Robert De Niro...Cannes Film Festival names actor President of Jury panel!

Robert De Niro is brimming with a grin from ear-to-ear for good reason!

Organizers for the tony 64th Annual "Cannes Film Festival" - which launches in May on the exotic French Riviera - have invited the respected thespian to head up the Jury Panel for a third time.

De Niro - starring in the comedy - "The Little Flockers" (currently in wide release around the country) last took on the coveted duties twice in the heady 80's.

Film buffs may recall that De Niro's break-out thriller - Taxi Driver - won the Palme d'or in 1976.

Break a leg, Bobby!

http://www.thetattler.biz

Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords shot! Demented shooter's murderous rampage in Arizona!

In the aftermath of the shocking attack this afternoon in Arizona on popular Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords - and others (which resulted in a couple of deaths) - questions are being raised around the country.

Why did the gunman - 22-year-old Jared Lee Loughner - manage to skillfully maneuver and carry out the disturbing premeditated act?

How was the troubled shooter able to avoid detection once his murderous plot was underway at the shopping mall where Gifford appeared for a casual (but publicized) gathering to meet-and-greet constituents in District 8?

In a statement earlier this afternoon, Governor Brewer underscored that it was important to maintain an "open house" where voters were able to exercise their right to access to elected Government officials.

On the heels of that comment, News anchors reported that Congresswoman Giffords shared the same political philosophy.

In fact, it was noted that as a matter of habit the well-liked politician often appeared after a stump - to interact with members of the community.

Although the details are still sketchy, it doesn't appear that Giffords was the sole target of the demented shooter.

Curiously, a Federal Judge who put in a spontaneous appearance at the event (he was shot and killed) previously ruled on a controversial illegal immigrant issue which resulted in documented death threats in the past.

Was he in Loughner's sights?

Investigators dredged up video tape recordings on the suspect's YouTube web page in which he rambled on about "illiteracy" in District 8, a new currency, 1st Amendment rights, and a loss of trust and faith in God.

A sick puppy?

Coincidentally - just last week - the Congresswoman publicly recited key sections of the 1st Amendment.

Some say, that specfic reference to - "the rights of the people to have redress with the Government" - may have been what triggered the shooting rampage earlier today.

President Obama - who referred to the Congresswoman  as a good friend - expressed his heartfelt sorrow about the sad turn-of-events with a promise to get to the "bottom" of it.

It appears that the suspect was on the edge of the abyss these past few days - and for some inexplicable reason - finally toppled into it.

Regardless, the President confirmed he instructed FBI Director Robert Mueller to head up what is expected to be an intense thorough investigation over the next few weeks.

A nurse, watching a news alert alongside me, lamented that "this is what happens" when the Government fails to take care of the mentally-ill who currently wander the streets aimlessly and without hope in what some refer to as the "end days".

I noted that in a civilized society, it is the duty of the strong to take care of the weak.

She laughed cynically in response.

"People may agree with that compassionate thought in theory.  But, when it gets down to the nasty nitty-gritty, they gripe about the cost."

If that is the case, it is important that Americans vote politicians into office who not only care - but are capable of effecting change - as quickly as possible.

Amen!

http://www.thetattler..biz

Sean Penn...outspoken actor to receive Stanley Kramer Award! Producers Guild honor!



The Hollywood Producers Guild is bestowing one of its highest honors on Oscar-winner Sean Penn.

At a  ceremonyy On January 22nd the at-times-controversial actor will be presented with the Stanley Kramer Award which is named after the celebrated film director.

Penn has the distinction of being the first individual to receive the coveted prize which has normally been awarded to single out issue-oriented films such as "The Defiant Ones" and the landmark film feature "Guess Who's coming to Dinner" in the past.

Paula Wagner - the Chair of the Producers Guild - underscored that Mr. Penn has been a committed activist (deserving of the nod)  who has devoted himself to unselfish causes that have shed light on powerful stories and individuals during the course of his long industrious film career.

Congrats, Mr. Penn!

http://www.thetattler.biz

Roseanne Barr...exits Facebook It's all about me!

A dishy - silver-haired Roseanne Barr - has been turning up at book-signing gigs to affix her familiar "Joan Henry" to a spanking bullsh** tome on sale on bookshelves this week at top retailers around the country.

The mature look - some say a tad reminiscent of the one Diane Keaton sports like a comfortable old sensible shoe - suits the grand old dame of stand-up and sitcom comedy to a "t".

For the most part, Ms. Barr appears to be at peace with herself and the world.

Not with Facebook, however!

The racy comedienne - undisputed Queen of the snappy comeback - found the high-profile social hub a frustrating annoying experience.

"I thought I would join Facebook to keep my fans updated. But, the members on the site are only keen on chatting about themselves. They don't want to hear about me or what I have to say," she laughed cynically i so many words to a TV host during the course of an off-the-wall interview yesterday.

'Ya don't say!

Wasn't the much-ballyhooed tattooed lady hip to that fact (long before she logged on to become a member of the self-serving site) that the concept of  "Me, Myself, and I" reigns supreme?

The founders didn''t come up with the name - Facebook - for no good reason.

Indeed!

A web sight that focuses on "face" values is a losing proposition for intelligent sentient beings seeking like-minded souls (even a meaningful dialogue) in the overall scheme of things.

Mensa is more up your alley, Roseanne!

See 'ya at their next meeting, eh?

http://www.thetattler.biz

Fido Catering truck...doggie gourmet treats! Curbside for dog-lovers on-the-go!

In Manhaattan, folks don't bat-an-eye when they spy a dolled-up socialite strolling down Park Avenue with a pampered pouch wrapped in a mink jacket on a diamond-studded leash (with gem-laden pooper-scooper in elegant hand).

Even in ritzy Beverly Hills, the tony elite splurge on pricey perks for their beloved pets, without flinching about the costs involved.

Now, commoners in the bustling streets of Los Angeles will have a golden opportunity to splurge on their lovable pets when they trot off tto work in the morning or dash out for an early-morning jog.
Starting tomorrow morning, the Fido catering truck (which debuts bright-and-early at the Americana shopping center in Glendale) will be offering up a wide array of yummy gourmet tricks that should appeal to any doggie's discerning canine taste
A handful of critics have pooh-poohed the novel idea, though, arguing that in these tough ecconomic times the kind of service being served up curbside is doomed for the doghouse.
"Excessive," one lamented.
"Silly," another chortled to a posse of reporters who turned out today for a photo opportunity at the hastily-thrown-together press junket at the side of the road in downtown LA LA LAND.
The enterprising caterers launching the Fido Food Truck - pet owners themselves - disagree whole-heartedly.
"Dog lovers will go for it," they confidently asserted in so many words.
I'm inclined to agree.
It's a dog's life - after all - for a large segment of society.
Did I just hear the cash register go Ka-Ching?

News at 11l!
http://www.thetattler.biz





People's Choice Awards...kicks off New Year with glitzy bash!

 

While critics and academy members were gearing up for the Golden Globe Awards and the Oscars - the little people at home in their armchairs in front of the TV and below the floodlights at the local theatre - were busy rustling up their faves for the much-anticipated People's Choice Awards.

Last night, the industry turned out amidst a lot of fanfare to celebrate their choices!

Among the winners?

Jane Lynch was a shoe-in for favorite comedy actress.

But, some were surprised when Conan O'Brien edged out Big "O" and snatched up the coveted statuette for Best Talk show!

"I've been loving the new show, and we're very comfortable doing it, but I like things to evolve," he noted after graciously accepting the award.

 In that event, I expect viewers may expect some transformations over the next few months, eh?

Although Johnny Depp has been in the dumper with film reviewers - in large part due to his last role in the box office flop in the big-budget fiasco - "The Tourist" - fans remained loyal.

Uh-huh!

Depp was named favorite male actor!

It was a no-brainer, of course, when "Twilight" scooped up the nod for best film category.

Don't underestimate the voting power of a gaggle of adoring giggling female fans!  No doubt Robert Pattinson's sexy screen persona boosted the ballots a tad with the teeny-bopper set.

By the way, Kristen Stewart was chosen as favorite Movie Actress.

Neil Patrick was all smiles when he strode to the podium to accept an award for his role in "How I met your Mother".

The kid's longevity in the biz has been simply amazing, hasn't it?

Katy Perry and Eninem scored big as female and male music artists respectively.

The popular People's Choice Awards were broadcast live on CBS and hosted by hilarious Queen Latifah - a heavyweight in the industry - oh yeah!

http://www.thetattler.biz

 

 

 

Twilight ever-popular!

 

 

Kate Perry...to appear on "How I met your Mother"!

Katy Perry - that delicious flavor of the month - has been hired for a guest role on the popular TV Series "How I met your Mother".

Ms. Perry will play Zoey's cousin - which is a cool move on her part - when 'ya think about it.

After all, if you're related to a regular cast member on a hot show - then chances are - there will be invites back.

Unless the acting - and ratings - turn out to be stinko!

Break a leg, Honey!

Psst!

"Honey" is her nickname on the episode which should broadcast later this year.

The "Emmy-Nominated" bill-of-fare airs during the prime-time family hour at 8 p.m.

http://www.thetattler.biz/

Ben Affleck...to appear @ Aero! Screening of The Town & Gone Baby Gone!

Handsome actor Ben Affleck - turned director - will be trotting over to the Aero Theatre this evening for screenings of "The Town" and "Gone Baby Gone".

During the course of the evening, Affleck will engage in an open dialogue in the form of a Q & A with fans and films buffs.

See 'ya there!

Screening

7:30 p.m.

Aero Theatre
1328 Montana
Santa Monica, CA

http://www.thetattler.biz

http://www.thetattler.biz

President Obama...get out of town by High Noon! ICE's softler gentler approach!



Last week, President Obama announced that there would be a White House policy change in respect to the way in which ICE (Immigration Police) handled raids on establishments caught hiring illegals.

Instead of storming the walls of the work place - and smashing down the doors to signal their arrival in the course of a raid on the premises - the President noted that in the future ICE and Immigration Officials would politely waltz into the employment office and issue a warning that if the undocumented workers were not "let go" (fired) that appropriate charges would be brought against the employer in the Federal Courts.

President Obama was obviously responding to pleas from members of the community (myself included) who took to the streets over the past two years in highly-visible protests in front of Government buildings (such as the Federal Building on Temple Street) to voice disapproval over the para-military-style tactics which have been used iin the Los Angeles area which were downright shocking.

I reported on the disturbing Government "show of force" which has also  been used by the DEA to bust licensed Marijuana dispensaries in California which has been the subject of a lot of controversy as well.

Post:  05/06/08

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

Post:  10/09/09

http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2009/10/medical-marijuanafederal-government.html

Although I applaud the President's attempt to civilize what has been a barbaric assault until now on the part of the Government and Law Enforcement agencies working on its behalf - the announcement reminded me of a plot twist lifted from Hollywood's Westerns of yesteryear.

For example, in the classic film - "High Noon" - the outlaws were issued a warning to get out of town by Noon.

Or else!

Bottom line, it will be interesting to see if the softer gentler approach works, with the Obama administration.

http://www.thetattler.biz/

Paula Abdul..."Live to Dance" has potential to charm!

Judges give contestants standing ovation!

With a lot of fanfare, CBS launched - "Live to Dance" - Paula Abdul's attempt to rise up and prove critics wrong after a much-publicized (embarrassing) fall from Grace last year when she parted ways with Fox's American Idol.

To the reality-show's credit, Paula (who wears a hat as Executive Producer) has laid a workable foundation to build on, in the event the dance competition gains momentum in the coming weeks and rustles up a solid fan base sufficient to please the Network brass and sponsors alike.

Although the entertaining bill-of-fare - packaged into one-hour segments - doesn't stray far from its roots (i.e. talent shows where viewers at home root for the underdog or participate in the voting process).

There are a couple of departures from stale old concepts, however, that have the potential to uplift.

The "open door" policy is refreshing, for starters.

Dance enthusiasts aren't burdened down with a set of criteria - age restrictions, a need for an armful of professional credits to land an audition, training - that might otherwise discourage hopeful two-steppers (with original ideas on choreographed moves) from pursuing their day in the sun.

The contestants need only demonstrate their dance ability to take a stab at the jaw-dropping $500,000.00 prize!

In contrast to other popular ratings-getters on air 'til now - the panel of Judges presiding over the auditions (Michael Jackson's choreographer, a Pussy Dolls band member, and Paula Abdul) have a background in the discipline.

Consequently - the panel is able to render intelligent, well-rounded, truthful assessments (based on style, originality, and technique) that resonate with a chord of truth.

Decisions that fly-by-the-seat of the pants rarely go over well with sophisticated audiences around the country today, after all.

Unfortunately, disgruntled contestants are not always that easy to appease, when they are rejected.

Such was the case tonight, sadly, in one isolated incident.

When a hefty middle-aged gal got the thumbs down from the Pussy Doll adjudicator, the angry contestant was quick on the uptake.

"The skinny girl's hate," she snarled at the pretty celebrity, as a hush fell over the "dome".

Which begs the question.

"American Idol" often fueled controversies to trigger angry viewer response - with the aim achieving that end.

For example - the producers appeared to rub their hands with glee whenever ugly battles (and mind-boggling sinister power-plays) between Simon Cowell and Paula Abdul - played out in all their tawdry glory in the weekly gossip rags.

I'm betting that all the superficial "sweetness and light" - on the part of Paula Abdul in particular (a transparent B-list celeb who gushed once-too-often tonight on air in my estimation) - may eventually grate on the nerves.

"Live to Dance" may have to take a cue from the Wild World of Wrestling to appeal to the gladiator mentality now-and-then during sluggish runs.

A bitch fight may just be in the offing in the near future if the overnight ratings aren't up to snuff tomorrow morning.

News at 11!

http://www.thetattler.biz/

Paula & Simon before the split!

Attract Hot babes...with spiked Men's Cologne!

 

Down in the dumps and crying the blues?

Maybe a hot night on the town with a luscious babe on the arm is just what 'ya need to get the juices flowing!

But - just maybe - your dance card is empty.

Now, with a smidgen of scientific knowledge under your belt, you - too - can become a babe magnet!

According to a paper published a few months ago - by biologist Dr. Winnifred Cutler - splashing a dollop or two of pheromones in your favorite cologne may conjure up a magical elixir sure to send panting bimbos (in 3 out of 4 instances) in your lonely direction!

Pheromones were first uncovered in 1959 when biologists determined they were chemical substances excreted by animals to trigger reproductive behavioral responses from recipients of the same species.

Pheromones are naturally occurring substances the fertile body excretes externally which convey airborne messages to attract others of the same species.

Pheromones are now widely recognized as mediators that promote the survival of each species.

It was only a matter of time before scientists and savvy entrepreneurs in the multi-million-dollar scent industry would hook up (in the aftermath of the discovery) and develop practical applications useful to the male animal on the prowl in the jungles of the city after-hours.

http://www.thetattler.biz/

Nature's way...quote by Julian Ayrs!

A gentle rush of wind

is Nature's way

of caressing

&

healing
the earth

Julian Ayrs

Divine Grace

Collection of Poems

http://www.thetattler.biz

No Age...to appear on Dave Letterman! January 7th!

 

If you've ever cruised over to my YouTube site, you probably grooved to a few of the "No Age "Videos I have posted over the past year or so.

http://www.youtube.com/ijulian9

In Los Angeles -  "No Age" - is a bit of a cult band that has caught the imagination of the country in recent years.

The dynamic musical sound is basically a two-person band consisting of guitarist Randy Randall and drummer Dean Allen Spunt.

At last notice, "No Age" was signed to Sub Pop records.

Fans have been able to satisfy their hunger for their eclectic offerings by catching the band at a downtown artsfy-fartsy venue known as The Smell.

In fact, both musicians have established musical bonds with a thriving underground music scene on the West Coast.

"No Age" has released 3 albums that I know of. 

If anything, the lads are prolific, in respect to churning out potential hit material.

In addition to their own focus on the LA Music scene, both Musicians support organizations that give a jump start to budding performers anxious to get established in the biz.

Randall and Spunt support "All-ages Movement Project" - for instance - an organization that connects youth to each other and to the arts.

Inside sources at the Dave Letterman Late Show have informed me that the hotties will be performing on the New-York-based talk show on January 7th.

Check 'em out!

http://www.thetattler.biz/

Fans show their enthusiasm!

Dave Letterman...Ooops moment! Ryan Seacrest pot shots! Say what, Paula Abdula?

Boy, that was quite an Oops! moment last night on the Dave Letterman show!

Do you suppose the head honcho at Worldwide Pants (Dave Letterman) fired a camera operator at the crack of dawn this morning?

Or - just maybe - a stage manager's head will get the axe later in the day.

Who knows!

Bottom line?

There was definitely a slip up in communication somewhere along the line.

The unthinkable occurred about half-way through the highly-rated talk show.

On a return from commercial break - suddenly (without warning) - viewers at home found themselves staring at a ghastly shot of Dave bent over his desk (caught in the act of snatching up a scrap of paper off the floor) with a bald spot "comb over" on the crown of his head in plain view!

Judging by the embarrassed look on his face, I surmise that Dave was unaware that he was on air , when he finally righted himself in the chair.

When the cameraman quickly cut-away to Paul Shaffer - the awkward look on the bandleader's face said it all  - you betcha!

Uh-huh!

Dave got caught with his pants down!

Ouch!

For some inexplicable reason, Letterman had the knives out for Ryan Seacrest last night.

After mentioning a bit of scuttlebutt about a guest referring to themselves as a "douche bag" on a New Years show (hosted by the perky DJ and Dick Clark on another network) Dave was inclined to issue a cautionary warning to everyone within earshot in the event they were not in the "know" about Ryan.

"That Seacrest guy pulled a Jay Leno. Got them all fired. He's the one with all the money, 'ya know," he kidded.

At the end of the segment (and at the close of the show) the camera focused on a blow-up photograph of Ryan Seacrest tacked to the studio wall - all smiles - in spite of the fact he was not a guest on the show.

Bizarre!

But, Paul Abdul's interview was the most intriguing, to say the least.

Reluctant to initially reveal the specific details of her new dance show - slated to broadcast tonight on CBS - Dave was forced to joist with her a bit (the segment was painful to watch and tantamount to pulling teeth ) to get his money's worth.

Ms. Abdul is either in denial or just totally clueless.

For instance, when Dave quizzed her as to the whereabouts of Simon Cowel these days, she tried to subtly insult the former American Idol Judge she once worked alongside.

"Oh, he's doing a small show," she uttered up with a straight face.

When asked how much she liked Cowell, she was quick on the uptake.

"About this much," she teased, as she used her fingers to elaborate her point.

If you read between the lines, you probably figured it out.

Abdul, who has allegedly slept with Cowell, was inferring that he wasn't very well hung.

As to the show, Abdul was referring to X Factor - an overseas hit that Cowell is currently involved with  - expected to fair well when it launches in the U.S.

If Ms. Abdul appeared on the Late Show with the aim of changing her image - without doubt - she failed miserably.

How long is this scorned woman going to try to save face, as she continues to make a fool of herself on Network TV in front of an amused world?

News at 11!

http://www.thetattler.biz/

Seacrest brunt of Dave's scorn!

Los Angeles Police Department...Job Fair! January 8th!

 



Friends at Campus Circle fired off an e-mail invitation to attend an LAPD Job Fair which is slated for Saturday January 8th at the Recruit Training Center.

Although I am not personally interested in signing up (there is something about a man in a uniform, though) I thought it would be a good idea to pass along the information in the event unemployed Tattler readers are ripe for a career move.

At the fair hopefuls will receive valuable information about career options on the force.

LAPD Officers will be on hand to also field questions from potential recruits.

In addition, an exam room will be available for ambitious applicants interested in getting the ball rolling by taking a written exam right away.

The hiring seminar kicks off @ 9:00 A.M.

The written test starts @ 11:00 A.M.

The organizers have noted that both events start on the hour "sharp".

Location:

Ahmanson Recruit Training Center
5651 W. Manchester Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90045

Info:

http://bit.ly/cDeJ24

1-866-444-LAPD

According to my inside sources the LAPD offers a wide variety of jobs and competitive salaries.

Check out a career ladder at the the link below for details

http://www.joinlapd.com/career_ladder.html

Mentors offer candidates assistance in filling out documentation and preparing for the various tests.parts the City and the LAPD will administer which include the polygraph test, the medical and psychologial tests, and the physical abilities test.

To assist a candidate to get into shape the LAPD offers the Candidate Assistance Program (CAP) - a free program to help candidates overcome difficult challenges in police work.

Good luck!

http://www.thetattler.biz

Rent 25 Acre Island for 1 night...B.C. cottage solar-powered!

When the Land Conservancy of British Columbia purchased South Winchelsea Island to protect endangered wildlife transfer of the secluded piece of heaven ended up benefitting tourists and locals alike.

A three-bedroom solar-powered cottage on the property was made available as a rental to travellers.

For the paltry sum of $275 per night guests have use of the quaint cottage, picturesque trail, and a rocky beach front with a spectacular view of Georgia Strait.

The island is three miles off of Vancouver Island and has limited access by way of crab-boat taxi.

Unless the traveller has their own boat cruiser, canoe or Kayak, of course!

Info:

conservancy.bc.ca

Beautiful B.C.

http://www.thetattler.biz

New York Times Arts & Leisure Weekend! Robert Redford! Ryan Gosling! Rufus Wainright!

Rufus Wainright

If you're a civilized person residing in the Western Hemisphere - and if the arts are of particular interest - you are probably an avid reader of the New York Times.

I can't tuck in to bed on Sunday evening without having read the weekend edition!

No wonder!

The daily is chock full of features on the Arts which are supplemented with - dazzling publicity stills, informative in-depth interviews, critiques, and compelling editorials - just for starters.

Now for icing on the scrumptious cake!

The New York Times is celebrating 10 years of Arts & Leisure this weekend with an eclectic gang of journalists, legends of film, theatre, music, books, television, opera, you name it.

January 6th through January 9th - readers will have the opportunity to get up-close and personal with a handful of the high-profile personalities they've been reading about in the creative field at the much-ballyhooed arts event.

Here is a run-down on the schedule:

January 6th

Kevin Spacey
Actor
Film/Theatre

6 - 7:15 P.M.

Katie Couric
Interviewed by Gail Collins
Media

8 - 9:15 P.M.

January 7th

Sir Tim Rice (& Friends)
Performers
Music/Theatre

6 - 7:15 P.M.

Trent Reznor
Interviewed by Jon Parelles
Music

8 - 9:15 P.M.

January 8th

Annie Proulx
Interviewed by Patricia Cohen
Books

NOON - 2:15

Julie Taymor
Interviewed by Patricia Healy
Books

2 - 3:15 P.M.

Robert Redford
Interviewed by Janet Naslin
Film

4 - 5:15 P.M.

Ina Garten
Interviewed by Alex Mitchel

6 - 7:15 P.M.

Rufus & Martha Wainwright
Moderated by Helena Ryzik
Music

8 - 9:15

January 9th

Will Shortz
10 - 11:15

Ryan Gosling & Michelle Williams
Moderated by Dave Itznoff
Film

NOON - 1:15 P.M.

Lang Lang
Interviewed by James Barron
Music

2 - 3:15 P.M.

Boardwalk Empire
Steve Buscemi & Paz De La Huerta & Michael Shannon
Terence Winter (Co-Creator)
Moderated by Charles McGrath
Television

4 - 5:15

James Levine
Interviewed by Daniel Wakin
Opera

6 - 7:15 P.M.

Billie Joe Armstrong & Michael Mayer
Moderated by Patricia Healy
Music/Theater

8 - 9:15 P.M.

VENUE

The Times Center
242 West 41st Street
New York, New York
10018

Tickets & Info:

ArtsAndLeisureWeekend.com

888.NYT.1870

General Admission
$30 (per event)

http://www.thetattler.biz

Kendra Show...Eddy comes out! Gay is OK!

Were fans of the Kendra reality show going to be thrust onto a roller-coaster ride of emotions last night - alongside Eddy - once he opened up his yap and confided to his parents that he was gay?

As it turned out - no!

There were a truckload of anxiousnail-biting moments lurking in the wings, however.

The first scenes of the entertaining reality show unfolded innocently enough.

When Kendra dropped Eddy off at the home of his parents for a previously-arranged dinner date in the sedate suburbs - the thought of "coming out" at long last - wasn't necessarily on the top of his "to do" list.

When push came to shove (wrong choice of phrases perhaps?) - an old Greek proverb must have jumped into Eddy's mind for some inexplicable reason - though.

Carpe Diem.

Roughly translated?

Seize the day!

Eddy gushed to Kendra later in the evening - after he "came out" successfully -  that a serious case of the willies just about blew it on each occasion the opportunity arose to blurt out the truth about his sexual orientation to his parents.

For example, in one heart-to-heart - when his Mom asked him if he'd met anyone special - instead of jumping in like a dirty shirt - he passed on the opportunity to open the flood gates.

I suspect that when Kendra's outgoing pal hesitated a bit during the course of the low-key conversation with his mother - that his loss for words now-and-then - signalled that something was up to the intuitive woman.

You know what they say.

A mother always knows!

The producers heightened the drama somewhat for the viewers at home (tugged at their heart strings) by facilitating a couple of potent story-telling devices that succeeded in setting up a cliff-hanger that was tough to turn away from.

It packed a wallop, alright.

Instead of cutting-to-the-chase after the initial ground work was laid out, for instance, the surprising plot twist

When Eddy finally blurted out that he was gay , for instance, there was a dramatic pause as the skilled camera-man panned around to capture a reaction shot that was priceless.

The earth literally stood still for a moment or two before she uttered up her response calmly.

"We knew, dear," she confided tenderly.

Funny that!

Why is that the individual "coming out" is always the last to know?

At this juncture, Kendra and Eddy trotted off to the Fiesta Cantina for an exotic drinkie-pooh to celebrate "out-ness".

In episode two, I expect Eddy jets off to New York City to rustle up a sugar daddy.

Do I see a sequel to "Midnight Cowboy" far off on the silver screen?

Stay tuned!

http://www.thetattler.biz/

Love that once dare not say its name

Now, won't shut up!

Julian Ayrs Top 5 Picks...Actors & Actresses! Oscar Race 2010!



Now that the fog has lifted - and Hollywood insiders have turned the page for another stellar year of filmmaking - the occasion is ripe for tossing the glaring spotlight on five (5) of the top performances worthy of an Oscar nod in the category of stand-out Best Actor / Best Actress in the realm of celluloid.

So, here are my delicious picks in no particular order of importance.

Top 5 Actors

Lead role

Jeff Bridges

True Grit (Drama)

Coen Brothers (Director)

 Jesse Eisenberg 

The Social Network (Drama)

David Fincher (Director)

James Franco

127 Hours (Drama)

Danny Boyle (Director)

Colin Firth
The King's Speech (Drama)

Tom Hopper (Director)

Kevin Spacey
Casino Jack (Drama)

George Hickenlooper (Director)

Top 5 Actresses

 

Lead Role

Nicole Kidman

Rabbit Hole (Drama)

John Cameron Mitchell (Director)

Natalie Portman 

The Black Swan (Drama)

Darren Aronofsky (Director)

Sally Hawkins 

Made in Dagenham (Drama/Com)

Nigel Cole (Director)

Annette Bening
The Kids are All Right (Drama/Com)

Lisa Cholodenko (Director)

Top 5 Actors

Supporting Role

Christian Bale
The Fighter (Drama)

Coen Brothers (Directors)

Jeremy Renner

The Town (Drama)

Ben Affleck (Director)

Matt Damon
True Grit (Drama)

Coen Brothers (Director)

Bo Hoskins

Made in Dagenham (Drama/Com)

Nigel Cole (Director)

Geoffrey Rush
The King's Speech (Drama)

Tom Hopper (Director)

 
Top 5 Actresses

Supporting Role

Barbara Hershey

The Black Swan (Drama)

Darren Aronofsky (Director)

Dianne Weist

The Rabbit Hole (Drama)
John Cameron Mitchell (Director)

Helena Borham
The King''s Speech
Tom Hopper (Director)

 Elle Fanning
Somewhere (Drama)
Sofia Coppola (Director)

Melissa Leo
The Fighter (Drama)
David O. Russell (Director)

http://www.thetattler.biz

Illegal Aliens...McDonald's hiring undocumented workers! No speak, English!

 

At the crack of dawn the other morning a posse of City commuters found out the hard way that McDonald's - one of the Nation's largest employers of day workers - is hiring illegal aliens who can't speak one syllable of English.

The wake-up call rang out crystal clear shortly after a long line began to snake at a fast-food take-out on Alvarado (7th & Westlake).

Inside - at the rear of McDonald's - a worker on duty was taking an inordinate amount of precious time bringing the men's room up to scratch (or so it was first thought) which triggered some nasty banter back-and-forth amongst the patrons and staff.

"How long does it take to swab down and restock a bathroom," one disgruntled guest uttered up pointedly to a Supervisor when she arrived on the scene to calm the troubled waters.

Just as she was about to respond to the question - the door fluttered ajar - and the ugly truth revealed itself.

An employee - with a goofy look on his face - was spied wiping down an interior wall with the flimsy intent of erasing a riot of ugly graffiti. 

When one gent caught sight of the scenario going down he erupted in a fury.

"You shouldn't be wiping down the wall during the busy breakfast hour when customers may also want to use the bathroom."

The young Latino stared back at the middle-aged man blankly.

He obviously didn't understand one pristine word!

Now, the customer was really in a tizzy.

"Doesn't that worker speak English," he angrily snapped back?

Red-faced, the Manager she admitted the obvious.

"No."

Uh-huh!

McDonald's is hiring illegals.

How can I make that sweeping conclusion?

It's elementary, Dr. Watson.

When a foreigner applies for residency in the United States - in addition to filling out forms and paying up-front fees - the individual is required to demonstrate a knowledge of the History of this great Nation and demonstrate an ability to speak the native tongue (English!) of the land.

There is just one sticky issue that remains to be resolved.

Has McDonald's been knowingly and willingly breaking the Law?

That depends.

If McDonald's oversees all hiring halls across the country, the answer is probably "yes".

On the other hand, if individual "franchise owners" rustle up their own day workers without any intervention from the headquarters or regional offices, maybe not.

Which begs another question.

Are wealthy Latinos buying McDonald's franchises with the specific intent of providing a safe haven for their fellow countrymen?

News at 11!

http://www.thetattler.biz

PBS..."Celtic Thunder" concert a hit! "It's Entertainment" CD & DVD sets!

I was in the midst of a bit of channel surfing earlier this evening - when a haunting rendition of  "You Raise Me Up" - gently floated out of the flat state-of-the-art television set on the wall before me.

Needless to say, I sat bolt upright, and edged closer to the screen.

In conjunction with a PBS fundraising effort, members of the well-known International band - "Celtic Thunder" - were performing a handful of their signature tunes before a rapt audience (televised live) totally enthralled by their presence.

Understandably, the atmosphere in the packed venue was electrically-charged!

Pretty nubile teens (on the verge of fainting dead-away) excitedly waved publicity stills of their crushes high - alongside older fans - who were inclined to clap their hands and tap their feet in step with the catchy beats.

A standing ovation erupted spontaneously when the band belted out "Ireland" at the end of the vastly entertaining show.

"Celtic Thunder" was back by popular demand.

The success of a prior tour to U.S. shores funded the much-anticipated engagement - which was being billed as "It's Entertainment" - this time around.

On this gig, the band incorporated a few spiffy dance numbers into the mix, however.

For example, in one upbeat moment, the musicians donned tuxedos and proceeded to trip-the-light-fantastic in a choreographed routine reminiscent of those featured in the Broadway hit "Singing in the Rain".

"It's Entertainment appeals to all ages," one of the handsome crooners was quick to pipe up in a KOCE on-air interview in-between sets.

And I liked it, too!

For fans who missed the broadcast, CD & DVD sets are available in lieu of a donation.

Info: 1.800.278.5050

KOCE.org

http://www.thetattler.biz/