Paul Potts is not good looking. He has bad teeth and seems overweight with a pot belly. He claims that he has constantly been bullied and you can imagine why that it by just looking at him. When he speaks, he seems close to stuttering and sputtering. The first time I saw his video, his downcast eyes revealed how minimal his self-confidence was. It has been over a year since his name has become a byword in the UK.

There are a lot of things that Paul knows he is not. But there is absolutely one truth that is unwavering — he wants to be an opera singer. And despite the low self-esteem, the bullying, and the mishaps in his life, he found solace in his voice.

When I first watched his audition video and saw him walking up the stage, I didn’t know what to expect. I guess I had the same look that Simon Cowell had — “ok, let’s get on with it.” A guy looking like Paul didn’t seem to have anything to offer that I would be interested in. As he started to sing “Nessun Dorma,” my eyes opened wide and I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. I didn’t know why my eyes stung while he was finishing the final notes of the song. Maybe it was shame. Or maybe it was envy. Why do we judge people by their looks? And why do we judge ourselves by the way people look at us?

Paul Potts went on to win the first series of Britain’s Got Talent and in July 2007, his debut album “One Chance” claimed the number 1 spot in the UK Album Charts 6 days after its release. He now continues to do what he loves most and has already completed his own concert series. He may not be very popular in the US or other countries, but there is no doubt in his talent. I am not a fan of opera, but I am a fan of anyone who pursues his dreams regardless of the hurdles and the challenges that come his way.

Tags: Britains Got Talent,Nessun Dorma,opera singer,Paul Potts,Simon Cowell
Categories: Entertainment News
No Comments »

Democratic Presidential nominee Barack Obama chose Sen. Joe Biden of Delaware as his vice presidential running mate Saturday. The choice was aimed to balance his ticket with a congressional veteran known to be well-versed in foreign policy and defense. The announcement was made on his website with a picture and a call for donations.

Biden, 65, has more than 30 years in the Senate and served as chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee and the Judiciary Committee. Obama passed over other potential running mates, including former first lady Hillary Rodham Clinton, his opponent for the Democratic nomination months ago.

Among those on the list, Biden had the most experience in defense or foreign policy. These are areas where Obama fares poorly in the polls versus Republican candidate Sen. John McCain.

Tags: Barack Obama,Joe Biden,US Presidential elections
Categories: Politics
No Comments »

We all know that David Cook topped David Archuleta in the last American Idol showdown. After AI, the real showdown starts. Who will top the charts?

Archuleta’s “Crush” debuted at No. 2 on the Hot 100 singles chart which eclipsed Cook’s No. 3 opening “The Time of My Life” in June. The 17-year old is the first runner-up to outperform the reigning champ since the matchup between Clay Aiken’s “This Is the Night” and season-two victor Ruben Studdard’s “Flying Without Wings.” Aiken overtook Studdard with what became the best-selling single of 2003. “Crush” is the biggest song by an Idol contestant for a song never performed on the show. Comparatively, his show single “Imagine” actually did not do well with a No. 36 debut. Kelly Clarkson’s “Since U Been Gone” is the only other non-debut single by an Idol contestant to reach as high as the No. 2 spot.

Nevertheless, Cook’s “The Time of My Life” did better in the download department which sold 236,000 digital copies in its opening week versus 166,000 copies for “Crush.” Cook also set a SoundScan-era record that first week, when 11 of his songs cracked the Hot 100, topping Miley Cyrus’ record of six. Only the Beatles have charted more songs at once with 14 spots back in ‘64.

Unfortunately for Cook, his No. 3 peak for “Time” also made him just the second Idol champ whose big-moment single failed to open in one of the top two spots. (Jordin Sparks missed the mark as well with a tepid No. 15 bow for “This Is My Now.”)

The more important competition happens in November when both Davids will release their albums simulataneously.

Tags: American Idol,Clay Aiken,crush,David Archuleta,David Cook,kelly clarkson,ruben studdard,the time of my life
Categories: Entertainment News
No Comments »

Looks like the Sproutwells are back. This time, they introduce a new member of the family — Phyto the dog. My favorite in this animation series of the sproutwells is the nosy neighbor. The neighbor is the comic relief in the series. She seems to have the knack for always getting wet.

The Sproutwells is brought to us by FreshFunds.com, makers of healthy snacks Chiquita and Fresh Express. Together with the creation of the Sproutwells, the Fresh Funds Program was established to encourage everyone to choose healthy snacking instead of the fatty chips and snacks we have gotten used to feasting on. Become a Fresh Funds member and start earning points. With more points, you get a chance to bid on a Nintendo Wii.

First, enjoy the new Sproutwells video with their new pet Phyto.

Tags: The Sproutwells,vegetable animation,Youtube video
Categories: Entertainment News
No Comments »

Let’s take a breather from athletics and do gossip for a while. Celebrity gossips are pastimes that we should not neglect, no matter how hot those guys and girls look in their speedos.

Rumor has it that following long negotiations and arrangements, Tom Cruise may no longer play the role in the spy thriller, “Salt.” Apparently, Edwin A. Salt is scheduled to get a sex change with new mommy Angelina Jolie currently negotiating to replace Cruise.

Along with the sex change comes a redraft of the screenplay and a possible change in title. The story now revolves around a CIA officer who needs to prove that she is not a Russian sleeper spy that has been hired to assassinate the president.

Screenwriter Kurt Wimmer will redraft the screenplay, about a CIA officer who must prove she is not a Russian sleeper spy out to assassinate the president, to suit Jolie. Phillip Noyce remains attached to “Salt” as director. Jolie is also doing “Atlas Shrugged,” an adaptation of the Ayn Rand novel but has not divulged yet which one will go first.

Looks like an imminent disaster for Tom Cruise. While Cruise’s “Lions for Lambs” bombed at the box office last year, Jolie’s “Wanted” has earned about $250 million at the worldwide box office. Let’s wait and see then. I hope this latest drawback in Cruise’s career doesn’t affect his current marriage.

Tags: Angelina Jolie,Salt,tom cruise
Categories: Entertainment News
No Comments »

Katie Holmes is making a fashion statement lately wearing Tom Cruise’s PRPS jeans. She has been spotted several times wearing her hubby’s jeans rolled up. The couple’s stylist did confirm that Katie is wearing Tom’s jeans. It’s the new fall season collection of PRPS which adapted the women’s style and it’s called the “Boyfriend Jeans.”

Well, maybe it doesn’t matter if it looks too big on her — it’s still a $250 jeans. And if you’re wondering why she wears it rolled up, it’s because Tom can’t wear his jeans with high heels. Katie Holmes is 5′9″ and Tom is 2 inches shorter.

Tags: katie holmes,prps jeans,tom cruise
Categories: Entertainment News
No Comments »

As The Dark Knight continues to break records, fans are now speculating on the sequel. More than the story, fans are interested to find out who the next villain will be. Following Heath Ledger’s brilliant performance, everyone wants to find out who would be talented enough and brave enough to be the next villain.

Rumors abound that the Caped Crusader may face the Riddler in the sequel. Whispers that Johnny Depp might sign on to play the nefarious super-criminal have likewise been going around. Then again, like all rumors, it may be just as reliable as saying that Will Smith will play the role.

Other possibilities floating around include Phillip Seymour Hoffman playing the Penguin or Angelina Jolie putting on Catwoman’s skin-tight suit. Imagination does run wild when it comes to the anticipated follow up to the famous movie.

Nevertheless, it’s unlikely that even filmmakers are already contemplating the details of the next movie. They are probably still resting on their laurels and enjoying the success of The Dark Knight.

Tags: Batman's next villain,The Dark Knight sequel
Categories: Entertainment News
No Comments »

Jerry O’Connell and wife Rebecca Romijn are having twins. What’s up with Hollywood and their twin babies?

US Weekly reports that the couple is expecting twins. Jerry admitted to People Magazine that they were trying to get pregnant. He looks quite a fun daddy to have. According to E! Online, Rebecca wanted to wrap up shooting her role as transsexual magazine mogul Alexis Meade in Ugly Betty before announcing her pregnancy. Her role has now been reduced to recurring from series regular. Looks like they have been preparing for this for a while. But my question still remains — why are Hollywood couples getting twins all the time?

Tags: Hollywood couples with twins,Jerry O'Connell,Rebecca Romijn
Categories: Entertainment News
No Comments »

While the investigation surrounding the death of Heath Ledger continues, the federal Drug Enforcement Administration in New York confirmed that they have issued a subpoena to force Mary Kate Olsen to testify in front of a grand jury.

At the time of his death, 5 medications were found in Heath’s body. According to the DEA, three of these he obtained through doctors in Texas and Los Angeles. The cause for concern was how he acquired Oxycontin and Vicodin without a legal prescription. It was also revealed that the first person the masseuse called upon discovery of Heath’s body was the young actress.

Olsen broke her silence the first time on Monday, when a rep for the actress released a statement that she “had nothing whatsoever to do with the drugs found in Heath Ledger’s home or his body, and she does not know where he obtained them.” However, despite the rep’s statement that they have provided the government with relevant information, the actress is reportedly refusing to speak to government officials without immunity.

According to experts, the request for immunity does not signify that she is guilty of something criminal. It is uncertain what the DEA suspects in the case and invoking the 5th amendment against self-incrimination would be a cautious way to handle the situation.

Tags: drug overdose,Heath Ledger death,Mary Kate Olsen
Categories: Entertainment News
No Comments »

American actors Jennifer Garner and Ben Affleck are expecting a second child, celebrity weekly People reported on its website. People reported that the former heroine of the television series “Alias” is four months pregnant according to an anonymous source. However, the 36-year-old actress’s spokeswoman refused to comment.

Garner, a co-star in the 2007 hit “Juno,” and Affleck were married in June 2005. Their daughter, Violet, was born in late 2005. Affleck, 35, who wrote the screenplay for last year’s thriller “Gone Baby Gone,” co-starred with Garner in the films “Daredevil” and “Pearl Harbor.”

He also won an Oscar together with his best friend, Matt Damon, for best screenplay in 1997 for “Good Will Hunting.”

Tags: Ben Affleck,Jennifer Garner,pregnant celebrities
Categories: Entertainment News
No Comments »

Actor Morgan Freeman is currently in a hospital in Memphis, Tenn., after serious injury from a car accident near his home in Mississippi. The 71-year old Oscar-winning actor is in serious condition.

Authorities said Freeman was driving a 1997 Nissan Maxima belonging to Demaris Meyer of Memphis when the car left a rural highway and flipped several times shortly before midnight Sunday. According to reports, there were no indications of either alcohol or drugs involved and both were wearing seatbelts at the time of the accident. The condition of Freeman’s companion is still unknown. They had to use the jaws of life to extract the actor from the vehicle. He was lucid and conscious during the extraction and was even joking with some of the rescue workers.

The hospital where Freeman is being treated is commonly known as The Med, and is an acute-care teaching facility that serves patients within 150 miles of Memphis.

Tags: Morgan Freeman car accident,Nissan Maxima,The Med
Categories: News
No Comments »

The exclusive first photos of Vivienne and Knox Jolie-Pitt cost People Magazine and Hello a record high of $14 million. This includes interviews which eats up 19 pages of this week’s People Magazine. The funds will be donated to a foundation created by Brad and Angelina to help children around the world.

According to Brad and Angelina, their growing family is a bit chaotic at the moment with the new babies, but they are having the time of their life.The family currently enjoys life at the Château Miraval in Provence, France. The couple’s 4 older children – Maddox, 6, Pax, 4, Zahara, 3, and Shiloh, 2 – have been enjoying a summer of outdoor play on sprawling grounds of château which is ideal for a game of hide-and-seek.

Well, don’t miss out on the most expensive celebrity pics ever taken and grab your copies on Monday.

Tags: Angelina Jolie,Bradd,Knox,Pitt,Vivienne
Categories: Entertainment News
No Comments »

It’s almost time again for the movie version of the Harry Potter series to grace the screen and weave its magic with the audience. Though there has not been any Harry Potter movie that I felt gave justice to the book, it’s a regular pilgrimage me and my kids attend to. We look forward to it every other year. While my kids enjoy watching it endlessly even in DVD, I just saw the last few versions once in the movies.

Well, the trailer is out and I like what I saw. The young Tom Riddle was really creepy. It didn’t feel like the usual Harry Potter movie. It had the aura of a mystery horror flick. This is expected to be the tragedy among the series. I didn’t expect David Yates to make it so eerie. As early as now, I’m itching to see more of the film. I can only hope that it was not just a trailer done so well.

Tags: David Yates,Harry Potter 6 trailer,Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince,Tom Riddle
Categories: Movie Review
No Comments »

The boyfriend of a woman who was found by authorities stuck in a toilet in Kansas was charged by the court with mistreatment of a dependent adult with a sentence of 6 months probation. The defendant, Kory McFarren, who pleaded no contest last month was initially sentenced to 6 months in jail. However, the judge lowered the sentence after the girlfriend, Pam Babcock, asked for leniency. According to the girl, her circumstances were not his fault.

McFarren called Ness County Sheriff Bryan Whipple in March to ask for help with his girlfriend who he says has stayed in the bathroom for 2 years. When authorities reached the mobile home, they were surprised to find Babcock on the toilet unable to move. The toilet seat had already adhered to the sores on her body and it appears that her legs have atrophied from sitting there for too long. Medical experts estimate that she had been on the seat for a straight month which caused the sores and the atrophy. Babcock had to be brought to the hospital for the seat to be removed from her body.

Though McFarren claims he has been coaxing Babcock out for so long, he was charged for the misdemeanor simply because it took him so long to notify the authorities and thus causing injury to his girlfriend. According to Whipple, the girl obviously had some sort of mental incapacity which McFarren had taken for granted.

In my opinion, any man who allows her girlfriend to live in the bathroom for 2 years is definitely incapacitated too. Bringing her food and water everyday in the toilet doesn’t indicate that he had acted responsibly. McFarren was also charged in an unrelated case for lewd and lascivious behavior for exposing himself to a neighbor in March.

Babcock is currently under the protection of a guardian assigned to her by the legal department of the hospital where she received treatment.

Tags: Kroy McFarren,Pam Babcock,toilet woman
Categories: News
No Comments »

For fans of the vintage series The Twilight Zone, there are talks of making another full-length movie based on the famous Rod Serling series. Warner Brothers and Appian Way (Leonardo Di Caprio’s production company) are now looking to make a movie based on one of the stories featured in the series. Unlike the first movie made on the series, they want one that features only one story instead of 2 or three episodes.

When I was younger, I only caught the newer version of The Twilight Zone but it had become the show that I couldn’t miss. There were episodes that I remember to this day because of the unique and original concepts presented. I loved the idea of “Lost and Found,” or “The Road Less Traveled.” And one of the most unforgettable love stories I have ever watched was “Aqua Vita.”

The original series was still in black and white and started before 1960. However, it’s amazing how even the original versions could be compelling even to those who weren’t even born at the time they were first shown. I believe the series not only aroused interests but actually cultivated creativity with the unique and unpredictable stories. The end of every episode will keep you thinking about the possibilities.

My kids have never seen The Twilight Zone. Now, I wonder if they will appreciate it the way our generation did. Life and imagination is so much more different now. I’m certain if the new movie version will be made, it will be adapted to the current trends. The original concept of the episodes are timeless. Yet, the storytelling can be improved to show additional twists and plots together with astounding special effects that can make the movie even more compelling and imaginative.

Again, I take my hats off to one of the geniuses that have so graciously contributed to the magic of entertainment whose work has definitely been an inspiration to the imagination of the new generation, Mr. Rod Serling.

Categories: Entertainment News
No Comments »