U.S. Military...may conduct war maneuvers on Internet!

One of the main focuses of the Internet in recent years has been as a research tool, a social outlet for the curious masses, or as a means of touting opinions on the World-Wide-Web.

In recent days, Americans sat up and took notice when it became evident the Internet was also a powerful tool to influence the election process as well.

Now, U.S. Military officials are seeking ways to develop "virtual attacks" on enemies of the American way of life.

A spokesman for the military noted that initially agents limited their activities in this arena to diverting data packets that may have put National Data systems at risk.

At a meeting of the Association for Intelligence Officers recently, Lt. General Robert J. Elder Jr. noted that the military may facilitate network warfare in the future to interfere with an enemy communication system, for example.

In that event, the online maneuvers may replace the need for conventional weapons such as bombs, landmines, etc.

However, no such attack would be launched, Elder assured the media, without first considering the rules of engagement the military is normally mindful of in most military attack-mode scenarios.

In sum, there would be a formal declaration of war first, added Elder, at a New York Chapter meeting held in recent days.

Unbeknownst to many - myself included - apparently Cyber attacks were used by the U.S. Military in the early days of the Iraq war. So, the concept is not novel or far-fetched, to be sure.

On that occasion, Military experts jammed Iraq military systems, using the network attacks to thwart Iraq ground units from communicating with each other.

In view of the fact the "Homeland Security Act" is still in full force and effect, it occurred to me that it is wholly possible that the U.S. Military is surreptitiously scanning the bandwaves in the name of National Security right under our noses.

If so - will the American people ever be privy to the information that is gleaned - whether it is relevant or not to military intelligence or national security?

Enquiring minds want to know.

Thomas Jefferson once said,
"From time to time, the tree of liberty must be watered with the blood of tyrants and patriots."

Pamela Anderson...reporter at Review-Journal takes unwarranted swipe at VIP star!

On Saturday, Pamela Anderson delighted fans when she turned up at Planet Hollywood for a much-publicized celebrity auction.

To rev up a bit of excitement in the crowd, the former VIP star tossed off her top, then sidled up to the auctioneer to participate in the proceeding with a lot of sensual vim and vigor!

By the time the hammer smacked down and the auctioneer barked out sold, Ms. Anderson helped raise $65,000.00 for her favorite charity, PETA.

Instead of applauding the sexy siren for her compassionate act, a reporter at the Review-Journal (who was penning a blase piece on celluloid artists at the CineVegas Film Festival) chose to take a swipe at the pop icon instead.

Mr. Elfman (who looks like an elf, by the way) used the occasion to help build a foundation for some piffle he was penning for the daily.

On the premise that her "excited flutter of a pep talk" and willingness to "roll around on the car" to pump up sales (her 2000 Viper was being offered at auction) lacked class, he proceeded to compare her to the filmmakers who attended the CineVegas Film Festival this year.

In sum, he quipped that the art house film fest enriched by virtue of the alleged intellectual tastes of the fimmmakers who - "unlike certain people named Pamela Anderson" - were actually talented.



What a load of hogwash!

For starters, Ms. Anderson was not part of a CineVegas event.


Notwithstanding, the boisterous antics she engaged in were all part of her "act".

I worked with Ms. Anderson several years ago on the first season of the popular TV Sitcom "Home Improvement". During the kick off episodes, I had a bit part as a producer in the show within-a-show ("Tool Time") and Pamela played the bodacious "Tool Time" girl.

In private, Pamela is actually quite shy, intelligent, and every bit a class act.

Not unlike Marilyn Monroe (or Mae West before her) the persona one encounters in the public eye is one she cleverly crafted. Over the past couple of decades, the Pamela Anderson "brand" has not only withstood the fickle finger of fate in Tinsel town, but turned the voluptuous actress into a bona fide "star".

Contrary to Elf's empty opinion, Pamela is a smart cookie, too!

In fact, Elfman went way out on a limb with his pap, because - in essence - he was trying to compare oranges with apples. No can do!

The low-brow writer was under the mistaken impression that he was writing an in-depth insightful essay of importance. What the feature amounted to was a lot of misguided tabloid fodder.

Surely, the Review-Journal is not so strapped when it comes to worthwhile news, that they're forced to print Elfman's crap?

In another section of the article, the columnist matter-of-fact states that artist Takashi Murakami (who appeared at CineVegas Festivities at an elitist affair last week which caused quite a scandal in some quarters) is an important twentieth century figure in art circles.

Why, pray tell?

According to Elf, Murakami is being compared to Andy Warhol for "having fused fine art with pop art."

What nonsense!

I was an Art Major and I began my career as an abstract-expressionist painter.

For starters, Mr. Murakami's out-of-whack smiley faces amount to nothing more than silly doodles, worthless "junk".

Whenever his name pops up in a serious art discussion at a gallery opening, qualified experts roll their eyes. Then, an old expression flashes to mind.

"I don't know much about art, but I know what I like."

People who "like" Murakami have taste up the wazoo.

I didn't conjure up the nick-name - "tacky" - for no good reason. In fact, I wouldn't even line the kitty litter box with one of his prints. After all, I wouldn't want to insult my cat.

In conclusion, the whole article on CineVegas reeked of behind-the-scenes maneuvering to me.

The way Elf gushed about this 'n that, for example, inferred to me - at least - that he's either on someone's payroll over there at CineVegas or too fond of the free passes (and perks that go with 'em) to dare cross the powers-that-be.

I prefer to read articles that are written by ethical journalists who endeavour to log in a balanced account of the events.

At a small-town newspaper like the Review-Journal, I guess management can't take the risk of offending potential advertisers with clout, by reporting the truth.

Until they do, their credibility is a big fat zero.


Review-Journal is the best? By whose standard?

Condoms - banned commercial!

Beverly Hills 213...slick glossy features & side-splitting "Brain Optional"

Each week, a newspaper carrier zips around ritzy Beverly Hills and tosses the latest cellophane-wrapped edition of Beverly Hills (213) on the front doorsteps of the tony elite in the ritzy enclave.

The splashy weekly is probably one of the last hold-outs - in extravagant wide-broadsheet format, anyway - with class written all over it.

Thin yes, but packed with eye-catching publicity shots of the latest designer fashions and accessories to grace the expensive racks on Rodeo Drive, and elsewhere.

A couple of known columnists grace the pages inside - James Bacon (who often wistfully reflects on the golden days of Hollywood and - likewise - a handful of old drinking cronies) and Rex Reed (who's inclined to chat over the latest little celluloid offering that has either revved up a delightful fanciful experience or prompted a hateful diatribe about the misguided musings of a hack writer).

To add a touch of clubiness to the publication. the editors usually reserve a page or two for the express purpose of featuring flattering stills of the town's upper echelon out-on-the-town at glitzy red-carpet premieres and charity functions - sure to spread good will - and keep hefty donations flowing into the coffers.

Recently, I was thumbing through the publication over lunch at Whole Foods when I stumbled across a funny entertaining feature.

"Brain Optional" managed to breathe some fresh air into a staid old-guard attitude that normally prevails between the covers.

The feature is a weekly collection of hilarious quotes lifted from the tongues of the famous - and not-so-famous - that tend to tickle the funny bone.


In the studio days, Sam Goldwyn was known for putting his foot in his mouth with side-splitting results. His off-the-wall remarks were either a simple misuse of language - or quite frankly - a calculated effort on his part to drum up publicity for his thriving business.

Some allege that Pete Smith - his publicity agent - collected a handful of the witticisms and distributed them to the newspaper and radio columnists to fan the flames and set Goldwyn apart from the competition.

His odd-ball comments became were known as "Goldwynisms".

Here's an example:

One evening, a friend of Mr. Goldwyn's was casually sipping on a cocktail, when he noticed a new abstract painting hanging on a prominent place on the wall.

"Where did you get the beautiful Picasso?"

Goldwyn peered at it for a moment, then responded:

"I don't remember. I think it was in Paris. Somewhere over there on the Left Wing."

On another occasion, when he wasn't feeling too well, he sighed to a friend,

"I've been laid up with intentional flu."

"He treats me like the dirt under my feet" is a favorite of mine; probably because I imagine it was a quip he made about an actor.

Another zinger - "I would be sticking my head in a moose" - was obviously inspired by that old circus trick where the "Master of Ceremonies" wows the audience by placing his head inside the open jaws of a powerful lion.

Two famous ones attributed to Goldwyn are:

"An oral contract isn't worth the paper it's written on."

And, "Gentlemen, include me out."

And a show biz favorite I often use in film reviews:

"They stayed away in droves."

"Brain Optional" featured a handful of outrageously funny "Goldwynisms" in a recent issue which are attributed to various individuals in the public arena.

"It's no exaggeration to say that the undecideds could go one way or the other."
George Bush

"Things are more like they are now than they ever were before."
Dwight D. Eisenhower

"Ninety percent of the game is half mental."
Yogi Berra

"The Streets are safe in Philadelphia. It's the people that make them unsafe."
Frank Rizzo

"Sure, its going to kill people. But, they may be dying of something else anyway."
Othal Brand
Texas Pesticide Review Board

"I haven't committed a crime. I failed to comply with the law."
David Dinkins
New York City Mayor
(Tax evasion issue)

"We have only one person to blame and that's each other."
Barry Beck
New York Ranger
(fight with player)

The above quote may starting popping up in conversations around California in the near future when gays start filing for divorces, I expect.

As the say at MGM, that's it folks!

Gay Marriage...expressions need updating!

Since the landmark court ruling in California last month (which was finalized this past week) it appears that at least one old expression may have to be updated.

In particular, the one that oft put forth the idea that a man's success was often due to a wife's tireless support in the background.

So, here goes:
Behind a successful male there may be another great man!

CineVegas Film Festival...a desert joke! Trevor Groth fumbles, Staff insult Press & Filmgoers, Honoree Soiree a sham!

There must be something in the water at the Palms Hotel which makes people stupid.
A case in point.

By the 2nd day of the CineVegas Film Festival, it was quite evident that staff members were not dealing with a full deck.

CineVegas started off with high hopes with a big splashy red carpet extravaganza.

For instance, at the high-energy event, appearances by actor Raines Wilson and legendary Dennis Hopper wowed filmgoers there for the 10th annual celebration of excellence (?) in filmmaking.

Then, at a tony party the first weekend, Britney Spears made an impromptu entrance.

Consequently, the following day, there was a buzz around the planet.

But, by the third day, it was obvious that Trevor Groth fumbled the ball.

And - from the get-go - it was evident that employees at the Press desk didn't know their a**es from a hole in the ground. So much so, that one had to wonder whether they landed their posts in a horizontal position or on their knees. After all, they had no skills to speak of.

For starters, Kelly Frey somehow thought she was a hot shot PR maverick; but, it was evident right off-the-bat she couldn't publicize her way out of a paper bag - a wet one - at that!

Meanwhile, Francesca Torre - who was a designated press liaison (???) - was under the mistaken impression that she was a Beauty Queen.

Her nose was stuck so high up in the air that I surmise she has stretch marks on her vagina.

In fact - her attitude was so thick - I doubt it could have been cracked open with a crowbar.

At the press desk - when photographers and members of the press approached her for information - she was aloof, rude, and insulting.

So much so, that I was forced to reprimand the young lady (I use the term lady very loosely) about her lack of class and bad manners.

Later - on the red carpet - Ms. Torre made nasty faces - and shook her head this way and that - and showed her disdain for me. What happened to the old idea of "respect for one's elders?".

The concept is obviously lost to low-lifes like Ms. Torre.

When I complained to another employee - Taylor Banks - he didn't acknowledge the communication.

Instead, he passed on the hot-potato issue to Ms. Frey.

Imagine that, she actually zipped off an e-mail, asserting that I must have misinterpreted Ms. Torre's behavior.

What a whitewash.

Miss, I wasn't born yesterday.

Witnesses at the red carpet affair agreed wholeheartedly that Torre's immature, bratty, reprehensible (shocking) conduct was difficult to misinterpret for anything else than what it was: a temper tantrum from an irate staff member who was angry with the fact I lodged a complaint against her with her superiors.

Then, something odd occurred.

When I attempted to contact Trevor Groth about her misconduct - and the inappropriate way the press desk staff was treating photographers and other press members - the Troth's helpers refused to provide his e-mail address.

Suddenly, it became a "state secret".

One male member of the production staff was shocked.

"It should have been forthcoming," he lamented.

Well, that behind-the-scenes staffer happened to hail from Toronto, like me.

Us Canadians have a strong sense about what is wrong and right - what is ethical - and what is not.

As I thumbed through the Festival Directory, I stumbled across Trevor's smiley face, heading up a paragraph or two of requisite promotional bullsh** about the Festival.

But, guess what?

No contact information was published.

Obviously, Mr. Groth is not interested in feedback about the festival, or even willing to provide information as to how he may be contacted in the event of a complaint issue, whatever.

Does he care?

Don't you think a Festival Director should provide a contact number?

I think it goes without saying.

In fact, it boggles the intelligence of any normal person to fathom how Mr. Groth could be so blatantly ignorant of the fact.

Of course, I could have approached Mr. Groth at one of the scintillating parties we rubbed elbows at; but, I didn't for a couple of reasons.

One, I didn't want to throw a damper on the festivities by griping about staff problems around other festival-goers.

Two, I thought the issues should be discussed in private.

But, you see, I was properly raised and well-bred.

After observing Mr. Groth at the Festival, a couple of clues surfaced about his own background.

The problem with Mr. Groth is obvious: he was left sitting around in shi**y diapers as a child which resulted in the personality disorders which have manifested in his adult life. (Psychology 1; Personality Profiles)

If you want a true take on Mr. Groth's character, listen to this!

When a press person complained about his staff earlier in the week - in spite of the fact he had ample opportunity to contact the individual by e-mail or telephone - he waited until last night's Honoree shindig to have one of his silly bonehead minions (Ian Jankelowitz) inform the person he didn't like their "tone".

For that spurious reason, he barred the newsie from the event, last minute.

Obviously, Mr. Groth's intention amounted to a bold-faced effort to embarrass and humiliate the person at the door of the celebration as party-goers and press arrived for the much-anticipated event.

What a nasty piece of work, eh?

Meanwhile, earlier in the week, other press members and a couple of "Flush Pass" Patrons were denied entrance to the Murakami Art Event so that Mr. Greenspun (Festival President) could savor what was being billed as a - "major cultural event for the Las Vegas Art scene" - for himself and his elitist friends.


And - he did so - at the expense of press members with tickets in tow and filmgoers who paid for their admission in advance!

These are the kind of scuzz-balls who are running CineVegas Film Festival.
I don't now what rock they scurried out from under - but as far as I am concerned - the whole scruffy lot can slither back from whence they came.

After all, they are not only a disgrace to the local Art community, but a discredit to the entire legitimate Festival Circuit.

Ironically, the reprehensible conduct of Terry Groth, Robin (and Amy) Greenspun, Kelly Frey, Francesca Torre, Taylor Banks, and Ian Jankelowitz - caught up with them as key members of the press stayed away from screenings this past week, held back press coverage - and quite generally - stewed on the sidelines vowing never to return to CineVegas again.

Yes, CineVegas was hit with a knock-out punch this week.

And, it is doubtful the annual Fest will recover from the lethal blow.

In the final analysis, CineVegas became a desert joke this week.

Worse than Ishtar, if you can possibly imagine it!

Can you hear the laughter, Trevor?

http://www.julianayrs.com

David Beckham...disc jockeys in awe of crotch in underwear ads!

I felt like I was in some backwater town when I was cruising along Paradise Road and by chance flipped on a local radio station.

A couple of talkative disc jockeys were chatting each other up over David Beckham's scintillating billboard ads sprouting up around the Nation.

I posted an item on that months ago. Old news, isn't it? Gee, news travels at a snail's pace in Sin City, I guess.

One disc spinner noted that the risque blurbs of Becks in tight undies caused quite a commotion in San Francisco. And - I got the distinct impression that he was afraid that the mere mention of the gay mecca by the bay - might turn his sexual persuasion the other way. Or, at least make his own preference suspect.

"That underwear thing is - uh - big up there," he noted with a suspiciously fake masculine tone to his voice.

"Is it a Calvin Klein ad," the other host queried.

Duh!

Well, it was pretty obvious the other guy was hetero, all the way.

Any self-respecting gay man would know that the splashy sexy ads are for Menswear Designer, Emporio Armani.

"The thing about this underwear - um - is that it makes your business look big."

Ah, this is the one occasion I regretted there was no visual image to match up with the dialogue. Did he actually utter that comment with a - er - straight face?

Business? Are they in the dark ages in Vegas?

Heh dudes, it's okay to say package, Johnson, crotch - whatever.

In fact, no one in the range of your air waves is going to cringe, I expect. After all, this is the land of the scantily-clad bodacious babe and "thunder" from down under!

Well, maybe a bit of locker-room chat will give a handful of horny listeners a swelled - um - head. Don't know about you dudes, but suggestive words can be a naughty thrill to some if they're emoted just right.

"And, he looks humongous," the jock continued.

Ah, the dude has obviously been taking a serious gander at those shots, eh?

I am surprised they didn't wonder aloud if Becks was uncircumcised - the soccer stud being a Brit - and all.

Maybe, the Armani folks will bring out the uncut version at a later date, do 'ya think?

"Well, he's no Mario Lopez for sure," the observant (!) dude chuckled before moving on to the next tidbit of gossip.

Mario who?

The long and short of it? Obviously, Becks gets a kick out of the titillation and thrills.

Check out the impromptu snap below taken recently on a downtown Hotel balcony.

Wonder who's on the end of his scope?

I'm betting it's not Posh, that's for sure!

CineVegas Film Festival..."Memorial Day". Filmgoers walk out in disgust!

When I spoke to director James Fox about his entry (Memorial Day) at the CineVegas Film Festival, he was a bit tight-lipped about the project.

But, when I crossed paths with actress Sarah Nedwek - who stars in the film - I was able to slip the muzzle off a bit for an intriguing reveal. At this juncture, for instance, I learned that the mysterious feature with a macabre twist was somewhat experimental in nature.

More succinctly, the promotional blurb boasted a wild sort-of ride.

"Beginning as a rowdy beach weekend, Memorial Day turns to find the dark hearts of Americans who live to tape their most debauched adventures. The characters are thrust into full exposure, both physically and emotionally, to a place where self-exploitation and the exploitation of others give rise to a shocking new kind of entertainment."

Well, one that the movie-going public may not be ready for!


At the screening a handful of irate filmgoers stormed out of the Theatre in disgust.

"It was well-done," one agitated theatre-goer assured me.

"But, the images were shocking."


Another film buff argued that while the offering was a turn-off in respect to the controversial subject matter, the actors were quite competent and turned in finely-tuned performances worth catching.

Ms. Nedwek informed me that although this was her first film, she flexed her acting muscles in a number of Theatre Stage productions in recent years, which amply prepared her to get a grip on the complexities of the "Memorial Day" role.

"We did a lot of improvisation."

In fact, Fox urged his actors to go beyond the basic framework - take risks, plumb the depths of their psyches, exorcise demons, if necessary - to meet the specific demands of their characterizations.

While the director may have succeeded in accomplishing his vision, it may have been too much for a viewing audience to handle.

From Fox's perspective, the camera created a sphere of provocation wherever it went, ramping up actions, and pushing characters to a place of hyper-real catharsis.

In spite of the lofty reach - "Memorial Day" - left filmgoers at a loss for words, for the most part. In fact, many were inclined to make a quick exit from the troubling images.

Another film - "South of Heaven" - affected audiences the same way.

"Pointless violence," one criticized.

"Shocking footage of females that were degrading and upsetting, " another lamented.


Maybe Festival Director (Trevor Groth) felt that he needed to push the envelope, and go beyond the bounds of good taste and cinematic excellence, in a bold-faced effort to conjure up controversy?

Get the theatre-going public in the door at any cost?

The scheme may have backfired.

A handful of filmgoers were turned off by a number of the films that were unveiled - signaling without doubt - that CineVegas needs to re-access Festival goals.

Ignoring the obvious may result in a slip in CineVegas credibility - which, bottom line - may reflect in poor ticket sales and attendance next year.

Samuel Goldwyn once said:

"A wide screen just makes a bad film twice as bad."

Michelle Obama...Blackie "O" according to Vegas Disc Jockey at 10.75 Rock FM

Pill Box didn't work for Laura Bush somehow...


Shortly after the radio squawked to life as I sped down Flamingo bright and early this morning, a disc jockey on a local FM Radio Station (10.75) chuckled about a recent appearance Michelle Obama made on the talk fest the "View".

"Blackie "O". That's what she looked like to me."

A posse of jocks were chit-chatting in a round-robin of morning gossip gleaned from the by-ways and highways of the Nation.

According to the trio of spirited jocks (one woman & two dudes) Michelle recently had a make-over to tailor her image for the White House. In doing so, the trio cackled that her handlers obviously had a role model - "Jackie O" - in mind when they rustled up the new persona.

"Look, there's the pill box hat. The pearls. And nifty dresses - similar to those that Jackie strode in the public spotlight in - that she made famous," they argued matter-of-fact.

I wonder why no one thought of that label - Blackie "O" - before, the curious jock wondered aloud?

Probably because it's derogatory and potentially racist, do 'ya think?

The same observant fellow laughingly referred to the "View" gadfest as a basic daily cluster Fu** in front of the microphone.

And, that Whoopie Goldberg, they lamented. What does she pull in, about two mil? And she just stumbles through the interviews, mumbling 'bout this 'n that. At times, slurring her words.

At the end of the segment the boastful jock noted that he wanted credit for the Blackie "O" moniker.

"I got credit for coming up with "Dick Flick" (chick flick inspired it)," chimed in another jock from the sidelines.

Yes, I guess they'll mention me on Entertainment Tonight or TMZ, the comic shock jock proudly asserted.

Well, guess you'll have to settle for The Tattler for now!


Michelle looks like a Faither Healer to me...

Associated Press...Monopoly of the news is un-American. Technorati bans AP!

There has been quite a fall-out against AP in the wake of their attacks on the DRUDGE report for alleged illegal misuse of quoted material and news clips.

Many blog sites are banning Associated Press from their band widths.

In recent days, AP big-wigs pointed an accusing finger at DRUDGE for linking up to their news reports and providing short quotations via reader submissions.

According to Tech Crunch, DRUDGE is doing nothing more that what Digg, TechMeme, Mixx and dozens of other sites do.

Obviously, because DRUDGE is the big honcho on the block - who savors a widespread influence in his capacity as an innovative news outlet on the world-wide-web - AP has elected to either ding him for the privilege of using their musings - or in the alternative, at least - shut him down altogether.

In the wake of the controversy, Technorati - numero uno blog spot on the planet - has banned Associated Press from their band widths altogether.

For good reason.

AP does not want people quoting their stories despite the fact that such activity very clearly falls within the fair use exception to copyright law.

As long as bloggers and reporters from news outlets give proper credit for the quotes, there should not be any problem, in my humble opinion.

If Associated Press labels the fair use activity as an infringement, then I say bullsh**.

In essence, AP is trying to secure a monopoly on the news.

And, in my estimation, that is un-American.

Notwithstanding, it should be noted that on any occasion that I have ever "chosen" to quote AP myself, it amounted to "throwing a bone" their way.

Because I attempt to give a balanced view of the news, I often include a myriad of viewpoints from a handful of news sources to add depth and dimension to the report. If ever I quoted AP, it was because I chose to, not because there was any pressing need for their material.

Personally, I can survive quite nicely without Associated Press.

If anything - they are stuffy and old guard and are ham-strung in many respects when they report on their white bread "news" - anyway.

A.P. Vice President Jim Kennedy says they will issue guidelines telling bloggers what is acceptable and what isn't over and above what the law says is acceptable.

Over your dead news organization!

He had the audacity to note for the record that AP intends to "define clear standards as to how much of its articles and broadcasts bloggers and web sites can excerpted without infringing on the AP copyright".

Boy, he's full of himself, isn't he?

Kennedy went on to warn that those who disregard the guidelines risk being sued by the AP even if those guidelines are in direct conflict with applicable Laws.

In my mind's eye, their downfall is surely on the way.

Who needs 'em?

Bloggers, blog sites, and Internet Web news sites are proliferating, and gaining respect and stature in the news industry; but, more importantly, are changing the face of the news arena daily.

In the near future, AP will be turning to bloggers for news stories!

Are the blogsters going to let 'em use the material?

The jury is still out.

Meanwhile, bloggers and blog sites are turning their backs on Associated Press.

AP is banned until they abandon their lunatic strategy.

Likewise, Bloggers will no longer quote 'em or link to 'em or even acknowledge their petty meaningless existence.

Voltaire once said,

We have a natural right to make use of our pens as of our tongue, at our peril, risk and hazard.

CineVegas Festival...Scandal! Festival goers complain Greenspuns locked out all but close friends to Murakami event!

Greenspun's pull boner on Festival Circuit...


The Murakami event slated to premiere at a "blow-out bash" at the CineVegas Film Festival - was being billed as a landmark "Art Happening" for the Festival this year - and a major coup for the Las Vegas local art scene.

However, during the course of the Las Vegas Fest there was a stink in the air; after all, it was quite evident to any fool that the Greenspuns (Mr. Greenspun is the President of CineVegas) had been up to no good.

When a member of the press and a "Royal Flush Pass" patron showed up at the CineVegas soiree at the Wynn for the Murakami "exhibition", they were summarily snubbed for no good reason.

The journalist was not permitted to enter the exhibit in spite of the fact he had a ticket in tow.

And - a "Royal Flush Pass" patron - who is supposed to be granted access to all events throughout the course of the Festival (which one pays through the nose for) was left to gaze from a distance through a glass window upstairs.

Here is how the disgruntled patron described the occasion:

"Tonight was a trip...I was with an invited member of the press..and we went to the Murakami short at the Wynn.
He was not allowed in..to see the event..and I was only allowed to view it from the second floor through the glass...no sound..no viewing.
It was another CineVegas ripoff...for me. I am pissed...yesterday I was just miffed..they embarrassed me to the T...tonight.....this royal flush pass should be flushed.
Tonight was really a private event for Greenspans and their 100 closest friends...you could not buy a ticket to it...you could not get in with a ticket. Don't ask...and be prepared to be treated like shit..we were.
The screening was a Propaganda film...tell you about that tomorrow. Can you tell I am not happy?."

I also had a bad experience with the press staff over the Murakami event which was reported in a prior post.

On the surface, the Greenspuns give the impression that they are open, caring, giving individuals.

However, quite the opposite appears to be true.

The Festival is used to promote themselves, their business, and exhalt their name in the community.

Patronage and philanthropy is one thing.

But, abuse of power - at the expense of others - is shocking, disturbing, and a menace to the public at large.

Shame on Amy and Robin Greenspun for their greedy grip on the Murakami "unveiling" - which ultimately - ruined the credibility and stature of Cinevegas on the Festival Circuit.

To many film buffs around the Nation, their disgraceful conduct amounted to uncalled-for elitism.

Dan Rather once said:

"An intellectual snob is someone who can listen to the William Tell Overture and not think of the Lone Ranger."

CineVegas Film Festival...Ed Moses to appear at panel on Cool School documentary!

Ed Moses, a celebrated American painter born in Long Beach in 1926, is appearing for a panel discussion after a screening of the documentary - "The Cool School" - tomorrow at the CineVegas Film Festival.

"The Cool School" documents the scene at the legendary Ferus Gallery which exhibited a handful of artists who rose up from the dynamic Los Angeles art scene to become a few of the most celebrated artists in America.

The doc includes raw footage from original art openings and outspoken interviews from a cross-section of visionary artists.

Festival organizers promise that the "Cool School" will provide a solid foundation from which to fathom the distinctive creative "style" conjured up by the legendary gallery artists.

In addition, there will be a lot of behind-the-scenes "dirt" offered up on a silver platter to titillate the curious.

Ed Moses has savored a fifty-year career as a noted non-objective and abstract artist.

He first unveiled his work in 1949 and was part of the original group of artists from the Ferus Gallery who exhibited their work in 1957.

Later, Moses’s career was the subject of a major retrospective at the Museum of Contemporary Art in 1996.

"I'm a painter, inventive, activated. An abstract painting is not a reference; it's not a picture; it's a perception of the painting. It goes back to Barnett Newman's Who's Afraid of Red, Yellow, and Blue?"

Art historians have argued that his paintings are important for a myriad of reasons.

"They are a conceptual ideal of an abstract painting, existing on a two-dimensional plane. They are not painterly paintings, not painted by hand. They are the physical evidence of an abstract painting as a physical phenomenon. They have no reference nor do they exist as a referent to anything other than how they visually exist.

A number of film buffs at the CineVegas Film Festival were quite surprised to happen across the unassuming Moses - an easy-going down-to-earth gent - as he mixed and mingled in the lounge at the Palms Hotel.

In part, his style is made recognizable by virtue of the fact he seldom uses a brush - instead - preferring to stain, knife, splash and facilitate tape and snap lines to achieve straight lines.

He is also known for a series of coastal architectural drawings.

For the most part, the innovative painter was inclined to exhaustively experiment with his materials.

In fact, Moses has been critically acclaimed for his bold composition and innovation.

In his senior years, he remains a high-profile fixture on the Los Angeles art scene, and is respected for his inventiveness as an artist and his attentiveness to new developments in contemporary art.

The artwork of Ed Moses has appeared in numerous exhibitions around the world.

His coveted pieces are housed in prestigious collections at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, The Art Institute of Chicago, the Menil Foundation, the Museum of Modern Art, The Corcoran Gallery of Art, the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Whitney Museum of American Art, among others.

Catch him if you can at the CineVegas film festival.

Aristophanes once said:

"Let each man exercise the art he knows."

CineVegas Film Festival....Dwayne Johnson fans scream out for the "Rock" at premiere of Get Smart!

As they spied him approach the escalator at "The Planet Hollywood" fans suddenly lost their cool in a long line that snaked around the foyer and excitedly jumped up and down shouting - "Rock" "Rock" "Rock".

Then - amid a swirl of publicists and bodyguards - Dwayne Johnson (one of the stars of "Get Smart") strutted onto the red carpet to meet the swarming press who descended on him like flies to sh**.

The Theatre had scheduled a special screening of the Steve Carell feature (lifted from the old TV show) as a charity fundraiser for - "Knapsack" - the project that Mr. Johnson supports.

Mr. Johnson plays a bumbling agent in the comedy spy thriller (?).

Later in the day he received a star on Johnny Brenden's local Las Vegas "Walk of Fame". In the true spirit of the occasion, Mr. Brenden handed the "Rock" an oversize check in the sum of $2,500.00 for his cause.

Frankly, I've never seen the press gush so over a Hollywood celebrity.

But - before he had ventured halfway down the carpet to shake hands and answer questions put to him by the swirling paparazzi - he graciously slipped over to the screaming hordes and signed autographs.

A couple of media types followed the bankable movie actor to capture the adoration on celluloid - at which point - a rude female publicist in Johnson's entourage barked that they return to the red carpet.

Rock, the woman is bad for your image. Dump her!

Meanwhile, I stood on the sidelines surreptitiously listening in on the interviews.

A couple of cynical reporters warned me in advance that Mr. Johnson tended to be a bit full of himself; so with an open mind, I listened intently to determine if that was the case.

Well, he was gracious. And, articulate about the function of his charity. No, the ego wasn't too glaring, in spite of the fact he was all puffed up and his body language appeared to be transmitting the message:

"Yes, I'm Mr. Macho, aren't I?"

The press corps ate it all up.

After one female reporter finished up her segment and she turned in my direction, I noticed right away that her face was beet red!

"You sure are flushed," I laughed.

"Oh, it's so hot in here," she responded somewhat nonchalantly.

Or, was it your subject that got you all flustered, I teased.

"Caught me," she giggled as she started to wrap up her equipment.

An aggressive on-camera journalist in a sexy little number with a tiger print, dragged out a photograph of the "Rock" - naked from the torso up - and used her feminine wiles to wangle an autograph.

In spite of the fact it's rumored the "Get Smart" actor is trying to leave the "Rock" faze of his career behind, he scribbled his John Henry on the publicity still. And, she was thrilled.

Personally, I found the bodyguards a little unsettling.

One, had a quirky psycho look about him.

The other had a demeanor that was a cross between a Mormon and some character out of the horror flick "Night of the Living Dead".

Get rid of the goons, Rock. It's bullsh**.

Although he appeared cool on the surface, I couldn't help but notice that his hands were clenched and ill at ease.

But, his entrance was the greatest reveal of all.

When the Festival Director called out his name, he tripped over the curtain when he made his entrance, and stumbled into the room a bit clumsily.

In view of the confident image he threw off on the red carpet, I surmised at this juncture, that he must be a better actor than I thought.

In fact, I have to hand it to him.

In view of the way he was treated by the fans and the press alike, I think that it is quite evident that in the Hollywood midheavens, Mr.Johnson is a mega star on the rise that may burn brightly for quite a while if he plays his bungling - um - punches right.

CineVegas Film Festival...gossip & scuttlebutt. LA TIMES stinker & screw-ups.

Yesterday, I checked with the staff at the ticket office, and they informed me that Box Office for the CineVegas Film Festival has been boffo this year. A number of features have been either booked fully or sold to near capacity.

"Sales are higher this year than the past couple of years," one CineVegas volunteer proudly announced.

So, the fest is steaming ahead and garnering stature on the Festival circuit.

But, as I trotted around behind-the-scenes and covered red carpet events in recent days, it has become evident to me the Festival is experiencing some growing pains; consequently, there are issues that need to be sorted out if CineVegas is to continue to surge ahead (and gain respect from the Industry).


Mr. Hopper (Chairman of the Festival), Mr. Greenspun (President of CineVegas) and Trevor Groth (Festival Director) have been dotting on the festival-goers - attending screenings, circulating the events - and ably fulfilling their roles as good-will Ambassadors of the event.

But, it appears that staff in the lower levels of management and in the publicity department are either slipping or not experienced enough to professionally handle their tasks.

A case in point.

Last night, I attended a chi-chi function at Dos Caminos (at the Palazzo Hotel & Casino) and proceeded to engage guests in a bit of dialogue to rustle up feedback about their CineVegas experience.

At one point, I alighted next to a lovely couple at the warm outgoing event.

The smartly-attired well-manicured woman was curious as to who I was, and subsequently, lifted up my press pass to get a gander at it to determine my association with the Festival.

At this juncture, we engaged in a spirited discussion, and I learned they were contributors to CineVegas.

Sadly, the woman informed me that her and her hubbie felt a little out-of-sorts that day at the "Get Smart" screening. In spite of the fact they were sponsors of the festival, staff placed them in lousy seats near the rear of the theatre; consequently, they felt neglected.

Another woman I have become friends with at the Festival also ran into the same problem. In spite of the fact she paid $600.00 for a Festival pass, the local art dealer was placed in a spot "outfield". Boy, was she miffed!

She proceeded to request better seating elsewhere in the theatre. And, got it.

The couple in question didn't venture down the same path because they didn't want to cause a fuss or throw a damper on what they surmised would be a satisfying cultural experience that afternoon.

So, there I was smoothing over the waters trying to make things better.

What else could I do?

As the old saying goes, "That's not my job!"

Also, it appears that staff in the publicity department have made some poor judgments calls which reflect negatively on their integrity and ethical standards.

For instance, when members of the press or photographers arrive at the CineVegas Headquarters lounge - Kelly Frey, Francesca Torre, and Taylor Banks - don't even bother to introduce themselves as staff in the Publicity Department or welcome guests to the festival. Imagine that!

Another problem occurred when one local Vegas press person went to pick up his ticket for the feature film - "Your Name Here" - and was informed that last-minute an LA TIMES reporter swooped into the press room requesting a ticket.

Instead of noting that the screening was sold out, they gave the man's ticket to the columnist without batting an eye, nor did they show any remorse for their questionable conduct.

That su**s.

The press are required to submit RSVP's for special events and request tickets with appropriate advance notice. If the Los Angeles daily screwed up, or arrived late, why should the other man suffer?

Last minute - I decided to attend that screening - but was told the theatre was sold out.

That was okay in that circumstance as far as I was concerned; after all, I was just going on spec an hour or so before the curtain fell - so I was forced to accept the consequences for not planning farther ahead.

But, in my case there turned out to be a Feature Film God!

At the event last night, I nonchalantly slipped into a seat at the bar next to the marketing person (Jennifer C. Lai at Everstudios) promoting the film and she proceeded to arrange for a copy of "YOUR NAME HERE" to be delivered to me so that I could screen it privately.

Other press folks didn't get tickets to events they registered for. For example, when a few media types arrived at the PR Office, staff coldly informed them that their paperwork was either lost or had not been processed for some inexplicable reason. They were SOL.

Oops!

Someone is not going to get coverage from a handful of media outlets due to staff error, negligence or incompetence.

And, that hits home.

Two weeks ago, I personally notified the PR Office that I wanted to attend the Murakami Event, scheduled later today.


I covered Murakami's Los Angeles show, so as a matter of continuity, I desired to follow through with an in-depth analysis of his exhibition in Vegas.

No one has followed through or confirmed if my ticket has been processed.

So, Mr. Murakami loses coverage because of staff oversight?

Then, there have been some problems with staff getting in the way of the photographers at red carpet events.

A handful of paparazzi complained to me that as they are lining up to shoot the stars at the premieres, staff stand in the way and screw up the shot.

One photographer noted that when he complained, the staffer shrugged casually and remarked in an off-handed way, "Just photoshop it."

As a professional photog pointed out, when shots are submitted to editors at magazines and newspapers, they are inclined to pick the stills that are ready to publish. So, the photographer may lose out on a sale because the publicity shot has a hand, shoulder, or back of "someone" in it.

And, the star may not get coverage as a result, either.

It appears that staff in the PR office are not familiar with the Hollywood publicity machine or how it works.

Another filmgoer expressed her dismay that a film she took in was quite ragged and that the production values were poor.

"A festival of this stature should not have such low quality films," she argued.

Personally, from a critic's point of view, I will sometimes overlook the fact that a first-timer's project is a little rough around the edges - if the message is strong, the material is highly original - and it impacts on a deeper level than that of the purely visual.

But, the woman did have a point.

Another film - "South of Heaven" - was rife with images of women being beaten or tortured. As the tale unfolded, I cringed. Ironically, as the thought crossed my mind that the project might offend women, a few ladies got up and walked out.

It is one thing to make a statement about a relevant social and/or political issue, but when a film exploits torture and violence and has no redeeming value, one has to wonder...what is the point?

Orson Welles once said,

"A film is never really good unless the camera is an eye in the head of a poet."

CineVegas Film Festival...Bijou Phillips mystery!

Well, a bit of a mystery unfolded on the red carpet the other night when I was interviewing Bijou Phillips about her new feature release "Dark Streets".

When I noted that another project Phillips co-starred in - CHOKE - was screening next week (starring Anjelica Huston and Sam Rockwell) at the Cinevegas Film Festival the pretty young star was shocked to hear that news.

In fact - both her and her representative were "quite sure" - Choke wasn't going to be unveiled here next week in Las Vegas.

However, it was right there in black and white in the program schedule.

"Choke" will be screening Friday June 20th at 6:30 p.m.

Why wasn't Ms. Phillips informed about the screening or invited to attend the red carpet ceremony?

News at 11!

"Choke" has since bombed at the Box Office. Bad karma, Dudes!

http://www.thetattler.biz

CineVegas Film Festival...Paris Hilton and Bijou Phillips at Charity Event to Benefit Katrina. Dark Streets premieres! Rain smash after-party...

Bijou Phillips sang her little heart out, Paris strode through to say hi to Johnny Brenden, and Genevieve Waite wantonly danced with a curious smile on her face among an entourage of females.




Bijou, by the way, is half-sister of China Phillips who is the daughter of Michelle Phillips of "Momma & Poppa's fame".




Later, guests of the fundraiser were treated to quite the adrenalin rush at the trendy watering hole - "Rain" - at the Palms Resort.

The setting for the stage show was exotic.


The sun fell behind the horizon in a ball of fury, palms whispered in a gentle desert breeze, and party-goers dangled their feet in the refreshing cool waters of the romantic reflecting pool as they rocked to the bluesy notes of the night's talented line-up.

At an open bar the liquor flowed freely.

The party guests (for the most part) were a select mix of young professionals and industry-types with quite a number of pretty young ladies and well-dressed handsome men thrown in for good measure.

The benefit was to raise funds for the Katrina hurricane victims and the "Louisiana Cultural Economic Foundation".

On the red carpet earlier, Bijou was excited about the unveiling of her new feature, "Dark Streets".

"This is the role I have wanted to play since I was a little girl," she confided in me last night.

"I used to walk the streets in the rain in New York when I was younger with my umbrella in hand and sing the blues out loud as I strolled along," she recalled wistfully.


But, it wasn't easy landing the part. No sir, she had to fight for the opportunity to play one of two femme fatales playing opposite dashing young actor Gabriel Mann.

While she may not be starring in lead roles in big budget features, she's comfortable in her shoes none-the-less, she assured me.

"I have the chance to do a wide range of work in the Independent film area."

"Dark Streets" was directed by Rachel Samuels.

The hot auteur's last turn at the helm was for a Gothic period drama called - "Suicide Club" - starring Jonathyn Rice and Paul Morissey (shot in Ireland).

"Streets" is a period piece with a killer soundtrack featuring blues contemporary artists such as Natalie Cole, Aaron Neville, and Solomon Burke.

Also, there were contributions from B.B. King and Richie Sambora.

The neo-classic - is a "music-driven feast for the eyes and ears" which "stimulates the senses" - according to the producers.

Industry buzz is leaning towards a prediction there will be good receipts at the box office.

We'll see.

The after-bash at "RAIN" was wild and frenetic; in fact, downright electric.

When the gyrating dancers on the packed floor were treated to their first jolt of pyrotechnic wizardly - fire ball blasts that burst exuberantly over their heads - they roared out loud.

Every slithering body in the joint was moving to the mesmerizing beat.

The pulsating mood was fast, furious, freeing.

A feature writer for movie web was blown away when we strode in the door, initially.

"I've never seen anything like this in Missouri or Ohio," he exclaimed excitedly. "Just amazing."

Well, "Rain" is described as a multi-sensory experience.

It is that, and then some.

As I departed around 1 a.m., throngs of excited party-goers were still in a line - itching to get in - in a queue that snaked all the back way into the main foyer of the casino.

For those who missed the party extravaganza, there is always next year.

Same time. Same place.

Right Trevor?

http://www.julianayrs.com

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!