In the heart of Olivera Street, the oldest "existing house" -which was built in 1818 - catches the eye of tourists taking in "Little Mexico" in downtown Los Angeles.
Captured on HD Video by Julian Ayrs @ the Tattler.
Monday, July 6, 2009
Avila Adobe...Oldest Existing House (built 1818) on Olivera Street!
Walk of Fame...Hollywood Tours a guide to the sights!
Hollywood Tour buses were busy this past week (1st week of July 2009) as fans - and tourists alike - descended on the Boulevard of Dreams to pay their last respects to Pop Icon Michael Jackson in the wake of his untimely death.
Captured on HD Video by Julian Ayrs @ the Tattler.
Marilyn Monroe...captivating wall mural in Hollywood!
Just off of La Brea Street (North of Sunset) a captivating wall mural of Marily Monroe gazes down at Tourists and pedestrians alike as they stroll on the celebrated Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Captured on HD Video by Julian Ayrs @ the Tattler.
Aztec Ceremonial Dancers...Olivera Street (LIttlle Mexico) Los Angeles!
July 4th weekend, the Mexican community gathered in the square at Olivera Street in downtown Los Angeles to take in entertaining Aztec ceremonial dances.
Captured on HD Video by Julian Ayrs @ the Tattler.
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Michael Jackson...OD on prescription drugs? I relate to merry-go-round...
When the media roared up to UCLA Medical Center with paparazzi in tow on that fateful day last week when it was announced that Michael Jackson did not respond to CPR efforts - and he consequently succumbed to cardiac arrest - there wasn't much speculation about the cause of the Pop Icon's untimely death.
Personally, it never occurred to me that Jackson was ever an a "drug user" - or abuser - for that matter.
For starters, the talented musician appeared to be obsessively focused on his appearance; therefore, the vain over-the-top efforts to transform his face into that of a handsome young white man were first and foremost in most people's minds.
Notwithstanding, Jackson was a well-informed individual, who was keenly aware that the ravages of alcohol and/or drugs would take their toll on his "looks" over time.
In retrospect, I would have to surmise that three major events in his life may have sent him down the path to his unexpected demise last week.
If you recall, years ago Michael was seriously injured when a special effects stunt went awry and set the Pop Icon on fire.
Apparently, he was in a lot of pain after that incident.
Personally, it never occurred to me that Jackson was ever an a "drug user" - or abuser - for that matter.
For starters, the talented musician appeared to be obsessively focused on his appearance; therefore, the vain over-the-top efforts to transform his face into that of a handsome young white man were first and foremost in most people's minds.
Notwithstanding, Jackson was a well-informed individual, who was keenly aware that the ravages of alcohol and/or drugs would take their toll on his "looks" over time.
In retrospect, I would have to surmise that three major events in his life may have sent him down the path to his unexpected demise last week.
If you recall, years ago Michael was seriously injured when a special effects stunt went awry and set the Pop Icon on fire.
Apparently, he was in a lot of pain after that incident.
After that hiccup in his dizzying jet-set lifestyle, Michael was later accused of child molestation - at which point - he was subjected to public scrutiny and scorn (for the first time in the glare of the spotlight), humiliating physical examinations by the LAPD, and intense mental and emotional distress when he was forced to go into a sort-of self-exile for a short period until the worst of the storm passed.
In recent years, bad luck - in the form of financial woes, pending lawsuits, and unexpected falling from Grace with a fickle public, may have pushed a few hyper-sensitive buttons in his troubled psyche and pushed him over the edge.
In that event, doctors may have prescribed sedatives so he could relax - and ultimately - cope with the growing pressures of his personal and professional life spinning out-of-control.
In the event of insomnia - or a sleep disorder - there may have been more heavy-duty drugs prescribed to alleviate the problem.
In today's paper, it was reported - for instance - that a drug that is used primarily as an anesthetic (and not available to the general public) was found in Jackson's house shortly after his death last week.
In particular, there were numerous bottles of "Diprivan", which is normally dispensed by an individual trained to administer anesthesia.
Typically, it's used in hospitals.
An expert in the field - Ethan Bryson - noted for the record:
"It's a very dangerous drug if self-administered or administered by someone not trained in airway management and cardiac life support. You need to have someone who knows what they are doing to administer it."
In the Jackson scenario, the obvious question is this then.
How long after the drug is administered improperly - or in too large a dose - would it take for the individual to go into cardiac arrest?
The answer to that question may be the key to fathoming whether the death occurred by Michael's "own hand" or due to mistake and/or misadventure.
After all, if no one else was in the house when Michael went into cardiac arrest, he must have been the one to provide the lethal does.
Right?
On the other hand - if there were others present in the tony estate that fateful day - and none were medical professionals qualified to administer the drug - an accusing finger would have to point in their direction.
Wouldn't it?
Until those issues are resolved, I don't expect I'll speculate any further.
However, when a newspaper reporert noted that drugs like Diprivan may be prescribed for sleep problems, it struck a chord in me.
A few weeks ago, I disclosed in one of my posts that I was recently diagnosed with a sleeping disorder which was causing me a number of difficulties.
For instance, at night I found it difficult to sleep or get a good night's rest.
During the day, consequently, I often fell asleep while sitting in a restaurant shortly after I plunked into a deep easy chair to relax and sip on a cup of hot tea - and once, if you can believe it - while at the wheel of my car driving down the highway mid-day!
After a number of tests were taken (by virtue of an overnight stay at a clinic where they monitored my sleep patterns and frequency of rem cycles) it was determined that I was being plagued by a sleep disorder (possibly Narcolepsy) which needed treatment.
So, my doctor prescribed a "stimulant" to ingest early in the morning to get me through the day, and a sedative to help me drift off into dreamland at dusk.
I recall the first day I took the pill designed to keep me "focused" and alert.
About two hours after I swallowed the "medicine", my heart started to palpitate furiously.
In fact, at times, my surroundings appeared to be a bit surreal and intense.
A short while later, I caught myself "smacking" my lips and grinding my teeth a bit.
Suddenly, I realized that the stimulant prescribed for my condition was some form of "meth" or speed.
Albeit, a legally-prescribed one!
Because I have written posts about such addictions in the West Hollywood community in the recent past, it was evident to me - that if was not careful - I may end up heading down that unpredictable (dangerous) path, too.
A short while later, I caught myself "smacking" my lips and grinding my teeth a bit.
Suddenly, I realized that the stimulant prescribed for my condition was some form of "meth" or speed.
Albeit, a legally-prescribed one!
Because I have written posts about such addictions in the West Hollywood community in the recent past, it was evident to me - that if was not careful - I may end up heading down that unpredictable (dangerous) path, too.
Obviously, I would have to monitor myself over time to ensure my firm grasp on things did not "slip" away from me when I was unawares - and ultimately - lead me to a dependence on the drugs.
So, the next day, I broke the pill in two and consumed only half.
Even still, by the end of the day, I was forced to gobble down the sleep aid to relax me.
I was buzzie, felt wide-eyed and drained, and my body was aching and crying out for sleep.
Fortunately, though, I was intelligent enough to figure it out.
If I'm not careful, I may end up on an endless merry-go-round of uppers-and-downers - and eventually - lose control.
But, there were worse concerns on my mind that the physical ups-and-downs.
Within a few days I began to experience moments of euphoria.
Then - a few minutes later - I might into a bit of a depression, without knowing why.
Mood swings, uh-huh!
As the Michael Jackson story started to focus on possible drug abuse last week, it dawned on me then, that perhaps this was how the pop icon got caught up in the downward spiral he may have fallen victim to.
We'll have to wait until the Jury is in to know for sure.
When you consider that some of the drugs seized at the Holmby Hills mansion were written for Michael Jackson in multiple "pseudonyms" (aliases, which were slight variations on the correct spelling of his name) it is easy to understand why eyebrows have been raised and a full-scale investigation is underway.
Were his doctors engaging in a deceitful bold-faced effort to conceal his identity (and the illegal distribution of prescription drugs) from the authorities or the prying eyes of the press?
Today, another thought occurred to me.
A person with a terminal illness might have to administer painkillers on their own in the event there was a sudden seizure or bout of uncontrollable pain which required immediate medical attention to bring relief to the patient.
In the event a doctor was not on hand to administer the drug in a professional capacity, wouldn't the individual suffering from the ailment - or a close friend or associate - have to take up the task then?
Is it possible Michael Jackson had a serious illness he did not want to disclose to the public?
News at 11!
http://www.julianayrs.com
Michael Jackson...Walk of Fame. Chinese Theatre in Hollywood!
Throngs of tourists and fans alike descended on the "Walk of Fame" this past week to pay their last respects at Michael Jackson's star and delight in "stepping in the shoes" of Celebrity footprints in cement outside the celebrated Grauman's Chinese Theatre.
HD Video captured by Julian Ayrs @ the Tattler.
Michael Jackson...fans wait in line in hot sun to view "star" on Walk of Fame!
On Sunday June 28th, the Walk of Fame was swamped with tourists who stood in line under the sweltering sun to pay their last respects to Pop Icon Michael Jackson.
HD Video captured on HD Video by Julian Ayrs @ the tattler.
Kiss..."Walk of Fame" impersonators fans of Shannon Tweed!
Although fans were inclined to dart down the Hollywood "Walk of Fame" right off-the-bat to pay their last respects to Michael Jackson as they stepped off their tour buses, a few slowly meandered up the Boulevard of dreams and took in the sights along the way.
Star celebrity impersonators, for instance, were tripping-the-light fantastic and basking in the reflected glow of the Jackson phemomenon.
The Elvis, Marilyn Monroe, Superman - and Kiss look-a-likes - were big hits with fans who scrambled for publicity stills.
I managed to capture this Video of the 3 Dudes in KISS get-ups who have staked a claim on the strip.
Cost me 5 bucks, folks, so appreciate it - please!
By the way, one of the dudes noted that on the TV Quiz Show - Smarter than a Fifth Grader - he (and the two other band members) sat behind Nick.
"I am a big fan of Shannon Tweed. I wanted to go up and talk to her, but I didn't want to impose," noted the musician on the left in the Video (above).
Say, Shannon, if you're ever down on the strip in Hollywood - and you spy them goofing it up - they'd love to meet 'ya.
The trio of outgoing guys are big fans!
HD Video captured by Julian Ayrs @ the Tattler.
Friday, July 3, 2009
Michael Jackson...how to get tickets for Memorial Service!
Today, when I logged into Twitter, Ryan Seacrest (DJ) was thoughtful enough to post a tweet with instructions on how to take a shot at scooping up (free) tickets to the Memorial Service planned for Michael Jackson to be held here on the West Coast early next week.
Jackson family spokesperson Ken Sunshine (& CEO Tim Leiweke) appeared at a news conference Friday and unveiled the well-thought-out detailed arrangements to commemorate Jackson's recent passing into spirit.
Fans, tourists, friends, plain old folks, paparazzi - even members of the media - are invited to pay their last respects to MJ - and may do so - by entering a draw at staples.com web site.
Info: staplescenter.com.
The Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday, July 7th, at the Staples Center (live) in the Nokia theater.
There will be simulcasts on three screens.
The broadcasts will commence at 10 am.
Tickets
There are 17,500 tickets available in total.
11,000 tickets will be handed out to people to attend the service inside the Staples Center.
In addition, 6,500 tickets will be reserved for individuals who wish to view the service from a simulcast at the Nokia theater.
A balance of 9,000 tickets have been reserved for the Jackson family to use at their discretion.
Draw Instructions
Fans have trouble registering due to high traffic at the web-site are asked to be patient!
Once the winners are drawn, they will be notified on Sunday between 11 am and 8 pm, and provided with a Code for a Ticketmaster ticket.
Winners are asked to arrive early at the Staples Center on Monday morning to pick up their two tickets and two wristbands in person.
Winners must pick up their tickets in the manner instructed because there will not be any future distribution of tickets at either the Staples Center or Nokia theatre.
Organizers are also recommending that individuals without tickets wishing to attend watch the Memorial Service from home since no spectators will be allowed to accumulate outside of the downtown Staples Center during the Memorial Service.
Registration
Once an entrant's registration has been received, accepted and processed at the staples site, the following online notice will appear on-screen with these final instructions:
"Your registration for your chance to attend the Michael Jackson Public Memorial Service has been received."
"If your application is successful, you will receive an e-mail on Sunday, July 5, 2009 after 11:00 a.m. (Pacific Time) with your exclusive unique code and instructions on how to obtain your two free tickets to attend the Public Memorial Service. "
"A valid ticket will be required to enter STAPLES Center & L.A. LIVE area on Tuesday, July 6, 2009."
"Tickets will be distributed for either the public memorial service in the STAPLES Center or at the live television broadcast in the adjacent Nokia Theatre."
"Please add info@staplescenter.com to your address book to ensure successful email delivery."
From moi?
Good luck!
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Public Enemies...hollow film disappoints!! Style & technique enough to crow about...
Is it me, or is this a queer place to post film credits?
If you are an intelligent film-goer, you may be inclined to steer clear of "Public Enemies" - the much-touted piece of fluff starring charismatic Johnny Depp - which was just released in theatres around the country.
The film on the life & times of Public Enemy No. 1 - John Dillinger - roars onto the silver screen right off-the-bat with a smattering of edge-of-your-seat adrenalin-rushing action, then proceeds to move along at a fast clip.
Great, for starters.
From the get-go, I was dazzled by Michael Mann's (Miami Vice) expert film techniques, which admirably succeeded in buttressing-up the tightly-woven drama as it splashed gloriously before me above the footlights in lush exquisite detail from ambitious beginning to predictable Hollywood-style end.
The actors were often set strategically within the frame (profiles in silhouette, for instance, were often set forward - others farther back - to effect an unsettling tension (or unspoken relationship between the characters), while backgrounds etched in swift small strokes - or lazy wide ones - were offered up when needed to flesh out and add color to the mix when scenarios demanded it.
All-in-all, "Public Enemies" is a visual masterpiece on celluloid which manages to hold the audience captive by virtue of stylized filmmaking approaches and departures that resonate beyond the limitations of the screen normally.
The mesmerizing fictionalized bio - emboldened by gutsy straightforward believable dialogue and fine performances by a stellar supporting cast - is also a smorgasbord for the senses.
Pristine marble polished to perfection in bank foyer backdrops wows, and fashion flourishes from the period flaunt the excesses of the era and openly appeal to the sensibilities in their daring flights of fancy and drama, as the character-driven scoundrels sweep film buffs along in this cautionary tale about high-stakes crimes and a judicial system that is wanting.
The keenest eye could have been fooled, though.
Not mine!
Like a delectable dessert savored at each delicious bite - "Public Enemies" left a sickly sweet aftertaste in my mouth for a moment or two - then faded away.
When 'ya get right down to the nitty-gritty, the sensational Dillinger tale is just a puff piece.
Yes folks, all style and no substance.
A hollow film, in the final analysis.
No wonder!
When a film goer saunters beyond the initial gloss upfront - and likewise - wises up to the manipulative devices playing havoc with the heartstrings, there's not much meat left to feast on.
In sum, the filmmakers' failure to dig deep beneath Dillinger's skin, was their undoing.
Imagine that, the celebrated director didn't even bother to scrape beneath the pretty-boy surface (a little rough around the edges) or even try to fathom what made Dillinger "tick".
One line of dialogue about daily beatings from "Daddy" didn't suffice to fuel - or validate - the rage that ran rampant throughout "Public Enemies" just shy of two-and-a-half hours.
Eureka!
I've stumbled upon the answer.
Just maybe, there was nothing particularly intriguing about Dillinger, to warrant an over-the-top big-budget studio-backed effort.
Say, what were Dillinger's major achievements (claims to fame) in the grand scheme of things, anyway?
Busting out of jail, robbing banks, eluding the long arm of the law?
That's it in a nutshell, folks.
Bottom line, Mann was fixing to exalt a lousy thief!
I expect half-the-reason the Mann (some say he's at the top of his game right now) snapped up Depp to inhabit the role was to capitalize on an image that oozes non-stop with likability.
Just betcha, the studio was counting on Depp's magnetic persona to slop over and subliminally seduce fans and film goers slyly into the theatres and seal their fate at the box office.
That may have been one failing.
Personally, I thought Depp - though scrappy and menacing at times - lacked the ba""s to pull off the role effectively.
Universal's much-anticipated blockbuster cried out for a young DeNiro!
Even still, Depp stole the limelight whenever he appeared onscreen n any capacity.
Not difficult to do.
Christian Bale's characterization - after all - was wooden.
The FBI role he took a stab at required a stretch that was way beyond his acting muscle.
Ah, but he sure looked masculine (and virile) in a period hat when a smattering of spontaneous light & shadows struck his jutting jaw, just so.
When I am noticing silly details like this, the producers are in trouble.
Essentially, "Public Enemies" is just another gangster movie, albeit goosed up a bit with slick imagery and media-rich state-of-the-art modern technology.
If you want to sit back, nibble on popcorn, and forget about your woes for two -and-a-half hours or so, this is the entertaining bill-of-fare you've been pining for.
I'm betting discerning audiences will plunk their bucks down elsewhere for now and catch Depp's gangster flick later on DVD.
3 Stars!
Spanish...language creeps into the American mainstream @ CVS! Si...
On the heels of tabulating the goodies I snapped up at CVS the other morning, a perky cashier instructed me to input my pin on the ATM machine, select the cash-back option, and what-have-you.
Shortly after I keyed in my ultra-secret 4 digit code in a clandestine fashion, the ATM machine continued on, and screamed out a second personal directive to me from the miniature screen resting at my nimble fingertips below.
"Do you want cash back?"
When I scrutinized the response options offered up, I was slightly taken aback.
There should have been two entries to choose from, right?
"Yes" or "No".
I suppose I'd better put my specs on, I muttered to myself.
If I was not mistaken, there appeared to be 3 (!) distinct choices staring smack dab at me!
Uh-huh!
And, what was the 3rd word etched in line right below the "yes" option.
Si!
I hesitated.
I mean, what the heck?
Was this a prankster's idea of an off-the-wall joke?
Or - the first "baby step" towards surreptitiously introducing "Spanish" as a "second" language - into the mainstream around the country?
Suddenly, a quote from William Drayton sprang to mind:
"Change starts when someone sees the next step."
Yoko Ono...wins legal proceeding in NYC! Lennon footage exclusively hers...
Twitter pal - Yoko Ono - must have been jumping up & down with joy over the past twenty-four hours when a court ruling in her favor was entered into the public record.
Judge Rya W. Zobel, at the U.S. District Court, found that Lennon's widow was not liable for damages arising from a copyright-infringement lawsuit which was lodged against her at a Boston courthouse by a Massachusetts-based company seeking exclusive title to rare footage of the former mop-head.
At issue, were ten hours of footage shot on location in jolly old England at John's tony estate in February (1970), in which the controversial member of the Fab Four (still a Beatle at that time) openly smoked marijuana and wickedly joked about slipping a hit of LSD into President Nixon's tea.
Although the court has ruled that Yoko is (and was) the rightful copyright holder, there is still one niggling detail that intrigues us (former "heads") in respect to the psychedelic end of the insidious plot to get tricky "Dick" stoned out of his gourde.
Was there a particular underground brand of LSD that John favored?
Purple microdot - or windowpane - perchance?
What say, Yoko?
Judge Rya W. Zobel, at the U.S. District Court, found that Lennon's widow was not liable for damages arising from a copyright-infringement lawsuit which was lodged against her at a Boston courthouse by a Massachusetts-based company seeking exclusive title to rare footage of the former mop-head.
At issue, were ten hours of footage shot on location in jolly old England at John's tony estate in February (1970), in which the controversial member of the Fab Four (still a Beatle at that time) openly smoked marijuana and wickedly joked about slipping a hit of LSD into President Nixon's tea.
Although the court has ruled that Yoko is (and was) the rightful copyright holder, there is still one niggling detail that intrigues us (former "heads") in respect to the psychedelic end of the insidious plot to get tricky "Dick" stoned out of his gourde.
Was there a particular underground brand of LSD that John favored?
Purple microdot - or windowpane - perchance?
What say, Yoko?
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Oh I.O.U. Called (How About It Arnold?)
Cant pay right? And your idea of cutting every state worker back each third day with no pay. That should do wonders for incomes, tax revenues and the budget. Cutting back is not ruining more credit of more people (of course ruining the creditors would be my idea of fun instead) but there is (as Warren Buffet has noted) a lack of tax on his 6 million dollar beach house on Malibu (where TV shows us even a jingle writer for ads can make the money to live....or a teacher, and lies to us all)
vs his condo in Ohmaha, worth less than a tenth of the amount with higher taxes than California. California could find the balls to raise their own tax rates on their property and yet dont. Like they get to keep it after the state is bankrupt. Maybe this will be good to watch. to see what happens when a state cant sell bonds, rated as junk, by the way where is michael milliken, let him loose to help.....watch these people unwilling to vote higher property tax rates and watch who loses. They will. As their homes will drop like a stone, their businesses and income will be taxed to the moon just because the RR great communicator said taxes were bad in the 1970s. He was wrong then. This event has been predicted for years, and now is happening. good.
Good for us to all see outside California, that taxes are patriotic (unlike sarah palin ideas....spelling? who cares)and we must share (call it socialism if you wish) costs. Or those greedy bastards that dont will have it taken. now from the state and if not, later from angry mobs.
Again SELL USA. short stocks, calls, buy puts, sell bonds, notes, bills, and the dollar. Buy anything else ANYTHING if you wish to hold onto any savings at all.
And try to do it outside the US. If you cant make it to tijuana, or bermuda, or london, or Toronto, etc.....hitch hike. (cars too much, buses messy, train service needs upgrading and gas money goes to the wrong places).
Oh, forgot, buy commodities until some one with brains changes the passive rate of income tax and make it equal to real labor and real risk.
Stoned Watching SNL Long Ago: Al Franken Decides Our Future
Watching Al Franken. Intelligent funny and if you had told me then, this man was the one who would be the deciding vote (able to break fillibusters, decide on any law as the make it or break it vote) for our country would have been more hilarious than anything on SNL at the time. Since then, RR a bad dream in California at the time as a governor searching to be president(?) instead of selling 20 mule team borax, or making B movies.....or Arnold would be there now, or that social security (I learned) had I.O.U.'s from the Treasury and no money, and now California trying to sell this to banks as real debt......Franken is not any more absurd than what has happened in the land of the free than any other surreal concept (like Bush II attacking Iraq with shock and awe and blowing more money on nothing useful than any comic could let alone any moron with the backing of all those attacking Obama's "changes" now........it simply shows where we are, who we are, the ignorance of danger from China, the danger that we have nothing to show at all for our debt now unlike all our competitors (see my lists in prior posts of GDP and tax rates or health or what repubicans using the socialist word to describe what is simply smart infrastructure (health, welfare,education of the people who are the potential of the country)and the anger levels are high and we could use a Will Rogers, a Mark Twain, an Al Franken now. Not only to make the final decisive vote, but to cap it with a joke to make us laugh so we can live through what is coming. Far from absurd, it makes sense. I wish him well.
Karaoke VIP Party...in Silverlake! Hot singers & upbeat nightclub ambiance...
A few years ago, when I shared a two-bedroom apartment at the top of Larrabee Street in WeHo with friends, I often slipped into "Revolver" (a trendy nightclub on the corner) to get up-close-and-personal - and likewise fathom the secrets of - the torch singers who turned out each week to belt out their signature tunes.
Although an aspiring singer, I was relegated to exclusive engagements in the shower, because of numbing stage fright that flooded over me whenever I tried my darndest to warble a note or two in front of a rapt audience.
"At long last, here was a golden opportunity to test the waters," I elatedly gushed to myself one booze-laden night.
After all, it did not escape my watchful eye, that this circle of wet-behind-the-ears stage performers were not inclined to be that critical of phrasing, projection, or vocal style.
In fact, die-hard music-lovers here, regularly cheered "the competition" on.
Say, if they had the ba**s to get up in spotlight two-sheets to-the-wind, why not moi?
So, one auspicious night, I downed a potent cocktail and waited for the worst.
When the affable Karaoke host (Kenny Morse) sang out my name, I surprised the heck out of myself, when I scrambled up and took center stage in the glare of the blinding spotlight.
A hush fell over the room as the first strains of the popular ballad I chose floated out from the speakers, and I slowly began to sing out the first few words of the fifties hit which appeared overhead on a wide screen.
"They ask me how I knew, my true love was true."
"Oh!"
The crowd went wild for a second or two - at which point - they excitedly turned this way 'n that - and praise the Lord - nodded in approval to each friend or stranger seated nearby.
Moreover, when each exquisite note soared through the smoke-filled lounge thereafter - and hit its golden mark - it was obvious from their stunned silence that I held them in the palm of my out-stretched hand.
Ah, it was a snap to perform on stage after that.
Hence, I became a mainstay for weeks on end.
In fact, in those heady days, the little Karaoke Night that "could" - not only attracted a slew of top-notch singers anxious to strut their stuff on stage - but a bevy of celebrities not put off by the notion of having to queue up in a long line snaking down the street to gain entrance.
They lapped it up!
Actually, one night I met celebrated songwriter - Allan Rich - at the local hot-spot.
Talented, down-to-earth guy!
When I asked Allan how he got started in the business, he laughed, as his memory drifted back to an auspicious day many moons ago when he - sort-of - got discovered.
"I was a shoe salesman," he started off slowly.
One day, when he was assisting a gentleman try on - a pair of loafers, running shoes, what-have-you - the outgoing customer innocently asked Rich what he intended to "do" in the future for a full-fledged career.
So, the perky shoe-horn facilitator noted off-the-cuff, that he pined to pen pop tunes.
As luck would have it, the stranger happened to be an exec at a record company.
Imagine that!
Without skipping a beat, he flipped out his wallet, and handed startled Rich a business card.
"When you have a tape of your songs, send them along."
Then, he turned on his new heel, and left.
Down the road, when Rich managed to put together a demo tape, he fired it off post-haste to the stranger.
Months passed, but no cigar, as they say.
Then, one day out-of-the-blue, he got a call from the gentleman who was the harbinger of remarkable news.
Guess what?
The record company loved his material.
Not only that, the "suits" at the record company also thought it the perfect roster of songs for Whitney Houston's new feature film "The Bodyguard".
Holy Mack!
Needless to say, Allan has never looked back since.
One of the songs featured from the songbook- "I want to run to you" - is still a favorite pop tune of mine that I intend to record one day, too.
Sadly, "Revolver" closed its doors and Karaoke has never been quite the same.
Even still, not abandoned by a long shot.
Kenny Karaoke, for example, has continued to carry the torch each week at local clubs for fans still nostalgic for the "craze".
And now, there is good news!
Kenny is hosting a - "KARAOKE WITH KENNY VIP PARTY" - at one of the trendy watering holes in Silver Lake (MJ's) Monday July 6th.
In fact, the effervescent MC is raving about the dazzling up-coming must-attend event!
"The show is very much like our old REVOLVER show with a great bar, great drinks, great attitude, great sound, and great singers."
Just, great!
Count moi in, eh?
Kenny asked that I get the word out to his friends - and "Revolver" Karaoke fans - that he has a big treat for them, too.
If they don't already have an MJ VIP card, all they have to do is zip off an e-mail to the Karaoke Mesiter, and he'll ceremoniously jot down their name on the VIP lis at the door which translates to not only walk-in privileges but access to - exotic cocktails, beer, and what-have-you - at an OPEN bar.
MJ's Monday Night Bash is open to all, though.
So, if you're in the mood to listen to a Diva or two, hustle on over to the popular night spot for a round of Karaoke that will vastly entertain the whole night thru.
Revolver
"Public Enemies" - Official Trailer [HQ]
"Public Enemies" - the big budget feature directed by Michael Mann - hits big screens around the country today.
Yup!
I'm dashing off to catch the flick which has been causing a buzz in film industry circles in recent days.
Here's the trailer!
Hope to see 'ya there.
We'll talk turkey tomorrow, eh?
http://www.juilanayrs.com
Michael Jackson...throngs of fans stream along Walk of Fame!
The Walk of Fame was packed this past week as fans, lookie loo's, tourists and a battery of paparazzi and media outlets jockeyed for a perch to take in the zoo-like atmosphere on the strip as flowers and prayers were placed on the King of Pop's star.
HD Video captured by Julian Ayrs @ the Tattler.
Farragut North...Discount tickets July 4th weekend! Code posted here guarantees special rate...
In a post a couple of weeks ago, I noted that my contacts @ The Geffen Playhouse informed me that there would be discount tickets available for specific performances of Farragut North at the theatre in Westwood (CA).
Now that the performance dates have come and gone, and the buzz around town has rustled up a lot of interest for the award-winning play, theatre-goers have been curious as to whether there would be reduced-rate tickets available later in the run.
The answer is a resounding "yes".
Curiously, just yesterday afternoon, a woman by the name of "Yvonne" cruised by my blog on WordPress (http://www.julian1st.wordpress.com), read about the discount tickets for the prior performances, and queried me as to whether there would be lower-priced seats in the near future.
Lo & behold!
Shortly after I posted a note to assure her I would do a follow-up on her behalf with my contact @ the Geffen, I logged in to Yahoo, and spied an e-mail communication smiling back at me in the "in" box.
Imagine that!
The staff at the popular Westside Theatre must be "psychic" - because their communication was brimming with good news about additional discount-rated tickets - for the upcoming 4th of July weekend!
Here's the Info:
$25 ticket offer (service charges/handling fees waived)
No ticket limit.
Tickets available while they last
Use offer code: FN25i
Stage Performance Dates:
(Discounted Ticket rate)
Sat. July 4, 2:00 pm matinee
Sun. July 5, 2:00 pm matinee
Sun. July 5, 7:00 pm
*Tickets may only be purchased (valid only) when purchased by phone via the Geffen Playhouse box office.
(310) 208-5454.
Box Office
7 days a week
12 noon – 6:00 pm.
Theatre-goers:
*Please do not leave a voicemail message (or confirmation may not be logged)
Farragut North opened June 16th & runs thru July 26th at the Theatre in Westwood.
Although the play contains mature themes and salty language, the well-written drama was awarded a grant by the prestigious Edgerton Foundation (New American Plays in 2007).
Farragut North first opened at the Atlantic Theatre company in the fall of 2008 to rave reviews and is set against the backdrop of a political race.
Stephen (Chris Pine of Star Trek Fame) inhabits the role of a press secretary who works in the employ of an ambitious up-and-coming candidate.
His heart set on the seat of power, the novice boldly goes forward in pursuit of his political goals, sure that he and his seasoned campaign manager, Paul (Sex and the City's Chris Noth) can steer their campaign into the West Wing successfully.
But, before the polls close at the primaries, Stephen's dreams are shattered when he falls victim to backroom politics and the machinations of veteran operatives and the likes of a seductive intern (Olivia Thirby; Juno).
According to press releases, Farragut is a timely cautionary tale about hubris, loyalty, and the lust for power.
Sit up and take notice, Barack!
Info: http://www.geffenplayhouse.com/
Now that the performance dates have come and gone, and the buzz around town has rustled up a lot of interest for the award-winning play, theatre-goers have been curious as to whether there would be reduced-rate tickets available later in the run.
The answer is a resounding "yes".
Curiously, just yesterday afternoon, a woman by the name of "Yvonne" cruised by my blog on WordPress (http://www.julian1st.wordpress.com), read about the discount tickets for the prior performances, and queried me as to whether there would be lower-priced seats in the near future.
Lo & behold!
Shortly after I posted a note to assure her I would do a follow-up on her behalf with my contact @ the Geffen, I logged in to Yahoo, and spied an e-mail communication smiling back at me in the "in" box.
Imagine that!
The staff at the popular Westside Theatre must be "psychic" - because their communication was brimming with good news about additional discount-rated tickets - for the upcoming 4th of July weekend!
Here's the Info:
$25 ticket offer (service charges/handling fees waived)
No ticket limit.
Tickets available while they last
Use offer code: FN25i
Stage Performance Dates:
(Discounted Ticket rate)
Sat. July 4, 2:00 pm matinee
Sun. July 5, 2:00 pm matinee
Sun. July 5, 7:00 pm
*Tickets may only be purchased (valid only) when purchased by phone via the Geffen Playhouse box office.
(310) 208-5454.
Box Office
7 days a week
12 noon – 6:00 pm.
Theatre-goers:
*Please do not leave a voicemail message (or confirmation may not be logged)
Farragut North opened June 16th & runs thru July 26th at the Theatre in Westwood.
Although the play contains mature themes and salty language, the well-written drama was awarded a grant by the prestigious Edgerton Foundation (New American Plays in 2007).
Farragut North first opened at the Atlantic Theatre company in the fall of 2008 to rave reviews and is set against the backdrop of a political race.
Stephen (Chris Pine of Star Trek Fame) inhabits the role of a press secretary who works in the employ of an ambitious up-and-coming candidate.
His heart set on the seat of power, the novice boldly goes forward in pursuit of his political goals, sure that he and his seasoned campaign manager, Paul (Sex and the City's Chris Noth) can steer their campaign into the West Wing successfully.
But, before the polls close at the primaries, Stephen's dreams are shattered when he falls victim to backroom politics and the machinations of veteran operatives and the likes of a seductive intern (Olivia Thirby; Juno).
According to press releases, Farragut is a timely cautionary tale about hubris, loyalty, and the lust for power.
Sit up and take notice, Barack!
Info: http://www.geffenplayhouse.com/
http://www.julianayrs.com
Change is constant...quote!
The only thing constant is change
Therefore,
the wise man digests and acknowledges the past
Then, moves on confidently
with an enlightened perspective on life
Julian Ayrs
Divine Grace
Collection of Poems
Collection of Poems
O Canada Day & Why Its Hard To Be An American
I love this country. I would not buy anything it sells today nor for years. No bonds (no state munis or in California now....like social security....the concept of the "I.O.U." not real money has become popular as a "way out") and no stocks, no currency, and envy Canada, Brazil and even (yes) Mexico. Its so hard to be a patriot and watch this dissolve as a country (no fault of Obama's) from RR Bush Bush and Clinton ...will toss in Nixon and back to even Lyndon Johnson, for those poor republicans whose majority of the time in the white house destroyed us and are taking names.....Clinton did us no good but did run a moderate ship of state sort of....sort of as he gave into the Newts Army of of 1994-6 elected to balance the budeget (ten ha's) enact term limits (20 ha's) and make the USA moral (1000 ha's) and deregulate the "honest and better" private sector. So whats a patriot to do? As RR said walk and talk with your feet. Leave. This is not my America, not one I wish to be in, a wall between us and Mexico because of Lou Dobbs and being able to lay blame on something other than us as Hilter did ....oh, and Hitler was right, the jews did much banking, and still do, because THEY ARE THE BEST AT WHAT THEY DO and try to be no matter what. They are the best actors, conductors, scientists, bankers, in short.....they attempt perfection in thier work. And that is good. But blame, when times are sucko......can land anywhere. Making even Obama (who I consider with his advisors and cabinet members to be the best in history) unable to stem the tide of the disaster of greed and nonsense economics that has run this country so long. And destroyed us. We must rebuild. But my first instinct is to leave until "someone else does it". I love the USA. I love baseball, apple pie and mom. Beer now all owned by foreigners is fattening, and makes one burp and fart at the most inauspicious times, so let 'em have the beer. Just not us. And we are in danger. Sell the 100 year bonds now sir Barack, extend our duration and chances for surviving this disaster called the USA. Stop the wars, bring us home, make us unite to help (share...a socialist concept called good play in kids, and smart economics if you see who is killing us) ....help unite us again by independence day.
I ask myself to stay to help. But what can one do if you lose buying stocks or anything to do with the USA and must (to avoid insolvency) invest out of here?
Its hard to be an American who loves the country and watch with the continued stupidity of most who elected these fools (before Obama) in the first place. They need show and tell time in grammar school again. They need to read and learn and see how things work. That today is a cummulative sum of the last 40 years. Not due to the current coaching team or manager, but the team sucks. What do you do? A Cubs fan would say next year......I will agree but add a few years as so much must be done. Until then all options to the upside sold here. Short the US. Buy everywhere else. When the shorts are blown out. We win our country back. Until then only the shorts will make money and.....and leaving here for Canada, Brazil, or as Jimmy Rogers, Singapore only makes sense (int the next few years). Yes its that bad and not slowing or bottoming, the escalator on the left goes to economic hell slower than the elevator on the right has taken us there. But hell is where we are.
