Michael Jackson Still ‘King Of Pop’

As time approaches the two year anniversary of Michael Jackson's untimely death, the iconic pop star remains at the top of the charts. 'Hollywood Tonight,' a song off the first posthumous Jackson album 'Michael,' released in December, tops the Billboard Dance/Club Play Chart this week. Jackson is now tied with Enrique Iglesias with the most No. 1 songs on this particular chart, with Prince close behind with seven chart-toppers.

Source: www.theboombox.com, June 3, 2011

Pop music changed tenor and beats and a trend was set when Michael Jackson thrilled audiences with his 1982 album, ‘Thriller’. Wearing a distinctive black sequin jacket and golf glove decorated with rhinestones, he debuted his signature dance move, the ‘Moonwalk’, which became the walk of life for many teenagers at that time.

And his popularity has only increased in the two years following his death. Such was the impact of his musical legacy, his talent and his persona that his presence can still be felt in the daily music world. This lovable, child-like, controversial legend has timeless appeal and he will be remembered and mourned for a long time.

© Sujata Khanna. All rights reserved.

Dementors

J K Rowling, in her ‘Harry Potter’ series of books, has created the mythical character ‘Dementor’. The very presence of a Dementor makes the surrounding atmosphere grow cold and dark. Dementors feed on the positive emotions, happiness and good memories of human beings, forcing them to relive their worst memories. 

Real life is no different. We encounter human Dementors routinely! These people only look at the downside of anything. They are the doom-sayers who will quickly put down an idea or the prediction of a positive outcome. They tend to be the kill-joys at celebrations, making satirical comments and finding flaws. They complain about any thing and every thing under the sun- from work to family to society to the government! They are quick to criticize, blame and demean others.

Sometimes people do hit a bad patch in life, and may become pessimistic about themselves. That does not make them Dementors! These people need encouragement and positive re-inforcement. Dementors are the know-it-alls, who go about confidently making statements that hurt sentiments, bash others’ self esteem and demolish others’ joi-de vivre! Feeding off emotions gives the Dementor a mental high and leaves the other person feeling hollow and low.

Recognise the Dementors around you. If you know them only just, immediately distance yourself from them. If you have to interact with them routinely, as in, at work or at a common interest group, mentally shake them off! You will have to display consistent assertiveness to do so. You may even have to let them know politely but firmly that you will not entertain their comments. If the Dementor is someone very close to you, you will have to practice hard to emotionally detach from this person. You will have to set boundaries which cannot be crossed. You must take extra care that you remain focussed on being positive.

Avoid argument with a Dementor. If at all, pick your battles wisely. Remember, it is very difficult to convince the Dementor that the glass is half-full.

Dealing with Dementors is a tough task. But deal you must, if you do not want to feel unsettled, angry or feel badly about yourself after every interaction. Constructive criticism comes with solutions. It helps you bloom, and that’s what you need, not a battered self-esteem! So,banish the Dementor from your life!

© Sujata Khanna. All rights reserved.

Lady Gaga In ‘Retarded’ Controversey

Pop superstar Lady Gaga has offended mental health campaigners by referring to her critics as 'retarded'. The 25-year-old said the word in an interview with NME magazine, when asked about her recent hit single 'Born This Way'. Responding to claims that the song is similar to Madonna's 'Express Yourself', the Judas singer said: "Why would I try to put out a song and think I'm getting one over on everybody? That's retarded." A spokesman for Mencap then said: "It's an unfortunate choice of words, particularly from someone so influential."

Source: www.metrolyrics.com, April 21, 2011

After the furore generated by her usage of the word ‘retarded’ Lady Gaga apologised profusely saying that she had made an honest mistake.

While it was politically incorrect to use the word ‘retarded’, we have to understand that finally, Lady Gaga is an entertainer, not a political leader or an acclaimed intellectual. She has expressed herself in commonly used slang, which any average person would. Agreed, she could have selected a better word. But, don’t you think it is too much to expect? The fact is, people love being offended simply for the attention is receives.

Just one observation about all this ado over nothing- the celebrities are disposable, the gossip is priceless!

© Sujata Khanna. All rights reserved.