**NEWS**

Today marks the three-year anniversary of Michael Jackson’s untimely death on 25th June 2009. 

 Michael Jackson,  made contributions to music and dance, that is still to this day unmatched by anybody. referred to as the King of Pop, or by his initials MJ, Jackson is recognized as the most successful entertainer of all time by Guinness World Records.   Jackson’s talent and constant headline hitting life, made him a global figure in popular culture for over four decades.

Michael Jackson’s  life was not without controversy, with the most remembered headline hitting moments, of child abuse allegations, to which Jackson was never convicted of and was even acquitted in a much publicised and televised court case, that lasted five months, back in 2005.  Jackson was famed for his ever-changing facial features, that were thought to be the result of many cosmetic surgery procedures, although always denied my Michael himself. But it is the music and the dancing that the entertainment legend will always be remembered for above all else in his life.  The seventh child of the Jackson family, he debuted on the professional music scene along with his brothers as a member of The Jackson 5 in 1964, and he began his solo career in 1971 .  Jackson’s 1982 album Thriller is the best-selling album of all time,  His other records, including his 1979 album,  Off the Wall,  Bad, which was released in 1987, and his latter albums , Dangerous and HIStory which were released between 1991 and 1995, also ranked among the world’s best-selling, not only is  Jackson is one of the very few artists to have been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice, he was also inducted into the Dance Hall of Fame as the first and  only dancer from the world of pop and rock ‘n’ roll.   Micheal’s achievements, surpass that of any other, within the entertainment industry, with multiple Guinness World Records, 13 Grammy Awards, as well as, of course, the Grammy Legend Award and the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.  26 American Music Awards, which is a record in its self, as the most won but any single artist ever, including the  Artist of the Century and  Artist of the ’80s awards.

MJ, who was 50 years old when he died, after overdosing on a drug called anesthesia propofol  is recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as the highest-earning deceased artist,  He also holds the record for the longest span of US top 40 singles.

Micheal’s Children have been paying respect to their father today with his only daughter Paris Jackson, tweeting

“RIP Michael Jackson..Dad you will forever be in my heart,” she wrote. “I love you.”

Paris was just 11 when Jackson died. Michael Jackson has three children,  Michael Joseph Jackson Jr, commonly known as Prince, who was born on February 13, 1997, his sister Paris-Michael Katherine Jackson was born a year later on April 3, 1998, and in 2002 his third and last child Prince Michael Jackson II, who is nicknamed “Blanket” was born. Michael’s first two children ar as a result of his marriage to long-term friend, and dermatology nurse

Michael Jackson & Deborah Rowe

Deborah Jeanne Rowe, The couple married in 1996 in Australia, but later divorced after both children were born, with Jackson gaining full custody of both of their children.

The identity of Blankets mother is still unknown, but Jackson did reveal that the child was the result of artificial insemination from a surrogate mother and himself.

Michael Jackson had finished another gruelling day of rehearsals, for his up and coming and FINAL arena show, consisting of fifty dates, at the London O2 arena, The ‘THIS IS IT’ show was never to be seen by the public.  Michael Jackson’s name will, it seems forever live on, and be known by generations to come, only because of the pure genius of his music, and groundbreaking dance abilities, his absolute flawless showmanship whilst he was on the stage, and of course his essentricity, that gripped the world to his every move of his life. He brought us the moonwalk, the instantly recognisable red and black leather jackets, the superspeed spin, and the glittery glove,  

 R.I.P MICHAEL JACKSON.

 

Funding for Children’s Arts Under the Spotlight as UK Gears up for the Games

A number of public figures and leading lights in the art world are putting their weight behind a campaign by national charity, Action for Children’s Artswww.childrensarts.org.uk to draw attention to the lack of public funding invested in art for children.   As young people across the UK look set to benefit from the sports legacy of the 2012 Olympics, Action for Children’s Arts is calling for the arts not to be overlooked. Findings from a report published on 1 June outline that children up to the age of 12 make up fifteen per cent of the UK population but only get one per cent of the arts funding.

The report – based on Freedom of Information requests made by the charity – questions the current funding policies of the national Arts Councils and the British Film Institute, as well as the programming policies of flagship arts organisations including the BBC.   Children’s author, Michael Morpurgo, will join other distinguished speakers in asking what can be done to make sure that the arts make their vital contribution to the well-being of all children at a conference taking place at the Unicorn Theatre in London on 19 June.   Among the proposals that Action for Children’s Arts will put forward at the conference are:

• Making 15% the benchmark for children’s share of public funding for the arts

• Making children’s arts part of the remit of leading arts organisations

• Making children’s film and television a national responsibility

Action for Children’s Arts Patron and Children’s Champion, Peter Duncan, says:

 “While it’s fantastic that sport is receiving so much positive attention this year, we must be careful not to neglect the arts. The programmes of most cultural organisations in the UK are child-free zones. Typically, organisations spend around three per cent of their budgets on education activities and around one per cent on productions or exhibitions aimed directly at children. The case we want to make is for children to have a fair share of the available funding. That doesn’t mean less for adults, children don’t go to the theatre or cinema on their own, art is a shared experience.”

“Children’s imaginations are stimulated through reading, singing and dancing, watching plays and films. The attitudes, values and skills that we learn in childhood stay with us for the rest of our lives”, he adds.

In the wake of successive reports, such as those from UNICEF, the Children’s Society, Barnardo’s and the Mothers’ Union, each raising concerns about the state of childhood in Britain today, Action for Children’s Arts aims to draw attention to the positive contribution that the arts can and should make to children’s well-being.   Speakers at the conference include:

Dr Maggie Atkinson, Children’s Commissioner for England

Sharon Hodgson MP, Shadow Minister for Children & Families

Aileen Campbell MSP, Minister for Children & Young People, Scottish Government

Aideen McGinley, Chief Executive, Ilex, Northern Ireland

Robin Gibb  has died, aged just 62.  Bee Gee’s singer and songwriter, finally lost his battle with colorectal cancer, after contracting pneumonia, and slipping into a coma.

R.I.P. Robin Gibb

Earlier this year it was announced that Robin Gibb was in remission from cancer, but Gibb’s publicist announced shortly after, that he had been hospitalised for intestinal surgery and was recovering,  so was forced to cancel further scheduled appearances and performances.

On 14 April, it was tragically reported that Gibb was “fighting for his life” after contracting pneumonia and was in a coma in a Chelsea hospital.  Gibb’s two oldest children, his wife Dwina Gibb,  his brother Barry Gibb and his mother were at his bedside. On 20 April, it was reported that Gibb was out of his coma and was making remarkable progress, according to his family.  On 22 April, however, it was reported that he had advanced colorectal cancer.

the Gibb family have been no stranger to health problems in recent years, In August 2010, while performing in Belgium, Gibb began to feel abdominal pains. , he was rushed to a hospital in Oxford, England where he  underwent emergency surgery for a blocked intestine, the same condition that killed his twin brother, Maurice.  Gibb recovered and returned to perform concerts in New Zealand and Australia.  Gibb continued to make television appearances and other events following his surgery, but in April 2011 he was forced by health problems to cancel his tour of Brazil.  More performance were canceled as the year grew to and end, and his few public appearances, started to show a frailer, weaker looking Robin Gibb.  

In  November, it was revealed that Gibb had been battling liver cancer, that had spread from his colon.  In an interview published in The Mail on Sunday on 22 January 2012, Gibb spoke for the first time of the cancer.

“For more than 18 months, I had lived with an inflammation of the colon; then I was diagnosed with colon cancer, which spread to the liver. I have undergone chemotherapy, however, and the results — to quote my doctor — have been ‘spectacular’. It’s taken a toll, naturally, but the strange thing is that I’ve never felt seriously ill. I’ve mostly felt great. There have been many false claims around, which I’d like to dispel. I am not and have never been ‘at death’s door’. Nor do I have a team of alternative doctors working on my health. That’s not true, although I’m not averse to healthy remedies for any illness. I feel they can go together with conventional medicine. I do eat health foods and drink herbal teas made for me by Dwina, my wife and RJ’s mother. Other than that, I am under the care of Dr. Peter Harper at The London Clinic”.

Robin Gibb  died in London yesterday,20 May 2012.   Gibb’s death left his brother Barry as the only surviving original member of the Bee Gee’s.

R.I.P. Robin Gibb

Hair dresser Vidal Sassoon CBE has died  at his home in Bel Air, Los Angeles, in the presence of his family.

Vidal Sassoon (17 January 1928 – 9 May 2012)

In June 2011 it was reported that Sassoon had been diagnosed with leukaemia two years earlier, and was receiving treatment in Beverly Hills and London, his death is said to be as a result of his Leukaemia.  A memorial service has been  planned for a later date.

His family issued a statement that read

“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Vidal Sassoon CBE, who died this morning at his home in Los Angeles surrounded by loved ones. The 84-year-old hairdresser was born in 1928 and sadly lost his battle with leukaemia today. He became the most celebrated hairdresser in the world having begun his career as an apprentice during the Second World War, going on to revolutionise an industry through his iconic haircuts, salons, schools and product lines. He will be greatly missed by his wife of 20 years Ronnie, his children, grandchildren, family and friends”

  Neil Cornelius, the owner of Sassoon’s first solo venture, said that his death was the loss of a

“hairdressing legend. It is very, very sad because I grew up in the East End like Vidal and from the age of 11 I wanted to be a hairdresser like Vidal. I remember the first time I met him. I have washed the hair of Princess Diana, I have met Nelson Mandela, but meeting Vidal Sassoon topped all of those. I know it sounds crazy but I could not sleep on the night before i met him for the first time. He was a hairdressing legend.”

Twitter, and websites have been inundated with words of grief and respect for Vidal Sassoon, including from other hair stylists,   Lee Stafford said that

“Sassoon revolutionised the way everybody wears their hair today, he also made British hairdressing the best in the world, he was my hero.”

Tabatha Coffey wrote on Twitter

“my great day turned into a devastating day. RIP Vidal Sassoon thank you for all you have done for our industry and for me.”

John Barrett of the John Barrett Salon at Bergdorf Goodman said that Sassoon

 “was the creator of sensual hair. This was somebody who changed our industry entirely, not just from the point of view of cutting hair but actually turning it into a business.”

R.I.P Vidal Sassoon CBE

Cissy Houston, Mother of the late Singing Megastar, Whitney Houston, has spoken out against Rihanna portraying her daughter in any future film based on the tragic singers life.

Following recent revelations that current chart topper, Rihanna, has shown a keen interest in playing Houston in any upcoming film to be made about her life, it has been reported that one person is certain Rihanna is not the person to take the role on, and that is Whitney’s mother, Cissy. “Over my dead body!” 78-year-old Cissy has said of the idea, according to a National Enquirer source. “Cissy does not think Whitney should be represented by some­one like Rihanna,” the source revealed. “Cissy believes Rihanna celebrates everything she hated about Whitney’s life. The drugs, the boozing, the abusive relationship.” Despite Whitney’s highly publicised troubles, it is reported that Cissy wants any future film about her daughter to tell the story of her triumphs as well. “In spite of what anyone thought about Whitney, she sees her as a God-fearing Christian who loved the Lord,” the source said.

On February 11 2012, Whitney Houston was found dead at the Beverly Hilton Hotel, submerged in the bathtub. The Los Angeles County coroner’s office reported the cause of Houston’s death was drowning and the effects of atherosclerotic heart disease and cocaine use. The news sent shock waves across the world with fans taking to the streets and the Internet, with a very public out pour of sadness, grief and disbelief.

This does not come as much of a surprise, following recent media stories surrounding Rihanna. The star recently told The Press Association she would “love” to play Houston in an upcoming movie, admitting, “That would be something that I would have to give my entire life to do because I would want to really pull it off.”   Rumours of the film has attracted plenty of attention and interest. Houston, after all, is one of the biggest selling singing sensations we have known and was loved by millions worldwide. Whoever does get picked to play the leading role will have a massive responsibility on their hands. Houston’s life consisted of many up’s and down’s. With massive success in her professional life, accompanied by many low’s in her private one. Such an emotional and turbulent story can only be expressed and fed to the viewer as real, by someone capable of placing themself in Houston’s shoes. Feeling her pain. Understanding her struggles. Being able to portray a real person, and leaving the audience convinced is not something every actress can pull off. It takes a different mind frame and plenty of heart.

Rihanna is yet to respond to these latest reports. We will keep you updated as this story unfolds.

British singer & song writer, Ed Sheeran, hits the big time in Australia, with all tour dates selling out in 24 hours.

Sheeran got his major break in June 2011, with hit single “The A Team“, which debuted at no3 on the UK chart. Also that same year he was nominated for numerous awards and went on to win Breakthrough Artist and Best Single for “You Need Me, I Don’t Need You” at the Q Awards and Breakthrough Artist Of The Year at the BT Digital Music Awards. He followed that on at the 2012 Brit Awards, walking away with Best British Breakthrough Act and Best British Solo Male Artist.

News of this sell out tour, will come as no surprise to anyone who has heard Sheeran‘s unique sound. The double Brit award winner captivates audiences with simply a guitar in hand, his ethereal vocals and emotion evoking songwriting are all that’s needed to capture the crowd’s attention. This guy is truly one in a million.

Set to kick off the tour in August and covering Australia and New Zealand, Ed has expressed his sheer delight at this news via his official twitter, yesterday tweeting: “Oh, before I sleep, just been told my Australian/NZ tour sold out in a day! GET IN. See u all in August.”

Sheeran has caused quite a stir on both the Australian and New Zealand charts with the release of his debut album, named “+“, which has reached Platinum in both countries.

He also announced via twitter that tickets for the European leg of his tour went on sale yesterday and that dates for Ireland will be announced soon. Watch this space.

Today marks the first Anniversary of the royal wedding between Prince William and Kate Middleton, now known as the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

It’s hard to believe that a year has passed since, Britons took to the streets to celebrate in traditional british manner, of street parties, and bunting, making our nation smile for a day, during these economically critical times. Hundreds of millions of people across the world watched, as TV channels broadcast live. Kate Middleton walked down the isle, at Westminster Abbey, in a beautiful lace Alexander McQueen dress.  William, waited at the front of the Abbey, looking every inch a Prince, in the Red Irish Guards Tunic, uniform.

Well a year has past and what a year it has been for young Royal Couple, a year that has seen the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge  mark several important milestones including their first Royal overseas tour to North America, the announcement of a number of charitable patronage’s, Kate’s first solo public speech, as well as an addition to the family in the form of a pet cocker spaniel, Lupo, a spokesman for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge has confirmed that they are spending the weekend of their first anniversary “privately”.

In a year in which the spotlight is well and truly on all things British and London related, British toy company, Arklu, and photographer Duncan Raban have imagined what this weekend, might entail.

Photograph by Duncan Raban

Duncan explains the motivation behind his photos: “I love to put children’s toy characters into real life human everyday situations. I guess this fun concept seems to bring out the childhood in people’s hearts and it’s been so much fun watching people enjoy this kind of theatre on the streets.”

Whatever the couple have really been ding this weekend to celebrate their first anniversary, im sure they have taken timeout to spend with each other and look back on their amazing year.

Happy Anniversary

William and Katherine

from the Sataloma Team.

 

Sataloma TV, on YouTube is launched this week.

With lots of Video’s to feast your eyes on, bringing yo all the new music artists, that we have featured at Sataloma News, entertainment news and broadcasts, interviews and reactions to current issues.

Take a look click like if you like what you see and of course don’t forget to subscribe.

www.youtube.com/satalomatv YouTube Preview Image

UK consumers react to the budget.

So much for ‘Dave’s Big Society’ as the gap between the rich and poor widens – 8% say that the recession is building a community spirit and a “we’re all in it together attitude” –

52% of consumers agree that division in society between the haves and have-nots is getting wider –

Only 9% feel they will be better off

and 38% are worried about their finances –

58% say that they are negatively affected by the decision not to reduce petrol prices –

54% feel negatively affected by road tax increase –

31% cutting back on charitable donations

UK consumers are feeling more worried about their finances as a result of Wednesday’s budget, with cutting back on charity giving, eating out and turning to the Black Market among the measures they are considering to help ease their financial situation. Restaurants and food outlets will be hit hard, as the most popular cutback is on buying takeaways (41%) followed by eating out (34%). Charities will also lose out as 31% plan to cut back on charitable donations.

However, there is still some optimism in the air as playing the lottery remains a part of life that almost two thirds of UK consumers (59%) are unwilling to give up, while 3% said they will increase their spend on lottery tickets. When thinking about their financial situation and about how they manage their money between pay or pension days, UK consumers appear to be quite a sensible bunch with more than two thirds (69%) saying that they would never be tempted to use high interest payday loans. However, 8% say they are already using these.

More than half (52%) agree that the cuts as outlined in Wednesday’s Budget are creating great divisions in society between the haves and have-nots, with only 8% saying that a silver lining of the recession is that it is building community spirit with a “we’re all in it together” attitude. However, this sentiment increases among lower income earners with 63% thinking it’s causing a divide compared to 47% of middle income earners. When asked to think about their financial situation and whether the Budget will make it harder to stretch their money further, we asked consumers if they would be tempted to buy certain products on the black market, buy fake brands, or go over their duty limit on things like alcohol or cigarettes when travelling back from abroad.

Among smokers, however, there is a greater tendency to search out the black market or stretch the duty limits in order to get alcahol and cigerettes. (49%) also said they planned to cut back on holidays.

“These figures provide interesting insight into the way the general population is feeling as a result of the Budget,” said Marco Scognamiglio, CEO of RAPP UK. “While reports have suggested that some people will be better off, there are large numbers of people who will be worse off or who at least feel they will be worse off. “It is critical to listen to consumer conversations and sentiment following the budget and to respond in relevant ways as the power and influence they can have on brands and society is not to be underestimated.”

 [RAPP Proprietary Research using Toluna. Sample: 500 UK consumers.]

A few days ago paparazzi got into a little dispute with Hollywood actor and Comedian Russell Brand, but this dispute looks like it may not be so little now.

After Russell Brand snatched an iPhone from a photographer for taking photographs of the actor , Brand allegedly threw it and it broke the window of a nearby law firm.   Today TMZ.com has claimed that New Orleans police have a misdemeanor warrant for criminal damage to property was issued against Brand following his run in. It is thought Brand was in the middle of filming in Nawlins, on Monday when the incident happened, and it was all caught on camera. This is the momet the incident is said to have happened.according to TMZ.com People connected to Russell Brand, contacted the law firm and said the actor would be  willing to pay for the damage to the window.

Brand tweeted the other day:

“Since Steve Jobs died I cannot bear to see anyone use an iPhone  irreverently, what I did was a tribute to his memory.”

It is thought that the New Orleans Police are now searching for Russel Brand.