Rich people are different than most folks
They have money!
Julian Ayrs
The Daily Planet
Collection of Poems
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Paris Hilton...a pot head? Released after detainment in South Africa!
At least it's nice to know that in South Africa, they don't judge 'ya by the company you keep.
A case in point.
When Paris Hilton attended a FIFA World Cup soccer match this past week, a couple of overzealous Police Officers jumped-the-gun, when they suspected the carefree Heiress of stowing a stash of pot in her mad money purse.
Fortunately, the socialite's travelling companion - Jennifer Rovero (a New Yorker) - fessed up.
But, not before the startled twosome were hauled off to the local courthouse for a once-over.
Rovero acknowledged that the pot belonged to her and consequently pleaded guilty to the charges.
Whew!
Paris must have horseshoes up her lily-white-a**!
Ms. Rovero was given the option of paying a fine in the sum of $130.00 (1,000 rand) or shacking up at the local jailhouse for thirty-days.
Golly, when I was a teen, a possession charge might land a doper seven years in the slammer.
How times have changed, eh?
On the heels of the dismissal, Paris "thanked" the court, then trotted out to greet a swarm of paparazzi all hearts and flowers.
A short while later, Ms. Hilton posted a tweet to ensure fans were enlightened about the fact the South African "incident" was all a misunderstanding.
And, how was your week?
Holly Madison...peepshow star appears poolside @ Wet Republic! July 4th...
The peepshow star has garnered quite a bit of attention in recent days due to her titillating - um - high public profile in Sin City (and elsewhere).
I expect the dip at the MGM Grand will prove to be a feast for the eyes (and then some).
In her current Vegas extravaganza (Peep Show) the ingenuous starlett plays a nubile Bo Peep who invites adventurous fans on a journey of sexual discovery by way of a handful of erotic choreographed dance numbers featuring flimsily-clad schoolgirls, cheerleaders, and cowgirls.
Hee-haw!
See 'ya there.
Insert your trim sexy figure anywhere poolside!
Starbucks...free Wi-Fi for all! Breathing down McDonalds neck...
A roar of approval was voiced across the land this week when Starbucks headquarters announced that all Wi-Fi service will now be "gratis" at the upscale cafe outlets around the country.
Undoubtedly, the switch in policy was - in part - due to the fact that in recent days McDonalds has been stealing some of Starbucks' thunder on the competitive java terrain.
Last year, McDee's introduced their McCafe line of specialty coffees at lower cost, for instance.
Then, earlier this year, the No. 1 fast-food take-out-joint introduced free Wi-Fi to their down-to-earth customers who appeared to care more about - burgers, fries, and big gulps - than they do about free access to the Internet.
Indeed, on the past few occasions that I have patronized McDonalds in California and Nevada, I haven't spied many taking advantage of the twin arches generous WiFi offer.
One problem?
In spite of the fact McDee's has rovided the free Wi-Fi service nationwide, they have yet to install enough "electrical outlets" to lure in more upscale patrons along the lines of those who frequent Starbucks.
Uh-huh!
The McDee's I am sitting in right now in the Mojave Desert only has one wall plug to facilitate powering up when the battery is low.
Stingy bast**ds!
No matter.
McDonalds is a far cry from the ambience that Starbucks offers anyhoo!
For good reason.
How many savvy internet users could tolerate the endless stream of McDee's counter persons screaming out at the top of their lungs ad nauseam.
"Order 32! Sausage Biscuit with Cheese! Senior Coffee!"
Even still, I applaud the fast-food-chain for forcing Starbucks' hand.
As to whether there will be any available seats in Starbucks henceforth - in view of the welcome turn-of-events - that's an entirely different matter altogether to ponder.
News at 11!
Geico...green mascot wasn't fibbing! Cheap auto insurance...
Well, I succumbed to the little green monster.
I’ve chuckled over the Geico commercials in recent days, but was clueless about the extent of the truthfulness of their cute little Mascot's claims.
When I conducted a search yesterday for lower-priced auto insurance, lo and behold, Geico turned out to have the absolute best deal going!
Needless to say, I renewed my policy online in about two seconds flat, and I have saved a few hundred dollars in the process.
More surplus money for gas, out-of-town weekend jaunts, you name it!
I’m a happy camper now.
America celebrates 4th of July...Lopez insults Obama! Kelly Clarkson bombs! Lionel Richie rocked!
Ford Theatre in 1860
Renee Fleming glorious at close of show!
An American Idol darling bombed at the top of the show, comic George Lopez insulted the President right out-of-the-gate, and a touching tribute to war heroes brought tears to the eyes.
In fact, the underlying current that swept the telecast along, appeared to guided by an invisible hand with an agenda in mind.
Was it just coincidence that a pretty African-American chanteuse belted out a Broadway tune about a colored woman’s plight, a war hero was singled out as a legal immigrant from Mexico who went on to fight for his new country once landed on these shores, and a celebrated Soprano warbled about the “truth marching on” (which turned out to be a great lead-in for the President’s parting speech to the Nation at the near-end of the hyped-up soft-shoe-show?).
Me thinks not.
Was Barack Obama simply an invited guest, or did the President orchestrate behind-the-scenes, to ensure the Democrat's message was presented in a neat-and-tidy package complete with ornate bow?
Unfortunately, "America's" (Obama's?) 4th of July celebration suffered a bumpy start, though.
A bland, non-charismatic host, caused viewers at home to utter up in disgust:
“Who the heck is this guy?”
But, it was the opening number by Kelly Clarkson, that triggered folks to grab for the remote.
The former American Idol contestant sashayed out in a overblown ballroom gown - too wide at the skirt and too-tightly-stretched over her pudgy frame - in the most unflattering way.
Uh-huh.
Clarkson looked more like a stuffed sausage than a dazzling Pop Star Diva.
In the wake of all the pressures of success, it appears that Clarkson is now eating her way into oblivion.
The tune she warbled (badly) - "Everyone’s got Something" - established (ironically) that was simply not the case with Kelly.
Bad taste persisted when George Lopez trotted out with that gnarled grin and proceeded to insult the President.
“I was asked if the President was real. I assured the person that he was, otherwise, he would have had his ears pinned back years ago.”
Dumbo smiled when an on-the-ball camera-man zoomed up for a close-up reaction, but I expect he was seething with rage inside.
Like Ronald Reagan before him, Obama is a good actor (or expert at masking his feelings).
No more invites to the White House, just betcha.
Dick Van Dyke scurried out on stage at one point - as part of a tribute - and to celebrate the return of an all-time Broadway favorite (Mary Poppins) to the Broadway "boards".
Though the seasoned pro is highly respected, some shook their heads at the dated material.
Moi!
What’s the expression?
Old and grey.
Corny, too.
On occasion, the camera floated around the interior of the Ford Theatre, momentarily putting the spotlight on the Washington power-players in attendance.
One Supreme Court Justice - you know, the Latino woman - looked puffy and tired beyond her years.
For the most part, it appeared from this perch, that there were quite a few stodgy stuffy Washington movers-and-shakers trying to get their mugs on camera and in the limelight.
The 4th of July show creaked, was flat and old hat, not with it (for the most part).
There were a couple of highlights, though.
In one quaint segment on the history of 1st families in the White House, a well-spoken woman noted that over the years one hundred-and-fifty-four children resided in the Mansion.
And, with wit and charm, the hostess recalled some of their antics for the audience to appreciate.
For instance, on the heels of being gifted with a toy cannon, Lincoln’s children allegedly turned it on the President’s cabinet with explosive results.
One President’s children were known as the “White House Gang” because they got caught firing spitballs at portraits adorning the walls.
In one lively entertaining segment, Lionel Richie was warmly received as he performed one of his popular mega-hits of yesteryear (“All Night Long”).
At one point, Richie let loose, and began dancing a clapping on stage which inspired guests to copycat in the packed house below the footlights.
In fact, I spied a few stuffy political types letting loose, too!
No panties were hurled on stage, Tom-Jones-style, though.
“I see you want to dance,” the talented performer quipped in Michelle Obama’s direction.
The 1st Lady was dolled-up in a mauve designer gown and spectacular neck piece which sparkled and caught the light just right.
Barack obama was smartly attired in a formal dark suit.
Positively Presidential.
But, get this, Barack often responded to the music with a roll of the eyes and a rhythmic bobbing of the head (as if he were stoned on a joint).
Soprano - Renee Fleming - stepped on stage and unfortunately chose to warble a tune that was all wrong for her professionally-trained voice.
Fleming came off like a pale version of Sarah Brightman.
However, she redeemed herself later with a spirited version of another tune that revved up the emotions of everyone in the ABC TV Special's sway.
Coincidentally, a contact of mine at her record company, just provided me with a copy of her new album for the purpose of a review.
The critique will follow.
At a solemn moment in the show, five men who valiantly earned the Medal of Honor, were singled out to represent all recipients of the prestigious group who have earned one over the years.
The light blue ribbon adorned with 13 stars is awarded to those who made supreme sacrifices beyond the call of duty while serving their country.
During this poignant touching presentation, General Colin Powell established his talent for public speaking.
What a stage presence, too!
The well-spoken Powell should be gainfully employed as a voice-over artist!
By the way, as each of the five Medal of Honor recipients were introduced to the audience, the President stood at attention and saluted each military man with utmost respect and admiration.
A prolonged standing ovation persisted and I expect there wasn’t a dry eye in the house.
After Fleming’s rousing rendition of “Glory Glory Hallelujah”, the President took the stage.
Natch!
Told ‘ya he wasn’t an innocent by-stander.
Barack Obama noted that he was thrilled with the spectacular evening.
He thanked all the “voices” and “honored guests” who helped make the night such a success.
With a nod to the "Medal of Honor" fraternity in attendance he summed up.
“Heroism, that is what this Nation is all about.”
Right on cue, he closed out the hour show with a heartfelt message.
“God Bless you and America.”
Amen!
Friday, July 2, 2010
Lindsay Lohan...punchy after fist in face! Star acted with grace...
You can have your cake & eat it, too!
(no matter what that twisted waitress thinks)
Footloose (well, not exactly with that ubiquitious ankle-bracelet) and fancifree - Lindsay Lohan sauntered out the front door of her home evening last - to celebrate her 24th birtday.
HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY, LINDSAY!
As Kojak would say, we love 'ya baby!
But, not all things that go bump in the night, were in the mood to toast the femme-fatale out on her nightly par-tay-hearty Red Bull 'rounds.
At the oh-so-chic Voyeur Club (nestled alongside the French Market Place on the strip) the spoiled movie star - known to court a Judge or two on account of naughty social behaviour - was sent for a loop when a waitress out-of-the-blue stormed up and punched Ms. Lohan smack dab in the face.
Ouch.
Bitch-fight!
But, the head-strong young colt diffused a potentially ugly incident, when she acted with restraint.
Instead of slapping back, or calling the cops to file assault charges, Ms. Lohan handled the unpleasant encounter with Grace.
That's classy!
That's right, you hold your head high, girl!
That screwball babe was just lookin' for publicity - and in the final analysis - an opportunity to link to your fame.
She's a "twisted wacko lipstick-lesbo" with the hots for you.
Talk about sicko!
They don't call Tinsel Town "Hollyweird" for no good reason!
Oh, by the way, many happy returns!
What now?
David Duchovny...lands stint in Off-Broadway play!
Twist of lemon with that?
Fans of David Duchovny will be delighted to hear that the "Californication" star has been slated for a stint in an Off-Broadway production of the "The Break of Noon".
But, there is plenty of time to snap up tickets.
The curtain does not go up on the "Neil LaBute" play until playful multi-colored leaves start to flutter to the earth in the fall (October).
Duchovny will tread the boards at the Lucille Lortel Theatre in the "Big apple".
In "Noon", playwright Neil LaBute has woven an intriguing tale about a man named John Smith (Duchovny) who survives an office shooting and undergoes a dramatic spiritual and religious transformation.
At press time, there was no mention of any other actors associated with the project.
Sandra Bullock...divorce finalized with outlaw Jesse James!
Does Sandra have a dark side?
I guess all the t's were crossed and all the i's were dotted, because - according to the court clerk in Austin (Texas) - perky actress Sandra Bullock and outlaw Jesse James are now legally divorced.
No hitches!
Ms. Bullock will return to smart choices in movie projects, and James - aka celebrity biker - will roar off into the sunset with god knows "what" hugging his tattooed hulk from behind!
I say, good riddance to white-trailer trash, Ms. Bullock.
Jeffrey Jones...Ferris Bueller "principal" charged with Felony! Failure to report...
Jeffrey Jones appears in court in real-life drama!
I was saddened to read in the morning daily that Jeffrey Jones (Amadeus) was charged with a felony for failing to update his registration as an alleged "sex offender".
A what, you say?
Startling, indeed, when you consider that Jones soared into the hearts of many film fans with his hilarious portrayal of the school principal in the hit comedy - "Ferry Bueller's Day Off " (which starred Mathew Broderick).
In 2003, as part of a plea bargain - and in addition to 5 years probation - Jeffrey was ordered to regularly register with the state as a "sex offender" on his birthday each year and participate in a counseling program.
The seasoned actor pled "no contest" to inducing a fourteen-year-old boy to pose for sexually explicit photos.
Personally, I was shocked by the whole scenario that went down.
I have known Jeffrey for over thirty years.
In my younger days, when I resided in Vancouver (B.C.), Jones often appeared in Shakesperean productions in one-line roles (playing guards and messengers and the like).
I actually attended one of those earlier stage presentations as Jeffrey's guest.
As his fledgling career took off - boy, did it! - he ended up taking up residence in the upper West Side of New York City (if I recall correctly).
In 1973-1974, I pursued stage work in the "Big apple" for a brief stint.
Regular readers of this blog will recall that I have written about my appearance in a "Hot Peaches" off-off-Broadway" production titled "The Magic Hype" (a side-splitting spoof on Warhol & his factory "stars").
One day out-of-the-blue, Jeffrey called and invited me to attend a sold-out performance by the legendary Bette Midler at the Palace (Barry Manilow on piano) fresh from the Continental Baths (a trendy gay bathouse frequented by the tony elite in NYC).
Although I was not a close personal friend of Jeff's, I had a few glimpses into his private life.
For a duration, he maintained a monogamous relationship with a young man who was definitely not underage!
So, with that in mind, understandably the "sex offender" charges appeared to be outlandish (and - no pun intended - out of character).
Needless to say, for his own reasons, Jeff chose to negotiate a plea bargain.
Prosecutors allege that Mr. Jones failed to renew his registration with the State within five days of his last birthday (September 28/2009).
After a brief hearing, Jones was released on $20,000.00 bail.
A future hearing will determine his fate.
In view of the foregoing, I have to shake my head in disbelief.
Like Lindsay Lohan who flagrantly thumbs her nose at the court, Jeffrey may have chosen to ignore (or did he simply forget to register?) the terms and conditions of his plea bargain agreement - and consequently - now faces additional fines and penalties (possible jail time?).
Frankly, I think it's tragic.
Once a defendant gets entrapped in the court's web (due to their own inability to emotional cope or what-have-you) they usually get caught up in an undertown in the legal system that is difficult to break free from.
Hopefully, on those occasions, the court shows mercy!
Jones as "The Emperor" in Amadeus
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Andy Warhol..Liz Taylor portrait sells for 10.1 Million bucks!
Christie's auction house sold a rare portrait of screen siren "Elizabeth Taylor" for the staggering price tag of 10.1 million in jolly old England this past week.
The famous portrait - held in a private collection for the past twenty years - was flippantly crafted with tongue-in-cheek by manic genius Andy Warhol back in the sixties when La Liz was the first actress to command $1 million smackeroos for a role in a major studio production.
The ill-fated "Cleopatra" (which bombed big time) was overshadowed by the tempestuous affair Elizabeth and Richard (Burton) dove into with passionate abandon - in spite of one stickling problem - both were married to others!
The two magnetic star-crossed lovers lustily flaunted their scandalous affair in public, nonetheless, and - in the wake of a public outcry - Elizabeth was declared a homewrecker and denounced by the Roman Catholic Church.
"Silver Liz" is one of the finest (most recognizable) portraits to spring from Warhol's well of creativity - and consequently - brim with promise on the International Art Scene in a delightful ground-breaking era.
The bidder has chosen to remain anonymous.
The fabulous (vulgar) Burtons!
Prostate Cancer...Pavillions fund drive rustles up applause!
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If you're wheeling your way through a throng of hapless shoppers at Pavillions - and suddenly hear a spirited burst of applause coming from the vicinity of the cash registers - you are not imagining it.
Currently, there is a drive underway at Pavillions to raise funds to fight prostate cancer.
Every time a customer makes a donation at the cash register at the West Hollywood grocery, the staff break out into a round of enthusiastic clapping.
Shoppers don't go away empty-handed either.
In addition to a warm glow that will probably sponanteously radiate inside the heart after giving, the generous shoppers will be treated to a root beer float or a tasty box of fresh popcorn in an eye-catching decorative bag with with all the trimmings (salt & butter).
Prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer found in American men other than skin cancer.
And, prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in men (lung cancer is first.)
One man in six will get prostate cancer during his lifetime.
And, one man in thirty-six will die of this disease.
More than 2 million men in the United States who have had prostate cancer at some point are still alive today.
The key is early detection.
Doctors recommend that men start annual check ups for prostate cancer at the age of 50.
Many males may not hanker to the idea of a Doctor's finger up their butt, but the probe may save their life!
The death rate for prostate cancer is going down, after all, because of early intervention.
Famed actor, Dennis Hopper, just succumbed to the disease in recent days.
Cancer does not discriminate!
Hats off to Pavillions for their exemplaray efforts in raising funds and the conciousness about Prostate Cancer.
Love, Loss, and What I Wore...discount tickets @ Geffen Playhouse! Girls night out bill-of-fare...
"Love, Loss, and What I Wore" - a comedy on stage now at the Geffen Playhouse - is being billed as "Perfect Girls Night out fare".
"A play for women of all ages," theatre enthusiasts are shouting off the rooftops!
And, guess what?
The ladies who attended with tickets-in-hand claimed their hubbies enjoyed the live! stage production at the Geffen, too.
According to the press department at the little Westwood theatre, since the opening nearly two months ago at the intimate Audrey Skirball Kenis Theatre, the hilarious comedy has packed houses every night.
As the company prepares for a 3rd engagement, with a terrific cast of five talented women, my contact at the Geffen has generously elected to provide discount tickets for "set" shows at $30.00 a pop!
Log on to this link for details:
http://www.geffenplayhouse.com/loveloss
DATES:
Friday July 9th: 8:00 pm
Saturday July 10th: 8:00 pm
Sunday July 11th: 2:00 pm
Use offer code: LOVEii30
Handling/service fees apply.
Tickets only available by phone at 310.208.5454.
Box office is open seven days a week (closed July 4th)
(12 noon – 6:00 pm)
Hurry!
Tickets while they last only.
David Geffen
(rich & carefree Patron of Arts)
Universal Studios...fire wrecks havoc! Jackson videos shot on back lot...
A devastating fire swept through the Universal Studios theme park last night (and beyond to the CityWalk) and wrecked havoc with every amusement within its path save for one (that of the mighty King Kong).
Props were tossed this way 'n that before disintegrating into nothingness, fascades of fanciful buildings went up in flames in clouds of dark menacing smoke, as studio workers gazed on powerless and unable to quelch the fire's insatiable hunger.
At one point, gas lines previously installed for a pyrotechnics display (shut down recently to make way for a spanking-new thrill attraction), fueled a wall of ferocious flames that quickly raged down a slope towards Toluca Lake.
For tourists, it was a great loss - for now - until the rebuilding starts up.
Management has already issued a press release in which they have already stated in so many words that "the show will go on" in spite of the firey setback.
Universal Studios has been the a "home" away from home to many actors over the years.
Any performer worth their weight, has probably toiled on a movie set on the backlot - for instance - sometimes 'til the crack of dawn (tired, hungry, and anxious for their own familiar digs and the comfy bed that awaited them).
In fact, shortly after Michael Jackson passed to spirit in June (2009), I penned a post about a Jackson Video I worked on many moons ago at the backlot at Universal.
Post: 07/07/2009
http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2009/07/michael-jacksonbrief-encounter-on-set.html
Today, I noticed a full--age ad for the King Kong attraction in the LA Times.
If management is true to their word, then the legendary Ape should be open today - and henceforth - for tourist business.
I expect the macabre-minded will seize the opportunity to take in King Kong - and meander-off, too - to get an up-close gander at the destruction that the fire left in its wake.
Truth is stranger than fiction, alright!
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Taylor Lautner...to spread for Playgirl! Fans mixed feelings...
Taylor Lautner to moon pages of Playgirl!
"Taylor Lautner is going to bare all for Playgirl," a female DJ yelped half-ecstatic and half-in-shock,on her rush-hour squawk-box radio show.
OMG!
"I don't know that I want to see THAT much of him," she confided to the Twilight fan next her.
"Me, either," the other dudette squealed with disapproval.
I expect that reaction was the same around the country - in Twilightville - and elsewhere.
Was "Jacob" going Hollywood - on the fast-track - to nowhere?
What next!
A reality show?
News at 11!
Twilight...Jacob takes beating! Wedding Bells for Bella! Victoria bites dust!
At around 9:45, the AMC theatre was relatively empty - but then - a steady gaggle of giggling girls suddenly dashed through the door last-minute (make-up touches in the ladies's room?) and into their seats to prime themselves for the much-ballyhooed event.
A screening of the latest sequel in the Twilight Series, of course!
Eclipse.
Once the title page for the 3rd segment in the Vampire saga sprang to life on the widescreen there was an endless stream of screaming throughout - specially when gooey-eyed fans spied their favorite characters - when they sauntered on screen into spotlight.
OMG!
These passionate twi-hards even squealed when the credits for Taylor Launter, Kristen Stuart, and Robert Pattison crawled along at the end of the flick on a mundane black background.
Probably the biggest uproar occurred when Victoria got her comeuppance.
The applause and cackles of approval were deafening to the ears!
In this sequel, there is a big focus on what amounted to - in human terms - teen angst.
Before you could say "fashionista" - the characters began to make their entrances on screen in a truckload of designer threads - sure to be the envy of any Abercrombie & Fitch aficianado.
The Vampy fashion smorgasbord was a feast for the eyes!
But, the style went far beyond that!
In this fantastical Vampire thriller, going in for the kill, was no idle matter.
Indeed, the filmmakers have the honed the "Art of the Kill" and refined it to perfection.
This time out, "Twilight" is more violent in nature - and for this reason - took a departure from the fluffly image that went before it.
Much to the relief of die-hard fans - who have no doubt been getting testy about the proliferation of "cold hard stares" with no follow thru - Eclipse goes for the jugular.
So, just as I was about to fall asleep amidst the adoring sweet young things in the packed theatre all around me, I was jolted wide awake and managed to coast through on adrenlin rushes half-way through the picture and on to the end of the flick.
There were quite a few impressive fight scenes where snarling wolves - vicious-looking characters, indeed - fought ferociously with a posse of half-naked studs flexing big time here-and-there about the wild terrain.
I wonder what Freud would think of this mixed imagery?
For romantic twi-hards, Edward and Bella were set in a field of flowers at one juncture, where the pretty young lovers whispered sweet-nothings and discussed plans for their upcoming wedding.
In a heart-to-heart, Bella quelled Edward's fears that his headstrong future mate, may be giving up too much for his sake.
Not!
In one touching moment, Bella succinctly spilled the beans.
"I'm doing this for me," she softly confessed in so many words.
"Eclipse" is a visually-stunning feature that mesmerizes one moment (and stupifies the next).
In the final analysis, it's a "surface" flick, that speaks volumes about a culture.
All style, and no substance, is the bite that kills Twilight's "Eclipse".
Barack Obama...Homeless program announced! U.S. Interagency Council...
Interagency Council on Homelessness
A spokesman for the Obama Administration annnounced that a National Stategic Plan to prevent and end homelessness in America has been launched.
The program is meant to increase "leadership, collaboration and Civic engagement by focusing on providing and promoting collaborative leadership in all levels of Government," according to a press release.
The United States Interagency Council on Homelessness (which is comprised in part by HUD - the U.S. Department labor, Health and Human Services - and Veterans Service) will head up the ambitious effort.
The council will endeavour to "increase access to stable and affordable housing" by providing "and permanent supportive housing."
The function of the timely program is to also "expand and meaningful and sustainable employment", improve health and stability", and "re-tool the homeless response system."
Kudos to the President for implementing the life-saver for those in dire need in these tough economic times!
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
A philosophy to live by...quote!
The underdoing of most humans
surfaces in their inability
to let go of the past!
Julian Ayrs
Divine Grace
Barack Obama...letter to moi touts accomplishments! DCCC seeks funds...
What do they say about foolin' the people?
When I trotted to the mailbox today, I was startled by an envelope which fell out of the box into my hands, with the name of President Barack Obama emblazoned on the front left corner.
Barack who?
Oh, that guy.
Was I being invited to the White House for an elegant formal dinner - and the opportuunity to hob-nob with the rich and powerful - just like those gate-crashers who wandered in under a blanket of twinkling stars as the moon hung ripe with promise in the night sky?
Naw!
Barack was just peddling for bucks!
But, I confess, he did some fancy pitching first - enough so - that I just about slipped a fiver into the return envlope with a hasty "Good luck, Barack" penned in an elegant scroll.
You never know where these precious scraps end up, after all.
Soft-soaping people (as my gramma would say) will go a long way to put folks in a right generous mood, so he started off with an affectionate pat on the back.
"Through your hard work, irrepressible voice and unflinching courage (!) we have put America firmly on the path to a brighter, more prosperous future."
Then, Barack moved on to heighten the stakes a tad.
In the first few well-written (persuasive) paragraphs, the President managed to cover a lot of ground.
"After years of struggle, every American is now guaranteed affordable health insurane that cannot be taken away when they get sick. Every American is covered by the toughest consumer protections in history, and every American will benefit from lower costs for care."
Sounds great to moi!
Then, Barack took a shot at the biggie!
"Our economy has begun to recover after the worst financial crisis in 75 years. Companies are beginning to hire, our neighbours are finding jobs, and entrepreneurs are starting businesses to provide new goods and services."
Heh, Mr. President, do you expect that the portents are good for landing an executive-level post in development at one of the major studios right about now?
Maybe you could throw some seed money Hollywood's way to nurse it along?
Arnold would be forever grateful, 'ya know!
In addition, the Prez boasted about his achievements in the education arena.
"We have lowered the cost of college education, so that more Americans can gain the training and education they need to live happier, more productive and fulfilling lives."
So, that's what it takes to find peace of mind!
At this point, if I was uncertain about what Barack Obama was talking about when he spoke of "Change" on the campaign trail, he decided to enlighten me.
"When I talked about change in my presidential campaign, this is what I was talking about: coming together on behalf of the American people to solve problems and build a stronger more hopeful future for all."
Now, he moved in for the kill.
"However, the 2010 election season is upon us. In less than six months, the American people will go to the polls for the Congressional midterm elections. Republicans leaders are campaigning (you don't say!) on a pledge to repeal these accomplishments (those dirty basta**s!) and many others, if they gain majority control of Congress in November."
"We can't let that happen," he continued in a forthright manner.
"We have come too far. We have worked too hard to return to the failed Republican policies that created this mess in the first place"
The President proceeded to underscore that special interests have shaped the status quo in Washington, and that they are strong, and they are fighting tooth and nail to protect their privileged positions.
For this reason, the President urgeed that I and others join the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee.
"The DCCC has the technical expertise, political experience, and strategic perspective to lead the campaign to defend House Democrats. They also have an impressive record of success."
I trust none of the celebrated members weren't involved in any capacity in the BP oil debacle, then?
"With a strong Democratic majority in the House, we will continue to enact new initiatives and reforms to defend the middle class - to create millions of jobs, support small businesses, and drive up wages. We will step up investments in the educaiton of our children and develop the clean energy technology that must power our future; and we will take the steps necessary to protect the economy from reckless Wall Street abuses."
Barack summed up with a directive right out of the Latin books:
"Let's seize this moment - to start anew, to carry the dream forward (which dream is that?). Stand with me, Speaker Pelosi, and the courageous Democrats in the U.S. House of Representatives."
"Please support thier campaign with a generous contribution today."
Do you suppose they DCCC will take an IOU until I see how things pan out?
The Democrats Queen of the Tea Party!
Tom Cruise..."Knight & Day" sparks debate! Lead horse to water, at least...
Motorcycle publicity still better poster choice?
Shortly after I posted my review of "Knight and Day" - the Tom Cruise spy thriller - the hits went through the stratosphere at the Tattler.
In my caption, I shouted - "Tom Cruise...He's back!" - which must have triggered an emotion or two judging by the response.
Post: 06/27/10
http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2010/06/tom-cruisehes-back-knight-day-quirky.html
Industry honchos, media pundits (and fans) appeared to have written the action-adventure off as a "bomb" based on a slow start at the box-office and negative buzz on the Internet.
In fact, I penned an article on the issue wherein I wondered aloud if "Tom" was still suffering from lingering image problems due to a bizarre couch-jumping incident, his involvement with the flakey Ron L. Hubbard's Scientology "outfit", and a controversial stint on Matt Lauer's hot seat in which he came off as a total pig-headed a**.
Post: 06/26/10
http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2010/06/tom-cruisehes-back-knight-day-quirky.html
So, what gives?
Essentially, the Knight and Day fiasco all boils down to marketing (misguided) and the way "Knight and Day" was promoted.
In the morning LA Times, Patrick Goldstein pointed out that the poster - which featured a stunning graphic of the two stars - was part 'n parcel of the problem.
He argued that the failure of the studio brass to feature the identifiable faces of the two stars - Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz - may have been a fatal lack of judgment in the total scheme of things which negatively impacted the project (and perceptions of it).
In response, Tony Sella (co-President of marketing at Fox) scoffed at Goldsmith's wild idea that the studio was hiding the faces of the two stars because their appeal was lacking in a demographic they were striving to lure into theatres come opening day.
"I was doing an homage to fabled title designer Saul Bass," Sella fessed up.
"It was a way for us to signal that this was a different kind of adult movie.The whole campaign was designed to evoke a film like "North by Northwest (a Hitchcock classic)."
Because I attended film school, and have a background in the film industry in a myriad of capacities, I understood that.
If anything, the concept intrigued me - hence - my decision to screen it in spite of a bevy of biting press clips (and stinky rumors denouncing it).
I agree with Sella that the commercial spots - in which Cruise appeared to be a wacko dude kidnapping a woman - may have fallen short in getting the film's essential storyine across.
If the studio noted - in a nutshell - that this was a spy thriller (and that Cruise character's was on a ultra-secret mission) Cruise fans and spy-thriller enthusiasts would have flocked to the theatres from the get-go when theatre doors swung open.
It appears, in retrospect, that filmgoers took a - "let's wait and see" - attitude.
Movie dollars only stretch so far these days, after all.
Call me sophisticated, if you will, but the quirky "promo" didn't phase me.
Frankly, I tire of "trailers" that reveal so much of the plot, that you end up saying to yourself:
"Why bother going to see the film now?
The studio's big sin was they didn't give enough "tease" - and as a result - left filmgoers and fans in the proverbial dark.
Fox brass didn't even lead the horse to water!
How do you expect them to drink?
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