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Review: How Elearning Solutions Help SMEs

2010-03-02T23:30:00.000-08:00

Subject Matter Experts or SMEs have enjoyed a lot of beneficial training from an extremely popular type of Technology Supported Education/Learning (TSL) we all know and love as elearning. It is advantageous in a lot of ways, but the best reasons why it is a blessing to a lot of industries are because it can be used anytime, anywhere and at extremely low costs.

The development of various elearning solutions has helped the SME training process along by making it far more engaging and effective at an economical cost. The best kinds of solutions are actually the open sourced authoring tools and learning management systems (LMS) available online. They help people produce quality output at the best price ever—for free! Here are some examples of how SMEs can use these solutions to their advantage.

Combining the functions of both Moodle and CourseLab is an ideal and great elearning solution for SMEs to use in creating their course plans. Moodle is a free open source elearning software platform, known as a CMS (Course Management System) or LMS. It is specifically designed to help instructors or educators build courses and integrate rich media interaction. CourseLab on the other hand is one of the most powerful authoring tools of today and it offers WYSIWYG environment for the creation of interactive content without having to go through any programming. It can be published online, in an LMS, CD-ROM, and other storage devices.

Sometimes, there are those who would prefer more complex and advanced processes to create equally effective yet higher impact training plans. A recommended combination for this preference is using Moodle and PPT2Flash together. PPT2Flash is a powerful tool for electronic learning and it aids users even at the beginner level to create gripping Flash presentations and courses using PowerPoint by incorporating rich media, tests, interactive simulations, and so on.

I think that these free, open-source elearning solutions are a great way to help the industry along in the face of this harsh economic climate because they truly are a great way to help people develop themselves through effective, high quality individual education.

My Career in Elearning Solutions

2010-03-02T23:26:00.000-08:00

Elearning is something that is close to my heart. I was once a teacher for middle school and it has always been my passion to teach even before I got into elearning solutions. A lot of people love asking me about how I got into this career path in the first place. They are very curious since I seem to be enjoying my job as an instructional designer. So I thought about it long and hard and decided to write this post for you guys.

First of, what exactly does an instructional designer do in the first place? This is basically being part of an elearning solutions team and being the one who makes sure that the over all effect of the module, is effective. We are the guys who try to give the elearning solutions students and trainees the best possible elearning experience that they could ever get. The act consists generally speaking of analyzing what the current level of the student is and determining their specific needs. Then the instructional designer will define what the final goal of the instruction should be. Then there will be some intervention materials that will be created if there is a need to help the students or trainees along their transition. This whole activity requires at least some level of knowledge of theories regarding pedagogy and andragogy. That is why being a teacher; this job was already very well suited to me.

I will of course miss a few things that I left behind along with my teaching career. I really miss the wonderful students that I met and made friends with throughout my years as a teacher. But all in all, I am really satisfied with my work in the field of elearning solutions because it pays a lot and it is just a little less stressful. I also love that I get to learn so many different things every time we have a new project individual.

Hacienda Luisita and Noynoy Aquino for President

2010-02-10T00:50:00.000-08:00

The Hacienda Lucita massacre is one of the biggest things that turn people off on Noynoy Aquino. I firmly believe that the Noynoy Aquino for President campaign should address this right away or else it will come back to haunt them come election day.

So far, I believe that Noynoy has a lot of strategies he can use to defend himself against this problematic issue. First of all, Noynoy Aquino already promised to give up the hacienda or rather convince his family to give up the hacienda that has been the site for a massacre of protesting workers.

This plan has been in the works for a long time, ever since September right after it was announced that Noynoy Aquino for President was a go. The more six thousand a half hectare land in Tarlac is truly controversial for the harsh treatment of the laborers and farmers tilling the land. If the Cojuanco Aquino family will support such a decision then of course the Liberal party will give it a nod as well.

This was all happening not so long ago last 2009. Noynoy has been extensively interviewed regarding the matter. He has also been going to the slums as a double effort to remove the anti lower class stigma that the Hacienda Luisita issue permanently imbues the Aquino Cojuanco name.

Now though, it seems that Noynoy is not able to make his relatives give back the land to the people. In most interviews, Noynoy states that the problem is that the workers will most likely not be able to handle and manage the business of the land properly. It is said that the hacienda has a lot of debt and that if the reigns are given to the workers who know nothing of business, then things will be all the worst for them. But if the Noynoy Aquino for President campaign really wants to take off, they should find a way to give this land back to the people before election day.

At Least Noynoy Aquino Tackled Corruption

2010-02-03T23:53:00.000-08:00

I’ve never been a fan of politics because I think that politicians are full of crap. What little good they are capable of is overshadowed by their deceit and relentless pursuit of power and domination, fueled by their greed and pig headedness. They’re nothing but educated (this is not even true in all cases) bullies in a playground of coercion. If ever they do accomplish something great, like a nice sidewalk for a community for example, they ruin the genuineness and reveal their ulterior motives by plastering their names across the pavement in bold letters that practically cover the entire thing.

Disgusting—they’re all disgusting.

If there’s one thing I learned about Philippine politics, it’s that no matter how good a politician was before he entered that world of corruption, if he wants to survive the government and its creatures, he has no other choice but to become evil himself.

The presidential candidates of 2010 are all questionable, without a doubt. Although some fanatical people do firmly insist that Noynoy Aquino will be able to turn the government around with his integrity and desire for good governance. That idea does seem tempting enough because God knows how sick and tired I am of the government, but then I think of the Hacienda Luisita massacre. Didn’t he defend that atrocity of an event because it was necessary?

Call me irresponsible, but this is the very reason why I do not vote. Why do we have to reduce ourselves into choosing the lesser of two evils? I’d rather not choose if that’s the case. For 2010, the presidential candidates range from brilliantly evil, to evilly absurd. I guess the one who does stand out at the moment is Nonoy Aquino, but only because his platforms were the only ones that focus on anti-corruption. I think that for the past elections, none of the candidates tackled that because it’s kind of taboo. It’s like an understanding amongst themselves, like, ‘hey, you’re corrupt, I’m corrupt, let’s not talk about it.’

If I were to choose a candidate right now, it would be Aquino. But until he answers all these questions concerning the massacre in Hacienda Luisita, then he shall be on probation.

Here is a little something about the Father of Noynoy

Mobile Elearning Should Die a Quick, Painless Death

2010-02-02T17:28:00.000-08:00

There are so many applications and programs related to electronic or online learning right now, it’s not even funny. Most of the time I’m impressed by the cleverness of it all, but sometimes, my eyebrows would shoot up in incredulity and disdain. I’m no expert in programming, customization of technology or whatever—but I can certainly say that I’m an expert consumer. An example of a stupid innovation, I think is mobile electronic learning.

I really wish that mobile elearning will die a quick, painless death. Not only is it an impractical and ineffective way to learn courses, but it is also a health hazard (eye strain, much?). I understand that mobile phones are becoming a vital tool used in both the personal and professional environments, but seriously, how can a person really learn and absorb information via 3-inch LCD screens?

Elearning on mobile phones is not taken, or never will be taken seriously by learners because learning is not instant. It takes a certain amount of time and effort driven by the right amount of motivation. No matter how much we wish to be like the characters in The Matrix who merely have to “download” skills and knowledge via computers, it’s not going to happen—within next couple of decades, at least. The point that I’m trying to establish is that quality learning takes time and comprehension. Mobile learning will not be able to satisfy this need, basically because staring at a tiny thing for a whole day everyday for a year will numb your mind, least of all your vision. It simply does not make any sense at all.

I appreciate the effort of developers to use trends in technology to boost the utilization of electronic learning in today’s society. It is an admirable practice to keep up with the changes and evolution of technology, people and culture. For instance, elearning has tapped into social media such as Facebook, Twitter, social bookmarking sites and so on. And everyone knows how big the roles of these social media are in their daily lives. It has become a necessary entity in the lives of people from all walks of the planet.

I guess mobile electronic learning is one of those “failed experiments” for the developers in the industry. But I know that they’ll come up with more creative and useful stuff in the future. They’ve come this far, after all. There’s no stopping them from coming up with the best application or software solution for the benefit of learners everywhere in the world.

I also learned that Adobe Elearning is pricey

Of Road Trips and Free Insurance Quotes

2010-02-02T17:10:00.000-08:00

Today, I am looking avidly for free insurance quotes. I want to get insurance but I also want to get the best deal. If I don’t search for free insurance quotes, I will not get as much bang for my buck. This is because a lot of insurance providers are very wily. They can smell if a person will get sucked into a deal that has a high rate which, on other circumstances, could actually be brought down to a very lower rate. This is the nature of sales. One will give a higher price for the object that is on demand right now simply because demand makes the price go higher, but market competition is what makes the price go lower. If a customer knew just how high the rates he or she is given by any sales agent as compared to the other rates available in the market, then he or she will not be easily swindled. This is why information is the key to getting a really good deal. And once again, this is where the importance of free insurance quotes is emphasized.

Driving down the highway with the top down feels great. You could probably even blast out loud one of your favorite songs. You could be with several of your fun friends. You could simply be with your significant other. Or you could even be just alone and enjoying the drive. Just imagine it; everybody loves going on a road trip. However, there is now some statistical surveys claiming that a lot of road accidents happen during such road trips. This is why it is important for people like me who enjoy road trips and long drives to have good insurance coverage. Start looking for free insurance quotes if you also want the best coverage for the best rate.

It is also encouraging that Microsoft fiscal 2Q earns up 60 pct on PC rebound

Going for Elearning Solutions

2009-11-25T17:23:00.000-08:00

Elearning solutions have finally arrived at the school I was studying in. I decided to take one of the courses in order to boost my resume. But I was afraid.

One night though, I had such a strange dream. I dreamt about these strange frogs. It was the kind of dream where I had no body, where I was probably not even present (at first) only watching the scene like the eye of a camera. It was in a strange gothic tower. In a ledge near the top of the tower were strange frog like creatures and another species of ugly alien creatures that resembled lizards. Both of them were big as cats, but the strange alien creatures were a little larger and they were eating the frog creatures, each one bigger than the last. I watched how they maneuvered and jumped and ate those smaller than they were. There was just one big alien creature left which ate all the others. But then a very large frog like creature suddenly ate up that last alien creature. Then I was afraid, afraid that I was next. Then I imagined it jumping towards me. Then for some reason, I remember it falling down from the tower. I don’t remember it there was a splat because I must have woken up.

I suppose there was a connection between that dream and what made me finally decide to take up the elearning solutions. I was afraid that I was too small in the business world where the fit and the bigger ones survive while the small get eaten. So there I was, taking this class for software handling and we were training for a couple of weeks. Things actually went by much more smoothly than I expected. I had to work during the afternoons and in the morning I had to attend several classes so I had time at night to slowly learn the new software elearning solutions which I knew would help me later on in my career.

Jessica Simpson Out After Being Dumped

2009-07-23T23:22:00.000-07:00

Jessica Simpson is facing a lot of controversies these days with her sudden breakup with Tony Romo. According to gossips, the baseball player broke up with Jess on the day before her birthday. Wow, such perfect timing to ruin one’s mood…

Both parties have not spoken about the cause of the breakup. It turned out that even Jessica herself is not really aware of the real reason behind their split. This whole situation kinda reminds me of Travis Barker and Shannah Moakler’s controversial divorce. It’s a good thing that other members of his Blink 182, Mark Hoppus and Tom DeLonge have expressed their support for him.

Inevitably, the press would be waiting for Jessica to show herself or comment about the dumping incident pretty soon. Just days ago, pictures of the singer going out of the gym looking sad and low were the main squeeze of tabloids. Of course, everyone attributed the sad pictures to her breakup with Romo.

Aside from the breakup, Jessica probably has more to be sad about. In the past months, she has been the butt of all jokes of the media because of her dramatic weigh gain. The singer has spoken about the issue and said that the fat jokes do not bother her since she is happy about her body.

Chin up, Jessica!

Morgan Freeman Denies Relationship Rumors with His Step Granddaughter

2009-07-13T21:24:00.000-07:00

“What?!”

That was my first reaction when I heard about this disturbing rumor on Morgan Freeman’s chilling sexual relationship with his step granddaughter. I actually still feel like throwing up at the thought. Ugh.

The rumor was first published on the National Enquirer and although the said publication has a nasty reputation for cooking baseless issues about celebrities, you have to admit that something as shocking as this would still make some people think about its veracity. According to Enquirer, Morgan Freeman, 72, has been having a sexual relationship with 27-year-old E’Dena Hines, and that the two of them are planning to wed. The magazine expounded by stating that the two have started the affair 10 years ago, making E’Dena 17 (a minor) at that time, and that the unraveling of the affair resulted Freeman’s marriage with his second wife Myrna Colley-Lee to hit the rocks. On the other hand, Freeman’s spokesperson denied all these issues and said that such rumor is “complete garbage”.

I seriously hope that this is just some cheap degrading rumor orchestrated by a publication suit desperate to sell it magazines. It would be really, really creepy and disturbing if this rumor turned out to be true. What freaks me out the most is that Morgan Freeman gave an amazing performance as God in Bruce Almighty and me knowing that he has been getting it on with his step granddaughter for a decade is gonna destroy my view of him as a good man.

I seriously hope that the whole I-banged-my-step-granddaughter thing is not true.

Emma Watson Showed More than Acne-Free Skin at HP 6 Premiere

2009-07-09T22:30:00.000-07:00

Emma Watson has reprised her role as Hermione Granger in the much-awaited installation of the Harry Potter movie franchise. The premiere of the movie in London was packed with rabid HP fans, who went home with not just satisfaction about the movie but a little peek of Emma Watson’s undies. More than her beautiful acne-free skin, the 19-year-old British actress showed fans and photographers present in the event a fine view of what’s inside her vintage dress due to wardrobe malfunction.

After the incident during the premiere, Watson, who is admired for her acting talent, fashion, and pimple-free skin, guested on the Late Night Show with David Letterman and talked about the said wardrobe malfunction. Many have been impressed at how the young actress handled the embarrassment. Instead of avoiding the issue or lashing out on paparazzis who splattered pictures of the incident all over the net, Watson chose to override the rumors with humor. The actress just laughed it off and said “At least I was wearing underwear.”

If all Hollywood celebrities and personalities could handle issues about accidentally revealing private parts captured on camera just like Emma, the world would not make a big fuzz about controversies like Lindsay Lohan’s upskirt on one awards night or Carrie Prejean and her racy photos.

Natural Beauties or Not?: Celebrities Rumored to Have Gone Under the Knife

2009-07-02T19:40:00.000-07:00

These days, it’s hard to spot natural beauties in Hollywood. It’s as if almost every actress in Tinsel town have had something done to enhance their appearances. And don’t get me wrong. I am no preacher and I don’t want to go into a debate about the moral implications of breast augmentation and other cosmetic surgery procedures. I was just wondering whether there are still famous actresses who have not gone under the knife.

In my quest to find authentic, un-surgically enhanced beauty in Hollywood, here’s what I found:

1. Kristen Dalton
Miss Universe 2009, Kristen Dalton, has nothing to prove about being all naturale. Looking at how real her face is, it is quite obvious that she does not need to do anything to enhance her facial features. Although there are some speculations about a breast augmentation procedure, I doubt it because c’mon, she would not bag the crown if the judges knew she had those done. It does not represent what real Miss America should be.

2. Carrie Prejean
Okay, so she was kicked out as Miss California for delinquency, but that does not demerits her of being a natural beauty. Carrie Prejean, Miss California (uh, shall I say former Miss California) has the complete package of beauty and strength of character…Although some may dispute about the strength of character part….

3. Kate Winslet
This English actress had struggled with weight issues in the past. She confessed in a magazine that the things she did to be thin almost cost her her life, but never ever thought about going cosmetic surgery. Now in her 30’s Kate Winslet still looks stunning and youthful as ever with her rosy white complexion. With her facial features and that to die for complexion, she does not need make up to look beautiful.

There is nothing wrong with plastic surgery and I don’t have anything against those who have had something done in their bodies. But you have to admit that it is a breath of fresh air to see that there are still Hollywood celebrities who do not rely on cosmetic surgery just to look good or bag a role. It makes you admire them more with their genuine looks.

Darryl Hannah Arrested for Going Green While Mark Hoppus Gets a Nod from PETA

2009-06-24T19:23:00.000-07:00

Darryl Hannah, star of the Quentin Tarantino film, Kill Bill, was arrested together with 30 other protestors on charges obstruction and impending traffic.

The actress with the other rallyists were blocking the road that leads to a coal mine in Raleigh County. They were advocating against the “opencast mountaintop mining”. The protestors claim that this mining practice has unfavorable effects on the environment.

According to Hannah, “There is no need to destroy our planet to power our future. I have been on renewable energy for about 20 years, so I know it works.”

Hannah is not the only Hollywood star, who opts to go environmental and advocate a cause such as animal rights while earning some publicity for it. Musician, Mark Hoppus of Blink 182, a self-professed advocate of animal rights and environmental protection, showed his dedication for the cause on his Twitter account when he posted a comment about buying a $1000 octopus prop so he does not have to use a real one for a photo shoot.

MarkHoppus: I’m doing a photo shoot this week and paying nearly $1000 for a movie octopus prop so a real one does not have to die. do I get an award?
9:21 PM Apr 20th.

The twit was, apparently, spot on for PETA. The organization even gave their nod to the musician as posted on one of their PETA files.

Miguel Cotto – Joshua Clottey what’s next

2009-06-21T23:26:00.000-07:00

And while we are not ruling out a possible rematch for these two fighters, there are plenty of other options that they can explore in their foreseeable future. These options are explored by ESPN’s Dan Rafael in a recent blog post. Here is an excerpt:

Cotto scored a flash knockdown in the first round, which was worth a valuable extra point on the scorecards, and overcame a brutal gash in his left eyebrow from an accidental head butt in the third round. The blood flowed freely from the cut for most of the rest of the fight and certainly had an impact on Cotto's ability to see Clottey's right hand coming. After the fight, Cotto needed six stitches in a cut below his eye and 14 in the bad one above his eye, according to Top Rank spokesman Lee Samuels. Given that adversity, Cotto gets a gold star for showing heart.

Clottey can complain that he was robbed all he wants, and some contrary fans and writers can join the chorus, but the reason he didn't win is because of his own shortcomings, not poor judging. Clottey had ample opportunity to put the fight in the bag, but he did not do it. He let Cotto off the hook, especially late in the fight, but he was posing too much, going long stretches without being active and he simply did not let his hands go against an opponent at a serious disadvantage because of the cut. Cotto, meanwhile, fought all three minutes of the rounds and fought smart. Can't say the same for Clottey, and it cost him dearly.

The win sets the stage for what would undoubtedly be an action-packed fight between Cotto and pound-for-pound king Manny Pacquiao. Top Rank's Bob Arum talked up that fight big-time after Cotto's win, and Pacquiao was ringside. It could happen this fall, but it remains to be seen exactly what will go down, especially in light of the postponement of Floyd Mayweather's comeback fight against Juan Manuel Marquez because of a training injury. Perhaps Mayweather will try to bypass Marquez and go right to the monster fight against Pacquiao. Either way, there are some big fights in store for the fall.

As for Clottey, he's still one of the best welterweights in the world, and Arum promised him another significant fight. One that he won't get is a rematch with Cotto, not when there are so many other fights fans want to see. But maybe Clottey will get an opportunity against titlist Andre Berto. Maybe even Shane Mosley would fight him if Mosley can't land Pacquiao. Clottey could also move up in weight and look for a fight with Paul Williams, Sergio Martinez or Kermit Cintron, all of which would be interesting bouts worthy of the HBO platform.

Christian Bale – Batman versus Terminator

2009-06-08T19:19:00.000-07:00

Christian Bale played Batman in the Dark Knight and it is a resounding success. He also played John Connor in the recent installment of the Terminator series. And while both movies are not exactly in the short list of the approved movies by Christian magazines, here is what the actor thinks of the characters that he portrays based on a recent interview:

Exactly. The Connors are the story. But then I was in Hong Kong on the very last week of shooting The Dark Knight. I had been to some teahouse where this local guide insisted I drink this tea he’d made. I don’t know if he’d spiked it, but within half an hour I turned to my wife and said, “Eh, I kind of feel like doing this.” So I called McG up, said, “If we can get a new script, then yeah, let’s go for Connor.” I felt good about it, because we really did have a lot of time. And then…ffffuck, writers’ strike. I learned a lesson then about movies like The Terminator and Batman. Most people assume that if you’re risking that amount of money, you don’t begin until you’re completely ready. In fact, that’s what they do only with the lower-budget movies. With the bigger ones, the ones that keep the studios afloat, they have to release it on a certain date. In my naïveté, I thought, Of course we’ll push back filming. No. Ain’t a possibility. And that strike kept going on, and we were getting less and less time to get it together. In the end, it was a film experience unlike any I’d had before. A real balls-to-the-wall kind of effort.

Adam Lambert – Ring of Fire

2009-06-01T16:32:00.000-07:00

One of the most memorable performances in the past season of Idol was “Ring Of Fire” by Adam Lambert. The tone and arrangement was so out there that a Christian magazine cringes when the performance was aired. Here is what he said in a recent interview about the song:

I loved it. I was a big fan of Middle Eastern elements of music and experimental electronic and tribal sounds. I heard the version by a woman named Dilana, who was on Rock Star: Supernova, I found it hypnotic and really cool. It was country week and I don’t really like country music, I’m going to be honest. The first song that came to mind was a country song was the Johnny Cash song “Ring of Fire.” It’s a cool song. It’s sexy. So I was like I’ll do something sexy. So I figured why not.
Is any part of you disappointed with America?
I have to say it was a little bit of social pressure projected on me by just trying to be the quote un quote “different one” — all the supposed insights into my sexuality and my alternativeness and all my what have you, I think there were some people who were kind of like, “Well, he’s changing your Idol and all this hype and pressure to make a change for America. It kind of got over hyped a little bit.

The things that you need to do when you want to make a Barack Obama comic

2009-05-24T23:40:00.000-07:00

After gracing the covers of a Christian magazine, Barack Obama is now on a new comic book character. Newsarama had an interview with writer Jeff Mariotte on the different aspects of making a Barack Obama comic book. Here are some excerpts from the interview.

NRAMA: How in-depth did you research the character and person of Barack Obama to portray him truthfully?

JM: The research process is the most time — and labor-intensive part of the whole thing. I've been reading virtually every article in the mainstream press, following news and politics Web sites, watching news coverage on TV. I've read both of Obama's own books. There have been other books coming along, but they're a step or two behind us — there were no biographies out before our book was, and while there have been some quickie books on the campaign, some of which I picked up, they didn't cover the transition period. Certainly there will be books on the first 100 days, too, but they won't be available in time to help with this. We're ahead of the curve, relying on primary materials — the words of the actual participants in history, whenever possible, to get the story right.

NRAMA: When doing this, I’m sure there’s no shortage of material — in fact, one of the challenges must be choosing what to fit in and what to leave out. Is that true, and if so, how did you decide on what would make the best story?

JM: That is absolutely true. For instance, at the moment I'm working on the third book, [about] the first 100 days. The administration has been far more active to this point than most administrations, really hitting the ground running and dealing with a variety of issues, some small but many hugely important. So those are the ones I'm trying to squeeze into the book — but not by sacrificing the human moments that show who Barack Obama and his family really are. Most of my comic work has been fictional — "Desperadoes," "Graveslinger," "Zombie Cop," etc., so reporting on reality is definitely a challenge (although I have written some nonfiction prose books, so not entirely new to me) — and winnowing the material down to fit into the space available is the biggest challenge of all.

Kate Gosselin on her alleged relationship with a bodyguard

2009-05-17T22:48:00.000-07:00

First it was her husband Jon Gosselin who was linked to a 23-year-old school teacher, now it is Kate Gosselin’s turn to be in the tabloid press. A christian magazine said that according to tabloid reports, she has is involved in a relationship with Steve Neild, a bodyguard that is constantly with her and her family.

"The next story coming out from the animals that stalk us is about our security person and his family," Kate tells PEOPLE exclusively. "Already the allegations they're making about me are disgusting, unthinkable, unfathomable, and I am horrified."

"These are people who absolutely love us and want to see us through to the end," Kate says of Neild and his family. "Of course, both of them travel with us at times, and we've spent holidays together, because, in this situation, your circle grows smaller and smaller, and it's very natural to become friends with your manager, your publicist, your security team ... they're the only people you have left. And now they're coming under fire."

"I'm totally panicking, and thinking, 'We are going to lose our last set of friends.' I keep calling them, begging, 'Seriously, I'm so sorry. Don't run away from us.' They keep saying, We're fine, we're fine.'But they have paparazzi in front of their house. It's so upsetting."

Most troubling to her is the realization "we opened our world to this," she says, adding, "but we willingly made a conscious decision to put this out there. Our friends and family did not. I had no idea we would potentially take down the people that we love around us."

Kate Gosselin is a strong woman who raised twins as well as sextuplets. Her struggles remind me of Jay Adams She has a hit TLC reality show "Jon & Kate Plus Eight."

Source: 'Idol' Contestants Feel Like They Live in Alcatraz

2009-05-10T23:13:00.000-07:00

While watching the movie about Jay Adams, I heard rumors that are circulating claiming that the contestants of the hit show "American Idol" is finally on the limit and the pressures of Hollywood life are finally having its effects on the contestants.

The finalists are housed in a beautiful and plush Hollywood Hills mansion away from the peering eyes of the public as well as the different hustle and bustle of city life. The one drawback is that they have to contend with around-the-clock security and have strict chaperons at all times when out in public places.

"They call it Alcatraz," an inside source told Tarts. "The show is emotionally draining — then with all the extra pressures of security, it’s very tough."

However, according to a christian magazine, Adam Lambert (who incidentally already lives in Hollywood) has the luxury of sneaking off to his own apartment which is close by.

"He would go insane if he couldn’t get away," added our source. "He resisted going on 'Idol' for years, he thought the show was silly and didn’t want to ‘make it’ through reality television. But after years of struggling, he bit the bullet and just went for it."

The risk is finally paying off however as the talented artist is pegged as the favorite heading on to the shows finals.

Philippine All Stars - simply the best

2009-04-27T19:21:00.000-07:00

What many people may not realize is that dancing, hip hop dancing included, improves mental health as well. Dancing entices the brain to produce endorphins, otherwise known as the “happy hormones”. These hormones significantly enhance a person’s sense of well-being, often being to the effect of some opiates. These compounds also serve to produce analgesia in the body, often called the body’s natural pain-reliever, producing a natural high that is the only one of its kind to not have any adverse effects on the human body.

To prove the significant benefits, watch a dance group in action, since their dance routine can easily be found in media sources, like on the internet and on a christian magazine. It takes an enormous amount of energy to complete a simple dance routine, let alone the gyrations of a hip hop dance tune, and yet these groups still finish with the same energy level as when they started their routine, evidenced by their faces and their smiles. The best example would be a dance routine from the Philippine All Stars, whether from their international competitions, or even from their guest appearances in various shows.

Molly Jenson - the accidental musician

2009-04-12T19:50:00.000-07:00

Molly Jenson is the quintessential accidental musician. She was attending Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego then and she really did not know what she was doing.

She tried to be a journalist and then a psychologist. But then, she really never decided what she will be doing. After a year and a half of trying to decide, she dropped out of college and returned to the thing that she did during her childhood - singing.

"I grew up singing in church and in school musicals and stuff, so I've always been singing," Jenson says. "(But) I didn't start actually writing my own music until about four years ago."

That's when Jenson hooked up with friend and fellow San Diegan Greg Laswell, another rising talent whose last two acclaimed albums, "Through Toledo" and the new "Three Flights from Alto Nido," have helped shed some light on the city's singer-songwriter scene. Laswell soon pushed Jenson to start writing music. Eventually, with his help producing, she independently released her debut album, "Maybe Tomorrow," in 2005, garnering strong notices from San Diego's critics.

Jenson, like others before her, is influenced by the musical environment that she grew up in. However, there is one person that she holds in high regard she said to a christian magazine.

"Rufus Wainwright has stuck through all of the changes," she says. "He's an amazing writer. He's grown with each record and they all sound so different. His music is inventive. I find some songs on the records to be very cinematic, and there's something I love about music that you can really feel. Yeah, great melodies and a hook are great, but he makes me feel the music. It instantly changes my mood when I hear it. That's what I want my music to do for people."

Bucky Lasek – to the vert

2009-03-30T19:09:00.000-07:00

Bucky Lasek is born in Baltimore and his real name is Charles. His first encounter with a skateboard was when he was 12 years old. His bike was stolen at that time and he needed a new wayt o get to school fast. At first it was a practical stop gap measure but as fate would have it, he would be one of the most successful vert skaters around.

A christian magazine source said that when not skating, you'll often find Bucky going from appearances to charity events and autograph signing. He has been featured in several magazines, including the Dub magazine, ESPN magazine, Sports Illustrated for Kids, Rolling Stone, and Gear Magazine. He also appeared as a guest star on Disney's "The Jersey", ESPN/Touchstone's IMAX film Ultimate X, and also The Today Show and Nickelodeon's Slime Time Live. He is also Element's pro model skateboard, a pro model helmet for Pro-Tec, and is a character in Tony Hawks' video games, Pro Skater 1-4 and Underground 1. At home, he often collects signature trading cards, action figures, and Vans shoes.

The whole world may look up to him as one of the top-caliber skateboarders in the world, but for Bucky Lasek, his greatest accomplishment in life is being a husband and father to his two daughters.

Will.I.Am Music: Songs About Girls

2009-03-16T23:30:00.000-07:00

It doesn't take a rocket scientist to know what Will I Am music is all about. Browse through his album cover and you'll see that the 17 tracks are autobiographical songs of Will.I.Am's relationships with women, particularly his relationship with a girl that lasted for 7 years. In short, it's like a confessional account of a man on the throes of falling in and out of love.

As his bio in a christian magazine shows, William James Adam Junior, or Will.I.Am for short, is the frontman of the hip-hop super group, The Black Eyed Peas. He is one of the band’s founding members, together with Apl.De.Ap. The two began performing together in L.A. back in 1988, and before they hit the big mainstream, the Black Eyed Peas were looked at as a socially-conscious band that replaces the jarring and rough gangsta rap that ruled the hip-hop scene in the late 80’s. Their album, “Where is the Love?” brought them to the limelight, and their Elephunk album went platinum in the US and Europe. Today, they still consider themselves a band, although some have recorded their own solo albums, like Fergie and Will.I.Am.

So, is the album worth your hard-earned dollars? Let's see. Would you like to have some catharctic funk music to help you ruminate about your failed and succesful relationships in life? Or do you like to listen to catchy, one-dimensional funk music that sounds very similar with the Black Eyed Peas music? Then you should get the album, because it’s what Will.I.Am’s music does best. However, if you don’t like rude and misogynistic lyrics, I would suggest that you skip the “The Donque Song” featuring Snoop Dogg. Believe me -- you’ll thank me afterwards.

Morgan Freeman’s injured hand

2009-02-11T20:52:00.000-08:00

While watching the Grammys Sunday night, I noticed that there is one thing that bothered me during Morgan Freeman's intro for "his good friend Kenny Chesney."

I asked myself, “What was with the glove that Freeman was wearing on his left hand?”

Why is the normally slick and well dressed actor wearing an accessory as ugly as that? Surely there must be a reason right?

Well it turns out that there is a good reason why he wears that glove. Five months after a serious car crash in Mississippi, Morgan Freeman is still without the use of his left hand.

He tells Access Hollywood in an interview that,

“I wound up with a lot of nerve damage in my arm, so the hand is still paralyzed,” Freeman told Access. “So until the nerves get down there…”

As previously reported on AccessHollywood.com, the actor and friend Demaris Meyer were involved in an accident last August that saw his vehicle flip over, while heading to Freeman’s home in Charleston, Mississippi.

Following the crash, Freeman underwent surgery to repair his broken arm, broken elbow and minor shoulder damage.

As one christian magazine noted, it can be remembered that Freeman played God in both Bruce Almighty and Evan Almighty. I almost thought that he was as indestructible also – guess I was wrong.

Tom Delonge on Blink 182

2009-02-09T23:29:00.000-08:00

Tom DeLonge only spoke about his former band Blink 182 when former band mate Travis Barker was involved in a near fatal jet crash. He said that,

"Just like you guys, I was freaked out about the entire thing," he said. "It blew my mind what happened." He added that, no matter what happened between himself and Barker in the past, "none of it matters when it comes down to somebody getting hurt."

However, he also said that he was surprised on the interest that people have in his reaction to the whole thing.

"Everyone wanted to know what I think, but it's not about me," he said. "It's not about Tom at all, and it's not about Blink at all. It's about Travis and his family, so stop worrying about what I think, and what I feel, and what I'm going to say, because it doesn't matter."

It can be remembered that there was a Tom DeLonge video that was posted a while back saying,

However in a live video posted on Youtube Delonge declared: “I do not want to be in a bullshit pop band with some bullshit pop songs while you drive your fucking bullshit car and sing along to it like you’re some 14 year-old girl.”

And the custody goes to Madonna

2009-02-08T22:17:00.000-08:00

Round two goes to Madonna. After splitting with ex hubby Guy Ritchie and going out with baseball superstar Alex Rodriguez, the material girl recently won a court order to win the custody over Rocco Ritchie and David Banda.

While listening to will i am, what made me interested about this was the fact that in a matter of minutes after the custody was settled, the news leaked on to the reporters.

"Lourdes was always going to stay with her mum. But keeping Rocco and David close to him in London was the only thing Guy really wanted from the divorce. He thought he had a real chance, especially as their school is here. He desperately loves those boys and is a devoted dad. Guy will still see his sons all the time… It doesn’t matter where they live — they will always have the hearts and souls of Englishmen. Football, appreciating the countryside, good humour and decent music — Guy’s determined these symbols of Britishness will forever be part of their lives.”

Not only that, there are reports that Madonna is on the verge of making her United States residency permanent – in a little over two weeks time.

Well, New York is a great place to be with a lot of diversity in culture. Where else can you get a christian magazine, will I am and Megadeth at the same place?

Talk about getting as far away from your ex-hubby and straight into the arms of A-Rod.

Will I Am and Nichole Scherzinger – together?

2009-01-26T17:08:00.000-08:00

Reports are being swirled around that Black Eyed Peas Rapper Will I am and Pussycat Doll siren Nicole Scherzinger are dating.

This rumor is based on reports that the two were seen kissing each other at a Los Angeles night club. This also started talks about how she and boyfriend Lewis Hamilton are splitting. Hamilton is the current F1 world champion and the number one driver of the formula 1 team McLaren Mercedes.

So what’s the deal?

In an interview with MTV she said, "That is the funniest thing because Will is like my Brother and I don't know when the last time I had seen him was. He has been on tour."

Do you believe her?

Only time will tell.

Meanwhile, Will I Am stars in the movie "X-Men Origins: Wolverine" playing a mutant with teleportation abilities. The movie focuses on the history and beginnings of the mutant Wolverine.

On the other hand a christian magazine said that Nichole has been busy on tour with the Pussy Cat Dolls and recently had a show in the National Indoor Arena in Birmingham, United Kingdom. They headlined the said event and it also featured up and coming artist Lady Gaga. Too bad Will I Am is not there.

AI Season 8 Kicks off

2009-01-15T22:23:00.000-08:00

And American Idol Season 8 is finally upon us. I must say that I had my misgivings when they announced that they have a new judge. I thought that it would be an overkill to have four judges in one competition.

But now I am a believer, I can see that the move makes perfect sense. Simon is the judge that looks for marketability since he is a well known producer. On the other hand, Randy looks at the contestant’s whole musicality based on his years of experience. Paula is the one who looks at the appearances while the new judge Kara DioGaurdi is in charge of critiquing one’s song selection.

Some predictions that I can share with you right now, look out for the singer who sang “Barracuda.” I believe her name was Emily Hughes. Also watch out for some of the people who were dressed casually and never took their auditions seriously. They are the ones that spring a surprise in the end – Carrie Underwood anyone? Also, i think that AI should have some RnB or Hiphop flavor ala will i am or Usher. i think that it adds diversity to the listening aspect of the show.

Another fun thing happened in Idol, Scott McIntyre was the one who I remembered most because it looked like he was grooving to a will i am beat. It was like an audition for Dancing With The Stars rather than AI. Don’t get me wrong, he can sing but if things don’t work out, you know where you can audition next.

14th Annual Critics' Choice Awards and the 66th annual Golden Globes

2009-01-14T15:21:00.000-08:00

Here is a complete list of all the winners in the recently concluded 14th annual Critics' Choice Awards and 66th annual Golden Globes.

According to a christian magazine, the winners are:

14th Annual Critics' Choice Awards:

• • Best Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
• • Best Actor: Sean Penn, Milk
• • Best Actress: (tie) Anne Hathaway, Rachel Getting Married; Meryl Streep, Doubt
• • Best Supporting Actor: Heath Ledger, The Dark Knight
• • Best Supporting Actress: Kate Winslet, The Reader
• • Ensemble: Milk
• • Best Director: Danny Boyle, Slumdog Millionaire
• • Best Screenwriter: Simon Beaufoy, Slumdog Millionaire
• • Best Animated Feature: WALL-E
• • Best Young Actor/Actress (Under 21): Dev Patel, Slumdog Millionaire
• • Best Action Movie: The Dark Knight
• • Best Comedy: Tropic Thunder
• • Best Picture Made for Television: John Adams
• • Best Foreign-Language Film: Waltz With Bashir
• • Best Documentary: Man on Wire
• • Best Song (Performer/Composer): "The Wrestler," Bruce Springsteen/Bruce Springsteen, The Wrestler
• • Best Composer: A.R. Rahman, Slumdog Millionaire
• • Best Joel Siegel Award: Richard Gere

Sunday's 66th annual Golden Globes

For the motion pictures, the Golden Globe winners are:

• Best Picture, Drama: "Slumdog Millionaire"
• Best Actress, Drama: Kate Winslet, "Revolutionary Road"
• Best Actor, Drama: Mickey Rourke, "The Wrestler"
• Best Picture, Musical or Comedy: "Vicky Christina Barcelona"
• Best Actress, Musical or Comedy: Sally Hawkins, "Happy-Go-Lucky"
• Best Actor, Musical or Comedy: Colin Farrell, "In Bruges"
• Best Supporting Actress: Kate Winslet, "The Reader"
• Best Supporting Actor: Heath Ledger, "The Dark Knight"
• Best Director: Danny Boyle, "Slumdog Millionaire"
• Best Screenplay: Simon Beaufoy, "Slumdog Millionaire"
• Best Foreign Language: "Waltz With Bashir," Israel
• Best Animated Film: "Wall-E"
• Best Original Score: A.R. Rahman, "Slumdog Millionaire"
• Best Original Song: "The Wrestler" (performed by Bruce Springsteen, written by Bruce Springsteen) from, "The Wrestler"

For television, the Golden Globe winners are:

• Best Actress, Drama: Anna Paquin, "True Blood"
• Best Actor, Drama: Gabriel Byrne, "In Treatment"
• Best Series, Musical or Comedy: "30 Rock"
• Best Series, Drama "Mad Men"
• Best Actress, Musical or Comedy: Tina Fey, "30 Rock"
• Best Actor, Musical or Comedy: Alec Baldwin, "30 Rock"
• Best Miniseries or Movie: "John Adams"
• Best Actress, Miniseries or Movie: Laura Linney, "John Adams"
• Best Actor, Miniseries or Movie: Paul Giammatti, "John Adams"
• Best Supporting Actress, Series, Miniseries or Movie: Laura Dern, "Recount"
• Best Supporting Actor, Series, Miniseries or Movie: Tom Wilkinson, "John Adams"

Some of the winners were expected but there were also some surprises. What do you think of the choices? Do you agree or disagree? Send in your thoughts.

Heath Ledger wins Best Supporting Actor while Anne Hathaway and Meryll Streep splits Best Actress Plum

2009-01-14T15:18:00.000-08:00

And while Heath Ledger winning the Best Supporting Actor title from the 14th Annual Critics' Choice Awards did not come as a surprise, Anne Hathaway and Meryll Streep splitting the Best Actress plum was.

It was so much as of a shock that Hathaway did not even prepared a proper speech and just went on and on thanking every person that she can think about.

"Thank you so much! Oh my God. I don't know how to win awards, I know how to not be nominated for awards. I know how to do pratfalls and wear tiaras. This is very new," she said – in obvious reference to her past roles in various Disney movies.

A christian magazine said that Hathaway, who starred in the film Rachel Getting Married, have gotten the rave reviews that is the best of her career so far.

On the other hand, the obvious choice for the Best Supporting Actor award Heath Ledger was again praised by critics and co-actors alike for his venerable performance in The Dark Knight.

In the acceptance speech of director Chris Nolan, who received the award in the place of Heath, he said, "Anyone who's seen any of the extraordinary work that Heath did knows that I can't presume to speak for him in any way, because his voice was as unique as it was original. But...I know that I speak for all of us when I say that working with him was one of the greatest experiences any of us ever had or probably ever will have."

Tori Spelling finally in 90210 - AGAIN

2009-01-14T15:14:00.000-08:00

According to TV Guide, Spelling as well as Jennie Garth and Jason Priestley have agreed to be a part of the new Beverly Hills 90210.

Rumors of Tori Spelling joining the cast of the new 90210 started to get hot when Brenda Walsh was scrapped and the threat of her crossing paths with Shannen Doherty was squashed.

However, it fizzled again when reports came out that the offer was less than what she wanted.

And now, its finally confirmed by a christian magazine no less.

Many of you will remember Spelling as the former virgin Donna Martin. She was set to appear when the 90210 spin off debuted last fall. However, there are things just did not pan out.

Al throughout however, Spelling showed support to the show in an interview last August she said, “I hope it turns out to be a really great show, just for my dad’s legacy. I was originally a part of 90210 and it was something pretty phenomenal, so I hope it turns out great.”

On a side note, Jason Priestly who played as Brandon Walsh, the good guy in the original 90210 is back albeit in a directorial role. His episode is said to be airing on March 18.

Lindsay Lohan opens up to Lauren Hutton

2009-01-14T15:09:00.000-08:00

Lindsay Lohan lives a life of luxury, extravagance and flair. She also lives a life full of controversy and drama. That’s precisely why Lauren Hutton agreed to have a chat with Lohan, on record, for Interview Magazine.

The model and actress is admittedly curious of the lives of current young celebrities and in this interview she defended Lohan, and other young celebrities for that matter. In the interview, "Instead of the world's remembering her age - remembering the 17 years of acting that came before the six months of acting out - she was paparazzi-splattered, not considered for work, and chased everywhere by grown-up men, usually, in cars with cameras."

Well that set the tone for the interview.

For those of you who want an exclusive sneak preview of how the interview went, here are some excerpts:

Here is Lohan talking about privacy issues:
"I want to do all the things that will make me feel fulfilled. But whenever I do those things, people think it's a press stunt or something… There are things I want to do, and people don't understand that."

Here is Lohan talking about her recent car accident:
"I wouldn't have been speeding up like I was if I didn't have people shoving cameras in my windows.... I mean, I know this guy was trying to do his job, but his "job" almost landed me half-dead."

Here is Lohan talking about her perceived reputation:
"I just feel as though it's become a situation where people have manifested this caricature of who I am, and they act as if there's no real person inside of it... Who wants to read a tabloid story about a girl who is doing well?"

Finally, here is Lohan talking about the different roles she played:
"What hurts me the most is that I work just as hard as any other actress around my age, like Scarlett Johansson, but I just don't get the opportunities that they get because people are so distracted by the mess that I created in my life. But that doesn't mean it's going to last forever."

What are your thoughts? If you want the whole interview, you can catch on Interview magazine’s January 20 issue or you can try out and read a christian magazine for a change.

Willie Aames sets the record straight

2009-01-14T15:01:00.000-08:00

So what happened to Willie Aames that he tried to kill himself last Thanksgiving?

The star of “Charles in Charge” said that there are three reasons that made him try to kill him self last Thanksgiving. In an interview with Star magazine he said, "Most people wind up in a psychiatric ward because they'd either lost a job, a family member or relocated. I was there for all of those."

Last year, Aames life was in a dramatic downfall starting from his declaration of bankruptcy. After that, his wife left him and he had no one to turn to. He then decided to leave Kansas and move to Los Angeles where a friend rented his room to Aames.

There he became depressed and succumbed to taking alcohol and drugs. He said that after being sober for 20 years, he again started drinking as well as mixing different anti depressants with his drinks.

"It got so bad, I put a knife to my throat and cut myself in six places," he said. "The police came, put me in handcuffs and whisked me away. I was completely devastated... I kept asking, 'What did I do wrong?'"

According to a christian magazine, the actor is known for playing Tommy Bradford on 'Eight is Enough' as well as being Buddy Lembeck on 'Charles in Charge.'