertainment industry was full of people who don't like their parents and are all too ready to show it - I still remember cringing every time a certain song containing the line 'daddy I hate you' came on the radio. I remember, for somebody like me who is close to her family, back then American Idol was probably a better source than the commercial entertainment industry to find someone you could identify with. I took a liking to contestants like Diana DeGarmo and Carrie Underwood partly because they were close to family, like I was.

From what I could see, Miley was closest to her dad. I was (and still am) closest to my mom, perhaps in a similar way. Miley was proud to display this fact, and it was refreshing to see. It would serve as an inspiration against the 'advice' some of my 'friends' would give me about being 'too close' to my mom, 'advice' telling me to go party out in the city behind her back, 'advice' that I wouldn't ever consider taking anyway. Miley was telling the world that people like us were cool.

But then, everything changed. In 2010, Miley's father Billy Ray did not attend her 18th birthday. "You know why I didn't go? Because they were having it in a bar. It was wrong. It was for 21-years-old and up," Billy Ray explained in an interview with GQ in 2011. If it were me, I would do ANYTHING so that my mom could attend my birthday. Yet Miley chose the bar anyway. How she had changed!

I did defend Miley, saying that she was still a role model for some things. Like how she supported marriage equality and was so passionate she got a tattoo for it (not that I think tattoos are a great idea but if one had to have a tattoo for anything it would be this, I believe). But I still miss the old Miley, and I still want her to be like she once was again.

By TaraElla (News, Website)

Let's Support Diana Vickers - Here's 3 Reasons

UK singer Diana Vickers has released a new single for the first time in a few years, named Cinderella. She has scored one #1 in her home country, but I believe that she is still too underrated. Here are a few reasons I believe she should be more popular:

#1. She's Very Unique
Her voice is one of a kind. It struck me as something special way back in 2008 when I heard a snippet of her singing on X Factor. The other day my mom walked past my room when I was listening to her stuff, and she remarked about how 'special' the voice coming out from the speakers was. Enough said.

#2. Her Songs Are Pure Genius
The lyrics to her hits like The Boy Who Murdered Love and Cinderella are pure genius. Lines like " There's a mark upon your skin / Where your heart once used to be" and " If Cinderella was here tonight / She wouldn’t walk out the door leaving you behind / Midnight calling but she don’t care / She’d be a fool not to follow you everywhere" are not easy to find in the mass produced chart music of the 2010s.

#3. She's Not Tried Drugs
In 2010, she wrote in the UK Sun that "just because a drug is legal, you cannot assume it is safe." She also told Now Magazine that, regarding her 'experience' with drugs, "I've never tried them and I'm very proud of that." I am not judgmental about people who use drugs, but I do believe that people who can proudly say that they have never touched drugs are good role models for society. I myself can say that I have never touched drugs, and I can also say that it's thanks to a family, especially my mother, who have always highlighted the dangers of drugs to me from a young age. Some people are not as fortunate to have a family who cares for them, and therefore messages from other people to the same effect are needed.

Anyway, here's Cinderella:


By TaraElla (News, Website)

Saturday, June 8, 2013

Kelly Osbourne to Lady Gaga: Do you really care about the gay community?

The feud between Kelly Osbourne and Lady Gaga has lasted quite a while already. But it seems it won't go away just yet, with Kelly revisiting her distaste for Gaga in a recent interview in Cosmopolitan magazine. And she also had something to say about Lady Gaga and her commitment to gay rights.

"You're feeding on the freaks and geeks to further your career? Do you really care about the gay community? Because if you did, you'd stand up for it more than you do," Kelly said.

I think Gaga does care about gay rights, at least to an extent. That's great. But I'm not sure if she ever thought of this: she's not exactly an example for family values. The gay rights movement is currently all about family values and family rights for gays. The way Gaga acts reduces her credibility on those issues. If she cared more, I guess she would act differently.

By TaraElla (News, Website)

Thursday, June 6, 2013

Besides Kristen Stewart, Who Else Could Have Played Bella?

Kristen Stewart actually isn't the best choice for Bella in Twilight, I have often thought. Some people have agreed with me on that observation too. So who else could have played Bella?

According to Courtney Love, the role could have went to her daughter Frances Bean Cobain, if she hadn't turned it down.

Funny that it seems that the role would have gone to a person with extensive connections in the industry either way? Just shows how exclusive the industry has become nowadays.

By TaraElla (News, Website)

Monday, June 3, 2013

LeAnn Rimes: 'I Made Some Really Bad Choices'

"I made some really bad choices. I caused hurt," LeAnn Rimes recently told People in an interview.

I have to agree. In fact, some of what she did made me almost hate her at one point. How could one of my former favourite artists do something so evil?

But then, people make mistakes. The most important thing is to own up to those mistakes, and make appropriate apologies. And never do them again. I guess LeAnn has been quite willing to engage in this process so far. And that's great. I have forgiven her.

By TaraElla (News, Website)

Sunday, June 2, 2013

Apparently Taylor Swift is Like Grandma. Does This Mean I'm Like a Grandma too?

On popular news website Huffington Post there was recently a post titled '13 Things Taylor Swift And Your Grandma Have In Common'.

Apparently, Taylor Swift is like grandma because she talks about the good old days, enjoy a good sing-a-long sometimes, is easy to surprise, likes to do a thumbs up for approval, enjoy the simple things in life, and is always there for you.

Guess what? These things all apply to me too.

Does it mean I'm officially *old*? I hope not.

By TaraElla (News, Website)

Friday, May 31, 2013

Brad Pitt: Former Drug User. What Can We Learn?

Brad Pitt is in a great place right now. "I just haven't known life to be any happier," he told Esquire magazine.

In the same interview, he also opened up about his drug use in the past. "For a long time I thought I did too much damage – drug damage," he said.

What can we learn from this? Well first, that drugs damage lives, and should never be touched. I guess we know this already, though. The other side of this story is that it shows how otherwise decent people may still fall into the drug trap. Indeed, I used to be judgmental about drug addiction - but I am not now. It's just another medical condition.

By TaraElla (News, Website)

Wednesday, May 29, 2013

Paris Hilton's 2nd Album? No, Thanks.

Paris Hilton has been talking about making a 2nd album for some time now, and now there are reports that she has signed a deal with Cash Money Records.

I, for one, will not be looking forward to this album. Especially after how her first album was, well, meaningless to the extreme. Sort of like almost every other thing she does.

By TaraElla (News, Website)

Monday, May 27, 2013

Selena Gomez, Spring Breakers and my 90s Standards

Some people have responded to my post about Selena Gomez and her recent appearance on Spring Breakers with a question: why am I being so negative on her, given that I have said that I don't abide by 1950s standards, and rather exalt a 90s-esque balance. There have been plenty of people who dress sexily in the 1990s, they said, and I haven't judged them this way.

But it is about the content and market too. Does Selena Gomez still want to be part of the family friendly market or not? This is the central question. In the good old days, where my standards were formed, people had a right to be 'sexy', but those who want to sell to family friendly markets will always be somewhat, well, family friendly at least, and will not appear in movies like Spring Breakers, in my opinion.

The ultimate question remains, does Selena Gomez still want to be part of the family friendly market or not? I really hope she does.

By TaraElla (News, Website)