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Wednesday, April 22, 2009

CIA...memogate! Barack Obama to investigate torture techniques?

That was then, this is now!



The Secretary of State - Hillary Clinton - emphatically stated on a morning news broadcast that the Government should get to the bottom of it.

Later, a network news shows aired a terse statement Dick Cheney issued to the press in which he asserted for the record that he previously urged that pertinent CIA documents be declassified to shed light on the controversy over CIA interrogation "techniques".

Understandably, in the wake of a big brouhaha building momentum across the Nation, President Barack Obama is now pushing for an investigation of "memogate" and subsequent allegations that the CIA engaged in questionable information-gathering techniques that may have included acts of outright torture (such as "waterboarding").

A spokesperson for the Government was inclined to defend the CIA and its questionable conduct, after offering up two comments in support of his position.

First, he noted for the record that precautions always have to be taken to ensure the values of the American people are upheld in a civilized society.

Then, on the heels of that loaded statement, he inferred by virtue of his follow-up comments, that he was inclined to back CIA arm-twisting tactics now in controversy, due to the extraordinary circumstances that have faced the Nation since 9/11.

We must also defend the people from acts of terrorism and take whatever steps are necessary to ensure their safety and well-being, he added in so many words.

In other quarters, an official attempted to assay the fears of his underlings this past week, by alleging that the "interrogations" produced valuable information.

However, he stopped short of any bold-faced claims that the controversial techniques - which some say amounted to primitive acts of torture on foreign prisoners of War - made the practice acceptable.

Meanwhile, on Tuesday, President Obama expressed his own private outrage by noting for the record that the "methods" allegedly used by the CIA underscored that Americans were "losing their bearings".

Even still, the news keeps flip-flopping on Capitol Hill, as politicians appear to be taking cover to save their own sorry hides.

For example, Dennis Blair (Director Of National Intelligence) contradicted his own "statement" twice in one day.

In one memo that was circulating in the hallowed halls of Justice (!) in Washington, Blair asserted that useful information was obtained through the controversial CIA techniques.

Critics jumped on that issue when it was revealed that in a statement released later the same day, the top Intel honcho appeared to be reticent about taking the position that the interrogations - that facilitated physical abuse to extract information - netted any worthwhile data.

Blair is ignorant to at least one truism which may be his downfall.

For an untruthful individual to make their way successfully through a web of deceit without hitting a land mine or two, it is always of paramount importance to keep track of (and remember) the lies!

Yup, the fiasco did not end there.

In a third communication, after the press threw a spotlight on all the irregularities to date, an official turned everything on its ear when he piped up that the techniques were, in fact, fruitful.

"However, there was no way of knowing whether the same information could have been obtained through other means."

Bullsh**!

Does Blair think we all have "stupid" written on our foreheads?

Read between the lines, take stock of what has unfolded to date, and it should be obvious.

A whole can of worms is about to expose the ugly underbelly of the CIA.

Ultimately, it is only through the CIA memos, classified documents, and direct testimony of expert witnesses in the proper forum, that the truth will be ferreted out - eventually (!).

The Watergate break-in comes to mind at this juncture.

Which was the most egregious act - the actual break-in itself - or the attempted cover-up of the illegal activities after-the-fact?

Curiously, it was announced today that any CIA agent who simply carried out orders at the behest of superiors - will not be charged or prosecuted for any criminal acts.

Was there a behind-the-scenes agreement pacted with said Agents recently in order to pave the way for their eye-witness testimony?

Enquiring minds want to know.

Meanwhile, the henchmen - upper level management types at the CIA who structured the operations - may not get off the hook so easily.

In retrospect, it appears there was a "secret Government" within the "outer" one elected by the "people", operating beyond the arm of the law without any oversight or checks or balances.

And, they should be nailed to the proverbial cross, for that!

News at 11!

http://www.julianayrs.com

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

LA Times Festival of Books...Michael J. Fox, Henry Winkler, Brook Shields, Gore Vidal, & Tori Spelling to appear! April 25th & 26th...




Well, if you're an autograph hound, or like to hang around celebrities, the Festival of Books kicking off this weekend at UCLA (April 25th & 26th) is apt to provide a lofty climb or two.

The big thrust, of course, is on a myriad of publications from all genres - from kids' illustrated books, to romantic novels, and rare comics - that will be artfully displayed in picturesque tents about the well-manicured grounds.

In addition, the spotlight will be tossed on a thought-provoking series of panel discussions, and high-profile celebrities who will be heading them up.

Got to lure John Doe in the gate, somehow, eh?

Well-known actors like Michael J. Fox (Back to the Future), the Blog Queen (Not Perez Hilton, silly) Arianna Huffington, and a handful of popular radio talk show hosts and columnists will all be touting something or other like snake-oil salesmen.

Like you, I'll be front-row-center, devouring all the delicious offerings.

Entrance to the Festival grounds is free.

Golly, a number of the panel discussions are gratis, too.

However, it is important to note that while a handful of tickets for indoor panel events are free, they must be picked up in advance at ticketmaster.

Drats!

Those blood-suckers are going to charge 75 cents a pop for each ticket scarfed up!

There will be six outdoor stages, as well, where in-your-face stars such as Tori Spelling (spoiled little rich girl, I expect), Maureen McCormick (Brady Bunch aficionado), and Oscar-Winning actress Cloris Leachman will kick up their heels.

Who knows, in view of the fact the Festival is strewn about such a wide expanse on UCLA campus, the seasoned pros may turn up in sensible walking shoes!

I'll cast a blind eye in that event, ladies!

The sponsors are reminding book-lovers and celebrity stalkers alike to drag along a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and bottles of hydrating water ((especially in view of the fact the mercury has been soaring in recent days).

See 'ya there!

Info: http://www.latimes.com/festivalofbooks





Perez Hilton...Chris Angel's sleight of mouth urges apology from Cirque du Soleil!



Life is full of tawdry surprises!

A few scant weeks ago, I penned a post on a Magic Show in Vegas hosted by Chris Angel, in a bold-faced effort to cast a big spotlight on the unique extravaganza.

In retrospect - after an incident over the weekend - it appears that the talented maestro is not content to engage in a bit of sleight of hand.

For example, when the little hottie (known to squire a starlet or two on his arm around "sin" city) spied acid-tongued gossip-monger Perez Hilton beneath the floodlights, he was quick to toss a barb or two Hilton's way.

If Angel felt uncomfortable in Hilton's presence, then he should have pulled a disappearing act, instead.

After all, one should never look a gift horse in the mouth!

It is the ultimate sin for a performer to mistreat a paying customer.

Well, unless you're Don Rickles.

At least the former rat-packer - capable of drinking Sinatra and Martin under the table - does it with style.

Indeed, to be on the end of one of his tirades from the stage, is a compliment if you're a guest in the audience.

As to Angel - well - the thought of the trim handsome showman stepping "out of character" on stage to lower himself to a level he allegedly stooped to over the weekend in Vegas makes a body want to saw itself in half.

Chris, how could you be so tacky?

Needless to say, the Cirque du Soleil publicity staff were forced to utter up an apology for the tasteless outburst that undoubtedly shed a bad light on Angel, Cirque du Soleil, and the house in general, too.

Next time, conjure up a modicum of good manners, Mr. Magic.




Perez Vegas bound!

Oprah Winfrey...twitters! There goes the neighborhood! Some cry foul...


Geek meets twit!


Your head must have been in a toilet or something for the past twenty-four hours if you didn't hear the news about Oprah Winfrey and "twitter".

Yes, Ms. Smarty (overstuffed) pants has ventured into the 21st Century by signing up!

Understandably, Oprah needed someone to hold her hand.
The idea of it was so revolutionary, and frightful, after all!

On her daytime talk fest Friday, the founder of "Twitter" was at the side of goody-two-shoes, as she browsed around the Twitter site all agog at the potential of it all.

One light bulb definitely went off inside her head.

'A great way to keep track of Steadman' (or any other eligible beau waiting in the wings in Tweetville) must have been one mental note she made to herself.

Twitter just might be what the fad doctor ordered to keep the feisty gabber from falling of the diet wagon, too.

All Oprah has to do is "tweet" one her new pals about a deep-fried oreo she's about to wolf down - when, I expect - a host of die-hard fans will step in and pull-the-plug on that naughty bit of self-indulgence from the get-go.

And, what about those new "best buds", anyway?

According to a news item in the morning paper, Oprah sauntered into the twitter arena with 70,000 "followers" right off-the-bat.

L. Ron Hubbard must be turning over in his grave somewhere in Science Fiction heaven!

Meanwhile, the morning air waves were awash with cries of "foul".

"How the heck did she do that?" one envious bimbo babe was inclined to ask increduously of her fellow squawkers on air.

"She got 'em to give her all those tweeters," one sly disc jockey accused off-the-cuff.

Aghast, a female gossip-monger on the popular morning show lamented:

"Is that legal?"

"Sure," a jock quick on-the-uptake quipped cynically.

"Twitter's chief twit probably offered Oprah a twaddle of tweeters as an incentive if she'd sign up for the popular social hub during a live broadcast on her afternoon talk show."

Ashton Kutcher must feel old money bags breathing down heavy on his pretty lily-white a**.

Nothwitstanding, some fear that twitter has tweaked!

When mainstream folks like Oprah jump on board, the once-hip ship is sure to sink, savvy trend-pundits theorize.

"Twittering is not tweet any more, dudes!"

Even face-book is suffering a backlash.

Some whine that all this kissy-kissy "be my friend" stuff has gotten so candy-ass that it doesn't pass the smell taste anymore.

Yup, I'm going to start up a "book" rife with a gang of "enemy" Internet snots, I'll be able to take a "poke" at whenever I'm in the mood for a nasty bit** fight.

Here's mud in your eye!




Ashton Kutcher & the Tweeters on tour!

http://www.julianayrs.com

Monday, April 20, 2009

Tribeca Film Festival...kicks off April 22nd in NYC! Woody Allen premieres...









Wednesday (April 22nd) amid a lot of fanfare, the Tribeca Film Festival kicks off with the glitzy world premiere of Woody Allen's "Whatever Works".



The highly-anticipated comedy is the first film the quirky film director has shot in Manhattan since 2004.



"Whatever Works" was written & directed by Allen and stars character actor Larry David (Curb Your Enthusiasm), Evan Rachel Wood (The Wrestler), Patricia Clarkson (Vicky Cristina Barcelona), and Ed Begley Jr.(Pineapple Express).



Recently, festival co-founder Jane Rosenthal gushed about how excited she was to launch Allen's new pic at Tribeca.



"I fell in love with New York through Woody Allen’s movies and I am excited we are opening this year’s Festival with Whatever Works."



According to Rosenthal, the stand-out feature is a uniquely funny addition to the celebrated director's body of work.



Allen, the die-hard New Yorker, enthused that it was a lovely idea to show his film in al festival in his own hometown.



"Very exciting," he beamed.



Sony Pictures classics is planning a June 19th release date if you miss the opening.



Tribeca promises to be the entertaining, thought-provoking fest, it has proven to be over the past few years since it first started up.



The roster of projects is far-reaching, too, and includes:





  • Tribeca will close out the festival with "My Life in Ruins" which was directed by Donald Petrie and written by Mike Reiss.



    The Fox Searchlight release stars Nia Vardalos, Richard Dreyfuss, María Ádanez, Sheila Bernette, María Botto, Rachel Dratch, Alexis Georgoulis, Ralph Nossek, Bernice Stegers, and Harland Williams.



    Nia Vardalos, the writer and star of "My Big Fat Greek Wedding", has turned out a hilarious uplifting comedy about her character's lost kefi (Greek for "mojo"), according to Festival organizers.



    Discouraged by her lack of direction in life, she works as a travel guide, leading a rag-tag group of tourists as she tries to show them the beauty of her native Greece while waiting to land her dream job.



    Opening their eyes to an exotic foreign land, she too begins to see things in new ways - finding her kefi - and possibly love in the process.



    Several of the cast members will attend the special screening to be held at the BMCC TPAC in lower Manhattan on Saturday May 2nd.



    The new release is slated for unveiling in Theatres nationwide on June 5, 2009.



    Another festival treat will be the screening of an actual work-in-progress which focuses on the high-profile Pop Singer Bon Jovi.



    Directed by filmmaker and photographer Phil Griffin and produced by Academy-Award and Emmy-winning producers @radical.media, the documentary was filmed on the road backstage with the band during their 2008 Lost Highway World Tour.



    The behind-the-scenes doc also features an up-close and personal glimpse at two sold-out frenzied concerts at Madison Square Gardens which wowed fans at the end of the celebrated tour.



    "Throughout the process of working with Bon Jovi, I was amazed at the candor and humility Jon and his band showed me,” said director Phil Griffin.



    "The result is not a neatly wrapped up bundle of staged interviews and musical interludes, but rather a series of open and sometimes difficult conversations, explored against a backdrop of music spanning 25 years. It is a film about the peace of Tico, the complexity of Richie, the drive of Jon and the brutal honesty of Dave. It is their willingness to share their stories that gives us what I hope is a very human story - that humanity is what I believe has seen this band stand the test of time."



    Festival organizers are wildly enthusiastic about the upcoming screening, too.



    "This compelling documentary gives you a glimpse behind the scenes of one of the great rock bands and unveils how they have stayed on top for the past 25 years. Jon has been a stalwart supporter and remarkable friend to our Festival, making it incredibly exciting to premiere the Bon Jovi story at Tribeca," according to a press release.



    In addition to movie debuts (and red carpet extravaganzas) there will be a number of panel discussions, including conversations with Spike Lee, Barry Levinson, Steven Soderbergh, Kirby Dick, and Alex Gibney.



    Tribeca will also present a much-anticipated line-up of short films.



    This year’s Festival shorts are a culmination of works from across the globe, including Cuba, Brazil, Norway, Italy, South Korea and Australia.



    The Festival received 2463 short film submissions this year - of which - 46 were selected to be presented in six thematic programs.



    The voices behind these works range from first-time to veteran filmmakers that include animators, graphic artists and actors taking the helm behind the camera. Collectively, through captivating narratives and gripping documentaries, they tell stories about life’s lessons drawn from dreams, desires and the coming-of-age experience.



    "The films in this year’s program represent a strong showcase in the craft of short filmmaking. It's exciting that as digital content platforms continue to emerge, short films are accessible to, and being watched by an increasingly larger audience.” said Maggie Kim, Tribeca Film Festival shorts programmer.



    Among the highlights is a short narrative written and directed by Tom Everett Scott, as well as a documentary narrated by Richard Gere.

    Directors making return visits to the Festival include Jason DaSilva, Brian Durnin, PaulaGaitan, Ken Jacobs, and Mark Street.



    Robert De Niro, Jane Rosenthal and Craig Hatkoff founded the Tribeca Film Festival in 2001 following the attacks on the World Trade Center to spur the economic and cultural revitalization of lower Manhattan through an annual celebration of film, music and culture.



    The Festival’s mission is to assist filmmakers reach the broadest possible audience, while enabling the international film community and the general public, the opportunity to experience the power of cinema (and promote New York City as a major filmmaking center).



    The popular annual festival works under the auspices of Tribeca Enterprises, a diversified multi-platform media company, located in downtown New York City.



    The company currently operates a network of branded entertainment businesses including the Tribeca Film Festival and Tribeca Cinemas.



    The Company's mission is to provide artists with unique platforms to expand the audience for their works and to broaden the access point for consumers to experience independent film and media.



    Since its founding, the Festival has attracted over two million attendees from the US and abroad and has generated more than $425 million in economic activity for New York City.



    Info: http://www.tribecafilmfestival.org

    Info: 1-212-941-2400





    Screen Actors Guild...tenative contracts agreed to!



    The National Board of Directors voted on April 19th (2009) to approve a tentative TV/Theatrical deal with the producers and recommend it for ratification to the members.

    After a months-long battle over contract issues - played out in nasty detail in the press - the National Board of Directors voted 53.38 percent to 46.62 percent to approve and recommend to SAG members new two-year successor agreements.

    The proposed agreement covering actors in the jurisdiction of motion pictures and television, delivers a 3.5% effective annual increase comprised of a 3% wage increase and a .5% pension and health contribution increase upon ratification ( and a 3.5% wage increase in year two).

    After all the terms were discussed extensively in a closed-door meeting, it was moved and seconded that the National Board direct the interim National Executive Director to send the tentative agreement between the Producers (represented by the AMPTP) and the Screen Actors Guild to the membership for ratification with a recommendation from the Board to vote ‘Yes.’

    On the heels of the vote count, SAG National President Alan Rosenberg urged members to carefully review both the pros and cons in the referendum materials and exercise their right to vote."

    “We are pleased that Screen Actors Guild members will soon be voting on a deal for television and motion pictures. We’re eager to get our members back to work and to focus now on the challenges ahead, particularly on initiating a comprehensive effort to thoughtfully plan for the future," added interim National Executive Director David White.

    White proceeded to note that the negotiating committee, task force and professional staff worked tirelessly on the agreement over the past twelve months with a positive end result.

    On behalf of the National Board, he thank the dedicated teams for contributing their time, commitment and expertise to the cause.

    According to Chief Negotiator John McGuire, the tentative agreement delivers increased contributions to the SAG pension plan, increased minimums, a significant gain in background actor numbers from 50 to 55 over the term of the contract, and tracks new media provisions achieved by other entertainment industry unions.

    "The terms of the agreement puts SAG in sync with the other unions, but does not include the extended term recently proposed by the AMPTP," he noted for the record.

    Provisions of the proposed deal include:

    * A two-year term of agreement concluding June 30, 2011.
    * Effective annual increases of 3.0% in wage increases.
    * A .5% increase in pension contributions upon ratification.
    * A 3.5% wage increase one year following ratification.
    * Greater residuals for TV & Theatrical features than those paid for DVD.
    * Residuals for ad-supported streams of feature films & TV programs.
    * Residuals for derivative new media programs.
    * Additional background actors in features.
    * Increased compensation for guest stars from 7.5% to 10%.
    * Increased trailer money break ( $2,500 to $3,000 per week).
    * Increased overtime money for 3-day performers ($2,700 to $3,000).

    Staff at SAG have reported that the ratification ballots will be mailed to eligible Guild members in early May with an expected return date (votes cast) at the end of the month.

    Tabulation will occur immediately upon the conclusion of balloting.

    The Screen Actors Guild (SAG) is the nation’s largest labor union representing working actors in the country today.

    Established in 1933, SAG has a rich history in the American labor movement, especially with regard to fighting for artists’ rights amid the current digital revolution which has swept the entertainment industry over the past couple of decades.

    With 20 branches nationwide, SAG represents nearly 120,000 actors who work in motion pictures, television, industrial films, commercials, video games, music videos and all new media formats.

    The Guild's main thrust is to enhance actors’ working conditions and pursue realistic compensation for services rendered.

    Although opposing factions threatened to split the Actor's Union asunder in recent days over the contentious contract issues aforementioned, SAG continues to endeavour to be a unified voice on behalf of artists’ rights.

    SAG is an affiliate of the AFL-CIO which is headquartered in Los Angeles, California.

    Info: www.sag.org

    Coachella Music Festival..."tweet" quote of the day!




    One of the morning disc jockeys was wickedly scrolling back tweet messages received over the weekend from one of his pals (slightly inebriated?) who partied-hearty at the popular sold-out Coachella Music Festival down in Indio.

    Kudos to the one about the front man for the Killers which was so tweet!

    "Brandon Flowers was carrying his own clothes in the parking lot."

    Gosh, the kid gushed all star-struck, he's just like the rest of us.

    Not quite!

    Flowers must have been really out-of-his gourde - or sloshed at least - since most of the revellers wore their spiffy duds to the wild and woolly shindig under the big top!

    Ba-dump.

    Gotcha!



    http://www.julianayrs.com

     
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