.:[Double Click To][Close]:.

Monday, June 30, 2008

Marilyn Monroe...crypt in Westwood tourist attraction!





After a delightful afternoon in Westwood at an art exhibition, I slipped into the Westwood Village Memorial Park Cemetery to take a gander at the crypt of screen siren, Marilyn Monroe.

Just as I expected, fresh cut flowers adorned her resting place.

Although the Westwood Cemetery stands in the shadow of the Oppenheimer Building on Wilshire - and is postage-sized - there are a number of heavyweights interned there.

Just a few steps away from Marilyn, for instance, tourists can take a peak at Producer Ross Hunter's plaque.

And, some of the headstones are etched with hilarious epitaphs.

For instance, on Merv Griffin's understated stone the script reads,

"I will not be right back after this message."

What would you expect from the loud-mouthed comedian, Rodney Dangerfield?

"There goes the neighborhood," he chuckles from the great beyond.

Dean Martin's last words are taken from one of his hit tunes.

"Everybody Loves Somebody Sometime."

I found it ironic that a couple of plots over from Jack Lemmon, Billy Wilder hails. If you recall, the dynamic duo teamed up on the hit comedy, "Some Like it Hot".

Other luminaries such as - Walter Matthau, Louise Jordan, and Mel Torme - attract a host of fans from all parts of the country each year - pining to pay their respects.

Across town, at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery, fans of the great and not-so-great can whisper in awe at the tombs of - heart-throb Rudolph Valentino (we share the same birthday, May 6th), screen idol Tyrone Power, actress Fay Wray, dashing Douglas Fairbanks Jr., sex goddess Jayne Mansfield, screen tough guy Edward G. Robinson - and a multitude of others.

In fact - the grave sites have become such a ghoulish attraction in this regard - that it was only inevitable that sight-seers would be hungry to hover over the fated spot where they met their final demise, too.

So, enter - "Graveline Tours" - a company that takes you on a tour of the locations where celebrities gasped their last breath.

Along the way, you may stop outside of - "The Viper Room - to take a respectful glance at the spot where River Phoenix collapsed, for instance. Or, check out the mysterious garage on Holloway Drive, actor Sal Mineo stepped out of to meet his appointment with death.

For the longest time, I thought pilgrimages to grave sites were foolish, a waste of time. After all, weren't the precious memorials just a way to "mark" a sentient being's "time" on this mortal coil?

But, a couple of years ago, I was inclined to reconsider that notion when an eerie experience jolted me into reality.

One day, I embarked on a trip to Forest Lawn in Toronto, to pay respects at my own father's tomb.

Because "Victor's" stone had been a bit neglected over the years - what with my mother gone and myself residing in the U.S. - it had unfortunately slipped into the ground a bit out of plain view.

So, after the grounds-keeper assisted me in locating the plot, I proceeded to tidy up the vicinity of his marker and planted a flowering bush to brighten up the site a bit.

As I turned to stride off, I couldn't help but notice the stone adjacent to my Dad's was a bit neglected, too.

I felt a little pang in the deep recesses of my heart; it was as if someone was crying out to me, but who?

"Aw, what the heck," I said to myself. "Why not tidy up that stone, too?"

Shortly after I began to sweep dust and debris off the stone, I was suddenly taken aback when I spied the name etched on the marble placer for the first time.

Oh my God! It was my Aunt Louise's burial site!

A chill ran up and down my spine. Gosh, was she the one urging me from the eternal ether to take some compassion on her neglected stone, too?

Although the grave site may not be a soul's final resting place - undoubtedly - a grave site on this earthly plane is a place where a loved one may connect to a spirit that has passed.

Like humans, souls get nostalgic, too.

Walter Scott once said,

Death, the last sleep? No, the final awakening.

Kitty said what? Morphing cats!



Sunday, June 29, 2008

Bisexuality...a definition!



A bisexual is either trying to get in on everything -
or grab-a-hold of whatever he can!

Julian Ayrs
The Daily Planet
Collection of Poems

Saturday, June 28, 2008

Las Vegas...racial profiling on strip. Improper Police procedure; rights violations!


Last night I was strolling along the strip astride thousands of the excited teaming masses out for a night on-the-town when a shocking incident unfolded on Las Vegas Boulevard.

Just a few steps from one of a handful of Al Fresco nightclubs, tourists were taken aback to witness a small brigade of officers handcuffing a couple of males somewhat roughly in plain view amid the night's fanciful partying.

In fact, as concerned citizens are want to do on occasion when something doesn't "smell right", they turned their cameras and cell phones in the direction of the officers with the specific aim of capturing the conflict on video for future reference.

For some inexplicable reason, there was a glaring "police" presence out in full-force last night. Officers tended to be paired-off in two's and casually patrolled along the bustling street with a keen eye to passers-by who trembled at the end of their cold stares.

As I approached MGM, I was quite disturbed to observe a burly officer stride up to a young man, then bully him somewhat. Just as he was about to use force on the slim unthreatening fellow, the cop happened to half-turn and notice me out of the corner of his eye - at which point - he instructed the youth to "relax". Then, he ordered him to squat on the pavement.

I overheard the young man protest, "What have I done?"

A fellow officer approached another lad nearby and got a little rough with him, too.

What was most distressing was the fact that all the pedestrians on the street they were harassing were young black men, attired in fashionable hip-hop clothing, with a decided flair for a lot of bling.

Well, it hit me right away: racial profiling!

Notwithstanding, from what I witnessed, the officers were not following correct police procedure - and consequently - it was evident that their victim's rights were being violated.

To be singled out like that, and humiliated in front of throngs of tourists on the festive streets of Las Vegas, must have been a very degrading, demeaning experience!

In all the years I have been visiting Las Vegas, I have never encountered such wild, improper police conduct, under the color of authority.

It is one thing to be engaged in surveillance to effect an arrest for alleged crimes being committed. But, quite another to discriminate without good cause and openly engage in racial profiling.

If what occurred last night is a sign that things are amiss on the streets of Las Vegas, then the powers-that-be at City Hall - and other elected officials - should take swift severe action to find an equitable solution to the problem.

Otherwise, I can only predict that Las Vegas' days as a mecca for tourism are numbered.

It may be wise to pay heed to a quote from George Orwell's book, Animal Farm, in this instance case:

"All are equal except some are more equal than others"

Las Vegas...Review-Journal to raise newstand cost. Not worth paper printed on!




As I strolled in to the local grocer to snap up a steaming cup of hot java and the morning paper, the clerk informed that the cost of the Review-Journal was going up to seventy-five cents on July 1st.

Well, what is my savvy consumer response to that?

As Samuel Goldwyn once quipped,

"You can count me out!"

Nope, I won't be gleaning the news that's not fit to print, anymore.

No loss.

After all, recently I became frustrated with the daily for a couple of reasons.

The - um - journalists, for starters.

A few days ago one of their columnists - Doug Elfman - chose to take a swipe at pin-up gal - Pamela Anderson - on a very shaky premise which was a big turn off.

Notwithstanding, that kind of tabloid-style piffle should be left to the gossip mongers, not to a writer employed at what has been hailed as a reputable newspaper in Las Vegas.

In addition, I have found that their reporters go on ad nauseam about this 'n that, much to their detriment. Obviously, the Journal has a lot of excess space each edition - otherwise - why would the editors let these bozos expound on such fluff?

When I wrote for a major daily years ago, my editor gave me a great piece of advice: get to the point. I adhere to the principle to this day.

I was also shocked this past week at the arrogance of one of their reporters - Benjamin Spillman - who claims to toil in the business section of the paper.

He had the audacity to zip off an e-mail to me in response to a post I wrote a few days ago - assuming that because I chose not to mention a tidbit in the feature - that somehow my report was off. On the contrary.

His assumption that I was not familiar with a particular fact was way off-base too.

Not only was I aware of the item, but I chose not to include it in the feature, because the mainstream media had been all over the item like flies over sh**. More importantly, the tidbit was so old, it was turning grey with age.

I always endeavour to report on news that is current and fresh and of interest to my readers. Unlike reporters at the Review-Journal who rely on old archives to whip up a story, I am actually in-the-trenches getting the scoops. And, more often-that-not, get my news flashes to copy for my readership well ahead of the "competition".

Notwithstanding, it should be noted that a Managing Editor (with a reputable publication) posted a comment on one of a number of web sites my blog is fed to, and applauded me for a story - he asserted - was the best report on the subject he'd read in fifteen years.

Benjamin, you're out of your league.

Now, go scrape the egg off your face.

Friday, June 27, 2008

Albertson's...automated cashiers. Kinks to iron out & a peak into an uncertain future!




In the wee hours of the morning when staff at Albertson's are busy stocking shelves and taking inventory, customers are being urged to use the new "automated cashiers".

At first, the idea was a bit off-putting. What, no service with a smile?

This past week I ventured into the future and gave the new-fangled device a shot.

Fortunately, I started with a simple purchase. God only knows what may have transpired, otherwise.

First, pursuant to the instructions on the screen, I scanned a bottle of reduced-fat milk. Yeah, have to watch the old gut, 'ya know?

When I was asked to input the code for the next item or proceed to pay, I chose the latter option.

At this juncture, I was instructed to place my purchase in a bag.

However, when I sat the milk carton inside of the spacious sack, a rude message popped up on the screen and lamented - "object blocking area" - or something to that effect.

When I plucked the beverage from the open bag (which was neatly nestled into a device to frame it just so at the point of purchase) I was instructed to scan another item or hit the "finish and pay" button.

I tapped the screen to close the sale - at which point - I was given several pay options - debit, credit card, or cash.

Amazingly, when I slipped two crisp dollar bills into the slot, correct change jangled into a small change catch-all basin below the register.

Then, a receipt flew out of a groove, and landed squarely in my sweaty palm!

So, I trundled off with my milk in hand (sans bag) a little bemused by it all.

Would a more complex sale be a snap, too?

For instance, the purchase of produce would require that I input the price per pound, I expect. In that event, I guess shoppers would be wise to carry a pencil and paper around in their cart to jot those prices down.

I wonder, if I fudged on the numbers, would a siren go off to warn management and embarrass me in front of the other customers?

Something else I noticed, too. All the instructions were in medium-sized type way below the natural eyeline on the screen. So, at check out - if you needed glasses to read script - you'd be SOL if you left 'em at home or in the car.

In that event, you'd have to call for assistance, fer sure.

For the most part, it appeared to be a fairly painless experience.

But, I have to wonder...

As we start using automation in various areas of our daily lives, will we start to get lazy? Worse than that, is it wholly possibly that without daily use, we'll slowly lose our faculties to add, count change, or even communicate in idle chit-chat at whim in the check-out line?

Ultimately, will we be replaced one day, too?

Shudder the thought!

I like to think I am one-of-a-kind, irreplaceable.

Yeah, tell that to your boss!

Chuck Palahniuk once said,
"When did the future switch from being a promise to being a threat?"

Las Vegas...Beatles fans descend on Mirage for Fab Four Forum. Yeah! Yeah! Yeah!


Die-hard fans of the Beatles will be toolin' in to the desert Oasis this weekend in their rattle-trap VW Bugs - decorated with peace signs and tributes of "love" - to catch an annual fest that is dedicated to the pop icons who first caught the world's curiosity way back in the sixties.

The nostalgic extravaganza will kick off at the Mirage on Sunday and run through Tuesday.

When I was a teen, the controversy boiled down to one issue: who were more popular, the Beatles or the Rolling Stones?

Of course, Jagger appealed to the naughty side of rebellious teens, so a handful of bad boys were inclined to go that route.

Meanwhile, the romantics - delighted by catchy lyrics and bouncy melodies - were drawn to the Fab Four. Their cute little mop heads, and tailored black suits, did a lot to catapult them into the stratosphere of pop-idol status, too.

I recall the first night I saw the mesmerizing Liverpudlians on Ed Sullivan. As I sat in my grandmother's prim and proper parlour, I tried to contain myself; but - like others in the room - could not help but twitch, sport a goofy smile, and tap my foot to the upbeat tunes as they emanated from the little idiot box and propelled -John, Paul, Ringo, and George - into the rarefied air of exalted super-star realms.

And, of course, Beatlemania was born!

If your parents were hip enough to buy you a Beatles' cap, then you were the envy all the boys. I wore one, in spite of the fact my aunt teased that the visual effect was not unlike that of a - as she demurely put it - "a pimple on a pig's ass".

And - better yet - if your locks were inclined to suit the mop-top hairstyle, you were the absolute coolest, man!

Darn. As fate would have it, my curly hair just wouldn't cut it.

But, I managed to save face. After all, I had the uncanny ability to expertly mimic Paul's vocalizing, much to the amazement of my pals.

When "Sergeant Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" was released, I recall taking a gander at the cover of the LP, trying to fathom the meaning of it all.

Then, came an alleged experimentation with psychedelic drugs, a foray into Eastern Religion, and a dalliance with the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi (who turned out to be a fake, by the way).

I have a particular fondness for the Beatles - "White Album" - released shortly after that. No wonder! On the occasion I heard the musical musings fresh off the press, I smoked my first joint.

Whoo-ee! For three mind-boggling days I tried to decipher the words and their cryptic meaning - with some foggy notions - I might add.

There was the intriguing "No 9", for instance. Bungalow Bill. And, Rocky Raccoon.

"Rocky Raccoon, checked into his room, only to find Gideon's Bible". (???)

And, the frenetic - "Helter Skelter" - which caused a lot of speculation at the time.

Far out, man!

This weekend at the Mirage there will be a handful of scintillating exhibits to take in, memorabilia to turn over, trivia to expound on, and fun opportunities to interact in sing-a-longs, participate in art events, or try your memory recall in "name-that-tune competitions".

The Beatles celebration has been on-going now about three decades.

A fan - Mark Lapidos - approached John Lennon about the idea almost thirty-four years ago and it has been going strong since.

60's Pop Icon - Donovan (the quintessential hippie with flowers in the hair and flowing robes to boot) will appear for performances on Monday and Tuesday.

Funny that, just heard - "Catch the Wind" - on the radio yesterday. The haunting tune is one of my favorite ballads.

Recently - "Hurdy Gurdy Man" - was incorporated into the "Zodiac Killer" soundtrack with chilling effect (starring Jake Gyllenhaal).

Allegedly, on a couple of occasions when Paul and John suffered from a bit of writer's block, they approached the talented song-writer for a creative push. Donovan is credited for rustling up a couple of lyrics that spun a couple of well-known melodies into bona fide hits.

Recently, I caught a screening of - "A Hard Day's Night" - a film the Beatles shot during their heyday just before they stormed America back in the sixties.

In the film, they are clever, funny, and reveal keen comedic ability.

In fact, when the film was first released, critics compared them to the legendary Marx Brothers.

Some say, that since the Beatles broke up, life has never been the same.

Uh-huh!

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow once said,

"How beautiful is youth! How bright it gleams with its illusions, aspirations, dreams! Book of beginnings, story without end, each maid a heroine, and each man a friend!"

Thursday, June 26, 2008

Supreme Court...agrees to rule on fleeting expletives & obscenity issues!

So, that's what a t** looks like...


The Supreme Court has taken up the task of revisiting the issue of obscenity on the public airwaves, a subject they last addressed over thirty years ago when they upheld fines against a radio station for broadcasting comedian George Carlin's infamous "seven dirty little words" monologue that was aired in mid-afternoon programming amid a lot of controversy.

Federal Law forbids broadcasting any obscene, indecent, or profane language.

However, when Congress constructed the laws pertaining to obscenity, lawmakers fell short in defining indecency, preferring for the FCC and the courts to tackle the specifics.

The issue is ripe for review once again in the wake of a major ruling handed down by an Appellate Court in New York which effectively blocked the FCC from enforcing a strict new rule in respect to "fleeting expletives".

For the broadcasters, the ruling was a clear victory.

The FCC had slapped hefty fines against the networks when two stage performers - independent of each other - uttered what many thought was offensive language on a couple of awards shows that were broadcast live.

At the Golden Globes, for instance, when Bono got up to accept an award, he excitedly cried out to the wildly enthusiastic audience,

"This is f**king brilliant!"

In a second incident, after Cher had been roundly written off by critics as a has-been, she found herself trotting up to the stage to accept a career achievement award. When she accepted her coveted prize, she made reference to their absurd musings and joyfully quipped,

"Well, f**k 'em!"

The FCC also imposed a $550,000.00 fine against CBS when there was an alleged wardrobe malfunction at a half-time show at a Sports Event in which Janet Jackson's breast became exposed to the nation in prime time without warning.

The networks filed suit arguing that they should not be held for responsible for fleeting expletives that pop out of the mouth's of performers in a moment of excitement when overwhelmed by such an auspicious occasion or have to pay fines for mishaps which occur during the course of a broadcast unexpectedly.

The New York court ruled in favor of the broadcasters on the grounds that the FCC had not been justified in its abrupt change in policy. In addition, the Justices elaborated that the FCC policy was "unclear" because the F-word was permitted in some news shows and in the TV broadcast of "Saving Private Ryan".

The producers argued that in the instance of "Ryan", the profanity used on the D-day beaches was integral to depicting the horror of war.

At the request of Government lawyers and George Bush's administration, the Supreme Court agreed to take on the case which is ripe for review.

Some are troubled by the decision since they believe that the New York Appellate Court ruling was "well-reasoned" - and therefore - should "stand".

Meanwhile, others have applauded the action taken by the Supreme Court.

Timothy Winter - the President of the Parents Television Council in Los Angeles - complained that coarse unedited profanity is unacceptable for broadcast over publicly owned airwaves when children are likely to be watching.

Mr. Winter also noted that within days of the expletives being hurled into the public airwaves into the faces of citizens around the country, at least 1.2 million members of his group complained about the flagrant obscenity.

In their review of the issues, the Justices will determine whether federal regulators may levy large fines on broadcasters who let expletives on the airwaves during daytime and early-evening hours.

Likewise, the Justices may take the occasion to define the term "obscenity" more succinctly, so that the "laws of the land" may be administered more astutedly in the future without hindrance or controversy.

Without doubt, the high court will also determine the exact extent of the "reach" of the FCC, how broad their powers are, and so forth and so on.

On the other hand, it is wholly possible in the grand scheme of things, that the Justices may conclude that the protection that the 1st Amendment provides in respect to - "Freedom of Speech" - does not permit the government to punish broadcasters for an occasional vulgarity.

I'm all for freedom of speech but against rampant obscenity on the airwaves, especially when it is exploitative, has no redeaming value, and has the potential to rob our youth of their innocence.

"Obscenity is what gives a Judge an erection"
Author unknown

Wednesday, June 25, 2008

Las Vegas...legal brothels, showgirls & urban myths


If you're tooling down Las Vegas Boulevard, you're bound to run across an eye-catching risque billboard-on-wheels advertising local Gentleman's clubs.

The novel blurbs are about forty feet long and six feet wide and have been the subject of gossip and speculation in recent days.

For example, one female friend swears that inside the billboards, scantily clad women are entertaining men as they are chauffeured around town from one hot spot to the next.

It may appear to be a far-fetched idea, but - I'm almost sure that one romantic desert evening while I was stopped at a red light behind one of the fantasy blurbs-on-wheels - that it was shaking up and down in a old-familiar rhythm that conjured up naughty images of the Missionary-style position.

Well, the trap door at the back appears to be wide and high enough to admit a couple of - um - guests comfortably.

Gives a whole new meaning to the term - "four on the floor" - doesn't it?

Meanwhile, one evening at Blush (Wyn Casino) I noticed a curious phenomenon, too.

I spied a ravishing young lady slip cash on a table (which rested behind the back of a long line of comfortable couches in the exotic watering hole) which was surreptitiously scooped up moments later by a big burly security guy dressed in a black designer suit with an earplug in one ear.

As she strolled off arm-in-arm with her new gentleman friend, I had to seriously consider that the "tip" she slipped him amounted to a "finder's fee".

Of course, since the heyday of Las Vegas, showgirls have been a mainstay in sin city.

I suppose when a starry-eyed chorus girl falls on hard times (which, at times, they are want to do) it is wholly possible the desperate ones may turn to the oldest professional in order to set things right for a wee stretch.

But - once caught up in that nefarious underworld - are they ever able to walk away without being scarred by the sex trade, I wonder?

Brothels have been tolerated in Nevada since the middle of the 19th century. One brothel in Elko has been in business since 1902. Officials - recognizing the intrinsic problems that go - um - hand-in-hand with such a profession - enacted a law in 1937 to require weekly health checks of all prostitutes.

In spite of that, Franklin D. Roosevelt banned acts of prostitution near military bases in 1942. When this order was lifted in 1948, Reno officials continued in their concerted efforts to shut down brothels on the grounds they were a public nuisance.

While the Nevada Supreme Court upheld the action in 1949, brothels continued to operate on the sly throughout the state.

Joe Conforte, the owner of the brothel called "Mustang Ranch" near Reno, managed to convince county officials several years later to pass an ordinance which would provide for the licensing of brothels and prostitutes, thus avoiding the threat of being closed down as a public nuisance.

On the heels of this victory for Conforte, the legislature passed a law in 1971prohibiting the legalization of prostitution in counties with a population above a certain threshold.

In 1977, county officials tried to shut-down the notorious Chicken Ranch owned by Walter Plankinton. At that time, brothels did not have to be licensed in that county. After filing a lawsuit on the grounds that State Law implicitly removed the assumption that brothels were a nuisance (1971), The Nevada Supreme Court was inclined to open up the marketplace when they agreed with Plankinton's interpretation of the Law.
Nye County v. Plankinton, 94 Nev. 739, 587 P.2d 421 (1978)

But, the battles continued. A state law that prohibited the advertising of brothels in counties which had outlawed prostitution was enacted in 1979. Shortly thereafter, a Federal Judge ruled that the lower court's finding in favor of the State was "overly broad" and ads touting brothels began to pop up in prominent locations in Nevada.

Currently, Nevada state law dictates that any county with a population under 400,000 is allowed to license brothels. License fees for brothels range from an annual $100,000 in Storey County to an annual $200 in Lander County.

Licensed prostitutes must be at least 21 years old, except in Storey County and Lyon County, where the minimum age is 18.

Nevada law requires that registered brothel prostitutes be checked weekly for several sexually transmitted diseases and monthly for HIV. In addition, condoms are mandatory for all oral sex and sexual intercourse. Brothel owners may be held liable if customers become infected with HIV after a prostitute has tested positive for the virus.

Nevada has laws against engaging in prostitution outside of licensed brothels, against encouraging others to become prostitutes, and against living off the proceeds of a prostitute.

The other night I heard a rumor that Heidi Fleiss has been itching to start up a brothel here in Nevada. But, as the gossip goes, the hard core mobsters have been shutting her out. I understand they're prepared to use force, if necessary.

Miss Fleiss was born in Los Angeles, California; the daughter of a prominent local doctor.

In 1988, she was introduced to Elizabeth Adams, a longtime Beverly Hills madam who dealt exclusively with a wealthy clientele. After allegedly learning the "tricks" of the trade, Fleiss struck out on her own and started up a high-class prostitution ring.

Known as the "Hollywood Madam", Heidi's propensity for boasting about her stature in the flesh trade - and a craving for the spotlight - caught the attention of the Feds.

In the scandal that followed, celebrities like Charlie Sheen got caught with their pants down, too.

In 1993, Fleiss was charged with five counts of pandering. When the case went to trial, the Hollywood Madam was convicted on three of the five counts. She received the mandatory minimum sentence of three years in prison; but, in a 1996 appeal, the conviction was overturned after jurors admitted to vote trading and other infractions.

The following year, Fleiss was tried in a federal court, where she was convicted of tax evasion and money laundering. She received a 37-month sentence, which she served at the Federal Correctional Institution in Dublin, California, without incident.

One has to wonder at this juncture, are the bosses in Nevada afraid of the competition, the attention that Fleiss might attract, or just plain worried that a female in charge of a house of ill repute may be inclined to instigate a number of house rules that may prove to be so attractive to the "girls" that they may be anxious to "jump ship"?

Bottom line, I expect that the underbelly of the Las Vegas Nightclub scene is still pretty much male-dominated and a handful of thugs would like to keep it that way.

Well, there's always Amsterdam, I guess!

Quote...bad neighborhoods!


You know you're in a bad neighborhood when you have to ask a security guard at McDonald's for a key to the restroom!

Julian Ayrs
The Daily Planet
Collection of Poems

Tuesday, June 24, 2008

U.S. Military...may conduct war maneuvers on Internet!





One of the main focuses of the Internet in recent years has been as a research tool, a social outlet for the curious masses, or as a means of touting opinions on the World-Wide-Web.

In recent days, Americans sat up and took notice when it became evident the Internet was also a powerful tool to influence the election process as well.

Now, U.S. Military officials are seeking ways to develop "virtual attacks" on enemies of the American way of life.

A spokesman for the military noted that initially agents limited their activities in this arena to diverting data packets that may have put National Data systems at risk.

At a meeting of the Association for Intelligence Officers recently, Lt. General Robert J. Elder Jr. noted that the military may facilitate network warfare in the future to interfere with an enemy communication system, for example.

In that event, the online maneuvers may replace the need for conventional weapons such as bombs, landmines, etc.

However, no such attack would be launched, Elder assured the media, without first considering the rules of engagement the military is normally mindful of in most military attack-mode scenarios.

In sum, there would be a formal declaration of war first, added Elder, at a New York Chapter meeting held in recent days.

Unbeknownst to many - myself included - apparently Cyber attacks were used by the U.S. Military in the early days of the Iraq war. So, the concept is not novel or far-fetched, to be sure.

On that occasion, Military experts jammed Iraq military systems, using the network attacks to thwart Iraq ground units from communicating with each other.

In view of the fact the "Homeland Security Act" is still in full force and effect, it occurred to me that it is wholly possible that the U.S. Military is surreptitiously scanning the bandwaves in the name of National Security right under our noses.

If so - will the American people ever be privy to the information that is gleaned - whether it is relevant or not to military intelligence or national security?

Enquiring minds want to know.

Thomas Jefferson once said,
"From time to time, the tree of liberty must be watered with the blood of tyrants and patriots."

Monday, June 23, 2008

Pamela Anderson...reporter at Review-Journal takes unwarranted swipe at VIP star!


On Saturday, Pamela Anderson delighted fans when she turned up at Planet Hollywood for a much-publicized celebrity auction.

To rev up a bit of excitement in the crowd, the former VIP star tossed off her top, then sidled up to the auctioneer to participate in the proceeding with a lot of sensual vim and vigor!

By the time the hammer smacked down and the auctioneer barked out sold, Ms. Anderson helped raise $65,000.00 for her favorite charity, PETA.

Instead of applauding the sexy siren for her compassionate act, a reporter at the Review-Journal (who was penning a blase piece on celluloid artists at the CineVegas Film Festival) chose to take a swipe at the pop icon instead.

Mr. Elfman (who looks like an elf, by the way) used the occasion to help build a foundation for some piffle he was penning for the daily.

On the premise that her "excited flutter of a pep talk" and willingness to "roll around on the car" to pump up sales (her 2000 Viper was being offered at auction) lacked class, he proceeded to compare her to the filmmakers who attended the CineVegas Film Festival this year.

In sum, he quipped that the art house film fest enriched by virtue of the alleged intellectual tastes of the fimmmakers who - "unlike certain people named Pamela Anderson" - were actually talented.



What a load of hogwash!

For starters, Ms. Anderson was not part of a CineVegas event.


Notwithstanding, the boisterous antics she engaged in were all part of her "act".

I worked with Ms. Anderson several years ago on the first season of the popular TV Sitcom "Home Improvement". During the kick off episodes, I had a bit part as a producer in the show within-a-show ("Tool Time") and Pamela played the bodacious "Tool Time" girl.

In private, Pamela is actually quite shy, intelligent, and every bit a class act.

Not unlike Marilyn Monroe (or Mae West before her) the persona one encounters in the public eye is one she cleverly crafted. Over the past couple of decades, the Pamela Anderson "brand" has not only withstood the fickle finger of fate in Tinsel town, but turned the voluptuous actress into a bona fide "star".

Contrary to Elf's empty opinion, Pamela is a smart cookie, too!

In fact, Elfman went way out on a limb with his pap, because - in essence - he was trying to compare oranges with apples. No can do!

The low-brow writer was under the mistaken impression that he was writing an in-depth insightful essay of importance. What the feature amounted to was a lot of misguided tabloid fodder.

Surely, the Review-Journal is not so strapped when it comes to worthwhile news, that they're forced to print Elfman's crap?

In another section of the article, the columnist matter-of-fact states that artist Takashi Murakami (who appeared at CineVegas Festivities at an elitist affair last week which caused quite a scandal in some quarters) is an important twentieth century figure in art circles.

Why, pray tell?

According to Elf, Murakami is being compared to Andy Warhol for "having fused fine art with pop art."

What nonsense!

I was an Art Major and I began my career as an abstract-expressionist painter.

For starters, Mr. Murakami's out-of-whack smiley faces amount to nothing more than silly doodles, worthless "junk".

Whenever his name pops up in a serious art discussion at a gallery opening, qualified experts roll their eyes. Then, an old expression flashes to mind.

"I don't know much about art, but I know what I like."

People who "like" Murakami have taste up the wazoo.

I didn't conjure up the nick-name - "tacky" - for no good reason. In fact, I wouldn't even line the kitty litter box with one of his prints. After all, I wouldn't want to insult my cat.

In conclusion, the whole article on CineVegas reeked of behind-the-scenes maneuvering to me.

The way Elf gushed about this 'n that, for example, inferred to me - at least - that he's either on someone's payroll over there at CineVegas or too fond of the free passes (and perks that go with 'em) to dare cross the powers-that-be.

I prefer to read articles that are written by ethical journalists who endeavour to log in a balanced account of the events.

At a small-town newspaper like the Review-Journal, I guess management can't take the risk of offending potential advertisers with clout, by reporting the truth.

Until they do, their credibility is a big fat zero.


Review-Journal is the best? By whose standard?

Sunday, June 22, 2008

Condoms - banned commercial!

Beverly Hills 213...slick glossy features & side-splitting "Brain Optional"


Each week, a newspaper carrier zips around ritzy Beverly Hills and tosses the latest cellophane-wrapped edition of Beverly Hills (213) on the front doorsteps of the tony elite in the ritzy enclave.

The splashy weekly is probably one of the last hold-outs - in extravagant wide-broadsheet format, anyway - with class written all over it.

Thin yes, but packed with eye-catching publicity shots of the latest designer fashions and accessories to grace the expensive racks on Rodeo Drive, and elsewhere.

A couple of known columnists grace the pages inside - James Bacon (who often wistfully reflects on the golden days of Hollywood and - likewise - a handful of old drinking cronies) and Rex Reed (who's inclined to chat over the latest little celluloid offering that has either revved up a delightful fanciful experience or prompted a hateful diatribe about the misguided musings of a hack writer).

To add a touch of clubiness to the publication. the editors usually reserve a page or two for the express purpose of featuring flattering stills of the town's upper echelon out-on-the-town at glitzy red-carpet premieres and charity functions - sure to spread good will - and keep hefty donations flowing into the coffers.

Recently, I was thumbing through the publication over lunch at Whole Foods when I stumbled across a funny entertaining feature.

"Brain Optional" managed to breathe some fresh air into a staid old-guard attitude that normally prevails between the covers.

The feature is a weekly collection of hilarious quotes lifted from the tongues of the famous - and not-so-famous - that tend to tickle the funny bone.


In the studio days, Sam Goldwyn was known for putting his foot in his mouth with side-splitting results. His off-the-wall remarks were either a simple misuse of language - or quite frankly - a calculated effort on his part to drum up publicity for his thriving business.

Some allege that Pete Smith - his publicity agent - collected a handful of the witticisms and distributed them to the newspaper and radio columnists to fan the flames and set Goldwyn apart from the competition.

His odd-ball comments became were known as "Goldwynisms".

Here's an example:

One evening, a friend of Mr. Goldwyn's was casually sipping on a cocktail, when he noticed a new abstract painting hanging on a prominent place on the wall.

"Where did you get the beautiful Picasso?"

Goldwyn peered at it for a moment, then responded:

"I don't remember. I think it was in Paris. Somewhere over there on the Left Wing."

On another occasion, when he wasn't feeling too well, he sighed to a friend,

"I've been laid up with intentional flu."

"He treats me like the dirt under my feet" is a favorite of mine; probably because I imagine it was a quip he made about an actor.

Another zinger - "I would be sticking my head in a moose" - was obviously inspired by that old circus trick where the "Master of Ceremonies" wows the audience by placing his head inside the open jaws of a powerful lion.

Two famous ones attributed to Goldwyn are:

"An oral contract isn't worth the paper it's written on."

And, "Gentlemen, include me out."

And a show biz favorite I often use in film reviews:

"They stayed away in droves."

"Brain Optional" featured a handful of outrageously funny "Goldwynisms" in a recent issue which are attributed to various individuals in the public arena.

"It's no exaggeration to say that the undecideds could go one way or the other."
George Bush

"Things are more like they are now than they ever were before."
Dwight D. Eisenhower

"Ninety percent of the game is half mental."
Yogi Berra

"The Streets are safe in Philadelphia. It's the people that make them unsafe."
Frank Rizzo

"Sure, its going to kill people. But, they may be dying of something else anyway."
Othal Brand
Texas Pesticide Review Board


"I haven't committed a crime. I failed to comply with the law."
David Dinkins
New York City Mayor
(Tax evasion issue)


"We have only one person to blame and that's each other."
Barry Beck
New York Ranger
(fight with player)

The above quote may starting popping up in conversations around California in the near future when gays start filing for divorces, I expect.

As the say at MGM, that's it folks!

Gay Marriage...expressions need updating!


Since the landmark court ruling in California last month (which was finalized this past week) it appears that at least one old expression may have to be updated.

In particular, the one that oft put forth the idea that a man's success was often due to a wife's tireless support in the background.

So, here goes:
Behind a successful male there may be another great man!

Saturday, June 21, 2008

CineVegas Film Festival...a desert joke! Trevor Groth fumbles, Staff insult Press & Filmgoers, Honoree Soiree a sham!



There must be something in the water at the Palms Hotel which makes people stupid.
A case in point.

By the 2nd day of the CineVegas Film Festival, it was quite evident that staff members were not dealing with a full deck.

CineVegas started off with high hopes with a big splashy red carpet extravaganza.

For instance, at the high-energy event, appearances by actor Raines Wilson and legendary Dennis Hopper wowed filmgoers there for the 10th annual celebration of excellence (?) in filmmaking.

Then, at a tony party the first weekend, Britney Spears made an impromptu entrance.

Consequently, the following day, there was a buzz around the planet.

But, by the third day, it was obvious that Trevor Groth fumbled the ball.

And - from the get-go - it was evident that employees at the Press desk didn't know their a**es from a hole in the ground. So much so, that one had to wonder whether they landed their posts in a horizontal position or on their knees. After all, they had no skills to speak of.

For starters, Kelly Frey somehow thought she was a hot shot PR maverick; but, it was evident right off-the-bat she couldn't publicize her way out of a paper bag - a wet one - at that!

Meanwhile, Francesca Torre - who was a designated press liaison (???) - was under the mistaken impression that she was a Beauty Queen.

Her nose was stuck so high up in the air that I surmise she has stretch marks on her vagina.

In fact - her attitude was so thick - I doubt it could have been cracked open with a crowbar.

At the press desk - when photographers and members of the press approached her for information - she was aloof, rude, and insulting.

So much so, that I was forced to reprimand the young lady (I use the term lady very loosely) about her lack of class and bad manners.

Later - on the red carpet - Ms. Torre made nasty faces - and shook her head this way and that - and showed her disdain for me. What happened to the old idea of "respect for one's elders?".

The concept is obviously lost to low-lifes like Ms. Torre.

When I complained to another employee - Taylor Banks - he didn't acknowledge the communication.

Instead, he passed on the hot-potato issue to Ms. Frey.

Imagine that, she actually zipped off an e-mail, asserting that I must have misinterpreted Ms. Torre's behavior.

What a whitewash.

Miss, I wasn't born yesterday.

Witnesses at the red carpet affair agreed wholeheartedly that Torre's immature, bratty, reprehensible (shocking) conduct was difficult to misinterpret for anything else than what it was: a temper tantrum from an irate staff member who was angry with the fact I lodged a complaint against her with her superiors.

Then, something odd occurred.

When I attempted to contact Trevor Groth about her misconduct - and the inappropriate way the press desk staff was treating photographers and other press members - the Troth's helpers refused to provide his e-mail address.

Suddenly, it became a "state secret".

One male member of the production staff was shocked.

"It should have been forthcoming," he lamented.

Well, that behind-the-scenes staffer happened to hail from Toronto, like me.

Us Canadians have a strong sense about what is wrong and right - what is ethical - and what is not.

As I thumbed through the Festival Directory, I stumbled across Trevor's smiley face, heading up a paragraph or two of requisite promotional bullsh** about the Festival.

But, guess what?

No contact information was published.

Obviously, Mr. Groth is not interested in feedback about the festival, or even willing to provide information as to how he may be contacted in the event of a complaint issue, whatever.

Does he care?

Don't you think a Festival Director should provide a contact number?

I think it goes without saying.

In fact, it boggles the intelligence of any normal person to fathom how Mr. Groth could be so blatantly ignorant of the fact.

Of course, I could have approached Mr. Groth at one of the scintillating parties we rubbed elbows at; but, I didn't for a couple of reasons.

One, I didn't want to throw a damper on the festivities by griping about staff problems around other festival-goers.

Two, I thought the issues should be discussed in private.

But, you see, I was properly raised and well-bred.

After observing Mr. Groth at the Festival, a couple of clues surfaced about his own background.

The problem with Mr. Groth is obvious: he was left sitting around in shi**y diapers as a child which resulted in the personality disorders which have manifested in his adult life. (Psychology 1; Personality Profiles)

If you want a true take on Mr. Groth's character, listen to this!

When a press person complained about his staff earlier in the week - in spite of the fact he had ample opportunity to contact the individual by e-mail or telephone - he waited until last night's Honoree shindig to have one of his silly bonehead minions (Ian Jankelowitz) inform the person he didn't like their "tone".

For that spurious reason, he barred the newsie from the event, last minute.

Obviously, Mr. Groth's intention amounted to a bold-faced effort to embarrass and humiliate the person at the door of the celebration as party-goers and press arrived for the much-anticipated event.

What a nasty piece of work, eh?

Meanwhile, earlier in the week, other press members and a couple of "Flush Pass" Patrons were denied entrance to the Murakami Art Event so that Mr. Greenspun (Festival President) could savor what was being billed as a - "major cultural event for the Las Vegas Art scene" - for himself and his elitist friends.


And - he did so - at the expense of press members with tickets in tow and filmgoers who paid for their admission in advance!

These are the kind of scuzz-balls who are running CineVegas Film Festival.
I don't now what rock they scurried out from under - but as far as I am concerned - the whole scruffy lot can slither back from whence they came.

After all, they are not only a disgrace to the local Art community, but a discredit to the entire legitimate Festival Circuit.

Ironically, the reprehensible conduct of Terry Groth, Robin (and Amy) Greenspun, Kelly Frey, Francesca Torre, Taylor Banks, and Ian Jankelowitz - caught up with them as key members of the press stayed away from screenings this past week, held back press coverage - and quite generally - stewed on the sidelines vowing never to return to CineVegas again.

Yes, CineVegas was hit with a knock-out punch this week.

And, it is doubtful the annual Fest will recover from the lethal blow.

In the final analysis, CineVegas became a desert joke this week.

Worse than Ishtar, if you can possibly imagine it!

Can you hear the laughter, Trevor?

Friday, June 20, 2008

David Beckham...disc jockeys in awe of crotch in underwear ads!



I felt like I was in some backwater town when I was cruising along Paradise Road and by chance flipped on a local radio station.

A couple of talkative disc jockeys were chatting each other up over David Beckham's scintillating billboard ads sprouting up around the Nation.

I posted an item on that months ago. Old news, isn't it? Gee, news travels at a snail's pace in Sin City, I guess.

One disc spinner noted that the risque blurbs of Becks in tight undies caused quite a commotion in San Francisco. And - I got the distinct impression that he was afraid that the mere mention of the gay mecca by the bay - might turn his sexual persuasion the other way. Or, at least make his own preference suspect.

"That underwear thing is - uh - big up there," he noted with a suspiciously fake masculine tone to his voice.

"Is it a Calvin Klein ad," the other host queried.

Duh!

Well, it was pretty obvious the other guy was hetero, all the way.

Any self-respecting gay man would know that the splashy sexy ads are for Menswear Designer, Emporio Armani.

"The thing about this underwear - um - is that it makes your business look big."

Ah, this is the one occasion I regretted there was no visual image to match up with the dialogue. Did he actually utter that comment with a - er - straight face?

Business? Are they in the dark ages in Vegas?

Heh dudes, it's okay to say package, Johnson, crotch - whatever.

In fact, no one in the range of your air waves is going to cringe, I expect. After all, this is the land of the scantily-clad bodacious babe and "thunder" from down under!

Well, maybe a bit of locker-room chat will give a handful of horny listeners a swelled - um - head. Don't know about you dudes, but suggestive words can be a naughty thrill to some if they're emoted just right.

"And, he looks humongous," the jock continued.

Ah, the dude has obviously been taking a serious gander at those shots, eh?

I am surprised they didn't wonder aloud if Becks was uncircumcised - the soccer stud being a Brit - and all.

Maybe, the Armani folks will bring out the uncut version at a later date, do 'ya think?

"Well, he's no Mario Lopez for sure," the observant (!) dude chuckled before moving on to the next tidbit of gossip.

Mario who?

The long and short of it? Obviously, Becks gets a kick out of the titillation and thrills.

Check out the impromptu snap below taken recently on a downtown Hotel balcony.

Wonder who's on the end of his scope?

I'm betting it's not Posh, that's for sure!

Thursday, June 19, 2008

CineVegas Film Festival..."Memorial Day". Filmgoers walk out in disgust!











When I spoke to director James Fox about his entry (Memorial Day) at the CineVegas Film Festival, he was a bit tight-lipped about the project.

But, when I crossed paths with actress Sarah Nedwek - who stars in the film - I was able to slip the muzzle off a bit for an intriguing reveal. At this juncture, for instance, I learned that the mysterious feature with a macabre twist was somewhat experimental in nature.

More succinctly, the promotional blurb boasted a wild sort-of ride.

"Beginning as a rowdy beach weekend, Memorial Day turns to find the dark hearts of Americans who live to tape their most debauched adventures. The characters are thrust into full exposure, both physically and emotionally, to a place where self-exploitation and the exploitation of others give rise to a shocking new kind of entertainment."

Well, one that the movie-going public may not be ready for!


At the screening a handful of irate filmgoers stormed out of the Theatre in disgust.

"It was well-done," one agitated theatre-goer assured me.

"But, the images were shocking."


Another film buff argued that while the offering was a turn-off in respect to the controversial subject matter, the actors were quite competent and turned in finely-tuned performances worth catching.

Ms. Nedwek informed me that although this was her first film, she flexed her acting muscles in a number of Theatre Stage productions in recent years, which amply prepared her to get a grip on the complexities of the "Memorial Day" role.

"We did a lot of improvisation."

In fact, Fox urged his actors to go beyond the basic framework - take risks, plumb the depths of their psyches, exorcise demons, if necessary - to meet the specific demands of their characterizations.

While the director may have succeeded in accomplishing his vision, it may have been too much for a viewing audience to handle.

From Fox's perspective, the camera created a sphere of provocation wherever it went, ramping up actions, and pushing characters to a place of hyper-real catharsis.

In spite of the lofty reach - "Memorial Day" - left filmgoers at a loss for words, for the most part. In fact, many were inclined to make a quick exit from the troubling images.

Another film - "South of Heaven" - affected audiences the same way.

"Pointless violence," one criticized.

"Shocking footage of females that were degrading and upsetting, " another lamented.


Maybe Festival Director (Trevor Groth) felt that he needed to push the envelope, and go beyond the bounds of good taste and cinematic excellence, in a bold-faced effort to conjure up controversy?

Get the theatre-going public in the door at any cost?

The scheme may have backfired.

A handful of filmgoers were turned off by a number of the films that were unveiled - signaling without doubt - that CineVegas needs to re-access Festival goals.

Ignoring the obvious may result in a slip in CineVegas credibility - which, bottom line - may reflect in poor ticket sales and attendance next year.

Samuel Goldwyn once said:

"A wide screen just makes a bad film twice as bad."

Michelle Obama...Blackie "O" according to Vegas Disc Jockey at 10.75 Rock FM

Pill Box didn't work for Laura Bush somehow...


Shortly after the radio squawked to life as I sped down Flamingo bright and early this morning, a disc jockey on a local FM Radio Station (10.75) chuckled about a recent appearance Michelle Obama made on the talk fest the "View".

"Blackie "O". That's what she looked like to me."

A posse of jocks were chit-chatting in a round-robin of morning gossip gleaned from the by-ways and highways of the Nation.

According to the trio of spirited jocks (one woman & two dudes) Michelle recently had a make-over to tailor her image for the White House. In doing so, the trio cackled that her handlers obviously had a role model - "Jackie O" - in mind when they rustled up the new persona.

"Look, there's the pill box hat. The pearls. And nifty dresses - similar to those that Jackie strode in the public spotlight in - that she made famous," they argued matter-of-fact.

I wonder why no one thought of that label - Blackie "O" - before, the curious jock wondered aloud?

Probably because it's derogatory and potentially racist, do 'ya think?

The same observant fellow laughingly referred to the "View" gadfest as a basic daily cluster Fu** in front of the microphone.

And, that Whoopie Goldberg, they lamented. What does she pull in, about two mil? And she just stumbles through the interviews, mumbling 'bout this 'n that. At times, slurring her words.

At the end of the segment the boastful jock noted that he wanted credit for the Blackie "O" moniker.

"I got credit for coming up with "Dick Flick" (chick flick inspired it)," chimed in another jock from the sidelines.

Yes, I guess they'll mention me on Entertainment Tonight or TMZ, the comic shock jock proudly asserted.

Well, guess you'll have to settle for The Tattler for now!


Michelle looks like a Faither Healer to me...

Wednesday, June 18, 2008

Associated Press...Monopoly of the news is un-American. Technorati bans AP!




There has been quite a fall-out against AP in the wake of their attacks on the DRUDGE report for alleged illegal misuse of quoted material and news clips.

Many blog sites are banning Associated Press from their band widths.

In recent days, AP big-wigs pointed an accusing finger at DRUDGE for linking up to their news reports and providing short quotations via reader submissions.

According to Tech Crunch, DRUDGE is doing nothing more that what Digg, TechMeme, Mixx and dozens of other sites do.

Obviously, because DRUDGE is the big honcho on the block - who savors a widespread influence in his capacity as an innovative news outlet on the world-wide-web - AP has elected to either ding him for the privilege of using their musings - or in the alternative, at least - shut him down altogether.

In the wake of the controversy, Technorati - numero uno blog spot on the planet - has banned Associated Press from their band widths altogether.

For good reason.

AP does not want people quoting their stories despite the fact that such activity very clearly falls within the fair use exception to copyright law.

As long as bloggers and reporters from news outlets give proper credit for the quotes, there should not be any problem, in my humble opinion.

If Associated Press labels the fair use activity as an infringement, then I say bullsh**.

In essence, AP is trying to secure a monopoly on the news.

And, in my estimation, that is un-American.

Notwithstanding, it should be noted that on any occasion that I have ever "chosen" to quote AP myself, it amounted to "throwing a bone" their way.

Because I attempt to give a balanced view of the news, I often include a myriad of viewpoints from a handful of news sources to add depth and dimension to the report. If ever I quoted AP, it was because I chose to, not because there was any pressing need for their material.

Personally, I can survive quite nicely without Associated Press.

If anything - they are stuffy and old guard and are ham-strung in many respects when they report on their white bread "news" - anyway.

A.P. Vice President Jim Kennedy says they will issue guidelines telling bloggers what is acceptable and what isn't over and above what the law says is acceptable.

Over your dead news organization!

He had the audacity to note for the record that AP intends to "define clear standards as to how much of its articles and broadcasts bloggers and web sites can excerpted without infringing on the AP copyright".

Boy, he's full of himself, isn't he?

Kennedy went on to warn that those who disregard the guidelines risk being sued by the AP even if those guidelines are in direct conflict with applicable Laws.

In my mind's eye, their downfall is surely on the way.

Who needs 'em?

Bloggers, blog sites, and Internet Web news sites are proliferating, and gaining respect and stature in the news industry; but, more importantly, are changing the face of the news arena daily.

In the near future, AP will be turning to bloggers for news stories!

Are the blogsters going to let 'em use the material?

The jury is still out.

Meanwhile, bloggers and blog sites are turning their backs on Associated Press.

AP is banned until they abandon their lunatic strategy.

Likewise, Bloggers will no longer quote 'em or link to 'em or even acknowledge their petty meaningless existence.

Voltaire once said,

We have a natural right to make use of our pens as of our tongue, at our peril, risk and hazard.

Tuesday, June 17, 2008

CineVegas Festival...Scandal! Festival goers complain Greenspuns locked out all but close friends to Murakami event!

Greenspun's pull boner on Festival Circuit...


The Murakami event slated to premiere at a "blow-out bash" at the CineVegas Film Festival - was being billed as a landmark "Art Happening" for the Festival this year - and a major coup for the Las Vegas local art scene.

However, during the course of the Las Vegas Fest there was a stink in the air; after all, it was quite evident to any fool that the Greenspuns (Mr. Greenspun is the President of CineVegas) had been up to no good.

When a member of the press and a "Royal Flush Pass" patron showed up at the CineVegas soiree at the Wynn for the Murakami "exhibition", they were summarily snubbed for no good reason.

The journalist was not permitted to enter the exhibit in spite of the fact he had a ticket in tow.

And - a "Royal Flush Pass" patron - who is supposed to be granted access to all events throughout the course of the Festival (which one pays through the nose for) was left to gaze from a distance through a glass window upstairs.

Here is how the disgruntled patron described the occasion:

"Tonight was a trip...I was with an invited member of the press..and we went to the Murakami short at the Wynn.
He was not allowed in..to see the event..and I was only allowed to view it from the second floor through the glass...no sound..no viewing.
It was another CineVegas ripoff...for me. I am pissed...yesterday I was just miffed..they embarrassed me to the T...tonight.....this royal flush pass should be flushed.
Tonight was really a private event for Greenspans and their 100 closest friends...you could not buy a ticket to it...you could not get in with a ticket. Don't ask...and be prepared to be treated like shit..we were.
The screening was a Propaganda film...tell you about that tomorrow. Can you tell I am not happy?."

I also had a bad experience with the press staff over the Murakami event which was reported in a prior post.

On the surface, the Greenspuns give the impression that they are open, caring, giving individuals.

However, quite the opposite appears to be true.

The Festival is used to promote themselves, their business, and exhalt their name in the community.

Patronage and philanthropy is one thing.

But, abuse of power - at the expense of others - is shocking, disturbing, and a menace to the public at large.

Shame on Amy and Robin Greenspun for their greedy grip on the Murakami "unveiling" - which ultimately - ruined the credibility and stature of Cinevegas on the Festival Circuit.

To many film buffs around the Nation, their disgraceful conduct amounted to uncalled-for elitism.

Dan Rather once said:

"An intellectual snob is someone who can listen to the William Tell Overture and not think of the Lone Ranger."

Monday, June 16, 2008

CineVegas Film Festival...Ed Moses to appear at panel on Cool School documentary!


Ed Moses, a celebrated American painter born in Long Beach in 1926, is appearing for a panel discussion after a screening of the documentary - "The Cool School" - tomorrow at the CineVegas Film Festival.

"The Cool School" documents the scene at the legendary Ferus Gallery which exhibited a handful of artists who rose up from the dynamic Los Angeles art scene to become a few of the most celebrated artists in America.

The doc includes raw footage from original art openings and outspoken interviews from a cross-section of visionary artists.

Festival organizers promise that the "Cool School" will provide a solid foundation from which to fathom the distinctive creative "style" conjured up by the legendary gallery artists.

In addition, there will be a lot of behind-the-scenes "dirt" offered up on a silver platter to titillate the curious.

Ed Moses has savored a fifty-year career as a noted non-objective and abstract artist.

He first unveiled his work in 1949 and was part of the original group of artists from the Ferus Gallery who exhibited their work in 1957.

Later, Moses’s career was the subject of a major retrospective at the Museum of Contemporary Art in 1996.

"I'm a painter, inventive, activated. An abstract painting is not a reference; it's not a picture; it's a perception of the painting. It goes back to Barnett Newman's Who's Afraid of Red, Yellow, and Blue?"

Art historians have argued that his paintings are important for a myriad of reasons.

"They are a conceptual ideal of an abstract painting, existing on a two-dimensional plane. They are not painterly paintings, not painted by hand. They are the physical evidence of an abstract painting as a physical phenomenon. They have no reference nor do they exist as a referent to anything other than how they visually exist.

A number of film buffs at the CineVegas Film Festival were quite surprised to happen across the unassuming Moses - an easy-going down-to-earth gent - as he mixed and mingled in the lounge at the Palms Hotel.

In part, his style is made recognizable by virtue of the fact he seldom uses a brush - instead - preferring to stain, knife, splash and facilitate tape and snap lines to achieve straight lines.

He is also known for a series of coastal architectural drawings.

For the most part, the innovative painter was inclined to exhaustively experiment with his materials.

In fact, Moses has been critically acclaimed for his bold composition and innovation.

In his senior years, he remains a high-profile fixture on the Los Angeles art scene, and is respected for his inventiveness as an artist and his attentiveness to new developments in contemporary art.

The artwork of Ed Moses has appeared in numerous exhibitions around the world.

His coveted pieces are housed in prestigious collections at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, The Art Institute of Chicago, the Menil Foundation, the Museum of Modern Art, The Corcoran Gallery of Art, the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Whitney Museum of American Art, among others.

Catch him if you can at the CineVegas film festival.

Aristophanes once said:

"Let each man exercise the art he knows."


CineVegas Film Festival....Dwayne Johnson fans scream out for the "Rock" at premiere of Get Smart!


As they spied him approach the escalator at "The Planet Hollywood" fans suddenly lost their cool in a long line that snaked around the foyer and excitedly jumped up and down shouting - "Rock" "Rock" "Rock".

Then - amid a swirl of publicists and bodyguards - Dwayne Johnson (one of the stars of "Get Smart") strutted onto the red carpet to meet the swarming press who descended on him like flies to sh**.

The Theatre had scheduled a special screening of the Steve Carell feature (lifted from the old TV show) as a charity fundraiser for - "Knapsack" - the project that Mr. Johnson supports.

Mr. Johnson plays a bumbling agent in the comedy spy thriller (?).

Later in the day he received a star on Johnny Brenden's local Las Vegas "Walk of Fame". In the true spirit of the occasion, Mr. Brenden handed the "Rock" an oversize check in the sum of $2,500.00 for his cause.

Frankly, I've never seen the press gush so over a Hollywood celebrity.

But - before he had ventured halfway down the carpet to shake hands and answer questions put to him by the swirling paparazzi - he graciously slipped over to the screaming hordes and signed autographs.

A couple of media types followed the bankable movie actor to capture the adoration on celluloid - at which point - a rude female publicist in Johnson's entourage barked that they return to the red carpet.

Rock, the woman is bad for your image. Dump her!

Meanwhile, I stood on the sidelines surreptitiously listening in on the interviews.

A couple of cynical reporters warned me in advance that Mr. Johnson tended to be a bit full of himself; so with an open mind, I listened intently to determine if that was the case.

Well, he was gracious. And, articulate about the function of his charity. No, the ego wasn't too glaring, in spite of the fact he was all puffed up and his body language appeared to be transmitting the message:

"Yes, I'm Mr. Macho, aren't I?"

The press corps ate it all up.

After one female reporter finished up her segment and she turned in my direction, I noticed right away that her face was beet red!

"You sure are flushed," I laughed.

"Oh, it's so hot in here," she responded somewhat nonchalantly.

Or, was it your subject that got you all flustered, I teased.

"Caught me," she giggled as she started to wrap up her equipment.

An aggressive on-camera journalist in a sexy little number with a tiger print, dragged out a photograph of the "Rock" - naked from the torso up - and used her feminine wiles to wangle an autograph.

In spite of the fact it's rumored the "Get Smart" actor is trying to leave the "Rock" faze of his career behind, he scribbled his John Henry on the publicity still. And, she was thrilled.

Personally, I found the bodyguards a little unsettling.

One, had a quirky psycho look about him.

The other had a demeanor that was a cross between a Mormon and some character out of the horror flick "Night of the Living Dead".

Get rid of the goons, Rock. It's bullsh**.

Although he appeared cool on the surface, I couldn't help but notice that his hands were clenched and ill at ease.

But, his entrance was the greatest reveal of all.

When the Festival Director called out his name, he tripped over the curtain when he made his entrance, and stumbled into the room a bit clumsily.

In view of the confident image he threw off on the red carpet, I surmised at this juncture, that he must be a better actor than I thought.

In fact, I have to hand it to him.

In view of the way he was treated by the fans and the press alike, I think that it is quite evident that in the Hollywood midheavens, Mr.Johnson is a mega star on the rise that may burn brightly for quite a while if he plays his bungling - um - punches right.

CineVegas Film Festival...gossip & scuttlebutt. LA TIMES stinker & screw-ups.



Yesterday, I checked with the staff at the ticket office, and they informed me that Box Office for the CineVegas Film Festival has been boffo this year. A number of features have been either booked fully or sold to near capacity.

"Sales are higher this year than the past couple of years," one CineVegas volunteer proudly announced.

So, the fest is steaming ahead and garnering stature on the Festival circuit.

But, as I trotted around behind-the-scenes and covered red carpet events in recent days, it has become evident to me the Festival is experiencing some growing pains; consequently, there are issues that need to be sorted out if CineVegas is to continue to surge ahead (and gain respect from the Industry).


Mr. Hopper (Chairman of the Festival), Mr. Greenspun (President of CineVegas) and Trevor Groth (Festival Director) have been dotting on the festival-goers - attending screenings, circulating the events - and ably fulfilling their roles as good-will Ambassadors of the event.

But, it appears that staff in the lower levels of management and in the publicity department are either slipping or not experienced enough to professionally handle their tasks.

A case in point.

Last night, I attended a chi-chi function at Dos Caminos (at the Palazzo Hotel & Casino) and proceeded to engage guests in a bit of dialogue to rustle up feedback about their CineVegas experience.

At one point, I alighted next to a lovely couple at the warm outgoing event.

The smartly-attired well-manicured woman was curious as to who I was, and subsequently, lifted up my press pass to get a gander at it to determine my association with the Festival.

At this juncture, we engaged in a spirited discussion, and I learned they were contributors to CineVegas.

Sadly, the woman informed me that her and her hubbie felt a little out-of-sorts that day at the "Get Smart" screening. In spite of the fact they were sponsors of the festival, staff placed them in lousy seats near the rear of the theatre; consequently, they felt neglected.

Another woman I have become friends with at the Festival also ran into the same problem. In spite of the fact she paid $600.00 for a Festival pass, the local art dealer was placed in a spot "outfield". Boy, was she miffed!

She proceeded to request better seating elsewhere in the theatre. And, got it.

The couple in question didn't venture down the same path because they didn't want to cause a fuss or throw a damper on what they surmised would be a satisfying cultural experience that afternoon.

So, there I was smoothing over the waters trying to make things better.

What else could I do?

As the old saying goes, "That's not my job!"

Also, it appears that staff in the publicity department have made some poor judgments calls which reflect negatively on their integrity and ethical standards.

For instance, when members of the press or photographers arrive at the CineVegas Headquarters lounge - Kelly Frey, Francesca Torre, and Taylor Banks - don't even bother to introduce themselves as staff in the Publicity Department or welcome guests to the festival. Imagine that!

Another problem occurred when one local Vegas press person went to pick up his ticket for the feature film - "Your Name Here" - and was informed that last-minute an LA TIMES reporter swooped into the press room requesting a ticket.

Instead of noting that the screening was sold out, they gave the man's ticket to the columnist without batting an eye, nor did they show any remorse for their questionable conduct.

That su**s.

The press are required to submit RSVP's for special events and request tickets with appropriate advance notice. If the Los Angeles daily screwed up, or arrived late, why should the other man suffer?

Last minute - I decided to attend that screening - but was told the theatre was sold out.

That was okay in that circumstance as far as I was concerned; after all, I was just going on spec an hour or so before the curtain fell - so I was forced to accept the consequences for not planning farther ahead.

But, in my case there turned out to be a Feature Film God!

At the event last night, I nonchalantly slipped into a seat at the bar next to the marketing person (Jennifer C. Lai at Everstudios) promoting the film and she proceeded to arrange for a copy of "YOUR NAME HERE" to be delivered to me so that I could screen it privately.

Other press folks didn't get tickets to events they registered for. For example, when a few media types arrived at the PR Office, staff coldly informed them that their paperwork was either lost or had not been processed for some inexplicable reason. They were SOL.

Oops!

Someone is not going to get coverage from a handful of media outlets due to staff error, negligence or incompetence.

And, that hits home.

Two weeks ago, I personally notified the PR Office that I wanted to attend the Murakami Event, scheduled later today.


I covered Murakami's Los Angeles show, so as a matter of continuity, I desired to follow through with an in-depth analysis of his exhibition in Vegas.

No one has followed through or confirmed if my ticket has been processed.

So, Mr. Murakami loses coverage because of staff oversight?

Then, there have been some problems with staff getting in the way of the photographers at red carpet events.

A handful of paparazzi complained to me that as they are lining up to shoot the stars at the premieres, staff stand in the way and screw up the shot.

One photographer noted that when he complained, the staffer shrugged casually and remarked in an off-handed way, "Just photoshop it."

As a professional photog pointed out, when shots are submitted to editors at magazines and newspapers, they are inclined to pick the stills that are ready to publish. So, the photographer may lose out on a sale because the publicity shot has a hand, shoulder, or back of "someone" in it.

And, the star may not get coverage as a result, either.

It appears that staff in the PR office are not familiar with the Hollywood publicity machine or how it works.

Another filmgoer expressed her dismay that a film she took in was quite ragged and that the production values were poor.

"A festival of this stature should not have such low quality films," she argued.

Personally, from a critic's point of view, I will sometimes overlook the fact that a first-timer's project is a little rough around the edges - if the message is strong, the material is highly original - and it impacts on a deeper level than that of the purely visual.

But, the woman did have a point.

Another film - "South of Heaven" - was rife with images of women being beaten or tortured. As the tale unfolded, I cringed. Ironically, as the thought crossed my mind that the project might offend women, a few ladies got up and walked out.

It is one thing to make a statement about a relevant social and/or political issue, but when a film exploits torture and violence and has no redeeming value, one has to wonder...what is the point?

Orson Welles once said,

"A film is never really good unless the camera is an eye in the head of a poet."