Grandeur Living

Behind some of the most messed-up celebrities (and some who were able to cope) are some pretty messed-up parents.

They could be stage parents, parents who are going through separation, or just plain free-loaders, investing in their child’s celebrity status, so that, in time, their abuse will pay back its dividends.

Macaulay Culkin – Let’s start off with someone who was able to cope with his parent’s abuse. A celebrity since the age of 4, this child star made a hit as the cute and funny kid from Home Alone. The most famous and richest child star in history, he alone set the standard for how kids could be cute by interacting with his older co-stars. By the age of 13, he was already earning millions per project. By the age of 14, he was feeling burnt-out, with the so-so reception of The Pagemaster, Getting Even With Dad and Richie Rich, while it would appear that he lost his touch, some say that it the conflict between his parents was the main reason that he wasn’t doing so good. Behind the scenes, his parents were talking about separation, and whoever was in custody of Mack would surely get part of his fortune. In 1996, he declared that he won’t take in new roles until the issue with his parents gets resolved. By 1997, his father, Kit Culkin relinquished custody to his mother, Patricia Brentrup, and Macaulay only returned to acting nearly four years later, in 2001, on stage, in a London Production of “Madame Melville,” his teen years wasted, all because of his parents.

Jennifer Aniston – Her mother, Nancy, granted an interview about her daughter on tabloid television during the peak of Jen’s fame in Friends. As a parent, she should always take her daughter’s best interest in consideration, but instead, she abused it, and capitalized on it. Jen was so angry that she cut ties to her mom, even going so far as not inviting her for her wedding with Brad Pitt — in possible retaliation, her mother wrote a book, titled, “From Mother And Daughter To Friends: A Memoir.” It details how to cope with life when your celebrity child turns their back on abuse.

Drew Barrymore – She’s one of the most adored faces in movies, but suffered abuse at such a young age. Her father, John, left before she was born, and her mother, Jaid, was a picture of neglect. Which caused Drew’s early rise to stardom was also her downfall — an alcoholic by 9, marijuana smoker by 10, and snorting cocaine by 12, while her mother, who was also her manager at the time apparently did nothing. By 15, and after 3 rehab visits, a suicide attempt and recovery, she was able to get herself emancipated from her mother.

Lindsay Lohan – She’s currently in recovery, but that’s not to say her mother, Dina Lohan, wasn’t behind all that’s happened to her so far. The abuse she put Lindsay through is just … appalling. Capitalizing on her success to rocket-boost herself and Lindsay’s sister Ali to getting a reality TV show, isn’t something they should reward moms for. Which she did.

Britney Spears – The best for last. Now everyone wonders how she could be the same Britney from the 90’s, when she’s had A LOT of horrible news about her. Let’s not forget that, in her teens, she was already the family’s breadwinner. And if that kind of abuse doesn’t make you grow up a little messed up, what will?

“Music is the universal language of mankind.”

-Henry Wadsworth

According to Henry Wadsworth, music is the universal language — how could we know? On record, do we know of other universes that listen to music? Though logic defies that quote, no one can argue that music isn’t recognizable.

Like books, (or any form or kind of expressive art) good music speaks tomes about a place, a person, or an event. They can instantly transport you from here to another realm entirely, simply on the level of a song being so recognizable, it transcends cultures, and pervades through existence, in our time or not. I’m not talking about “Happy Birthday,” which is the same in every country — I’m talking about songs that transport you, or move you, in a sense.

The Sound of Music, The Sound of Music – A common holiday favorite, this song instantly translates into the very recognizable scene of a perky girl, singing over lush grass growing on the hills of Austria.

Sun And Moon, Miss Saigon – Upon hearing this song, a feeling of unfathomable loneliness permeates through your soul, with the Vietnam War as background.

Over The Rainbow, The Wizard of Oz – A younger Judy Garland song that takes you on a journey of both familiar and new in the weird and scary color land of Oz.

So they are famous and most probably very, very rich. Unfortunately, you are neither of the two. But you should be happy. This time you have an edge over them. Why? That’s because they have no sense of technology. Yup, that’s right! Some of the most famous celebrities are oblivious if the computer or mobile phone ever existed.

Tom Cruise. He might have played those famous characters with oh-so-advanced gadgets, but he seriously rejects cellphones and e-mails. However, he just lately tried to correct that fact. He set up a website so fans can send him e-mails. He gives in after all.

Simon Cowell. Yeah, that arrogant American Idol judge… might have a computer but he doesn’t know how it works.

Emma Thompson. She might be very fierce in Harry Potter movies but her must-have piece of technology is only a fountain pen. Oh, and she abhors those social networking sites. One of the reasons she doesn’t like the computer.

Vince Vaughn. Well-known for his comedy, but he doesn’t own a cellphone. He hates answering calls. Instead, he borrows phones from his buddies and only when it’s very urgent.

Paul McCartney. He’s a famous Beatle, but he doesn’t know how to use an ATM. He even prefers writing letters over e-mail.

Elton John. Famous since the 1970s, but you might want to throw tomatoes at him. He wants to shut down the Internet for five years. According to him, it will revive the good quality of art and music. Agree?

Larry King. That famous CNN blabber has never done any Internet search. But then, you can google him. Ironic.

Orlando Bloom. Aww… sweet Orlando doesn’t have a computer. Girls, he doesn’t want to deal with it! Sorry he doesn’t have any e-mail too.

Feel better now? Feel richer or even more famous than them now? Quite a feeling, huh?

There are women who just stand out from the rest of the entire female population. They are noticed, watched and observed. Why are people looking up to them, or at most, helplessly admiring them, wishing to be in their affluent lives? Perhaps they are too lucky because they descend from famous and rich people of the past. Or maybe, they have managed to make themselves grand in front of the world because they have beauty, skills and talents.

They have been successful in their own fields, and constantly praised and criticized of their actions. However, in so many ways they have influenced others and participated for good causes. How famous could they ever be? Who are they anyway?

The Presleys – Priscilla, Lisa Marie and Danielle Riley Keough

Being the women of the late king of rock ‘n’ roll, Elvis Presley, they are still in the spotlight even after Elvis death in 1977. Priscilla is the wife of Elvis; Lisa Marie is their daughter, while Riley is the granddaughter. After the family’s tragedy, Priscilla goes back to her roots of being an actress. She guest-stars in several TV shows, and lately become very visible in Dancing With The Stars. Lisa Marie, on the other hand, follows the footstep of her father and eventually become one of the influential artists in country music. Although she has not become super famous like her dad, she has managed her way to get to the top with her own musical style. Riley, the little girl of Lisa Marie, has become one of the most desired models in the fashion industry.

The Judds – Naomi, Wynonna and Ashley

Both Naomi and Wynonna flash their singing talents in country music. They are good at their successful duo has earned them so much respect from other singers throughout the United States and even the world. However, Ashley finds her way through Hollywood and become one of the most respected actors up to date. She is adored with her different characters and how she portrays them with passion and so much talent.

The Hiltons – Kathy, Paris and Nicky

Everybody even wants them off the television. It’s like they have infected the media with their beauty and charm. They might not be really known for their talents and significant contributions, but their presence always make a difference in the society. They are the elites that most of the masses both love and hate, especially Paris who have been so notorious with her public display of what not actions. However, these ladies have managed to redeem themselves of their occasional inappropriateness.

The Hearsts – Patty, Lydia, Gillian and Amanda

They have made headlines starting with Mom Patty, whose been kidnapped and then later on joined her captors (Symbionese Liberation Army). She has been imprisoned after participating in a bank robbery, but later on pardoned by President Bill Clinton. Lydia become a supermodel and recently compared herself to Paris Hilton, in which she says that she is way better off because she has a degree. Amanda, the niece, is also a big shot model, while Gillian the sister is in the magazine business of the family.

I admit I have this thing for celebrities. I’m not a fan but I like to watch them live their glamorous, if not shitty, lives. Everybody has their favorite. If you ask me, I have plenty of them to like and stay in touch with. But, I have my very favorite this year. Ladies and gentlemen, it is Britney Spears. Actually, she is my all-time favorite star.

She is a great performer and it breaks my heart to see her spiral downfall. However, I still have high hopes that she will pick herself up and make the rest of the world so sorry. I’m glad that there are celebrities that are willing to help her. Right now, Mel Gibson is on the top of that list.

Everybody might be getting sick of watching her on TV, but she represents the epitome of being a superstar. Nobody would like to see her end up like Marilyn Monroe. Or perhaps, liking her so much is just a part of the fact that I have a hard time letting go of being so young and restless. Not that I’m that old, but have been a teenager when Britney became an instant worldwide star.

The popular excuse is parents know what’s best for their kids. It’s always true, sad but true. However, sometimes parents just go beyond what kids call an embarrassment, and it’s so funny how they get away with it by justifying their actions. The even funnier thing is that some kids are not just embarrassed in class or in school; they are embarrassed in front of the whole world. Of course they have to stick with mom and dad, because whatever happens… it’s a common thing for everybody to win the love of their parents either way.

Some parents are not just nurturing their children into desirable human beings. They have been cashing in on their kids as most desired people. It’s like they are making profit out of their own children. It’s not that bad if conceive in a family point of view, in terms of keeping the money within relatives. But, it’s like being 30 and still living with mommy and daddy. No wonder most of these kids end up too messed up:

1. Lynne Spears. Why would a mother come up with her own book about her famous daughter in the middle of Britney’s unstable public actions? She should be dragging little Brit Bit’s ass into sanity. It’s true that Britney is of legal age to act in her own rights, but Lynne gets a bowl of popcorn instead and join the rest of the world watch her daughter’s failure. It’ a good thing that Poppa Spears finally come to rescue his little angel. Take a look at Britney now.

2. The Lohan Parents. If baby girl is so famous, that also entitles mom and dad the same attention. Media frenzy and a new reality show works just fine for both Lindsay Lohan’s parents. Everybody feels sorry for Lindsay as she goes to and from rehab. The sadder part, she seems to be on a solo flight right now as her spotlight-crazy mother trying to make it as a reality star, and at the same time building up her little sister. Dad, on the other hand, is trying to tell the world that he is a good father (?).

3. Poppa Joe Simpson. His little girls are pretty and almost out of work. But still, he manages to pull the cash in for exclusive photos and insights of his daughters, especially now that Ashley is married because Pete got her pregnant. Joe is even the first source for Jessica’s dating schedules and guys. Talking about being a real pimp. Excuse the French.

There are also the mother of Kim Kardashian who is also a diva “momager,” and the parents of Amy Winehouse. The former is way better than the latter. At least, she just let her daughter pose for Playboy unlike Amy’s dad who joins in the drug drama of his girl.

Somehow it is unfortunate to know that their own parents become part of their downhill journey. Everybody is just hoping that these families will work it out and things will get better for them.

Honestly, I never thought that a woman could actually compete with big late night show names like David Letterman, Jay Leno and Conan O’ Brien. Well, there is the former Rosie O’ Donnell, but then Chelsea Handler of Chealsea Lately is different. Or at least, I think so. She’s so opinionated just like a guy. I always believe that men make late night shows so successful, because men actually talk a lot than women. I’m not being gender bias in anyway. But, there is a huge difference when he said and she said.

I just happen to love Chelsea Lately, just like how I adore those institutional late night hosts. I think she becomes lovelier by being witty and funny. She’s mocking most of the people, especially celebrities. I love the fuzz in Tinsel town, and I love how Chelsea makes a sense of it all. Perhaps she and I are in the same frequency.

I also appreciate her whole team who chips in ideas and additional mockery. I’m really glad that there is a woman to watch late at night. I don’t know why women rules the daytime TV while the guys reign the nigh. It’s just a thought.

With Tom Cruise heading the list of Hollywood scientology trend, I can’t keep from thinking that there is a conspiracy going on in between. I even think that the reason why he has divorced Nicole Kidman is because she can’t keep up with his cult belief. I mean, everybody knows that Nicole is a hardcore Catholic. Well, marrying Katie Holmes does him all good. Katie seems like a puppy to say yes to anything, even parading herself on high heels after a marathon. I wonder if that whole no-bra stint is part of the scientology ideology. It really got me wondering why these celebrities resort to such a religion, if it could be called as one:

1. Scientology hoards the press. It’s a publicity stunt for the celebrities. It’s not Catholicism that obviously has swept the globe since almost the beginning of time, but being in a new age spiritual belief can get those media-hungry celebrities the cover of the magazine. It keeps the Paparazzi on their feet.
2. Scientology supports their celebrities. I think the spiritual organization offers a good lifetime benefits to its famous members, like an assurance of their career or something like it that keeps celebrities on their pedestal status quo.
3. Scientology makes celebrities higher beings. I mean seriously, perhaps Tom Cruise wants to be worshiped rather just than merely adored.

Whatever reasons, I really find it weird. If scientology means changing the face of the Earth through the same tenets that have been advocated for centuries, why not stick with the old school and make the positive change sooner? All I could hear of Tom is all talk. Well, he has done something but it’s still weird. Why can’t he represent the United Nation instead?

The news will not be complete without seeing a little of them. It’s like a reality soap opera that has been incorporated with the daily updates of everyday life. We watch them make a fool out of themselves. We say that they are disgusting and giving everybody else the wrong impression of a healthy life. If we only have the power to get rid of them….

1. Lindsay Lohan – We always think that she will be as sweet as she has been in her roles as a little child star. We have loved her freckles and smiles. We know somehow that she will become one of the most successful Hollywood stars. However, all we see of her now is a repeating trip to rehab, not to mention her appropriate partying.

2. Paris Hilton – It’s not an excuse to be an heiress. Not all elites have been brought up with a sense of righteousness. We always think that rich people have to behave because they have kept their honor. Too bad, not this girl. We have enough of her sex tape, haven’t we?

3. Amy Winehouse – We watch her become more and more of an addict everyday. We are definitely beyond words on how she has managed to make it okay to screw life with cocaine. We even seen her doing it for real. We also feel sorry for her because she really has an exceptional musical talent. We want to see her clean her act and get on stage and sing again without the drugs.

4. Pete Doherty – The person we think that could beat Amy Winehouse at being a drug addict. It makes us very scared when he hangs out with some other celebrities, because we know that they are going into a drug party or whatever it’s called these days.

Somehow we think that it is just a publicity stunt for all of them. We have enough. It’s really hard to make the media stop showing how screwed up they are. I guess it is up to us. We just have to turn off the television.

Penelope. A modern interpretation of Beauty and the Beast. However, the beauty is the beast and she needs to marry someone royal to break the curse. Penelope is the beauty with a pig nose and ears. Frankly, she doesn’t really look that bad as those blue blood bachelors appear to be so afraid of her. Although it’s a twist of the classic story, the movie has a modern feel of love’s status quo – giving up and letting go and then eventually finding love again as fate’s declaration.

Enchanted. Lots of colors, dancing and finding prince charming. This film is a combination of two or more fairy tales. You’ll figure out Cinderella, Snow White and somehow Sleeping Beauty. There is also a crossover between reality and cartoons. Although there is the whole usual love story hullabaloo, there is a impressive comparison of the stepmother character. While the princess is being destroyed by her stepmother, she actually becomes a stepmother herself, but of course, the good kind.

Cinderella Story. No doubt about this movie being a new version of Cinderella. However, it is teenage Cinderella. It does not lose the elements of the original story, but it has some teenage dilemmas like going to college and crushing on a boy and definitely the prom.

What a Girl Wants. A Cinderella-ish story, or as far as the stepmother and stepsister are concerned. Generally, it does not have most of the original story. The emphasis is more on the father-daughter relationship – reconnecting or something like that. It’s not really about being with prince charming, but it is about being with daddy.

Aquamarine. Love and fish tails. Another version of the Little Mermaid. Same old, same old except the princess has found true love in a different way. Not with a prince charming, but with friends who take care of her while she has to prove to her father that love exists indeed. A quiet teeny bopping wet film, but it’s all worth it.

Prince and Me. Not really based on some old fairy tale stories, but there is the prince charming and the girl who has swept him away. The movie has real possibilities. Anybody could still continue to hope that “someday her prince will come.”

Princess Diaries. The fairy godmother in this film is actually the grandmother. Don’t you just wish that somehow an unknown relative will give you everything you could imagine in a great life? This movie shows the complete picture of how to be a royalty, which is not all dress-up and tea parties. It literally shows the social graces and processes of becoming and being a princess.

Ella Enchanted. Another knitted story from classic pieces. This movie is more on Sleeping Beauty and being lucky enough to be gifted with goodness. However, that certain spark of goodness has made everything a little challenging. It’s story of a funny and honest misadventure of a princess.

Sidney White. A breakthrough and almost literal story of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. This time, it is about a girl who conquers college with her seven geeky friends. It’s actually about college Greek system and its divide. Another title that would fit this movie is “Snow White goes to College.”

Ever After. This is the most enchanting modern interpretation of Cinderella. It is almost the classic. Perhaps the story is modified a little, especially with the great costumes and music.