George Michael...the Los Angeles tour! Wham! Bang! Thank you ma'am...

George Michael cruises the loo...

One morning a radio station was chatting with a call-in listener who lucked out and won tickets for a George Michael concert.

"How long have you been a fan?" the high-energy disc jockey asked with infectious enthusiasm.

"Oh, since George was whamming."

Ha! That conjured up curious images - and memories - as well.

Like, how about, "Wham Bam, thank you Ma'am?"

Yes, I know, that was a lyric from a David Bowie song.

I was referring to his private life, if you get the gist of my meaning!

I laughed to myself when I recalled the incident a few years ago when Mr. Michael (an oddity of terms, isn't it?) got caught with his - um - pants down in a men's rest room across the street from the prestigious Beverly Hills Hotel.

I thought it was admirable that George fessed up - quick as a wink - without any long drawn-out excuses.

But, with a top-notch lawyer he could have gotten off - so to speak - in my estimation.

Think about it.

Allegedly, he was standing at the urinal stroking his Johnson - no, not "Don Johnson" - his co**, peck** - whatever.

Without warning (gosh - the unexpected surprise could have sent him off half-co**ed - don't 'ya think?) an undercover agent apparently strolled in and spied the pop star in the act of - er - exposing himself in a crude intimate manner.

Or, however you want to posture it.

But, there weren't any other witnesses to shake a stick at.

Essentially, it was George Michael's word against that of the undercover dick (there's something erotic - yet foreboding-sounding - about that term, isn't there?) who proceeded to frisk him (betcha he was turned on by that) and haul his tight little a** to the slammer.

If you recall, straight off, George pleaded no contest.

Like the Michael Jackson scenario, was it possible that there was something so distinctive about his pen**, that he was sure the copper could identify it in open court, if necessary?

Is that why he begged off?

Personally, I figure that a high-powered attorney with some street smarts under his belt, could have put forth a compelling argument that George wasn't actually "playing" with his organ at all (yeah, all the innuendos are hilarious in this scenario) but - rather - shaking it a tad to cast off a few last dew drops of pi** from the end of it.

Ladies, it's a guy thing!

Ah, maybe that's it.

He didn't want to air his dirty underwear - um - laundry in public!

Remember what Oscar Wilde once said,

"Scandal is gossip made tedious by morality"

24th Annual Asian Pacific Film Festival...Visionary filmmakers, to inspire and uplift!

The 24th Annual Asian Pacific Film Festival kicks off tomorrow with a VIP Reception and Gala Soiree to follow.

The Festival runs - May 1st through May 8th - at a handful of accessible venues - the DGA, Laemmle's Sunset 5 Theatres, ImaginAsian Center, The National Center for the Preservation of Democracy, and the Aratani/Japan America Theatre. (Los Angeles)

The annual event - formerly known as the VC Film Fest - has been resurrected as the Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival.

Known globally as Southern California's largest and most prestigious film festival of its kind - the fest launches the annual celebration of "Asian Pacific Heritage Month" through an exciting slate of 160 films and videos from both Asian Pacific American and Asian international directors.

A bumper crop of features by Asian American female directors will be prominently unveiled throughout the festival which kicks off - PING PONG PLAYA - directed by Oscar® winning Jessica Yu.

"THE HOME SONG STORIES" - a feature-length drama by Australian Director Tony Ayres starring Joan Chen - will screen at the closing night festivities.

Notes on the Highlighted films:

PING PONG PLAYA (May 1st)
The premiere of PING PONG PLAYA marks filmmaker Jessica Yu's comedy feature debut starring Jimmy Tsai, Roger Fan, Elizabeth Sung, Smith Cho, and Andrew Vo.

KISSING COUSINS (May 4th)
Filmmaker Amyn Kaderali brings his debut film to this year's festival. It's an intriguing tale about an enterprising "relationship termination specialist" who provides "dumping services" for his lovelorn clients.

The much-anticipated feature stars Samrat Chakrabarti, Rebecca Hazlewood, Gerry Bednob, Zack Ward, Jaleel White and David Alan Grier.

THE HOME SONG STORIES (May 8th)
Australian-based director Tony Ayres presents a captivating family story with a distinct twist. Joan Chen shines in one of her most powerful performances as a glamorous Shanghai nightclub singer (and mother of two) who migrates to Australia in search of a better life for her family.

In addition to the centerpiece films noted above, the Festival staff have scheduled a dazzling array of shorts, documentaries, and features throughout the Festival Calendar.

In addition, there will be a handful of exciting seminars and panel discussions.

For example, at the "MEDIA MESSENGERS" forum, Eric Byler and Annabelle Park (along with a handful of other guests) will engage in a dialogue about how filmmakers and actors can activate the Asian-American voter bloc - by embracing innovative media tools and the Internet - with the ultimate aim of leveling the playing field.

A writing seminar - SUCCEEDING AT SCREENWRITING - is sure to be a big crowd-pleaser, as well.

In this informative session, two Chinese Professors who specialize in screenwriting, return for a second year to present a writer's boot camp where attendees will be guided through a 90-minute version of a 10-week workshop normally conducted in the scholarly environs at UCLA.

Included in the package: how to pitch, rustle up script ideas, fathom structure and outline, submit treatments to production companies, and so much more!

A third session - Art of Visual Storytelling - pertains to the actual "art of cinematography" and appeals to filmmakers in particular. Since cinematography has developed into a highly-developed aesthetic form, the focus here is on how to achieve that end - through the use of lenses, angles, lighting, color - you name it.

A guest Director of photography will share secrets on how he turns his visions into dynamic realities on the silver screen.

Personally, I am inclined to participate in what is sure to be a wild adventure:

"THE XIN LU BUS TOUR OF L.A."

The Bus Tour is a large-scale media project which explores the intersections between autobiography, travel, tourism, exile and displacement.

Ming-Yuen S. Ma - the brainchild of the Festival fave - will team up with the organizers to present his four-part series the way that it was intended to be shown: as a mobile bus tour of Los Angeles in which the similarities and differences between the media and real life are referenced, compared, and experienced.

On the trip, there will be screenings of four films:

MYTH(S) Of Creation (USA 1997); MOTHER/LAND (USA 2000); MOVEMENTS EAST-WEST (USA 2003), and (OSL)(USA 2008)

Tickets include a box lunch!

This year the National Spotlight is on the Philippines, therefore, six films from Filipino International artists (including 2 Filipino American directors) will be screened.

According to the organizers, these new filmmakers are fast becoming the "new wave of modern cinema" and the festival has cultivated some of the best from these new visionaries.

And finally, as a special treat, the curious may want to join the writers/directors of:


HAROLD & KUMAR:
ESCAPE FROM GUANTANAMO BAY

Jon Hurwitz and Hayden Scholossberg - along with actor John Cho - discuss the films and its franchise which has now achieved "classic" status amongst a new generation.

All in all, the 24th Annual Asian Pacific Film Festival appears to have widespread appeal - so I expect - there will be a large turnout to support the talented filmmakers and the Asian Pacific Community, as well.

No doubt the experience will be a rewarding, uplifting one.

As Ingrid Bergman once said,

"No form of art goes beyond ordinary consciousness as film does, straight to our emotions, deep into the twilight of the soul."

LA TIMES Festival of Books...cerebral event for bookish!

If you didn't make it down to the Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival this weekend - then you have the option to take in a more cerebral event - the annual Festival of Books hosted by the LA TIMES at UCLA in Westwood.

Although the Festival is free, unless you park a few blocks away and are inclined to trek a bit on foot, parking will cost a staggering eight bucks. At the cost of gas today, maybe it would be wise to take the Metro or hitch a ride with a pal.

The Book fair has grown considerably over the years.

Amid the six outdoor stages of events to choose from, there will be music, cultural events, and cooking demonstrations.

A highlight will be a number of insightful panel discussions with celebrity hosts, readings by award-winning giants in the literary field, and book signings.

Some of the highlights include the following panel discussions:

Laughing in the Face of Death", with moderator Donna Rifkind (Panel 1011); The Literary Detective, with Sarah Weinman (Panel 1012); Death in Another Land, with Paula L. Woods (Panel 1013); Literature & Technology: Breaking the Mold, with David Kipen & Shelley Jackson (Panel 1021); Young Adult: Fantastic Fiction, with Jonathan Hunt (Panel 1022); Gay Talese with Tim Rutten(Panel 1032).

With 300 exhibitors on hand, you'd be wise to plan on spending the whole day. So, pack a lunch; or, trundle off to one of the trendy local eateries in Westwood when the old gut starts growling for grub.

For those without babysitters, two children's areas are sure to keep the young ones in tow enthralled with the world of make-believe, too.

Among the 450 or so authors to appear for in-depth discussions about their works, expect to mingle with keynote speakers like - Julie Andrews, Maria Shriver, Gore Vidal, Kenny Mayne, and Ray Bradbury - to name a few.

In fact, if you want to get a jump on the festivities, you may be inclined to take in tonight's event - the "Dinner with Authors" package.

The "28th Annual Los Angeles Times Book Prizes" Award Ceremony is being held at Royce Hall at UCLA in Westwood.

Attending authors include the "Master of Ceremonies" - Gay Talese - in addition to Maxine Hong Kingston, Tim Weiner, and Sherman Alexie.

The cost of admission ($65.00 a head) includes dinner, a prime ticket for the Awards Ceremony, and a parking pass.

To attend the award ceremony only will run 'ya about 18 smackeroos.

Nifty idea, eh?

Tickets for the event are limited - so hurry.

Info: latimesbookprizes.com

David Beckham...uneasy lies the head that wears the crown!

Becks, poetry in motion...

In the cold light of day, soccer great David Beckham has firmed up the notion (in these quarters anyway) that he has a realistic grip on the old astro turf!

For starters, Beckham's bold-faced confession that the Galaxy soccer studs are - "young and learning to play together" - reflects a make-no-bones-about-it attitude which is refreshing.

When asked about the probability of a winning season ahead, he responded with his pro feet firmly on the terra firma,

"At the end of the day, people expect us to win every game. That's not going to happen." Without any introspection, he concluded, "There's going to be great games and bad games. It's going to be one of those seasons."

Well, that scenario makes for an exciting guessing-game ahead for the fans!

Curiously, Staffordshire University has scheduled a course to focus on the strategy and style of the Beckham enigma. Will there be free tickets to home games to facilitate an up-close - and personal look-see - as part of the curriculum?

Students, don't expect too many theatrics on the sidelines at the games.

"I've always been a player that doesn't shout or scream," Becks proudly chirps.

No more head butting or fiery exchanges with the macho competition on the field?

Now that was worth the price of admission, Becks!

There appears to be a more mature man emerging beyond the fluffy ads he's prone to indulge in elsewhere in the intriguing corners of his high-profile career. Distractions, designed to just blow off steam?

For a handful of team members, he's a quick study-in-the-round.

Some whine that there is an "a sense of urgency" when they're up to play. Others snipe that they feel "under pressure". To win?

Ah, the voices of inexperience talkin'.

Keep your eye on the ball - and Becks - and maybe you'll learn somethin', kids!



Becks, the poser...

Broad Contemporary Art Museum...a glitzy star-studded opening; Broad Foundation Art Collection wows!

Exotic-looking Museum fronts Wilshire Boulevard...



Glitzy gala delights art lovers...


Just recently, the Broad Contemporary Art Museum threw a bash to celebrate the opening of the new exhibition space at LACMA.

Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa was in attendance - as were a bevy of lusty dolled-up beauties - Christina Aguilera, Nicole Richie, and Jamie Tisch - to name a few.

The Gala Chairs for the event were Jane and Marc Nathanson, probably the most-toasted glamorous couple in the glaring spotlight on that festive night.

Much to celebrate!

BCAM is being touted as the fabulous centerpiece for a transformation that has been underway at the Los Angeles County Museum over the past couple of years.

Eli and Edythe Broad coughed up $60 million to get the ball rolling.

The goals were:

"To ensure LACMA’s crucial role in the presentation of modern and contemporary art in Los Angeles was realized; to bring a great architect to LACMA to help redress its architectural and functional problems; and - most importantly - to catalyze and advance the growth of Los Angeles as a global capital of contemporary art," according to a BCAM spokesperson.

Designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect - Renzo Piano - BCAM provides the LACMA campus with an extraordinary three-story 72,000-square-foot gallery dedicated to art from 1945 to the present.

BCAM is also the Phase 1 centerpiece of LACMA’s ambitious overall program of expansion and renovation. It features one of the largest column-free art spaces in the United States with loft-like galleries and a sky lit top floor.

A portion of the funds were set aside for the acquisition of important art works such as a mammoth eye-catching sculpture by celebrated artist - Richard Serra - which is currently on display.

Micaheal Govan, Director at the LACMA excitedly noted,

"The creation of BCAM greatly expands LACMA's contemporary art program, both enriching the experience of its historical collections and placing LACMA in a position of prominence in the area of contemporary art among encyclopedic museums."

In particular, Mr. Govan stated that he was thrilled that the BCAM will enable the staff to show the art of several major artists in great depth and in a more thoroughly engaging context.

Info: www.broadartfoundation.org

USC...Festival of Films from New Europe; emerging artists on world scene!

Animated full-length feature, The District, causing some buzz...



USC hosted a Festival of "Films from the New Europe" over the weekend featuring full-length movies and animated shorts from Eastern and Southern Europe.

The organizers in the Cinema Arts Department noted that the selection,

"Directly engages with post Cold War transformations and the rethinking of what European identity and European cinema mean."

"They examine and challenge the emotionally and politically charged redefinitions of "Europe" since the fall of the Berlin Wall and grant access to under-explored voices from traditionally marginalized cultures."

Included in the eclectic selections presented were..."The Last Resort", directed by Pawel Pawlikowski (Poland); Taxidermia, directed by Gyorgy Palfi (Albania); "The District", directed by Aron Gauder (Hungary); "Tirana Year Zero", directed by Fatmir Koci (Albania); and, last but not least, "East of Bucharest", directed by Corneliu Porumboiu (Romania).

Film enthusiasts munched on delectable finger foods and quenched their thirst with satisfying soft drinks, designer juices, and mineral water (no alcohol on campus, please!) as Frank Sinatra's smooth song stylings echoed hauntingly throughout the crisp night air at the low-key event held in the Queen's Court, outdoors.

The stuffed mushrooms were a standout, as were the succulent strawberries dipped in rich, velvety chocolate. I confess - I gobbled down two of each! For those with a sweet tooth, delectable miniature pastries beckoned, too.

A couple of the catering staff were a bit cool and aloof; I surmise they were working part-time jobs, and would have preferred to have attended the gala festivities as a guest rather than being in service to others.

As Frank would say, "That's life".

Actually, The Frank Sinatra Theatre was a great venue for the screenings.

In the lobby, I was quite taken with the extensive collection of Sinatra memorabilia on display.

In fact, the crooner's Oscar for supporting actor for his role in the classic film of yesteryear - "From Here to Eternity" - elicited a number of "oohs & aahs" from the theatre-goers who passed by on the way to their seats.

I was drawn to the period posters promoting long-time favorites like "Guys & Dolls" (co-star, Gene Kelly).

The proud centerpiece was a "Congressional Medal of Honor" which was bestowed upon Mr. Sinatra by the White House.

In addition, glass cases were enlivened with the inclusion of old LP covers, personal notes from Eleanor Roosevelt, "Ron" (was this before or after the affair Frank was alleged to have had with Nancy, I wonder?) and JFK.

There were also various official-looking documents praising Frank for his devotion to "community service", well-known to the public throughout generations.

Panelists in Q & A sessions after each film were generally moderated by Professors in employ at the University of Southern California - and on occasion - featured special appearances by the actual creators and/or director(s) of the films.

The dialogue tended to be Academic in approach; overly so - on occasion.

For example, one student at one screening, referenced a couple of details in a particular scene...then, asked if a vivid blue dress "centre-stage" symbolized the new Albania.

I chuckled.

The director, Fatmir Koci, responded, "I don't think that much."

A couple of the USC Profs were too cerebral at times, as well.

Terms like - "rich field of formal experimentation" and "post-war social-economic influences" - sounded a little fussy and off-putting.

A couple of the filmmakers may have been taken aback a little by the pretension of it all, I expect.

Yeah, there was a lot of ego-stroking, and over-reaching, in my estimation.

As the old saying goes,

"Those who can't do, teach."

In the final analysis, educators such as these could conceivably blunt (without being consciously aware of it) the spontaneous natural gifts of students in their charge, rather than nurturing them.

Hence, the jokes about film school, I guess.

In the next couple of days, I'll be posting a couple of reviews on a handful of the projects, so stay within "blog's reach"...