CineVegas Film Festival...Britney Spears, Bill Pullman attend 10th Annual celebration at Palms!

Britney Spears in more innocent days

CineVegas tossed a glittering soiree at the Palms Place Pool last night to celebrate their glorious 10th Annual Film Festival.

It was a blow-out!

Scantily-clad showgirls dazzled the well-heeled guests with mesmerizing fire displays, smartly-attired caterers offered up delectable finger foods (the pastries were divine; a zillion calories, at least!) to the high-spirited party-goers, and a popular DJ revved up the mood with an eclectic mix of scintillating sounds.

Given the high profile nature of the event, it's evident why Lifestyle's reporter Robin Leach slipped in unnoticed to take notes from the sidelines.

Dennis Hopper, meanwhile - with Fest Prez Robin Greenspun in tow - circulated the exotic pool patio and delighted film buffs with his down-to-earth accessible demeanor.

"He's so cool," one young dude gushed to his pals.



Bill Pullman - who attended a screening of his new project - "Your Name Here" - escaped my radar initially.

But when I scouted the landscape for news tidbits, I spied the casual handsome actor posing with fans for photos and streaming videos.


The Big Buzz?

Britney Spears made an entrance with little fanfare.


My new paparazzi buddies tipped me off that she jetted into town yesterday morning and was happily ensconced in a condo upstairs at the Palms. Rumors persisted that high-profile Hotelier - George Malooth - planned to take the young pop icon under his wing and launch her career in a fresh new direction.

The tony elite were pretty reserved in her presence, but a few of the guys found it difficult not to steal a glance or two in her direction (myself included).

Ms. Spears was fairly low-key, and mingled and mixed a bit, although somewhat aloof at times (unless she kicked up her heels a bit after I departed for more relaxed climbs, like a warm comfy bed!).

Wouldn't you be in her designer shoes?

After all, across town, Kevin Federline was being honored as the "Father of the Year" by Prive Nightclub at the Planet Hollywood Resort.

My shutterbug pals dashed over to cover the heart-warming event for their agency shortly after they snapped up a handful of shots they were pining for on the red carpet earlier.

Speaking of parents, Mimi Rogers appeared on the red carpet with her young daughter, Lucy.

The gracious film star was looking fabulous in a sparkly understated party dress that turned heads.

Ms. Rogers noted that she was at Paramount Studios that morning working on a couple of episodes of a popular new show and that in the next few months a few independent films she's featured in will be released as well.

When I asked her if she found the Indie projects good for exploring and experimenting with her craft, the response was a definite yes.

Her young one is quite pretty, with wide luminous eyes, and porcelain skin.

Immediately, I surmised one day she'd be modelling or pursuing an interest in ballet or dance; after all, she has the beauty and physical stature for both artistic pursuits.

Believe it or not, the likable kid wants to be a chef!

What kind of food does she like to cook?

"Italian," she responded to my querie with a touch of passion in her voice.

When I asked if she was interested in boys yet, she was a bit shy about discussing the subject. But, happily noted that her favorite celebrity is George Clooney. And, after her mother prompted her a little, she admitted that her all-time favorite actor is Cary Grant.

Ah, the young lady has great taste in men, eh?

A handful of local Vegas performers turned up to bask in the glow of the event, natch!

Nathan Burton, the magician, was thrilled that the Casino where he's performing just installed a wide-screen image on the outside of their entertainment complex, touting his dazzling Magic extravaganza which has been reeling the fans in.

Burton was inclined to tease that in the future he'll be unveiling a new segment for his show featuring 100 bodacious show girls. But, the cad was tight-lipped about the specifics.

Guess I'll have to snap up a ticket and catch one of the shows!

A number of filmmakers were making the rounds at the pool party, too. Being the great promoters that they are, many of the up-and-coming auteurs were inclined to pump hands, and excitedly chat about their projects, with the specific aim of rustling up some interest.

An engaging young director - Jonpaul Lewis - will be screening his three-minute film titled - "Jack the Ripper" - in a segment of shorts on June 17th and 18th.

The tale focuses on a suspect most historians are unfamiliar with who allegedly escaped to America.

That's all the info I can disclose, folks!

You'll have to check out the novel teaser for a proposed full-length feature, yourself!

Also, Gary Sax at Triathlon Pictures, noted that he may have a project in the works about women in sports. I'll keep you posted on that one, which appears to be marketable, in my estimation.

Three of the showgirls hired for the event were wearing what amounted to a lot of colorful paint!
A make-up artist spent about three hours adorning their nubile sentient beings with eye-catching erotic body art which left little to the imagination.

Of course, I posed the obvious question. Are you wearing a cup?

"A pastie," one of the ravishing beauties laughed.

And she confessed, it was held in place with a little bit of American magic: glue!

The ladies have worked in various shows around town and are all single, guys!

"It's hard to be married in the business'" the one dancer confided.

Hear that, Britney?

A younger Lucy trots red carpet with dotting Mom Mimi Rogers

http://www.julianayrs.com

CineVegas Film Festival...Rainn Wilson & Dennis Hopper wow filmgoers at Fox's premiere for "The Rocker". A Hit!

Hollywood should sit up and take a cue from CineVegas - when it comes to premieres - at least!

Last night's red carpet event for Fox's - "The Rocker" - was a splashy high-energy bash - the likes of which - I have not seen in recent days in Tinsel town.

Without doubt, there were two stand-outs on the catwalk.

Top Dog honor goes to Rainn Wilson (The Office) who alighted amid a lot of frenzied fanfare from what was being billed as the most ubiquitous limo on the planet with motley crew in tow.

Runner up for the grand entrance hands-down went to local Vegas celebrity - Johnny Brenden - with clear title to the Brenden Theatre at the Palms Casino Resort where the hilarious new Fox comedy was being unveiled.

"Mr. Muscles," one of the paparazzi quipped.

Rainn strutted down the red carpet in character attired head-to-toe in rock-inspired garb.

Was I having a sixties-style LSD flashback?

"Axel Rose inspired the bandanna," he noted dead-pan.

When I spied a promo for the rock music band - "Steel Panther" - in the morning Review-Journal (Page 26 of Neon) it all amounted to synchronicity for me.

From the publicity still in the daily, it was quite evident that Rainn got it right.

When I asked Rainn where he wanted to be in two years, he was quick on the uptake.

Bigger than Bono!

The talented actor was in top form, capable of spitting out rapid-fire repartee at whim, much to the delight of the fans outside the theatre in Sin City.

The shutterbugs were in a feeding frenzy - truly in their element - as they snapped away non-stop without skipping a beat.

Wilson was flanked by a skanky bunch of hangers-on which included scintillating showgirls, a card-playing magician, tuxedoed midget, and a Centurion (Hail Caesar!).

"I picked 'em up at a local bar," Rainn joked amid hoots from the press who ate it all up!

For the press it was finally show time.

For about two hours they chomped at the bit.

In spite of the fact they were wilting somewhat under the intense mid-day sun, they were inclined to camp out patiently on the edges of the roped-off runway where the celebrities were destined to touch down.

I spied a handful of 'em surreptitiously checking out the rank and status of their rivals in the line-up, taking note of the pecking order, that sort of thing.

On occasion, a photog would kindly oblige the competition by standing in on the carpet for a test shot to establish framing, intensity of light, and potential glitches.

At times, they shared the fruits of their labor.

"Not a bad shot, eh?" one asked a fellow photog as he displayed the screen for all to take a gander at.

"I cut him off at the knees though. I guess I should have included the feet."

A Celebrity Vibe rep was pretty low-key and stayed out of the fray for the most part.

For him, the industry was mostly a positive experience.

Who was a toughie to deal with?

"Jennifer Anniston. She gets naked and stands out in front of her house. Then, she has someone tip off a photographer . When he shows up and takes pictures, she sues them."

Why, I asked incredulously.

"'Cause she's crazy," he stated matter-of-fact.

You heard it here first, folks.

How did Brad make do for all those years? Must have the patience of Job, I expect.

Johnny Brenden was quite the poser himself. In fact, his appearance was literally dazzling.

A stud in his ear sparkled when it caught the sunlight and showered little rainbows all about.

And then, there was that ten-thousand-watt smile.

"The teeth were always his," one woman assured me.


Another speculated about where his money came from.

"He's related to the owners of the Mann's Chinese," another chimed in.

Mr. Brenden was the film buff nostalgic who pushed for a Hollywood-style walk of fame with stars imbedded underfoot in Las Vegas terra firma.

When I asked if he had help with his fashion choices for the evening, he was quite emphatic, "No".

"Versace", he announced, as he did a little bow in his black designer suit that fit just so.

How can you go wrong when you start with the perfect male silhouette?

At one point, when the flash bulbs popped and the golden sunlight streamed across his distinctive features, the effect was awesome, surreal, and downright freakish in nature.

It was sort-of a Marilyn Monroe moment with a male twist.

The phrase - "famous for being famous" - popped into my mind.

One of the lead actresses -  Jane Lynch -  was cool as a cucumber, though.

She handled herself with ease despite the frenzied pace of the event.

When I asked if tall thin actress could offer up any advice for actors struggling and pining to succeed in the business, she was quick to offer up suggestions.

"Do Do Do. Get into a play or a showcase. Get out there and make it happen."

Dennis Hopper was the epitome of style and class, too.

He sauntered down the carpet in an understated tasteful suit, with a starched pristine-white dress shirt, open at the collar.

In spite of the carnival-like-aura of the event, the legendary actor managed to remain centered, measured in his responses, and definitely in control.

The sign of a true pro.

What was the man - who has been crowned the Ambassador of good will for CineVegas - thinking behind those ultra-cool designer shades?



When I asked the celebrated Hopper if he had any reflections about his remarkable fortune to work with legendary actors - Elizabeth Taylor, James Dean, and Rock Hudson (Giant) - he was inclined to note that he just came off a project with a fine actor, Ben Kingsley.


It was evident to me at that juncture that Mr. Hopper is not caught up in the trappings of Hollywood, influenced by fluctuating personas, or the superficiality of the industry. Indeed, his response indicated - quite frankly - that it was all about the quality of the work and the players.

When the producer - Tom McNulty - stopped by for a chat impeccably dressed in a handsome suit - my initial reaction was to joke,

"Oh, you're one of the suits we hear so much about in the industry."

He was taken aback a little.

Yeah, my humor can be a little offbeat on occasion, if not downright cynical at times.

Mr. McNultry is a sort-of boy wonder, with pretty luminous eyes, who came up through the ranks.

True to form, the affable exec started at the bottom, then navigated his way to the top, "by being focused, clean, willing to pitch in, and doing the grunt work".

He noted that the "Rocker" property had been stewing for a couple of years before it got the green light. At one point he and Rainn became fast friends, so it was logical that he would be offered the role.

After director Peter Cattaneo (Full Monty) agreed to come on board, within six weeks, the award-winning auteur was jetting off to Toronto (my home town) to start shooting with little more fuss or ado.

In view of the mood of the business in recent days, the comedy appeared to be a good bet for the marketplace, noted McNultry.

In respect to upcoming projects, he noted that he worried a little about a potential strike, but expressed a sincere hope that the actors get their due and proper pay.

Gosh, twist the arms of those other suits, please!

When I corralled Trevor Groth - Artistic Director for CineVegas - it was evident he was on a bit of a high.

The Festival was kicking off to a great start, after all.

What is the highlight of the Festival, I asked.

"Tonight."

Ah, quite the diplomat, what with the "Rocker" people gazing on from the sidelines.

But, he urged filmgoers and festival enthusiasts to get out for the big Charity Event coinciding with "Get Smart" on Sunday June 15th at the Planet Hollywood Casino Resort.

Proceeds will go to help Project Knapsack which was founded by GET SMART star, Dwayne Johnson.

Also, the Murakami Red Carpet event (Monday June 16th) may prove to be a historic artistic happening in Las Vegas.

Congratulations Rocker!

Looks like 'ya got a hit on your hands.

http://www.thetattler.biz

CineVegas Film Festival...George Michael in Concert! Busted in Vegas, not!

As you head in from the desert, the picturesque rugged mountains that rim the valley fall out of view, and ahead the city of Las Vegas sits like a sparkling gem in the dazzling mid-day sun.

On the strip there is a buzz in the air.

Tourists gobble up the eye-candy as they snap photos furiously - all-the-while - caught up in a sort-of feeding frenzy.

Quaint gondolas glide by in front of the Venetian and a stunning water display delights in front of the Bellagio.
As snatches of French, German & Chinese fall on the ears, it's evident glitzy "Sin City" is a captivating concept to cultures around the globe.

Although I am in town to catch the CineVegas Film Festival - which has a satellite base at the Palms Casino - I'm inclined to go with the flo and explore the Boulevard and mix in with the crowd.

At MGM, I catch the tail end of the Lion Show.

In their confined habitat on the main floor of the Casino, the cubs act like playful puppies with their trainer. But when the mic picks up their mighty roar from within the walled enclosure, it is obvious why they are the King of the Jungle.

At MGM, gyrating images of George Michael flash on wide screens throughout the establishment exalting his concert slated for June 21st.

Expect a sell-out, thanks to old wham, fans

At Caesars Palace, the Big 3 - Sir Elton (John), Cher (Legendary), and Bette (Bugle girl) - were being promoted in anticipation of their grand entrances into the spotlight in coming weeks.

After the curtains fall on each - I wonder, will the pop icons sneak into one another's suites in their nighties and snack on delectable goodies - as they reminisce about the old days 'til the crack of dawn?

For this time of year, the sun was intense, and sent the mercury soaring to 107 most days.

Adidas and a handful of other smart shopkeepers installed "misters" outside on the street - so their customers could slip out of the intense rays of the big burn and breath a sight of relief - if only for a second or two.

Surprisingly, I chose to window-shop a bit among the throngs that were gathering by the minute in the exotic desert oasis.

I passed on a T-shirt that said:

"Property of Las Vegas County Jail".

After all, who wants to tempt fate?

Instead, I purchased one that showed off my torso, which brazenly shouted out on its face:

"Busted in Vegas".

A dollar sign etched on the front with a red circle and a slash running through it said it all.

Not!

I'm too practical when with money these days.

What little of it, I have, of course.

The humorous tank top elicited a number of smiles and chuckles throughout the day as I sauntered this way 'n that in the electric tourist mecca.

When I chatted up a handful of hotel employees, they were surprised to hear that the annual CineVegas Vegas Film Festival was opening later that day.

There's wasn't much in the way of local publicity advertising the event, I guess.

Many were clueless about the fact dozens of dazzling celebrities would be jetting in for the event.

Well - Anjelica Huston, James Caan, and Sam Rockwell - for starters; after all, they were attending a red-carpet premiere in honor of their acting chops.

Dennis Hopper - who became a sort-of goodwill Ambassador for the Festival - hosted a party at TAO on his birthday.

The trendy night spot was being promoted as a religious nightclub experience!

Actually, many of the Casinos were going for a younger market over the summer months.

MGM brazenly touts its club "Tabu" on the outside of the entertainment complex with sexually-implicit ads of a young stud offering up a cherry to a sexy lady-of-the-night in a reclining position.


A visually-appealing advert for the spa and pool played up the erotic image, too, with a sizzling publicity still of a lifeguard with perfect pecs and chiseled abs beckoning guests in.

Save my life any day, Bud!

On the evening I galloped into town, I got all gussied up and took in a red-carpet event for the premiere of - "The Rocker" - which kicked off the high-profile CineVegas Film Festival.

Last word from the organizers before I left Los Angeles was that "Get Smart" would be a sell out.

Wonder why?

But, the festival staff managed to squeeze me in, to my delight!

An eclectic mix of shorts films, documentaries, and locally produced features were being screened at the annual festival - in addition to - a handful of special celluloid boutique masterpieces.

I'll trot around the Vegas landscape until I'm ready to wilt away.

But, I'll be sure to sip a cocktail, play the slots, and loll by the pool at the Sahara for a few hours, if only to pep me up a bit before the round of party-hopping starts later this evening.

At a minimum, I should be able to not only rustle up a dollop of gossip, but kick up my heels a little, too.

Skoal!

Los Angeles Film Festival...Richard Raddon improper behaviour. LA Times conflict of Interest! Blogger disdain. Pass on it...

I tell you, they are a screwy bunch over there at the Los Angeles Film Festival.

In recent months - whenever there has been a Festival of Films - I simply get in touch with the Festival Director and a press pass is issued so that I may cover the events, pen reviews, and interview guests whether they be a director, a star, whatever.

That was the case with the 24th Annual Asian Pacific Film Festival, the Newport Beach Film Festival, the Backlot Film Festival, and the Mockfest Film Festival.

In recent days - I was not only baffled by the questionable conduct of the Festival Director - Richard Raddon - but taken aback at his incessant game-playing, lies and deceit, and obvious efforts to either bribe me, make a pass at me, or wrangle my services for the Los Angeles Film Festival.

A case in point.

I submitted my request for a press pass in anticipation of the event looming on the horizon. But, a response was long in arriving.

I was about to send a query to determine if the request had been lost - when a lowly Public Relations person - Petra Kauraisa - sent me a curt notice informing me that her office could not provide an accreditation for the Film Festival.

Without explanation, mind you. Talk about unprofessional conduct.

What an odd turn of events!

Especially in view of the fact I gave coverage to handful of their events last year.

In fact I gave glowing reviews to worthy entries at the Festival.

Talk about ungrateful bast**ds!

In a good-faith effort to resolve the issue - and assuming the young lady was not familiar with my credentials - I responded by enlightening her that I was a critic in the professional arena, a known-writer, and then proceeded to provide links of Festival coverage to her superior, Julie Siegel (Public Relations).

Normally, I don't like to toot my own horn, but what was a boy to do?

The experience was somewhat intriguing because my press credentials for the CineVegas Film Festival (a major Film Festival event in the United States) were just approved without problem.

Why does a rinky-dink little Film circuit program like the Los Angeles Film Festival have such a difficult time issuing press passes?

At first, I thought - well now - the Los Angeles Times wants all the coverage of the events to themselves. After all they are a sponsor of the Festival.

The idea that the Los Angeles Times was behind the rejection is not all that far-fetched, either.

It should be noted that in recent days I reported on the LA Book Festival.

I did not attend, though.

I simply gave notice of the much-anticipated event (to be attended by Literary giants such as Gay Talese) so that interested blog readers could attend if they were unaware the popular fair was scheduled that weekend.

On the heels of that fair, a journalist at the Los Angeles Times newspaper made some disparaging remarks about bloggers. For instance, the writer reported there were a lot of scruffy bloggers at the UCLA celebration.

Obviously, at the Los Angeles Times there is some disdain towards bloggers.

After all, the remark, was uncalled for.

Another writer - at the same paper - also lamented one day in another piece that bloggers hadn't gone through the journalist route and inferred that they hadn't paid their dues and - bottom line - suggested that they weren't bona fide professional writers.

When you consider these events, it would appear there may be a connection between the obvious disdain towards bloggers at the Los Angeles Times, and the denial of a press pass to a blogger who openly competes with their newspaper on a daily basis, wouldn't you think?

After all, in the event you were unaware of it, the Los Angeles Times backs the annual Los Angeles Film Festival.

In retrospect (and all things considered) it would appear that the newspaper may be inclined to hog all the coverage of the events for itself - or in a more sinister vein - is trying to control the image of a Festival that is their "baby" which they have gone to great pains - along with an impressive outlay of cash - to build, promote, and boast about in the community each year.

Understandably - in my view - it is a conflict of interest for the LA Times to act as a major sponsor for the Los Angeles Film Festival for obvious reasons.

It would appear they only want select journalists - and maybe non-bloggers - to attend their press events to garner the high-profile coverage they are seeking to tout their artistic efforts.

In view of the foregoing facts, the argument is compelling, isn't it?

Notwithstanding these curious events - it should be noted that after I received word there would not be a press pass - I proceeded to ask the Public Relations office to provide the name and e-mail address of the Festival Director so that I could lodge a formal complaint.

At this juncture, things got curiouser and curiouser, as they say.

Mr. Raddon - the Festival Director (who had been out-of-the-loop until this time) - sent me an odd e-mail out-of-the-blue replete with staggering implications and - under the circumstances - some highly unusual requests.

He started by informing me that he had "watched" the trail of e-mails back and forth between myself and the publicity department and that he realized that I may be able to "help" the Festival because they were trying to resolve some web issues.

Verbatim, his e-mail says:

"We are working on many web agendas and you sound like the kind of individual who would have a wealth of information about this arena."

Then, he requested I meet with him as soon as possible.

"I am open this week. Accreditation at the LA Film Festival wont be a problem, but I want to meet."

Why, pray tell?

In fact - the urgency of his demands, and the nature of them - were a little unsettling.

One minute, Raddon's office denies me a press pass; then, in the next breath they urgently court me on the grounds that I "have a wealth of information about this arena" that may be of use to them?

If my wealth of information requires an urgent meeting, then why wouldn't he issue the pass?

Because there appeared to be no logic to his actions, I had to seriously consider if there were strings attached.

He said he could come to my neighbourhood. That we could have drinks.

Verbatim, his e-mail says:

"I would still like to meet you in person and I can come to your neighborhood for a quick lunch or drinks. Please let me know if you have the time and inclination."

Gosh, what was going on here?

He wants to come to my neighborhood and have drinks?

When I noted somewhat hesitantly that I was busy with preparations for the upcoming Vegas Film Festival coverage, he responded by noting,

"I have to leave Thursday afternoon for a family emergency. are u free tomorrow at all? ill come to you."

I've never had a Festival Director ever made such an overt, improper request, in my entire life.

For this reason, I was leery.

Since he said - "if I had the time and inclination" - I decided to pass.

And - since he said the pass would be no problem - I just expected it to be ready at the Festival gate when the festivities commenced in Westwood.

This evening, in anticipation of my plans for Vegas, I zipped off an e-mail to Mr. Raddon to ensure that the press pass would be ready at the Festival grounds.

Imagine my shock when he proceeded to not only pester me about meeting once again, but inferred that unless I did, there would be no press pass.

Does that sound like coercion to you?

I responded by noting that I basically found his behaviour odd and that I would forgo on any future efforts to obtain a press pass.

I notified him of my intention to file a post online to report on his bizarre odd-ball antics, and to inform my readers as to why I would not be reporting on the Los Angeles Film Festival this year.

In response, he threatened to sue me.

"I now consider this matter closed and will be turning it over to our lawyers. The law has very strict punitive guidelines for slander. We will be watching."

Well, I laughed out loud.

The man is obviously off his rocker.

First of all, slander pertains to the "uttered" word.

You can not sue a person for slander for remarks that are in written form.

Secondly, his comments about the lawyers, also appears to have been an attempt to threaten and intimidate me.

You can't be sued for printing the truth, Sir!

In sum - when you consider the chain of events (and Mr. Raddon's conduct) - it is quite obvious the man was up to "no good".

If my credentials did not pass muster, why did he want to meet with me to obtain my assistance on matters he noted amounted to - in his own words - a wealth of experience?

Why did he say the accreditation was not a problem, but later, deny it?

Obviously, Mr. Raddon wanted to meet with me in person to discuss matters he preferred not to be in writing - and in my estimation - was anxious to seize on such a meeting to perhaps make inappropriate advances to me on various questionable levels.

Why did Mr. Raddon have to meet me away from his office?

And, in my neighborhood?

And, for drinks?

Sir, I don't take bribes.

And, if you thought that once in my neighborhood (after we had a few drinks) that I would invite you to my "home" nearby, you were mistaken.

I do not help festivals sort out their problems.

I try to remain neutral in my business and professional relationships, without influence.

And, in the final analysis, I report my point of view fairly and squarely.

Mr. Raddon - at this point - it is obvious you need therapy!

Also - in view of your lack of ethics and professionalism (and inability to pen the simplest of e-mails) - I seriously have to ponder how you landed the Festival Director position in the first place.

All things considered, in my opinion, you are a disgrace to the Los Angeles Film Festival scene.

In fact, if you ask me, you are a menace to the community at large.

I'd rather get a root canal then mingle with clowns like you.

As to the Festival, by the way, it looks like pretty lackluster stuff.

Old re-runs of films, in some instances. And, unimaginative, cliche attempts to ponder the medium of film.

Losers!

INS...pending lawsuits for discrimination & rights Violations, negligence & wrong-doing. Robert M. Cowan at fault!

Good ole Boy's Texan attitude 'bout immigrants!


To some, the big story may have been the one in the morning dailies that focused on the E-Verify project George Bush wants to implement at U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Services.

The lofty idea is aimed at curbing illegal immigration and to verify that workers are entitled to work in the United States.

But, even in its infancy, the experts are pooh-poohing the President's assertions that it is the road to travel down to effectively alleviate the problem of illegal immigration in the U.S.

Actually - there is a more sinister news story brewing beneath the surface about to erupt across the Nation - and it has to do with lost documents, INS retaliation against immigrants seeking to renew green cards and/or gain legal papers for U.S. residency, and the wrongful conduct of INS employees who have - on occasion - withheld legal documents from immigrants seeking their lawful right to legal status in this country.

In spite of the fact George W. Bush has received written complaints from concerned immigrants about the troubling situation, he has basically shuffled off the complaints to his minions and ignored the issues.

One main battle cry from the anti-immigrant front is that "illegals" are thumbing their noses at the system because they do not go through the "front door" to gain legal status.

However - in view of the outrageous conduct of INS Officials (which include the suspicious loss of documents, excessive delays in the processing of petitions, retaliation against complainants who question the system, and a denial of petitions without notice or right to appeal) it's quite obvious to any sensible person that going through the back door appears to be the only way!

One immigrant with a green card residing in the U.S. for over twenty years - for example - applied for a renewal of a green card over a year-and-a-half ago. After about nine months, when there was no response from the local field office, the individual contacted the INS for an update on the status of their application.

At this juncture, the frustrated applicant was informed that their paperwork was "lost" (without explanation or sympathy) and that they would have to re-submit all documents for a reconsideration of the issues.

The individual dutifully followed the instructions of the INS staff, but the difficulties persisted.

About six months later when the paperwork was still not processed, and the green card technically expired, staff refused to provide an "extension" sticker for the residency card or even respond to written communications.

Then, the frustrated immigrant proceeded to file a complaint with the President, George W. Bush.

About six weeks later - a supervisor at the INS mailed out a response letter - noting that Mr. Bush had passed on the complaint to that Department for a review and that the matter had been assigned a Case Number for further investigation.

Weeks passed - and when there was no word - the party zipped off a letter to the INS supervisor for an update. After a month when there was no response, the immigrant proceeded to lodge a complaint with the Ombudsman's Office, which is newly-headed up by a disreputable incompetent fellow by the name of Michael Dougherty.

Within a week after the complaint issues were raised to Mr. Dougherty's office, the immigrant was shocked to receive a letter back from that office advising that the petition had been denied back in January.

The immigrant had not even received any notice from the INS!

A subsequent paper trail - and a review of the documents - establishes that right after the immigrant filed a complaint with George Bush's office, Robert M. Cowan at the National Benefits Center in Lee's Summit proceeded to "deny" the petition, obviously as an act of retaliation against the individual for filing a complaint against the staff in that office.

In a comunication to Mr. Dougherty, the immigrant noted that no legal notice had been sent out which was required by law, and that - likewise - there had not been any notice of procedures to follow in the wake of the rejected petition in respect to lodging an appeal, for instance.

Notwithstanding, the individual also noted for the record that it was difficult to fathom how the filing of an appeal would be possible since no notice of a denial had been received - and that, likewise - no grounds for a rejection of the petition had been served, either.

Mr. Dougherty was asked to open an investigation at the Ombudsman's Office since it was obvious that the immigrant's rights were violated and the issue warranted an investigation within the full letter of the law.

Mr. Doughtery responded by alleging in an impersonal "form-style" communication that the issue was out of his jurisdiction, in spite of the fact an attorney informed the immigrant that the complaint issue was definitely within the realm of Dougherty's job description at Homeland Security.

In retrospect, it is evident that Mr. Dougherty was inclined to hide his head in the sand, and do his superior's dishonest bidding at Homeland Security.

At this point, the immigrant drafted an account of the events in a detailed complaint (drawing attention to the lost documents, the discriminatory conduct of the INS staffer - Robert M. Cowan - and efforts by Cowan to subseqeutnly cover-up INS employee wrongdoing, the retaliatory acts of the INS staff at the National Benefits Center, the failure to give notice of a legally-binding ruling, details about the failure of the INS staff to inform the party of their rights and obligations, and the withholding of legal documents in a bold-faced effort to deny the immigrant their entitlement to due process of Law) and mailed the paperwork to George W. Bush by certified mail via U.S. Post.

A copy of the "complaint" was mailed to Jonathan Scharfen, Acting Director of USCIS; and Mr. Chertoff, the Secretary of Homeland Security.

No one (not Mr. Bush, INS staff, Mr. Chertoff, Jonathan Scharfen, or Michael Dougherty) has responded to the complaint in spite of the fact each has had ample opportunity to give the immigrant the professional courtesy of a reply.

The immigrant is now planning to file a lawsuit on the grounds of rights violations, discrimination, conspiracy, negligence, etc.

The wronged immigrant is also preparing to lodge a formal criminal complaint against all the parties with the FBI on the grounds that there was an unlawful interference by INS staff, a wrongful withholding of legal documents, and discriminatory acts which have ultimately violated the rights of the individual.

That is just one example of the problems that immigrants face.

In another incident, one immigrant was thrown to the ground and beaten up by two officers from the Homeland Security Police Force, ICE.

In fact, the individual suffered serious injuries which required emergency hospital care.

When the immigrant mailed a certified letter to Mr. Chertoff to apprise his office of the facts and to request the name of the ICE officers involved in the incident so an appropriate criminal complaint could be filed, Mr. Chertoff ignored the comunication. In fact, to this day, the Secretary of Homeland Security has never responded to the individual in any good-faith effort to resolve the issues.

Yet, Mr. Chertoff appears on National TV, and acts for all-the-world as if he is a compassionate caring individual who is concerned about the welfare of immigrants, their right to due process, and entitlement to all the privileges their status affords them as legal residents of the United States.

But, the truth of the matter is, Chertoff doesn't give a sh**.

In sum - the foregoing conduct of George W. Bush, Michael Chertoff, Robert M. Cowan, Michael Dougherty, INS Staff, and Jonathan Scharfen - was shocking and reprehensible and flies in the face of a true democracy. The rights of the individual should not only be protected, but guaranteed; most certainly, they should not to be wantonly disregarded and trampled on at the hands of a few incompetent politicians and corrupt officials of the government who misuse their power to conceal their heinous, illegal, despicable conduct.

Maybe it's time that Immigrants - stormed the walls, ignored the government, and went on their merry way - and to he** with Homeland Security, the INS, and the Government of the United States.

After all, the government is not doing anything to address the issues, hasten fairness or justice to displaced immigrants across the land, or even make a reasonable good-faith effort to abide by the U.S. Constitution or the Bill of Rights.

Shame!

Blaise Pascal once wrote,

"Justice and power must be brought together, so that whatever is just may be powerful, and whatever is powerful may be just."

Would you trust this goon?


*E-Mail to George W. Bush (White House)
*E-Mail to Dick Cheney (White House)

CineVegas Film Festival...red carpet events, premiere screenings, celebrity sightings. Film buffs and jet-set head for Sin City event!

This week, I am zipping off to the land of the midnight sun, for the unveiling of the feature - "THE ROCKER" - at a dazzling red carpet event which kicks off the CineVegas Film Festival in the desert oasis.
Probably, the hottest ticket of late on the festival circuit, this year promises to be a high-energy sparkling affair that will undoubtedly wow the most jaded of film buffs and glittering jet-set elite.

There will be a smattering of boffo soirees set in the exotic heart of the dynamic Las Vegas strip for starters.

An opening night extravaganza will be hosted by Rain (Palms) and followed-up with a festive 10th Anniversay celebration the next night at the picturesque Palms Place Pool.


Not be be outdone - the Venetian, Wyn Hotel & Casino, the Palazzo, and Planet Hollywood - will crack open the bubbly for a scintillating round of dazzling party-chasers, as well.
The "In Film We Trust" bash will be a crowd- pleaser at Tao Beach on the 17th - while the Cinevegas Pool Party on the 14th and the soiree at Blush on the 16th - are sure to be a blast, too.

Vegas hasn't seen such sizzling action since Bugsy Seigel tore up the town in fancy three-piece suits!

There are a number of media events slated for the morning - gosh - after those late-night parties rubbing elbows with the tony elite.

Will I manage to drag myself out of a comfy bed bright eyed and bushy-tailed to attend?

Hope so, the series looks intriguing.


I am looking forward to attending the "Get Smart" screening.

After all, the telephone booth promo already sold me on project that was lifted from the sixties TV comedy series and upgraded to the wide screen, starring funnyman Steve Carell.



I'll have to do a little research on the new feature film - "Great Buck Howard" - since I am in the dark to date about that projects.

But, bear with me.

There's only so much a party-hearty toy-boy can keep up with!

I did take a peak at one flyer, though, for your sake.

The "Great Buck Howard" was directed by Sean McGinly (USA) and is about a law-school dropout Troy Gable (Colin Hanks) who answers an ad for a "personal assistant to a celebrity performer" not knowing that the performer is Buck Howard (John Malkovich).

Buck is apparently a formerly well-known "mentalist" (infamous for sixty-one appearances on NBC's Tonight Show) who has been reduced to a has-been magician in need of a pretty big trick to get him out of a slump.


But, I'm really looking forward to tripping-the-light-fantastic on the red carpet premiere of the soon-to-be released feature, "The Rocker".

The Rocker was directed by Peter Cattaneo (USA) and tells the tale of a failed drummer who is given a second chance at fame.

Other projects strewn out over the film festival landscape add a lot of pizazz to the eclectic mix.

There will be a set of celluloid pieces that organizers are touting as the - "Pioneer Documentaries" - for example.

The series is a competitive entry for documentaries that explore new territory and world perceptions.

"BEAUTIFUL LOSERS" - Aaron Rose’s feature documentary celebrating the independent spirit that unified a loose-knit group of underground American artists is one such entry slated to screen.

Abel Ferrara’s feature - "CHELSEA ON THE ROCKS" (U.S. premiere) - looks like a real hoot, too.

It's about the personalities and artistic voices that emerged from the legendary Chelsea Hotel.

"THE END" - in which Nicola Collins explores the lives of her father and his friends in the violent underworld of London - looks intriguing if you're into tales of the mob (like moi).

For a complete run-down on the pioneer docs check the listings at the web site.

"La Próxima Ola" - on the other hand - highlights the best films from first and second-time Mexican filmmakers.
The section includes: Jonás Cuarón’s Año uña (YEAR OF THE NAIL), a love story set in Mexico; "COCHOCHI", a humble story from directors Israel Cárdenas and Laura Amelia Guzmán about two Raramuri boys and their efforts to find a lost horse; and "DÉFICIT", actor Gael García Bernal’s directing debut in which he follows complex characters at a house party just outside of Mexico City.

In "Vegas Uncovered" - (Documentaries about Las Vegas) - CineVegas will screen a doc on celebrated local hero, Hank Greenspan. "WHERE I STAND" focuses the lens on one of the last great crusading newspaper publishers. Directed by Scott Goldstein.

"Diamond Discoveries" features the best new independent films available for U.S. distribution.

This year’s program includes: "EXPLICIT ILLS", Mark Webber’s tale of young love, drugs and poverty; "FINALLY, LILLIAN AND DAN", director Mike Gibisser’s meditation on young love; David Zellner’s "GOLIATH" follows a man as he searches for his missing cat; and Abel Ferrara’s strip club comedy "Go-GO TALES".

"Sure Bets" focuses on advance screenings of independent studio films. (see listings at web site)

"Nevada Filmmaking" puts the spotlight on features and shorts produced in Nevada by local filmmakers.

Slated for screening are: Francisco "Menéndez’s PRIMO" (world premiere) about cousins from El Salvador reunited in Las Vegas; "SONIC YOUTH: Sleeping Nights Awake", a vérité documentary by a group of Reno teenagers from director Michael Albright; and "WOMEN IN BOXES" (world premiere), the Phil Noyes and Harry Pallenberg’s behind-the-scenes look at magicians’ assistants.

The CineVegas 2008 lineup includes - "JACKPOT PREMIERES" - which are a collection of highly anticipated world premieres including:

"Big Heart City"
Director: Ben Rodkin (USA, 2007)
An indolent gambling addict attempts to pick up the pieces after the unexplained disappearance of his pregnant girlfriend.

"Dark Streets"
Director: Rachel Samuels (USA)
A stylish noir film featuring blues music, seduction, and murder that is set in a visually dazzling fantasy of the early 1930’s.

"Happy Birthday, Harris Malden"
Directors: Juan Cardarelli, Ben Davidow, Nick Gregorio, Matthew Sanchez
In this surprise feature, Harris Malden has an obvious secret. He fakes his facial hair.

"Memorial Day"
Director: Josh Fox (USA)
A wild Memorial Day weekend takes an unexpected turn in this brutally-thrilling roller coaster ride through over-exposed national obsessions.

"She Unfolds by Day"
Director: Rolf Belgum (USA)
What began as documentary becomes fiction. What began as fiction becomes a study of nature.

"South of Heaven"
Director: J.L. Vara (USA)
A man returns home from serving his country and must search for his missing brother who is caught up in a crime spree in the Wild West.


The Festival will also feature a selection of student films from the CSN and UNLV programs. These short films embody the creative nature of independent filmmaking.


The films will be mixed in with the festival events throughout the program. A handful will be shown before features, while a handful will be combined with others to make feature-length programs.

A PARTIAL LIST INCLUDES:
Alex and her Arse Truck (Director: Sean Conway, 2007)
Alternate Ending (Director: David Fenster, 2007)
A Catalog of Anticipations (Director: David Lowery, 2007)
Chonto (Director: Carson Mell, 2007)
The Clay Head (Director: Tom Barndt)
Clear Glasses (Director: Sam Green)
Cowboy (Director: Matthew Modine)
I’m Pretty, Too (Director: Matt Jespersen)
Mr. P (Director: Jacob Vaughan)
Plot Point (Director: Nicolas Provost, 2007)
Sick Sex (Director: Justin Nowell, 2007)
The Sleuth Incident (Director: Jason Kupfer)

Info: http://www.cinevegas.com

Life...quote!

As you are
Life is

Julian Ayrs
Chocolate Buddha
Collection of Poems

Dykes on Bikes, Mark Wahlberg, Harry Potter gay spoof...rack up hits!

One of the features at WordPress I have particularly warmed up to is the blog stats function.

If a blogger is wondering how it is that web surfers unceremoniously arrived at his or her doorstep, the savvy blogster has only to check a special section of the logs to determine which "search words" were used to locate the site.

Also, since WordPress automatically matches up blog posts with related stories of interest, it is immensely intriguing to use a little detective work and fathom the links that hooked up the mercurial Internet seekers to your posts.

Another feature is pretty practical, too.

A WordPress filter senses when a spam post is being attempted and summarily places it into a holding pattern or queue until the blog owner has the opportunity to okay it or not.

For example, after I posted a feature on Erotica LA this weekend, my site was inundated with ads, videos, and promos for porno web sites!

I was able to select the best ones - um - weed out the nasty little devils and send them off to the recycle bin.

Aw, what waste of succulent erotic flesh, eh?

Most web site owners and bloggers are curious to know how popular their site is and how many clicks they're getting.

Over the past couple of days, for instance, the logs paved the way for me.

A post on Dykes on Bikes (West Hollywood Gay Pride), Mark Wahlberg (shower scene), and a gay video spoof on Harry Potter landed the top hits.

Angelina Jolie scored pretty high as well.

With a little astute analysis it should be obvious to many that this weekend - for some inexplicable reason - the masses around the Nation were horny, titillated by gay sex, and fascinated by butch women on motorcycles.

Only in America!


Risque Beowulf publicity stills of Angelina Jolie revved up the band waves!

Mark Wahlberg nude shower scene!

Harry Potter gay?

Tom Brokaw...quote of the day! Was Hillary pushed out of race?

I had a dream!

Well, if you're like me, you woke up this week and suddenly realized there was no one left to kick around in the Democratic party.

Talk about a vacuum!

When queried on the issue, one top newsman was inclined to access the situation this way:

"It was inappropriate for journalists especially to try to cut the process short," Brokaw quipped from the sidelines.

"It was an appropriate issue for people to report on, in context, but there was an awful lot of commentary disguised as reporting that gave the impression that people were trying to shove her out of the race."

Is he kidding?

Of course, we were!

homosexuality...quote!

Homosexuality used to be the love that dare not speak its name.
Now it is the love that won't shut up!

Julian Ayrs
The Daily Planet
Collection of Poems

Jody Foster..intriguing mystery. Playful pretty photo sneaks into my blog realm unnoticed!

This past week a couple of controversial posts drove the traffic sky-high at the naughty "Tattler".

So much so, that the server went down and I couldn't even access my own blog!

Needless to say, some snafus reared their ugly head as well.

For example, a couple of separate posts merged into one, on occasion the google blogspot log-in page didn't load properly (so it was off-kilter and screwed up!) and data just went zip into thin air.

Consequently, I spent a part of the afternoon going thru the blog to get a handle on glitches.

Curiously, when I stumbled across an older review of Jody Foster's last thriller - "The Brave One" - I was inclined to click it open and check for broken links, double-check for typos, that sort-of-thing.

Well, I received quite a jolt when the mesmerizing publicity still of Ms. Foster (above) popped up on the screen!

You see, originally, I featured the studio publicity shot used to advertise the film which captured Jody in a decidely butcher stance with a menacing revolver in hand. (below)

Imagine what a surprise it was to encounter the one gracing the top of the blog page staring me in the face in its stead.

Gosh, have the High Priests of the Internet band waves been playing fast 'n loose - engaging in a little Tom-foolery - with the specific intent of wrecking havoc with my memory?

More astounding, I am forced to consider the very real possibility that Ms. Foster played a hand in the intriguing mystery.

After all, with a few well-placed connections in the biz (at the studio where the source code could be tinkered with) it is highly conceivable that Ms. Foster could have pulled off the clever stunt.

If that's the case, Jody - you blew me away!


Stumbling across your sexy little bod stretched out over the bed like that (whilst you gazed so intently into the camera lens with that come-hither-look beckoning (me?) was a captivating moment that caused my heart to skip a beat, to say the least.

I expect you were at Gay Pride today, too, incognito?

Do tell.

I'll keep it on the down low, promise!

Gloria Allred...taunts religious fundamentalists at Gay Pride Festival Parade. Tense moments!

High-powered legal eagle - Gloria Allred - stabbed her fingers in the air in the direction of a handful of religious fundamentalists from an open convertible and taunted them with cries of "Shame" as she celebrated gay pride in West Hollywood this afternoon.


Each year, at Santa Monica and La Cienega Boulevards, an irate band of "Jesus" freaks set up camp and insult the paraders as they glide by on festive rainbow-colored floats all decked out in their Sunday best touting their gay pride.

Normally, the LGBT community ignores the rag-tag band of hostile protesters.

However, this year their presence was a little more raucous and threatening.

In fact - sensing there may be trouble on the streets this year in the wake of the recent California Supreme Court ruling on "gay marriage" - the Sheriff's department wisely arranged for a "riot" squad to stand by in the shadows at a respectful distance to make the crowds feel a little safer, no doubt.

In spite of the fact the group claimed to practice the Christian ethic, they shouted vulgar remarks at the participants in the high-energy parade.

"You want it in the end. You'll get it in the end," one man crudely shouted.

Another hissed, "Go back to your trailer park."

When Ms. Allred gave the finger - so-to-speak - it incited them into a frenzy.

In fact, for the first time that I recall in years, a raft of shutterbugs actually paid attention to their diatribe. Like a pack of wolves, they trotted over to the Christian camp to snap the angry reactions to Allred's demeaning gestures up-close and capture their insulting picket signs on film.

One male couple strode over and plunked themselves down in front of the enemy trenches and started to kiss passionately - as if to say - fu** you.

Yeah, don't rain on our parade!

It appears that the issue of homosexuality - and in particular, the gay marriage ruling passed down in recent days from the California Supreme Court - has stirred up a hornet's nest and the mood is at a fever pitch.

Within days after the historic "order" was signed, sealed, and delivered up - the Religious Fundamentalists had gathered up a whopping glut of signatures - enough to secure an initiative on the fall election ballot.

And, just this past week, the busy little bees placed a full two-page ad in the local daily - the Los Angeles Times - denouncing the gay lifestyle, gay marriage, and the court.

Undoubtedly, the issue will be raging on for months.

We can only hold our collective breath.

And, urge that you get out the vote in November, of course.



West Hollywood Gay Pride 2008