Friends...quote by Julian Ayrs!

Friends are a comfort

until

an

 individual

has a crisis

or,

 needs a quick loan

to tide 'em over

At which point

the

alleged

"friends"

disappear into the woodwork

faster

than a bat

out

of

hell!

 Julian Ayrs

The Daily Planet

A Collection of Poems

"Lord of the Rings"...Peter Jackson to helm 3rd in Trilogy!

Peter Jackson is allegedly in negotiations with Warner Bros. to helm a third film based on J.R.R. Tolkien's book "The Lord of the Rings".

Behind-the-scenes, power-brokers are allegedly scrambling to urge established actors cast in previous installments to seal a pact.

The first film of the series - which now appears to be turning into a Trilogy in view of the new developments in recent weeks - is slated for a wide-release in December 2012 with the second installment to splash across the silver screen at Christmas in December of next year (2013).

Jackson - who attended Comic-Con this past month in San Diego - acknowledged that he's up to the monumental task.

"There's enough material to do it," he underscored, in so many words.

Fans must be ecstatic!

I was never a Tolkien fan, however.

Uh-huh!

I was vastly entertained by the Hardy Boys.

And, the occasional Nancy Drew Mystery if I was desperate.

Don't tell anyone, eh?

Let this be our deep dark secret!

Michael Phelps...female athlete gives "Gold Medalist" a "Judo" chop for bad attitude!

According to a Los Angeles Times sports writer, at least one Olympic hopeful has been taking swipes at celebrated Gold Medalist Michael Phelps.

Apparently, Ronda Rousey - a former Judo Olympic competitor (now a mixed martial arts champion) - has been moaning that Phelps had a serious attitude problem at the Beijing Olympics.

"Michael Phelps annoyed me a bit," she whined to a reporter on ESNewsreporting.com.

"We had this club...Michael Phelps need his own private section of the club to be, like, private for him."

Her advice to Phelps?

"Get over yourself. All you do is swim," she hissed.

Sounds like little Miss Nobody is jealous of the athlete's "Golden Boy" status!

Or, has a crush on the lad!

No wonder he didn't want to mix with the likes of that bitch!

His basic "instinct" to remain unreachable in the VIP Lounge (that's what 'ya call it, honey!) was bang on in my estimation.

There's nothing worse than a sports figure that gripes - or acts like a cry-baby - like Wayne Gretzky used to.

I say:

Go! Michael! Go!



A citizen - all boobs - and no humanity!

WILDNESS...Wu Tsang's powerful stylish documentary on "The Silver Platter'!

“Wildness” is a powerful documentary directed by Wu Tsang which tosses a sizzling-hot spotlight an intriguing mix of avante-garde artists, gate-crashers, lookie loo’s, Mexican immigrants and flamboyant transgender ladies of-the-night – who once frequented “The Silver Platter” – a notorious nightclub situated in a seedy part of McCarthur Park in Los Angeles.

“Wildness” – a Tuesday night celebration launched to fill a void at the club mid-week when business crawled along at a snail’s pace – was the brain child of director Wu Tsang (a performance artist) and two high-profile DJ’s by the names of NGUZUNGUZU and Total Freedom with the specific aim of providing a dynamic venue for the likes of celebrated artists like Flawless Mother Sabrina, Dynasty Handbag, Ariel Prodigy, and Ron Avery (to name a few).

The film opens dramatically with a cruise along the mean streets of downtown Los Angeles and is bootstrapped up by a “chilling' voice over that sends chills up-and-down the spine.

The hypnotic beat of the original soundtrack heightens the tension as the fascinating tale of “The Silver Platter” – and its thobbing underbelly – splashes onto the screen in all its no-holds barred glory.

During the course of the film (a first feature, by the way) Tsang deftly puts his finger on the undercurrents – and in the process – fathoms up the raw emotions of his subjects with a rare distinctive style all his own.

With a keen eye, the fashion-savvy director explores a myriad of timely issues related to immigration, gentrification, identification, community, the transsexual dilemma (for starters).

Tsang's artistic sensibilities are simply astounding!

When I chatted with Tsang at the DGA screening the other evening, I found the artist to be humble, down-to-earth, and gracious.

The next day, Tsang was honored with an award for his documentary by a local film festival (which she took in her stride).

The acceptance speech may be viewed once I get the video uploaded at my YouTube site.

http://www.YouTube.com/ijulian9

Congrats, Wu!

Unwashed masses...quote by Julian Ayrs!

When folks whisper

about

the great

unwashed masses

They're probably

referring

to

riders

on

Metro Line’s

Route 4

Which stretches

from

Seedy downtown Los Angeles

to

the sprawling pristine beaches

of the

Pacific Coast Highway!

Julian Ayrs

The Daily Planet

A Collection of Poems

Michael Phelps...just out-of-bed look yummy! Official Olympics photo causes stir!

Just as I was about to scoot out the door at the crack of dawn this morning a news alert caught my attention.

“Is Michael Phelps a competing athlete at the Olympics or being booked,” the TV anchor quipped with an impish grin on his face.

“Next up after the commercial break,” he assured viewers at home (who were obviously now all ears and waiting anxiously for the update to zip back over the wire from overseas).

Of course, the news bite piqued my curiosity, so I was inclined to plunk myself down in an armchair to wait for the item to be broadcast a short while later as promised.

Did Phelps get busted for a D.U.I. while cruising the cobbled streets of quaint old London Town across the big pond - or - was he caught toking once again on his beloved “bong”?

As it turns out the juicy tidbit of gossip was just a coy tease delivered up cunningly from the news team to delight and entertain audiences (boost ratings?) as they munched on their toasted muffins and sipped on cups of piping hot java before heading off to the office.

As it turns out the news anchors were referring to a earthy slip-shod photo of the Olympic Gold Medalist that was quickly whipped up in the dorm to affix to his Official Olympic badge so that the studly swimmer could easily identify himself to security at the gates of the grounds during his stint overseas.

The disheveled “look” sported by Phelps in the postage-sized photo was raising eyebrows, for obvious reasons, I daresay. The unsmiling bearded (mustachioed) Phelps was sporting a helter-skelter-style messy “do” that reminded one more of the image of a poet – or, at best - a sleepy-eyed dreamer (pot head?).

Another newsie pointed out that (like passport photos) two stipulated requirements were met: that the subject remain straight-faced without smiling as the photographer snapped the still against a standard plain white background.

Uh-huh!


When you consider that Phelps fessed up that he had just awakened from a nap just before the shot was taken, it's understandable that it would end up looking like a mug shot.

“Couldn’t he have at least brushed his hair,” one anchor lamented, as he wrinkled up his nose in disgust.

Yeah, it could be described as a bit of a wild haystack, you betcha.

Frankly, I like that rough-and-tumble just out-of-bed look.

Wouldn’t mind waking up to it, in fact.

Sexy!

You go – um – boy!

Robert Pattinson...who wants sloppy seconds?

What a surprise!

The scandal sheets were probably anticipating a scandal one day between the two Twilight star-crossed lovers - Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson - but who would of thought in their wildest dreams that Kristen would end up being the cheater who broke the heartthrob's heart!

I, for one, wouldn't have been surprised if sexy Pattinson was caught hot-to-trot between-the-sheets with another studly male, for starters.

But Kristen?

Holy smoke, Batman!

Meanwhile, on the heels of the startling (disappointing news), Robert Pattison packed up his bags and skipped their once-happy lovenest, according to sources!

Stewart, 22, has publicly apologized for her "momentary indiscretion" with director Rupert Sanders, 41, but to no avail.

The shattered superstar has fled to parts unknown.

And, handlers close to the handsome stud whisper that he won't soon recover (if ever).

In spite of her wandering eye, Kristen still professes her undying love for Pattinson. In the aftermath of the highly-publicized break-up on the world stage, Kristen released the following heartfelt statement, for instance.

"I'm deeply sorry for the hurt and embarrassment I've caused to those close to me and everyone this has affected," she said. "This momentary indiscretion has jeopardized the most important thing in my life, the person I love and respect the most, Rob. I love him, I love him, I'm so sorry."

Personally, I don't like sloppy seconds.

Will Robert give the little cutie a second chance, or will the talented actor be on the look-out for a date worthy of his solid-gold affections in coming days?

Primp up gals (and guys!).

Stay posted for updates!

"Rubber Law"...City Council gives thumbs up to Ballot Measure! Porn Biz cocksure!

Individuals who “play for pay” may be required to slip on a “rubber” before they – um – penetrate their lovers, johns – whomever – on screen.

On Tuesday past, Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors voted 3-1 to green light a measure to go on the November ballot so that voters could decide on the sensitive (!) issue of compulsory condom use in the porn biz.

The novel action was triggered on the urging of Health Care Advocates who argue that it’s necessary to curb the spread of HIV infections.

Supporters of the proposed bill got the nod from City Officials after rustling up 370,000 signatures on a petition.

Michael Weinstein – the President of the AIDS Healthcare Foundation – applauded the Board’s decision.

“No one should contract an incurable disease as a routine part of going to work,” he stressed for the record.

Opponents are gearing up for a nasty legal battle.

Representatives for the Adult Film industry have pooh-poohed the ballot measure, for example.The “Porn Kings” argue that their sexy fleshy stars are tested regularly and that sexually transmitted diseases are linked to poverty, lack of insurance and education.

Others have boldly asserted that the proposed law would violate free speech (sex?) because the measure would require actors to don condoms if they did not want to.

Bottom line?

Most agree that such a law would simply drive the porn biz out of town.

Notwithstanding, the protective measure may be difficult to enforce, as well.

Just betcha, quite a few Officers would jump at the chance to sign up for the “Rubber Squad”.

There are some many fringe benefits, after all.

Stay posted for updates!

Justin Bieber...paparazzi charged for terrorizing Pop Star on Hwy 101!

On the heels of a high-speed chase on Highway 101 on July 6th – and after an exhaustive investigation by law enforcement – a local member of the paparazzi has been charged with four misdemeanor counts of reckless driving, failing to obey a peace officer, and two counts of following a motor vehicle too closely and reckless driving.

I reported on the incident which involved Justin Bieber a couple of weeks ago.

Post: 07/07/2012

http://www.ijulian.blogspot.com/2012/07/justin-bieber100-mph-speed-chase-with.html

If the photographer – Paul Raef (a man 30 years of age) – is convicted, he faces one year in the County Jail and fines up to $3500.00.

The charges were brought under the paparazzi-inspired - AB 2779 – which was signed into law by former Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger a few years ago.

Raef has not responded to requests for a statement by press time.

According to a Police Department spokesperson, a decision was made to go forward on the charges in view of Raef’s alleged total disregard for the safety of others on the road and a past criminal record which is extensive.The overzealous photographer has racked up offenses in Orange County and San Bernardino for speeding and reckless driving, for example.

Councilman Dennis Zine – who called 911 after having witnessed Raef and a posse of paparazzo chase down Pop Star Justin Bieber on the freeway on the morning of July 6th (with the ultimate of nabbing a “money shot”) – applauded the decision.

“It’s about time the paparazzi were held accountable for their actions.”

In one well-known case a couple of decades ago, one photographer (Ron Galella) was barred from entering the “personal space” of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis after it was determined by the court that he had been violating Jackie O’s right to move freely in a public place.

The famous 1972 trial on the issue of "free speech" - Galella vs. Onassis - resulted in a restraining order to keep Galella 50 feet away from Mrs. Onassis and 75 feet awy from her young children.

Will Bieber follow suit?

Stay posted for updates!


 

Virgin America...Wow! 72-hour seat sale! Bargain basement prices!

Wow!

This morning, Virgin America launched a 72-hour sale on nonstop Nationwide fares from Los Angeles.

According to travel industry experts, the discounts for flights for the fall season on the ultra-trendy air carrier, are the best to have come down the pike in recent days.

Sale fares are available Aug. 21st - Oct. 17th with the lowest fares popping up on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays.

One-way nonstop fares with tax (based on round trip purchases) are currently listed as follows:

•San Francisco
 $59.00

•Seattle
 $99.00

•Portland
 $99.00

•Dallas
 $119.00

•Chicago
 $139.00

•New York
 $149.00

•Philadelphia
 $149.00

•Washington, D.C.
 $159.00

•Fort Lauderdale
 $159.00

Note:

A 14-day advance purchase is required.
Book by 11:59 p.m. CT Thursday July 26th

By the way, Virgin America was just named the Best Domestic Airline from both Conde Nast Traveler and Travel + Leisure magazines.

Both publishers have raved about Virgin America's upscale in-flight experience which includes complete Wi-Fi, tasty food on demand, live TV and pay-per-view movies.

I'll attest to that.

They're the best!

Doing...quote by Julian Ayrs!

Don’t try!

To try is

To stutter at doing

Julian Ayrs

Chocolate Buddha

(A collection of Poems)

Grand Park (Los Angeles)...Inaugural Opening Weekend Celebration! July 28th - July 29th!

Everyone is invited to attend the much-anticipated inaugural opening weekend at Grand Park in downtown LA July 28th–July 29th!

Grand Park stretches from the Music Center on the west to City Hall on the East as pictured above.

According to my source Hal Bastian – Director of Economic Development – the splashy event is going to be a festive celebration highlighting dance, music, picknicing on the grounds, and much more!

For example, on Saturday July 28th, Nigel Lythgoe from the popular show - "So you Think you can Dance?" - is slated to appear with dancers in tow at the official west coast National Dance Day Celebration in the afternoon with a highlight performance by IRIS and the Cirque Du Soleil.

Free community dance classes, youth performances, and family-friendly festivities will be featured throughout the day.

On Sunday, as folks snack on their own packed lunches and refreshments (or mouth-watering morsels rustled up by a trendy food truck or two) special musical performances provided by the organizers of the event are expected to entertain.

See ‘ya there!

Details:


http://www.grandparkla.org/

Life's embarrassing moments (by Julian Ayrs)...just ask Zac Efron!

Life’s embarrassing moments pop up now and then to kick us in the pants, humble – and even humiliate us – when least expected.

For example, Sunday afternoon a pretty young lady in the DGA Atrium strolled up and started to strike up a conversation with me, when she suddenly noticed something odd.

“You have a white spot on the end of your nose,” she giggled.

OMG!

“People at the film festival are going to be whispering that I’ve been snorting cocaine,” I exclaimed.

“That’s okay,” she quipped back. “This is Los Angeles, after all.”

I tried brushing the “blemish” off, but to no avail.

“Here, let me do it,” she half-whispered as she took a poke at the offending nostril.

A bit flustered, I proceeded to explain that I had just been in the mens room blowing my nose.

“It was probably a piece of toilet paper,” I conjectured.

But, boy, I wanted to crawl under the carpet and hide.

How long had the white spot been there?

Had anyone noticed it earlier during a “Happy Endings” panel discussion with the cast of the popular TV Sitcom on ABC TV?

When I laughed about it later to a young filmmaker (who was showing her film in a short program at the DGA) she was quick to react.

“The other day when I left the podium in front of the audience a tampon fell out of my pocket,” she blurted out before turning beet red.

I tried to console her by tattling about young heartthrob Zac Efron.

“Just recently he was on the red carpet when a condom fell out of his pocket!”

The tabloid rags had a field day poking fun of the jazzy brand (and studly he-man size).

In a nutshell?

It levels us all a tad.

We’re all human – and make mistakes – after all.

Outfest...Guido Gotz & Cassie Cappuccio insult press at Closing Gala! Boycott! Tacky PR staff!

For the most part, it was a joyous ten days at Outfest 2012 in Los Angeles attending screenings, engaging in meaningful dialogue with filmmakers, and what-have-you.

Unfortunately, a pall fell over last night’s Gala Closing when Guido Gotz and a helper from the publicity department (Cassie Cappuccio) engaged in shocking despicable conduct that reflected negatively on the LGBT community.

For example, when I arrived at the press area I immediately showed my credentials to the check-in staff, who promptly directed me to take a place about mid-way down the red carpet.

Shortly thereafter, I needed a bit of assistance in sorting out an issue with a celebrity guest, so I motioned for Gotz’s handler for help.

Instead of responding politely, she literally glared at me from across the cordoned-off area – and ultimately – ignored me! A few minutes later, the snotty gal strode over to Mr. Gotz – turned her back to me – and proceeded to whisper something in his ear.

At this juncture, Gotz dashed over and began to beret me.

“Julian, did you register for the red carpet,” he quizzed in a snarkey tone of voice (looking and sounding for all-the-world like a hissy-fit Queen).

I was shocked and taken aback by his insulting demeanor, but responded politely, anyway.

“Yes.”

“Well, we can’t have people roaming around here,” he snarled at me.

I wasn’t roaming around.

I immediately checked in at the desk when I arrived, at which point (as aforementioned above) I was assigned a spot on the carpet.

“Did you get your tickets for the movie," he continued with his nasty interrogation.

“Yes.”

“Then, take your seat,” he commanded me.

Huh?

It was approximately 7:15 p.m. and the movie did not start until 8 p.m.

Filmgoers were still lolling about the grounds with lunches in their laps – and sipping on cocktails they hauled along to the Ford Theatre at their own expense (as they are want to do whenever there is a concert or film screened there).

Who the hell was he to demand that I take my seat?

At this point, it was obvious that Gotz had not only overstepped his bounds (and violated my rights in the process) but made a lot of stupid mistakes when you consider the facts.

For instance, during the run of the Festival  I not only promoted all their events vigorously, but gave Outfest thousands of dollars of free publicity. On that basis alone, Gotz should have accommodated me as a matter of courtesy and good business etiquette.

The man obviously is incompetent, misguided, and lacking any people skills.

Secondly, he was bound to step in a heap load of “shit” when he neglected to check the facts first before accusing me of “crashing” the red carpet zone. If he had of checked the press pass list, for example, he would have been able to confirm that I was invited – not only to the movie – but to appear for press for coverage for the Tattler, too.

And, most shocking of all?

Well, he was totally out-of-line when he of belittled me in front of about two dozen strangers, who are now under the impression that I was trying to push my way onto the red carpet – without an invite – which was totally false!

If there was a misunderstanding or slip up on part of his staff, he should have taken me aside quietly. Instead, he deliberately elected to embarrass and humiliate me – and damage my name and reputation – in front of volunteers, Outfest staff, and members of the press. The fact that a couple of photographers stood snickering nearby underscored that my worries were true!

At this point, I expect Mr. Gotz to contact each and every individual who was on the red carpet last night and explain to them - that I was invited and had a right to be there - and that it was all a ghastly error on the part of Outfest staff and the publicity department for the festival.

By the way, when I departed and “took my seat” a few moments later, I hardly sat down before the gent behind me tapped me on the shoulder to get my attention.

“Don’t I know you? You look so familiar.”

“Well, “ I thought to myself, “I have readers around the globe and I am one of the most famous bloggers on the Internet.”

At this point, he struck up a conversation.

“How did you enjoy the festival,” he quizzed pleasantly.

I pointed out that it was great until last night when Guido Gotz treated me in such a reprehensible mean-spirited manner.

“That’s tacky,” was his knee-jerk reaction.

“Fuck him,” he added in disgust. “You’re here with us now. And we’re going to enjoy our evening.”

The lady next to me overheard what happened and her eyes began to tear.

Personally, it was difficult for me to focus on the movie after that.I became so overwhelmed by depression, for instance, that my eyes continued to well up every time my thoughts drifted to the disturbing manner in which I was treated.

I suspect there is more to the “story”, too, in view of the facts.

On the weekend, for example, I posted a critical review of one film in particular at the fest.

Curiously, Guido’s mood changed on the heels of that published post.

Did he retaliate against me for being honest and expressing my opinion?

In retrospect, it appears that Guido was trying to deny me - not only my right to access to the red carpet as promised by the Outfest- but my right to freedom of speech, too.

We all gagged in the audience when a Festival Director actually stood up on the stage a short while later and gave a lofty speech about treating people with dignity and respect. After all, just a few steps away, the Outfest staff were engaging in the kind of unjust disturbing behavour that the organization denounces!

Hypocrites!

I am not surprised by the lack of professionalism by Outfest staff, though.

Throughout the festival, there has been unprofessional behaviour on the part of higher-ups, too.

For example, in spite of the fact I have been in the same room with Executive Director Kirsten Schaffer (on many occasions she stood within a few feet of me) she never once made the effort to introduce herself (in spite of the fact I spied her perusing my press pass) or even thank me for attending.

The fact that I gave alot of coverage to Outfest - and thousands of dollars of free publicity - warranted it.

Don't you think?

Throughout the festival, Schaffer gushed at the podium about the sponsors and the filmmakers, but I don’t recall her ever thanking the press either (let alone me!).

Members of the Board of Directors have acted in a pretty selfish manner, too.

When I quizzed one male about the films he’d seen, he bragged that he only attended the parties.

Meanwhile, a crusty old gentleman – who was at a booth promoting an organization working to curb homophobia and gay bashing in the community – expressed his disgust at the Outfest organization, too.

“What’s all this Absolute Vodka shit,” he angrily lamented.

“They don’t know what we went through to get our rights. And, they don’t care about anything but their darn parties and getting laid.”

I tried to console him by pointing out that there was a lot of apathy in the LGBT community which I recognized myself.

A couple of gays I met at the Los Angeles Film Festival also had unkind things to say about Outfest.

“They’re so elitist. Snotty,” one thirty-something male hissed.

“The pink Mafia,” I joked in response.

His eyes rolled and we had a big laugh.

Last night said it all in my estimation:

Outfest is a snobby rink-dink outfit and a disgrace to the LGBT community.

At this point, I don’t intend to support the festival again – or promote any of its activities – in view of the shocking way I was treated last night.

Their mean-spirited actions should not been tolerated in  so-called civilized society.

If you agree with me, then kindly boycott Outfest, too.

In the future, I plan to promote and give coverage to decent caring individuals and compassionate organizations (who act in a professional and altruistic giving manner) that deserve a boost (and encouragement) while in pursuit of their artistic (and intellectual endeavours) in the community-at-large.

Amen!

Michael Phelps...London Olympics quote of the day!

“It’s not about winning awards. It’s about capping a career,” Michael Phelps stressed to a reporter just before boarding a jet to fly across the big pond to attend the Olympics in London.

Meanwhile, Phelps fans – and sports enthusiasts - are excitedly marking their calendars to be sure not to miss the upcoming swim meets he'll compete in.

Will the remarkable athlete go out in a blaze of glory, or be left limping in the water behind younger more focused swimmers in his class?

One thing is for certain.

Phelps is about to hang up his trunks and bow out of the searing spotlight on the world stage.

Uh-huh.

According to the Gold medalist, the London Olympics will be his last.

Even so, a mantra looms on the horizon, sure to be heard far-and-wide in coming weeks.

Go! Michael! Go!

Ann Magnuson...dazzles fans with GLAM ROCK CONCERT at Outfest!

In tandem with a screening of Jobriath a.d. (a much-ballyhooed documentary about the failed pop star of yesteryear) fans were treated to a dazzling Glam Rock Concert by the lovely Ann Magnuson at the Redcat Theatre (Walt Disney Hall).

The audience was wowed by the live performance which was presented under the auspices of Outfest 2012.

Ms. Magnuson has been an enduring presence in film, turning in one fine performance after another, in such films as The Hunger (David Bowie), A Night in the Life of Jimmy Reardon (River Phoenix) - and – of course opposite Madonna in Desperately Seeking Susan.

On stage, the talented star was also a formidable presence in the underground scene in the 80’s, dazzling audiences with her work as a performance artist, musician, and actress.

In the special live glam rock event on Friday Night Magnuson paid tribute to David Bowie and Jobriath (the first openly gay glam rocker).

Magnuson first-performed the Jobriath medley in 1996 to rave reviews.

In the lobby at the theatre, I was introduced to Ms. Magnuson for the first time, and was knocked out by her style and beauty.

The star has beautiful loving eyes which were accented by a row of sequins on each lid.

A new fashion trend this season?

And, the lady exuded such charisma and charm.

Next time there is a concert gig in your town, catch it if you can (you won’t regret it).

4 stars!