Clint Eastwood...Spirit Award! "Yojimbo" screens at Castro Theatre, San Francisco, Jan 4th, 7 pm

Another year passes, and I reflect on one of the industry highlights.

Clint Eastwood was awarded the "Spirit of Independence Award" by his peers.

The "Spirit of Independence Award" was created in 2005 to honor an artist's commitment to their artistic independence in film.

It's hard to believe that squinty-eyed Clint has been in front of the camera for fifty years, at last count. The little Golden Statuettes are no stranger to him, either; of course, he is a two-time Oscar-winner (do you recall what films he won them for?) and three-time Golden Globe award-winner, as well.

Previous winners of the "Independence Award" have been talented man's man George Clooney and charismatic Charlize Theron.

Eastwood received his coveted honor at a private ceremony on June 28th, 2007.

My favorite Eastwood offerings are undoubtedly those in the "Fistful of Dollars" film series (director, anyone?) commonly-known as the "The Dollar(s)Trilogy".

The character the gruff macho leading man expertly played was known to filmgoers as "The Man with No Name".

One critic noted that "Fistful of Dollars" was basically homage to celebrated Foreign Film Director Akira Kurosawa; after all, "Fist" followed Kurosawa's - "Yojimbo" - almost scene-for-scene.

The plot of "Yojimbo" is the tale of a Samurai who comes to a town torn by two gangs of fighters. The wise loner cleverly plays the rivals off against each other, helps a family to escape, and in the end finishes off pretty much the whole town and leaves with all the money.

Replace a Samurai with a gunslinger, and the Japanese village with a small western town, and you have "A Fistful of Dollars".

Also borrowed were Kurosawa-style sets, the quiet confidence of the lead character (the deadly "man with no name"), the innovative use of music to uniquely replace dialogue - and, last but not least - Kurosawa's slow motion photography.

Previously, a handful of Italian westerns were produced, but most were along-the-lines of the old-style Hollywood Westerns, turned out by the major studios for decades.

After "A Fistful of Dollars" was released, however, rapid-fire copy-cat productions of the new "spaghetti-westerns" were turned out by many reputable directors, usually musically-scored by either Ennio Morricone or Bruno Nicolai - of "Fist" fame.

Who could forget the haunting theme song of the first box-office hit?

I was lucky to have been on a movie set a couple of times when Eastwood was directing. The man is fairly low-key - an actor's director - for sure.

His cast is given a lot of free rein to explore their roles; occasionally, he'll step in to give a couple of pointers, true - but generally he's prone to let the "characters" find their own way.

Eastwood has no ego about his own on-camera work as an actor.

Generally, when it's the director's turn to emote, he steps shyly in front of the camera - almost embarrassed - does one take, then - in that distinctive voice of his - rasps, "let's move on".

He's a gentleman, too.

Curiously, as I was drafting this post, I happened to notice in the daily newspaper that the Castro Theatre, in San Francisco, is screening three of Kurosawa's films tonight, Friday January 4th - "Yojimbo", among them at 7 p.m.

I plan to take it in, how 'bout you?

With thanks to fistful-of-leone.com

Homo...outdated "derogatory term"; parental influence?

Male eroticism in Brokeback Mountain

I was riding the Metro the other day when I heard a kid about twelve years old yell out to his friend, "homo!".

Gee, I haven't heard that term anywhere for years. Usually, when school children ride the local public transport, they snicker to friends, "he's gay".

So, it begs the question.

Where did the pimply-faced teen pick up the out-dated sexually-oriented terminology? From his parents, I surmise.

Of course, a "homo" is what you called a person of "same-sex" persuasion (some would label it "perversion") years ago. But a handful of folks got lazy - I guess - and short-formed homosexual to "homo" (it is a long word, you have to admit).

For those who were prone to slur the "s" (you know what that inferred) it was the perfect substitute.

Today, when one notes someone is "gay", it tends to suggest in a casual way what an individual's sexual leanings are. After all, the term "gay" sounds innocent - casual, less threatening - and washes away negative connotations.

In the old days, rough-necks (there's an old slang-term, too) called guys "queer"; the suggestion being, of course, that the practice of "homo" connecting was "strange", "odd", defying the laws of nature - whatever!

Curiously, it is a known fact the homosexuality (gayness) has been around for centuries; so, it makes one wonder - how did this queer idea come into our language in the modern day?

A few decades ago, guys who were "that way" inclined were said to be "light in their heels" - er - "loafers". And, in Hollywood circles, "musical" was the code word for an actor who might go down on another actor, engage in a little hanky-panky, and so forth and so on.

But, fag, well - that was most certainly a derogative term - for sure!

There is some etiquette afoot that says that only a fag may call a fag a fag. It's sort of like the "n" word; only those who are members of the "club" are permitted to use it, and it is sort-of accepted among the folks within its perimeters.

They've got some nasty words for gay women, too - dyke, for example.

But gay women - I mean, Lesbos - are so clever.

Instead of stewing in the athletic department over the name-calling, they leapt into action, and formed a motorcycle club.

On the heels of crowning their sorority on wheels - "Dykes on Bikes" - they proceeded to proudly roar through town in an annual parade, raise their fists to the madding crowds, and essentially taunt them with ***k you! - their National Anthem!

Yeah, it's no fun screwin' around with 'em.

But, gay folks have a few choice labels for straight folks that are inclined to sort-of rub salt in the wound, too - like, breeder! Disgustin', eh?

Whoa, Nellie!

Generally, these slang expressions are meant to hurt, are used in moments of anger, and intended to insult.

Pity, they're not used for the opposite - to teach, and make peace, and enlighten.

Suddenly, I recall an old childhood tune we'd sing around the school-yard.

"Sticks and stones may break my bones, but names will never hurt me."

Maybe more so, today, than in the dark queer days of our youth.

Dykes on Bikes

Iowa Caucus...last impressions, Presidential Candidates 08!

Mitt Romney...Handsome is as Handsome does!

Well, last night the campaign trucks all pulled into Iowa, and all candidates stood up before the locals - and the media - to make their last bids for the Presidency.

Except, for one!

The Huckabee hopeful made a classic boo-boo on two counts. Instead of groveling with candidates in the "heartland", he chose to elevate himself above the others, by flying to Burbank, California, to appear on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno.

The poor man failed to check his facts, and subsequently, ended up with egg on his face. You see, in order to make the fateful appearance, he was forced to cross a picket line - after all, the writer's strike is still grinding on.

Huckabee tried to beg off with the flimsy excuse he hadn't been properly informed of the specifics; nonetheless, few gave him any wiggle room...today many were shaking their heads and calling the republican candidate a "scab".

On a second count, he erred too.

His reason for appearing on the Tonight show? According to Huckabee, a friendly chat with Leno was a golden opportunity to reach out to thousands of Americans across the great Nation, instead of a paltry handful of voters in Iowa proper.

Big mistake!

If Mr. Huckabee doesn't know the value of a warm handshake - or the potential of one-on-one personal contact with the voter - then he'd be wise to pack it in...the man is out of his depth, surely!

But, the Obama handlers made mistakes, too. At one point, the campaigners propped the political-savvy candidate up on a makeshift "soap box" - which stressed one point - he may be short on something!

Symbolically, the image gave the impression Obama is trying to play with the big boys. We'll know tomorrow, if he can.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, Obama's speech lacked oompf, too.

At times, the well-educated Senator stumbled over words - grasped for the appropriate turn of phrase - so, insightful viewers were inclined to whisper on the sidelines - "Was he smoking doobies in the green room?"

If it wasn't obvious before - it sure is now - Mr. Obama may find it difficult to walk in Martin Luther Kings' shoes. In spite of fact the Obama team has hinted that their candidate is capable of picking up where the honored leader left off - at this point - it appears doubtful. His take on the "I had a Dream" speech, fell flat.

In sum, Obama appeared tired and weak, and in need of a good shot in the arm.

Mitt Romney's moment in the sun was kind-of-like a fireside chat. Except, it failed to meet it's potential impact. Maybe someone should have passed on a memo to props to include a cracklin' fire in the background as he made his pitch on American values. The setting was spare, after all.

Mitt is an honest straightforward man, but - handsome is as handsome does, right?

Hillary's speech was also low-key...about as soft in focus as those lenses which recently shot footage of her two-minute promo this past week, designed to touch the undecided voter. Instead of attacking her opponents last night, she took pot shots at Bush instead. Ho Hum.

Hillary getting image tips from Madonna?


She appeared for all-the-world, like she was at a coffee klatch...about to hand out her latest recipe, give sewing tips, or instructions on joga.

In sum, John Edwards stole the thunder last night. After all, his speech was forceful and dynamic - eloquent at times - and oftentimes reminded the voters of a young JFK or Robert Kennedy.

The lasting impression?

John Edwards is definitely Presidential material.

In essence, he left others in the dust, in my estimation

Presidential Candidates...guilty pleasures revealed, eve before Iowa Caucus!

Hillary may have to join the Boys Club



Well, I suppose before a candidate gets firmly ensconced in the White House, it wouldn't be a bad idea to get familiar with his or her peccadilloes, if any.

In a sort-of ice breaker, the Presidential Candidates were asked on the eve before the Iowa Caucus, what their guilty pleasures were.

If you recall, for JFK, it was a - um - statuesque blond, smuggled into the White House in a trunk of a car.

Nixon? Well, allegedly, he salivated over cold hard cash in hand.

Ronnie Reagan loved jelly beans.

So, when Mitt Romney noted his sweet tooth for M & M candies - and a short list of other tasty finger treats - it was obvious - the man has Presidential traits.

As to Mrs. Clinton? Well, slick Willy's better half has learned quite a bit in recent weeks, judging by the way she answered.

When asked what her guilty pleasure was, I half expected her to quip in her own inimitable style - "Diamonds or Pearls, either". Instead, she quickly responded with her answer, "Chocolate". And, when queried further about the specific kind, she was fast on the uptake once again, "Dark Chocolate".

Yes, wily Hilly wasn't going to fall into that trap again - get caught sitting on the fence, trying to garner approval in every quarter - and hence - run the risk of coming across as the clever, but wishy-washy gal, we'd all come to love and chastise.

You rose to the occasion well, Mrs. Bill.

For Rudy, the indulgence amounted to a toss up between an expensive cigar or chocolate. Either one would suffice, in a pinch.

Another candidate also indicated his yearnings for a big fat cigar, usually one of questionable origins. I haven't given his name 'cause I'd hate to see him lose the election bid over a Cuban missile crisis, of sorts!

Surprisingly, Barack Obama was not inclined to put things in his mouth when it came to guilty pleasures...no sir, he confidently noted for the record that his addiction was to - Sports Centre. So, Dudes, if you're pining for a PREZ you can watch a game with, and chortle alongside of with a keg of beer to dip into, Obama is your man!

Judging by his trim physique, it was evident to me from the get-go that Presidential Candidate John Edwards was not into fattening snacks...he confirmed the fact, when he noted that he was inclined to indulge a little, by sleeping in!

There's a man after my own heart. There's nothin' finer (except for Carolina) than a late snooze, in a luxury hotel, with excellent room service.

Yeah, I'm inclined to just lay back on a pile of plush pillows, peruse the morning dailies, and channel surf for a couple of hours, before I face the day.

After tonight, John Edwards may be doing the same, who knows?

San Francisco...romantic's heaven! Chinatown, Top of the Mark, cable cars...

The last time I flew into San Francisco, the memories flooded in; after all, it was not my first trip to the Bay area.

In the early seventies, a group of Vancouver (B.C.) artists - myself included - were invited to exhibit paintings at the annual San Francisco Arts Festival.

So, I made my first trek to Frisco, when the liberated seventies were in joyous full swing.

On the evening of the unveiling, I was strolling idly through the displays of the colorful textured works of art, when I struck up a conversation with an elegant man in a business suit who was taking a quick gander at the paintings while he was on an intermission break from a celebrated Opera being staged next door.

When I let it slip I'd never attended a lavish stage production like the one underway at the Opera House - he urged me to return to the theatre with him to take in the closing act of the sold-out musical extravaganza.



"But, I don't have a ticket," I lamented.


That little hitch didn't deter the charming fellow one bit.

Here, take my program and my opera glasses. Walk in with me at curtain call, and they'll assume you were already a guest at the performance, out on a smoke break."


So, off we dashed, at the ready to launch our little scheme.

Shameful, I didn't feel guilty at all about trying to pull off the charade.

Besides, it was also an opportunity to test my acting skills.

When we approached the elaborate doors of the Opera House (my heart pounding madly in my chest) the usher gave a curt little nod - and we strode in confidently, he - none the wiser.

Ah, we slipped through with flying colors!

Joan Sutherland was magnificent, and her remarkable performance will be indelibly etched on my mind forever, along with other fond memories.

I'll wistfully recall the quaint old Victorian walk-up on California Street, for instance, where I bunked with good buddies on that occasion.

And, a romance which sprang up out-of-the-blue as I rode a noisy cable car up Nob Hill by the seat of my pants - was particularly memorable.

Shortly after catching the eye of a beautiful stranger that balmy evening, I embarked on a clandestine love affair, that would last three adventurous years.

As I jaunted around the city over the next few weeks, there was much to report on - the grandeur of Grace Cathedral, the peaceful Noe Valley in the shadow of the Maiden's Breast, intriguing Chinatown, and a smattering of other romantic out-of-the-way sights sprinkled about here and there in a city brimming chock full of history.


I half expected Mary Ann or Michael - Mrs.Madrigal, even - to saunter by on a quiet side-street, as I was swept up into the rhythm of the magical city.

After all, the Armistead Maupin characters (Tales of the City) are so vividly etched in my mind.

But now, I have a few of my own exciting tales to weave!


No wonder.

As I gobbled down the last morsel of tasty cuisine at a scrumptious Chinese dinner on Washington Street, my fortune cookie promised there would be romance and intriguing scenarios on the horizon.


William Saroyan's thoughts on the subject were well-taken.

"No city invites the heart to come to life as San Francisco does."



Old World charm of the Palace of Fine Arts,,,

Barack Obama...wins Iowa caucus, if!

Political pundits are betting that if there is a large turn-out of independent cross-over voters and Republican turncoats at the Iowa caucus this week, that Barack Obama will surge ahead to win the coveted spot sought by all the candidates.

Likewise, if Hillary manages to manipulate a large show of Democrats in strong numbers, she may garner a win by about two percent of all available votes.

Meanwhile, competing candidates continue to give pep talks up 'til the final hour, with the specific aim of snatching up a fistful of valuable, undecided ballots.

Huckabee's been waxing passionately about family values, for instance.

John Edwards, on the other hand, continues to scorn Corporate greed - in spite of the fact critics argue that Iowans' care less about the issue - than voters in other key states around the Nation.

Well, I plan to snap up a bunch of snacks, and quench-thirsting sodas, then - hanker down for the big count in front of the TV - mid-week.

Once the carcasses are accounted for, the truth shall be known.

May the best man - or woman - win, eh?

The Law...State changes in effect, midnight 2008!

California Law...no smoking with child under 18 in vehicle


At the stroke of twelve on New Year's eve, a number of new Laws came into effect around the Nation.

For the most part, the new statutes appear to be sensible.

In New York, there was a big win for travellers...any passenger left stranded for over three hours due to delayed or cancelled flights, must be given food and drink, under the new Law that focuses on passenger rights.

In Chicago, consumers will be taxed five cents on every bottle of water, in a bold-faced effort to penalize distributors, and protect the environment from plastic products.

In California, drivers and passengers are no longer permitted to smoke in a car that is moving or standing in traffic, if there is a child under 18 in the vehicle.

In an effort to curb the dangers of wild pets - often abandoned after they've managed to escape from their handlers - Florida has passed a law that requires exotic pets to be imbedded with a computer chip so the owners may be properly identified and located when the animals get loose.

In New Hampshire, Civil Unions were approved; the State is now among a handful that permit same-sex marriage, much to the dismay of Bible thumpers (the Pope, too).

In a State where rowdy, much-publicized celebrity arrests have come to the fore in recent years, a new law requires that the news media - and others - pay for copies of mug shots ($100 a pop) through normal channels...also, the statute makes "bribes" for private and confidential information in respect to arrest specifics obtained from law enforcement - or others - a crime.

Since each state passed a number of new laws - in effect as of 2008 - it may be wise to check the local newspapers and nightly news broadcasts daily for the first week or so of the new year...to become familiarized with the changes.

Saying you didn't know about "new laws" probably won't get you off the hook.

As the saying goes, "Ignorance of the Law is no excuse."

Curb your wolf!