A-Z Blogging Challenge - The Letter Z - Zarathos

The first supernatural Ghost Rider is stunt motorcyclist Johnny Blaze, who, in order to save the life of his mentor, agreed to give his soul to "Satan" (later revealed to be an arch-demon named Mephisto). Instead, his soul bonded with the entity called Zarathos. When utilizing Zarathos' powers Blaze's flesh is consumed by hellfire, causing his head to become a flaming skull. He rides a fiery motorcycle and wields trademark blasts of hellfire from his skeletal hands. He starred in the series from 1972-1983. - Wikipedia


Now that the April A-Z Blogging Challenge is over I would like to thank all of you who took a chance and checked out my blog. I have increased my own number of interesting people to follow, many who are published authors. I hope you found some entertainment when you came here and I hope you stick around for a long time after this blogging challenge is done.

Royal Wedding...Princess Beatrice, Victoria Beckham, Pippa Middleton & Chelsey Davy steal show! Fashion victims?

 

Royal Newleyweds totally in love & facing wedded bliss!

Porky & Bess arrive to trot down the aisle at Westminster Abbey!

The Royal Wedding aside - sigh! - there certainly was a lot of juicy fashion fodder to feast upon.

I daresay!

As handsome Prince William (looking particulary manly in his Irish Guard Uniform highlighted with a dash of brilliant red and Royal Blue) and childhood sweetheart Kate Middleton (every bit a blushing "Royal Highness" in a stunning chic wedding frock fashioned by Sarah Burton the Numero Uno designer extraordinaire) prepared for their grand debut on the world stage before a billion-or-two prying eyes, a posse of upstarts in the Royal Court - a Duchess here, a Princess there - primped and preened for the paparazzi down at Westminister Abbey in a sly deceitful effort to steal a bit of Kate's thunder.

Before you could utter up - "Hedda Hopper" - a gaggle of frightful sorry-looking-swans fluttered into the frenzied fray.

And, in two-seconds-flat, a bevy of fashion disasters were to the English Manor born!

What do they say?

Birds of a feather flock together!

When it came to color - the plummage was dead on - and featured vibrant hues such as teal, coral, cobalt, and pink.

Joyous, in that regard.

The tricky jolting shapes and odd-ball flourishes at times reminded me of the old "I Love Lucy" episode, though, when Ricky and Fred pulled a prank on Lucy and Ethel by leading them to believe that outfits they were gifted with were designed by a top french designer - when, in fact - they were whipped up overnight from cast-offs in the trash bin.

Flying Saucers, eye-popping Polka dots, and reams of idle fabric were too much for the fragile frames that lurked underneath never to be seen again.

Consequently, ugly-duckling gowns - stuffy, over-the-top, too tight, overly-puffy, and out-of-proportion - paraded down the aisle just begging for some prankster to utter up nasty farting sounds from some dank dark corner of the Abbey (appropriate fashion commentary in this instant case).

The misguided hands of well-meaning fashion designers (clever cows milking the throne) - fumbled from the get-go - 'til the final curtain when the trussed up trollops came across as dumb show.

Among the first to be pounced on by the Fashion Police (at the Wedding of the Century) was none other than the pretty sultry sexy on-again-off-again love of randy Prince Harry.

Eghads!

Chelsy Davy sashayed into the spotlight in an aqua green Alberta Ferretti skirt and off-the-shoulder jacket with a bow at the back (which I predicted she would in a post a day-or-so ago) - but, who knew she'd blow a shoe-in - by letting the flab show.

Just maybe, she was not fashion savvy enough to fathom, that overly-tight busting-at-the-seams frocks don't cut it in chic fashion circles.

I was delighted when Ms. Davy made her grand entrance, because I'm always in a panic to find worthy candiates to poke fun at for my annual 10 Worst-Dressed-Women's list.

To refresh your memory, here are the winners (losers?) who made the grade last year.

Post: 12/31/2010


http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2010/12/julian-ayrs-3rd-annual-worst-dressed.html

Ms. Davy, just roared up to the top of the list, unless an encore can convince me otherwise!

Peter Phillip's wife ran a close second by virtue of a coat-dress (by designer Sassi Holford) which appeared to be rustled up from tacky left-over upholstery fabric from some bargain-basement sale.

And, a flop of a hat, that matched up.

The verdict is still out on Victoria Beckham - who dressed more along the lines of the "Black Swan" - than the normally-chic fashion image she is often inclined to pull off more effectively.

The solemn look added to the mournful image!

Princess Eugenie wore a blue Vivienne Westwood which was too pouffy (stuffy, too).

When she dressed for the tony event, she clearly threw caution (and taste) to the wind.

Beatrice, her doting sis, sprang for a see-thru Valentino couture coat that didn't jive well with an over-the-top outrageous hat.

"Thank God, they hid their knees," one friend of the Royals whispered to all within earshot.

Knock-knees are not in style this year, but maybe next!

When the two trotted towards the Abbey, the odd twosome reminded me of Porky & Bess.

There is one at every chi-chi event.

Some brazen broad anxious to show her girls!

Sally Bercow filled that bill to a "t" cup.

Jessica Craig - who slipped into a nude skirt suit, tan tights, and sensible shoes - underscored why no proposal was forthcoming from Wills.

Meanwile, a hatless Samantha Cameron chose to ignore fashion Wedding protocol, by neglecting (willfully?) to splurge on a spring bonnet.

April 29th was hailed as a great day for fashion, for one very good reason.

Kate elected to don a dress by Sarah Burton (Alexander McQueen's House) which - in a nutshell - knocked all the other gal's panty hose out of the Abbey.

The buzz, honestly?

The petite Princess Letizia of Spain wisely (and tastefully) tossed on a pale pink bandage-strip dress by Felipe Varela and teamed it with matching shoes and a charming cloche hat.

The epitome of style!

But, others in her chic league, were few-and-far between.

Lady Sophie Windsor was a stunnng tony guest who cut a fine swath in a cocktail dress and coat by Giorgio Armani Prive (with exaggerated shoulders and graphic hat).

Princess Michael of Kent turned Royal heads in a Sophia Loren-style picture hat, Andrea Odicini teal skirt suit, and Vanessa Noel matching shoes.

Pippa Middleton knocked everyone out when she graced the red carpet with a cowl-necked gown in ivory satin crepe by Sarah Burton at Alexander McQueen.

Carole Middleton wisely selected a pale blue Catherine Walker wool crepe coat-dress over a matching silk dress.

Fashion kudos!

A Jane Corbett hat, though a tad dramatic, was very flattering none-the-less.

The Queen was all sweetness-and-light in a sunny yellow gown and dress coat by Angela Kelly.

Except for the snub aimed at Camilla Parker Bowles which caused a few tongues to wag (more juicy gossip on that tidbit later).

Camilla, by the way, turned out in lovely hand-embroidered Anna Valentine champagne silk dress and duck egg blue coat.

I predicted she would in a post a day-or-two ago.

The Countess of Wessex was relaxed and radiant-looking in a fitted biscuit suit by British designer Bruce Oldfield and did not go un-noticed in the searing glare of the spotlight.

By the by, when David Beckham first alighted from his gleaming ride, his OBE was affixed to the wrong jacket lapel.

Some kind fellow (or hottie with a sweet tooth for the soccer stud) must have tipped the sports hero off.

Unfortunately, for the fashion losers, cynical gawkers were - ready, able, and at-the-ready - to toss tomatoes at those who committed all the typical fashion faux pas.

Spoil sports!

Off with their heads

http://www.thetattler.

Should I be a modern woman & kiss Harry?

David Beckham & Prince William most dashing!

Hanna (2011)

When we first meet Hannah (Saoirse Ronan - 'Lovely Bones') she is hunting deer in Siberia with only a bow an arrow. While cleaning her kill she is confronted by a man who engages her in hand to hand combat. He defeats her but just barely. Soon we learn that their relationship is not a normal one between this man and this young girl. They act like father and daughter but all their interactions are about preparation for some think that will happen in the future.


The young girl's life has been spent in training - use of weapons, languages, history and memorized locations have filled her days. On one such day, she tells her father/trainer (Eric Bana) that she is 'ready'. Ready for what we don't know.

The father digs a radio receiver out of the snow and tells Hanna that when she pushes the red button, then people will know where she is and will come for her. Only she will know when that time in right. Of course she pushes the button and hear begins our story.


Her father leaves her because he knows that people who will come looking for Hanna will not allow him to remain alive. He, however is not leaving her to die. He has trained her and given her the skills that will increase her chances to survive what ever happens next.

Enter Cate Blanchett as Marissa, a former 'handler' of the father who we learn was a spy for some shadowy government agency like the CIA. She recognizes the frequency the father allowed to be sent and is intrigue to see what her former 'asset' is up to now. She has no idea there will only be a young girl when her team of agents make their way to Hanna's Siberian home.


Blanchett is intrigued by the young girl and brings her in for psychological study. All Hanna wants to do is speak to Marissa, her father's old boss. When they try to trick Hanna, we find out just how dangerous a person she is as she kills several people to facilitate her escape from the complex in which she is being held.

The soundtrack to the film is fantastic. The club beats and rhythms perfectly mesh with those moments of escape through the unfamiliar environments Anna soon finds herself confronted with. They are as disjointed as Hanna's thought processes must have been as she constantly re-evaluate her plan at ever turn.


We know that whoever Marissa is, she is not a nice person and had something to do with the death of who I assumed to be Hanna's mother. Now she is mobilizing all her resources just to find one teen girl and the father whom she deems a national security risk.

There are some scenes of humor when 'fish out of water' Hanna joins a vacationing family and experiences some trappings of a normal teenage life. But she cannot stop to smell the roses for too long - she is still a fugitive after all and there are questions that she needs the answers too.

This was an exciting movie with a fascinating concept. I got attached to the main character who I both admired and felt sorry for. The secrets about Hanna's past are interesting and all the performances are top notch.

I couldn't help thinking as I was watching that this movie would make an excellent TV series as Hanna must constantly be on the run from the shadowy organization out to reclaim her. But I would need the series to be set in Europe like this movie was.

8/10

Girls We Love Here At The Cave Of Cool - Chloe Moretz

Chloe is one of my favorite young actresses working today. From 'Kick Ass' to 'Let Me In' and her funny turn and Jack's nemesis on '30 Rock', she has shown a range of abilities not often seen in actors twice her age.

Coach's Corner

If you are even a regular viewer of 'Hockey Night In Canada' then you know who these two people are. During the first period of Saturday night hockey games sportscaster Ron McClain (the guy in the nice suit who is also a local boy from my home town) and Don Cherry (who was both a hockey player and a coach) discuss the finer points of the current game.

Don Cherry is know for his bombastic nature and support for hitting and fighting in the NHL. He loves nothing more than to see one player smash an opposing team's player into the side boards. He also loves it when two player drop their gloves and pound each other while trying to stay balanced on their skates.

Cherry is unapologetic about his support for violence in hockey. As a player, he had the reputation for being tough and spending lots of time in the penalty box. He even puts out the 'Rock 'Em Sock 'Em' DVDS that highlight the best checks and hockey fights in any given season.

He speaks loudly and proudly about the players he admires because of their toughness and 'old time hockey' style of play. He has no patience for European players who, in his opinion, are wimps for not getting into fights and for not dishing out punishment to their opponents.

McClain plays the straight man who both asks Cherry questions and makes jokes at Cherry's expense - with the jokes usually flying right over Cherry's head. It's great entertainment from two guys that bring out the best in each other. McClain is arguably the smartest man in sports broadcasting. He knows exactly what to say to the goon sitting beside him and that is what makes 'Coach's Corner' so interesting to watch.

The most fun aspect of Don Cherry's personality, however, has to be his selection of clothing to wear on TV. The loud sports coats, the high collars and mis-matched ties are his trademark. He is larger than life so it's important to him that his cloths are larger than life too.

We Canadians are a quiet, polite people but for some reason we love Don Cherry's 'in your face' style of sportscasting. He just tells it like it is and has the knowledge and authority to backup what he is saying. He may be the only guy in the world that can pull off his 'looks' and not have them distract from his message. If anything his loud clothing only enhance his message.

Check out one of the episodes of 'Coaches Corner'. McClain can barely keep from bursting out in laughter sitting beside Cherry who is wearing one of his classic sports coats. It's important to remember that this is what it is like every week. You gotta love Canada.

Happy Katurday

Surviving A Sword Fight

I can understand a bad guy throwing his gun at the hero when he runs out of bullets. That is a natural reaction because intellectually you know that the gun may hit the hero in the face or at least distract him enough to make an escape.

However, throwing a sword or using it like a spear annoys me to no end. It's a SWORD you are holding. The chances that you will stick a guy let along pin his sleeve to the rails of a ship (as shown in this picture) are next to zero. Then you are left without a weapon and at the mercy of your foe. Swords don't have the balance of a spear and therefor should never be used as one.

When one is training to use a sword, I can assure you that no time is spent tossing it at a target. Keep your sword in your hand at all times and improve your skills so that you can defeat another guy with a sword. Now if your opponent throws his sword at you...first grin at his stupidity and then slash him through the heart.

Now let's assume for a second that the villain does have time to shoot his flint lock pistol. First of all those things malfunction all the time and are totally unreliable. You need to get many elements (shot, powder, paper, flint spark) to work perfectly together to do any damage.

Secondly the lead ball is delivered with so little force that even if you are hit anywhere below your neck, you can survive the wound. More often than not the bullet will not even penetrate the heavy cloaks you are wearing.

So what have we learned?

*Be a man and take the bullet
*Don't throw something that is not designed to be thrown. It's just a wasted play that leaves you weaponless
*Practice throwing a KNIFE which IS a weapon designed to be thrown. Learning how to throw a knife under pressure is a good back-up skill to have.
*Move close enough to your opponent and use your sword as it was intended to be used - by forcing the sharp pointy end through your opponent's heart.

Do we understand now? Good.

Please don't make me have this conversation with you ever again.

Los Angeles Times Festival of Books...Jamie Lee Curtis & Rainn Wilson on stage today! Bookworms descend on USC!

 

Jada Pinkett Smith @ Festival of Books!

A few weeks ago, I posted a feature on the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books, which is an annual event book-lovers look forward to with great anticipation each year.


Post: 04/06/2011

http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2011/04/los-angles-times-festival-of-booksrainn.html
Fortunately, school children from Orange County tweeted me this week, which jogged my memory at the 11th Hour.

Yes, kids!

You will see me at  Book Fair tomorrow strolling around USC campus with my eye out for bargains and news scoops to report on at "The Tattler".

Thanks for the reminder, eh?

For readers at "The Tattler" who may have forgotten that the event runs today (April 30th) thru Sunday (May 1st), I have posted a run-down of the panel discussions and stage events that will be underway as this very post is published on the world-wide-web a few seconds from now.

See 'ya there, eh?

Target Children’s Stage

10:00 AM

The Okee Dokee Brothers
Take it Outside

10:40 AM

Bob Boyle
Author of Hugo and the Really Really Really Long String

11:00 AM

Mallory Lewis and Lamb Chop

11:20 AM

Jamie Lee Curtis
Author of My Mommy Hung the Moon

11:45 AM

Hip Hop Harry
Party Jams

12:20 PM

Tom Lichtenheld
Illustrator of Goodnight, Goodnight Construction Site

12:40 PM

Peter Stein
Author of Cars Galore!

1:00 PM

Dallas Clayton
Author and Illustrator of An Awesome Book!

1:25 PM

Disney Junior’s Choo-Choo Soul with Genevive
Choo-Choo Soul

2:00 PM

Marc Brown
Author of Arthur Turns Green

2:20 PM

Nancy Krulik
Author of George Brown, Class Clown: Super Burp #1
Katie Kazoo Switcheroo Series

2:40 PM

R.L. Stine
Author of Goosebumps Horrorland: Hall of Horrors

3:00 PM

Megan McDonald
Author of Judy Moody and Stink series

3:25 PM

Moona Luna
Piñata Party

4:00 PM

Lisa Yee
Author of American Girl Book,Aloha, Kanani

4:20 PM

Jarrett J. Krosoczka
Author and Illustrator of The Lunch Lady Graphic Novel Series

4:40 PM

Josh Lewis
Author of Super Chicken Nugget Boy
(vs. Ned-Grant and his Eggplant Army)

5:10 PM

Justin Roberts & the Not Ready for Naptime Players
Jungle Gym

Los Angeles Times Stage

11:00 AM

Rainn Wilson
Interviewed by Amy Alkon
Author of SoulPancake

12:10 AM

Stefanie Powers
Author of One from the Hart

1:20 PM

Jillian Michaels
Interviewed by Rene Lynch
Author of Unlimited: How to Build an Exceptional Life

2:30 PM

Danica McKellar
Author of Hot X: Algebra Exposed

3:40 PM

Alison Arngrim
Author of Confessions of a Prairie Bitch

4:50 PM

Sister Souljah
Interviewed by Jada Pinkett Smith
Author of Midnight and the Meaning of Love

USC Stage

10:00 AM

Festival Kickoff with the Trojan Marching Band
Musical Performance
Welcome by Los Angeles Times Publisher Eddy Hartenstein
USC President C.L. Max Nikias

11:40 PM

Funny But True Hosted by Prince Gomolvilas
Storytelling-Based Performance

12:50 PM

Greg Johnson Quartet
Jazz Performance

2:00 PM

Javon Johnson
Spoken Word Performance

3:10 PM

Rozzi Crane
Popular Music Performance

4:20 PM

Second Nature Improv
Comedic Performance

5:30 PM

Bear Attack
Popular Music Performance

Cooking Stage

11:00 AM

Erin McKenna
Author of BabyCakes Covers the Classics
Cooking Demonstration

12:30 PM

Graham Kerr
Author of Growing at the Speed of Life
Cooking Demonstration

2:00 PM

Bob Blumer
Author of Glutton for Pleasure
Cooking Demonstration

3:30 PM

Laurie David & Kristin Uhrenholdt
Authors of The Family Dinner
Cooking Demonstration

YA Stage

11:00 AM

Brave NewWorlds: Writing the Unreal
Panelists:
Andrew Smith, Allyson Condie, Laura McNeal, Tom McNeal
Moderator:
Aaron Hartzler

12:30 PM

Smells Like Teen Spirit: Young Adult Fiction
Panelists:
Lisi Harrison, Joanna Philbin, Elizabeth Eulberg, Abby McDonald
Moderator:
Aaron Hartzler

2:00 PM

The Practical & the Powerful: Writing Fantasy or Keeping it Real
Panelists:
Robin Benway, Gayle Forman, Gennifer Choldenko, Allen Zadoff
Moderator:
Cecil Castellucci

3:30 PM

Picture This: Graphic Novels
Panelists:
Kazu Kibuishi, Tracy White, Deborah Vankin
Moderator:
Aaron Hartzler

5:00 PM

LAYAPALOOZA!
A live game show for:
Lovers of books for teens & tweens

Poetry Stage

10:00 A.M.

Rick Bursky & Majid Naficy read from:
Death Obscura and Father & Son

10:30 AM

Chase Twichell reads from:
Horses Where the Answers Should Have Been

11:00 AM

Daniel Tiffany reads from:
Privado and The Dandelion Clock

11:30 AM

Annie Finch reads from:
Among the Goddesses: An Epic Libretto in Seven Dreams

12:00 PM

Terese Svoboda reads from Weapons Grade

12:30 PM

Amy Newlove Schroeder & Dorothy Barresi read from:
The Sleep Hotel and American Fanatics

1:00 PM

Beckian Goldberg & Sarah Maclay read from:
Reliquary Fever: New and Selected Poems and Music for the Black Room

1:30 PM

Dana Levin reads from Sky Burial

2:00 PM

Henri Cole reads from:
Pierce the Skin: Selected Poems (1982—2007)

2:30 PM

Ed Roberson reads from:
To See the Earth Before the End of the World

3:00 PM

Craig Santos Perez reads from:
From Unincorporated Territory {Saina}

3:30 PM

Carol Muske-Dukes Hosts Various Poets reading from:
Crossing State Lines: An American Renga

4:00 PM

Laure-Anne Bosselaar reads from A New Hunger

4:30 PM

Atsuro Riley reads from Romey’s Order

5:00 PM

Ellyn Maybe and Her Band perform from:
Rodeo for the Sheepish and Other Works

Etc. Stage

10:00 AM

826LA
Student Author Panel:
A reading, discussion and signing with students ages 6-18

11:00 AM

Dime Stories
Three-minute stories read by Various Artists

12:00 PM

Imagine Ireland
A selection of non-fiction writers from:
Ireland by Molly McCloskey and Brian Dillon

1:00 PM

Murphy’s Flaw
Blue Grass Musical Performance

2:00 PM

Brand X LA Unheard Presents Young Hunting
Musical Performance

3:00 PM

The Hero Complex Presents Quizzam! Hosted by Geoff Boucher
Comics Trivia Contest

3:30 PM

Andrew Breitbart in Conversation with Robin Abcarian
PANEL CODE: 1092
Interviewer:
Ms. Robin Abcarian

4:00 PM

Zack Cole
Musical Performance

5:00 PM

PEN Center USA
Emerging Voices Reading

Discover the World

11:00 AM

Irish Writers Sara Berkeley and Peter Sirr

Poetry Readings

12:00 PM

Korea Presents Ji Yoon Jay Lee Byung Sang
Traditional Korean Musical Performance

1:00 PM

Israel Presents:
“Israel in Los Angeles A bond between communities”
Video Presentation

2:00 PM

Irish Writers Mary O’Donoghue and Kevin Power
Fiction Readings

3:00 PM

Korea Presents Kim Eung Hwa Dance Academy
Traditional Korean Dance Performance

4:00 PM

Los Angeles Times Presents Don Bartletti
My Camera as Witness to a Non-Fiction World

Hoy Stage

10:00 AM

Welcoming Celebration

11:00 AM

STAR Program
Dance Performance

12:00 PM

Mariachi Cielo Nuevo
Musical Performance

1:00 PM

Hoy Spanish Spelling Bee Finals
Category 1

2:00 PM

Salt Petal
Musical Performance

3:00 PM

A Vivir Bien
Panel Discussion

4:00 PM

Rock STAR
Musical Performance

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

http://www.thetattler.biz

Royal Wedding...Wills & Kate coverage scores big in hits! Google Analytics don't lie!

 

Whew!

What a rush this afternoon when I checked my blog stats at Google Analytics.

The software monitors my hits (and misses!) at - "The Tattler" - and orchestrates a chart or two which focuses on the number of visitors to the site, the percentage of web cruisers landing on my blog by virtue of reliable "search engines", and the flow of traffic ups-and-downs (and what-have-you).

In a nutshell?

My featured up-to-the-minute coverage on the Royal Wedding on Thursday triggered an avalanche of hits.

Post: 04/28/2011

http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2011/04/royal-weddingwedding-gown-fuss-oldfield.html

Post: 04/28/2011

http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2011/04/royal-weddingdress-rehearsal-for-prince.html

Uh-huh!

My numbers, exposure, and rank went through the roof!

So, don't believe those bozos that say "Americans" - for starters - weren't that anxious (or inclined to perch in front of the old boob tube at 3 a.m.) to capture the dazzling ultra-chic Royal Wedding of the Century broadcast live from Jolly Old England by a myriad of probing media outlets here and abroad.

I have the "goods" (evidence & documentation) in hand that proves otherwise!

I expect when I report on my account of things later today - on the nuptials, the fashion statements, the snubs, you-name-it - there will be another surge into the stratosphere.

News at 11!

http://www.thetattler.biz









Just Because She Is Made By Barbie

I am calling this Carol Ferris doll an action figure and you can't do anything about that.

Fast Five...dazzling premiere at Asian Pacific Film Festival! Sung Kang & Sandra Oh hit red carpet!

Sandra Oh trots red carpet at Asian Pacific Film Fest!

Sung Kang

I'm in the Mood for Love

When Sung Kang strolled down the red carpet last night for the premiere of "Fast Five" at the Director's Guild of America, he was definitely the man of the hour!

The handsome actor who stars in the just-released "Fast Five" (the sequel to "Fast & Loose) was literally mobbed with well-wishers at the annual Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival.

When a local interviewer (Jocelyn Wang @ 8 Asians) asked Mr. Kang what film made him cry, he was quick with an answer that was a surprise.

"Pippi Longstalking," he beamed.

"That's you're only question," he wondered aloud.

Uh-huh!

When I cornered the charismatic star, he noted he was pretty much content with his career.

In response to my own question about what kind of flick he would like to sign on for in the future, he was quick on the uptake.

"A comedy," he grinned ear-to-ear.

Meanwhile, the wine flowed, the tony guests snacked on delicious finger food, and a posse of up-and-coming stars mingled and chatted each other up to a fever pitch 'til the witching hour when the curtain finally fell on the first night of the Asian Pacific Fest.

Dapper PR man - David Magdael (sporting a well-tailored dark suit with an orchid in the lapel) - excitedly noted that this year's film outing was "bursting at the seams".

"Within two days, both the opening night and closing night galas sold out."

A big draw this year turned out to be the "Fast Five" (starring Paul Walker & Vin Diesel) screening - a flick that was directed by an alumni of the festival - Justin Lin.

"Justin premiered a film nine here years ago," Magdael pointed out for the record.

"We called him up and asked if he would like to premiere "FAST FIVE". He jumped at the opportunity. He has never forgotten his roots."

Mr. Lin recently launched a Short Film Competition which has been well-received also.

The popular web site - "You Offend me You Offend my Family - was set up to launch that altruistic effort.

http://www.YOMYOMF.com

Actually, it was quite a night for the Asian Film Community.

Danny Pudi (NBC's "Community") - who acted one of the MC's at the glittering gala (alongside Parvesh Cheena of NBC's "Outsourced") - gushed that the opening night launch was just "fabulous".

"The Asian community is so together. It has been such a rewarding experience for me to attend," he excitedly blurted out as he greeted a posse of fans in the DGA lobby after the screening.

Obviously, Danny was floating on a cloud, judging by his animated presence as he courted attendees at the glittering celebration.

There was quite a stellar turn-out  - which not only sparked the night - but set the tone of glamour for the week-long event.

The arrival of Archie Kao (CSI) on the red carpet triggered screams from adoring women. 

Yes, he's single, ladies!

Archie whispered in my ear that he will be featured in a big-budget feature later in the year.

Kelvin Han Yee was beaming with pride over the fact he helped raise 1.6 million dollars at a fundraiser for victims of the Japan disaster.

Mr. Yee is starring in an episode of "Hawaii 5-0" (he plays a Police Chief) which will broadcast on May 16th.

Karin Anna Cheung who I interviewed last year when she appeared in "People I've Slept With" looked stunning in a chic understated red cocktail dress.

I also spied (and said hello to) Director Quentin Lee - quite a character in his own right - who flitted among the guests quipping jokes and having a gay old time.

Randall Park - on his way to stardom - is currently appearing in "Supah Ninjahs" on cable.

When I quizzed the outgoing down-to-earth actor about future plans, he confided he was open to meatier roles.

"I would like to be the first Asian romantic leading man."

A tall order to fill, but he has what it takes - the looks, the talent, the "it" quality - to achieve that goal in my estimation.

Parvesh Cheena (who co-hosted the event's premiere) was excited about a voice-over role in an upcoming "Transformer" project.

Gillian Jacobs (NBC "Community") caused quite a stir when she posed for the paparazzi on the electric red carpet, too.

Sandra Oh (Grey's Anatomy)  - was fashionably late (she was the last star to trot in and dash off to catch Fast Five in the packed DGA Theatre) - but no one seemed to be miffed.

Shooting late on set, perhaps?

One of the actresses that stood out was Monique Cumen.

Ms. Curnen (Fast & Furious & The Dark Knight) was effervescent and glowed in her tasteful black cocktail dress.

Actually, it was quite the night for fashion statements all round.

Gowns ran the gamut from floor-length (and body-hugging) to short short - and more-often-than-not - were awash with pretty floral motifs or dazzling mood-uplifting pastels.

The men - a few Asian males actually sported orange "do's" (which jelled well with their trendy hip street-wear) - were sharply turned-out, too.

Some wore black dress slacks or jeans, teamed with ubiquitous t's etched with a smattering of designer logos and off-beat stylish etched prints on their face.

Fedoras and Berets added a European flair to the aura of the night's festivities.

I also was blessed with the opportunity to meet up-and-coming talent which is always a plus for me.

The Director of  - "I'm in the Mood for Love"  (who was in attendance last night) - chatted me up.

Jason Karman's short film - a gay love story - screens on Monday May 2nd at the Festival.

The young actor playing one of the leads is certainly "on the rise" in respect to his eventful career.

Kyle Toy has a charismatic appeal that is sure to take him far in the biz!

A synopsis of the film?

A singing telegram worker meets his ex-boyfriend while having hot pot and learns to embrace his new found bachelorhood through popular song

Catch it if you can, especially in view of the fact it is slated to screen in Toronto in the near future, and has also garnered several awards that single it out as quality film that deserves a following!

By the way, what a blast last night's premiere proved to be!

The Disc Jockey spun danceable upbeat tunes that rocked from the get-go.

I ecstatically blurted out to Mr. Magdael that he really outdid himself this year!

Indeed, tony guests packed the local venue - and lit up the prestigious home for the local chapter of the Director's Guild - as the "faces" of legendary stars peered down from the walls (such as Elizabeth Taylor, Montgomery Clift, Jack Lemmon, Orson Welles, to name-a-few).

Well-heeled waiters in elegant uniforms floated through the crowd offering up a glut of treats - such as delectable chocolate sweets- yummy cream-filled-cake, delicious finger food, and exotic cocktails provided by a host of sponsors (KeKel Vodka, for one).

In particular, a handful of merchants sprinkled around the charged keyed-up foyer, satiated any-and-all pangs of hunger by virtue of mouth-watering offerings that were gulped down in one full swoop.

Hot Stuff Cafe's finger foods were sensational (to say the least).

http://www.hotstuff.cafe.com

"The Candy Chef" was on hand to treat the film fans with hard candy, delightful Asian sweets, and chewy snacks that really hit the spot.

I was asked to inform folks that their specialty is Candy Arrangements.

Check them out!

http://www.TheCandyChef.com

I also got hooked on a coconut ball (on a stick) which was - well - just yummy.

Kudos to THE SWEETER THINGS

http://www.TSTCHOCOLAT.com

I didn't even wake up with a hang-over this morning - in spite of the fact I also caught the Royal Wedding - and did not tuck in until I actually heard a rooster crow in Hollywood at about 5 a.m. (

No kidding, folks!

Tonight, I expect to trot down to the DGA to catch The Wedding Palace (feature) and Saigon Electric.

See 'ya there!

Tickets & Info

www.vconline.org

http://www.thetattler.biz

.


Director Justin Lin premiered Fast Five!



Director Quentin Lee in high spirits!

Photo Of The Month

I am someone who has no fear of dangerous weather. If I can see a tornado in the distance I would run towards it instead of running away. I can't resist being close to all that raw power. This picture reminds me of that attitude. I hate living in an age when you can't trust a photo to be real and not photoshopped because this one has all the hallmarks of not being natural.

Tumblr Quote Of The Day

“Say “excuse me…” one more time, motherfucker… That is what I want one of these interviewers to say to him. I’m really upset about the lack of integrity the media has shown towards their reporting on Trump. You might say to me that I shouldn't’t worry and that he’s done this all before and he’s not really gonna run and it’s just a publicity stunt. Regardless of whether this is some sort of ego-maniacal piece of performance art or a legitimate campaign, he is hurting us with the things he says. Everyone in the media should be holding this fucker’s feet to the fire and insisting that he answer questions. I find it hard to believe I’m saying this, but he’s worse than Bush. He either needs to open himself up to the same scrutiny he is requiring of others, or he needs to be ignored. I mean, seriously, this shit has got to stop.”

I totally agree with this sentiment. Ever since the arrival of Fox News on the scene, reporters seem to have given up their ages old purpose of speaking truth to power. Truth used to be the goal of ever journalist but this is no longer the case.

Individuals like Donald Trump or Glen Beck or any of the other talking heads representing the Right have been given a free pass to just make up facts to support their own narrative. Since Obama became President, the tendency to use fear and misinformation has not only cheapened the political discourse but has prevented real change from occurring.

The Right have taken a page out of the old Nazi playbook - "repeat the lie enough times and it becomes the truth". When reporters can't or won't challenge the garbage that comes out of the mouths of racist teabaggers or self-serving carnival barkers, the common person is left with no alternative than to believe the lies they are spoon fed.

They become conditioned to use only the rhetoric of one side of the spectrum (The Right) to form their political beliefs. When this happens, voters reject en masse the political ideas of the Left (regardless if the Left presents good ideas or not) and can be easily convinced to vote against their best interests.

A perfect example of this can be seen in the recent debate over tax cuts for millionaires. You would never expect people without wealth to fight for the right of the rich to pay less than their fair share in taxes. This, however, was exactly what happened.

Lately I have seen reporters fighting back against this trend. Lawrence O'Donnell and Chris Mathews have openly challenged 'birthers' on the air leaving these liars no place to run for cover except to Fox News and shows hosted by Bill O'Rielly and Sean Hannidy. There they are given leading softball questions that only serve to legitimize their dishonest 'beliefs'.

I don't think that Donald Trump has any doubt that President Obama is an American and was born on American soil. He is just pushing that issue to court the approval of that part of the Republican base who will NEVER believe Obama is anything other than the illegitimate leader of their country. He is playing directly into the fear racist whites have over a black man being President.

Trump is a joke. Fox news is a joke. Conservative talk radio is a joke. When the fifth estate (the press) give up on their responsibility to challenge the lies that are being told they are just as guilty in perpetuating the side show as the individuals who seek to gain from the spectacle.

I can only hope that the fall of Donald Trump will be just as interesting a story to the media as his 'ascendancy'. In fact I know it will be. I just don't want to wait too long for those lies to be written about. You sewed the seeds Mr. Trump. Now get ready to reap the whirlwind.

A-Z Blogging Challenge - The Letter Y - Yummy Noms

I am happy to say that with a combination of exercise, medication and diet that I have really gotten my blood sugar levels under control. A happy side effect of originally being diagnosed in December with Type 2 Diabetes is that now I feel better than I have in years. I have more energy to put towards swimming (my new favorite activity) and I can actually get to sleep most nights.


Diabetes runs in my family so I have been taking blood tests for the past 2 years so that once I was diagnosed, I could get an early start attacking the disease's side effects. I am terrified to lose a foot due to poor circulation or letting the complications associated with diabetes result in blindness, which for me is the worse thing I can ever imagine happening.


I don't fool myself by saying that I can cut the 'bad' foods out of my diet because that is not realistic. Like everything else I ingest, moderation seems to be the key to my health successes.


I think I needed the diagnosis to motivate me to change my self destructing habits and to make those changes a permanent part of my life. To see positive results is very satisfying and encouraging. When I put my full effort and focus towards solving a problem or creating something new (like my blog) I rarely if ever experience failure. I think that effort deserves a reward so I am off to Tim Horton's for a box of twenty 'Timbits'.