Fleeting Expletives...gone by way of U2 dinosaur! F*ck it!

The fleeting expletive - the subject of much wrangling in recent years in State and Federal courthouses - has gone by way of the proverbial dinosaur.

On basic Constitutional issues, the 2nd Court of Appeals, gave a thumbs down to a vague policy crafted by the FCC which sought to establish across the board  that profane references to sex and excretement - though not always icky to a handful of liberated Americans  blessed with sick senses of humor - are always indecent.

"By prohibiting all 'patently offensive' references to sex, sexual organs, and excretement without giving adequate guidance to what 'patently offensive' means, the FCC chills speech, because broadcasters have no way of knowing what the FCC will find offensive," the wiggy Justices concluded in their opinion on the matter.

Some things are common sense, aren't they?

For example, it's never a promising (wise) idea to shit where 'ya sleep!

Nonetheless, the Justices are bound by tradition - and the still potent U.S. Constitution - to lay down a solid foundation so the "people" are not led astray.

In fact, in this instant scenario, the posse of bench-warmers in the Manhattan Appeals Court confessed from their lofty pulpits  that the FCC might be able to pull it off.

Back to square (and I do mean square) one!

Bono fans may recall that the "fleeting expletives" policy was swiftly made "Law" at the FCC on the heels of an impromptu comment - "fuc*ing brilliant" - uttered up by the U2 front-man on stage at the Golden Globe Award Ceremonies (2003).

According to the FCC, the "F" bomb in any context inherently hints at a sexual connotation, which renders it  a "no-no" to be skirted at all cost.

To no avail, now.

Julius Genachowski - FCC Chairman - noted that the Government watch dog is reviewing the ruling to determine whether to pursue the prickly issues further.

"We're reviewing the court's decision in light of our commitment to protect children, empower parents, and uphold the 1st Amendment."

I'm really not such a prude, but, Amen!

http://www.julianayrs.com/

Festival of Books...Omar J. Dorsey's foul language angers audience! John Heard reading mesmerizing..

What's the big deal?

(Cederling Fox candid moment)

  

John Heard mesmerized!

A "Word Theatre" presentation started off light and innocent enough on the - etc. stage - late this afternoon at the Los Angeles Festival of Books on the UCLA campus.

For example, Tess Harper read a delightful piece of literature about a relationship between a mother and son, which was well-received by the rapt audience.

But, the live stage performance turned ugly when actor Omar J. Dorsey (Blind Side) stood before the mic, and suddenly began hurling shocking expletives in all their vulgar capacity into the theatre space.

The reaction from some parents was swift and severe.

"There are children here, you mother****er!"

Instead of taking a moment to admit the inappropriateness of the material - or apolgoize - Mr. Dorsey proceeded to exhibit a disturbing lack of sensitivity.

What was his angry response?

"Forget about it!"

He plunged on unphased.

I was stunned, frankly.

When Cederly Fox, the Artistic Director for "Word Theatre" returned to the stage at the end of the actor's  reading, I was on the edge of my seat.

Would she ignore the incident?

"Sorry about the expletives," she grimmaced.

Then, without skipping-a-beat, she uttered up a comment that put the spotlight on her lack of professionalism.

"But, it's an adult show," she shrugged in defense.

What an arrogant bit**!

Her flimsy excuse, in view of the circumstances, was total bullsh**.

For example, the show was presented on a main stage at the entrance to the UCLA campus.

At four in the afternoon, the questionable material was being broadcast over a handful of speakers, and falling on the ears of Festival guests (largely comprised of parents and children) a hundred-or-so feet in all directions (at a minimum).

Notwithstanding, it should be noted that there weren't any notices posted - warning parents that the "adult material" (as Fox described it) - might  not be suitable for children.

The fact the dizzy broad thought that Dorsey's  blue performance was acceptable (duh!) underscored that the inexperienced low-life has no common sense, all the intelligence of a worm, and a lack of discernment in respect to artistic license in a given setting.

I trust that the Los Angeles Times will review tomorrow's material, and weed out unacceptable language, to ensure young children and their parents are not subjected to this kind of filth again.

Obviously, the organizers of - "etc. stage" - aren't going to bother!

As a major sponsor, the daily newspaper owes that to the community, in my estimation.

In spite of the Dorsey shocker, the event ended on an upbeat note.

John Heard, one of my favorite actors, mesmerized the audience with his  interpretation of a piece on "crows".

In contrast the other actors, Mr. Heard's style was natural and believable.

In fact, with great ease, he managed to give the impression that he was in a private conversation with each and every member of the audience.

His relaxed, easy-going approach to the hilarious literature, was certainly bang on.

Few actors - Richard Burton was one - are capable of accomplishing that in one fell swoop!

As to the rest of the Festival, well, it was a high point of my week.

I will be reporting on some of the events in a post later this evening.

For those of you planning to attend tomorrow (Sunday) I have some tips on where to purchase reasonably-priced snacks and drinks (lemonade on the main concourse goes for $5.00 pop!) for those on a budget.

There will be info on which booths are giving out free books!

And, a run-down on stage performances in the line-up tomorrow.

Los Angeles Opera (free!) anyone?

Later!

Omar's vulgar language incited anger at family outing!

http://www.thetattler.biz

Blog...published in foreign languages. How does "Tattler" translate?

Just recently it came to my attention that "The Tattler" is being read in German, Italian, French, Spanish - and possibly - Japanese.

And - who knows - perhaps in a smidgen of computer-speak, too.


So, I have paused to consider whether the blog musings translate well.

Because I am inclined to use a lot of slang in my posts - I wonder - does the stilted prose cause some consternation to newbies overseas?

Then, there are those fu**king fleeting expletives. Is it just an American phenomenon, or do censors across the pond have to deal with naughty words in far-a-way mystical lands like they do in the puritanical States?

I tend towards self-censorship out-of-courtesy to my Christian readers. But, I am curious to know if foreign readers find the asterisks dotting the literary landscape humorous like readers on these shores do. Or, just plain baffling?

As to the windbag material on my blog!

Well, I endeavour to avoid being too local.

As George Bush would say, "I try to be Universal". In appeal, at least.

So, I tend to toss in a few candid shots of celebrities here and there to amuse, then guide the unsuspecting down the garden path as best I know how.

Occasionally, I'll feature a foreign film like - "The Live of Others" - to reveal my strident West Coast intellectual side. Or, report on the celebrity sighting of a respected European actress - like Nastassja Kinski - to butter 'em up a little.

And, if a hearty few manage to maneuver through all the landmines in my prose, there is a definite upside. They'll be privy to a bird's-eye view of the topsy-turvy 2008 Presidential Election Race. A bit skewered, I confess.

But, what good is a blog, if you can't wield your elusive power now and then?

However, now I am facing a new dilemma.

Some posts are garnering "comments" from my fast friends on far shores.

But, frankly my dears, it's all Greek to me.

I am inclined to just "publish" the scribbles without deciphering as a courtesy to web surfers who diligently traversed miles of data from beyond to peruse me.

But, what if the message - unbeknowst to me - flippantly laments:

"Fu** you!"

Is there a universal response that says "same to you" succinctly?