BTW, try catching a “horror” movie online minus its sound effects. It’s not so scary or terrifying, thus less enjoyable overall. Imagine this scenario: me squinting my eyes 6 inches from my laptop, trying very hard to lip-read what the characters are saying on the screen. Thank God for subtitles, when there are any!!

Anyway, like what I’ve been saying in my last few posts, I have been neglecting this blog website lately ‘cos all my attention is focussed on my other niche website. So, for all those lazy readers who aren’t going to visit my other website, here’s a taste of what you might see over there.

Here’s my favorite animal widget (notice “AkitaWoof” being mentioned). Also tried publishing one of my animal jigsaw puzzles but unfortunately the pix was too wide. Ended up displacing the contents from my right-hand margin. Looks like you folks will have to make a little detour to my other niche site to view my “JP”. Heh!! Heh!! Enjoy!!!

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Bear with me ‘cos it’ll be another 4 years before I get another opportunity to pen my thoughts on another FIFA World Cup.

This 3rd in a series of football articles I published should end my “rants, raves and ramblings” on a game I was not following until almost the end of the elimination rounds.

And all my so-called “conspiracy theories” (yup! I’m a regular modern-day “Sherlock Holmes”) in my last article regarding Germany’s defeat by Spain in the Semi-Finals should perhaps also include the fact that Germany without Thomas Mueller on that crucial match contributed to their lack-lustre performance and eventual loss. For whatever the real reason might be, on their next game which was the fight for the 3rd placing, the German squad’s footwork suddenly quickened to a more exciting pace with Mueller scoring the first goal. However, it came a little too late ‘cos they had lost the opportunity to fight for the ultimate position of being “2010 FIFA World Cup” Champion when they lost their earlier game to Spain in the Semi-Finals round. But being “third” is no mean feat either. So, they do get my applause. I am first and foremost always a German fan.

Anyhow, this last game alerted me to the fact that Thomas Mueller will be one heck of a player to be looking out for in the immediate future. I must also applaud Uruguay who put up a great show but eventually lost to Germany at 3-2. It was indeed a close fight and one with more action though I must admit that Miroslav Klose’s absence was sorely missed by “yours truly”. And no Michael Ballack among the spectators (here I go again… could I ever publish a “football” post without mentioning my German “idol”??). Indeed no!! How boring football would be without Ballack. How indeed!!

In closing, I’d like to include a few lines with regards to the Finals between Spain and Netherlands. Although the one and only goal appeared in the “extra time” making Spain the “2010 FIFA World Cup” Champion with only a 1-0 win over its opponent, I must say that Spain truly deserved to lift the cup. With such a display of “good sportsmanship” as compared to the “antics” of the Dutch, the whole world watching should in all honesty sing praise for a team that has shown tremendous strength and “spirit” in this final match.

When a game, any game, is over, we sometimes remember the names of the teams who have participated, or the players that stood out. But more important than this is the feeling that’s left behind. If a game is won “fair and square”, the respect of even die-hard non-fans will be attained. And in the aftermath, we can only admire those who accept defeat with grace. But it would not be so in this year’s World Cup. The sour look on most of the losing team’s faces did not warrant any sympathy from me. It just showed that “class” cannot be bought.

I remember not too long ago when Germany lost a crucial match. But they still managed to display such sportsmanship. And since then, they had found a life-time fan in me. So, forgive me if I still sing praises for the likes of Oliver Kahn (good ol’ Ollie who had since retired from professional football) and Michael Ballack, without whom I would not have watched any more football matches. On the field and off, their actions will forever be ingrained in my mind.

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I wasn’t sure whether I had intended my thoughts to find its way into print under another featured “Article” Section or “Blog” Section or frankly, even being published at all.  If I go strictly by the book, it should end up in the “Blog” Section ‘cos it’s going to be filled with “rants, raves and ramblings” - lots of it, I promise you!!  But since my previous mention of “2010 FIFA World Cup” appeared in the featured “Article” Section, I guess I should do a follow-up over there.

Well, here goes nothing.

Hardly a week or so have passed since my article on Michael Ballack’s MIA (missing in action) status and Germany’s winning performance in the match with England.  Since then, I’ve been expecting great things from the German squad.  And disappoint me they did not when they “beat the crap” out of Argentina in the Quarter Finals.  The excitement generated in the 2nd half of the game made me want to belt out my old favorite “Don’t Cry For Me Argentina”.  But that wouldn’t be very nice or fair since the players from Argentina did put up a valiant fight.  With Miroslav Klose on the German side being the only familiar face to me, it was truly gratifying to see him contribute 2 goals to his team’s 4-0 win over Argentina.  Yup, Germany sent Maradona’s team packing with a 4-0, I repeat, a 4-0 win!!

And to top it off, Michael Ballack was spotted in the background!!  Yes, my one and only Michael Ballack!!  It surely made my day, seeing him there to revel in Germany’s victory.  Brought me back to those days when Ballack and Ollie (Oliver Kahn) were the force behind Germany’s popularity.  It didn’t matter if Germany won or lost way back then ‘cos it’s enough to just view the exciting showmanship displayed by these 2 professional football stars.  But of ‘cos it was surely more satisfying on those precious occasions when they were victorious.  But being a devoted fan as I was and still am, just seeing them perform was reason enough to tune in.  Alas as Ollie has since retired!

Now back to the current World Cup.  Right after the victory over Argentina, I surely did not expect a “boring” Semi-Finals between Germany and Spain.  The slow pace of the 1st half followed by an equally unexciting 2nd half left me speechless.  What’s going on in the minds of those German players in this particular match?  They didn’t seem to possess the “spirit” and “will” to overcome their opponents.  Even towards the end of the 2nd half, there were no signs of panic or desperation.  It’s like they did not feel up to it to give their very best.  Makes you wonder as to their mental state of mind.  Call it “intuition” on my part ‘cos I felt that something was really wrong or at least not quite right.  In just a few short days, all the German players (with a couple of exceptions) seem to have lost their football “fizz”.

So, right after the 1-0 loss to Spain (who undoubtedly deserved to win as they were the more “passionate” team), I decided to surf online to try to uncover the probable causes/reasons behind the German squad’s failure in the football arena on that fateful day.  Call it co-incidence on their “strange” behaviour on the field but articles that emerged regarding the German team’s temporary captain’s (what’s his name??) comments about wanting to retain his position after the World Cup ends and Michael Ballack’s sudden departure just before the Semi-Finals, makes one wonder if the morale and mental state of mind of the German squad was a direct result from these two incidents.  Don’t these people know that before a crucial game in any event or competition, the mind has to remain stable?  It looks and feels like alot might have been on the minds of the players.  The coach was quoted as saying that there was “no discord” between Ballack and “what’s his name” (the temporary captain guy).  Whaddya all think?  Well, we’ll probably never know for sure if the “untimely” interview had anything to do with the climate and well-being of the German players during the Semi-Finals.  What a shame!!

Anyhow, the following is my “2-cents worth” as to why I’ll always root for Michael Ballack.

Michael Ballack has accomplished and contributed a great deal in football, not only for his country Germany, but also for the many clubs he’s played for, both in and outside Germany as well as on an international level.  He has not only popularised the game but also brought fame and glamour to the sport.  He is a true professional in his craft and he serves as a reminder to all that when a champion grows older, he should still be respected for the many years he has already given and not be called upon for an early retirement.  Certainly not when he still has lots more years left to contribute.  To me, he exudes the “X-factor” and personifies the “class” and “dignity” of a real “sports figure” which is so lacking in the young “hotshot” soccer/football players of today.  They have much to learn from their “seniors” who have gone through more years, more successes and more defeats than they could ever imagine in their young life.

In a few short hours, the match to determine the Third and Fourth placing in “2010 FIFA World Cup” will convene.  But I have lost my enthusiasm to watch and witness the outcome.  Like what I said in my earlier post/article, without Michael Ballack, the game no longer holds much interest.  Sigh…

Now brace yourself ‘cos you’re about to be hit with my “rants, raves and ramblings” on this year’s “2010 FIFA World Cup”.  And, be prepared for the unexpected.  If you’re looking for a minute-by-minute playback to all the teams’ performance on the football field, go somewhere else ‘cos over here you’ll just be fed with my “K-R-A-Z-Y” thoughts.  And no one “thinks” the way I do.  Hahahahaha!!!  Well, here goes my first article:

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Not so long ago, “American Idol” was on everybody’s mind and in every other blog on the website, not to mention its dominance in the press and television news network. For those outside the US who have yet to discover the results of each week’s elimination round, it was a case of trying to avoid the “spoiler alert” each time you either switch on the television set or log onto the website.

And now it’s happening to “2010 FIFA World Cup”. Yup, the football/soccer fever is upon us, one and all!! You see it everywhere. Even at the eateries – television sets predominantly displayed everywhere. Newer and bigger models seemed to have made their appearance all of a sudden. Patrons at these establishments predictably increase in numbers during the football season.

And where do I stand as far as this popular sport is concerned? Well, unfortunately I’m the exception to the rule. Once upon a time, I was an avid fan of the game. I could still remember the crush I had on the late George Best during his prime years on the football field. Of course his good looks had something to do with his popularity with the ladies, but you must agree that he’s quite a wizard with his feet. Anyway, that was a long ago time ago.

Anyhow, another good-looking footballer caught my eye some years back and it was no other than Michael Ballack (who unfortunately did not participate in “2010 FIFA World Cup”). And because of him, I started to enjoy watching the sport again. And with Oliver Kahn the goalkeeper at the time, the both of them was a treat to watch when they last played together for Germany so many years ago.

While everyone has eyes and ears for the World Cup this time round, I’m busy reading about the 2-year contract which Michael Ballack recently signed with Bayer Leverkusen on June 25, 2010. Yes, he’s leaving Chelsea and returning to his homeland. And hopefully, he’ll play for Germany in the next World Cup some 4 years from now.

So, if anyone was to ask me if I’d watched any of this year’s World Cup matches, I can honestly say that I’d only watched one. Yes, one!! And it’s none other than the one between England and Germany. Yup, the 4-1 win for Germany with the controversial header which was not to be (goal, ie) by England. Somehow, even without my Michael Ballack and Oliver Kahn, I had to see how Germany was doing ‘cos my memory of the passion I felt so many years ago was still burning in my mind. And I must say that even though there were no players that struck my fancy this time round, the teamwork among the Germans were pretty fantastic. They’re so disciplined.  Not a single one of them even tried to grab the spotlight.  For the comradeship they displayed so admirably on the field, I might perhaps continue to follow Germany’s progress ’til the very end.  Do they have a shot at the trophy?  Maybe, we’ll see…

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Normally, in every season of “American Idol Result Night”, the night rightly belongs to the winner. And the minutes (in the 2-hour finale) leading to that very moment when the season’s “American Idol” is announced and crowned is usually filled with much anticipation and anxiety.

However this year, with Simon Cowell making his final appearance as one of the judges, the “Result Night” would (as expected) turn out differently. It was a night filled with “Simon”, “Simon” and more “Simon”. Being a fan of the great “Simon Cowell”, it gave me great pleasure to see him owning the night, as he rightly should. After all, what’s the first thing that pops into one’s mind when we think of “American Idol”? Yes, the man himself. Indeed! What would “American Idol” be without “Simon Cowell”!!

Images of a young Simon flashed across the screen – his critiques of the “AI” hopefuls through the years and his antics with his fellow judges especially Paula Abdul. We will never find another “Simon Cowell”.

My personal hope is that he be replaced with another British import. There’s something about the British – the way they speak the English Language – it’s music to my ears.

Lest we forget that we’re on the subject of the “Result Night”, we must now switch to the topic of the eventual winner of “AI”.

Yes, my man Lee DeWyze is Season 9 winner of “American Idol”!!

Forget that Crystal Bowersox outsang him in the Finals.

Imagine this scenario: If both of them are performing on the same night in separate venues in your hometown for one night only, and you are given the choice of which concert to attend, would you choose to go see the one who sings better or the one you’d just love to stare at the whole night through? Lol!! Yes, the more popular contestant won and because I love both of them equally (but Lee more if I have to choose), it is of no consequence as to who eventually wins because they’re already set as far as their musical careers are concerned.

And Lee DeWyze, just like Adam Lambert, Danny Gokey and David Cook – all my favorite “AI” guys – all nice, down-to-earth, sensible, humble and obviously talented young men – all of whom deserved to have a very bright future – so say I!!!

The videoclip I’m inserting with this article is full of “moments”, but the one that “moved” me most was this part: After the result was announced and a little bit later, Lee said something like he loved Crystal and took a few steps forward and hugged her. Aw!! Now, wouldn’t it be nice if someone made a movie of these 2? I think they’re such a cute and adorable couple. Who knows what the future holds for them, ie romantically? At this moment in time, Crystal is being quoted as saying that he loved Lee like a brother only. Well, we’ll see. With her recent break-up with her beau, anything goes. So…

Well, enough wishful thinking on my part. For now, just tune into the following videoclip and enjoy…

Well, better late than never!!  Let’s start with the one leading to the Finals of “American Idol” followed by the one on “Result Night”.  The following article was published at my niche site on May 22, 2010.

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And then there were 2! Yup!! My top 2 favorites from “American Idol Season 9” made it all the way to the finals. One female, one male – absolutely perfect. I couldn’t have predicted it any other way.

Crystal Bowersox and Lee DeWyze – who could ask for anything more… (that’s how the song goes).

Yes, right from the beginning, I only had eyes (and ears) for these 2. Well actually to be honest, I had my money on 3 of the contenders but unfortunately, one of them made an early exit (sob-sob!!).

Now then, who should be the ultimate winner? Mmmm… kinda difficult for me to decide ‘cos I adore both of them equally. Crystal was my earlier favorite, but as expected, Lee’s charm slowly sneaks up on you (and me obviously). Check out my 2 earlier articles – my “raves” and “ramblings” on these two way back then.

I’m so glad to see them reaching the final countdown. Win or lose, they’re both facing a very bright future – music-wise ie. So, regardless of the eventual outcome, they’re both already winners.

The funny thing about “American Idol” is that the program evokes so much passion from the audience/spectators worldwide. Some of the things written online were just unbelievable. It’s one thing to have a favorite or two, but to be a “so-and-so-hater” is so ridiculous! Where do these people come from? To reach a point where they make absolutely insane comments – man-o-man (sorry guys ‘cos there’s no “female” term/phrase at the top of my head at this moment), what’s the world coming to?

Anyway, back to my thoughts as to who deserves to win. If I take the word “IDOL” seriously, I would very much like to see Lee win. And why, you ask? Well, even though both deserves to win (if only it could be a tie), during the “Top 3” night, it was Lee whose overall performance and attitude moved me most. Believe it or not, his boyishness and charm (there I go again with that word) on stage and as seen in the clip of his visit to his hometown actually moved me to tears.

Now to be fair to both Crystal and Casey, both of them also gained my respect and admiration but like I said, Lee made me shed tears!!

So, regardless of next week’s performance and eventual results, Lee has already made it to the winner’s podium as far as I’m concerned.

But if Crystal beats Lee, I shan’t be disappointed either. It’s like having a choice of 2 favorite outfits and I won’t lose either way. But then, I’m a female right? If you gave me a choice of a dinner date with either one, which one would I choose, huh?? Lee of ‘cos. I don’t have to pause for this one. Lol!!

Anyway before I end this article, let me give my “2-cents worth” about Justin Bieber who guest-sang on the night of the “Top 3”. Being a “country bumpkin” as far as current music is concerned, I hadn’t bothered to catch this latest singing sensation before. Honestly, there are so many so-called “new discoveries” lately, I find it such a waste of time to check them all out.

I knew there has been quite a “buzz” about this new kid, what with the hype and frenzy surrounding him. You can’t go through a week without reading about him online.

But I certainly wasn’t expecting much from this new “young hottie” and so imagine my surprise when I discovered that he is quite talented after all. After he finished belting out “U Smile and Baby” on “American Idol” that night, I could see why the teens, tweens (??) were all over him. Reminds me of a young “Donny Osmond” – the hairstyle, the voice, the dancing (although it’s slightly more “current” than the dance steps choreographed by the “Osmond Brothers” in their “hey days”) and even the songs – they do remind me of the “Osmond” years. Honestly!!

To those readers who have yet to witness this “cutie pie”, check out the following videoclip… and enjoy!! Be young again (if you’re an “oldie”). Lol!!

Now, if I was still a “sweet young thing”, I would surely use my “female wiles” on my many “beaus” (a-hem!!) to get them to procure me one.  Mind you, they need not have to commit themselves to me in any way, just get me that ring, I say!!  Lol!!  I bet many a fan will be dorning one soon.

When I surfed the website for details of the ring, I myself was tempted to order one.  Now, should I purchase the gold or silver, the one having genuine diamonds or either of the other 2 (I think they’re made of zirconia crystals or something similar)?  Oval-shaped they’re crafted into and any girl would be happy to own one.

Anyway, back to the movie.  I personally feel that it was a success due to the following reasons.  Mind you, they’re just “my” thoughts.  Firstly, the theme.  Who could resist a “vampire” movie?  And a “werewolf” supplementing it.  Two for the price of one!!

And the 2 male leads.  That’s exactly what a love-starved average teen would be yearning for.

And don’t you forget the female lead.  She is after all the one holding the whole show.

With Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson and Taylor Lautner in the main cast, surrounded by able supporting actors and actresses and a director who seems to understand the emotions of young love, a successful first movie was born.

But another director came on board for the second movie and perhaps because of that, the “magical” feeling somehow dissipated into thin air.

Let’s hope the third one will bring back what it lost or felt missing in the second one.

Anyhow, here’s the movie trailer to the 3rd instalment of the “Twilight Saga”.  Looks promising enough.

Like what the title of my article post reads - Is 3 Enough??  I say “no”.  Let’s just keep on churning more of Bella and Edward and all the vampires and werewolves until we get sick of them (which we probably won’t, ever…).

If you recall, I did state that I would import my “American Idol” “rants” from my niche site at “CreativeThinkingForWomen.com” over to this website.  Unfortunately, I have not done so.  Shame on me, lol!!  Anyhow, better late than never.  So, here it is without further ado:

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I am not being fair to the guys on “American Idol - Season 9″!!  And why is that, you may ask.  Well, I’ve been going on and on about the “gals” week after week and even tho’ I have my favorite “guys” on the show, I have not written a word about them.  Enough waiting ‘cos today’s the day I’m going to launch my onslaught on the men.  Well, maybe not an “onslaught” but my usual “rants, raves and ramblings”.  I’m just not very “disciplined” when it comes to where I should place my “2-cents worth” of my “3 R’s”.  Really, it should be strictly reserved for my “Blog” Section.  But then… I’m not really sticking to the “rules” am I?  What rules??  Ya, right!!  I set up the rules and then I break them.  Lol!!

Okay now, where am I?  Yes, the men on “AI”.  Who’s the ONE in my book?  Lee of ‘cos!!  Lee who, you ask?  Lee DeWyze of ‘cos.  What’s with you?  Are you from another planet?  Haven’t you been watching “American Idol”??  Seriously…

Anyway, no women alive would argue with me that he’s got the “heart-throb” persona - yunno, the quiet brooding type with those gorgeous eyes (that just melts your heart, mine anyway), that slouchy laid-back posture that any gal would just love to cuddle up to.  Sigh, how I wish I were “decades” younger.  Lol!!

Anyway, if he doesn’t make it as a singer, those TV moguls should snap him up for a television series or something.  Would love to catch him each week on the “goggle box”.  Right gals?  After this season’s “AI” is over, the winner crowned and everything, wouldn’t it be swell if we catch Lee on a weekly basis in our own living room, satisfying our romantic fantasies or whatever?  Yup, dream on girl…

Well, no harm stating the obvious.  So, if any “big shot” movie or television execs out there happen to chance upon my article, do sign him up ‘cos I’d guarantee you quite a fan following if Lee DeWyze appears on screen.  Those eyes will do it every time, never mind if he can act or not.  Hehehehehe…

Before I lose my sanity, here’s a videoclip (a testament to why he’s such a “hottie”) to validate my point.

Watch and enjoy… to your heart’s content ladies… and gentlemen too, perhaps…

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Looks like it’s going to be a weekly affair - my postings on “American Idol - Season 9″ ie.  Well, I’m not going to commit myself to saying that it’s a definite “yes” as far as weekly updates go.  But one thing for sure.  If a particular artiste (well, contestant for now) or a particular song “moves” me, I will be tempted to share it here on my niche site.  So…

This week, my other female “favorite” Siobhan Magnus gave a heart-wrenching rendition of “House Of The Rising Sun”.  Regardless of what the famed judges on “AI” had to say about it, I loved it ‘cos it moved me to bits.  So, for those who have missed it or those who’d like to savour it over and over again, here it is on my niche site.  Well, you can say that you can find it over at “YouTube”.  But do you know that I had to view so many versions before picking this particular one for my readers?  The quality of the audio/sound is way above all the others - better recorded in terms of clarity.  So, say “thank you” to “yours truly”.  LOL!!!

Jokes aside.  I’ve always been a sucker when it comes to “heart-wrenching” music, movies, novels… you know the kind - the ones that make you cry buckets of tears.  Doesn’t matter if its depicted in ancient times (movies plots, classic novels) in the 50’s, 60’s or 70’s (music era), it transcends time, it allows us to travel to yesteryears to connect to the places, the people, the feelings felt then and now, still… the “magical” feeling of being transported through time and space…

Okay, before I lose all senses of where I am and what I’m doing, here’s the videoclip for your listening pleasure, as always…

No, we have not made it to the Finals of “American Idol Season 9″ as yet.  But we might as well, what with the “strong vocals, uniqueness and heart” rendered by the very talented “Crystal Bowersox”.  She is the latest online sensation and deservingly so.  It is still early in the game but regardless as to whether she is crowned the winner of this season’s “American Idol”, to me, a “Star” is already born.  And I will be very surprised if no one offers her a music contract regardless of the outcome of how she fares in this competition.

To be fair to the guys, I also have “chalked up” a couple of names in my mind and among the gals, I also do have another one in mind.  Well, maybe more than one.  But, if I have to choose right here and now, like Simon says, “she’s the one to beat”.  And I’m sure he meant it with the guys in mind as well.

It’s a pity that fans like me for example could not participate in the voting process (being outside the US and all) ‘cos it’ll be a real shame if America made the same mistake as it did the previous year!!  Read an earlier ”Article” post on this subject.

I could go on and on about Crystal B but I think there’s enough out there in the “online” world that “speaks volumes” about her singing.

For me, I’ll just let her ”voice” do the work.  In this videoclip, she gives us her version of CCR’s “Long As I Can See The Light”.  Enjoy… as you surely will.