Osama bid Laden...trojan attack on my laptop? Image of terrorist spashes across screen! Help!

Image of Osama bin Laden splashes across my laptop at start-up!



There has been a shocking disturbing turn of events in the tawdry Osama tale that I am inclined to share with my Tattler readers at this grim hour.

I am under attack by terrorists, or so it would appear, for reporting on the ongoing Osama bin Laden saga as it has been unfolding in the glare of the International spotlight on news wires around the globe in recent days.

Around noon today, I posted an update on the specifics of the clandestine attack on the known terrorist, which resulted in his subsequent capture and death at a compound just outside the Capitol in Pakistan.

In that post, I noted that Osama bin Laden was apparently not armed, as originally alleged by Officials at the White House, and that children were in the bedroom when the stealth attack was underway without the knowledge of the military powers-that-be in that terrorist-plagued country.


Post:  05/03/2011

http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2011/05/osama-bin-ladenwhite-house-fesses-up.html

I was reporting from the Crystal Casino Hotel in Compton, where I was taking a respite from it all, for a couple of days.

After publishing the article on the White House press conference - that was held earlier today to address niggling concerns of the press, I packed up my laptop and headed back to downtown Los Angeles.

Since I usually receive numerous comments on my site, that need editorial approval before they are published on the Tattler, I popped into Starbucks on 7th Street to review my yahoo mailbox for messages to post.

When the IBM Thinkpad sprang to life, the above-captioned photo of Osama flooded the entire screen of my laptop, without warning!

At first, I thought it was a computer glitch, that occurred when the laptop was shut-down just a scant couple of hours ago.

Not!

I have rebooted the computer several times, but on each occasion, the image of bin Laden continues to loom large on my screen at start up and stare me in the face!

Is he sending me a message from beyond?

I turned to a customer at Starbucks and informed her of the dilemma I was encountering.

"Oh, my God. Every time you turn on your computer, you will be confronted with Osama bin Laden's photographic image!"

Eerie!

In retrospect, and after a bit of reflection, it awned on me that perhaps when I clicked on a "comment' link left on the site at the bottom of a post, that a Trojan intruder was triggered with instructions to infect my computer screen with the image of the former Al Qaeda leader.

Curiously, when I was strolling down the street on my way to Starbucks, a thought crossed my mind that I might be a  target for terrorists in view of my detailed news reports on the death of Osama, terrorist activity, and the current threat to Americans here and abroad.

How strange!

It appears that my psychic intuition (feeling) was correct.

At this juncture, I have tried to remove the image, but with little success!

Although my computer appears to be functioning normally - I can still pen posts and publish them (I think! I haven't tried yet) - I am unable to free myself of Osama bin Laden's face every time I start up the IBM computer.

So, now I am reaching out to my readers.

Help!

Any suggestions?

Right now, I am scanning with an anti-virus software program to see if I can uncover any clues or hidden files (at least) that need deleting.

News at 11!

http://www.thetattler.biz

Cairo...Officials of National Democratic Party resign! President Mubarak digs in heels!

Like the events of this past week in Cairo - today's announcement that Egyptian officials (including President Mubarak) had resigned from the governing National Democratic Party - ended up being a murky distortion of the truth.

It didn't help matters much that one of Egypt's top State News Agency got it wrong, too!

Later this morning, reporters around the globe scrambled to set the record straight, but not without a few headaches in the process!

Jeepers creepers!

What an embarrassing snafu, eh?

It has now been confirmed, however, that the top leadership of Egypt's governing National Democratic Part resigned Saturday - in spite of the fact President Murbarak continues to dig in his heels - and hold fast to his vow to see out his term.

Among those who resigned?

President Hosni Mubarak's son - Gamal - who many feared would assume the "throne" of the corrupt regime once his father stepped aside reluctantly in the fall.

Whether Vice President Omar Suleiman manipulates the strings behind-the-scenes - with the blessing of Foreign Leaders around the Globe - remains to be seen.

News at 11!

http://www.thetattler.biz/

President Mubarak...resigns as leader of Egypt's ruling party! According to Press Reports!

President Hosni Mubarak has resigned as leader of the country's ruling party, according to News Reports emanating from the country's State news outlet in the Middle East, bright and early at the crack of dawn this morning.

It appears that the 82 year-old beleaguered President has finally bowed to public opinion - and pressure from International Leaders - and chosen to make a swift exit (to the relief of many).

The President's son - Gamal Mubarak (also a member of Egypt's ruling National Democratic Party) allegedly resigned as well - quelling fears that he would step in to head up the corrupt regime that has been in power for the past three decades in the event his father made a graceful exit prior to the end of his term of office in the fall as promised.

Reports of the latest turn-of-events are just now being picked-up and broadcast by American News organizations such as the Los Angeles Times on the West Coast in California.

It appears that attempts to negotiate a smooth transition of power over the next few months - pursuant to a proposal crafted by President Obama - have been abandoned altogether.

In the final analysis, one has to wonder if the threat of a possible trial for crimes against humanity in the International Court, may have prompted President Murabak to reconsider his position.

News at 11!

Update

Arabiya television has retracted its report that longtime President Hosni Mubarak has resigned as head of Egypt's ruling party on Saturday.


http://www.thetattler.biz/

Blood on Mubarak's hands?

Cairo...Cradle of Civilization erupts in violent turmoil! Mubarak vows to hang on! Barbara Walters blames U.S.!

 

Adams on Page Six says bad dye job must go, too!

The world watched on in horror as horrific images of the violence - which resulted in untold bloodshed and cries for Egypt's President Mubarak to resign - flashed across their TV screens last night.

At home, U.S. citizens were literally numbed, as they wondered aloud why Washington was so slow to take action or at least call for Mubarak to step down.

Political pundits on the evening News argued that Egypt had been a good friend and a staunch ally over the years - but in view of the eye-of-the-storm unfolding in Cairo yesteday - were quick to lament to all within earshot that "enough was enough".

Power-players on the World Financial scene were a little more complacent about the disturbing turn-of-events, though.

When asked - Rupert Murdoch - was brutally frank.

"The Arabs must take care of the Arabs," he calmly stated for the record on one news network scrambling for answers.

Interviewer "flavor of the month" - Piers Morgan - was inclined to trot out Barbara Walters for her take on the Egyptian crisis.

"You were there at the beginning, Barbara. What do you think?"

In sum, Walters felt that it was the fault of the U.S. for giving safe haven to dictators once they fell from grace.

The legendary News Icon cited the Shaw of Iran - and his short exile in the U.S. - as an example.

The answer in the final analysis?

U.S-style Democracy, of course, assert a posse of opportunists on the hill and elsewhere.

But, during the course of the evening in Cairo, it was evident that U.S. intervention might not be that well-received by Egyptians.

In fact, at one point, one Journalist on the scene - Anderson Cooper - was viciously attacked by an angry mob who shouted their disapproval of reporters and U.S. interlopers in the scheme of things.

"We hate Americans," angry Egyptians ranted.

Boy, were they out for blood.

Earlier in the day, it appeared there might be an accord, however.

At one juncture, the protestors and Murabak supporters set down their arms, and attempted a peaceful assembly.

Suddenly, without warning, a gang of thugs on Camels and horses galloped into Tahrir Square - now known as Liberation Square - and began to whip the protestors at whim and without mercy.

Some speculated that the attackers were employees of the Egyptian Museum - situated a scant distance away - who were bent on venting their anger on the upstarts for ruining the tourist trade over the course of the past week or so.

Once the melee broke out, it continued long into the weary night, in a death-to-the-end battle of fists and brute might.

Although protestors were searched before entering the square, to ensure there were not carrying any arms, the anti-establishment protestors were inventive enough in the heat of the conflict to scoop up rocks and bits of metal and craft them into primitive weapons which proved to be quite effective in lashing back throughout the battle that ensued.

News anchor Brian Williams compared the ugly conflict to squirmishes in the Iraq War.

"It was like a downtown Baghdad-style barrage hit," he recalled to one anxious reporter covering the unfolding drama.

Indeed, both sides vowed to fight for their cause at all cost - in a historical region of Egypt - that Williams referred to as the very cradle of Civilization.

Meanwhile, Washington was inclined to hold the fort - which irked some - needless to say.

When the crisis escalated to outright chaos in the streets, a spokesperson for President Obama finally put in an appearance at the podium in Washington, and urged that President Mubarak step down from his post.

However, the President - once revered and loved by a majority of the Egyptian people - refused to kow-tow to U.S. opinion.

In fact, Muburak was quite adamant that he would not only see out his term, but die on Egyptian soil if necessary.

In spite of the melee - and a heart-wrenching day of turmoil - many Egyptians stood behind Muburak.

"No one can run this country like Murabak. It's like Saddam in Iraq. When Saddam was gone, no one else could run the country. We don't want our country destroyed," one taxi driver excitedly blurted out to one reporter at a high-profile news organization.

Some worry that a "Muslim Brotherhood" will gain a foothold in Egypt if the President is forced out right now - and ultimately complicate complex politcal matters in the Middle East - thus encouraging interests detrimental to the U.S.

Others accused President Muburak of being two-faced.

Critics allege that goon squads comprised of Police Officers in plain clothes were paid paltry sums to fan out into Liberation Square and attack the protestors - beat them down - if necessary.

And, all the while, Mubarak wore another mask to the world-at-large, professing his innocence.

Meanwhile, the military appeared to be attempting to maintain the status quo, if anything.

Witnesses to the events were quick to point out that early on - when the first violent outbreaks occurred - that the the soldiers acted with restraint and only fired-off warning shots to signal their readiness to take action if things got out-of-hand.

At five o'clock this morning the protestors and President Murabak's supporters were still jockeying for power (and licking their wounds).

News agencies have reported that there have been at least five deaths and hundreds injured during the course of the political upheaval yesterday (with no apparent end of the conflict in sight).

News at 11!

http://www.thetattler.biz

Barack Obama...Mosque replaces World Trade Center! Slap to 911 victims!

Ground Zero Memorial

 

Over the weekend, the President ruffled a few feathers and triggered a controversy, when he weighed in on the subject of Muslims erecting a Mosque in the shadow of the Ground Zero memorial under construction in mid-Manhattan..

With a bit of a strain (tension?) in his voice, the President underscored in no uncertain terms, that Muslims have the right to build a mosque where they "choose" pursuant to the U.S. Constitution.

"Muslims have the same right to freedom of religion as everyone else in America," he declared in a White House speech on Friday evening.

Duh!

Most folks - critics and supporters alike - were already keenly aware of that fact.

And, are in accord with the acceptable argument.

Then, why are opponents (a smattering of Democrats, too) in a huff over the issue, bright and early this August morning?

For starters, a niggling question remains.

Does Obama honestly believe (in his own heart of hearts) that erecting a Mosque - "this-close" - to "Ground Zero" (where thousands died a horrible death at the hands of foreign terrorists) - is of little little or no consequence?

If so, then the President needs to re-think the situation.

After all, the two structures generating so much heated dialogue, are not just buildings being constructed out of mere mortar, steel, and stone.

In this instant case, the two architectural beauties envisioned by their creators, represent free-standing symbols intended to profoundly resonate (and speak volumes) in their own unique way about their own respective cultures.

In view of the events unfolding in recent days, one has to  wonder, will the Mosque (and what the structure represents) ever be able to overcome its potential to hurt?

Many believe that a Mosque built according to the plan that is underway - at the current location - amounts to nothing short of a slap in the face to the 9/11 victims and their loved ones - and ultimately - is indicative of poor judgment and "bad taste".

What is the subliminal message being transmitted here?

The World Trade Center - a symbol of America - was destroyed.

And, in its place, a Muslim House of Worship is being erected.

Mr. President, what are your thoughts on THAT sentiment?

Obama's willingness to side-step the obvious (i.e., lousy idea) - coupled with his audacity to speak up now (in the manner he did) for political reasons and with an eye on the upcoming elections - has turned the issue into a National one.

In fact, judging by the reactions of pundits and politicians over the past forty-eight hours, Obama's impromptu statements have propelled him full-throttle into a debate that Democrats have been trying to avoid for weeks.

Now, a handful of his cronies (and supporters) feel they've been put on the spot.

With three months to go before the mid-term elections, they were decidedly  nervous about the prospect of trying to hold the house, because of Obama's drop in popularity at the polls and approval rating.

Also, until the Friday night fiasco busted the political terrain wide open, the White House expressed its desire to stay out of local decision-making (Mosque controversy, for example).

What happened?

Well, 'ya know what they say.

"Loose lips sink ships."

In a nutshell, Obama couldn't keep his yap closed on the issue, for some inexplicable reason.

Yes, Muslims have the right to build where they wish - but shouldn't the land developers acquiesce under the circumstances - to show respect (something they so vigorously seek for themselves daily) for loved ones forced to grapple with the Mosque dilemma - now that Obama hurled it into the controversial light over the weekend?

One also has to wonder - in view of the outrage - why Muslims have refused to reconsider?

Constitution aside, shouldn't the Muslims (a religious entity) entertain the idea of a relocation, if only to appease the "dead" and the loved ones who mourn them?
God willing!

http://www.julianayrs.com/

The Oath...Osama Bin Laden's bodyguard Abu Jandal reveals intrigues in documentary!

Osama Bin Laden's former bodyguard scans the war-torn terrain!

As Director Laura Poitras (My Country My Country) was in the throes of a capturing footage in Yemen for a documentary she was piecing together - Abu Jandal (Osama Bin Laden's former bodyguard) cautioned associates in a bull session not to speak too freely.

"Does she have interpreters," one quizzed.

"Yes," was the solemn answer.

"But, she doesn't have the password," Jamal joked.

At this juncture in the insightful intriguing documentary - that is aptly titled "The Oath" - it becomes apparent that there are "secrets" (pertaining to the identities of terrorists and other sensitive information related to their whereabouts ) yet to be uncovered post 9/11.

In her documentary - to be released in a limited run on Friday in New York City - Ms. Poitras attempts to put together pieces of a complex puzzle.

Originally, the highly-competent filmmaker, set her sights on a production that would focus on the release of an  inmate held from Guantanamo Bay, their journey home after the ordeal, and a conclusion about the aftermath.

"Themes of family, guilt, betrayal, regret, loyalty, absence etc. are not typical things that come to mind when we imagine a film about the Al-Qaeda and Guantanamo, so the story compelled me. It was a way to confront traumatic events of the past nine years."

Her subject would be Salim Hamdan, a prisoner at Guantanamo Bay, who was the first man to face the controversial military tribunals.

In Yemen, the focus shifted - however - when Poitras had a chance meeting Bin Laden's former bodyguard, Abu Jandal.

Abu Jandal met Salim Hamdan in 1996 outside a mosque in Yemen while looking for men to join him for jihad in Tajikistan.

Salim was taken with Jandal's charismatic personality and they became fast friends.

The two journied to Afghanistan and were invited by to meet Osama Bin Laden.

Subsequently, Abu became Bin Laden's personal bodyguard and guest-house emir.

It should be noted, that Osama bestowed upon Abu the name Jandal, which roughly translates to the "bringer of death".

Janal reveals in the probing documentary that he was in possession of a special gun to be used to kill Osama Bin Laden in the event they were ever under siege and it was apparent that the fugitive Al-Qaeda leader would not escape alive.

Salim Hamdan became Osama's chauffeur.

For me, some of the most fascinating footage consisted of scenes shot at Hamdan's Guantanamo Bay tribunal, which zeroed in  on the issue of the constitutionality of the legal proceedings from a global perspective.

"These proceedings hold up to all of the standards of Nuremberg," one Military Official asserted in so many words to a handful of critics at one press conference.

It should be noted for the record, that the U.S. Supreme Court - in spite of the Government's staunch stance - ruled in favor of Hamdan in 2006 in the landmark case (Hamdan v. Rumsfeld).

In addition to the segments used to propel the Jandal story forward, Poitras has interspersed a few poignant moments caught on film among the citizens of the war-torn country.

"If the United States and other western nations hope to confront and contain the threat of Al-Qaeda, we must understand its motivations and internal divisions. To do that requires first seeing Islamic radicals as real people - subject to the human condition - rather than apart from it. To acknowledge that humanity is not a justification of their acts,but rather an acceptance of an uncomfortable reality."

"The world will be grappling with the Twin Towers Tragedies of 9/11 and America's reaction to the attack for generations to come. The "Oath" is an effort to document and shine light on this historical moment."

Director Laura Poitras

http://www.thetattler.biz

Green Zone...Iraq War about oil. Matt Damon excels in big-budget feature!

When Baghdad fell, and Saddam's statue was symbolically yanked down as the world gazed on, I speculated at the time that the Iraq War was all about oil and power and posturing in the Middle East.

After all, no weapons of mass destruction were ever found within the borders of the troubled Nation.

In fact, I theorized at the time, that the Intel was falsified to justify the night of "awe" and bootstrap Bush's bold-faced ploy to oust Saddam Hussein.

Through various sources, I was able to rustle up information on a number of curious clandestine events, which took place after-the-fact which lent credibility to my arguments.

For example, I was able to determine that one of the Hunt brothers (Ray L. Hunt) - who was later installed on  President Bush's National Security Council - took an overseas trip on a Government jet to Northern Iraq to allegedly start up negotations for oil leases with warring tribes in the region.

Post:  11/13/07

http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2007/11/bush-cronyray-l-hunt-signs-secret-pact.html

In a nutshell, that is the basic plotline of Matt Damon's new flick - Green Zone - which was released this past week around the country.

Damon portrays a Chief Marshall in charge of - tracking, locating, and defusing - weapons of mass destruction (referred to here as WMD) based on Intel that has been reviewed and dispatched from headquarters for appropriate military action.

Like "Hurt Locker", the film wastes no time in getting down to the nitty-gritty in the dramatic opening scenes.

Immmediately, filmgoers are confronted with highly-charged explosive attacks on enemy camps in Iraq, which keep 'em rivetted on the edge of their seats.

The dialogue resonates, too; after all, the speculation about WMD and the U.S. Imperalist invasion of Iraq, at times appeared to be lifted from the nightly news.

Where were the weapons?

Damon's character (Chief Miller) - although a man of action - is not inclined to just carry out orders.

When the Intel doesn't pass the smell taste, he's ballsy enough to go beyond the perimeters of his specific mission, and try to make sense of the baffling intrigues that point to a conspiracy and bald-faced cover-up fabricated to hoodwink the American people.

Damon's acting is pretty darn good in this big-budget thriller; in fact, in the role of Miller the popular charistmatic actor rises to the occasion well and underscores that  he's at the height of his creative powers.

The characterization he has fleshed out - is not only credible - but downright convincing.

In sum, the acting stint is an intelligent stand-out performance, that won't be long forgotten (by actors or critics, at least).

As to the elements that give thrust to the movie - the plotline, story devices, crafting of scenes - well, they're pretty much mainstream Hollywood.

Green Zone is entertaining, but nothing earth-shattering this late in the game.

3 stars!

http://www.thetattler.biz/

Osama bin Laden...ass backwards terrorist! Screws loose loser needs therapy...

Anyone with an ounce of intelligence (and/or common sense) must have done a double-take this morning if they caught sight of the report on Osama bin Laden and his latest absurd smoke-screen tactics!
Allegedly, Mr. Laden (!) switched gears this past week, in a sinister bold-faced effort to stab Americans in the heart, when he announced to a stunned world that the U.S.(and a handful of her allies) were responsible for global warming.

"The only way to prevent disaster is to boycott U.S. goods and stop using the dollar," the old goat herder hissed from his palatial digs in the impoverished environs of the outer perimeters of an unidentified war-torn nation.

The mad-man not only underscored what an idiot he is, but stressed the lengths he and his merry band of bombers will go, to justify their flimsy reasons for blowing up the Twin Towers (911).

For starters, his wild notion that killing innocent folks is okay willy-nilly on behalf of a convoluted cause (yet to be determined ) underscored what an idiot monster he truly is.

Now, it appears that he is under the mistaken immpression that citing climate change will somehow justify a full frontal attack on the U.S.

I guess that a slow death by global warming is more sinister (and heinous) a crime than one where the individual gets blown up instantaneously and feels no "pain" or suffers any consequence in the immediate aftermath.

In retrospect, it appears that Osama bin Laden is keenly aware that his 911 actions were totally unacceptable in a civilized society (where murder is just that: murder) - and for good reason - is  now back-paddling to find ways to justify the cold-blooded killings which set the global community on fire.

Does Osama honestly expect us to believe that he cares one iota about global warming?

Or, that he would honestly boycott the purchase of  U.S. weapons, to force America's hand  in respect to the green house effect complained of now?

Osama has been in the desert too long, and his brain has turned  to mush, as a consequence.

Bottom line, if the truth be known, Osama and his cohorts are just  plain jealous of North Americans and their consumer lifestyle.

It's not America's fault that Osama bin Laden was born ugly, in a skin he's prefer to be of the silky-white kind  (and into a culture - and homeland - which few find appealing in the global scheme of things).

Osama bin Laden is facing centuries-old bad karma.

He should pack it  in and call it a day; otherwise, they'll continue to be numbered.

Osama bin Laden is welcome to conjure up all the sorry excuses he wants to try to convince a disbelieving world that he actually cares about human-kind (or the environment).

The fool must think Americans have stupid written all over their foreheads.

Not!

http://www.julianayrs.com/

Terrorist watch list! On it? TSC says "no"...

Are you on the terrorist watch list?

If so, you may never know, because the list is classified.

The top-secret list of who's who in the shadowy world of terrorism is growing, too.

The Terrorist Screening Center (TSC) evaluates up to 1200 new pieces of data daily that are related to current records on file (which includes file additions, corrections, modifications, deletions, and so forth and so on).

In addition, there is a mountain of information on spanking new entries submitted from Law Enforcement personnel around the Nation.

Although government officials won't specify the grounds for inclusion on the list, the powers-that-be underscore, a standard is applied.

"There must be reasonable suspicion," one gate-keeper noted for the record.

By the way, there is more than one way to skin a cat.

If any U.S. Citizen, permanent resident, or student suspects they are on the list - and likewise anxious to establish that fact - there individual make seek recourse.

People listed without provocation may submit a request through the Traveler Redress Inquiry Program website to enlighten them about their status..

Obviously, Americans are paranoid.

A TSC spokesperson noted that the vast majority of Americans who inquire usually aren't on the watch list.

But, after they launch a request, you can bet your sweet bipp they will be.

Just joking!

Touchy counsel at the Civil Liberties Union accuse the agency (TSC) of placing too many people under close scrutiny on flimsy grounds.

Critics also argue that the watch list puts the focus elsewhere and diverts manpower away from potential threats that are real and dangerous.

In response, the TSC doesn't mince words, when elucidating their thoughts on the terrorist terrain here and abroad.

"It helps combat terrorism, period."

http://www.julianayrs.com

Blackwater...involved in sneak raids in Afghanistan & Iraq! Denial! Denial! Denial!

CIA thick in intrigues!

On Thursday, the New York Times published a report on their website alleging that Blackwater security guards were actively involved in clandestine CIA raids in Afghanistan and Iraq.

A representative at the company - now professionally known in industry circles as Xe Services - stated for the record that Blackwater was never under contracct with the CIA or Special Forces in those worn-torn countries.

"Any allegation to the contrary would be false," Mark Corallo asserted in no uncertain terms on behalf of Xe Services.

The key words are "under contract".

It is quite possible that Blackwater security guards were enlisted on the sly on a crisis-by-crisis basis.

In fact, one news organization was quick to point out that the roles and responsibilities of security officers and special forces often became blurred (or shifted into higher gear) in the battlefield setting at a moment's notice out of necessity.

It is alleged that Blackwater security officers were drawn in by the powers-that-be to take advantage of their high-level skills and their familiarity with the "territory".

The CIA has remained mum to date on the issue.

Over the past year or so - I reported on a couple of  Blackwater incidents (currently under investigation) - which resulted in the deaths of innocent citizens in the streets of Iraq.

Post::  10/29/09

http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2009/10/blackwatercourt-hearing-for-trigger.html

Post:  10/24/07

http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2007/10/blackwatertrigger-happy-security-for.html


In view of the foregoing, it's obvious why  Blackwater owners changed their company name to Xe Services.

To distance themselves from their prior image - as cold-blooded mercenaries -  of course!

http://www.julianayrs.com

AFI Dallas...Jeremy Renner appears for screening of "Hurt Locker"; Director Kathryn Bigelow honored with Texas Star Award; Tattler stand on Iraq!

The "Hurt Locker" is a drama about an elite bomb squad playing a game of life and death in Iraq - which was set as a centerpiece film amid a dizzying array of offerings at AFI Dallas 2009.

According to AFI, a centerpiece film is one that "inspires conversation, sparks imagination, and encourages contemplation."

For some, the Mark Boals material may fit that bill.

In a nutshell, the war flick takes an intense peak into the dangerous world of elite soldiers who disarm bombs in the heat of combat.

Jeremy Renner, one of the stars of the "Hurt", noted for the record that the material is highly complex.

"The lean, good-looking actor subsequently added:

"You have to see it for yourself to figure what it is about."

Curiously, when I asked Renner about the meaning of "Hurt Locker", he was inclined to hand me off to the creative team down the red carpet heading our way.

But, he hazarded a guess, nonetheless.

"I thought it might be a body box or a latrine."

When the question was raised down the line, I was bounced back to Renner.

"That's a question for Jeremy."

When I relayed his initial response, it was suggested that perhaps he meant it in the sports vernacular.

No straightforward answer was forthcoming.

"It's obviously a bad thing."

Was the answer too explosive?

Perhaps, there wasn't one.

A title of a film is usually chosen to reflect or shed light on the heartbeat or underlying theme of a project.

It may even be a catch phrase.

The dilemma struck me as one that an art connoisseur might encounter when viewing an abstract painting.

By not providing a title, or explanation, the artist opens the door for the "observer" to "read into it."

Hence, a more profound meaning may end up being credited than originally intended.

The vague responses were terribly revealing so I moved on to a new line of questioning.

When I asked Renner his marital status, he noted that he had a girlfriend.

"Any plans to marry?"

"That's pushing it," a gruff handler without any manners (not an AFI employee) barked out.

Since fan appeal may rest in "availability", my question was not out-of-place or irrelevant or un-called-for under the circumstances.

A query about his wardrobe made the rough-around-the-edges rep bristle, too.

since I put together a best-dressed list each year, the info I was seeking was within my realm.

Fashion questions were off-putting to Kathryn Bigelow.

Bigelow, the director of Point Break, K-19, and Near Dark, hesitated before divulging the name of her designer.

Was the chic dark suit something she threw together herself, I probed further?

After almost biting her tongue, she quietly responded.

"Dolce Gabbana."

Not too shoddy, Kathryn!

As she strode off and I started to jot down the name on my pad, she half-turned and - ever-the-director - informed me that I did not have to write that info down.

"Yes, I do." I answered politely.

This triggered a reaction from her male escort.

"Do you really write for the Tattler?"

I smiled slightly.

"I am the Tattler."

At this juncture, he strode back towards me and asked if I was with the Tattler published in England.

"There is a Tattler in England and one based in America."

Asking me if I "really wrote for the Tattler" was such a silly question to ask!

Did he honestly think that AFI would allow an individual pass themselves off as someone they weren't on the red carpet?

The truth of the matter is that AFI makes every good-faith effort to court legitimate members of the press to ensure there is a ample, widespread professional coverage for the filmmakers and their projects, and events at the Festival.

Likewise, AFI ensure those appearing on the carpet are key-players, and professionals worthy of press coverage based on set industry standards.

For the former reason, I am giving "Hurt Locker" publicity for their project and their actors and reporting on the Texas Star Award bestowed upon Kathryn Bigelow for her contribution to film.

Personally, I don't intend to take in the film.

Since I am a peacemaker, opposed to War and Imperalist occupations of Foreign Nations, films such as "Hurt Locker" only fuel the fire and exalt the horrors of battle and conflict, in my estimation.

In the final analysis, my readers have to decide for themselves if "Hurt" is a film they'll spring a few bucks (and a couple of leisure hours) on.

To each his own.

Jeremy Renner

www..julianayrs.com

West Hollywood...African-American Postal Clerk's dumb quote of the day!

Anti-American protest in Iraq

As I plucked up my stamps at the post office on San Vicente in the heart of WeHo, I made an off-handed remark to the Afro-American clerk that I am Canadian.

I noted it was a plus - because in the eyes of most Nations - Canucks are considered pretty neutral in the scheme of things.

"They generally don't have to worry about being held hostage, or kidnapped, like Americans do," I said off-the-cuff.

She stood back and glared at me.

"You think Americans get held hostage or kidnapped?"

Whoa nellie.!

What rock has she been snoozing under?

I diplomatically pointed out that due to the situation in Iraq and Iran - and elsewhere in the Middle East - there was some animosity towards Americans. After all, many view the presence of troops in Iraq, as an Imperialist occupation.

My jaw literally dropped when she hit me with this zinger.

"What? They love Americans in Iraq," she insisted with the utmost sincerity.

Oh boy!

I wished her a nice day as I turned on my heel and dashed out the door.

Then, the doddering old fool dozed back to sleep at the counter.

Some folks don't have a clue.

Or is it just denial?

Einstein said it best:

"Two things are infinite: the universe & human stupidity; I'm not sure about the universe."

http://www.julianayrs.com

George Bush...shoed out of Iraq!

On Monday, the Arab online community was in an inspired mood - waxing poetically, penning commentaries with great flourishes of the pen, and even zealously signing up for a novel fan club on Facebook.

What was the impetus for all this sudden surge of ecstatic upbeat activity on the Internet?

A pair of shoes flung from the hands of an Iraqi journalist - Muntather Zaidi - targeted for President George W. Bush.

Mr. Bush was on a tour of Baghdad in a public area of the city when the 29-year-old Satellite TV correspondent chose to express his angst against the U.S. President in the surest quickest method possible.

Bush was quick on the uptake, though - and with one swift duck - managed to avoid the offending missiles.

Even though Zaidi missed the subject of his disdain, the frustrated writer is still being hailed by some as a hero overseas!

After all, hurling shoes at a world leader, is the worst possible insult in Iraq.

No doubt, additional kudos are chalked up if the individual on the intended receiving end, just happens to be a cowboy Texan about to get the boot on U.S. shores, too.

In fact, comments on Internet chat sites appear to support that point of view.

The famous shoes should be exhibited in a museum as they resembled a rocket that talks on behalf of all the people of Iraq, one blogger quipped.

Elsewhere, on Arab TV stations, the images of Zaidi engaged in the act of the dastardly crime, continued to repeat non-stop for hours after the incident.

Disc Jockeys at radio stations also got into the act.


Without a visual to refer to, they encouraged their audiences to "listen" to the sound of the shoe hitting the wall and missing the outgoing President of the U.S.

Smack!

A joyous sound to Iraqi ears, no doubt!

One critic worried that the outburst would have a negative impact on journalists in the future.

"We may be asked to take off our shoes when we are invited to press conferences," one disgruntled media person whined.

Well, toss your writing utensils, then.

After all - you know what they say - the pen is mightier than the sword!

In a bold-faced effort to avoid the stigma of the ultimate Iraqi insult, Bush was inclined to assert to the press later that the act was carried out by a demented man merely seeking attention.

Nothing more, nothing less.

Meanwhile, Secretary of State - Condoleezza Rice - seized the moment to meet her own political agenda.

"It's a sign of the freedom people feel in Iraq."

Next, Ms. Rice will be pulling rabbits out of hats, I expect.

Features & Shopping

http://www.julianayrs.com

Blackwater...5 security guards indicted after 17 Iraqis dead!

Late Thursday, prosecutors secured an indictment against 5 security guards (a 6th defendant is still negotiating a plea bargain) arising from a shooting which took place in Baghdad in September (2007) which left 17 Iraqis dead.

On the heels of that shocking incident, an anti-American battle cry went up around the country, and has not subsided as of yet.

Six guards have been under investigation since a squadron of armed Blackwater "private" contractors (Government issue!) open fire in a busy intersection .

Although the Blackwater employees alleged they were ambushed in the streets, witnesses testified that the shooting was unprovoked.

I reported on this incident in a post last fall.

Post: 10/24/2007

http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2007/10/blackwatertrigger-happy-security-for.html

The indictment was placed under seal until it could be made public.

Although the exact charges were not revealed, it is expected that the guards will surrender as early as Monday, to face the allegations.

George Bush...regrets Iraq intelligence data incorrect!

Now that the George Bush presidency has started to wind down, the feisty Texan has had the opportunity to reflect a little on his term in office, as he prepares to pack his saddle bags and mosey on back to the ranch.



In an interview with Charlie Gibson on ABC News, the oft-criticized political leader startled viewers around the country when he fessed up about one blunder in particular.



Iraq.



On the highly-rated night-time news show, Bush noted for the record - when asked about his legacy - that his biggest regret was getting the intelligence wrong in Iraq.



"I think I was unprepared for War," he admitted without shame.



Funny that.



In a conversation with a friend the other day, I pointed out that when Bush took office, he was dealt a bad hand.



If you recall, shortly after he took office, 9/ll - an terrorist attack unprecedented in U.S. History - fell in his lap out of the clear blue sky one day.



Bush was inclined to argue further.



"I didn't anticipate War. One of the things about the modern presidency is that the unexpected will happen."



In sum, Bush noted that he didn't campaign with the promise that if the American people voted for him he'd be able to handle an attack.



Fortunately.



John McCain sought votes on that premise and he lost the election!

George Bush...burned in effigy in Iraq! "Troops out now" cry protestors!

An effigy of George Bush - attired in a snappy business attire with briefcase in hand - twisted in the wind for hours before being dragged from its perch and set afire - as Iraq army snipers squatted atop rooftops on-the-ready to tackle any outbreaks of violence in the streets.

As far as the eye could see, thousands of Iraq citizens knelt in prayer, as clerics openly denounced a Status of Forces Agreement that parliament was preparing to vote on next week.

Although the terms of the agreement stipulated a withdrawal of U.S. forces by the end of next June (2009) and set a deadline for December 31 (2011) the anxious crowd was skeptical.

Some accused the government of not setting any withdrawal deadlines, while others quite blatantly expressed their opinion that even if the terms were specific, both the U.S. government and Iraqi officials could not be trusted to follow through on any signed agreement.

When asked when they'd like to see the U.S. troops take leave, a few vocal protestors were quite adamant in their responses.

"We want them to leave today."

On the practical side, hard-line loyalists assert that there would be less violence in the streets if the U.S. troops were to go home.

Some also pointed out that when the initial occupation began, Iraqi citizens did not anticipate (too naive, maybe?) that six years later there would be intermittent electricity, tainted sewage spilling into the city streets, and military checkpoints stalling thoroughfares and sparking sporadic bombings here and there about the city.

Although some allege they are not familiar with the terms mapped out in the pact, events in recent days signal that perhaps they'd prefer not to know.

After all, when Prime Minister Nouri attempted to read the pact on the Parliament floor, legislators loyal to the opposition were inclined to disrupt the proceedings which led to an open brawl in the chamber.

Maybe that was a calculated maneuver to stall the proceedings?

If a vote is not held early next week before a scheduled holiday, parliament may have trouble meeting the Dec. 31st deadline when the United Nations mandate governing the presence of the U.S. troops expires.

In essence, if the agreement isn't passed by then, American forces will have no legal basis for being in Iraq.

Political analysts are doubtful that the opposition can rustle up sufficient support to prevent the pact from eventually passing.

However, if it slides through with a slim margin, some argue that it could give the Mahdi Army militia an excuse for resuming attacks on the U.S. and Iraqi security forces.

From the sidelines, Iraqi citizens view the whole process with disdain.

"This is a normal consequence, more fighting," one student lamented.

Will the turmoil ever end?

All eyes are turned towards president-elect Barack Obama for the answer, in the final analysis.

Kabluey...Lisa Kudrow release an offbeat hilarious comedy. Five Theatre run starts Friday!

Well, it wasn't exactly a red carpet opening.

But, the outgoing film director - Scott Prendergast - was on hand nonetheless to trot the film's "Mascot" out into the street amid a bit of fanfare and shake hands with filmgoers who turned up for the sneak preview of "Kabluey".

In the line up for popcorn, a fellow next to me noted that movie web reviewers at "Rotten Tomatoes" gave it an 89.

"Were they ripe or rotten tomatoes," I laughingly teased.

Obviously the former, since one of the New York dailies gave the Indie film a resounding thumbs in recent days.

Understandably.

"Kabluey" is a charming unpretentious first offering from Prendergast.

In fact, I haven't openly laughed so raucously in a movie theatre since the premiere of "The Rocker" in Las Vegas last month.

The film is based on a true story about the director's brother who was shipped off to Iraq and a sister-in-law he gave a hand to during a trouble spot that reared its ugly head in their domestic life as the soldier was stationed overseas.

To add a dimension of drama - and a much-needed emotional undercurrent to the plot - Prendergast fabricated a fictional tryst between his distant sister-in-law (played by Lisa Kudrow) and her boss into the mix.

The testy relationship between two bratty young nephews and the easygoing - but off-the-wall uncle - slathers on some additional zing to the zesty comedy as well.

But, the film really takes off comically, when Salmon (played by Prendergast) takes on a part-time job for an Internet Company that is down-sizing.

In this side-splitting scenario, Prendergast's character is forced to don a cumbersome oversize "Blue Man" suit (without any facial features or vents to facilitate breathing) and stand by the highway with flyers in hand in a bold-faced effort to lease rental space in the half-empty business complex owned by the Corporate entity.

The sight gags are hilarious.

In one scene, for instance, a four-man work crew happens by - and after taking pity on the "Blue Man" - toss a brewskie his way to cool down his jets a bit.

But, there's a dilemma, of course.

The over-sized plush toy does not have distinct fingers, so Salmon has difficulty opening the can so that he may likewise guzzle down the thirst-quenching ale.

Suddenly - "out-of-the-blue" - his hand pokes through the "rear end" of the suit and he snatches up the can of beer from the pavement below.

The visual image literally jars the sensibilities!

A couple of fine performances by seasoned actors also create some side-splitting moments on the silver screen as well.

In the role of a butch stressed-out Manager, Conchata Ferrell carves out a delightful characterization which is right on the money. In fact, the moment the charismatic star saunters onto the screen, a spark ignites; at which point, Kabluey shifts into high gear.

Although Kudrow comes across as a bit mousy and washed out in this feature, the "look" is dead on in this instant case. Ultimately, the former "Friends" star turns in an understated performance that resonates with truth.

As for Prendergast in the main role - well, he's a hoot - alright!

His comedic timing is razor-sharp; his screen presence darn mesmerizing.

In an offbeat role, Teri Garr demonstrates a depth of acting ability only hinted at before.

Kabluey is not a great life-changing movie event; but, it will make you belly-laugh and stride out of the Theatre with a goofy grin on your face.

Worth the price of admission, fer sure!

Teri Garr