Matt Damon...Posh Spice. Quips and trivia at Regency Theatre!

In the Fairfax district, the Regency Theatre is probably one of the oldest boutique Art Film houses in Los Angeles.

Tickets are at discount rates daily and films range from older classics (specially-screened) to recent releases featuring current popular actors racking in the big salaries.

The theatre-going experience is generally quite pleasureable and a little more personable than elsewhere in town.

For instance - arrive early - and the staff usher you into one of three theaters where a wave of musical hits are sure to put you and your best buds in a magical mood before the silver screen sparks to life.

In fact, the riffs are far from those innocuous elevator-style offerings you'll encounter at the competition around the Los Angeles area.

The pre-show entertainment has been carefully formatted, too.

Before the previews start up, a number of artistically designed placards fill the screen as a round of movie trivia tests your knowledge of the biz, in-between quotes from a handful of celebrities who glitter in the bright firmament.

A previous post featuring some real zingers earlier this year was so popular at the old blog site - that I was thrilled to encounter a raft of new musings recently at the Theatre to share with you once again.

First up, a memorable quote from "Hairspray" teen idol Zac Efron.

"Never been waxed," the up-and-coming star allegedly sniped to a Celebrity News Magazine Show.

Weaned - well - maybe.

Of course, the remark was in reference to his trademark thin eyebrows highlightin' his pretty brow.

Personally, I prefer a pair of eyebrows that wander a little on their own - and on the fluffy side - with an occasional wispy strand fluttering here and there nonchalantly.

In response to his meterioric rise in the business, Shia LaBoef made an intriguing comment.

"Right now, I'm living in the WOW," he exclaimed excitedly.

I guess that's his Hollywood "take" on a Buddhist's spiritual teachings about being in the "NOW".

In essence, the message is crystal clear. Savor the moments from which all events flow.

You never know when they'll come back to bite you in the a**.

Congrats to Shia for exhibiting such wisdom at such a tender age.

Shakespeare put it succinctly when he once penned,

"I've never seen such a young body with such an old head."

One trivia question dared the audience to name the only "Oscar" to win the prized Academy Award.

No, not Oscar Meyer.

Although, the Regency does sell a scrumptious hot dog at the bargain basement price of one buck.

When no takers excitedly yelled at the screen, the answer crawled up for everyone to read on their own.

Oscar Hammerstein II.

Now that William Shatner is known for his priceline.com TV ADS - where consumers bid for cut-rates at Nationwide Hotels, he's in the spotlight once again.

He laughingly notes on screen: I'm "into the slasher genre" now.

Ba-dump!

I learned an interesting bit of trivia about William Shatner this past week that was never revealed before, by the way.

The Canadian Actor has never watched one episode of Star Trek!

The reason?

"Too self-conscious," he lamented to a probing interviewer.

He's afraid to catch a glimpse of his Greek form in that spandex uniform, I guess.

Matt Damon philosophized that if you wanted a job done right, you had to do it yourself.

To what was he referring? Diaper duty.

And he managed that nugget of wisdom without one flush in his face.

Right man for the job, for sure.

After all, he cleaned up at the box office with the last hit sequel, "Bourne Ultimatum".

Posh Spice (the soccer stud's wife) labeled herself a "girly girl".

Since Schwarzenegger has dibs on "girly man", I expect Beckham will have to settle for girly girl's man?

From celebrity polls, Beckam is actually a "man's man", I gather.

By the way, one trivia clip touted the fact that Liza Minnelli was the only child to have two parents (Judy Garland and Vincent Minnelli) win Oscars.

I suppose, it's all in the jeans - er - genes, eh? Just ask Calvin!

And, of course, I'd be remiss if I failed to note the staff at the Regency are pretty on-the-ball, too.

The attentive young ushers not only appear to actually be "interested" in the film industry, but bend over backwards to make sure your night of entertainment, is a memorable one.

One of the wildest spirited nights on the town?

Why, it happens to be "Insomniac Cinema" at Fridays @ 12 midnight.

See 'ya there!

John McCain...quote; the bum's rush!

McCain supporters at the ready on the campaign trail...


In spite of the fact the bill of fair on television has branched out in a myriad of intriguing and entertaining ways, some are still inclined to listen to the ramblings of talk show hosts on the humble radio.

In spite of Rush Lumbaugh's popularity in some sectors over the airwaves - a handful need to get the juices flowin', I surmise - candidate John McCain noted on the campaign trail that he rarely tuned in to check Lumbaugh's pulse.

"There's a certain trace of masochism in my family," McCain keenly observed.

But, it does not run that "deep", according to the presidential candidate, gaining momentum in the heated Presidential Race this week.

Ouch!

One of many images of Rush Lumbaugh circulating Internet...

Hillary Clinton...plans to clean up Bush's mesh!

Who's afraid of Hillary Clinton?


One of the most poignant lines in "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf" occurs when Martha - played by Oscar-winner Elizabeth Taylor - pokes her head out the front door and cries out to her slightly-inebriated husband, wallowing in his woes in a lush garden bed outside,

"Did you clean up the mess you made in here, George?"

On a breeze through the Los Angeles Metropolitan area yesterday, apparently Hillary Clinton triggered a chorus of "hurrahs" from a gang of rapt supporters when she quipped that she'd clean up any mess George W. left behind, in much the same way devoted hubby - Wild Bill - did, when Bush, Sr. exited the oval office

Talk about calling the kettle black!

If memory serves me right - it has been known to falter, I'll admit - Hillary was not terribly good at making a clean sweep after Whitewater (like La Liz in "Woolf", she tended to slip the unseemly underbelly of indiscretions under the nearest cushion) or quite capable of quelling the public's continued suspicions over other intriguing scandals, like the Norman Hsu affair.

Wise old sage Master Julian once said,

"People in glass houses should be careful about how they stow the foundations of their own thrones."


Bill Clinton dogged in recent days...

Raquel Welch...has heavy breather!

A few years ago, friends of mine owned a local answering service.

Mike was a struggling actor, and his partner - Holly - a ventriloquist. Both were talented artists trying to make a go of it in Tinsel town.

They hatched up the idea to make ends meet until their ships came in, and were delightfully surprised when their business acumen surpassed all their wildest expectations.

"A Professional Answer" became a huge success in the community at large and not just with celebrities.

Of course, message services were precursors to those pesky little cell phone dealies that dominate the landscape now.

Who knew?

Yes, leading-edge technology was about to take off, and transform the communications industry forever.

Meanwhile, Mike and Holly made a lot of hay while the sun shone.

Initially, the duo started off on a shoestring budget; practically working out of a closet on the Sunset strip in West Hollywood.

In due time, the hard-working stiffs had nabbed high-profile clients like John Travolta, Kaye Ballard, Allan Carr, George Maharis, and Alice Cooper.

One day, Mike just about went through the roof when Raquel Welch dialed up and requested service. After all, the ultra-sultry sex Goddess was his fave megastar.

He implored all of his employees,

"I don't care if you have to get down on your knees and kiss her p****, just make her happy. And, don't ever run the risk of losing her as a client."

On occasion, I lent a hand in the cramped charming little office; usually in the twilight hours when the calls tended to run at a snail's pace.

The answering service still facilitated the old PBX Boards; you know, like the ones that famed comedienne - Lily Tomlin - made famous in her "Ernestine" the operator skits. (By the way, Ms. Tomlin was a client, too. That's another story, later!)

So, when a phone would ring, the board would light up. Just like in the sketch with Lily, one signal would count for one ringie-dingie.

On the third ringie-dingie (unless specified by the client) the operators assumed that the individual was out or inclined to not answer - and so - would proceed to pick up and jot down a message.

As I was glued to the screen of a lowly Black and White TV, devouring scenes from - "Mary Hartman Mary Hartman" - the Curtis line lit up.

Oh yeah, forgot to mention that. Raquel Welch's plain old "married name" - Curtis -used on the service.

Near the end of a big belly laugh, triggered by a hilarious quip on the off-beat comedy show, the third ringie-dingie sounded. So, I stretched my long elegant hand across the board, snapped up the black cord, and plugged into the Curtis line to answer the call.

"Curtis residence," I answered smartly.

There was a brief silence, then - oh-my-God - I heard a distinct heavy breathing.

As I was about to utter a response, suddenly I heard Raquel say,

"Hello. Hello?"

There was no verbal response, only heavy passionate breathing.

"Is that you, Ms. Curtis?" I queried in my most-bestest professional tone of voice.

At this juncture, Raquel noted she was experiencing a problem with a heavy-breather or something.

I instructed her to call me back on the trunk line (where clients dialed in for their messages) so we could continue the discussion in private.

She did. So, we continued.

According to Ms. Welch, whenever she picked up the phone, some wacko was on the end of the line breathing heavy.

More importantly, Raquel noted she was expecting an important business call from overseas which she did not want to miss.

Alas, what was a girl to do?

In view of the dilemma, I hatched a scheme.

When the phone rang again, I instructed her to pick up the line on the third ring only - at which point - I would plug in on the line in unison with her so the caller would not hear her pick up or be mindful of the fact she had answered the call.

In the event her desired contact was on the phone, I would simply hang up, and she'd continue with the conversation.

On the other hand, if the breather commenced again with his sicko act, Raquel would simply drop the cradle of the telephone and I would deal with the deviant character.

So, we stuck to the plan throughout the evening, until the anonymous caller eventually gave up and packed it in for the night.

"Oh, you were so wonderful," Raquel gushed afterward.

Well, that's why I get paid so handsomely in doughnuts and coffee, 'ya know?


A film Raquel Welch scorched up the screen in!

Petula Clark...sparks memories of my childhood!

One of my favorite music invasions was British!


After a tough day battling torrential storms here on the West Coast, I headed back to the Hotel, and snuggled into bed with a piping hot cup of exotic tea.

While I was channel surfing, I stumbled across an infomercial of Petula Clark belting out "Downtown" and her other hits of yesteryear.

Suddenly, I was transported into the past to the days of my innocent youth.

In the wee hours of the night - I often plugged in the earphones of my tiny transistor radio (shaped like a hockey puck) - and mouthed the lyrics of catchy tunes made popular by the "British Music Invasion" which Petula was a vital part of.

In those childhood years, I resided outside of Oshawa, on a quaint little street known as Kilmaurs Avenue, next to an old country farm.

A smile comes to my face when I recall the clever rig I devised with a cord to facilitate an on-off switch on the beat-up TV so I could savor classic films on late-night TV, without getting caught.

In the event Gramma heard strains of the ongoing dialog on the boob tube in her room down the hall, I simply had to tug on the rope to turn the set off.

By the time the door swung open, I'd be pretending to be fast asleep, as the old gal peered into the bedroom, perplexed.

Heh, given the opportunity, I could have invented the remote control, eh?

On sun-drenched days, in those boisterous days of my lazy youth, I often trotted over to "Happy Hollow" - a swim hole in the local creek - to splash around with the neighborhood kids and wile away the golden hours.

Occasionally, I would take a detour, though - and head over to the sprawling "Little Buckaroo Ranch" - where a miniature-sized western town was inclined to urge tourists to indulge their fantasies during the summer break.

My first kiss was out back in a field where nigh-high reeds gently rustled in the whispering wind next to an old rustic barn.

The object of my affections was a pretty young girl by the name of Pamela who lived a hop-and-a-skip down the lane.

To this day, her crystal face - and luminous eyes - loom large at will.

Across the street, Mrs. Chamberlain - a God-fearing woman - baked bread for the locals to supplement her income.

Gramma would plop a few coins in my hand, and I'd dash across the dusty road to pick up a couple of loaves fresh out of the oven, before she closed up shop for the day.

Back home, we'd pull off the hot crust and slather it with butter and homemade jam - and quite generally - make pigs of ourselves.

What a gluttonous feast, it was.

The Chamberlains were "Seven Day Adventists".

Some of their religious practices were a bit peculiar to me at the time.

For instance, the children were barred from watching TV, of all silly things.

Worse than that - because of their strict ideas views on war - the towheads were not allowed to play with toy guns in make-believe shoot-outs with the other local boys.

Or, even engage in a raucous game of capture the flag. Rats!

Their spiritual practices puzzled me somewhat, too.

For the duration of my stint in the country, I attended a two-room school house farther out in the sticks, at the edge of town.

If the pipes froze up in the winter (which they were want to do more often than not) or the school bus couldn't barrel through the pristine snow drifting across the highway in a wintry blast - we'd play hookey for the day - go tobogganing, ice-skating, whatever!

You know, when you live in the country, you learn a lot about animals, nature, and things that go bump in the night.

For instance, it struck me as odd when the local farmer erected a slip-shod fence around the pond each winter; after all, it didn't appear to make any sense.

But, one fine morning, I cornered the rancher on the back forty - and after some quizzing - he revealed the reasoning behind it.

"Cows are dumb," he laughed.

"When the pond is frozen, they wander on to the ice and quickly lose their balance. Usually, in the struggle, their hoofs go this way 'n that - at which point they fall down - and end up breaking their legs."

Ah, the memories.

One balmy summer eve - as the crickets chirped in harmony and stars twinkled brightly in the inky black sky - I gazed at the heavens wondering what lay beyond in the great wondrous divide.

Suddenly, without warning, the night air was pierced by the voice of Poppa, hailing me for dinner.

Poppa!

Such a kind old man.

One stormy night, we were caught in the thick soup of a nasty snow storm that blew in from the North, unannounced.

At one point, as Poppa steered the old Studebaker carefully through the blinding blizzard, the vehicle started to skid and slide towards a gutter at the side of the treacherous road.

"I'm sorry, kids," he cried out in distress.

That was Poppa, always thinking of others before himself.

Funny, the memories that cling to the inner recesses of our minds, over the dusty course of the eventful years.

Each moment is a treasure - all the salient ones cherished and strung together - to account for a life that is uniquely our own.

Petula Clark...Downtown, music video (1964)

Barack Obama...brown paper bag and ruler test; does he pass? McLaughlin talks!

Intriguing cast of characters on McLaughlin group...


In the wake of the initial brouhaha over race issues in the current presidential race - and the subsequent feeding frenzy on the part of the media and pundits thereafter - the McLaughlin Group invited two well-known "Black" personalities to appear on air to discuss the African American "elite" class from their unique perspectives.

For sure, it was an intriguing, lively, and insightful discussion.

To get the ball rolling - McLaughlin probed the two speakers right off-the-bat about a curious subject - exclusive private clubs for "blacks".

For example, he quizzed them as to whether inclusion in a "member only" club was essential to secure a place in the rarefied air of the upper-crust in America.

And - in the event that were true - from the horse's mouth sought to determine which organizations those might be.

I was surprised to learn there are a handful of "private clubs" that cater to select African American cliques. To gain entrance - a potential candidate not only needed a personal invitation - but was required to meet strict qualifications, as well.

The "Guardsmen" and "Jack and Jill" appeared to be two exclusive clubs at the top of the wish list for any black hopeful.

According to the founders of "Jack and Jill", the mission of their group is,

"To create a medium of contact for children which will stimulate their growth and development, provide constructive educational, cultural, civic, recreational, and social and service programs for children, and aid mothers in learning more about their children by careful study. It is also the goal to seek for ALL children the same advantages we desire for our own. And, to support all national legislation aimed at bettering conditions for children."

In sum, "Jack and Jill" seeks to raise community awareness of the needs of children, concerns within the African American community - and likewise - prompt action in respect to these and other pressing relevant issues when appropriate.

Through national incentives like health programs and collaborative partnerships with other organizations, local chapters of "Jack and Jill" allegedly make a difference in the lives of their members, as well as the communities they serve, according to insiders.

Obviously, said clubs are worth joining, if the advantages are there.

But what about the issue of "exclusivity"?

The guests noted that the clubs are not unlike those that exist in white communities or in any other ethnic group around the nation.

In addition to inclusion in prestigious organizations like those aforementioned, Blacks who seek a coveted spot in the upper reaches of the black community are required to meet other standards or "litmus tests" as well.

For starters, lineage is quite important.

For example - "Where your grandfather went to school" - is a contributing factor for "acceptance".

No riff raff, please!

In fact - when the subject turned to the issue of skin "tone" - the conversation got touchy on occasion.

In fact, a couple of McLaughlin's astute observations, appeared to rile the edgy guests.

For instance, when Lawrence Graham mentioned the "brown paper bag and ruler test", the pundit was given the old run-around when he sought to determine the origins of the "test".

Understandable - since the "test" created a "class" system within the Black community - according to critics.

Any Afro-American with skin "lighter" than a brown paper bag (and with hair as straight as a ruler) was accepted into the higher class - while those with distinctive negro features - were relegated to the lower strata.

Graham and Horton were adamant that white plantation owners created the test during a period when slavery was legal and prevalent in the south.

It was stated point-blank - as a matter-of-fact - that a light-skinned black was favored by slave owners for employment in the "main house" as service personnel to carry out menial chores.

For this reason, darker-skinned African Americans were relegated to the status of field workers - which ultimately - affected their standing in the community for decades to come.

Along with the trappings of "house" privilege - came spoils like education - for the lighter-skinned of the race.

As a result - this sector of the black community was able to "move up" - according to the scholars.

When McLaughlin suggested that the "class system" was perpetuated by the Black community itself, there was a heated debate on the issue.

At this juncture, the talk drifted to blacks who tried to "hide" their roots, to get ahead in what they perceived as a "white man's" world.

Graham noted that he knew one young man who took his College credit off his resume because it was known as a learning institution for black students. Then, he proceeded to slip into the community-at-large to "pass" himself off as white to strive for goals he thought were out of reach as a consequence of his skin color.

It reminded me of the Hollywood Movie - "Imitation of Life" - which starred film legend, Lana Turner (1959).

A socialite employs a black woman as a maid in her home.

When the daughter of the humble African American worker comes of age - and surmises her life as a "black" will be a stumbling block to her dreams - she runs away, lands a job in a nightclub as a dancer, then turns her back on her mother and her black heritage.

When the maid passes away, the mistress (Lana Turner) honors her wish for a dignified funeral service replete with horse-drawn carriage.

When the daughter hears of her mother's passing, she quietly stands on the edges of the gathering crowd in the street, to pay her respects as the procession passes by. Suddenly, she becomes so overcome with grief, that she spontaneously breaks through the mob and throws herself on the casket.

Whoa, what a powerful moment in the cinema!

I recall being all teary-eyed and emotional when the dramatic heart-wrenching scene sprang to life on the silver screen.

In spite of these Hollywood-style exceptions, the speakers were mindful of the fact that those who achieved elevated status and recognition in the black community were inclined to "give back" to the community with the express purpose of nurturing the culture along.

For this reason, Clarence Thomas (Supreme Court Justice) was chastised for not making any significant effort to "belong" to the Black Community or taking it upon himself to help others less-fortunate in his race.

Although the subject turned to those who "met" or "did not meet" the long-standing "brown paper bag and ruler test" - for some inexplicable reason (and in spite of the fact it was an obvious question) - no one chose to discuss Barack Obama's status in that regard.

Did the parties make a pact not to discuss the issue on-air prior to taping to avoid any controversy or bad press in the wake of such a pronouncement?

Curious, indeed.

In recent years, I've noticed that children playing in school yards and on busses around the nation - of all racial persuasion - appear to be comfortable in their skin.

Now that interracial marriages are accepted (and more the norm) I expect that somewhere down the rocky racially-charged-road - as the races intermix - there will be one distinct "skin color" on the planet.

As a result, racial conflicts will end.

I have a dream!



Lana Turner and Juanita Moore in "Imitation of Life"...

John Edwards...bows out of campaign race; heartfelt e-mail explains!

I was saddened to hear that John Edwards chose to end his campaign since I thought in my heart he was best man for the job!

Dear Julian,

You have stood with Elizabeth and me throughout this campaign. Your support has sustained us as we have traveled across this country.

Earlier today, I suspended my campaign for the Democratic nomination for the presidency. I made this announcement from where our journey began just over 12 months ago: New Orleans.

I began my presidential campaign in New Orleans to remind the country that all of us - as citizens and as a government - have a moral responsibility to each other, and what we do together matters.

Now, it's time for me to step aside so that history can blaze its path. We do not know who will take the final steps to the White House - but what we do know is that our Democratic Party will make history.

And, along the way, all of you who have been involved in this campaign and this movement for change and this cause, I am asking you to continue speaking out for those who have no voice, just as Elizabeth and I will continue to do.

We need you.

Do not turn away from the great struggles before us. Do not give up on the causes that we have fought for. Do not walk away from what's possible, because it's time for all of us - all of us together - to make the two Americas one.

We need you.

I hope you will take a few moments to listen to the video clip of my speech in New Orleans earlier this afternoon or to read it below.

In the meantime, Elizabeth and my family join me in thanking all of you for your support and for working so hard on my behalf. We are truly blessed to have such friends.

Thank you.

John Edwards
January 30, 2008

See Video speech below...

John Edwards...bows out of race for Presidency!

St. Francis Hotel...host to Kings and Queens. Sumptuous digs!

Prestigious St. Francis Hotel on Union Square!

 

If you're looking for a place to meet a friend or business associate downtown, why not under the clock?

For decades many locals and tourists have been doing just that.

Since it was first erected in the lobby of the San Francisco Hotel - the famed Magneta Grandfather clock has been the meeting place for an eclectic mix - celebrated artists, sons, dignitaries, friends, lovers, jet-set travelers, and the like.

The timepiece is an enduring symbol which was installed in 1907.

Unknown to most, the Hotel's Powell Street master clock controls all the others in the turn-of-the-century landmark, and is housed just inside the lobby off the entrance at Union Square in downtown San Francisco.

As I strolled through the luxurious lobby the other day, a Hotel Manager noted that in spite of the fact the St. Francis is relatively young (100 years), it is rich and abundant in history.
The Charles Crocker family first announced plans to build the Westin St. Francis in the early nineteen hundreds. Their grand vision was to transform the city of San Francisco into the "Paris of the West" and The Union Square Hotel was intended to be its towering flagship.

The luxury Hotel was designed by the architectural firm of Bliss & Faville and was originally built with two of its present wings.

After spending a whopping 2.5 million on the project, the Hotel doors opened on March 21 (1904). So many San Franciscans were anxious to gain entrance the first night that by seven o'clock that evening a line of carriages and automobiles stretched three blocks down the street in a snarl of traffic.

In fact - the hotel became so popular in such a short span of time - that within six months the owners announced plans to add a third wing, two floors of apartments, and a ballroom to accommodate the demand.

Unfortunately, in 1906 the hotel was gutted in a fire that took place after the earthquake of April 18. Shortly thereafter, the owners built a temporary replacement which became known as the "Little St. Francis" in Union Square.

But, by the end of 1907, the hotel had been reconstructed and was open to guests once again.
In 1972 a thirty-two story tower was built behind the Hotel on Union Square.

From the time of its initial construction, the St. Francis Hotel has been one of the most prestigious hotels in the West. Undoubtedly, that is the reason the upscale hostelry became a favorite with a handful of Hollywood actors and other celebrities inclined towards luxury trappings.

With that distinction, some notoriety arrived on the doorstep, as well.

In 1921, well-known actor - Roscoe "Fatty" Arbuckle - checked into a suite on the twelfth floor; shortly thereafter - the tragic death of a woman at a party he hosted - caused such a scandal that ended his career.

There is an account of the incident housed in a glass case in the lobby that is labeled - "A Historical Review of People vs. Arbuckle" - complete with a candid "mug shot".
The Hotel's posh banquet rooms and ritzy restaurants often hosted the chicest soiress in the enticing "city by the bay" which were often attended by the town's social elite.

Many U.S. Presidents, an Emperor of Japan, the Shah of Iran, the King of Malaysia, Douglas MacArthur, and celebrated novelists such as Ernest Hemingway have been among the notables who have checked into the lavish St. Francis Hotel over the years.

In 1935, the mural room opened featuring celebrated motifs of Persia and the Orient by well-known artist Albert Herter.

The restaurant inside was presided over by the legendary - but fussy - Chef Victor Hirtzler. And, for decades, tony guests lunched on exquisite cuisine once they had passed muster and were seated in hierarchical precedence by Swiss Maitre d' Ernest Gloor.

During the War - Suite 294 - was the headquarters for the USO. In that comfortable bank of rooms, nurses relaxed among friends and associates, penned letters, and exchanged memories.
In the forties, a contingent of world leaders and dignitaries descended on the Hotel in a bold-faced effort to form an organization with the aim of achieving peace around the Globe. Of course, those were the humble beginnings of the United Nations.

To this day, a masterful collection of Ansel Adams prints (commissioned by original owner Crocker) hang on view for delighted art enthusiasts to enjoy.

Carefully preserved artifacts are also on display in the main lobby for the curious to inspect at whim.

In one display case, for instance, there is an old beer coaster with an inscription bearing the quaint message - "Ask for your change in War stamps" - for instance.

In another, a route map drafted up for quick exits in the event of a "Black Out", hints at the perils of a bygone era.

At the same location, a framed flier which boasts quality rooms for the remarkable sum of $3.50, is a delight to take a gander at, too.

The St. Francis Hotel has been known for its beautiful suites; today, you'd pay considerably more than that, I expect.

Since its notable entrance on the world circuit, St. Francis has become the center of San Francisco's social, literary, and artistic life. And, of course, first choice for the elite who alight now and then in romantic San Francisco.

As I headed out the door, I spied a faded photograph of Al Jolson in a corner bookshelf, under an old news clip.

As I slipped my glasses on my snoz and read the tiny blurb beneath, I was startled to learn that the "Mammy" singer spent his last breath of life in the famed Hotel.
Ah, but what a way to go!

http://www.julian1st.wordpress.com

Hillary Clinton...wins Edsel, or maybe...

An oddball situation in Florida.

Just maybe, the muses are playing a cruel trick on wily Hillary, again.

Or, are the Gods just testing her mettle in new and uncanny ways, for some inexplicable reason?

Before the vote count got underway on Tuesday in the ole Sunshine State, Mrs. Clinton elected to take flight on the heels of her loss in South Carolina.

No doubt, she thought to herself, "There aren't any delegates to be had, so I may as well move on."

Focus where the spoils are, eh Hillary?

Lo and behold, when the votes were counted up, she ended up with "top tally". Even still, it was kind of a "no-win" win.

Mrs. Clinton appeared to win an Edsel, or at best, one with nothing under the hood.

What to do, without a "little engine that could"?

Well, pull the old Hillary switcheroo, of course!

She put on her party dress, and moseyed on in to FLA, and let out a Victory cry! In spite of the fact, it was a hollow one, indeed.

In response, Barack was there - like a bat out of hell - to rain on her parade, stomp his foot, and whine to all within earshot,

"She can't have it both ways."

Because she basically "boycotted" the region - gave it up for a loss - in the aftermath, Barack fumed that a claim of "Victory" was definitely a foul.

Bottom line, both sorry candidates ended up with a large goose egg.

Zilch!

And, ten lashes from the voters for being so petty about much ado about nothin'.

If the balloters thought the way Hillary and Obama did, who knows, maybe they would have been a "no-show" at the polling stations - stayed at home - instead.

How would the Dems like d'em apples - er - oranges, then?

Frankly, I find it rancorous - that to some - the residents of Florida don't amount to a hill of beans in the overall scheme of things in the presidential race.

While Hillary's appearance (all seven swift minutes of it) may have been over the top when she dropped in to snatch up her prize, the truth remains. Jetting in impromptu to "thank" the State's supporters - was not only the right "thing" to do - but the proper etiquette, as well.

To many, she probably scored high points for that.

But, of course, they don't count, or do they?

Don't residents of Florida have family and friends in other parts of the country, as well?

Yeah, you get my drift!

Hillary again, one conniving step ahead.

You've got to hand it to her; she's got smarts up the a**.

Barack in swim of things...

Cork...screw it in, whip it out, recycle!

I suppose after you settle in for a fine gourmet dinner and pop open a bottle of vintage wine, you simply toss the cork into the trash can, right?

Now, environmentalists are asking consumers to recycle the cork, for good reason.

Natural cork stoppers (unlike petroleum-based synthetic closures) are a sustainable resource and one of the few forms of product packaging that is 100% recyclable, biodegradable, and completely environmentally friendly.

After its life as a stopper, a bottle cork can be facilitated for flooring tiles, building insulation, automotive gaskets, craft materials, soil conditioner, and sports equipment.

Imagine that! A versatile little sucker, eh?

Because of a worldwide interest in sustainable agriculture and natural products like cork, an alliance of concerned businesses, individuals, and ecological organizations has been formed to address the opportunities to recycle nature cork closures.

Amorim & Irmaos of Portugal - the world's largest producer of natural cork wine closures (and their U.S. Sales office Amorim Cork America) - have joined forces with SOLV (an Oregon-based environmental action resource) to launch a national cork recycling program starting in Oregon.

Although cork trees can live over 200 years, the precious crop can only be harvested once every decade. On that occasion, only a portion of the bark is removed, and the still is left standing.

One of the reasons for environmentalists to be concerned?

Cork forests are essential in maintaining the delicate ecosystems of the Mediterranean because they impact weather patterns, soil health, wildlife habitat, C02 uptake, and help moderate overall global warning trends in certain regions.

So, for environmentalists, it makes sense to take action now.

In the final analysis, cork recycling is one step everyone can take to reduce the carbon signature unwittingly created during the course of our daily lives.

Known as ReCORK America, the program will begin by providing collection boxes in wineries and select retail locations in Oregon.

The program's goal is to collect one ton of corks by the end of September, 2008.

It takes approximately 100,000 champagne corks or nearly 300,000 wine corks to yield a ton (2,000 lbs.) of cork.

But, to make the drive work, corks are needed.

Consumers in the collection areas established as of this date, are asked to save their natural wine corks (no synthetics, please) then, periodically drop 'em off in the recycling boxes at participating wineries.

Can't wait?

Get in touch with the organizers and get plugged in, today!

contact: www.amorimcork.com

contact: www.amorimca.com

contact: www.solv.org

Los Angeles Times...prints old news, influence peddling?

The LA TIMES of yesteryear...news that was fit to print!


I was quite surprised when I picked up a copy of the LA Times today and noticed that the editors were reporting "old news".

On page one, journalists not only touted a "big lead" for presidential candidates - Hillary Clinton and John McCain - in one of their main features, but beefed up the report with a snazzy pie chart on page eighteen inside - with data strung together to reflect the alleged trend in the polls.

Buried down in the article, the newspaper casually noted in a mere line or two, that the data was gathered before the outcome announced in South Carolina on Saturday, January 26th - and prior to the "Kennedy" endorsement of Barack Obama (which was officially announced to the press on Monday, January 28th, 2008).

Curious!

The paper was quick to report on Bush's - "State of the Union" - speech just fresh off his lips last night.

In spite of the fact the polling data was all over the Network News on Saturday, January 26th (the eve of the Obama win) for some inexplicable reason, their writers were incapable of accurately "piecing together" a report of the "updated" trends as they stood at press deadline on Monday eve.

When you consider the fact their "old news" favored Hillary - at the expense of revealing Obama's obvious surge forward toward the throne over the weekend - you have to seriously wonder, is some influence peddling underfoot?

Saddam Hussein...60 Minutes interview. A public relations ploy by FBI?

George W. says good-bye to Saddam Hussein...

Saddam Hussein in happier days...






George Piro (FBI Agent)






In his last days, he tended a small garden he nurtured with his own hands, and penned prose.

The man in question? Saddam Hussein.

In fact, an FBI agent - George Piro - made some of these startling revelations about the deposed tyrant in an intriguing interview with 60 Minutes on CBS a few weeks ago.

According to Piro, he was assigned the task of interrogating the former Iraq leader, while he was under the custody of the U.S. Government.

The articulate likeable man was chosen because he was Lebanese and fluent in Arabic.

Ultimately, the brass at the intelligence agency, were betting on Hussein warming up to such an individual - at which point - they hoped the deposed leader's thoughts may become unloosed.

The aim was to secure all-important information previously undisclosed.

Allegedly, Saddam never knew his interrogator was an FBI Agent. In fact, Hussein thought Piro was answerable directly to George W. Bush.

From the offset, it was apparent that one of America's top law enforcement agencies, was playing a number of subtle mind games on a multitude of levels during the course of the interrogation process.

For instance, the agent noted that part of the strategy was to place Saddam in a seated position with his back to one wall, while the agent sat with his back against the only door to the cell where he was being housed.

"It was psychological," Piro proudly noted.

In sum, the scheme was hatched to impress upon Saddam that Piro was the one who stood between him and the outside world - in fact - held the keys to his freedom.

The FBI also devised a scheme to literally control Saddam's awareness of "time". For instance, none of the guards with access to Saddam were permitted to wear a timepiece.

In contrast, Piro wore the largest wristwatch they could find.

The scheme was devised to get the idea across to Saddam that his keeper controlled that, too.

A well-thought-out plan - and it worked - according to the agent.

In fact, over time, Saddam let slip a few of his innermost thoughts.

For example, during the course of the "relationship", Saddam showed no remorse about the loss of his sons. But more astounding, was the response he gave when questioned about one of the two who was accused of raping women.

"You can't pick your kids. You get what you get," he is alleged to have sighed.

During the course of the interviews, Saddam admitted that there were "no" weapons of mass destruction in Iraq. Apparently, they had been destroyed earlier on, before the U.S. attack.

He noted that he concealed the fact to give the country a sense of security.

At this juncture, Hussein admitted part of the reason he engaged in the deception, was due to the fact he was "afraid of Iran".

Saddam's admission about the lack of weapons of mass destruction appears to support the allegation that Bush's administration clearly "lied" about the existence of said weapons.

When the interviewer asked why Saddam didn't fess up to prevent the U.S. onslaught, Piro alleged that Saddam confessed he didn't think Bush would invade Iraq.

Wrong!

By the way - he didn't like George Jr. - or his father!

He was unapologetic about using chemical warfare on the Kurds, too.

"Necessary," he asserted.

And the reason he invaded Kuwait?

"He was angered by comments a Kuwait Official made about turning Iraq women into ten-dollar prostitutes," said Piro.

Interestingly, Hussein said he wouldn't want to be in the same room with hunted fugitive - Osama Bin Laden - nor did he support the terrorist's actions.

His reason? "You can't trust fanatics."

The former dictator also noted that he found the American political system odd.

For instance, Hussein thought a four-year term in office was not long enough for a politician to get the lay of the land, so-to-speak.

"You're breaking in a new president every four years," he apparently joked.

Of course, this from the man who obtained all his information about the American democratic system, from Hollywood movies he viewed in a private screening room at one of his opulent Palaces.

Did he ever show anger in the presence of his captors?

"Just once, when he was shown footage of his statue being torn down from its pedestal".

On that occassion, Piro noted that Hussein's faced flushed and his eyes filled with hate.

On a humorous note, Piro noted that because Saddam's birthday was not being celebrated by anyone that year (the occasion used to be a National Holiday) he brought Hussein cookies baked by his mother!

When his Ma found out later who ravenously devoured 'em, she smartly slapped her son on the back of the head.

Well, that's the way the cookie crumbles, eh?

Interestingly, when Piro was asked if Saddam was ever tortured, he was quick and to the point.

"The FBI does not torture people".

In view of the recent news reports about the CIA, and allegations of illegal torture on the far reaches of foreign soil, that claim stretches one's credulity.

In fact, shortly after that steadfast pronouncement, Piro's superior at the FBI Headquarters noted on-camera that the Agency was celebrating their 100th Anniversary in 2008.

Ah, suddenly it hit me like a lightning bolt.

Now it all made sense: the pat answers, the rapid-fire responses without hesitation, the lack of footage to support Piro's claims.

I betcha the FBI was simply packaging up a neat and tidy account of things in a deceitful attempt to tie up all the loose ends to their advantage.

In the final analysis, their express aim appears to have been to dispel any doubts about Saddam Hussein.

Was the 60 minutes interview just a clever public relations ploy by the FBI - on the eve of their 100th anniversary - to enhance their image to Americans across the Nation?

I wonder.

http://www.julianayrs.com

San Francisco...police officers kill panhandler! They shoot horses, don't they?

Over the weekend, San Francisco Police Officers gunned down a panhandler, they allege lunged at them with a knife.

Obviously, from the news reports, it is apparent that the gentleman in question was suffering from serious mental problems and in dire need of medical help.

Was it not possible for the Officers to subdue the man by some other means - by stun gun, perhaps?

It seems like such a sad loss of life over a trivial matter, such as "begging" in the streets.

Maybe that is the new "modus operandi" for dealing with beggars these days on San Francisco's mean streets.

They shoot horses, don't they?


Let us be guided by charity and compassion...

Democrats...polarization of races, South Carolina!

The White guys love me, what can I say?



Bill Moyer joked on his talk show the other night that pundits were accusing Bill Clinton of putting a spotlight on the fact that Barack Obama is a black candidate...

"Are they saying that no one noticed before that Obama is Black? Come on," he lamented, somewhat flabberghasted.

Well, no matter how you look at it, the word appears to be out.

If African Americans were unaware of the fact before, they sure as heck know now.

For instance, yesterday - at last count in the South Carolina polls - 81% of the Black population sprung into action and voted for Obama.

In another sector of the community there, John Edwards allegedly garnered 47% of the white male vote.

In view of the trend, the analysts have declared there is an obvious polarization of the races, underway in the Presidential Race.

Come "Big Tuesday", we'll see the phenomenon in full swing.

Any predictions?

In view of the fact a large number of females (black and white) also voted for Obama in SC, it's a toss up, in my estimation!

See you at the polls!

Turn in the road...tide changes for Obama!

Quentin Tarantino...tantrum in Park, Utah. Give the man a break!

Embarrassing footage of Quentin Tarantino - cutting up on camera - has been circulating the tabloid gossip shows this past week.

Apparently, Quentin was schlepping along the street and minding his own business in Park, Utah - where the Sundance Film Festival is underway - when a cameraman dashed up with the intent of capturing the quirky director in his element.

Quentin stopped dead in his tracks when he spied the paparazzi - turned to him - then quipped, with an exasperated look on his face,

"What are you doing?"

When the photog failed to answer, an altercation ensued between the two.

Now, gossip mongers are using the incident to cast a negative light on Quentin Tarantino, and his reputation.

On more than one occasion, I've covered events that Tarentino attended and not only witnessed his behavior up-close, but also unobserved from afar....on the street, at a local movie house, wherever.

For the record, I can state quite emphatically, that Mr. Tarentino has always been generous to fans, usually stopping to sign an autograph or two.

Give the man a break, eh?

One has only to approach Quentin with a little courtesy, to land a memorable photo op, I assure you.

As to the clash in Utah, well, it was triggered by the inappropriate conduct of the dim-witted cameraman, in my estimation.

Julia Roberts put it succinctly when she noted,

“I don't think I realized that the cost of fame is that it's open season on every moment of your life.”