AFI Dallas...Rock Prophecies & Robert Knight cause buzz; Robin Wright Penn hard-looking; "Rosencrantz & Guildenstern are Undead" a surprise hit!

Rock photographer Wright brought Sick Puppies to America!

Robert Wright - the world-renowned photographer featured in the documentary - Rock Prophecies - does not snap stills of a musician if he doesn't like their music, Robin Wright Penn is inclined to snub the press, and the quirky Vampire feature - Rosencrantz & Guildenstern - is a surprise hit!

That was the big scoop last night!

A couple of individuals stood out on the red carpet in the glare of the spotlight.

Robert Knight (Rock Prophecies) made a bold stylish entrance which sent sparks of electricity into the air.

"Capturing the essence of the subject and drawing out their unique personalities is the key to keep them coming to your door," he confided in me.

One of the bands featured in the film Rock Prophecies (Sick Puppies) is now finding a frenzied place in the spotlight because of the generousity of Mr. Knight who drew them into his fold.

"A new CD (untitled) will be released in July," the sexy front-man - Shimon Moore - was excited to inform me.

Yup, the dudes are keen on America because there are so many venues on these musical shores to pursue.

Amid the crush of AFI Festival-goers, the appealing band members were getting a solid foothold.
I expect when their disc is unleashed on the Nation, their impecable fashion sense will rage on into the mainstream.

Tyler Don Bryant, another Knight "find", is sure to nab the brass ring when his CD is released (he was just signed by CAA, by the way), too.

The soulful tunes he sings come straight from the heart.

"I try to express the emotion of the song," he enthusiastically confessed to me in a one-on-one interview.

Apparently, at age 11, he got bitten by the music bug.

"I traded in my dirt bike (!) for a guitar."

That's passion, kid!

When his star-turn comes, there will no doubt be copy-cats sporting his flip "do".

Two child actors - Tucker & Savannah Sears - (starring in St. Nick) were adorable.

Tucker, a shy boy, was cute as-a-button.

When I asked him what his reaction was to seeing his face on the big silver screen, he confessed that his freckles looked so huge!

Now, we know why glam Queens from the golden era of Hollywood, demanded soft focus and flattering light!

Savannah, wide-eyed and innocent, was a knock-out with her porcelain skin.

It was difficult for her to get used to how she appeared on film at first.

Two little darlings!

Director Jeremiah Crowell was charismatic & articulate (handsome, too, ladies).

His short film - Small Collection - is five minutes long and is all about an eight-year relationship.

"It's about spaces and what happens in the aftermath of a loss."

Try to catch it, folks!

The star of "Grace" - a pretty, petite, perky beauty - trotted down the carpet in an understated sun dress in pristine white and artfully decorated here and there with lace trim.

"Sort of a Rosemary's Baby kind-of-story," was the way the project was described to me, she noted matter-of-fact.

A four-hour discussion with director Paul Solet cinched it for her, at which point, she signed on.

The Grande Drip exec producer made a splashy entrance, too.

Yup, he was gregarious, outgoing, and larger-than-life.

His two leads in the modern love story actually fell for each other during the shoot and plan to marry in the near future.

Life imitating art???

Robin Wright Penn, who I worked with once on Santa Barbara, was a big disappointment.

She used to be all sweetness & light, but on the red carpet, she was so cold.

What happened to her?

She's turned into a a classic uptight Hollywood phony prone to hang out with high-profile social climbers who are in a position to boost her career.

Yup, her cold heart is reflected in her hard-looking face.

Her manners, were deplorable, as well.

As she strolled down the carpet, one reporter asked her if she would do a "tag" for their TV Show.

She recoiled in horror, put her hands to her face, and uttered "oh, no" under her breath, like she was above it all or fearful she might catch some nasty social disease.

Funny that!

Up 'til last night, every guest on the red carpet has always complied with press requests like the one put to her.

No problem!

Wright is obviously ignorant about the nature of the beast.

If a performer wants to promote a cause to the press - like the campus issue on alcoholism Robin is currently flogging in the guise of "Haze" - then there there has to be a give-and-take.

The actress is not only naive, but painfully stupid!

Who needs her?

Washed up soap stars are a dime-a-dozen in Hollywood, Robin!

In contrast, chanteuse Winslow Bright, was outgoing , vivacious, and a delightful beauty to encounter.

Her new album should propel her to new heights of success.

Over the weekend you can catch her perform live at a couple of the AFI functions.

When I crossed paths with the director of "Rosencrantz & Guildenstern are Undead", I was impressed with the fact he was so savvy when it came to promotion.

For example, his eye-catching press packet contained a novel set of teeth, a CD of the soundtrack for the feature, and blog site references where fans could get a bite on the Vampire phenomenon.

http://www.undeadflick.com/

So, I took a gamble and caught the flick last night at NorthPark Mall along with a packed house of enthusiastic vampirites.

The film was original, beautifully crafted, and vastly entertaining.

In fact, to date, the film is the best one I have had the good fortune to take in so far at the glittering AFI Dallas fest!

A review will follow.

As usual, the red carpet was rife with paparazzi and journalists vying for a break-out story.

Members of the press were crammed into a tiny space, but worked diligently in harmony with each other, except one pushy broad from a local outlet called Indi something-or-other (who stood next to me).

As soon as she ceremoniously galloped onto the scene, she began to orchestrate everything!

Without batting an eye, she instructed photographers and TV crews to move this way 'n that (from their designated spots, mind you) to accommodate her precious crew!

Yup, toilet-trained too early, neurotic, and possessing (possessed?) a personality ripe with an overblown sense of self-importance.

You got it.

We all ignored the classless bit**.

Meanwhile, tonight I plan to cover another event - the Hurt Locker - and take in the midnight shorts program, as well.

Report in tomorrow, eh?

http://www.julianayrs.com

AFI Dallas...Adrien Brody arrives with Police Escort (?), Brothers Bloom a critical failure, Rinko Kikuchi & Robert Towne steal limelight...

Rinko Kikuchi steals show!

A military-style posse of men in blue escorted Adrien Brody into AMC, an eclectic mix of fascinating show-biz personalities trotted down the red carpet, and excited fans lapped it up all the glitz and glamour from the sidelines.

The two "big" stars of the night were actress Rinko Kikuchi and Director Robert Towne (Dallas Star Award recipient).

Rinko looked simply stunning in an elegant black gown by Yves St. Laurent.

"One of my favorite designers," she beamed, as the paparazzi jockeyed for position to capture the great beauty on celluloid.

Later, Ms. Kikuchi blew me away from with her remarkable performance in "Brothers Bloom" - a film, that while entertaining - turned out to be a bit of a critical failure from a filmmaking point of view.

Robert Towne, looking for-all-the-world like an elder Statesman, was in top form and wowed the press.

"Was the idea for the bandage on Jack's nose in Chinatown your idea," I quizzed the respected director.

"No, it was in the script."

Unfortunately, when the film was first released, the celebrated director - who will receive a Dallas Star Award at a special presentation ceremony tonight at Northpark Mall in conjunction with the screening of Chinatown - didn't like the way it turned out.

"I thought Roman (exiled director Roman Polanski) was too deliberate. But, over time I came to warm up to to it. I realize now that he was right in his creative choices."

He also had problems with "Greystoke", and noted that in retrospect - if he was making the film today - he would shoot it himself.

That was all he would offer up in respect to that project, so I expect some niggling issues still tug at the perfectionist.

Adrien Brody strode down the carpet sporting a beard and long hair.

When I asked if the "look" was in preparation for a role, he said "no".

Right now, he is taking a breather and is inclined to be a little laid back at the moment.

Mr. Brody was quite approachable.

J-SI - a disc jockey from KIIS FM - managed to get up-close and personal, for example, thankfully for the radio station.

After all, the platter flapper was there to have the talented actor answer a couple of questions for a twelve-year-old contest winner.

"Have you been to Mexico," was one of the questions put to him.

A bit perplexed at first by the offbeat query, he responded in the affirmative nonetheless.

"Yes".

Then, J-SI boldly thrust his chin out and asked Brody to stroke it so he would have good luck sprouting a healthy beard of his own.

Brody paused, perplexed for a second, but complied with the request willingly.

Gosh, the main attraction at the big AFI Dallas event, was quite down-to-earth.

So, why the off-putting police escort?

Personally, I was taken aback, since the military-style maneuver was quite over-the-top.

Over the years, I have attended many red carpet events and I don't recall any celebrity - even the high-profile superstars - making a dramatic entrance with the men in blue.

Ironic, too, because in the tribute prior to the screening of the film, a festival rep asserted that Mr. Brody was not caught up in the trappings of fame.

In fact, in the Q & A after the "Bloom Brothers" credits crawled to a close, Mr. Brody recalled an incident when he overheard a passer-by ask a friend in tow who he was.

"He used to be big," the stranger responded matter-of-fact.

"I was reminded that the life is humbling and cyclical in nature," he concluded from that experience.

Of course, he could have taken a cue from Gloria Swanson's character - Norma Desmond - in Sunset Boulevard.

When the lead character realized who Desmond was, he lamented:

"You used to be big."

Her response?

"I am big. The pictures got small."

In the final analysis, the police escort didn't appear to make any sense, in view of the facts.

Was it Northpark's decision to beef up security?

Or, did AFI Dallas presume that their celebrated guest was such a hot property about to stride in their midst, that he needed protection from the clawing masses?

Enquiring minds want to know!

In contrast, there was a lot of friendly chatter on the red carpet with a handful of up-and-coming young filmmakers.

A "Zombie Girl" co-director noted that their project took 2 years to wrap.

The reality-based documentary focuses on a twelve-year old girl making her first movie.

"It was challenging. We didn't know if she'd finish. We had to wait and see how it panned out."

Director Christopher Wong was passionate about his project "Whatever it takes".

It is the true story of a courageous individual who struggles to open a school in the Bronx.

"The story was inspiring and had to be told," he noted with conviction.

A "Bollywood Beats" make-up artist noted that she had to adjust to the "Bollywood" way of making films.

For example, in contrast to American film sets, a crew and the production team demand a quiet calm environment to work in.

"And, there was quite a lot of nutritious food. It was a great experience for me."

The director of "The Other Side of Paradise" (who looks more like a struggling actor) had some problems of his own on that set.

"My wife and I were both creatively involved with the project."

Did they take their artistic differences home?

He laughed.

"You bet."

As to "Brothers Bloom", the film was a big disappointment.

For a regular Joe, out for some enjoyable entertainment, it is okay bill-of-fare.

But, in my mind's eye, "Bloom" was greatly flawed.

In fact, so much was wrong about it - I had to wonder - was anyone truly at the helm?

More on that issue in a review to follow.

Unfortunately, AFI's big gala event was marred by some troubling production problems.

When a festival exec attempted to speak at the podium, there was a lot of ear-piercing feedback from the mic.

The technical problem dragged on ad nauseam for over fifteen or twenty minutes before it was resolved.

Consequently, the tributes ended up appearing awkward, amateurish, and rinky-dink.

Since AFI has such deep pockets, I had to ponder why a professional team was not brought in to set up the sound system and presentation format in a professional manner.

All-in-all, it was an embarrassing moment for AMC, AFI, and the sponsors in attendance.

Get it right next year, guys!

In contrast, the high-energy atmosphere at the after party was electric!

The champage flowed at an open bar, as smartly-attired waiters offered up scrumptious finger food, under a big Texan sky.

The tony elite, film buffs, and local philanthropists chatted each other up with great enthusiasm.

The gala, fer sure, was a big hit.

See 'ya next year, eh?

Robert Towne

http://www.julianayrs.com

AFI Dallas...press bash upbeat kick-off to Film Fest!

At a time when companies in the business sector are cutting back, and even film festivals around the country are being mindful of budgets, AFI threw caution to the wind and tossed a tony bash for the press last night at the film headquarters in downtown Dallas.

The "Ginger Girls" from Joule's PM Lounge caused a few hearts to beat faster when they appeared live onstage amid a package house of high-profile media types.

And, the musical stylings of cover band "Inside Out" - local - put the festive party-goers in a celebratory mood!

Liquor flowed from an open bar with party favors provided by sponsors Zodiac Vodka and Barefoot Wines.

I sipped on the lone house beer - had to keep my wits me, 'ya know - as I strolled through the effervescent press corps raring to be let loose on all the festival offerings over the coming week.

There was a lot of glad-handing, industry hub-bub to put a keen ear to, and - of course - a handful of wheeler-dealers plying their wares here and there about the tastefully decorated lounge.

The finger snacks - sushi and marinated k-bobs from Master Chef Kenichi - were simply scrumptious!

Made a p-i-g of myself and wolfed down quite a few choice morsels.

AFI featured a handful of photographs (Jimi Hendrix & Jeff Beck) by rock-star photographer - Robert M. Knight - who will be honored at a special event on Saturday in conjunction with the screening of Rock Prophecies.

Tyle Dow Bryant, an actor featured in the film, will entertain with an acoustic set.

Don't miss it!


John Wildman, Director of Publicity - who is an articulate outgoing man with great people skills - was on hand to only keeping a watchful eye over the event but catering to every whim.

Yeah, AFI Dallas knows how to treat the press.

Kudos!

In fact, journalists also received a little goodie bag, which was brimming with surprises.

"Origins" offered up four samples of their high-end skincare product which I intend to sample so I don't look like one of those half-dead rockers caught in the captivating stills by Mr. Knight.

And, a new-fangled boomerang from Price Waterhouse Coopers may have been a symbolic gift.

Are they hinting that the economy may be bouncing back soon?

Lonestar coughed up a nifty florescent lamp (TXU Energy) that was pretty kewl-looking, too.

A jar of English Toffee brought back dusty memories of my youth in rural country outside of Oshawa (Ontario).

My Gramma used to make a similar treat from scratch on the stove. The store-bought one in the gift bag was not as tasty as hers (yes, I'm prejudiced, a wee bit) but pretty darn satisfying, nonetheless.

Vitamin Water - all the trend now - was one item I greatly appreciated.

In fact, I am hooked on the nutritious body-hydrators, which are steadily rolling off the assembly-line at soft-drink-makers.

The Kenneth Cole 30 % off discount card will probably go towards a pair of the designer's fabulous comfy shoes.

By the way, tonight is the Gala kick-off for the AFI Dallas and the much-anticipated screening of "Brother's Bloom".

One of the stars of the film - Adrien Brody (what's with the moustache and beard, Adrien?) - and Director Rian Johnson will saunter down the red carpet at AMC at Northpark Mall.

When I mention Brody's name, folks generally have the same insightful response.

"Oh, the piano guy and that Nazi."

The night should be a glittering one.

Tell 'ya all about it tomorrow!

http://www.julianayrs.com

AFI Dallas...Prince Yasmin Aly Khan to attend screening of Gilda! Rita Hayworth receives Texas Star award...

Princess Yasmin Aga Khan

The celebrated beauty was glamorous, feisty, and independent!

Her love life was tempestuous at times!

Whenever she appeared on the arm of a powerful mover or shaker in Hollywood - Howard Hughes or Frank Sinatra, for instance - she garnered headlines around the globe.

And, the woman - temptress, ravishing beauty, great luminous talent onscreen and off - never attempted to capitalize on those high-profile love affairs, in contrast to a handful of other young starlets striving for the brass ring in the golden heyday of Hollywood.

Her name?

Rita Hayworth!

Of course, it was her role in "Gilda" that became forever indelibly-etched in the minds of her fans and film buffs.

At the AFI Dallas gala closing night, there will be a screening of the classic film, along with a tribute to Ms. Hayworth.

The American Film Institute will be awarding the show-biz luminary with the Texas Star Award, which will be handed off to her beautiful daughter, Princess Yasmin Aga Khan.
Ms. Khan's father was the globe-trotting playboy - Prince Aly Khan - who led a charmed life.

Hayworth was born Margarita Carmen Cansino in Brooklyn to Spanish flamenco dancer - Eduardo Cansino (Sr.) - and English/Irish-American Volga Hayworth who was a Ziegfeld girl.

The vivacious beauty first sauntered onto the stage at the age of six when she performed in the family troupe known as The Cansinos.

At age sixteen, she caught the eye of a producer, who immediately signed her to a lucrative contract at 20th Century Fox (1935).

Rita became known as the "Love Goddess" when a Life Magazine photographer - Bob Landry - photographed the rising star kneeling on her own bed in a revealing silk and lace nightgown.

The image of the sexy siren caused quite a sensation ; indeed, the popular issue sold over five million copies to fans anxious to snap up precious memorabilia.

During war-time, Hayworth became one of the most requested wartime pinups by the troops in the trenches.

After a love tryst with Prince Aly Khan at the Pontchartrain Hotel in New Orleans - which was much-publicized by the media in scandalous proportions - Ms. Hayworth quit her career in 1948 to marry the Prince.

When the union collapsed in 1951, the actress was anxious to get back to work.

Her return to Tinsel Town was much-ballyhooed and resulted in a string of hit films such as Salome (co-starring Glenn Ford; 1953); Miss Sadie Thompson (Jose Ferrer ; 1953); and Pal Joey with Frank Sinatra and Kim Novak.

Although Ms. Hayworth's schedule was chock full of career commitments and promotional junkets, the popular star became a member of the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club - in part due to the fact her husband and his family were heavily involved in horse racing.

A Hayworth filly "Double Rose" actually won several races in France and garnered a second-prize ribbon in the 1949 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe.

Although the image of Hayworth may have been that of a high-strung society gal, in fact, the reclusive star was actually quite shy in person.

One one occasion, she famously lamented:

"Men fell in love with Gilda, but they wake up with me."

Her personal life was cause for concern about 1960, when Hayworth started to suffer from an early onset of Alzheimer's disease (diagnossis 1980).

Ms. Hayworth resided at an apartment at the San Remo in New York City before she passed to spirit in 1987 at 68 years of age.

Gone, but not forgotten!

http://www.julianayrs.com

World Dance Movement...Dance Workshop in Italy with celebrated Dancer Desmond Richardson!

Study dance in an Italian Paradise!

And, learn the intricacies of ballet, jazz, lyrical, hip-hop, training with an international faculty made up of names that will inspire simply hearing them trill off the tongue.

Now dedicated performers have a golden opportunity to spend two weeks in Italy training with an international faculty made up of names that will inspire by simply hearing them.

Imagine this scenario, for instance.

Dedicated performers will have the golden opportunity to dance in an open-air studio in scenic Castellana Grotte, Italy.

The study-vacation will be brimming full of dancing, swimming, sailing, amazing Italian cuisine, and dancers from 20 different countries.

In addition, there will be one-on-one attention by top-notch faculty members such as Michèle Assaf (Artistic Director), Bruno Collinet (Co-Artistic Director), Clarissa Mucci, Desmond Richardson, Joshua Pelatzky, Jason Parsons, Sabatino & Federica, David Marquez, and Shelly Masenoir, to name a few.

According to my contacts at the renowned organization, the ultimate goal is to provide dancers and educators from around the world with the incredible opportunity to study-vacation in an Italian paradise with an international faculty of unparalleled talent.

In sum, the event brings together a myriad of cultures, talents and opportunities in a non-competitive atmosphere.

DATES:

July 14/July 26 (2009)

CLASSES:

Jazz, Ballet, Lyrical, Hip Hop, Contemporary, Complexions Contemporary Repertory, Theatre Jazz, Modern Jazz, Choreographic Workshops, Active-Isolated Flexibility & Strengthening, classes for Parents & Workshop Observers.

Each program will climax with Dance Showcases in a beautiful outdoor amphitheatre!

Info: http://www.liveatbroadwaydancecenter.com

http://www.julianayrs.com

Yanni...returns! CD featuring "Yanni Voices" released this week!

Yanni fans will be glad to hear that the popular musician is releasing a new CD this week with a bit of a surprise musical twist to it, titled "Yanni Voices".

A couple of years ago, at the peak of his success, the performer took a hiatus for a short while to become a mentor and producer for four up-and-coming talented musicians.

With GRAMMY and Academy Award-winning producer Ric Wake at his side at "Camp Yanni" (Yanni's Florida studio complex), the dynamic musical duo produced a handful of tunes for pop vocalists Nathan Pacheco, Chloe, Ender Thomas, and Leslie Mills.

According to my contacts at the record company, Yanni encouraged his four protégés to write lyrics for the melodies that moved them most.

Word of mouth is that the gamble paid off.

The fruitful partnership has resulted in an upcoming PBS concert TV special, two CD releases (English and Latin) and a U.S. Tour.

"YANNI VOICES: LIVE FROM THE FORUM IN ACAPULCO" marks the musician's triumphant return to the stage and will feature show-stopping vocal performances by the four “Voices”.

On March 24, Yanni’s non-instrumental only album (YANNI VOCES) will be released which - in addition to the four “Voices” - will also feature Latin guest stars Jose Jose, Cristian Castro, Olga Tanon and Jose Feliciano to name a few.

And, on April 10, Yanni will kick-off his return with his first U.S. tour in four years.

The tour will feature many of Yanni’s most popular fan favorites accompanied by an explosion of dynamic visuals, dazzling choreography and show-stopping vocal performances by the four “Voices.”

The tour will also feature Yanni’s acclaimed orchestra comprised of musicians from around the globe.

Welcome back, Yanni.

The fans missed 'ya!

http://www.julianayrs.com

Here Lounge...gay subculture appears on red carpet for BAD BAD BOY promo! Perry Twins, Niki Harris, Bobby Trendy, & Calpernia Addams...

Calpernia Addams

In the cold light of day Hollywood is an industry town, but at the twilight hour it is a all stardust and broken dreams.

Thriving in the underbelly is a gay subculture that strains for the brass ring, acceptance, and respectability.

At HERE LOUNGE last night, a handful of celebrities from that exotic realm trotted down the red carpet amid a blaze of blinding lights - pranced and preened, literally - to tout the premiere of an upcoming film BAD BAD BOY.

The Perry Twins, stars of the feature, were a stand-out in their in eye-catching shirts and jeans from Eagle Spirit and Moist. Their shoes - fashioned in black and white tiger stripes (from Shoes for Stars on Melrose) were a particular knock-out, and I expect, will be sparking a trend around town.

The near-identical man-toys have one or two physical characteristics that distinguish one from the other, so I was told, straight from the horse's mouth.

One of the handsome actors noted that his jaw was longer (gee, wonder what that means, girls?) than his brother's. And, his studly other half, has an identifying scar on the side of his nose.

The much-anticipated project is expected to be released in about six months, the producer told me at amid of crush of sexy toy-boys, wanna bee starlets, and edgy media types.

"We're going to release the single first, as a sort-of teaser. Get a little buzz goin', " she noted for the record.

Niki Harris recorded the single for BAD BAD BOY and was excited about her partnership with the production company.

The chanteuse, in tow last night, made quite a splashy entrance!

At one point, the earthy Diva commanded the Perry Twins to get down on their knees.

As the lads curled around her gorgeous gams sheathed in black stockings, she taunted 'em both:

"Eat a little fish."

The frenzied fans in attendance roared their approval.

"I was shocked they wanted me to record the single," the vivacious Diva gushed to me on the sidelines.

Ms. Harris also plans to release a Christmas Album this year.

I caught a friend of the producer gazing at Calpernia Addam's chest from afar.

"I'm straight," he joked. "But, even still, those t**s look pretty hot."

Addams, a transsexual, laughed when I passed the comments on.

"Oh, these old things," she giggled.

That was one of her refreshing attributes, a keen sense of humor.

Calpernia is the host of a transsexual dating show on cable.

"I'm single and lookin'," she nodded coyly when I asked about her marital status.

Why kind of date is the beauty seeking?

"A straight man, definitely."

I know girl, a hard man is good to find!

I was surprised to see Kat (Katherine Hepburn's grandaughter) wandering around looking a tad confused. I got the impression she wasn't aware that she had wandered into a notorious gay bar in the heart of gay gulch!

Bobby Trendy - who used to be a stylist on the Anna Nicole Show - was in attendance, too.

His outfit - outrageous and original - enlivened the night's spectacle in WeHo.

The Here Lounge appears to be giving The Abbey (next door on Robertson) a run for their money these days.

Girl's night on Fridays is usually packed to the rafters. And, stripper detail on Sunday, is one of the hottest night spots for those who can't seem to let the weekend slip away.

The clientele tends to be young, sexy, and stylish.

Just maybe, open to persuasion!

By the way, I ran into my two gal friends from the Yogurt Stop who co-sponsored last night's event.

Keep your eyes on those ladies, they're going places!

Niki Harris

http://www.julianayrs.com

Barack Obama...Vons asking for donations to Special Olympics!

In line at Vons supermarket yesterday, a cashier asked me if I'd like to make a donation to the Special Olympics.

When I turned my head to a shopper next to me with an expression of disbelief on my face (in view of the Obama boo-boo which occurred on the Tonight Show Thursday Night) their reaction was the same!

Yeah, their jaw dropped, too.

A coincidence?

Or, was Vons seizing the day and playing on public sympathy to rustle up funds?

"Not today," I responded politely. "But, I expect Obama may want to."

"Right," the hefty amazon woman muttered almost under her breath, as my change fell into the coin box in front of me.

Personally, I hate being taxed at the check-out when I shop for groceries, no matter how worthy the cause.

And, how was your day?

http://www.julianayrs.com