Sonny & Cher...dolls @ BabyJane in West Hollywood!

 

If you're a doll collector - and especially if your collection focuses on celebrities - you may want to dash over to BABY JANE (a memorabilia shop stacked to the rafters with priceless goodies) at the French Market and snap up a set on display in the window (complete with original boxes and crafted in the image of a celebrated couple who once graced the little boob tube each week in an off-the-wall variety show).

You betcha!

Sonny & Cher are together once again (separated only by a bit of cardboad & plastic) in the display window of the popular destination spot.

Sonny & Cher (Doll Display)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cvnULsZf6N4

The quaint shop - where you can locate just about any piece of trivia or novelty item related to a celebrity you pine for - was previously situated near the back of the Market.

But, now - in a spacious new setting up front - film buffs and fans are able to take a gander at wall-size movie posters splashed across the expansive walls instead of having to roll them out on the floor from a bin at the counter for a look-see.

The owner use to be my landlord a few years go in Hollwyood.

Coincidentally, the tiny sidestreet in the hills where the building was situated, used to boast a turn-of-the-century home where Rudolph Valentino once resided. .

Ironic, that!

Valentino and I share the same birthday (May 6th).

One big difference between the famed heart thob and moi, though.

Rudy was a silent film star, while I'm a loud-mouthed superstar!

Stop by BABY JANE and check out all the delightful keepsakes on tap.

By the way, the name of the collectibles shop was coined from one of Charles' favorite films starring Bette Davis and Joan Crawford.

You got it.

What Ever Happened to Baby Jane!

Chalk Repertory Theatre uses strong-arm tactics & harassment to force press to use publicity materials & coerce good reviews!

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

Elizabeth Liang...uses strong-arm tactics & harassment to force press to use publicity materials & coerce good reviews!

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

AFI...announces 10 best films & TV programs of the year!

The American Film Institute (AFI) just announced the year’s most outstanding achievements in film and television.

For those who are not familiar with the AFI Awards, each year a select jury consisting of respected professionals in the creative field, single out film and television ensembles to be honored as a whole.

In essence, the tribute acknowledges the collaborative nature of film and television, and hands out kudos to artists both in front of and behind the camera.

The AFI AWARDS were selected this year by virtue of a unique 13-person jury process which included scholars, film artists, critics and AFI trustees.

During closed-door sessions, the discriminating team discussed, debated and determined the most outstanding achievements of the year.

In addition, the committee - rightly so - provided a detailed rationale for each selection.

Two AFI juries (one for motion pictures and another for television) convened in Los Angeles for two days of deliberations at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza Hotel.

The identity of the jurors remained confidential until yesterday, the day I received the news release from the office of publicist, John Wildman.

The creative ensembles for each of the selections will be honored at a luncheon sponsored by Hewlett-Packard on Friday, January 9 (2009) at the Four Seasons Hotel in Los Angeles (CA).

Start sweet-talking whoever you know at the AFI if you'd like to attend the prestigious affair; after all, the luncheon is by invitation only.

Hewlett-Packard, an AFI sponor, created scholarships for the AFI Conservatory in conjunction with their support of the AFI AWARDS.

The AFI Conservatory is world-renowned for its advanced training of the next generation of storytellers.

"AFI AWARDS honors the community of artists who come together each year to create films and television programs of excellence. They are not competitors at an event, but colleagues, in a world that needs art and entertainment more than ever," commented Bob Gazzale, AFI’s President and CEO.

The honorees listed in alphabetical order are:

AFI MOVIES OF THE YEAR / OFFICIAL SELECTIONS

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, The Dark Knight, Frost/Nixon, Frozen River, Gran Torino, Iron Man, Milk, Wall-E, Wendy and Lucy, and The Wrestler.

AFI TV PROGRAMS OF THE YEAR / OFFICIAL SELECTIONS

Breaking Bad, In Treatment, John Adams, Life, Lost, Mad Men, The Office, Recount, The Shield, and The Wire.

In the Motion Picture category, the jurors were Leonard Maltin (Entertainment Tonight), Jeanine Basinger (Wesleyan University), Mary Corey (USC), Mark Harris (author), Jim Hosney (AFI), Rick Jewell (USC), Elvis Mitchell (The Treatment), Danie Petrie, Jr. (writer/producer/director), Tom Pollock (producer/AFI Board of Trustees), Richard Schickel (Time), Vivian Sobchack (USC/AFI Trustee Emeritus, Anne Thompson (Variety), and Robert Towne (writer/director/producer).

The AFI Jury for Television included Richard Frank (AFI Trustee Emeritus), Neal Baer (writer/producer), John Caldwell (USC), and Jean Picker Firstenberg (AFI President Emerita).

Just a few short weeks ago, I attended the annual AFI Film Fest which was set amid the old world charm of the Roosevelt Hotel.

For press reports and reviews of films check archives: http://www.julianayrs.com/

AFI came into existence primarily due to the efforts of President Lyndon Johnson.

The politician signed legislation in the Rose Garden at the White House in 1965 - and with that mighty stroke of the pen - created the prestigious National Endowment for the Arts.

On that auspicious occasion, he noted for the record:

"We will create an American Film Institute that will bring together leading artists of the film industry, outstanding educators, and young men and women who wish to pursue this 20th century art form as their life's work."



AFI's original 22-member Board of Trustees included Chair Gregory Peck, Vice Chair Sidney Poitier, Francis Ford Coppola, Arthur Schlesinger, Jr., Jack Valenti and other representatives from the arts and academia.



Under the leadership of AFI's founding director George Stevens, Jr., the institute established a training program for filmmakers known as the Center for Advanced Film Studies, where the first class included Terrence Malick, David Lynch and Paul Schrader.

A repertory film exhibition program at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and the AFI Catalog of Feature Films - the definitive source for American film history - were also created in the first five years.

Today, AFI is not only a National Institute that provides leadership in screen education, but a respected one that celebrates excellence in the art of film, television and digital media.

Under the leadership of Jean Picker Firstenberg (2nd AFI Director) the institute's eight-acre Hollywood campus was purchased and the film training program grew into the renowned AFI Conservatory and accredited graduate school.

In essence, AFI trains the next generation of filmmakers, maintains America's film heritage through the AFI Catalog of Feature Films, and explores new digital technologies in entertainment and education through the AFI Digital Content Lab and K-12 Screen Education Center.

The AFI AWARDS honor outstanding motion pictures and television programs annually.

In addition, the AFI's 100 Years series, brought extraordinary renewed public interest in classic American movies.

Today, AFI's Life Achievement Award is the highest honor bestowed on an artist in film.

Honorees over the past 35 years have included John Ford, James Cagney, Orson Welles, Bette Davis, Billy Wilder, Sidney Poitier, Steven Spielberg, Martin Scorsese, Robert De Niro, Meryl Streep, George Lucas and Al Pacino.

In November 2007, the AFI Board named Bob Gazzale (a film historian and television producer) the institute's President and CEO.

The AFI has been major cultural force in this country for the past forty years.

Barack Obama...the irony of his candidacy. Old guard thwarts plans for change...

Just a regular American who likes to play ball!

I laughed-out-loud yesterday when I stumbled on a post by a blogger who whined that a nod to Hillary Clinton in the important role of "Secretary of State" amounted to a renege on the Obama promise for "change".

Contrary to his campaign platform, the president-elect appears to be turning to a tired old regime for candidates that voters were anxious to be rid of in the new administration, was the gist of the disgruntled supporter's plaintive wail.

In reflecting on the issue, I recalled another irony, too.

When Barack was tustling with his opponent on the campaign trail, there were times when voters accused Hillary of playing the race card.

The whole can of worms squirmed around the country ad nauseam for a few weeks - at which point - it was stressed way-back-when (by voters, republicans and democrats alike, and the media) that Barack was not a "Black" candidate!

No Sir.

Mr. Obama was just another hopeful from the Democrat camp with an eye on the big brass ring.

Funny, that!

When John McCain tossed the towel in - and conceded to Obama that dark and moody night - the press reported in a news flash (that ziz-zagged around the world in about two seconds flat) that the young upstart from places hither-to-unknown had become the 1st Black President of the United States.

Ah, they slipped, didn't they?

If the media outlets truly believed back in the summer of 2008 that Barack was not a black candidate, as alleged, they would have reported without hesitation on the eve of November 4th - that Obama had won the election to become the "44th President" of the United States - not the 1st Black President.

Yes, the whole political scam was just a lot of smoke and mirrors, wasn't it?

Undoubtedly, there are a few surprises yet to unfold in the future.

As Bette Davis's character once hissed in "All About Eve":

"Fasten your seat belts, it's going to a bumpy night!"