EDITORIAL

By Esther Cohen-Hamilton

 

This issue is inquisitive, entertaining and informative. Once a year, we compile the most recent data on world's celebrities, stars and favorite "personalities" and "characters" around the world. The world of arts, entertainment and showbiz, that is! Our readers play a paramount role in gathering data and providing sources of information. Also, their votes are primordial. The current issue of STARS ILLUSTRATED brings to you enjoyable and refreshing articles, as well as surveys and polls on and about the favorite, luckiest, most talented, most banal and boring (HIGHLY PAID) stars. In addition, we dress up and unveil profiles of new rising stars, the over-rated and the under-rated. Of course, one could say that our criteria and prerequisites for writing about this or that celebrity are subjective. Other may add that our "WORLD WHO'S OF THE BEST AMERICAN FEMALE SINGERS-ENTERTAINERS OF ALL TIME" is biased. But, friends, the whole world is subjective and biased. Truth is a philosophical concept. It has been brought to the human landscape through regional opinions, preferences, interests and needs. And the world of art mirrors and reflects that alarming reality. There is no absolute truth in art. For art is inter-changeable. For art is a mirage. For art changes and evolve around the clock. What was considered atrocious and without taste -a few years ago- is now en vogue and looked upon as a masterpiece. Many of you, friends, readers, critics and researchers, and of course, gossips lovers might think that Britney Spears is the greatest entertainer of all time. We don't. And some of you might consider fame is the backbone of success and excellence. We don't. Waves of readers believe that famous American singers such as Madonna and Prince are far better than Moustaki and Nana Mouskouri, because of their global fame. We don't. A considerable number of music and art lovers believe that Titian is greater than Picasso and the art of Cabaret is passé. We don't. However, we share many of your preferences, tastes and favorites. Sometime, divergences and differences in tastes and preferences enrich the human fabric and invite us to explore unknown domains, new art platforms and hidden dimensions. This current issues echoes this.

This year, we have discovered fantastic artists and remarkable performers. Some of them rival the best of the best in the business. Yet, they are obscure to some and completely unknown to many of us. We felt good about introducing them to our readers. Through the creative writing of our staff, we depicted the true sense of their arts, crafts, talents and unique creativity. A strong emphasis was also placed on their character, human nature and the "persona" behind the mic, the easel and the stage curtains. We do not believe in yellow journalism. We do not write bad reviews. If an artist is worth mentioning, we gladly write about his or her accomplishments and talents. If an artist -famous or unknown- does not meet high standards, we just ignore him or her. We are not impressed by commercial fame. Only, quality and the good nature of an artist catch our attention and touch our heart.

We welcome your comments. Write to us. Express your opinions and feelings.

All the best for 2005.

Esther Cohen-Hamilton