Obama advisor resigns...name calling, fudging on policy - at issue!

News that a top advisor in the Obama camp resigned within the past twenty-four hours came as quite a shocker over the news wire. Fortunately, the campaign worker in question relinquished her post without much argument; otherwise, the fallout could have conceivably upset the Presidential candidate's momentum a tad...

According to the Los Angeles Times - Foreign Policy Advisor, Samantha Power - landed in hot water after labeling Hillary a "monster" in recent days.

Well, I am sure the Dem fatale has been called worse!

Curiously, when the term "monster" is uttered aloud, it often conjures up shocking images of Elizabeth Taylor in her academy-award-winning role as "Martha" (in the riveting film adaptation of playwright Edward Albee's hit play, "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf") where, at one juncture in the dark drama, "Martha" contorts her face in agony and screams - "I am not a monster".

In that context, all the nasty images of a sloppy drunk clawing desperately for survival flash forward through my mind...

In this instant case, one can only imagine what personality quirks Ms. Power was referring to, when she uttered the insult in recent days.

More dastardly was another comment she allegedly tossed out - without thinking - on the issue of Iraq.

When Power was quizzed about Obama's stance on the War, she was somewhat philosophical in tone,

"You can't make a commitment in March 2008 about what circumstances will be like in January 2009," she stated matter-of-fact. Indeed, she actually had the gumption to tack on to the end of the comment - without conferring with the "Messiah" first, no doubt - "Best case scenario, he (Obama) will revisit when he becomes President."

Whoa, Nellie!

Talk about foot in mouth...the Iraq "pull out" has been a major campaign issue. And, the policy touted has been manipulated in recent weeks to garner landslide votes for Barack Obama across the Nation.

A change of position would undoubtedly have disastrous ramifications for the Presidential hopeful now, in this crucial phase of the presidential race; especially with Hillary Clinton (the two-headed Cyclops) breathing down his neck!

Couldn't Ms. Power fathom that?

Needless to say, in spite of her Harvard background and a brief stint at Time Magazine as a respected (?) journalist, it appears that "Sam" is now all washed up!

To facilitate her own words in recent days...she "f***ed up".

"I'm not a monster..."

Ms. Pettigrew...charming entertaining musical with great cast!

Ms. Pettigrew gets a leg up...


Ms. Pettigrew is an entertaining period piece which does not disappoint.

Set in London, just prior to the outbreak of World War II, the musical comedy is obviously an homage to the smart screwball comedies of yesteryear tailored for the likes of screen greats Cary Grant, Katherine Hepburn, and Spencer Tracy.

The film - adapted for the screen by David Magee and Simon Beaufoy (based on the 1938 Novel by Winifred Watson) - moves along at a fast clip, buttressed at times by catchy big band instrumentals which tend to get the foot tapping and elicit wide goofy smiles to the face.

Care to dance, anyone?

Frances McDormand (FARGO) turns in a delicious (yet poignant) multi-faceted performance which tugs at the heartstrings on occasion.

From the get-go, it is evident that the cast that buoys her up throughout the romantic comedy are seasoned pros, too. Without doubt, a handful of the talented thespians who parade across the screen sprang from a rigorous theatrical background on the stage.

It shows!

The pacing is good, and the comedic timing right on the money, as well.

The production values are both lavish and visually stunning; in part, due to all the exquisite details - from the Art Deco-inspired sets - to the scrumptious eye-catching fashions of the era.

In a nutshell, Ms. McDormand plays a down-on-her-luck governess desperate for a job.

Seizing upon a golden opportunity for gainful employment in an upper crust section of town, Ms. Pettigrew is suddenly thrust headlong into the intrigues of her new mistress - a scatterbrained Starlet - torn between the urge for love and the lure of a promising career.

It appears that the invisible hand of God is at work (Pettigrew is the daughter of a man of the cloth, after all) and that McDormand's character has found her true calling.

Her selfless acts of kindness not only set a handful of the dizzy characters on the right path, but effect a miraculous healing in the process.

In true Hollywood style, love's crush descends on Ms. Pettigrew, too.

To cynics, it is sheer fantasy.

To others, a dream worth pining for.


Two of Pettigrew's charges snared by Cupid's arrow...

10,000 B.C...lush images, limp plot, delights senses!

Hollywood threw up the street barriers and rolled out the thick red carpet at Mann's Chinese for a handful of power-players in Tinseltown who purred up to the curb in long sleek limos to take in the premiere of the Warner Brothers release 10,000 B.C.

The Hollywood strip was a biz of a zoo - what with all the excited tourists clicking away furiously at talented "Celebrity Impersonators" performing impromptu on the Hollywood "Walk of Fame" - and a long line of curious gawkers forming a line across the street for a taping of the Jimmy Kimmel Show.

So, the opening-night jitters of a handful of popular filmmakers stirred up the pot a bit.

In spite of the fact director Roland Emmerich rolled out a string of big ticket hits in recent years - "Godzilla", "Independence Day", "The Day After Tomorrow" - a negative pre-show buzz hinted that the new offering might fizzle at the box office once the word leaked out.

Shortly after the curtain fell - a large part of the under-thirty audience settled in - for what I thought was a bit of a celluloid disappointment.

The plot - what there was of it - was rather thin.

In the opening scenes a witch doctor has a "vision" about a prophecy which summarily comes to pass.

Before you can say - "plot twist" - a young woman with penetrating "blue eyes" (spoken of in a legend) is snatched up from their midst by a warring tribe from a land beyond the Great Mountain at the "eye of the snake".

Yeah, it's all pretty mysterious mystical stuff!

Our young hero - played by Steven Strait (no idea whether he is or not) - gathers up a handful of the tribe's best to track 'em with the ultimate aim of returning the woman with the soulful eyes to their village safe.

Along the way the savages encounter intriguing tribes of various stripes and persuasions in far-flung regions of the globe that have yet to be explored and mapped for future posterity.

During these entertaining segments, the popcorn crowd is riveted to their seats, as the myriad quirks and ancient rituals of these mysterious peoples unfold in captivating enthralling ways.

The cinematography is lush.

Subsequently, the images touch and hold the theatre-going public in their magical thrall, and are heightened by a stirring soundtrack at times reminiscent of one that resonated so hauntingly in the "The Gladiator".

Unfortunately, Mr. Strait looked like he was dropped into the prehistoric past straight out of suburbia, replete with muscled bod sculpted at Gold's Gym.

Unfortunately - he lacked the acting chops and basic prerequisite screen persona to carry the project - primitive or not

In contrast, the supporting players were fairly capable, and succeeded admirably in their characterizations where the lead player failed.

The special effects were DYNAMITE!

10,000 B.C. is really much ado about nothing - but fun, nonetheless - to journey along for the ride with the Encino Man.

Insomniac Cinema...Dazed and Confused. Warning, this film may be hazardous to mental Health!

Insomniac Cinema continues to be a hot ticket at the Regency Theatre on Friday nights at the witching hour at the stroke of twelve midnight.

One weekend, I was forced to jostle my way into the Theatre, amid a throng of restless excited youths (18-24) storming the gates for a screening of the cult classic, "Dazed and Confused".

Inside the Theatre, a wild roar prevailed right throughout the per-show entertainment.

Regency now offers up visual puzzles (a snippet of celluloid frames give clues as to the title of a film) and Pop Culture quizzes, in addition to the standard movie trivia we've come to pine for at the Fairfax District location.

For example, were you aware that the "Mona Lisa" is actually three paintings in one?
To save big bucks on art materials, artist Leonardo da Vinci simply painted over creations he was not satisfied with, which later offered up dilemmas for Art Historians to resolve in the aftermath.

Yeah, cool stuff to keep swimming around in the old grey matter; after all, 'ya never know when such mindless trivia may come in handy!

Just as the silver screen was about to spring to life, a young employee leaned out the window of the projectionist's booth, and screamed at the buzzed audience:

"Are 'ya ready to be dazed and confused, freshmen?"

A roar went up, the theatre went dark, and the credits rolled!

Within the first few frames, we caught sight of long-haired teens toking on joints, and getting all primed-up and ready for the last day of school.

"School's out for Summer" - a monumental "hit theme song" for the youth of America - blasted out from the screen. In spite of the fact it is an olden-golden goodie, the catchy tune still causes shivers to spontaneously run up and down the spine.

Ah, what an adrenalin rush!

Essentially, "Dazed" is a kids' flick, about young juniors who close-out the semester in high school and brace-up to face the Seniors as they head off to College come fall.

So, there is a lot of teen angst, a fun shenanigan or two, and a robust - albeit awkward - pursuit of carnal knowledge at wild drug parties along the way.

The constant quest for the answer to life's most meaningful question is posed with great candor, here.

Will I get into her pants?

The dialogue is hilarious.

In one scene, a cute gawky teen excitedly notes that he plans to party-hearty at a shin-dig later that night 'cause he heard that a nubile young thing "with knockers out to here" will be in attendance.

And, hood-winking the liquor store attendant is a rite of passage, in-of-itself.

The wildest scenes occur when the Juniors are forced to partake in a handful of humiliating antics - at the hands of their task-masters - the Seniors.

One strident young woman hands out baby pacifiers to her young charges, then screams at 'em double-time:

"Down you Freshmen Bit**es, now!"

Each plunges to their hands and knees - at which point - they are squirted with all manner of condoms - er - condiments - ketchup, mustard, and the like.

At one juncture, the female Juniors are forced into a pick-up truck like cattle and driven through a local car wash.

The end result?

Their virgin nipples end up standing at attention beneath their tight t's and stretch-sweaters to the joy of the young studs in the audience.

The boys in the feature usually just "take the position".

At the sight of a Senior - the Juniors generally turn around and prop themselves against a wall - a door, whatever.

At this juncture, the seniors wallop 'em royally on the buttocks with a paddle.
It's uncanny.

When Matthew McConaughey does it (the "Fool's Gold" star makes a brief appearance as the local stud) the act stirs up quite an erotic moment.

Looks like he's had some practice, I betcha.

And, oh my God!, one of those bullies just happens to be Jennifer's ex - actor Ben Affleck!

All fresh-faced and eager, Ben capably inhabits one of the few roles he's been handed over the years, with a certain charm that is memorable.

McConaughey is a bottle blond - with tight butt and bulging biceps - and the quintessential California student body inclined to partake in a little drugs, and booze, and rock 'n roll!

Basically, this film is all pap, without any substance at all; but somehow, it grows on 'ya!

As I watched the nerds, the jocks, and the "cool guys" struggle for supremacy - I was inclined to ponder - was my youth ever like that?

Hate to admit it, probably!

Too bad youth is wasted on the young, eh?

Los Angeles Marathon...the day after?

Unexpectedly, I find myself floating...to a new dimension?

Occasionally, in a moment of reflection, I unexpectedly push the limits and my sense of reality goes beyond this realm of perception.

In a prone position on the bed, with eyes closed, while quietly freeing my focus - suddenly - an image appears in my mind...or so it would appear. It's kind-of a ball of energy, of sorts. But, the sphere is not perfectly round in shape or form.

Nor is the "light" dazzling; instead, it is muted or opaque.

It is an entity of sorts, but not of a religious origin, such as an angel or deity.

As I focus on the somewhat elusive object, I unexpectedly find myself floating in space, moving forward - into it - with my body.

The experience is not unlike a dream where you fly through a vivid sky aware of your physical body floating, flapping your arms like wings all-the-while, and propelling yourself forward.

Except, here - there is a smooth, effortless transition.

I maintain a sense of my physical self; but mostly, there is an awareness of an uplifting ultra-consciousness - expanding outwards, sideways, forwards - in all directions... without depleting or expanding the inner center or core of the essential being.

I go beyond the realm of existence in this relative plane.

It is an experience that is difficult to describe or put into words. It is not like astral-travelling, different - somehow.

An orb kind-of guides me, like a tug boat would, to another "sea" on a far shore.

Then, there is a release, and a calm prevails.

The episode lasts about twenty or thirty minutes without difficult sustaining.

I feel as if a "being" is preparing me for an event, a breakthrough to the other side, or something of that nature.

Curiously, I happened to switch the channel on Television one night this past week, and came across on an informative Science program on time travel.

Astoundingly, a handful of the images the scientists imagined in respect to the concept, were strikingly similar to those I have been encountering.

So, I have to wonder, am I preparing for a sojourn through time?

A recent article on dark energy also cast some light on the issue, as well.

In response to a theory that the universe is accelerating (which results in dark energy being pushed out) astronomers contend that gravity may be leaking out - putting the brakes on cosmic expansion.

They then theorize...if gravity leaked out anywhere in the universe, it would still make itself felt, leaving unexpected dimensions...a whole space time astronomers never expected to encounter.

Heh, If I disappear, you'll know that's what happened to me...

From Leaves & Babylon...short poems!

I used to work about what people would think...
Then it dawned on me one day that they usually don't

Julian Ayrs
From Leaves & Babylon
Collection of Poems

Jennifer Tilly..."The Caretaker", free screening for Industry Professionals; Fine Arts Theatre! March 8th...

On International Woman's Day - March 8th, 2008 - the Fine Arts Theatre (Beverly Hills) will be presenting a free screening of the feature - "The Caretaker" - starring two popular stars - Jennifer Tilly and Judd Nelson...

Industry Professionals - both in front-of and behind-the-camera - are invited to attend by reserving now at the Screening Series Website,

www.screenitfirst.com/ssg/events/list

A plot summary...

"A group of teenage boys out to give their girlfriends a good scare on Homecoming night, which also happens to be Halloween, head to an abandoned house in an out-of-the-way grapefruit orchard where they uncover the story of a real life urban legend, well-known as "The Caretaker"."

The Fine Arts Theatre is run and operated by Michael S. Hall, and is an elegant state-of-the-art screening facility, which was completely refurbished in recent years to its former glory from the heydays of Hollywood.

In fact, when I attended a preview of "Moscow Chill" the other evening, series Producer - Bob Nuchow - pointed out that this was the infamous theatre where the great Elvis Presley used to screen films for his closest buddies in the close-knit Memphis Mafia!

Imagine that, you might actually settle back into a plush velvet seat the King once relaxed in!

In recent years, many events have been hosted at the Fine Arts Theatre by the Screen Actors Guild, AFTRA, and a continuing sponsor - BackStage West.

For those who prefer afternoon entertainment, there will also be a screening of April Moon at 2:30 p.m. earlier in the day.

The feature stars: William McNamara (Copycat, Chasers), Ryan Michelle Bathe (Good Fences, Brother to Brother), Kevin Dobson (1408) & Stephanie Reibel as April.

See 'ya there!

Urinals...it's a guy thing!

Guys are so lucky.

Urinating is such an easy stand-up thing.

For example, when there's no "John" in sight, it's a simple task to just slip into a bush or down an alley somewhere and take a whiz!

No problemo.

And when it comes to plumbing, the male of the species is fortunate, as well. After all, clever inventors built aesthetically-pleasing urinals to accommodate the masculine form. Yes, it's a simple matter to step up snugly to a pristine porcelain device protruding from the wall, unzip with one deft hand, and let 'er roar!

In recent years, the male animal has seen the advent of small partitions between the urinals. Why is that?

Well, I expect there are two reasons.

The first one is obvious; so another stud doesn't get sideways ideas about sneaking a glance over to check out the goods.

The second is a touchy subject, though. Just maybe, a handful of males feel a little inadequate in the man-tool department, so they need a partition to conceal the fact. Otherwise, they'd be pee-shy, I guess?

In the past couple of years, Cineplex kTheatres and gargantuan shopping centers have installed facilities that have a long row of urinals on one wall to facilitate a smooth stream - and hence - quick relief.

In the process, most designers have added a novel one to the mix: a urinal that usually rests lower on the wall out-of-sync with the rest.

A urinal for "short men" - or just maybe - to accommodate tiny tots?

Truth be known? No self-respecting guy will stand at one, even in a pinch.

Pay attention next time when you spy one in a men's room. If there is a long line of men waiting for a urinal, and the one that hangs low on the wall is available, few studs will go where no other man has boldly ventured forth.

It's a psychological thing, I guess.

I always jump at the opportunity to take that urinal, though.

As I take my position before the great wall, and unzip, I slyly note to the guy at the stall next to me,

"These urinals are for guys who hang low,' ya know?"

Gotcha!

Yeah, it's usually a blow to their manhood, alright.

Just recently, I jostled my way into the bathroom facility at the rear of a Greyhound Bus on a trip to Las Vegas.

As I unzipped, and flipped my "Johnson" out, I happened to glance up.

I was startled to discover that a strategically-placed mirror inset in the wall above the toilet allowed for an intimate view of my manhood as a golden stream emptied into the bowl below.

Whoa, I didn't realize it was so BIG!!!

For all of you guys who aren't aware of it, perhaps it's time to take a small trip by Greyhound, to figure out how you measure up.

The experience may be a great leveler, though. After all, you know what they say.

Give a man an inch and he thinks he's a ruler!

Sorry, ladies. Unless you can do it standing, you're left out in the cold.

Yeah, it's a guy thing.

NICKELBACK...HERO. Hot music video!

Tim Russert...lands big Marlin; "fin-is" for Clinton!

This past week, pundit Tim Russert was touted for landing the big Marlin...

Throughout the debates the affable political-savvy interviewer tried to pin down Hillary Clinton in respect to her vote on the Military presence in Iraq.

But, wily Hillary continued to deftly elude the probing journalist here and there throughout; until, he posed a particularly appealing question,

"Is there anything you'd like to take back?" he pointedly asked Hillary.

Lo and behold...the heavens opened, the trumpets sounded, and Hillary lamented at long last,

"Yes, that vote (on Iraq)..."

As a fellow pundit astutely noted, "Well, she floundered in the boat a bit. But you reeled her in. Tim, you landed the big Marlin!"

It was tough, but the prettiest lure finally snared her...

Now, about those tax records...

Sex and the City The Movie (2008) OFFICIAL TRAILER

10,000 B.C. - Trailer #3

USC...Festival of Films from New Europe; emerging artists on world scene!

Animated full-length feature, The District, causing some buzz...



USC hosted a Festival of "Films from the New Europe" over the weekend featuring full-length movies and animated shorts from Eastern and Southern Europe.

The organizers in the Cinema Arts Department noted that the selection,

"Directly engages with post Cold War transformations and the rethinking of what European identity and European cinema mean."

"They examine and challenge the emotionally and politically charged redefinitions of "Europe" since the fall of the Berlin Wall and grant access to under-explored voices from traditionally marginalized cultures."

Included in the eclectic selections presented were..."The Last Resort", directed by Pawel Pawlikowski (Poland); Taxidermia, directed by Gyorgy Palfi (Albania); "The District", directed by Aron Gauder (Hungary); "Tirana Year Zero", directed by Fatmir Koci (Albania); and, last but not least, "East of Bucharest", directed by Corneliu Porumboiu (Romania).

Film enthusiasts munched on delectable finger foods and quenched their thirst with satisfying soft drinks, designer juices, and mineral water (no alcohol on campus, please!) as Frank Sinatra's smooth song stylings echoed hauntingly throughout the crisp night air at the low-key event held in the Queen's Court, outdoors.

The stuffed mushrooms were a standout, as were the succulent strawberries dipped in rich, velvety chocolate. I confess - I gobbled down two of each! For those with a sweet tooth, delectable miniature pastries beckoned, too.

A couple of the catering staff were a bit cool and aloof; I surmise they were working part-time jobs, and would have preferred to have attended the gala festivities as a guest rather than being in service to others.

As Frank would say, "That's life".

Actually, The Frank Sinatra Theatre was a great venue for the screenings.

In the lobby, I was quite taken with the extensive collection of Sinatra memorabilia on display.

In fact, the crooner's Oscar for supporting actor for his role in the classic film of yesteryear - "From Here to Eternity" - elicited a number of "oohs & aahs" from the theatre-goers who passed by on the way to their seats.

I was drawn to the period posters promoting long-time favorites like "Guys & Dolls" (co-star, Gene Kelly).

The proud centerpiece was a "Congressional Medal of Honor" which was bestowed upon Mr. Sinatra by the White House.

In addition, glass cases were enlivened with the inclusion of old LP covers, personal notes from Eleanor Roosevelt, "Ron" (was this before or after the affair Frank was alleged to have had with Nancy, I wonder?) and JFK.

There were also various official-looking documents praising Frank for his devotion to "community service", well-known to the public throughout generations.

Panelists in Q & A sessions after each film were generally moderated by Professors in employ at the University of Southern California - and on occasion - featured special appearances by the actual creators and/or director(s) of the films.

The dialogue tended to be Academic in approach; overly so - on occasion.

For example, one student at one screening, referenced a couple of details in a particular scene...then, asked if a vivid blue dress "centre-stage" symbolized the new Albania.

I chuckled.

The director, Fatmir Koci, responded, "I don't think that much."

A couple of the USC Profs were too cerebral at times, as well.

Terms like - "rich field of formal experimentation" and "post-war social-economic influences" - sounded a little fussy and off-putting.

A couple of the filmmakers may have been taken aback a little by the pretension of it all, I expect.

Yeah, there was a lot of ego-stroking, and over-reaching, in my estimation.

As the old saying goes,

"Those who can't do, teach."

In the final analysis, educators such as these could conceivably blunt (without being consciously aware of it) the spontaneous natural gifts of students in their charge, rather than nurturing them.

Hence, the jokes about film school, I guess.

In the next couple of days, I'll be posting a couple of reviews on a handful of the projects, so stay within "blog's reach"...