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Thursday, October 29, 2009

Fright Night (80's style)...October 30th @ New Beverly Cinema! Fade To Black & Teen Wolf the rage...





Fans of 80's classic features from the Horror Genre wll be zipping off to the New Beverly Cinema tonight (October 30th) - outfitted in wildly inventive scary off-beat costumes, no doubt - to catch nostalgic perennial favorites like "Once Bitten" (Jim Carrey), Fade to Black, and Teen Wolf  which stars Michael  J. Fox (a fellow Canadian performer who I am always rooting for on the sidelines).

With the economy cutting into the budgets of Americans across the country, a night of festive care-free  partying with exotic cocktails in hand, appears to be out of the question for quite a few folks these days.

For good reason, a night of rollicking fun and brain dead bill-of-fare, are the only hooks The Theatre needed to drum up an entusiastic packed house.

But, get this, Friday's fright-night is just a teaser.

On the 31st of October - the official Halloween & Costume go bump-in-the-night celebration - film buffs will be chomping at the bit to be a part of the "Demons" screenings.



"Night of the Demons" will feature Demons (I) and Demons II reel-to-reel at a blow-out mini-fright-fest that just might blast your socks off, dude.

If you can't take the gore and scary horrifying imagery, then trot on down the street at midnight to "Insomnia Cinema" (Regency @ Fairfax)  to catch their stirring offerings, eh?

Although Dr. Horrible's 2nd Annual Charity Screening appears to be sold out on Halloween Night, management has noted that in the event of a no-show or two, ushers may be able to squeeze 'ya in.

So take your chances & show up at the door, if you dare!

 Info: http://www.whedonopolis.com/

See 'ya there!





American Ballet Theatre...Giselle! The Haunting romance where love never dies (Nov. 3rd - Nov. 8th)...







A troupe of unrivaled superstar dancers will be gliding into Southern California on gossamer wings, no doubt, and alighting on stage to mesmorize dance buffs at the Orange County Performing Arts Center.

According to the New York Times:

"To see the American Ballet Theatre at its best is to see it in Giselle."

The American Ballet Theatre is based in New York City and is considered to be one of the finest ballet companies ever to set foot on the stage in the 20th Century.

The company is particularly well-known for three mainstays (levels) within the company ranks:

*The corps de ballet
*The soloists
* The principals

The company was founded in 1937 and received widespread acclaim originally as the Mordkin Ballet.

In 1940, the company changed its name to the Ballet Theatre - then a dozen or so years later - to the American Ballet Theatre (1956).

The celebrated company, with a dedicated fan base, performs regularly at the Metropolitan Opera House in New York City at the much-lauded Lincoln Center.

ABT was bestowed with the great honor of being the first American-based Ballet company to be invited to the Soviet Union to perform where they were received with open arms and glowing tributes.

Kevin McKenzie directed this stellar Orange County production which features the Pacific Symphony.

During the course of the run, locals will have a golden opportunity to take in dazzling live performances by their favorite American Ballet Stars.


Dancers

Performance Dates

November 3 
Julie  Kent, Jose Manuel Carreño, Veronica Part

November  4 & 7  (Evening)
Poloma Herrera, Marcelo Gomes, Michele Wiles

November 5
Julie Kent, Jose Manel Carreño

November 6
Xiomara Reyes, Herman Cornejo

November 7 (Matinee)
mat Riccetto, Hallberg, Murphy, Saveliev

November 8 (Matinee)
Irina Dvorovenko, Maxim Beloserkovsky, Julie Part,

Casting is subject to change.





 

Blackwater...court hearing for trigger-happy defense contractor closed! Intrigues and top secrets...





If you recall, last year Blackwater (an outfit that was contracted to handle security on behalf of the U.S. Government overseas in Iraq & elsewhere) employees were accused of engaging in inappropiate open fire in the streets of Iraq (without provocation) which resulted in the death of several innocent pedestrians.

I reported on the incident.

Post:  10/24/07

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

Although the wheels of justice initially turned slowly in respect to the prosecution of the Blackwater employees responsible for the unfortunate incident, a preliminary hearing was finally placed on calendar in recent days.

However, keen observers on the sidelines - and the press in particular - are crying foul because Judge Ricardo Urbina -  who is presiding over the case-  has chosen to conduct the proceedings behind closed doors at the courthouse.

In defense of the decision to conduct the hearings out of the glare of the searing spotlight, Urbina has argued that an intrusive media machine (at this early stage of the probe) would negatively impact witnesses and potential jurors - and subsequently - the defendants' right to a fair trial on the legal issues ripe for adjudication.

Some assert that the Judge's actions are extreme and unjustifiable and - in sum - are in conflict with the Supreme Court's stand that courtrooms be open (and the proceedings, thus, transparent) in the absence of extraordinary circumstances which warrant closed-door sessions.

The court is seeking to determine if government prosecutors  illegally citied defendant statements which were supposed to be remain confidential because they were utttered under the promise of immunity.

Although, Justices in the Supreme Court (Warren Berger, for instance) have dictated ways to minimize the effect of potentially-damaging publicity during the course of a sensational high-profile trial such as the Blackwater proceeding, lawyers appear to favor a "no access" route as a precaution to prevent any muddying of a potential jury pool.

On the other side of the gallery, lawyers stress that a fair trial can be had without the need for hearings of a questionable clandestine nature, provided the court takes extreme care and exercises proper discretion.

"The Judge has the option to close sessions that may be potentially sensitive," one argued, "with the provisio that transcripts will be released later."

Also, potential jurors may be screened, to ensure that those with fixed opinions (and a jaundiced view) are weeded out.

Blanket secrecy, to most - os not only Un-American - but flies in the face of the true pursuit of Justice.

Frankly, I am of the opinion that the decision to go "private" may be rooted in more scurrilous soil.

Because Blackwater guards were in the employ of the government, in essence, I surmise that there will be a deceitful effort behind closed doors to seek a dismissal of the charges on the grounds that the defendants were on a top secret mission and merely carrying out their assignment when the innocent victims sauntered into the fray by chance.

Unless the statements (allegedly protected by a grant of immunity) reveal a shocking disregard for procedure and/or a cavalier devil-may-care attitude about collateral damage and the casualities of war, the Blackwater defendants may end up in the clear.

Shutter the thought!



Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Neil Young...The Trunk Show screens at Mann amidst great fanfare! November 4th...




There was a surprise musical treat in my mailbox tonight from the publicity department at AFI when I logged in for messages.

In addition to a press notice about the much anticipated Neil Young documentary screening next week (November 4th) at Mann's Chinese Theatre, there was a link to a dynamite website brimming with sensory overload and a precious clip of the celebrated performer at the height of his musical game.

To take a delicious peak surf to the following link:

http://www.trunkshowmovie.com/

A fan of Young for many moons, I plan to catch the Jonathan Demme doc which critics claim captures the multi-talented artist's musical and spiritual soul.

A tall order to fill, indeed!

A bevy of tantalizing insightful images include those of Young on a stage full of personal icons: alone in the center of a circle of his beloved acoustic guitars; in the midst of stellar musicians Ben Keith, Ralph Molina, Rick Rosas, Pegi Young and Anthony “Sweet Pea” Crawford.

Acoustic numbers abound, and stir the emotions, too. 
("Sad Movies" & "Mexico")

References have been made to a handful of Young musings curiously labelled "electric travelogues into the artist’s psyche".

Can't wait to indulge in 'em!

 Rarely performed pieces such as "Kansas" and "Ambulance Blues" will surely provide insightful glances into the artist's normally-private persona producers have noted.

In what is being hailed as a "Collection of the Ages", Neil goes full throttle, sings from the heart.

Jonathan Demme is considered one of Hollywood’s most critically acclaimed directors who lensed the doc bio on the remarkable survivor that is Neil Young full tilt.

Numerous prize-getting films he helmed in a breeze include -  " The Silence of the Lambs" (1991) and the tearl-jerker "Philadelphia" (1993) - which was the front-runner in the dash to inform and educate an ignorant North American society about the ravages of the killer HIV virus that caused many to succumb to A.I.D.S. at the end stages of the disease.

SOMETHING WILD (1986) and MARRIED TO THE MOB (1988) were pleasant forays into differing realms that captured the hearts and imagination of filmgoers across the board which is a testament to his great gift in storytelling.

Demme’s most recent feature is RACHEL GETTING MARRIED (2008), which was well-received a year ago at the Venice Film Festival.

The talented two will undoubtedly pack a whallop at the glittering premiere at the Mann Wednesday next.

See 'ya there!



Barbra Streisand...practices a bit of Buddhist philosophy! Gives to charity...


How many mouths would that necklace feed?
Ooops!
There I go again, as Reagan would say!





A few weeks back, I penned a critical post on Barbra Streisand, on the heels of an in-depth interview she granted for a night-time talk show.

During the course of the gab fest, the celebrated chanteuse played-up her extravagances and nit-picky hard-nosed style (which some assert stems from early potty-training and an anal-retentive personality disorder accordingly) including - but not limited to - boasting about the fact she hand-sorted fish to match up with the color schemes reflected in her meditation pond.

But, the "Funny Lady" - in what was being touted as an honest and insightful peak into an ultra-private corner of La Streisand's little world - stepped in deep do-do (in my humble opinion) when she exalted her vulgar lifestyle in spite of the fact thousands of Americans have struggled to make ends meet in these tough economic times.

Okay, so I was a little harsh, but the truth of the matter?

As mankind heads down a slippery road towards an uncertain future, I think it's of paramount importance, that the citizens of the world look out for (and have compassion on) each other.

According to facts I have gleened from various reputable sources, a handful of rich and powerful men control about nine-tenths of the wealth on the planet.

Scary thought, when you consider the high-profile corporate raiders (for the most part)  are prone to toy with the markets at whim, while the madding classes are forced to starve and struggle daily to make ends meet.

In my humble opinion, a distribution of wealth among the peoples of the world, is long overdue.

Revolt, shall we?

Needless to say, I was quite impressed - elated actually - when I picked up the morning newspaper one day recently and spied an article which reported that Streisand held an auction (consisting of memorabilia, clothing, and furniture) with the specific aim of donating the monies to charity.

"Let someone else enjoy it (the eclectic collection) now."

Is it possible that the songbird stumbled upon the Buddhist philosophy and found enlightenment at long last?

The practice of "letting go" and shooting for a tranquil state of "beingness" (where possessions don't weigh the individual down) sure worked for me.

Instead of craving for an exquisite piece of art or longing for an expensive antique I may have caught sight of in an eye-catching display window - I am capable of appreciating the collectable from afar in its resting place without the need to "own" it or spirit it away to my own private digs.

Barbra without an "A" (as Patty Mooney corrected noted in a comment early this eve) has undoubtedly mellowed over the years - or just maybe - that handsome actor husband of hers has something to do with it.

Either way, I say, kudos!

Obviously, a smiling Universe is paying her back in kind, with a No. 1 album, appropriately titled "Love".




Pavilions...racist Afro-American guard accuses white shopper of stealing "free" newspaper! Incident confirms DNA reports on low IQ...





This morning an Afro-American security guard at Pavilions in West Hollywood established to everyone within eyesight, that he not only had an IQ of about 2 (basic sh** for brains) but is a racist who harasses and discriminates against white shoppers!

When Pavilions unveiled their newly-renovated grocery in WeHo adjacent a few weeks ago, shoppers were particularly delighted that Starbucks was now a part of the upscale supermarket, and that they could slip into a cozy nook-  and not only sip on a hot java - but gobble down a snack or two as they plucked up necessities for the week ahead..

Unfortunately, one hapless white shopper who strode in to do just that, ventured into Pavilions when an Afro-American security guard (with an obvious dislike for caucasians) was on duty at the crack of dawn this morning.

In spite of the fact the pleasant outgoing individual cheerfully said hello to the guard as they rubbed shoulders in passing at the entrance to the cafe, the tall imposing black man reacted by dishing out some pretty bad attitude (for no good reason, I might add).

Shouldn't an employee of a store (known for training its work force to greet customers with a warm welcome whenever they happen to saunter through the door) respond in kind?

Shunning a customer like that not only underscored the security guard's shocking lack of good manners (was he born in a barn?) but also established how clueless the numbskull was about proper business etiquette and how it translates into positive or negative PR for retailers, grocers, and the like.

But the real shocker went down about fifteen minutes later, after the customer scoffed down the last morsel of his morning snack, and nosed his way towards the front of the store..

On the heels of  bidding a couple of the cashiers "good day" (he is a regular at that outlet), he reached for a copy of the "Independent" on a stand nearby, and breezed through the exit to catch up on his chores.

Suddenly, the Afro-American security guard barked out at him from behind.

"Sir!"

When he turned on his heel a few steps outside the exit, the Security Guard strode up - and without checking the all-important facts first - proceeded to accuse the shopper of stealing the newspaper!

Duh!

The "Independent" - a mere slip of a newspaper about four pages in length - is distributed for free!

Obviously, the guard is quite stupid.

If you can imagine it, the incident actually escalated to epic shocking proportions later, when the customer waved the front page of the give-away in his direction and noted that there was no cost for the publication.

Instead of showing remorse - or offering up an apology for making such a grievous error (falsely accusing a shopper of theft is a serious matter, after all) - he dug his heels in and demanded that the shopper return to the inside of the store to double-check the customer's claims.

If  the bonehead had any common sense, or one ounce of intelligence, it should have been obvious from the get-to that there was a solution within easy reach.

Peruse the front page of the "Independent" to verify the information, of course, you moron!

The shopper - who was hopping-mad now - was forced to follow the pig-headed a**hole back into the store - where shocked employees confirmed that the customer was right.

Aren't they usually, folks?

Judging by the expressions on their faces, I expect they came to the quick conclusion (as I did, pronto) that this security guard was not only an idiot, but obviously prompted by some hatred towards white folks to engage in such despicable unwarranted conduct in direct violation of the customer's rights.

By the way, I didn't rush to the conclusion that the "man" is a racist, without first determining from past events and supporting evidence that the allegations are true.

In recent weeks, I was forced to complain about the inappropriate behaviour of Afro-American guards newly-hired at Pavilions, for instance, after witnessing inappropriate conduct which smacked of harassment and discrimination towards white folks.

A few old-timers have also been conjecturing - that in view of the recent influx of Afro-American workers in the neighborhood - there may be an ongoing conspiracy (of sorts) underfoot.

In fact, a handful of astute observers, have been whispering that new hires at the post office, Metro Line, and grocery stores such as Pavilions have their eye on settling in West Hollywood (and taking over the nifty little town adjacent to Beverly Hills ) now that they are gainfully employed with bucks in the bank.

It makes sense, when you think about it.

Every day, black workers in the service industry take the long trek into WeHo from South Los Angeles - work their eight to twelve hours of manual labor - then  head back home again.

Why not just move lock, stock, and barrel to Weho?

All things considered - the bad attitude, harassment, and racism directed at whites from the black sector - signal the awful truth.

There appears to be an ongoing bold-faced effort to make whites & Latinos uncomfortable in normally-pleasant West Hollywood - force them out, in the final analysis - so pushy Afro-Americans can take over the little enclave that gays suffered through hardship and adversity to build.

Off my rocker?

Open your eyes, please.

Time to wake up and smell the coffee, dudes!





Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Queen Mary...launches 15 nights of TERROR! All-night blow-outs with celebrity hosts...





Shipwrecked on a gale force sea on nightmarish Halloween.

Scary thought!

For the adventurous at heart, it's just a zip down the highway to Long Beach Harbour, and up a rickety gangway onto the deck of the Queen Mary.

For starters, take a wild-eyed stroll in one of the terrifying mazes, if you dare.

Graveyard Maze

Beware!

There are UN-DEAD in the spooky fog, behind every tombstone, ready to snatch you up and spirit you away into the eerie mysterious cloak of night never to be seen again.

Isolation Ward

A "Cookoo's Nest" straight-Jacket ward unlike any other!

 Ghouls with witchy blood-thirsty bedside manners never spook-en about before dart here 'n there.

Step lively, now, and keep a watchful eye out for Nurse Slasher.

Check under the bed, at least.

Pirate Maze

Pirate spirits dwell in this drifting maze that haunts the mighty seas.

At a moment's notice, the evil forces are at-the-ready, to overthrow her majesty's stalwart crew on the grand old lady known as the Queen Mary.

Don't catch scurvy now, or you'll end up in the nasty dungeon below, to rot in oceanic hell.

Special Feature Attractions

The 15-day event boasts a bevy of sizzling celebrity hosts, Tarot card readers, psychics, make-up artists, and what-have-you.

At the food court feast on a soup of blood and flesh sure to make Jeffrey Dahmer swoon!

Info:  www.shipwreckhalloween.com




 
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