AFI Fest (2009)...George Clooney kicks off with Fantastic Mr. Fox! "A Single Man" (Weinstein) causes buzz! Tributes...

Dazzling Galas will attract the likes of megastars George Clooney and Robert DeNiro; industry-insiders will hail seasoned actors in Tributes that shine the spotlight on film great Chrisopher Plummer and popular actor Vitto Mortensen, and - of course - the paparazzi will lap up all the titillating goings-on at the edge of the red carpet as directors, producers , and A-list stars tout their film biz stuff at AFI Fest 2009.

Yes, once again, the American Film Institute holds court at two main venues - the Arclight and the richly-appointed Chinese Mann Theatre (Kodak complex) in the throbbing heart of the dream factory to every would-be actor in Tinsel Town.

The overall lineup at AFI consists of a showcase of 67 features (54 narratives & 13 documentaries) and 27 shorts (totalling 94 films from 32 countries).

To help digest the smorgasbord of delightful offerings, fest organizers wisely sectioned off the film events into a simple straightforward breakdown consisting of 3 main categories:

*Gala/Tributes,
*New Lights Competition
*Special Presentations

Last fall, I hailed the AFI Fest 2009 as the highlight of the year.

Once this year's well-rounded posse of projects start streaming off the screen on October 30th, and the week begins to exciedly unfold, it should be evident that this year may just top it!

After all, there is quite an impressive bill-of-fare (packed with a huge dollop of sensory overload) to take in.

And, there will be something for everyone, even the most discerning film buff.

For example, a bevy of  lush high-budget Hollywood-style films are slated to screen, amidst a select collection of insightful documentaries, world premiere screenings, chic lively par-tays (!), and sizzling scintillating short films pining for approval under the floodlights.

Here is a brief run-down, so you can mark your calendar and plan your wardrobe, for the high-profile celebrity-studded week blasting off - not only the AFI headquarters (Roosevelt Hotel) - but a couple of other inviting venues that reach out to the community from the center of the Festival hub sponsored by AUDI.

On Friday (October 30th), Fantastic Mr. Fox premieres with a lot of fanfare.

The release (expected to sell-out) boasts a stellar cast and includes voice-over performances by charismatic George Clooney and Academy-Award winner Meryl Streep (in the two lead roles).

This is Wes Anderson’s first animated film which uses classic handmade stop motion techniques to tell the story of the best-selling children’s book of the same title by Roald Dahl (Charlie & the Chocolate Factory and James & the Giant Peach).

In their press notices, the producers have offered up a teaser that may just lure filmgoers in the door.

"Mr. and Mrs. Fox live an idyllic home life with their son Ash (Jason Schwartzman) and visiting young nephew Kristofferson (Eric Anderson). But after 12 years, the bucolic existence proves too much for Mr. Fox’s wild animal instincts. Soon he slips back into his old ways as a sneaky chicken thief and in doing so, endangers not only his beloved family, but the whole animal community. Trapped underground and with not enough food to go around, the animals band together to fight against the evil Farmers Boggis, Bunce and Bean - who are determined to capture the audacious fantastic Mr. Fox - at any cost."

With voice performances by Bill Murray, Owen Wilson, Willem Dafoe and Michael Gambon.

Closing night, the Weinsteins take the stage - front and center - with their screening of the highly-touted feature-  "A Single Man" - sure to end this year's festival with a big bravo bang.

Fashion designer Tom Ford stepped behind the camera for the first time to direct his scripted adaptation of Christopher Isherwood’s acclaimed novel.

"The film follows a day in the life of a gay British college professor in Los Angeles as he attempts to cope with the death of his partner."

Both Ford and Colin Firth (who tackles the lead role) have received critical acclaim following screenings at the Venice and Toronto film festivals.

Julianne Moore, MatthewGoode and Ginnifer Goodwin also star in the film.

Ford, Firth and Moore are scheduled to attend.
 
The centerpiece Gala is also rustling up a lot of scuttlebutt, too.
 
"The Imaginarium of Dr. Parnassus" (US Premiere) stars Christopher Plummer,Tom Waits, Heath Ledger (in his final role), Johnny Depp, Jude Law, and Colin Farrell.

The Centerpiece Screening Gala presentation features the latest work by director TerryGilliam.

"IMAGINARIUM" follows the leader of a traveling theater troupe who, having made a deal with the devil, takes audience members through a magical mirror to explore their imaginations.

The Director of Programming noted that the mind-altering world that Terry Gilliam creates is like a model for the Director's ideal cinema, in which anything can happen and all the rules are broken."

Can't wait to catch it!

Gilliam and Plummer are scheduled to attend.

By the way, AFI FEST has selected actors Christopher Plummer and Viggo Mortensen to be tribute honorees at this year’s Fest.

Plummer’s "Tribute" (sponsored by Skirball Cultural Center) will precede the screening of his featuer film "THE LAST STATION" on Tuesday, November 3.

Mortensen’s "Tribute" will precede the US Premiere of "THE ROAD" (November 4th).

I am personally looking forward to catching a glimpse of Robert DeNiro at the Gala for the feature he stars in titled "Everybody's Fine" (World Premiere) if he puts in appearance on the red carpet or backstage.

 Drew Barrymore,Kate Beckinsale, Sam Rockwell, and Melissa Leo also  star in this USA project directed by Kirk Jones and Produced by Vittorio Cecchi Gori, Ted Field, Glynnis Murray, and Gianni Nunnari.

There has been a lot of industry buzz  on the West Coast in respect to another Gala presentation - PRECIOUS - which is BASED ON THE NOVEL PUSH BY SAPPHIRE.

The Cast consists of Gabourey Sidibe, Mo’Nique, Paula Patton, Mariah Carey, Sheri Shepherd, Lenny Kravitz.

Lee Daniels took on the directing honors.

Executive Producers: Oprah Winfrey, Tyler Perry, Lisa Cortes, Tom Heller.

"The Road" is another Gala presentation discerning filmgoers may not want to miss!

The U.S. world premiere release stars Viggo Mortensen, Charlize Theron, Guy Pearce, and Robert Duvall.

PROD: Paula Mae Schwartz, Steve Schwartz, Nick Wechsler
EXEC PROD: Marc Butan, Mark Cuban, Rudd Simmons, Todd Wagner.

SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS

A showcase honoring film history and its filmmakers feature the following highly-regarded projects:

NORTH BY NORTHWEST (1959)

Hitchcock at the top of his game!

Cast: Cary Grant, Eva Marie Saint, James Mason, and Martin Landau
 
SOMETHING’S GONNA LIVE (World Premiere)  (USA)
 
Subjects
Robert “Bob” Boyle, Haskell Wexler, Conrad Hall, Henry Bumstead, Harold Michelson.

DIR: Daniel Raim
PROD: Daniel Raim

WAKE IN FRIGHT   (Australia)

Cast: Gary Bond, Donald Pleasence, Chips Rafferty, Sylvia Ka Jack Thompson

DIR: Ted Kotcheff
PROD: George Willoughby,
EXEC PROD: Bill Harmon, Howard G. Barnes

NEW LIGHT COMPETITION

The eclectic segment showcases and honors groundbreaking films from filmmakers around the globe.

AJAMI  (Israel/Germany)

Cast: Fouad Habash, Nisrine Rihan, Elias Saba, Youssef Sahwani

DIR: Scandar Copti, Yaron Shani
PROD: Moshe Danon, Thanassis Karathanos
EXEC PROD: James

EASIER WITH PRACTICE  (USA)

Cast: Brian Geraghty, Marguerite Moreau, Jeanette Brox, Jenna Gavigan.

DIR: Kyle Patrick Alvarez
PROD: Cookie Carosella

EVERYONE ELSE (ALLE ANDEREN/Germany)

Cast: Birgit Minichmayr, Lars Eidinger, Hans-Jochen Wagner, Nicole Marischka

DIR: Maren Ade
PROD: Maren Ade, Dirk G. Engelhardt, Janine Jackowski

FIRST OF ALL, FELICIA (FELICIA INAINTE DE TOATE/Croatia)

Cast: Ozana Oancea, Vasile Mentzel, Ileana Cernat, Adina Andrei

DIR: Razvan Radulescu.
PROD: Ada Solomon

FISH TANK (UK)

Cast: Michael Fassbender, Harry Treadaway, Katie Jarvis, Kierston Wareing

DIR: Andrea Arnold
PROD: Kees Kasander
EXEC PROD: Christine Langan, David M. Thompson, Paul Trijbits

I KILLED MY MOTHER (Canada)

Cast: Anne Dorval, Xavier Dolan, François Arnaud, Suzanne Clément

DIR: Xavier Dolan PROD: Xavier Dolan
EXEC PROD: Carole Mondello

THE MESSENGER (USA)

Cast: Woody Harrelson, Samantha Morton, Ben Foster, Jena Malone

DIR: Oren Moverman
PROD: Benjamin Goldhirsh, Mark Gordon, Lawrence Inglee, Zach Miller
EXEC PROD: Steffen Aumueller, Nathaniel Bolotin, Christopher Mapp, Shaun Redick

THE MILK OF SORROW (LA TETA ASUSTADA/Spain/Peru)

Cast: Magaly Solier, Susi Sánchez, Efrain Solis, Marino Ballón

DIR: Claudia Llosa
PROD: Antonio Chavarrías, Claudia Llosa, José María Morales

NORTHLESS (NORTEADO/Mexico/Spain)

Cast: Harold Torres, Alicia Laguna, Sonia Couoh, Luis Cárdenas

DIR: Rigoberto Perezcano
PROD: Edgar San Juan
EXEC PROD: Sergio Castro, Hector Hernandez-Pons.

POLICE, ADJECTIVE  (Romania)

Cast: Dragos Bucur, Vlad Ivanov, Irina Saulescu, Ion Stoica

DIR: Corneliu Porumboiu
PROD: Corneliu Porumboiu

WOMAN WITHOUT PIANO (LA MUJER SIN PIANO/Spain/France)

Cast: Jan Budar, Esperanza De la Vega, Tomás del Estal, Nadia de Santiago

DIR: Javier Rebello
EXEC PROD: DamiánParis, Stefan Schmitz, María Zamora
WORLD CINEMA

New works by many of the world’s most renowned filmmakers.

ABOUT ELLY  (Iran)

Cast: Taraneh Alidoosti, Golshifteh Farahani, Shahab Hosseini, Mani Haghighi, Merila Zarei..

DIR: Asghar Farhadi
PROD: Asghar Farhadi

AFTER.LIFE  (USA)

Cast: Liam Neeson, Christina Ricci, Justin Long

DIR: Agnieska Wojtowi Vosloo
PROD: Brad Michael Gilbert, Bill Perkins, Celine Rattray
EXEC PROD: Pamela Hirsch, Edwin L. Marshall, Galt Niederhoffer.

THE BAD LIEUTENANT: PORT OF CALL, NEW ORLEANS (USA)

Cast: Nicolas Cage, Eve Mendez, Val Kilmer

DIR: Werner Herzog
PROD: Edward Pressman, John Thompson, Alan Polsky, Gabe Polsky.
EXEC PROD: Avi Lerner, Danny Dimbort, Trevor Short, Boaz Davidson..

BELLAMY (France)

Cast: Gerard Depardieu

DIR: Claude Chabrol
PROD: Edward Pressman John Thompson, Alan Polsky, Gabe Polsky.
EXEC PROD: Avi Lerner, Danny Dimbort, Trevor Short, Boaz Davidson..

CASTRO  (Argentina)

Cast: Edgardo Castro, Julia Martínez Rubio, Alberto Suárez, Carla Crespo.

DIR: Alejo Moguillansky PROD: Mariano Llinás, Laura Citarella
EXEC PROD: Eduardo Costantini

CITY OF LIFE AND DEATH (China/Hong Kong)

Cast: Liu Ye, Gao Yuanyuan, Hideo Nakaizumi, Fan Wei, Jiang Yiyan

DIR: Lu Chuan
PROD: Han Sanping, Steffen Wild

THE HOLE  (USA)

Cast: Chris Massoglia, Haley Bennett, Nathan Gamble, Teri Polo, Bruce Dern

DIR: Joe Dante
PROD: Robert Skotak
EXEC PROD: Gary Michael Waters, Chris Bender, J.C. Spink

IN THE ATTIC  (Czech Republic/Slovakia/Japan)

Cast: Barbora Hrzánová, Boris Hybner, Vladimír Javorsky

DIR: Jiri Barta
PROD: Milos Smídmajer

KANIKOSEN (Japan)

Cast: Matsuda Ryuhei, Nishijima Hidetoshi, Kora Kongo, Arai Hirfumi, Emoto Tokio.

DIR: Sabu
PROD: UtagawaYasushi, Mameoka Ryosuke, Tanabe Keigo
EXEC PROD Takahito Kashino

A LAKE (North American Premiere)  (France)

Cast: Dmitry Kubasov, Natalie Rehorova, Alexe Solonchev, Simona Hülsemann.

DIR: Philippe Grandrieux
PROD: Catherine Jacques

LONDON RIVER (Algeria/France/UK)

Cast: Brenda Blethyn, Sotigui Kouyate

DIR: Rachid Bouchareb
PROD: Rachid Bouchareb, Jean Bréhat, Mattieu de Braconier.

LOOKING FOR ERIC (UK)

Cast: Steve Evets, Eric Cantona, John Henshaw, Stephanie Bishop

DIR: Ken Loach
PROD: Tim Cole
EXEC PROD: Rebecca O’Brien

MOTHER (Korea)

Cast: Kim Hye-ja, Won Bin, Park Eun-kyo

DIR: Bong Joon-ho
PROD: Choi Jae-won, Seo Woo-sik
EXEC PROD: Miky Lee, Katharine Kim, Yang-kwon Moon South

NO ONE KNOWS ABOUT PERSIAN CATS (Iran)

Cast: Negar Shaghaghi, Askan Koshanejad, Hamed Behdad

DIR: Bahman Ghobadi
PROD: Bahman Ghobadi EXEC
EXEC PROD: Roxana Saberi

PERPETUUM MOBILE (Mexico/Canada)

Cast: Gabino Rodríguez, Teresa Sánchez, Francisco Barreiro

DIR: Nicolás Pereda
PROD: Nicolás Pereda, Catarina Coyoacan

A PROPHET (France/Italy)

Cast: Tahar Rahim, Niels Arestrup, Adel Bencherif, Reda Kateb, Hichem Yacoub

DIR: Jacques Audiard
PROD: Martine Cassinelli, Antonin Dedet

RED RIDING TRILOGY (1974, 1980, 1983)  (UK)

Cast: Sean Bean, Andrew Garfield, David Morrissey, John Henshaw, Anthony Flanagan.

DIR: Julian Jarrold, James Marsh, Anand Tucker
PROD: Andrew Eaton, Anita Overland, Wendy Brazington
EXEC PROD: Liza Marshall, Hugo Heppell, Norman Merry

ROOM AND A HALF (Russia)

Cast: Alisa Freindlich, Sergei Yursky, Grigory Dityatkovsky, Artem Smola

DIR: Andrey Khrzhanovsky
PROD: Artem Vassiliev, Andrey Khrzhanovsky

THE SECRET IN THEIR EYES (Argentina/Spain)

Cast: Ricardo Darín, Soledad Villamil, Pablo Rago,Javier Godino.

DIR: Juan José Campanella
PROD: Gerardo Herrero, Mariela Besuievsky, Juan José Campanella

THE SILENT ARMY (The Netherlands/France)

Cast: Marco Borsato, Andrew Kintu, Abby Mukiibi Nkaaga, Thekla Reuten

DIR: Jean van de Velde
PROD: Chris Brouwer, Richard Claus, Paul Brinks

SWEET RUSH (Poland)

Cast: Krystyna Janda, Pawel Szajda, Jadwiga Jankowska-Cieslak, JulPietrucha, Jan Englert

DIR: Andrzej Wajda
PROD: Waldemar Dabrowski, Slawomir Jozwik, Michal Kwiecinski.
EXEC PROD: KatarzyFukacz-Cebula

TO DIE LIKE A MAN (Portugal/France)

Cast: Fernando Santos, Alexander David, Goncalo Ferreira de Almeida.

DIR: Joao Pedro Rodrigues
PROD: Maria João Sigalho, Judith Nora

A TOWN CALLED PANIC (Belgium/France/Luxembourg)

Cast: Stéphane Aubier, Jeanne Balibar, Veronique Dumont, Bruce Ellison, Frederic Jannin

DIR: Stephane Aubier, Vincent Patar
PROD: Philippe Kauffmann, Vincent Tavier

VINCERE (Italy/France)

Cast: Giovanna Mezzogiorno, Filippo Timi, Fausto Russo Alesi, Michela Cescon.

DIR: Marco Bellocchio
PROD: Mario Gianani
EXEC PROD: Olivia Sleiter

YOUTH IN REVOLT (USA)

Cast: Michael Cera, Zach Galifianakis, Steve Buscemi, Jean Smart, Mary Kay Place.

DIR: Miguel Arleta
PROD: DaviPermut
EXEC PROD: Bob Weinstein, Harvey Weinstein, Nan Morales

DOCUMENTARY

The best & brightest, challenging, thrilling documenties from around the globe.

THE ART OF THE STEAL (USA)

DIR: Don Argott
PROD: Sheena M. Joyce
EXEC PROD: Lenny Feinberg

BEETLE QUEEN CONQUERS TOKYO (USA/Japan)

DIR: Jessica Oreck
PROD: Jessica Oreck

LOS HEREDEROS (Mexico)

DIR: Eugenio Polgovsky
PROD: Camille Tauss

ICONS AMONG US (USA)

Subjects: Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, Esperanza Spalding.

DIR: Michael Rivoira/Lars Larson/Peter J. Vogt
PROD: John W. Comerford, Theo N. Ianuly

LA DANSE: THE PARIS OPERA BALLET (France/USA)

DIR: Frederick Wiseman
PROD: Pierre-Oliver Bardet, Frederick Wiseman, Francoise Gazio

MOSCOW (Brazil)

DIR: Eduardo Coutinho
PROD: Beth Pessoa
EXEC PROD: João Moreira Salles, Mauricio Andrade Ramos.

NE CHANGE RIEN (France)

With: Jeanne Balibar

DIR: Pedro Costa
PROD: Francisco Villa-Lobos

NEIL YOUNG TRUNK SHOW (USA)

Subject: Neil Young

DIR: Jonathan Demme
PROD: Jonathan Demme, Elizabeth Hayes, Mark Kamine
EXEC PROD: L.A. Johnson

PETITION (China/France)

DIR: Zhao Liang
PROD: Sylvie Blum

REPORTER (USA)

With: Nicholas D. Kristof

DIR: Eric Daniel Metzgar
PROD: Mikaela Beardsley, Steven Cantor
EXEC PROD: Ben Affleck

SWEETGRASS (USA)

DIR: Lucien Castaing-Taylor/Ilisa Barbash
PROD: Ilisa Barbash

TRANSCENDENT MAN (USA)

DIR: Robert Barry Ptolemy
PROD: Barry Ptolemy, Felicia Ptolemy
 EXEC PROD: Joe DiSanto, John Ramsay, Wren Waters, Doobie White.

THE TWO HORSES OF GENGHIS KHAN (Germany Mongolia)

DIR: Byambasuren Davaa
PROD Byambasuren Davaa, Beatrix Wesle

ALT_CINEMA

Alternative filmmaking for filmmakers who push the boundaries of culture & cinema.

THE ANCHORAGE (USA/Sweden)

Cast: Ulla Edström, Marcus Harrling, Elin Hamren, Bengt Ohlsson

DIR: C.W. Winter/Anders Edström
PROD: C.W. Winter, Anders Edström

BEST WORST MOVIE (USA)

DIR: Michael Paul Stephenson
PROD: Lindsay RowlesStephenson, Michael Paul Stephenson, Brad Klopman.
EXEC PROD: Alan Hunter, Hugh Hunter

GUY AND MADELINE ON A PARK BENCH (USA)

Cast: Bernard Chazelle, Desiree Garcia, Jason Palmer, Frank Garvin.

DIR: Damien Chazelle
PROD: Jasmine McGlade
EXEC PROD: W.A.W. Parker

THE LOVED ONES (Australia)

Cast: Xavier Samuel, Robin McLeavy, John Brumpton, Victori Thaine.

DIR: Sean Byrne
PROD: Mark Lazarus, Michael Boughen
EXEC PROD: Christopher Mapp, Matthew Street, David Whealy.

MODUS OPERANDI (USA)

Cast: Randy Russell, Danny Trejo, Mark Borchardt, Michael Sottile.

DIR: Frankie Latina
PROD: Shalyse Dominique, Laurie Foote,Mark Foote.
EXEC PROD: Bobby Ciraldo

TRASH HUMPERS (USA/UK)

Cast: Rachel Korine, Brian Kotzue, Travis Nicholson, Harmony Korine

DIR: Harmony Korine
PROD: Charles-Marie Anthonioz, Amina Dasmal, Robin Fox
EXEC PROD: Amina Dasmal, Robin Fox

SHORTS

A wide-ranging selection of shorts including some from the Lunchfilms series.

LUNCHFILMS (USA)

ALL DAY ALL NIGHT (USA)
DIR: Sarah Soquel Morhai

THE CALL
DIR: David Fenster/David Nordstrom

CHINESE BOX  (USA)
DIR: Nick McCarthy

CLEAR GLASSES (USA)
DIR: Sam Green

FRIENDS (USA)
DIR: James Graham

GOLDTHWAIT FAMILY HOME MOVIES (ANNIVERSARY EDITION)
DIR: Bobcat Goldthwait

HOME MOVIE  (USA)
DIR: Braden King

JEAN (USA)
DIR: Kelly Sears

LETTERS REAL/NAMES NOT (USA)
DIR: Azazel Jacobs

OFFSHORE BANK (USA)
DIR: Tom Barndt

TIN WOODMAN'S HOME MOVIE #2 (USA)
DIR: Naomi Uman/Lee Lynch

WEIRD CAROLERS (USA)
DIR: Brent Green

WHISKEYPRIEST (USA)
DIR: Randy Walker/Jennifer Shainin

SHORTS PROGRAM

A LETTER TO UNCLE BOONMEE  (Thailand/UK/Germany)
DIR: Apichatpong Weerasethakul

THE CITIZENS/LEAD/THE SIMPLE ANTENNAE (USA)
DIR: Kevin Everson

DICK CHENEY IN A COLD, DARK CELL (USA)
DIR: Jim Finn

THE HISTORY OF AVIATION (Hungary/France)
DIR: Balint Kenyeres

I AM SO PROUD OF YOU (USA)
DIR: Don Hertzfeldt

JOHN WAYNE HATED HORSES (USA)
DIR: Andrew T. Betzer

OIL CHANGE (USA)
DIR: Todd Luoto

SEND ME TO THE ´LECTRIC CHAIR (Canada)
DIR: Guy Maddin, Isabella Rossellini

SHORT TERM 12 (USA)
DIR: Destin Daniel Cretton

I've ticked off my picks. How 'bout you?

See 'ya on the Red Carpet next week!

Takes on role of Executive Producer

http://www.julianayrs.com/

E-Verify...may be used to establish legal status! Work place shivers...

The Board of Supervisors voted 5 to 0 in recent days to have County officials review E-Verify - an online service that determines whether residents seeking gainful employment are legal immigrants or authorized to work in the United States.

The Obama administration is widely promoting the program which is free to employers.

With a potent tool such as E-Verify, employers are able to dredge up legal particulars - and likewise - determine an applicant's status in respect to a potential new hire.

Behind-the-scenes, handlers have whispered that Obama has acknowledged his intention to exclusively award contracts to only those companies that enroll in the E-Verify program.

Talk about twisting arms!

Participation has been a bit spotty.

For instance, there is no requirement that hiring halls facilitate the E-Verify online service in California.

However, a few states have jumped on the band wagon.

According to sources, the program is becoming increasingly popular, which has resulted in about one-thousand new companies signing up each week.

When it comes to accuracy, the illegal-immigrant cracker is pretty much on the money.

For example, an official at INS noted at a recent press junket, that the accuracy rate is about 97 percent.

For this reason, LA County Supervisor Mike Antonovich has been touting the program, too.

After all, benefits not only include improved accuracy when it comes to wage and tax reporting, but welcome relief to employers who would otherwise be forced to maintain an enforcement team to feret out the illegals in order to avoid penalties, prosecution, and-so-forth and-so-on.

On the flip side of the coin, advocates of immigrant rights are concerned that the program may result in racial profiling, instead.

Jorge-Mario Cabrera (at the Coalition for Humane Immigration rights) went farther and accused Officials of engaging in mean-spirited "witch hunts".

Balderdash!

But, Ira Mehlman got it right.

Mehlman predicted that if city personnel adopted the E-Verify program,  it would set an example for other counties who have - 'til now - bent over backwards to accomodate illegal aliens because of the economic crisis.

The need for cheap labor factors in, I expect, although Mehlman didn't say it in so many words.

In my opinion, a candy-ass approach to the illegal immigrant problem, does nothing to resolve the issues.

It should be noted that because of a downturn in the economy - and a shortage of jobs for day workers - there has been a drop in immigrants crossing the border in search of lucrative tax-free day work on these shores.

What does that tell 'ya?

E-Verify may be a darn good deterent in the final analysis.

So much so, that one day it may not even be necessary to secure the border.

After all, the pursuit of the elusive American dream has lost all its luster - and likewise - turned into a nightmare for foreigners.

Shame?

Rene de Visme Williamson said it best:

“If the American dream is for Americans only, it will remain our dream and never be our destiny”

http://www.julianayrs.com

Facebook...gaydar predicts sexual persuasion at social hub! Out and about, are 'ya?

Two MIT grads have asserted that through a "gaydar" software program they developed, savvy web surfers touching down at the Facebook site may be able to determine the sexual persuasion of members,  without hearing a snippet of their lisping voice or even spying a flap of a wrist!

The tell-tale smoking gun rests in the realm of an individual's friends, according to researchers Carter Jernigan and Behram Mistree.

One of their theories is based on what is commonly referred to as a homophily.

In a nutshell, the practice underscores that the male animal tends to stick with those of the same kind, if he had his druthers.

In a research study consisting of - 1544 straight men, 21 bisexual men and 33 gay men - the findings determined that gay men proportionally have more homosexual friends than their butch (?) alleged counterparts (male breeders).

According to the gaydar stats, 4.6 percent of the dudes on a homosexual's friends list are of the gay persuasion.  On the other hand, a straight male appears to have stretched his comfort level if over .07 percent of the friends on his list are gay.

I assume, for obvious reasons, that no attention was paid to trendy "do's" or color-coordinated outfits when the researchers surveyed the facebook prowling grounds.

In a nutshell, based on the information gathered, the brainy twosome argue that by using the homophily theory, it is wholley possible for the carousing Don Juan (interested in hooking up) to correctly classify 78 percent of the gay men and 88 percent of the straight guys without much drama rearing its ugly - um - head.

A number of issues were raised, but not intriguing enough to post here, I dare say.

Except for one niggling little bit of information.

"We did this work to inform users that they could be indirectly disclosing information about themselves that they didn't realize," Behram Mistree confidented in an e-mail.

For the "out" - loose-as-a-goose drama Queen - t is a little late to be concerned about that.

It's quite another tawdry mystery-ridden tale for someone like Ryan Seacrest, who has had the good fortune to date to be labelled a Metrosexual Male, for now.

Oh, to be a fly on the wall, at his digs!

http://www.julianayrs.com

Experian...TransUnion & Equifax defendants in class-action lawsuit! Fair Credit Reporting Act violated...

Three credit bureaus in the United States are being dinged big-time for ignoring consumer complaints about errors on their credit reports and violating the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

When the news swept across the country that a class-action suit rustled up a proposed settlement for damages in recent days, cheers went up from every quarter of the consumer landscape.

If you've ever encountered an error on your credit report and attempted to resolve the issue with one of the the three major credit reporting agencies - Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax - you know what a nightmare that experience can be.

There may be a seemingly endless round of letter-writing to one (or all three) of the credit bureaus - followed by a nasty barrage of requests from the bureau in question for proof of identification - and a demand for signed affidavits that attest to the truthfulness of the facts, for starters.

Meanwhile, the black mark on the credit report may unjustly continue to hound the individual relentlessly from one credit grantor to the next until the frightful issues are resolved in the debtor's favor.

All of these nefarious practices screeched to a halt, however, when the aforementioned class-action suit was filed in a Federal District Court with the jurisdiction over the matter.

In - White et al. v. Experian Information Solutions, Inc. - the plaintiffs alleged in their cause(s) of action that all three credit bureaus (Experian, TransUnion, Equifax) violated the Fair Credit Reporting Act (and state laws) when they continued to report consumer debts past due and delinquent  - in spite of the fact - said financial obligations were discharged in Chapter 7 Bankruptcy proceedings.

A settlement fund in the sum of $45 million was negotiated for the express purpose of compensating individuals so situated in the form of damage awards to be based on a set of criteria approved by the court

A consumer is eligible for benefits if  he or she received a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy discharge and a credit report issued by the defendants between March 15 (2002) and May 11 (2009) (or, for California Residents in the case of  TransUnion, between May 12 (2001) and May 11 (2009) contained debts, accounts, judgments or other obligations discharged in a bankruptcy action that were not reported  as "discharged".

Consumers may choose from two options when filing their claims for damages.

The amount  of the subsequent award(s) will depend on the number of class members making a claim.

Claims must be submitted (and postmarked) to the address below no later than November 30, 2009.

Information

White et al. v. Experian Information Services, Inc.
c/o The Garden City Group, Inc.
PO Box 9517
Dublin, OH
43017-4817

http://www.julianayrs.com

Michelle Obama...slated to chat up NBC host Jay Leno! 1st lady meets 1st man of talk talk talk...

B-4 ratings game!

(no gray)

Svelte & Swish

(which is which)

Ten to one, she's a good tenner!

Say what?

According to a News release fired off earlier in the week, 1st Lady Michelle Obama has agreed to appear on a segment of the Jay Leno Show, hailed as the "Ten @ Ten".

In a nutshell, NBC will use state-of-the-art satellite technology to connect with ten celebrities (high-profile personalities, too) in the global spotlight who will summarily cough up answers to ten (loaded?) questions fired at 'em from Leno's lair in Burbank (CA).

Jay left no stone unturned when it came to snatching up "high-hitters" such as Justin Timberlake, Miley Cirus, Tom Cruise, and Camera Diaz, to name a few.

The "take it on the chin" talk-show host slumped recently in the ratings game - so I expect this is a deliberate ploy to nab a floundering audience - before they go bye-bye altogether, eh?

I anticipate at least three of the following questions will be levelled rapid-fire at the Prez's better-half:

* How's your sex life in the White House?
* Are you a haus-frau now?
* Favorite demand of a maid (or butler!) in the employ of the Prez?

News at 11 - um - 10!

http://www.julianayrs.com

Garth Brooks...signed on for gigs in Vegas! Fans ecstatic...

Hee Haw!

Garth Brooks appeared out-of-the-blue this past week, scooped up a lucrative deal to perform live! on stage in Vegas - and essentially - sauntered out of retirement into the glare of the spotlight once again.

And, smack dab into a dispute with Hotel owner - Steve Wynn - over ticket prices.

 "This is where we really went at it," Brooks quipped

After all, the charismatic performer insisted the price of admission be affordable.

Was it kinda-like roping a steer, Garth?

If so, he didn't win calves down.

In spite of the fact tickets at Kansas City venues once topped at $25.00 - and edged up to $45.00 at the Staples Center on another occasion - Wynn won out by a musical landslide to the tune of $125.00 a stub.

The "compromise" that Wynn offered had greed written all over its smirking face!

By the way, dusty-voiced Brooks flew into the desert oasis in high style, by jet.

With a posse of -handlers, hangers-on, business stalwarts, friends and family in tow - natch!

The studly cowboy - though a tad rusty - will obviously bounce back comfortably on stage soon enough.

When you're one of the biggest solo performers ever to grace the boards - it comes naturally - I expect.

Even still, at the top of his game, the savvy good-humored musician has his eye on an inevitable future.

The likable country-music star will start his five-year residency of weekend acoustic shows at Wynn on the Vegas strip December 11th (2009).

Once that fifteen-week stint is up, he'll head back to Dodge - presumably - and  return in 2010 to fulfill the second year of a contractual agreement to span over the next five years.

Yup, the now-chunky (outgoing) down-to-earth dude, has got it made.

And, if the toe-tapping guitar player gets cold feet, he can walk away (no foul).

Garth is keen to the fact that, though - that just like death and taxes - there will be a reckoning one day (in the form of plummeting popularity and dwindling sales).

"You want to be remembered at your best."

In the instant case of Garth Brooks, it is worthy to recall the following John F. Kennedy quote.

"I am certain that after the dust of centuries has passed over our cities, we, too, will be remembered not for victories or defeats in battles or in politics, but for our contribution to the human spirit.

Amen!

http://www.julianayrs.com

The Inferno...composer Keith Emerson attends New Bev screening! Horror Genre fans pack house...

Die-hard fans of the Horror Genre - and particularly those intrigued by the body of work conjured up over the years by celebrated film director Dario Argento - packed the New Beverly Cinema on Friday night at the witching hour to catch a much-anticipated screening of a fresh print of  "The Inferno".

A posse of the filmgoers were there to attend the Q & A, also, in response to an announcement that there would be an appearance by Keith Emerson of  "Emerson Lake & Palmer" (who composed music for the fright-night cinematic offering) and one of the pretty female stars of the classic film.

Right off-the-bat, charismatic Emerson noted that the visionary director - Dario Argento-  was the first filmmaker to incorporate rock music into the feature film creative mix.

"We rehearsed with a full orchestra in Rome," he excitedly recalled.

In so many words, he proceeded to point out that the high-brow musicians were in the dark as to how the classical music tracks would actually be used in the Inferno.

Needless to say, when the gorey footage sprang to life on the silver screen, it jolted their sensibilities.

On a more humorous note, the earthy rock star confessed that composing music for the lead actress, ended up being quite titillating.

Understandably!

The shot of the sexy star emerging from a pool of water in a skin-tight see-through blouse that he was referring to - which triggered a raucous roar of cat-calls in the Revival House that night - left little to the imagination, after all.

"The audition was really strange," she confided.

Allegedly, Argento strode into the rehearsal hall, examined her facial features for a moment or two, then  made a quick exit without much consternation or thought.

A few days later, she was officially cast for the role.

Then, for some inexplicable reason - just before the shoot began - her hair started to fall out.

And, difficulties with Argento, surfaced.

"I think he thought I was dying of some dreadful disease. Maybe that is why quite a few scenes ended up on the cutting-room floor."

An actress blowing things out of proportion, perhaps?

As to the film, well, the opening scenes were stilted - melodramatic - in fact.

Although I'm a big fan of Keith Emerson (and not hankering to burst the icon's first music bubble on screen), I found the score way over the top at times.

And, not in keeping with Argento's creative musings.

For instance, Dario was allegedly keen on using a well-known classical piece for a pivotal scene at the start of the film.

After the music was laid in - and unveiled to the quirky director - he didn't recognize the piece because Emerson used  5/4 time in a bold-faced effort to take a stab at emulating the sound of a taxi bumping and grinding along the pot-holed streets of Rome.

To me, Emerson failed to hit the mark.

The tempo was too fast, for starters.

And, the jumble of quick clashing burps & jolts of strident sound, amounted to a lot of misguided noise.

Also, the music was too loud (and uneven) throughout the film - but, just maybe - that was the fault of the projectionist in the booth upstairs.

At to the film, the acting was stagey, too.

Which reminds me, casting TV actor Leigh McCloskey (who I generally like) in the male lead, was a big boo-boo.

At times, I felt I was watching a soap opera,  or sloppy night-time dama on a cable network.

In the final analysis, Argento's film is an inferno mess!

http://www.julianayrs.com

Mattel...settles suits over toy recalls! Got the lead out...

18 million Toys recalled!

Just before the magic hour at Christmas for the past two years - as the kiddies were about to tear open their gift packages with delight - a scare ran throughout a host of communities around the country.

Investigators undercovered the awful truth about a handful of toy manufacturers in the U.S.

Tots were unwittingly exposed to high does of lead poisoning because careless (neglectful) manufacturers (such as name-brand Mattel) chose to take ghastly short-cuts in the toy-making process by farming out the job lots to penny-wise countries with less-strict guidelines about the use of deadly toxins.

But, there were also revelations (nasty ones) about plastics, too.

In a bold-faced effort to raise the consciousness about the toying issues - and with the aim of stemming the tide - I penned posts on the investigations and the subsequent outcomes.

Post:  12/10/2007

http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2007/12/toysx-mas-advocates-warn-about-hazards.html

Post:  12/18/2007

http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2007/12/toysx-mas-advocates-warn-about-hazards.html

Post:  12/18/08

http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2008/12/mattelsettles-toy-lead-poisoning.html

Now, just before a new holiday season upon us, there is good reason to celebrate!

Mattel has announced to the press that the toy maker has reached an agreement to settle "virtually all" the money-damage suits arising from the product recalls.

The class-action settlement is subject to the Court's approval.

Excessive levels of lead poisoning and other hazardous materials were detected in Mattel's toys, in spite of the fact they vowed publicly in the past, that safety was always a top priority.

The million-dollar settlement will be divied up according to the nature of the claims submitted.

For example, consumers who acted on the recall action will receive fifty-percent of the total vouchers sent in -  or ten dollars - whichever is greater.

Anyone who "missed out" on filing the paperwork, or failed to actively participate for whatever reason, will receive a reimbursement in the amount originally plunked down for the Mattel toy.

The individual settlements may not amount to much, but in total, represent a staggering figure sure to "sting" the negligent Corporate giant - and ultimately - teach the big brass upstairs a valuable lesson about ethics and morality in the marketplace.

http://www.julianayrs.com

Las Vegas...(Bugsy) Siegel Suites (& Spike) good value for budget tourists! True Golfer's paradise...

I was hastily surfing the World-Wide-Web one day for a reasonably-priced Hotel - when I spied a budget room worth taking a gander at - just off the Freemont Street experience in downtown Vegas.

Although the "Gold Spike" wouldn't conjure up inviting images for globe-trotting upscale tourists passing through the desert oasis for a mere day or two, I was inclined to bite, especially since I have often slipped into a a trendy watering hole or two over the years with similar down-to-earth off-beat monikers.

Terrible's, anyone?

So, I booked a four-day stay, for the heck of it.

The Spike was recently renovated by the owners who operate under the business entity of Siegel Suites.

Over the past few months, the Siegel Suites operation purchased a handful of local motels around Vegas proper and transformed the properties into little "gems".

The savvy management team is currently offering up affordable flexible-term lodging (weekly or monthly) for travellers who are budget-conscious, low-key tourists without much "baggage", or relocating in Sin City in search of gainful employment.

A few weeks ago, I sauntered into the Cafe on the first floor to chow down on a bit of grub.

As I waited for the waiter to glide over and take my order, I glanced around the popular eatery for a quick inspection.

Golly!

It was pretty obvious to my keen eye that the contractors (who decorated the interior of the restaurant) were not only capable - but also - possessed a natural flair for subtle elegance.

All in the details, I guess.

The interplay of textures - wood, stone, dry wall - were well-thought out and pleased the senses.

And, the strategic (flattering) lighting - which bounced off the walls softly - was soothing.

As these observations were being digested, an elderly gentleman sidled up to the table next to me.

The old-timer was a resident at the Siegel Suites down the street - and stopped in to make use of a lunch voucher - which was thrown-in as a perk when he committed to a short-term lease agreement.

"What do you think of this place," he softly asked me on the sly.

"Love it," were the first words out of my mouth.

I went on to mention that my background was in Art (& Aesthetics) - and that as a result - the impecable skills of the decorator did not go un-noticed.

The spunky patron noted at this juncture that the "Gold Spike" was owned (and run) by Bugsy Siegel's relatives.

You don't say!

"That's why they did such a great job. If they didn't get it right, it would have been their last one," he joked.

What a laugh riot this guy was.

The first stay at the Spike was quite comfortable, so I booked in a second time a few weeks later.

Now, I was really in for a surprise.

After I wrapped up all the necessary paperwork at the front desk (I booked through Expedia), the clerk discreetly handed me the room key without revealing the number in front of the other Hotel guests.

At this point, I headed upstairs to the 7th floor to settle in for the night.

At first, I was a little shocked when I swung the door open; after all, the suite appeared to be furnished with just a highback couch, coffee table, wide-screen TV, and designer armchair.

I surmised that I was being left to my own devices with a roll-away bed in view of the low-ball discount price I coughed up on this trek to to Nevada.

Suddenly, I spied a doorway on the other side of the Hotel room, beckoning me.

When I strolled over to take a gander, I realized there was also a huge bathroom with full amenities.

But, wait!

On the other side of the spacious bathroom, there was also a smartly-appointed bedroom, replete with two Queen size beds, TV, mini-fridge, and a high-priced stand-up wooden chest to stow away my personal belongings and wardrobe items.

Then, I noticed a sliding door.

OMG!

I was not only ensconced in the Penthouse, but also blessed with a full-size balcony to stretch out on and catch some rays at whim.

Needless to say, I was ecstatic over my good fortune.

That evening, I switched on both television sets and listened to an Andrea Bocelli concert on PBS in stereo,  as I soaked in a relaxing sudsy bath in a deep full-size tub.

The four days were heaven, except for a couple of minor irritations.

For some inexplicable reason, whenever I headed back to the Hotel after a jaunt around the city each day, my room key failed to operate the lock in the door of the suite.

So, I was forced to scramble downstairs to the front desk, to gain access.

I kind-a-felt like "someone" was keeping tabs on my whirlwind "comings & goings" each morning, noon, and night.

Also, electronic wizardry doesn't appear to have found its way to the Siegel properties, just yet.

Unfortunately, there weren't any remote controls for either TV.

At night, if I passed out in bed during the Jay Leno Show (quite often), I would be forced to climb out of my cozy bed half-asleep (get on my hands & knees) and stumble about in the dark for a few minutes until I located the off switch - and thus -  managed to turn off the blaring TV.

A solution to the problem?

Next time I book in there, I plan to pack along a universal remote (clever me).

In the final analysis, a Siegel Suite is a clean, comfortable, cozy respite from it all to alight in for a few lazy sun-drenched days in the desert.

No one's twisting my arm to plug the joint either.

Honest!

A Golfer's Delight!

(just ask Justin Timberlake)

http://www.julianayrs.com

George Clooney...pollsters envy! Wal-Mart ultimate U.S. image! Twitter a fad!

Gorgeous George most envied!

(& your little dog, too)

When I read the questions for a recent poll that was taken, I was quick to hazard a guess in respect to one querie that sought to determine which U.S-based company best exemplified the American image.

Of course, I was right on the money!

Retail giant - Wal-Mart - was the highest vote-getter around the country.

Trailing behind were upstarts such as Google, Microsoft, the NFL, and Goldman Sachs.

I chuckled when I read that thirty-percent of Americans thought that taking a bribe was far worse than being involved in an extramarital affair.

Obviously!

Slick Willy didn't get impeached over the Lewinski affair, did he?

In recent days, though, quite a few politicians "on the take" have been hauled off to the big house kicking and screaming.

During the Bill Clinton fiasco, I recall voter response around the country, at the height of the scandal.

"What the President does in his private life is his business, as long as he does his job."

Americans are such a compassionate (forgiving) lot - when it comes to sex, anyway - and as long as the romp in-between the sheets is not too perverse, kinky, or involves four-legged creatures.

Years ago, Prime Minister Trudeau (Canada) was quite adamant about his position (missionary or otherwise) on homosexuality when the issues reared their ugly head during a "coming out" phase north of the border in the sixties.

"The Government has no business in the bedrooms of the Nation," he asserted.

On a lighter side, in the same poll, George Clooney was the man Americans confessed they would most likely want to trade places with for a week (to the tune of twenty-four percent).

Tom Brady (NFL football stud) and the hard-rocking pop icon Bruce Springsteen were breathing down his sexy back.

Interestingly, in spite of the tough economic times, Americans admitted they were still reluctant to deny themselves a luxury/

Dining out was one pleasure they'd sacrifice, though, in order to get by financially

Consumers surmised (in jest?)  that the best way to fight obesity (due to fast food trans-fat overload) was to equip each restaurant with a set of scales so that customers could weigh themselves and take a cue after-the-fact.

That clever response reminded me of one celebrity who posted a fat shot on her refrigerator to quell her yearnings for high-calorie foodstuffs which were causing weight problems (and depression) to surface.

Half of the respondents thought it was a great idea to tax the rich.

Twittter was labelled a mere trend by a third of the pollsters, sure to fade fast once the novelty has worn off.

Not very tweet news for twitter folks, eh?

Although Americans believe Obama will pull out of Iraq within the next year or so, they are pessimistic about a full-scale troop withdrawal from Afghanistan.

The way the President has been dragging his feet,  it's evident their prediction was right on target.

Nuff said.

I've got to go tweet!

http://www.julianayrs.com/

Barack Obama...Enemy No. 1 is Fox News! Nixon a role model for Prez...

A few days ago, I published a post about Barack Obama's "war" with Fox News!

Post:  10/13/09

http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2009/10/barack-obamashowdown-with-fox-news.html

Frankly, I thought that Mr. Obama and his cronies would lay down their arms, and re-think the scenario.

Nope!

Each side may be "building fences" - not mending 'em - to save face.

And the sharks are circling for the kill!

According to Karl Rove (a rogue politician, if 'ya ask me) the fiasco is escalating.

But, comparable to the dirty tricks of outcast, Richard M. Nixon?

On a Sunday eve broadcast on - where else? - Karl Rove hissed to anyone within earshot that the Obama has drawn a line in the sand in respect to friends and foes.

"This is a White House engaging in its own version of the media enemies list," Rove quipped in response to a White House criticism of the Fox's baby network."

"It's unhelpful for the country and undignified for the president of the United States to so do."

Mr. Rove, what good is power, if you can't unleash it now and then to get your own way?

I expect many will agree with me that Mr. Rove was not exactly Mister Nice Guy - eh? - when he roamed the corridors of power.

Shulamith Firestone may have said it best:

"Power, however it has evolved, whatever its origins, will not be given up without a struggle."

http://www.julianayrs.com

Terrorism...FBI "tip line" for reporting suspicious activity!

Today, I was cruising the Internet to locate a site where I could lodge a complaint against the U.S. letter-carriers who have been tampering with my mail at the West Hollywood Postal Station (CA) where I rent a mailbox.

At the FBI site, I inputted data to a "tip line", that I thought handled complaints of this nature.

Imagine my surprise when I received a personal communication back from an agent at the FBI a few minutes later informing me that the site was set up just after 9/11 and functions as a clandestine outlet for Americans to report suspicous activity that may be related to terrorism in the U.S.

Here is how the law enforcement official described the "tip line":

"Our operation is completely automated and paperless. Submitted tips are received immediately, reviewed within minutes and prioritized by trained Professional Support personnel, and Agents set action leads within the hour, as appropriate."

"We encourage you to share this information with your family, friends, and co-workers, and encourage them to not hesitate to submit information they may deem of interest to the FBI".

So, there you have it, folks!

The agent requested that I take note that there isn't any e-mail direct contact address to submit info to.

The automated system is designed to track all information received and to ensure that all the "tips" are addressed in a timely and efficient manner.

Therefore, tipsters must surf over to the FBI.GOV web site to report the specifics.

The FBI cautioned they "WILL NOT" (in CAPS just like that!) open or respond to “reply” email."

I'm impressed!

One of the top Law Enforcement agencies in the U.S. is on-the-ready 24/7 to take action!

Now that I have been apprised of that fact, just betcha I'll be able to sleep at night, without counting sheep.

http://www.julianayrs.com

Medical Marijuana...Federal Government issues new guidelines! Victory....

This morning, the U.S. Department of Justice issued new guidelines on medical marijuana.

These guidelines are a big victory for medical marijuana patients.

At the bottom of this post, I have published the "Memorandum" which has been sent out to U.S. Attorneys, Law Enforcement Agencies, and Government officials.

In a communication e-mailed out to me just moments ago - Executive Director Steph Sheer at ASA (Americans for Safe Access) - hailed the Department of Justice for taking a great step in the right direction.


The Federal guidelines are directed at U.S. Attorneys in states that have adopted medical use laws.

In the words of US Attorney General Eric Holder:

"It will not be a priority to use federal resources to prosecute patients with serious illnesses or their caregivers who are complying with state laws on medical marijuana, but we will not tolerate drug traffickers who hide behind claims of compliance with state law to mask activities that are clearly illegal."

After much haggling over the issue of Medicinal Marijuana - and a flurry of urban-guerilla-style DEA Raids on legal Marijuana outlets which I reported on over the past year (posts below) - the US Department of Justice is now advising prosecutors formally not to interfere with medical marijuana patients in States where medical marijuana for compassionate use is legal.

A round of cheers just went up in California, and I expect that tonight, there will be celebrating in the streets.
Organizations such as ASA have vowed to work with - President Obama, the Justice Department, and the U.S. Congress - to establish a comprehensive National policy across the board.

The dark days of the Bush administration are behind U.S. citizens now, but the 200 urban-guerilla-style raids the DEA launched in California (a handful of which I reported on) won't be soon forgotten.

Post:  03/07/2009

http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2009/03/medical-marijuanafocus-on-doctors-not.html

Post:  05/06/2008

http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2008/05/deaabuse-house-judiciary-committee-to.html

Post: 10/12/07

http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2007/10/feds-raid-downtown-la-medical-marijuana.html

Post:  10/11/07

http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2007/10/dea-retaliate-against-protestorseve-of.html

Post:  10/10//07

http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2007/10/medical-marijuanarally-october-11th-los.html

Post:  09/13/2007

http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2007/09/boys-town-pot-bustsmedi-mari-laws.html

I trust that the two-dozen-or-so medical marijuana cases before the courts now will be dismissed in view of the welcome startling turn of events in Washington (D.C.) this afternoon.

Stay tuned!

www.ijulian.blogspot.com

________________________________________________________

Seal


U.S. Department of Justice
Office of the Deputy Attorney General
The Deputy Attorney General Washington, D.C. 20530

October 19,2009
MEMORANDUM FOR SELECTED UNITED STATES ATTORNEYS

FROM:  David W. Ogden - Signature of David Ogden

Deputy Attorney General

SUBJECT:

Investigations and Prosecutions in States Authorizing the Medical Use of Marijuana

This memorandum provides clarification and guidance to federal prosecutors in States that have enacted laws authorizing the medical use of marijuana. These laws vary in their substantive provisions and in the extent of state regulatory oversight, both among the enacting States and among local jurisdictions within those States. Rather than developing different guidelines for every possible variant of state and local law, this memorandum provides uniform guidance to focus federal investigations and prosecutions in these States on core federal enforcement priorities.

The Department of Justice is committed to the enforcement of the Controlled Substances Act in all States. Congress has determined that marijuana is a dangerous drug, and the illegal distribution and sale of marijuana is a serious crime and provides a significant source of revenue to large-scale criminal enterprises, gangs, and cartels. One timely example underscores the importance of our efforts to prosecute significant marijuana traffickers: marijuana distribution in the United States remains the single largest source of revenue for the Mexican cartels.

The Department is also committed to making efficient and rational use of its limited investigative and prosecutorial resources. In general, United States Attorneys are vested with "plenary authority with regard to federal criminal matters" within their districts. USAM 9-2.001. In exercising this authority, United States Attorneys are "invested by statute and delegation from the Attorney General with the broadest discretion in the exercise of such authority." Id. This authority should, of course, be exercised consistent with Department priorities and guidance.

The prosecution of significant traffickers of illegal drugs, including marijuana, and the disruption of illegal drug manufacturing and trafficking networks continues to be a core priority in the Department's efforts against narcotics and dangerous drugs, and the Department's investigative and prosecutorial resources should be directed towards these objectives. As a general matter, pursuit of these priorities should not focus federal resources in your States on

Memorandum for Selected United States Attorneys Page 2

Subject: Investigations and Prosecutions in States Authorizing the Medical Use of Marijuana

individuals whose actions are in clear and unambiguous compliance with existing state laws providing for the medical use of marijuana. For example, prosecution of individuals with cancer or other serious illnesses who use marijuana as part of a recommended treatment regimen consistent with applicable state law, or those caregivers in clear and unambiguous compliance with existing state law who provide such individuals with marijuana, is unlikely to be an efficient use of limited federal resources. On the other hand, prosecution of commercial enterprises that unlawfully market and sell marijuana for profit continues to be an enforcement priority of the Department. To be sure, claims of compliance with state or local law may mask operations inconsistent with the terms, conditions, or purposes of those laws, and federal law enforcement should not be deterred by such assertions when otherwise pursuing the Department's core enforcement priorities.

Typically, when any of the following characteristics is present, the conduct will not be in clear and unambiguous compliance with applicable state law and may indicate illegal drug trafficking activity of potential federal interest:

• unlawful possession or unlawful use of firearms;

• violence;

• sales to minors;

• financial and marketing activities inconsistent with the terms, conditions, or purposes of state law, including evidence of money laundering activity and/or financial gains or excessive amounts of cash inconsistent with purported compliance with state or local law;

• amounts of marijuana inconsistent with purported compliance with state or local law;

• illegal possession or sale of other controlled substances; or

• ties to other criminal enterprises.

Of course, no State can authorize violations of federal law, and the list of factors above is not intended to describe exhaustively when a federal prosecution may be warranted. Accordingly, in prosecutions under the Controlled Substances Act, federal prosecutors are not expected to charge, prove, or otherwise establish any state law violations. Indeed, this memorandum does not alter in any way the Department's authority to enforce federal law, including laws prohibiting the manufacture, production, distribution, possession, or use of marijuana on federal property. This guidance regarding resource allocation does not "legalize" marijuana or provide a legal defense to a violation of federal law, nor is it intended to create any privileges, benefits, or rights, substantive or procedural, enforceable by any individual, party or witness in any administrative, civil, or criminal matter. Nor does clear and unambiguous compliance with state law or the absence of one or all of the above factors create a legal defense to a violation of the Controlled Substances Act. Rather, this memorandum is intended solely as a guide to the exercise of investigative and prosecutorial discretion.

Memorandum for Selected United States Attorneys Page 3

Subject: Investigations and Prosecutions in States Authorizing the Medical Use of Marijuana

Finally, nothing herein precludes investigation or prosecution where there is a reasonable basis to believe that compliance with state law is being invoked as a pretext for the production or distribution of marijuana for purposes not authorized by state law. Nor does this guidance preclude investigation or prosecution, even when there is clear and unambiguous compliance with existing state law, in particular circumstances where investigation or prosecution otherwise serves important federal interests.

Your offices should continue to review marijuana cases for prosecution on a case-by-case basis, consistent with the guidance on resource allocation and federal priorities set forth herein, the consideration of requests for federal assistance from state and local law enforcement authorities, and the Principles of Federal Prosecution.

cc: All United States Attorneys

Lanny A. Breuer
Assistant Attorney
General Criminal Division

B. Todd Jones
United States Attorney
District of Minnesota
Chair, Attorney General's Advisory Committee

Michele M. Leonhart
Acting Administrator
Drug Enforcement Administration

H. Marshall Jarrett
Director
Executive Office for United States Attorneys

Kevin L. Perkins
Assistant Director
Criminal Investigative Division
Federal Bureau of Investigation

Ellen DeGeneres...frenzied flurry of hits crashes spanish language Twitter site

Looks like Ellen has either signed on for Spanish lessons, or has been learning a few succinct phrases Latino friends and business associates.

In a tweet over the weekend, the congenial talk-show host (with the pretty wife), became a member of the Spanish version of  Twitter (known as Birddi) and voila - oops! that's French, right? - got so many hits that the web site crashed!

According to stats, the blond comedienne was the most "followed" that day, alright.

That  ¡Hola, amigos Ellen keyed in from her keyboard sure packed a whallop, eh?

Si!

By the way, handsome actor Jimmy Smits (LA LAW) appeared on The Ellen Show this week to discuss a documentary he's involved with on Latin Music.

In the spirit of the moment, Jimmy was inclined to teach Ellen some sexy salsa moves.

Well, Howard, we all know how much she loves to dance, eh?

OMG, nearly forgot!

Ellen has a new entertaining segment on the afternoon talk fest: 

"I think you can dance".

With tongue-in-cheek, presumably, Ellen intends to invite losers from "that other"  think you can dance show to strut their stuff over at her network.

Take a gander at Bryan Boyer's clip!

http://ellen.warnerbros.com/2009/10/bryan-boyer-sytycd-twitter-1015.php?adid=101909_newsletter_messagebryanboyer

http://www.julianayrs.com

Party Girls...wine may add umpfff to woman's sex life!

Down the hatch, ladies.

Researchers have recently uncovered an effective sex stimulant, especially if the arm-tipper happens to be of the female pesuasion.

A new study from the University of Florcence indicated that women who drink wine have better sex than their "sisters" who don't.

After enlisting the aid of  800 women and determining pertinent facts about sexual history (in addition to other over-riding relationship data) scientists were able to rate their satisfaction (just ask Mick Jagger) between the sheets.

A cougar on the prowl who did not drink at all (a lady must keep her wits about her when she is stalking studly male prey after all) scored 24.

One drink at the local watering hole revved up the numbers a tad to 25.9 percent.

And, a gal not necessarily a lush (but  with a taste for the exotic in cocktails perhaps) who tossed back at least two belts of booze came out on top (probably in more ways than one) with a respectable 27.3 rank.

No wonder "visionary" dudes are keen about (and wise to) tanking up their bodacious babes before hitting the sack.

By the way, the studs who tossed back a half-a-dozen or so brewskies, probably didn't end up scoring at all, if you catch my drift.

Yup!

A study on male drinking habits was required to figure out that sad fact.

But, there's always Viagra, eh?

http://www.julianayrs.com

Maria Conchita Alonso...a special night with the talented actress! Beverly Hills...

Venezolanos en Hollywood is sponsoring a "casual meeting" with the talented and charismatic actress, Maria Conchita Alonso, at the Coupa Cafe in Beverly Hills on November 2nd (8 p.m.)

Alonso is a former "Miss Teenager Of The World", who went on to become a popular chanteuse and film star in her own country overseas in Venezuela and on these shores in the United States.

Maria Conchita has worked in Broadway, TV and in Hollywood with the creme de la creme, which include actors such as Robin Williams, Sonia Braga, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sean Penn, Robert Duvall, and Meryl Streep, to name a few.

The event  is free.

Info:  Contacto@VenezolanosEnHollywood.com

http://www.julianayrs.com

A.I.D.S. Walk Los Angeles...President Obama message of hope! Mayor Villaraigosa & LaToya Jackson attend...

I was on my way to the A.I.D.S. walk bright and early this morning when a pretty young lady from the Inland Empire - Louisa Hayton - strode up and asked for directions to the starter's gate for the 25th annual A.I.D.S. fundraiser.

What an inspiring moment!

While some have become complacent about the insiduous disease (causing turn-outs to see-saw up-and-down from year-to-year) - the dedicated, on the other hand, still recognize that the fight is certainly not over by a long shot.

There is still no cure for HIV or A.I.D.S.

And, at a time when funding is urgently needed for research, preventive care, and outreach programs - Governor Schwarzenegger has cut back on programs that will drastically affect A.I.D.S. patients, the disabled, and a handful of support organizations in the State of California that normally provide a lifeline for the needy and the afflicted.

But, there is hope on the horizon, evidently.

A representative of APLA (A.I.D.S. Project/Los Angeles) informed the enthusiastic upbeat walkers from his perch on the star-studded podium today - that in a recent dialogue with President Obama - there were assurances from the current administration that a call for a Federal mandate to deal effectively and hands-on with the A.I.D.S. crisis was in the pipeline.

Another empty promise?

Craig Miller, who created the A.I.D.S. walk which originated in WeHo twenty-five years ago, was on hand to motivate the crowd.

As usual, the charismatic activist used the occasion to educate, inform, and inspire.

For background info on Craig and the origins of the 1st  A.I.D.S. walk, check out a prior post penned on the eve of  last year's fundraiser.

Post: 10/19/2008

http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2008/10/aids-walk-los-angelescharismatic-actor.html

Meanwhile, Mayor Villaraigosa put in an appearance in spite of a busy schedule.

The youthful-looking politician - who has been chastized in the past for failing to put in a show on the shakey grounds that other commitments prevented him from joining in to help rustle up funds and raise awareness for the cause - appeared casually-dressed in jeans and an elegant dress shirt open at-the-collar.

He urged the revellers to shop at Macy's and book a room at Hilton on their next vacation or business trip to show appreciation for each's generous support at fundraisers and at other salient events throughout the year.

A spokesperson for Hilton, the major sponsor for the powerhouse event, noted in an eloquent speech that - for Hilton - it wasn't about the buildings or the image of the corporate entity.

"There's no Paris up here. A few employees got together one day and realized they could get involved and make a difference in the fight against A.I.D.S."

Indeed, as of this date, Hilton staffers have raised over $1 million.

Jeff  Katzenberg (Hollywood mogul & Producer extraordinaire) hailed one of his assistants, too.

"With my rolodex, she managed to fill a kitty to the tune of approximately $999,000.00. She is a hero," he underscored proudly.

Silent "fundraisers" in the community who raised $1,000.00 (or more) received plaudits, too.

Each was bestowed with a bejewelled crown which glittered majestically in the early-morning sunlight.

The celebration wasn't without humor, either.

Candis Cayne (Dirty Sexy Money) entertained the crowd with a few zingers from the stage as buffed male actors with impecable pecs and washboard abs (known to TV audiences) modelled (and strutted) ensemble pieces - T-shirts, Caps, & Tote bags - that were being offered up to reward go-getters who snared big-time donation bucks.

Cayne - a triple treat - has not escaped the keen eye of my camera lens in the past.

On two ocasions, I have captured the sensual actress on Video in live performances on stage.

Post: 05/27/2009

http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2009/05/candis-caynedoes-lady-ga-ga-abbey.html

Post:  05/28/2009

http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2009/05/candis-caynespoofs-druggie-whitney_28.html

Before the madding crowd headed off down the street to commence the walk, they were treated to a wide array of tasty nutritious snacks to energize their little bunny tails - yogurt, protein bars, fresh fruit, thirst-quenching coolers - which were all donated by generous sponsors.

Thanks to each and every one!

http://www.julianayrs.com