Saturday, January 16, 2010

San Francisco Public Library...funds wasted on slovenly guards & incompetent staff! Clean house, Mayor!






At a time when local, State and Federal governments are cutting funds - especially in the area of health services where they are crucially needed - the downtown library continues to expend untold sums of money on a security detail and front end staff (clerks, wannabee librarians, book-sorters, and assorted hangers-on) that are a waste of tax dollars.

Frankly, it's somewhat shocking to saunter into the Main Library and spy a half-a-dozen or so overweight guards, shuffling along with scowls on their faces, intimidating patrons( as they wander aimlessly about trying look busy and in charge).

These ill-bred losers are under the mistaken impression that tossing on a poorly-fitting monkey-suit and tarnished badge gives them the right (and authority) to push folks around when nothing could be farther from the truth.

It's sad when you consider that a large percentage of the visitors they harass needlessly (due to ignorance and misplaced egos) are street people who seek a little shelter from the storm for an hour or two each day.

Staff in other departments are just as bad.

Quite a few of these undeserving workers generally loll around on their fat butts during a shift - where the precious hours are predominantly wasted on selfish pursuits - as the county payroll clock ticks away.

Yessir!

Quite a few hours are expended during the course of the week, checking e-mail, catching up on personal reading, cruising web sites for the lastest gossip on celebs (you name it).

God forbid a partron should waltz up to their station to ask for assistance.

They'll pause for a moment, give the guest a squinty-eyed look, and appear to be lamenting inside heir demented twisted minds:

What the fu** are you bothering me for?

Yeah, you're only filling up space, darling.

If Mayor Gavin Newsom is serious about reducing the number of homeless on the busy city streets, then I recommend that he cut about half of the budget at the Library, and put those ear-marked funds towards truly helping the needy by providing warm beds and a hearty meal for their gut.

Then, they wouldn't have to hang out at the library all day and be constantly insulted by ignorant guards and ne'er-do-wells who are under the mistaken impression they are bona-fide librarians with an ounce of intelligence.

I expect that once a dozen-or-so unnecessary staffers and security guards are shown the door, that the city may finally realize an increase in productivity, at the library.

Who knows?

Once the remaining sticks-in-the-mud are prodded off their butts, and pressed into service to fulfill the duties they were hired to perform originally, a scant one or two of  'em might just end up thanking  the Mayor for helping them burn off a lot of excess fat around their waists, butts, and lumpy God-awful-looking thunder thighs.

Yeah, what we need at the library are more lean efficient machines, and less of the lethargic pig-headed dimwits who are in employ there now.

Amen!




Peek-a-boo!
(what you see is what you get)


David Geffen Playhouse...Ed Harris stars in WRECKS! Discount tickets...



Ed Harris on red carpet with acting pals!




Ed Harris Stars in - "Wrecks!" - an insightful play by Neil LaBute at the David Geffen Playhouse.

The New York Times raved about the actor's latest appearance on stage before live audiences.

 "An expert performance by Ed Harris!"

"Superb and subversive," exalted the New Yorker.

Harris portrays Edward Carr -  a successful business man, loving father, incorrigible smoker - and recent widower.

 In what is being deemed as an internationally-acclaimed star turn by the award winning actor - Harris's characterr lures audiences into an extended monologue about his extraordinary marriage - and immediately engages the theatre-goers in a few intimate moments  they won't soon forget.

"Wreck"s in a run at the Skirball Kenis Theatre (under the auspices of  David Geffen) is laced with - passion, humor and a hint of playwright LaBute's infamous darkness" - the press release beams  with great enthusiasm.

According to the producers, the production is a rare theatrical event about the boundaries of love, and how far they can be stretched.

Performance Notes:

Wrecks is a 75 minute one-act drama with heavy cigarette smoking.
This limited engagement runs for four weeks only.

Discounts:

Info: 310.208.5454!

Mention code WEMZERO

Tickets must be purchased by phone on or before 1/24/10

Box office
12 pm - 6 pm

*Offer valid while tickets last
(invalid online)




Art patron extraordinaire David Geffen

The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus...escapist bill-of-fare entertains! Johnny Depp & Christopher Plummer stellar performances...



Christopher Plummer remarkable!




If you're pining for a total escape from reality, Gilliam' breathtaking feature film - The Imaginarium of Dr. Parnassum - just may be the ticket worthing springing a few hard-earned bucks on.

The stunning imagery, well-crafted sets, and remarkable fanciful world created on celluloid, is worth the price of admission alone.

Christopher Plummer plays Doctor Parnassus, a mystical character who appears to be walking a tightrope between fantasy and reality, after having sold his soul to the devil  (played spendidly by actor Tom Waits).

In his prophetic hands, Parnassus holds the power of imagination, which he steadfastly (and stealthfully) uses at whim to temp souls - and ultimately - hopefully reign supreme over his slippery adversary (where he imagines peace and harmony await him the end scenario with open arms).

The Imaginarium - on its face - seems to be a mindless carnival sideshow rife with adventure and folly and with all the visual stimulation of a potent LSD trip into whimsical dream-like realms.

Curiously, as it turns out, stepping into the imaginarium (by virtue of a two-way mirror in a circus tent) forces the hapless victim to come face-to-face with their inner demons, all-encompassing desires, and the like.

Couple this with the fact that actor Heath Ledger met his early demise during the course of filming - and the whole kit-and-kaboodle - becomes downright intriguing.

Gilliam turned to Johnny Depp, Jude Law, and Colin Farrell to help tidy up loose ends for the imaginarium of  Heath's own soul-searching character (left dangling when the tragedy unfolded unexpectedly before the shoot was wrapped).

Script changes explained away Heath's transformative persona onscreen  in a plot line that was all over the map - and thus, made sense - in the final analysis.

In a fascinating plot twist, it turns out that Parnassus's mortal daughter sprang up from the loins of one of the Devil's diabolical temptations, which boosts the stakes higher for the wizard at odds with his nemesis.

To the film's credit, Gilliam has lent his extraordinary storytelling skills with flair (confidence) and aplomb.

The acting - in particular that of Johnny Depp, Christophe Plummer and Colin Farrel - is exceptional; in fact, I could not find fault or flaw anywhere with the characterizations or acting styles facilitated to conjure them up seamlessly on the silver screen.

Perhaps it was the magical gift of Gilliam that managed to keep all the actors enthralled.

Ah, what a  taskmaster!

By the way, this is one screening you'd be wise to sit through 'til the final credit has rolled.

Each contributor's name is artfully scripted with eye-catching distinction before the curtain falls down.

And, at one point - a nod to Heath Ledger & friends - brings a tear to the eye.

What might have been!




Heath Ledger's last bow!


Julian Ayrs...equality! Quote...






Whenever I cross paths with anyone
I treat them like an equal
Until they open their mouths
and prove otherwise


Julian Ayrs
Divine Grace
Collection of Poems



Friday, January 15, 2010

San Francisco...MOMA "Focus on Artists" enlightens! Jan 16 - May 23rd...



Frank Stella inspired trends after sixties era!




San Francisco's MOMA celebrates its 75th Anniversary with an exciting exhibition titled:

Focus on Artists

The comprehensive collecion of pieces on display include 100 paintings, sculptures, and photographs (circa 1944 to 2006).

Curators have personalized each artist's contribution to the insightful show by hanging their indiviudal works in their own "intimate" gallery setting.

According to Gary Garrels (Senior curator of painting and sculpture) the eclectic exhibition puts the spotlight on a major shift in art being offered after the boisterous sixties era (which concentrated on more social and psychological themes).

In essence, there are two halves of the show, which complement each other admirably.

One body of work focuses on major American artists who helped nuture and impact the abstract expressionist movement (such as  Richard Serra, Frank Stella, Ellsworth Kelly).

A section on artists of International renown (unveiled this weekend) consists of the highly-individual artistic styles of Jeff Wall, Warhol, Diane Arbus, Sigmar Polke and others.

According to Garrels, museum staff are thrilled with this turning point at the SFMOMA.

"The two halves of the show will have their own internal argument that will, I hope, be clear and relevant to people. I think it's been a revelation for everybody here to see what depths we have to see all these works together and to realize this really is a world-class museum."

See for yourself!

San Francisco Museum of Art
151 Third Street
San Francisco, CA

Dates
January 16th - May 23rd

Exhibition Hours

Daily Viewing
(closed Wednesdays)

11 am - 5:45 pm
(Thursdays 8:45 pm)

Info:  www.sfmoma.org
         415.357.4000



Controversial works by Pop Icon Warhol



Canadian Artist Jeff Wall featured


San Francisco...quaint Victorian houses on Castro! Design flourishes exquisite...





The othe morning at the crack of dawn, I was traipsing down Castro just above the well-travelled strip, when I spied a beautiful row of quaint Victorian houses tarted up to the hilt!

Fortunately, I was packing my HD Video camera, so I whipped it out and captured some footage of these exquisite architectural beauties that are a stand-out amid an otherwise drab and colorless part of Castro Street.

Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J8RhWUHrWMU




Dirty Pretty Things...Russell Young art exhibition in San Francisco! Stardust portraits of Marilyn & Marlon...




On Gallery row a splashy show of paintings titled Dirty Pretty Things screams out at tourists as they hustle to the theatre just down the strip to catch a production of Phedre.

The Russeck Gallery is featuring about a dozen-or-so unique portraits of - Marilyn Monroe, James Dean, and Marlon Brando - with a clever twist to them.

The fairly well-known images (some coined from Warhol's well of creativity) are sprinkled with a handful of glittering stardust.

On the promotional blurb, a particularly eye-catching shot of the "Some Like it Hot" star is labelled:

"Double Marilyn"

The whimsical portrait is 62 inches by 96 inches and was crafted on linen (a screen print) in acrylic paint, enamel, and diamond dust.

The artist - Russell Young - resides in Los Angeles and is well-known for his video adventures.

Twenty years ago the British photographer first lent his searing lens to celebrity culture.

The assignment was to capture pop idol George Michael in a publicity still for the album “Faith”.

Soon Russell became renowned for his stylish photographic studies of stand-out musicians such as  Morrissey, Springsteen, and Dylan.

In its heyday, Russell directed a hundred music videos for pop culure phenomenon,  MTV.

Russell started painting about ten years ago, but was shy about exhibiting his musings.

When Young unveiled - PIG PORTRAITS - the pieces  were immediately snapped up by collectors, friends, and business associates.

Today, the talented man is touted as an internationally acclaimed pop artist, who creates larger-than-life silkscreen paintings of images from history and pop culture (such as the ones currently on exhibit at the Russeck Gallery in San Francisco).

“My work is sort of soundtrack to my life, loves, experiences and influences. My method of working is to search, destroy and create. The images of this series have been collected from newspaper cuttings, e-bay, long correspondence with police departments throughout the world or even given by celebrities themselves. The idea to create "anti-celebrity" portraits was probably a reaction to my former career. However, they turned out to be even more beautiful and iconic. There is undeniably this attitude that is very real, in your face, a beauty that is hard to ignore. My art is a sort of soundtrack to my life, loves, experiences and influences. These would be my heroes that are missing from Art History.”

Die-hard fans are undoubtedly aware that Russell is married to actress Finola Hughes.

The loving couple have three children - Dylan, Cash and Sadie - who trot back and forth with their celebrated parents between homes situated  in New York and Los Angeles.

The dazzling paintings at the Russeck currently - which would heighten the mood in any tony dining-room in a NYC penthouse suite or Bel Air manse - don't come cheap.

Prices start @ $19,000.00 a pop!

Russeck Gallery
373 Geary Street
San Francisco, CA
415.981.9141

Info:  RUSSECKGALLERYSF@YAHOO.COM



James Dean
Russell Young



Democrats...battlefield kit! Sarah Palin voodoo doll...







Yesterday, after our mutual decision to follow each other on Twitter, I received an e-mail communication from John Vogel at the Democratic Committee headquarters (DCCC) in Washington (DC).

"I'm sure you've heard the same media coverage I have," he quipped in the opening paragraph of his greeting.

"Republicans have the momentum. Democrats are in disarray. The Tea Party movement is sweeping America."

At this juncture, Vogel made a pitch for me to join the Democratic party.

"January 20th marks the one-year anniversary since President Obama took office. The pundits and the Republicans are in full-blown "spin mode" trying to attack the President. We have set a goal of having 10,000 new members by January 20th and we need your urgent support today to reach it."

I guess he hadn't heard.

When folks probe me as to whether I am a Republican or a Democrat, I usually quip:

"I'm a Canadian."

But, since my disaapproval for Prime Minister Stephen Harper is pretty widespread, I surmise Vogel was urged by his "masters" to give it a shot nonetheless.

"There has never been more of a critical time to join the Democratic Congressional Campaign," he continued earnestly.

If I acted  now, he concluded, there was a golden opportunity to show the world that I stood behind President Barack Obama and the Democrats.

If I made a contribution, and joined the political party officially, I would also receive a special House insider strategy session, an official membership card (who-ee!) and a battleground kit send out by U.S. Post.

I sat bolt upright.

I was intigued by the battleground kit, you betcha!

But, when I clicked onthe  image, I was immediately transported to a donation page!

In fact, when I conducted a search to locate a photograph of the kit and its contents, I came up empty-handed.

Since a kit to prepare for battle must be secret from warriors on the other side, I expect potential new members are kept in the dark until their pledge is honored and the kit summarily arrives in a plain brown paper-wrapping at their home in the burbs in somewhere USA.

Once the handy kit ceremoniously arrives in the mail, I expect it will contain clandestine instructions on how to facilitate a bevy of the useful tools (and tips) the Democrats have graciously provided.

Here's what I expect to have been carefully packed inside:

  1.  Palin doll with 2012 etched on chest with  12 needles
  2   Reid book with Obama quips lightly blacked out
  3.  McCain gaffes circled in bright red in Reid tome
  4.  Standard quips to utter when asked about healthcare
  5.  Document confirming Obama's birth somewhere.
  6.  Ayres terrorist manifesto with Perez Hilton scribbles on face
  7.  Testimonies from staffers that Obama is straight as arrow
  8.  Detailed map of bike trails in Washington (& Hawaii)
  9.  Locations of Burger Kings (& quickest late night routes)
10.  Biscuits for 1st dog to curry favor next visit to white house.

The check is in the mail!

By the way, do you know what the other two biggest lies are?

*Black is beautiful
*I promise not to c** in your mouth




Picture worth a thousand excuses!



Cartier...San Francisco gem exhibit dazzles! Legion of Honor...

Legion of Honor



Elizabeth Taylor fond of Cartier sparklers!




For those who love expensive high-quality gems and magnificent (vulgar) baubbles - and exhibition at the Legion of Honor - may appeal to the senses.

The two-hundred dazzling pieces on display through April 18th were crafted by the undisputed "King" of jewellery, Jacques Cartier.

For a man, a "tank" wristwatch with the designer's John Henry etched on it, is the ultimate style statement.

Pricey, though.

Cartier first rose to exalted status during the Belle Epoque.

Today, glamorous (and just plain wealthy) women still reach for the ultimate in chic elegance.

Louis Francois Cartier (the son of a powder horn maker) founded Cartier in 1847.

When Maitre Picard passed to spirit that year, Cartier took over his well-known jewellery shop located at 31 Rue Montorgueil in Paris.

Four years later Napoleon III came to power (1851).

Through the Countess Nieuwerkerke and Princess Mathilde (cousins of the diminuitive dictator) Cartier was able to become a supplier to the court.

In 1859, he sold his first silver tea service to the Empress Eugenie.

At this juncture, Cartier relocated into rented quarters on the Boulevard des Italiens.

Cartier’s collection had a light and airy touch - in contrast to clunky overly-designed jewellery - of the era.

In fact Cartier's simple elegant designs - not only caught on with the rich and powerful - but would end up influencing the entire industry for decades to come.

In 1874, Louis Alfred (Cartier's son) took control of the business.

Alfred proceeded to stridently expand the family business considerably, especially in respect to the selection of watches, which Louis had only dabbled in previously.

Under Alfred's astute business accumen the name and reputation of Cartier spread beyond Paris.

Alfred brought his three sons - Louis, Pierre and Jacques -  into the business in 1898 and changed the company name to Alfred Cartier & fils.

The different styles and strengths of the three brothers complemented each other - so much so - that the business flourished in leaps and bounds.

Louis took control of the Paris branch and moved it to Rue de la Paix in 1899.

Meanwhile, Jacques - who ran the London branch - traveled to the Persian Gulf in search of the finest pearls and gems.

The opening of the London branch was a timely one.

Shortly after the doors were opened, Queen Alexandra of England ordered 27 tiaras in honor of the coronation of King Edward VII in 1902.
Two years later, Edward appointed Cartier a royal warrant as supplier to the Royal Court of England.

By the end of the decade, Cartier was named  royal supplier to the royal house of Spain, Portugal, Russia, Greece, Serbia, Belgium, Romania, Albania, Monaco (and the former French royal House of Orleans).

The Prince of Wales now affectionately referred to Cartier as the “Jeweller to Kings" and "King to Jewellers”.

Pierre ran the New York branch which was established in 1909.

He became a legendary figure in jewellery circles when he sold the famous Hope diamond for a staggering sum to a collector.

The Rockefellers, Whitneys, Astors, and Vanderbilts - to name a few - became devoted clients.

In 1917, Pierre moved to its current location at 653 Fifth Avenue.

Pierre Cartier acquired the mansion in exchange for $100 and a double-stranded natural pearl necklace valued at one million dollars.

In 1907, Cartier signed a contract with Edmond Jaeger to supply the movements for Cartier watches exclusively.

By now, Cartier (with branches in London, New York and Saint Petersburg) was becoming the world’s most successful watch company.

They introduced the Biagnoire and Tortue models (still crafted today).

In the early 1920s, Cartier and Edward Jaeger formed a joint company called Jaeger-LeCoultre, to produce movements solely for Cartier.

However, Cartier continued to use movements from Vacheron, Constantin, Audemars-Piguet, Movado and LeCoultre.

It was during this period that Cartier started adding a stamped four digit reference number on the underside of his watches.

Today, collectors refuse to accept a Cartier as original without these identifying  numbers.

The dazzling collection on exhibit at the Legion of Honor features an eclectic mix of offerings - some once (or currently) owned - by the likes of megastar Elizabeth Taylor and the former Princess Grace of Monaco.

Catch it if you can!

Skinner Organ Concerts
Live performances of 19th and early 20th Century Music

Showtimes
4 pm

Weekend Brunch
French Dishes
(served all day)

Legion of Honor
Lincoln Park
34th Avenue & Clement St.
San Francisco, CA

Info:  http://www.legionofhonor.org





Thursday, January 14, 2010

San Francisco...imaginative Menswear display! Castro style...




Not enough folks in retail have any style!

In the video featured at the link below, the owner of the Menswear store located on Castro Street is just brimming with it, though.

A clever way to advertise a sale that is both eye-catching and original.

Kudos!

Castro Street / Window Dressing

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7N4Q-nm1MpA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8eGGny1Y-rI





Castro...left bone in San Francisco! Pooper-scoopers & dog lovers...


Slain openly-gay politician Harvey Milk!



That was quite a dump!

 





Once you cruise into the Bay area, it becomes obvious that the locals are great dog lovers!

Everywhere you turn, a tail is wagging, and an owner's face is beaming.

So, of course, there are many pet shops in the Bay area that cater to a pet's nourishment and every playful whim.

In the Castro District, there is a delightful shop on the main strip, with an eye-catching window display.

Included in the mix of offerings are nifty T-shirts etched with hilarious slogans!

*I left my bone in San Francisco

Video (link):


*Everyone deserves a good bone

Video (link):

There are caps which bark out catchy phrases, too.

Video (link):


Of course, this the celebrated birth place of the "pooper-scooper".

Long-time residents may recall that when Harvey Milk was in political office in San Francisco, he  introduced the City measure to ensure that "Masters" cleaned-up after their lovable pouches!

In Frisco, it's a dog's life, alright.

Woof!



Castro District


"A Single Man"...Ford's tribute to Calvin Klein homoerotica! Style & no substance...


Julianne Moore's lazy acting asssignment!




A filmgoer has only to spy the producer credit for "A Single Man" to fathom how this arty film - so full of promise - ended up such a slip-shod mess from a critical point of view.

Tom Ford, after all, is a celebrated fashion designer that normally gives sheer beauty form.

Unfortunately, the slick feature - starring Colin Firth - is all style and no substance.

At times, it appears to be an overly-long sensual foray into male homoerotica, with all the arousing qualities of a Calvin Klein commercial

Mr. Ford has intriquing creative ideas, but without a film background to build on, they end up afloat on a sea of uncertainty.

I surmise that Ford is a big fan of foreign film directors such as Fellini & Antonioni.

Indeed, in the final analysis - "A Single Man" - ended up a potpourri of film aesthetics thrown together on the heels of being snatched and grabbed from here and there.

But, without any formal training or movie-making sensibilities to draw on, the Weinstein boutique entry doesn't manage to gel into any cohesive message that  resonates even a smidgen.

Although the dialogue between characters tries desperately to be profound - even thought-provoking at times - the truth of the matter is this.

Folks just don't talk like that in daily conversations in real life.

In the mouths of these babes, words are spoken for effect, not because the character actually believes what they are nattering about.

I'd prefer that a subject in a film speak from the heart (or not, if the characterization requires it) rather than have them talk "at" me to get the screenwriter's point across by banging me over the head with it in an unimaginative pedestrian way.

It would be unfair of me to label - "A Single Man" - a total disaster, though, because it has its precious touching moments.

Colin Firth is remarkable in a nuanced performance; a young actor in the role of a coming-of-age student is outstanding in a tough role, too.

But, Ford's sexual fantasies often distract and take away from what he's trying to accomplish.

For example, two characters artfully-positioned on the beach in one scene, evoke a sensual mood worthy of an ad for Men's cologne, rather than what was ultimately intended (an intimate moment between two lovers).

In one hilarous scene - as Firth's character drives off in his Mercedes - the camera catches the object of his curiosity on a bike with butt prominently turned toward the lens of the  camera.

Obviously, Ford is an "ass" man turned on by young dudes on fast bikes in tight jeans.

One plot line is so preposterous that it stretches one's credulity to think for one moment that the scenario could have actually ever gone down.

For example, when a student flirts with the Professor on campus, Firth's character doesn't even recoil or caution the lad about the propriety of a teacher engaging in such conduct in front of other students or faculty.

The question isn't even raised.

In  today's more lax hang-out society the moment might not raise an eyebrow.

But in the sixties, well, I don't think so.

In a nutshell, the failure of Ford to recognize this, underscores just how sloppy (undisciplined) or downright stupid he is for failing to research the subject matter more thoroughly.

The respected fashion icon probably believes in the tooth fairy, too.




Calvin Klein inspiration!

King Tut...exquisite artifacts @ de Young Museum in San Francisco! Student discounts...





Artifacts from King Tut's tomb are currently on display through March 28th at the de Young Museum in San Francisco.

Locals may recall that a dazzling installation of select objects were first exhibited at the respected art institution about thirty-years ago.

In its current incarnation it returns as:

Tutankhamun: the Golden Age of the Paraohs

When I was in Dallas last year covering a film festival, I was fortunate to catch the dazzling display which consists of 130 important historical objects (50 from the Tomb of King Tut) which are supplemented with 80 objects from tombs of Tut  ancestors (placing the legendary ruler in a larger context according to curators).

Tutankhamun was born in approximately 1341 BC.

The "boy" King was known as Tutankhaten which means "Living Image of Aten".

King Tut had five official names that reflected divine roles set down by the Pharaohs.

Each of his names defined a sacred function that was overseen by the Gods.

King Tut's full name consisted of a birth name, protected name, Horus name, Golden Horus name and throne name.

Birth Name:

Sa Ra (“son of the Sun”), Tutankhaten (“the living image of Aten”) later changed to Tutankhamun (“the living image of Amun”)

In his role as Horus he was bestowed the title:

Heru: Ka Nakht, Tut Mesut (“Horus: Strong bull, of perfect birth”)

His name under the protection of Nekhebet and Wadjet was:

Nebty: Nefer Hepu Segereh Taui (“He of the Good Laws, Who Pacifies the Two Lands”)

Golden Horus name (identifying kinship to the Gods as son on earth):

Heru Nebu: Wetches Khau Sehotep Neteru
(“He who Wears the Crowns and Satisfies the Gods”)

Throne name:

Nesu Bity (“King of upper & lower Egypt”) and Nebkheperura (“all the transformations of Ra”)

King Tut reigned during one of the most chaotic periods in the history of Egypt.

Akhenaten, Tutankhamun's father, was known as the heretic King.

The religious ideas of his father radically changed Ancient Egypt from a polytheistic religion (worshipping many gods) to monotheism (the worship of one God - the Aten - depicted as the sun disc).

The Ancient Egyptians worshipped the same Gods for thousands of years.

The Egyptians were forced to abandon their old Gods and Akhenaten used the might of the Egyptian army to enforce these ideas and destroy the old religion and its priesthood.

The powerful priests of Amun were expected to worship the sole God Aten.

Akhenaten ordered that all images of all other Gods be destroyed.

Tutankhamun became Pharaoh at nine years of age.

In the same year, Tutankhamun married Ankhesenpaaten, his half sister (who was the third daughter of Akhenaten and Nefertiti).

His regent was Ay who was also the Grand Vizier (the father of Nefertiti and the grandfather of Ankhesenpaaten, the wife of Tutankhamun).

His General of the Armies was Horemheb (designated heir to the throne).

The great military commander, General Horemheb, was designated as the Tut's  "Deputy, and was recognized as heir to Tutankhamun until the pharaoh produced children.

The marriage of Tutankhamun and Ankhesenpaaten produced at least two daughters who were stillborn.

At one point, the Royal court moved back to the old capital at Thebes which was the center of worship of the God Amun and the power base of the Amun priests.

Because of a growing backlash against the new religion, the young pharaoh changed his name from Tutankhaten to Tutankhamun (while Queen Ankhesenpaaten changed her name to Ankhesenamun).

Tutankhamun commissioned various building works at this time including the restoration of some temple properties at Karnak and Thebes.

King Tut died unexpectedly at the age of eighteen.
He reigned for just nine years and the cause of his death still remains a mystery.

He was buried in a hastily prepared tomb in the Valley of the Kings seventy days after his death, according to the spiritual rituals of the Egyptians.

According to legend, anyone who disturbed Tut's tomb would face catastrophe by virtue of a curse.

50% off Student Admission

Present a borders rewards card or Flat Anubis at King Tut ticket office and students (6-17) recent passes for half-price.

Applicable Dates

January 5th / February 6th
(Tuesday thru Friday)

Info: deyoungmuseum.org/tut




Dallas Museum Exhibition

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Jay Leno...Comics tar & feather NBC's strutting peacock...


Will Leno take it on the chin?



Well, if Jay Leno was sprawling on the couch last night - snacking on natchos and flipping channels to rustle up a bit of material for this weeks run of "show" of "shows" - it was probably a tough row to hoe.

No wonder!

All over the night-time TV talk-show terrrain, the slack-jawed comic's contemporaries were tar-and-feathering the peacock network's top dawg!

Dave Letterman lit into him, for example, without mercy.

In a monologue called - "Law & Order: Leno's Victim's Unit" - he lumped the whole sorry cast of late-night comics together (Conan, Fallon & Carson Daly) and branded 'em Leno's victims.

Ouch!

Then, Dave drummed up a hilarious impression of the beleaguered comic - which was pretty darn impressive - according to most side-splitting accounts.

"They just want Conan to quit and go away and do a show in his basement," he later huffed.

Jimmy Kimmel - tossed on a "do" and in-your-face chin - and spiced up the schtik with an acid quip or two.

Will Leno take a swipe back tonight - or, be a goodie-two-shoes - and take it on the jaw?

News at - um - 10!




Contrary to popular belief Dave & Conan not one in the same person!
(just joined at the hip)

U.S. Supreme Court...votes down YouTube broadcast of gay-marriage trial!




High Court continues stay of YouTube broadcast!




In a 5-4 vote, the U.S. Supreme court ruled to continue the "stay" on a YouTube broadcast of the Proposition 8 trial (relating to gay-marriage issues in the State of California) currently underway in San Francisco.

The Justices did not issue  an official opinion stating on what grounds the "emergency" appeal (filed by Proposition 8 litigants) was denied.

A lone dissenter had no qualms about voicing his disapproval, though.

Justice Stephen G. Breyer, asserted in his dissent, that  the court's standard for granting a stay was not met in his view.

"The papers  did not show a likelihood of  irreparable harm," the Justice stated for the record in so many words.

In their concise order, the Justices (in essence) said they were quashing the move by U.S. District Judge Vaughn Walker  - "permitting real-time streaming" of the trial  - except as it permitted streaming to other rooms within the confines of the courthouse in which the trial was being held.






San Francisco...protesters urge President Obama to implement National Ocean Policy! Wear "blue" in support...


President Obama held accountable



Nature's bounty under threat!




A rag tag band of environmental activists - sporting the color blue - gathered on the steps of City Hall today in downtown San Francisco urging President Obama to follow through on a National Oceans Policy he insisted was forthcoming.

Video:  01/13/10

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=StumoMcSp1U

According to concerned citizens rallying in support of the cause around the country today (January 13th) a unified National policy is needed to protect and restore the health of the oceans, coastal wildlife, and Great Lakes ecosystems.

The President set up a task force last June to craft the first US national policy for sustainably managing the country's oceans, which drew praise from environmentalists, who said the move was long overdue.

"We are taking a more integrated and comprehensive approach to developing a national ocean policy that will guide us well into the future," Obama said in a proclamation after whole-heartedly declaring June "National Oceans Month."

The proclamation was issued along with a memorandum setting up a high-level Ocean Policy Task Force.

"Our nation's economy relies heavily on the oceans. They support countless jobs in an array of industries including fishing,tourism and energy," Obama asserted for the record.

The task force was to be led by the chair of the Council on Environmental Quality, Nancy Sutley, according to a memo released to the press.

Mr. Obama promised that senior policy-level officials would draft several recommendations and draw up a "comprehensive, integrated, ecosystem-based" framework for sustainably using the resources of US oceans, coasts and the Great Lakes.

"This is something that two US national commissions have called for," said Sarah Chasis, on behalf of the Ocean Initiative @ the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC).

"The Pew Oceans Commission and the US Commission on Ocean Policy said we really need an ocean policy to bring together all the disparate authorities that manage our oceans and have a cohesive vision of what we want for the oceans and how to manage them," Chasis stressed further.

The United States, which has the largest ocean area of any country in the world, currently has 140 laws and 20 agencies managing its oceans.

Obama's plan would pull together all the different authorities and laws and focus attention on the problems and challenges facing the oceans, their riches, and those who manage them.

"There's increasing recognition of the problems of the ocean. They're becoming more acidic, for instance, and the treat is very real. Oceans cover three-quarters of the planet; it's something we depend on for the air we breathe, the food we eat, for jobs, and recreation,"  supporters chimed in.

On that occasion, the president was applauded for taking a step in the right direction.

But now, six months later, there is unrest among the ranks.

When will Barack Obama fulfill his promise?

News at 11!

Glee...DVD release with smattering of uncut clips! $39.98 @ Fox...



20 Century Fox has just released a DVD featuring episodes streamed to date with a smattering of choice clips to thrill any devoted fan of the web-based pop culture hit.

This entertaining release (sure to keep impatient viewers at bay until the second half of the season revs up in April) includes what has been described as a bizarre off-beat five-minute intro on celebrated McKinley High School, clips on heretofore unknown real-life facets of the actor who plays a wheel-chair-bound character on the Fox hit, music videos, and uncut full-length performances previously edited judiciously for the format of the 4 star bill-of-fare.

The DVD is titled:

"Glee Season 1: The Road to Sectionals"

The dynamite DVD packet may be purchased for $39.98 online @ Fox.

If the disc appears to be a bit slick and heavy on the promotional side, it's because it was thrown together by the marketing department, with the ultimate aim of widening the viewer base and satiating the perpetual hunger for all-things GLEE by a frenzied youth audience always begging for more.



 

San Francisco...Neil Patrick Harris & Conan O'Brien slated for Sketchfest!




Doogie Howser comes of age!




The 9th annual SF Sketchfest Celebration of Comedy touts guest appearances this year by talented Neil Patrick Harris, Conan O'Brien (licking his wounds?) and famed talk-show King Dick Cavett (to name a few).

For die-hard fans of comedy, the fest - whick revs up this Friday (January 15th) and jolts funny bones until February 2nd - is a must attend.

One of the highlight events is "Celebrity Autobiography" (Jan.30th & 31st) which headlines former Dougie Howser star Harris.

At press time, the award-winning actor was still mulling over bios to offer up in his much-anticipated appearance at the rollicking fest.

Tomes by Sarah Palin and David Hasselhoff kicking around inside his head are major contenders for the wicked jab he is allegedly comtemplating.

"The less you try to make it a comedy hit, the funnier it is," he joked to one reporter in recent days.

Because the charismatic star  is slated to mug for the cameras this week-end @ the Golden Globe Awards (he's been nominated for the coveted award this year) the out actor was forced to bow out of  "Match Game" (a popular sketchfest program) which gets underway the same night in Frisco.

Other much-talked about events include Weird Al Yankovich in conversation with Chris Hardwick (web soup), a Fred Willard chat at the screening of "Waiting for Guffman", and Moon Zappa's stab at improvising stories penned by good old dad (legendary Frank Zappa).

See 'ya there!

Info: http://www.sfsketchfest.com/
 
 

 
Neil Patrick Harris may go rogue!
 

 

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Conan O'Brien...howling @ witching hour! No go, says lanky comic...


NBC blows!




If I was forced to quote a line from a comic (or two) to summarize the nasty scenario unfolding at NBC in recent days, I'd  to quote one straight from the comedy duo "Laurel & Hardy".

"Another fine mess you've gotten me into."

Promises promises promises - that don't look like they're going to pan out for Conan O'Brian after all -  eh?

Unfortunately, the other shoe dropped earlier today, when O'Brian officially announced to the strutting peacock brass (in addition to apologizing for his bad hair) that it's a no-go his end for a shot at the witching hour.

In a sly attempt to have their cake and eat it, too, the powers-that-be at NBC tried to wangle a deal to not only keep three of their top money-makers happy, but prevent them from bolting the airwaves of their fourth-place airwaves.

The splashy (!) new line-up would have slotted Leno in at 11:35 pm, with Conan to follow at 12:05 am, and Fallon slipping deeper into the caverns of  insomniac hell.

The proposal - while creative - appears to have been a clever ploy to squeeze Conan out.

Well, it worked magic, alright.

Conan's not mad as hell (and not "not taking it anymore").

In fact, the lanky freckled-faced comic has managed to handle the whole sticky mess with a modicum of style and grace.

In a prepared statement - in addition to noting that we would not drop back thirty minutes to accommodate the proposed re-tooled schedule - the tactful talk-show host cited grounds that would not offend his bosses (or anyone else for that matter).

"I want no part in damaging what I consider the greatest fanchise in the history of broadcasting."

In spite of his reluctance to carry on - he came clean and admitted for the record that he currently has no offers on the table - in response to frenzied speculation that he might jump ship to breeze over to Fox (itching to spark things up in the late-night talk-show arena).

O'Brien's full statement is posted below for your amusement.

People of Earth:

"In the last few days, I've been getting a lot of sympathy calls, and I want to start by making it clear that no one should waste a second feeling sorry for me. For 17 years, I've been getting paid to do what I love most and, in a world with real problems, I've been absurdly lucky."

"That said, I've been suddenly put in a very public predicament and my bosses are demanding an immediate decision."

"Six years ago, I signed a contract with NBC to take over The Tonight Show in June of 2009."

"Like a lot of us, I grew up watching Johnny Carson every night and the chance to one day sit in that chair has meant everything to me. I worked long and hard to get that opportunity, passed up far more lucrative offers, and since 2004 I have spent literally hundreds of hours thinking of ways to extend the franchise long into the future."

"It was my mistaken belief that, like my predecessor, I would have the benefit of some time and, just as important, some degree of ratings support from the prime-time schedule. Building a lasting audience at 11:30 is impossible without both."

"But sadly, we were never given that chance. After only seven months, with my Tonight Show in its infancy, NBC has decided to react to their terrible difficulties in prime-time by making a change in their long-established late night schedule."

"Last Thursday, NBC executives told me they intended to move the Tonight Show to 12:05 to accommodate the Jay Leno Show at 11:35."

"For 60 years the Tonight Show has aired immediately following the late local news."

"I sincerely believe that delaying the Tonight Show into the next day to accommodate another comedy program will seriously damage what I consider be the greatest franchise in the history of broadcasting."

"The Tonight Show at 12:05 simply isn't the Tonight Show."

"Also, if I accept this move I will be knocking the Late Night show, which I inherited from David Letterman and passed on to Jimmy Fallon, out of its long-held time slot."

"That would hurt the other NBC franchise that I love, and it would be unfair to Jimmy."

"So it has come to this: I cannot express in words how much I enjoy hosting this program and what an enormous personal disappointment it is for me to consider losing it. My staff and I have worked unbelievably hard and we are very proud of our contribution to the legacy of The Tonight Show."

"But I cannot participate in what I honestly believe is its destruction. Some people will make the argument that with DVRs and the Internet a time slot doesn't matter."

"But with the Tonight Show, I believe nothing could matter more."

"There has been speculation about my going to another network but, to set the record straight, I currently have no other offer and honestly have no idea what happens next."

"My hope is that NBC and I can resolve this quickly so that my staff, crew, and I can do a show we can be proud of, for a company that values our work."

"Have a great day and, for the record, I am truly sorry about my hair; it's always been that way."

Yours
Conan



Sounds like Conan needs a good divorce lawyer!

John McCain...Matt Lauer puts Senator on hot seat on Today Show! Sarah Palin vetting issue...


That John McCain is a piece of work!




On the heels of the announcement that Sarah Palin has been signed on to be a commentator on Fox News, Matt Lauer put John McCain on the hot seat this morning in respect to allegations set forth in Harry Reid's (Senate Majority leader) just-published book that accuses the Senator of failing miserably in respect to the vetting of the VP hopeful.

The interchange became particularly hostile when Lauer pointedly inferred that Senator McCain didn't even bother to properly research Palin's background before selecting her as a running-mate.

When quizzed about the specifics, John McCain tried to weasle out of the dilemma, by flatly denying any knowledge of any action his staff may have taken in that regard.

"I wouldn't know," he shrugged, as he shifted uncomfortably in his perch on the set.

Lauer was so taken aback by the response, that he was inclined to probe further for additional answers.

"I am surprised," Lauer quipped.

"You were the presidential candidate."

In so many words, McCain proceeded to assert for the record that the former beauty Queen allegedly energized the party.

In addition, he beamed that he was not only proud of Sarah Palin, but proud of the campaign they waged.

In a bold-faced attempt to shut down the line of questioning, McCain was quite adamant that he wasn't going to Sunday morning quarterback at this juncture.

"I have no intention of looking back over what happened a year ago," he smugly retorted.

"I'm sorry, you'll have to get others to comment on it."

Maybe Lauer can dial in to Fox's "O'Reilly Factor" tonight and ask Palin directly, when she makes her first appearance as a news commentator for the controversial Fox network.

News at 11!



 
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