William Shatner...to host screening of "The Captains" @ Hollywood Forever Cemetery! Trekkies dress-up soiree!

The ghostly spirits of famed actors (Rudolph Valentino, Tyrone Power, and Douglas Fairbanks, Jr.) peer out from behind ornate headstones, and grand old shade trees whisper in a light breeze, as a peaceful calm prevails over the well-manicured grounds.

Of course, I am referring to - The Hollywood Forever Cemetery - the celebrated resting place for the famous (and infamous) who once danced across the boards or graced the silver screen in the golden age.

In recent years, the picturesque setting - replete with sweeping lawns and quaint meditation ponds dotted with water lillies - has become a special events venue that sell-outs weeks in advance to loyal fans of the prestigious fine arts.

On Monday July 25th, the trend continues, as Canadian actor William Shatner hosts a screening of the film:

"The Captains"
The flick stars Chris Pine, Patrick Stewart, Avery Brooks, Kate Mulgrew, Scott Bakula, and - of course - William Shatner.

The EPIX Pictures Entertainment Presentation follows Shatner as he seeks out each of the actors who have played Captains over the life of Star Trek.

I appeared in a cameo role as a crew member in a couple of scenes of one of the big-budget feature years ago - but, alas - do not meet the criteria.

Go figure!

Meanwhile, the organizers are dangling cool prizes to reward Star Trek fans who turn up in costume.

See 'ya there!

INFORMATION

http://www.epixhd.com/thecaptains

Happy Birthday...to George Clooney, Orson Welles, Rudolph Valentino, Sigmund Freud, Willie Mays & moi! It was predicted in the stars...

May 6th has always been an auspicious birthday for individuals seeking to stand out, be original, and achieve in their chosen fields of endeavour.

Today, as I celebrate the "anniversary" of my birth (along with that handsome devil-may-care actor George Clooney) I am inclined to reflect on the issue.

The "sexiest" man alive and I also share the honor with celebrated film director, Orson Welles; screen idol, Rudolph Valentino; Willie Mays, baseball great; and - last, but certainly not least - dream analyst, Sigmund Freud.


I was born just after midnight on the 6th.

As the story goes, my doting father called my Aunt Evelyn to inform her of the good news.

"Victor, it's the middle of the night. Are you mad? Call me in the morning," she whined just before hanging up the phone in his ear.

To some, a bouncing baby boy is not a bundle of joy, I suppose.

Years later, when my Aunt was inclined to boast that I was nearly born on her birthday - May 5th - I didn't have the heart to reveal that I was privy to her selfish response a few dusty decades prior.

When I scrambled out from under the covers bright and early this morning, I dashed to snatch up the morning paper; after all, a special forecast is cast for celebrants experiencing their birthday on the day of publication.

Here's what Holiday Mathis predicted for Georgie-boy and moi this year:

"You hit your stride this year and become powerful in a family or organization. July brings a surprise visitor. There will be a windfall in October (can't wait!). Libra and Leo admire you (better ask folks what their sign is pronto so I can manipulate the scenario!). Your lucky numbers are 3, 5, 39, 15, and 5."

Oops!

Ms. Mathis repeated 5 twice. Guess the science is not always exact due to human error, eh?

Actually, I studied astrology "many moons" ago.

When people complain that their daily horoscope is not always accurate, there is a sound reason for that, 'ya know?

The daily forecast is sketchy and based on general trends for the "sign" in question.

If a true "reading" is desired, then a chart would have to be mapped out based on the specific heavenly influences at play at the exact second, minute, and hour of the subject's "b"-day.

Years ago, when I sprang a few bucks for an in-depth analysis, the assessment was pretty right-on.

Even down to my "sexual" proclivities!

Some say, that astrology rings true because of one of Darwin's most thought-provoking theories:
"Whatever is born of a moment partakes of the nature of that moment."

To determine if the theory was correct, years ago CBC radio tested the theory, and later broadcast the startling results.

In particular, the study focused on individuals who were not related by family, but nonetheless, were born the exact moment under the same set of circumstances influencing the mid-heavens on a specific date.

After exhaustive investigations into the personal and professional lives of the subjects meeting the basic underlying set of criteria, the conclusions were unanimous.

Individuals born the exact moment in time - even though not related or falling under the classic sibling scenario - tended to live "parallel" lives.

Consequently, they were labeled "Time Twins".

To illustrate, consider these case histories that were held up to scrutiny by the scientists.

In one instance, two men born in the same hospital at the exact same second - to separate parents tended to not only live "parallel lives" - but were drawn to similar types of people, places, and things.

For example, two male babies were both named "John", for instance, in spite of the fact the families hadn't met and didn't know each other.

When the two young men reached adulthood - and married - they both got hitched to a pretty young lady by the name of "Mary".

Each had three children, ended up in management for a career, and drove a Volvo.

The study determined that the farther apart babies were born (at the exact second in time) the more pronounced the differences in their personal and professional lives.

Because the "John" individuals were born in the same hospital at the exact same time, their parallels were more astounding.

Two children born under the same set of circumstances in the mid-heaven at the exact moment in time - but brought into the world in hospitals sixty miles apart - might result in more dramatic differences.

In one shocking instance, two men were given the same Christian names, resided in similar semi-detached homes, married a woman with the same first and last name, and so forth and so on.

One day, each was travelling down the road toward each other on the highway, and crashed, and were the cause of each other's death!

Bizarre, eh?

According to the principles of Numerology, a subject must add all the digits of their birthdate to determine their basic personality traits and overall lot in life.

May 6th folks are 1's.

1's tend to have very distinct individual personalities, may be loners, and creative in nature.

Instinctively, such a person can rise up the ranks to become the head of an organization or a politician.

After all, 1's usually possess leadership ability.

But, one classic Taurus personality trait often threatens to undermine their success in life, unless kept in check.

Stubbornness!

Personally, I've turned that potentially-negative trait into a positive one by harnessing its obvious strengths into a "stick-to-it" aspect of my character, that drives me forward when the going gets tough.

Nope, Taureans are not quitters.

In fact, later in life, "bulls" usually end up luxuriating in the fruits of their labor.

When it comes to friends, individuals born under the sign are "solid" and may be relied on.

Watch out for Geminis, though.

They're flighty as he**, Dudes!

http://www.julianayrs.com

Oscars...red carpet coverage tastier than the main entree!

Last week, industry insiders were speculating that red carpet arrivals would be relatively low-key this year -and inclined to tone down the glitz and the glamour - because of the troubled economy.

The theory?

Since common folks around the country have been struggling to make ends meet, many thought it might be prudent for Hollywwood's elite to refrain from traipsing down the red carpet in a vulgar display of jewels and expensive couture gowns, while the rest of the country was hurting.

But, when the carpet was rolled out at the Kodak, and sleek limos purred up to the curb, it was obvious the celebration would be big and splashy.

At this juncture, the experts did an about-face.

"This is what people want to see. The glitz and glamour of Hollywood," chirped Randolph Duke, a fashionista reporting from the wings.

Personally, I found the red carpet coverage more entertaining than the main event.

Stars fluttered in front of the camera for a second or two, offered up a few insightful comments, then moved on.

The Oscar show needed more of that!

The overly-long boring telecast amounted to nothing but talk! talk! talk!

In spite of the fact producers tried to keep the names of presenters and performers under wraps, one anonymous insider revealed that actor - Robert Pattinson - would be doing the honors.

The Vampire heart-throb laughed when it was pointed out that he was the only one who got special advance warning.

"I don't know if that's a good thing or a bad thing," he chuckled in a sexy accent.

Mickey Rourke, who many were pulling for to win the little gold statutette (Wrestler), had a poignant moment or two.

"I'm happy to be invited back to the dance."

After the interviewer threw some comments his way about his wardrobe choices (last night he sauntered down the the carpet in a white dinner jacket with matching dress slacks and a flourish of black underneath) he insightfully noted that Rourke tended to do things his own way.

Quick on the uptake, Rourke quipped:

"You pay a price when you do things your way."

Valentino - the celebrated fashion designer who has dressed the great beauties of the world (in fact, over the years many Oscar-winners have dashed up to the podium in one of his delicious couture pieces which flatter the female form) - was also trotted out.

He is retired now, and looks a bit mumified, but still has irons in the fire.

As usual, there were many fashion disasters.

On a morning radio show, one woman joked that Myley Cyrus appeared to be wearing a tacky chandelier.

What grated on my nerves was that high-pitched squeaky speaking voice of hers.

She should be playing cartoon characters on Saturday morning kid shows.

Robert Downey Junior was calm and in control as his pretty wife stood by his side.

"Your wife produced your next movie, Sherlock Holmes," noted the entertainment host.

"How was that?"

"It has its fine points," he smirked.

Anne Hathaway looked stunning in an elegant gown which accented her lithe pretty figure.

"Are you wearing anything that is yours," the interviewer probed.

"I can't tell you," she giggled.

I didnt' see any VPL (Visible Panty Line) so I have to wonder if she ran the gauntlet sans panties.

Viola Davis, who played opposite Meryl Streep in "Doubt", was asked how it was working with the seasoned pro.

"I had to take stress tabs," she laughed.

She seemed to double-think that comment for a moment, then hastily added - "homeopathic" - as she spoke directly into the camera.

Queen Latifa was a fashion disaster!

She struck me as ceremonial barge floating down the carpet.

Mr. Duke was a tad critical of Melissa Tomei's - um - gown.

"It looks like a bunch of serviettes tacked on here and there," he snidely remarked.

"A napkin should be in your lap at the dinner table," he noted with an acid tongue.

Ouch!

There was odd moments, too.

When Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie (who looked stunning) stopped to chat with George Pedacio from ABC TV, Pitt gave the entertainment reporter strange furtive looks.

Surely, in view of the fact Brad is an actor, he is keenly aware that a thought transmits openly across the face.

In this instant case, I got the impression the studly star thought George was a silly goose!

Or, just maybe, George gazed too deeply into Pitt's baby blue eyes, and it was a turn off for the Oscar-nominated star?

By the way, did anyone see Jerry Lewis on the red carpet?

I understand that he was keeping a low profile (gee, I wonder why).

After he received the Jean Hersholt Award, he slunk back stage and wouldn't talk to reporters.

After his little stunt last night - not addressing the big "issue" that has been in the news of late - I am inclined to take the position that Mr. Lewis did not deserve the award.

Maybe that's why his appearance on stage was so awkward when he accepted the trinket.

Mr. Lewis was probably painfully aware of that!

Albert Schweitzer said it best:

"Humanitarianism consists in never sacrificing a human being to a purpose."

http://www.julianayrs.com

WordPress...violates bloggers' rights, engages in conspiracies, and breaks State & Federal Statutes! A menace to Internet...

When "All About Eve" first flickered up on the big screen decades ago, the back-stabbing high-stakes world of show business - and the theatre, in particular - became known to stage buffs near and far as a treacherous haven for bruised egos, badly-behaving Divas, and unscrupulous gold-digging glory hogs grasping for the brass ring in Hollywood.

Well, they surely lurk in the shadows at the Chalk Repertory Theatre company in my experience, at-the-ready to bite the hand that feeds 'em, and try their hand at playing Brutus!

Oh, what a classless troupe of nasty bast**ds!

For example, a few weeks ago I penned a couple of upbeat posts for the Hollywood Forever Cemetery to promote theatrical events at the staid Hollywood memorial park.

Shortly thereafter, one of the managers in charge of the resting place for a handful of Hollywood notables - Tyrone Power and Rudolph Valentino, for instance - zipped off a press release to notify me that a space renovated on the grounds - the Masonic Lodge - was going to house a new troupe to be henceforth known as the Chalk Repertory Theatre Company.

I was invited to attend a launch party where the "founding mothers" proceeded to gleefully toast guests and announce their first production of the season.

The staging of 3 Sisters by Anton Chekhov was going to be a unique theatrical experience, they promised!

Since I am always interested in promoting local Theatre Groups, Movie Houses down-on-their-luck, and other community-related events that warrant good press, I penned a beautiful post to help their project along and bring it to the attention of my readers.

When I attended the premiere, however, I was disappointed.

In fact, the production was so amateurish, that I was inclined to be kind and forgo on writing a review.

Then, something odd occurred.

Out-of-the-blue, a woman by the name of Elizabeth Liang contacted me by e-mail, made some wild allegations, and then proceeded to demand that I make edits to my promo post (which I found not only inappropriate, but unethical, and downright annoying).

In response, I politely informed the hair-brained twit, that I was not in the habit of handing the reins of editorial control over to any third party and rejected her menacing overtures.

At this point, the woman went off-the-handle and made a series of threats, so I blocked all future incoming e-mail communications.

In retrospect it appears that she was in "league" with the Chalk Repertory Theatre troupe who were not happy with the promo post because I did not facilitate the use of publicity materials provided by their PR person.

Tough ti**y.

Once it was evident that I would not budge, Ms. Liang and actors at the Chalk Rep troupe hatched up a twisted plot to undermine the blog post, force their will - and ultimately - try to damage my name and reputation with third parties.

On the premise that I was utilizing materials I was not entitled to for 3 Sisters, Liang and her red-neck ruffians, contacted Wordpress and made a number of false and misleading statements to turn the blog spot against me.

Unfortunately, the gentleman they contacted (Mark, who preferred not to provide a last name) didn't have much of an IQ and was unfamiliar with State & Federal Laws pertaining to the matters at issue.

Subsequently, he lamely jumped into the fray without checking the facts and proceeded to Violate my Rights and engage in wrongful illegal conduct, all to my damage.

In response, I zipped off an e-mail citing applicable laws (and arguments in support), and chastised him for engaging in such reprehensible irresponsible conduct that was in Violation of my rights.

At this juncture, "Mark" made some bald-faced claims - which sounded preposterous to me - and actually tried to throw the blame on an agency he claimed was basically above-the-law that he was bound to legally kow-tow to.

Needless to say, he whined in his e-mail that unless he took action he'd have to face liability.

Ha!

Within twenty-four hours, by virtue of his own conflicting statements and actions - and bolstered by incriminating evidence that was piling up the minute in my corner - I managed to establish that the silly moron misrepresented the facts and engaged in deceitful and dishonest conduct - and a nasty cover-up - to avoid blame for his wrongful illegal conduct at Wordpress.

I also pointed out for the record, that if what he said were true, I would have to take appropriate legal action to correct the obvious wrong.

After all, if something is broke - an intelligent individual doesn't ignore the problem - they try to fix it.

Of course, shrinking violets like Mark - without any ba**s to speak of - would prefer to just wimp out!

Notwithstanding the aforementioned, it was also obvious to me when the WordPress employee failed to provide vital information I requested that I was legally entitled to, that he was handing me a heapload of bullsh**.

Also, Mark openly and actively engaged in an ongoing conspiracy when he contacted the troupe at Chalk Repertory Theatre behind my back, and thereafter, secretly proceeded to do their bidding.

Once I put two and two together - and came up with skulduggery - I sent an e mail to Ms. Liang and advised her in no uncertain terms that if she continued to slander, libel, or defame me, I would sue for damages.

I also enlightened her to another serious reality.

Her conduct over the stretch of a few days amounted to threats and harassment; in view of this, I vowed to Ms. Liang that if she did not cease and desist, I would file a criminal complaint against her with Law Enforcement.

Then, something curious happened.

I began to receive a series of annoying anonymous e-mails as unknown individuals engaged in rapid-fire attempts to publish posts on my blog site in support of Liang and the theatre company.

From the nature of the content, it was obvious to any fool, who put the scurrilous individuals up to their outrageous disturbing conduct.

But, one message was the tip off.

In that communication, I was informed (again by an anonymous coward) that as long as there were good reviews of the production, no one would mind my use of the material originally objected to.

A-ha!

They were trying to coerce me into penning a glowing review!

I expect the evidence in my possession (saved for future reference) is sufficient to bring a criminal action against the parties on charges of coercion, implied threats, and attempted extortion.

After all, I do not respond well to threats, harassment, and intimidation tactics.

Needless to say, in view of the circumstances, I penned a review.

I don't expect it was the one Chalk Repertory Theatre was pining for, though!

Obviously, when you consider a comment an anonymous scoundrel tried to publish the afternoon the stinko run-down of their production was posted on my blog.

"You're a meanie," they lamented.

Ah, the Chalk Rep Theatre troupe and Ms. Liang don't know the half of it.

They fu**ed with the wrong person!

In view of what transpired over the past few days with demented Chalk Rep Theatre actors - and the diabolical Ms. Liang - I am inclined to refer to the production with a title that is more apropros under the circumstances.

3 C**ts, for instance.

To paraphrase a line from the musical Chicago:

"They had it coming."

http://www.julianayrs.com