Neil Diamond...rock 'n roller or fluffy pop Icon?

A wave of indignation (and indigestion, too, I expect) sped at lightning speed around the Internet when it was revealed that - amidst a lot of pop pomp and musical circumstance - Rock & Roll aficionados nominated Neil Diamond for inclusion in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

On morning talk shows around the country at the crack-of-dawn, die-hard fans of Rock & Roll dialed in to radio stations to voice their disgust.

To most, two other potential inductees - LL Cool J and sexy front man Bon Jovi - were worthy of the hippest-of-hip honor.

But, Neil Diamond?

The Hall of Fame’s mission, according to a spokesman, is to recognize the contributions of those who have made a significant impact on the evolution, development and perpetuation of rock and roll.

The pop pap that Diamond spun out over the years failed to meet that criteria - in the estimation of music-lovers around the country - who quickly decried the quirky pick for hitting a sour note or two.

The uproar has matched the outrage a Nobel Peace Prize stirred up a few months ago when it was prematurely bestowed on President Barack Obama.

Is nothing sacred in this country, today?

Other 2011 nominees - that managed to pass passed muster with the gathering lynch mobs - included Alice Cooper, the Beastie Boys, Chic, Donovan, Dr. John, the J. Geils band, Darlene Love, Laura Nyro, Donna Summer, Joe Tex, Tom Waits and Chuck Willis.

The Hall of Fame is based in Cleveland and formally announces new inductees once the votes have been tabulated by a distinguished panel of judges plucked from the music industry.

In 2007, the Hall of Fame began inducting hip-hop acts such as Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five.

To be considered for the coveted honor, a Hall of Fame nominee is required to have released material at least 25 years ago.

Record sales are allegedly not important, but in the case of Neil Diamond, inquiring musical minds have to wonder.

Will Neil Diamond make the cut?

News at 11!

http://www.thetattler.biz/

Mark Wahlberg...perplexed by Star on Walk of Fame!

Just goes to show 'ya what a little bumping and grinding will do for a dude!

One minute, Marky Mark (Kids on the Block) was frenetically perking up his pecs with strenuous bouts of push-ups backstage before sauntering into the glare of the spotlight to entertain a frenzied hip-hop fan base - and in the next - found himself acting in big budget features rustling up Oscar nominations.

If you recall, Wahlberg was nominated for an Academy Award for his so-so acting performance in Martin Scorsese's drama "The Departed".

When it was announced a few days ago that the crotch-grabbing former Calvin Klein model was about to get some true Hollywood respect, he couldn't quite get a handle on it.

A case in point.

When the toothy actor/cum/toy-boy tease with the infectious grin and pecs to die for - was informed that he was being honored with a pristine star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame - he was literally speechless.

With family in tow, gun shy Wahlberg was inclined to turn the speech-making duties over to good pal and confidante - Will Ferrell - when he showed up to acknowledge the - um - kudo?

“I really felt like this was a big practical joke," Wahlberg mumbled, almost embarrassed by an  accollade that many equate with the pinnacle of success in their film or TV career.

The ballsy fun-loving comic had no qualms filling in for the Boogie Nights star.

“I’m flattered and honoured to speak on Mark’s behalf," he solemnly started off.

But, a second or two later, Will  shifted gears and engaged in a few hi-jinks to the delight of the throngs of fans who turned out to get a glimpse of the action-hero.

“I loved him in all the Bourne movies,” Ferrell  joked.

“Just the best.”

Some pooh-poohed Wahlberg's wimpy response to the plaudit - and shook their heads when the cocky producer of HBO's "Entourage" - failed to muster up a quip or two at the podium on that auspicious day.

The B-list actor explained it all away the following day in a bold-faced effort to regain favor with the Chamber of Commerce, all die-hard fans, and his fellow actors.

“The last time I prepared something was actually at the Academy Awards. I wrote a little speech, and obviously, I didn’t win that."

Didn't anyone inform him that he was the only one in-the-running for a star on the "Walk of Fame" in the name of Mark Wahlberg?

Duh!

The coveted place-holder on Hollywood Boulevard was yours for the taking, Marky Mark, no kidding!

http://www.julianayrs.com/

American Cinematheque...respected actor Samuel L. Jackson to be honored at tony Black Tie Affair!

Samuel L. Jackson will be honored on December 1st (2008) with the prestigious American Cinematheque Award at an elegant Black Tie soiree at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in tony Beverly Hills.

The coveted prize is presented annually to an extraordinary artist who has contributed significantly to the Art of Filmmaking.

Tickets for the glitzy much-anticipated festivities start at $500 a pop - a bit pricey for some - but I expect that the Hollywood elite will turn out in full force to hob-nob, sip on exotic cocktails, and pay tribute to a talented actor who has the respect of many inside-the-industry and out.

Proceeds from this annual tribute fund the year-round community film programs at the American Cinematheque, the non-profit viewer supported arts organization, that preserves the historic 1922 Egyptian Theatre on Hollywood Boulevard and the 1940 Aero Theatre on Montana Avenue in Santa Monica.

The American Cinematheque's public programming celebrates the art of moving pictures and all of its forms - from the classics - to the American Independents, the latest International Productions, Documentaries, Shorts, Animation, and Experimental projects.

Series are highlighted by screenings of rare works, special prints, and audience discussions with filmmakers.

In the final analysis, Cinematheque is dedicated to preserving the movie-going experience - including, but not limited to - ensuring films are screened on the silver screen as they were originally meant to be seen and heard by movie buffs.