I Still Prefer the Old Selena Gomez

So the video for the new Selena Gomez song Come And Get It is out. It's okay, but not really great, in my opinion. I'm also concerned that she may not be taking her career in a good direction. Anyway, here's the video:



I have to say, I'd rather listen to her old stuff:



Now this was a great song.

By TaraElla (News, Website)

Great Stuff From Owl City

I LOVE this!



By TaraElla (News, Website)

Kree Harrison for American Idol!

The American Idol final is upon us. This year, I will be supporting Kree Harrison. Her singing is superb, even better than Carrie Underwood when she was on the show. She simply deserves it, in my opinion.

By TaraElla (News, Website)

Macklemore & Ryan Lewis Make a Record

Congratulations to Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, whose second US Billboard Hot 100 single 'Can't Hold Us' just went up to #1! It follows from their success with Thrift Shop. This also means that they have set a record - they are the first duo to top the chart with their first two singles on the chart.

My favourite song of theirs is Same Love, however. It also went #1 in Australia and New Zealand. I wonder why it hasn't been big in the US?



By TaraElla (News, Website)

What a Great Song Does

There are many styles of music out there, but my favourite is a traditional ballad. It's even better when it's coupled with a great message.

This week we feature a great sample of what I described above. You Have More Friends Than You Know is a song written by Mervyn Warren and Jeff Marx, for a touring show about It Gets Better, the famous project created to inspire hope for young LGBT people facing difficult times. The show is performed by the Gay Men's Chorus of Los Angeles (GMCLA), and has been touring across the US since 2012.

In April this year, the song was covered by the cast of Glee in one of their episodes, bringing in lots of new interest in both the song and the show.

Anyway, here is the song (Glee version):


How good does it make you feel!

By TaraElla (News, Website)

Puffins Mate for Life, and Baby Puffins are called "Pufflings"

Doesn't that make you feel good?

Which brings me to something more serious. Recently, somebody asked me: marriage will be obsolete anyway, why fight for it?

The truth is that, marriage will NEVER be obsolete, and I really don't want to see it become obsolete either. I believe almost all those fighting for marriage equality will see it the same way. This is why it is a meaningful fight for us.

But nowadays couples are not choosing marriage in increasing numbers right? 25% of children are already not born in marriages, right?

Marriage is but one way of permanent commitment, truth to be told. It is especially appealing to those in some religious faiths, and maybe less appealing to others. But it is here to stay. Other forms of permanent commitment include civil unions and domestic partnerships, other religious covenants, and cohabitation backed up by declaration of permanent commitment to friends and family, for example. Even within marriage, some people choose a 'biblical' marriage, others opt for a civil ceremony. More choice that lead to the same objectives is always better. That objective is permanent commitment, and one that we would like to see encouraged. That means encouraging marriage, for now and forever.

In the future, marriage won't be the only choice for permanent commitment, but an equally valid choice amongst others to achieve the same objective. Therefore, it will always be encouraged, and will always be relevant. Therefore, we need to fight for marriage equality, and ignore those who want instead the 'abolition of marriage'.

By TaraElla (News, Website)

Is Miley Cyrus still a Role Model?

In the past, I used to uphold Miley Cyrus as a role model for society in general. In light of her recent photoshoots, however, some people have asked me if I still support her to be called a role model.

I can answer you: I still do. She is a role model because she supports equal rights for all, she is a role model because she shows how a grown-up person can still maintain close relationships with their family. I really can't say I like what she is doing with the photoshoots, because I am worried about the implications for anorexia and pressuring women into dressing that way, which many of us are uncomfortable with. But that shouldn't take away from her being a role model.

By TaraElla (News, Website)

TLC Reunion Coming?

TLC was one of the most successful groups in the 1990s, but a tragedy in 2002, where member Lisa 'Left Eye' Lopes died in a car accident, put an abrupt end to it. To this day, their songs remain anthems for many people, and have been covered multiple times. Just last year, British RnB group did a cover of their major hit Waterfalls.

It has now been reported that the two remaining members, Rozonda 'Chilli' Thomas and Tionne 'T-Boz' Watkins, are possibly preparing material for a new album, and may even do a reunion tour - with Left Eye as a hologram.

TLC ended too soon, and too suddenly. I guess a resurrection would be great for the fans, and for their legacy. IN MY WORLD, EVERYTHING SHOULD HAVE A HAPPY ENDING!





By TaraElla (News, Website)

I Wasn't Judging Jennifer Love Hewitt

After my recent rant on Jennifer Love Hewitt and her dress, let me clarify this: I wasn't judging her. I don't do that. The title 'How Low Can You Go' was in reference to the dress, nothing more.

But I was indeed concerned. The Ellen show is for families and promotes acceptance, and such attire would destroy this spirit. Many women do not feel comfortable in attire like that, and I would like to stand up for their rights. In a place like Ellen nobody should ever feel the pressure to dress like that, and I was concerned about this precedent. Maybe Miss Hewitt was comfortable in making this choice, but it could still have implications for future guests on the show, I think. Just like how some music videos began to show more skin than usual, and now much of the music industry is under the same pressure.

That was all I was concerned about. Frankly, Miss Hewitt has every right to dress how she wants. I JUST WANT EVERYBODY TO BE HAPPY!

By TaraElla (News, Website)

What a Mess Teen Mom Is!

I've never watched MTV's Teen Mom. I refuse to watch it out of principle - I believe that losing your virginity before you are 21 is a major mistake in life, and should not be the topic of a television show. If someone ends up in that situation, they should be able to deal with it in private, rather than under the gaze of the public eye.

Recently, multiple characters from the program have faced troubles of one type and another, and often due to their own poor choices. I guess the public spotlight didn't help there too. I even partially blame Teen Mom for their troubles - for many, teenage pregnancy and motherhood would be a chance to learn a lesson in private about poor choices, and get their lives in order, but making it into a public show just takes this away from them.

I sincerely ask MTV to never do another 16 and Pregnant, Teen Mom, or similar show again.

By TaraElla (News, Website)

Amanda Bynes, Get Help!

I used to admire Amanda Bynes when I was younger. I mean, she was pretty, smart, and successful.

So the way she has turned out now is quite disappointing for me to see. Lately she has been posting odd videos about herself, and revealing pictures that were, in my opinion, inappropriate. I guess that means she would benefit from some help.

I guess it's now up to her fans to encourage her to seek help. Hopefully she will listen.

By TaraElla (News, Website)

Jennifer Love Hewitt, How Low Can You Go?

Recently, Jennifer Love Hewitt appeared on the Ellen show - wearing a very low cut dress. Let me say that many people, myself included, felt that the dress was inappropriate for a family friendly show like Ellen. In fact, Ms DeGeneres herself asked Hewitt, "were you just sewing your dress?... Did you run out of time or what's happening?"

It's a horrible dress anyway, may I add. Anyway, if you want to see the whole thing: (you have been warned)


In fact, she used to put out some good music, I think. Maybe she should just go back to that. Now.

By TaraElla (News, Website)

Family Tattoo? Obama's a Genius!

President Obama has revealed his tactic to prevent his daughters from getting tattoos on NBC's Today show recently. "What we've said to the girls is, 'If you guys ever decide you're going to get a tattoo, then mommy and me will get the exact same tattoo, in the same place, and we'll go on YouTube and show it off as a family tattoo," he said.

Obama's really a genius, isn't he?

I guess people should have the freedom to have a tattoo, but I think they are disgusting frankly, and if I ever have children they will not be permitted to have a tattoo, ever. For those of us who don't like tattoos, however, Hollywood has been unhelpful recently, with a slew of celebrities getting tattoos everywhere (e.g. I love Miley Cyrus but her tattooing behaviour is turning me off a bit, frankly). I guess I may have to steal Obama's tactic if I have kids one day.

By TaraElla (News, Website)

Amy Poehler Isn't Really That Smart

Amy Poehler's YouTube channel may be called "Amy Poehler's Smart Girls", but is she really that smart?

Recently, she was asked by a 16 year old girl who was facing peer pressure to watch pointless online videos. Her response was, well, long winded, and almost felt indecisive to me. Anything, here's the whole thing, if you want to watch it.



Smart? I don't think so. I would just have made it clear that it was important to resist peer pressure.

By TaraElla (News, Website)

Carly Rae Jepsen Continues her Success

These days, Carly Rae Jepsen is a major mainstream success story. She just won a Juno award - over Justin Bieber. Pretty unimaginable just a few years ago, when most of my friends didn't even know her (that 'survey' was taken when Bucket came out, by the way).

Meanwhile, the song that started her international mainstream success, Call Me Maybe, has been re-done by Glee actor Darren Criss into an anthem for gay rights, calling for the end of DOMA and Prop 8. I think she would be pleased with this, as she is herself passionate about ending gay exclusion in the American Boy Scouts.

Carly Rae Jepsen has a great story, has proven herself to be no one-hit-wonder, and most importantly, still has her heart in the right place despite all the success. We wish her all the best!

By TaraElla (News, Website)

Hit Flashback: Mandy Moore: Candy

Apparently it's a 'recently uploaded video' by Vevo. Should we call it a YouTube re-release? Maybe they really should do a re-release of this, seeing that there have been very few good pop songs around recently. No, they should do a cover of this - perhaps Miley Cyrus can do one. I think her voice would work with this tune.



By TaraElla (News, Website)

I was Tagged to do this, I may as well do it...

1. Do you have any pets?
No, my mom doesn't like it.

2. Name three things that are physically close to you
My computer, my desk, my bed.

3. What's the weather like right now?
Quite warm actually. I have the air-con on though.

4. Do you drive, if so have you crashed?
I don't drive.

5. What time did you wake up this morning?
I forgot. Maybe 9am.

6. When's the last time you showered?
Today.

7. What's the last movie you saw?
Les Miserables. It was great!

8. What does your last text say?
Something about I won something in the lottery. I hate that crap.

9. What's your ringtone?
Psy - Gangnam Style

10. Have you ever been to another country?
Yes

11. Do you like sushi?
Yes

12. Where do you buy your groceries?
The supermarket in the next neighbourhood

13. Have you ever taken medication to help you fall asleep faster?
No, why would I need that

14. How many siblings do you have?
None

15. Do you have a desktop computer of a laptop?
I have both, but the desktop broke down a long time ago, so I don't know if that counts.

16. How old will you be on your next birthday?
I'm not answering that...

17. Do you wear contacts or glasses?
No

18. Do you colour your hair?
I would like to, but my mom would hate it, so no

19. What are you planning on doing today?
Staying in bed because I broke my leg

20. When's the last time you cried?
A week ago

21. What's your perfect pizza topping?
Salmon, cheese, eggs, bacon

22. Hamburger or cheeseburger?
Cheeseburger maybe. I don't eat either all that often.

23. Have you ever had an all-nighter?
Yes, but didn't really enjoy it

24. What's your eye colour?
Dark brown

25. Can you taste the difference between Pepsi and Coke?
No, I'm not that sensitive, I guess

By TaraElla (News, Website)

Maybe Pink Should Just be a Songwriter

Pink does write great songs. But to be honest, sometimes I think that her voice isn't really suitable for all her songs. Her latest hit, Just Give Me a Reason, is a good example. I really can't enjoy the original very much, her voice sounds annoying in it.




However, two great YouTube covers have changed my perception of the song.





What do you think?

By TaraElla (News, Website)

Beyonce and Jay-Z Can't Even Holiday in Peace?

Beyonce Knowles and Jay-Z have come under fire for spending their fifth anniversary holiday in Cuba. Some Cuban-Americans have apparently slammed the couple as insensitive because people are still 'fighting for their freedom' there.

For some background, even Amazing Race Australia had a Cuba leg on its most recent series. Nobody slammed any of the contestants as 'insensitive'.

Maybe, by this reasoning, anybody visiting most of Africa and the Middle East could also be 'insensitive'. After all, gay people still get jailed over there.

It's just pure PC madness.

By TaraElla (News, Website)

Spring Breakers & Why it's Trouble to Act Like That

I didn't watch Spring Breakers because it doesn't fit with my morals, but I do know something about it.

Films like the recent Spring Breakers may appeal to those who like sexy scenes, and I won't judge because that's not what I do, but everyone should know what people have to endure in their production. Recently it has been reported that Selena Gomez had a mini breakdown when filming Spring Breakers. "I got overwhelmed doing some of the things we were doing and having such an active audience at all times, even though I knew at heart we were super-safe," she said.

Many women really do not feel entirely comfortable doing those things, you know, and it's OK and normal according to me. In fact, I can say that I personally would not be comfortable doing that.

By TaraElla (News, Website)

I Don't Get the Gaga Love

Lady Gaga is generally in my good book nowadays. She stands up for her principles, for starters. She's not as annoying as many other 'popular' people out there. I am still of the opinion she is a two-edged sword for marriage equality, and therefore is not all positive for the movement like Carrie Underwood is for example, but she is doing her bit to get the movement going and I applaud her for that. But I really cannot say that I am a fan.

I know this is controversial, but I have to say it. Aesthetically she is yucky, a total turn off. It's not the way she was born, she looks okay to me when she's all natural, it's her yucky sense of style that I find off putting. Some of her music videos are also stupid and over the top. Just compare her video for Born This Way to, for example, Macklmore's video for Same Love. One is scary, the other one is simple yet moving, and very relatable as a result.

By TaraElla (News, Website)

There Should be a Law Against This

Kelly Osbourne has revealed that she is bound by contract to have purple hair for two years.

How sad. It's one thing to be contractually bound to appear at certain events or do certain things. But something as personal as hair colour should not be decided by the powers. There should really be a law against this.

By TaraElla (News, Website)

The Silent Majority vs Noisy Fundamentalists

We are the silent majority. We are for decency, we are for equal opportunity for all people. Now this would be uncontroversial, if not for a noisy minority. A noisy minority who think they are always right and shove their particular version of religion down our throats. It is time for us to stand up to this noisy minority and put them back in their place.

A lot of us may consider that we are too busy to do that. But to defend the decency of our society should be a major priority. To ensure the equality of our brothers and sisters should be a major priority. If we don't stand up collectively, they will use their noisiness to dictate to society their version of the world, with disastrous results. We just cannot let that happen, can we?

By TaraElla (News, Website)