At time of writing - afternoon - Paris Hilton, she of the "orange-is-so-tacky" will be giving her first (but probably not last) interview with CNN's Larry King tonight. Guaranteed Larry will be asking her the really tough questions that he is known for, perhaps something like this:
"So Paris - tell us the truth. We heard you were constipated due to the lack of a balanced diet in jail. Is this true and if so, who do you blame?"
And she will answer:"Well Garry..."
"That would be Larry..."
"Oh yeah. All those names sound alike. Like I told all you media people, I've seen the light. Gawd - how could I miss it being on day and night and night and day..."
"Your diet, Paris?"
"Oh yeah. Well...um... Where was I? Where's my good book?"
"You mean your Bible?"
"No silly man! I mean, my black book full of phone numbers of my friends!"
"Now about the prison food?"
"Well Harry..."
"Larry...Larry! My name is Larry!"
"Yeah. Whatever... The food was blechy. Really blechy. Actually, it was the presentation that spoiled it all. My daddy - he's very rich y'know - my daddy always tells his chefs that presentation is everything. I mean, macaroni can look so much better when you - um - something like that. They should hire me! Maybe I can start a new career!"
"So Paris - the whole wide world - is waiting to know about the constipation issue. Were you or weren't you?"
"Excuse me camera people - are you getting my best side? Were I or weren't I what?"
"Oh Paris - you're a real riot, girl! Constipated!"
"Constipated? What does that mean? Why don't we stick to the important questions like my new hair shade. D'ya like it, Barry?"
"It's Larry, Paris!"
"Ohmygawd! You have the same last name as my first name! Isn't that like...so funny? Maybe we're related! Do you own any Hilton hotels? Are you sure you people are catching my best side?
Something like that.
Writers & Friends
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Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Friday, June 22, 2007
TURNING THE CAMERA ON MICHAEL MOORE: NOT SO NICE
One thing for sure: wherever and whenever a Michael Moore film is released to the public, controversy follows. There is no denying that this is a documentary film maker who excels in getting the public to pay attention and then get them into the theatres, whereupon he presents his view of the subject at hand. For many people, therein lies the problem. As Moore himself has stated that a documentary film maker presents a point of view, period.
There is some irony in that the film makers - Debbie Melnyk and Rick Caine are Canadians and in their film "Manufacturing Dissent", they turn their lens on Moore himself.The embryo for making their film is intriguing in that it started out as an attempt for the duo to speak with Moore, who at that time was their hero when it came to making doc. films. However, Moore for whatever reason, had no interest in talking to them. Not such a good idea since they ended up making a movie examining Moore and the validity of his methods in acquiring and using background information for his docs. Also interesting to note the content for their film was not acquired through Moore himself but through friends, former friends and colleagues.
Read the interviews and then go see the film. I plan to.
Trailer for film on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IUU7a4wB0
Writers & Friends
www.jrslater.com/forum
There is some irony in that the film makers - Debbie Melnyk and Rick Caine are Canadians and in their film "Manufacturing Dissent", they turn their lens on Moore himself.The embryo for making their film is intriguing in that it started out as an attempt for the duo to speak with Moore, who at that time was their hero when it came to making doc. films. However, Moore for whatever reason, had no interest in talking to them. Not such a good idea since they ended up making a movie examining Moore and the validity of his methods in acquiring and using background information for his docs. Also interesting to note the content for their film was not acquired through Moore himself but through friends, former friends and colleagues.
Read the interviews and then go see the film. I plan to.
Trailer for film on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IUU7a4wB0
Writers & Friends
www.jrslater.com/forum
Saturday, June 16, 2007
A QUIRKY (OR TWO) - A-DAY KEEPS THE BLUES AWAY
Being that it's a relatively slow day for news items - at least for this blog - what better opportunity than to report on the lighter side of life.
It's not unusual for people to join in singing hymns in church but a special singer lends his voice in a manner of speaking, to the proceedings at a chapel in Wales. The singer - or barker to be exact - is Teddy, a guide dog who enjoys joining the parishiners in song.
The five year old golden retriever who had been accompanying his temporary caretaker, Nona Rees to church since last February but it's only recently that he's taken a more active or vocal role. Ms Rees had been babysitting Teddy until his owner recovers from an illness.
Initially, the dog used to sleep during hymn singing but one day he just...barked right in with the rest of the congregation. According to Ms Rees, Teddy particularly enjoys the faster and louder hymns. As expected he's unfamiliar with the words and there is no information as to his favorites.
************************************************************************************
You can imagine how pleased crime fighting authorities in Russia were with their first Russian Robocop, hailed as the first member of a revolutionary new crime fighting force. Think of the possibilities with a crime fighter that can deflect bullets...and other exciting stuff. A joint project funded by police and city authorities in Perm, eastern Russia, the crime-fighter has video cameras and sensors that relay pictures and data to police stations accross the city, alerting them to a crime occuring and the location. The six-foot tall egg-shaped robot which moves on four wheels is a joint project funded by the police and city authorities in Perm, eastern Russia.
However -it's always the howevers in life that are so bothersome - nobody counted on the six foot tall egg-shaped robot to be short-circuited in the true sense of the word, by rain. It was on the streets for a mere few hours before it was recalled for repairs since heavy rain damaged its circuitry. Officials are still sold on the idea and more are planned for the future.
Shades of Terminator! Where's Governor Schwarzneggar when you need him?
And how was your week?
It's not unusual for people to join in singing hymns in church but a special singer lends his voice in a manner of speaking, to the proceedings at a chapel in Wales. The singer - or barker to be exact - is Teddy, a guide dog who enjoys joining the parishiners in song.
The five year old golden retriever who had been accompanying his temporary caretaker, Nona Rees to church since last February but it's only recently that he's taken a more active or vocal role. Ms Rees had been babysitting Teddy until his owner recovers from an illness.
Initially, the dog used to sleep during hymn singing but one day he just...barked right in with the rest of the congregation. According to Ms Rees, Teddy particularly enjoys the faster and louder hymns. As expected he's unfamiliar with the words and there is no information as to his favorites.
************************************************************************************
You can imagine how pleased crime fighting authorities in Russia were with their first Russian Robocop, hailed as the first member of a revolutionary new crime fighting force. Think of the possibilities with a crime fighter that can deflect bullets...and other exciting stuff. A joint project funded by police and city authorities in Perm, eastern Russia, the crime-fighter has video cameras and sensors that relay pictures and data to police stations accross the city, alerting them to a crime occuring and the location. The six-foot tall egg-shaped robot which moves on four wheels is a joint project funded by the police and city authorities in Perm, eastern Russia.
However -it's always the howevers in life that are so bothersome - nobody counted on the six foot tall egg-shaped robot to be short-circuited in the true sense of the word, by rain. It was on the streets for a mere few hours before it was recalled for repairs since heavy rain damaged its circuitry. Officials are still sold on the idea and more are planned for the future.
Shades of Terminator! Where's Governor Schwarzneggar when you need him?
And how was your week?
Thursday, June 14, 2007
"CREATURE COMFORTS" - TOONS AT THEIR BEST - AND FUNNIEST
Given that TV viewers ignore a large portion of summer-time programs, this one could easily fall victim to the chopping block due to lack of publicity and interest. Hence my big push to familiarize anyone reading this to this new series and concept.
The name of this animated series is "Creature Comforts" and it can be seen on CBS on Monday nights. Not the best time spot but be that as it may...
The animation, which is superb and hysterical by the way, is by the same team that brought us the films, "Wallace and Grommit" but this series has something different going for it. The people behind the scenes travelled accross the U.S. and asked ordinary people i.e. me/you some very basic questions. For example something to the effect: "what do you think about aging?" to a wide variety of people and ages and cultural backgrounds, after which the questions were answered and discussed by animated animal 'toons.
In one particular segment a trio of a capella singers ended up as a nest of warbling birds. Very funny. Or in another memorable segment, two middle-aged male and female bulldogs discuss life from various perspectives. Still another segment featured "older" love birds discussing their various physical ailments.
Rather than me rant on and on about the series, drop by and get a taste of what it's all about here. You can download or watch segment to see why I'm gung-ho and raving about it.
http://www.cbs.com/primetime/creature_comforts/
Writers & Friends
www.jrslater.com/forum
The name of this animated series is "Creature Comforts" and it can be seen on CBS on Monday nights. Not the best time spot but be that as it may...
The animation, which is superb and hysterical by the way, is by the same team that brought us the films, "Wallace and Grommit" but this series has something different going for it. The people behind the scenes travelled accross the U.S. and asked ordinary people i.e. me/you some very basic questions. For example something to the effect: "what do you think about aging?" to a wide variety of people and ages and cultural backgrounds, after which the questions were answered and discussed by animated animal 'toons.
In one particular segment a trio of a capella singers ended up as a nest of warbling birds. Very funny. Or in another memorable segment, two middle-aged male and female bulldogs discuss life from various perspectives. Still another segment featured "older" love birds discussing their various physical ailments.
Rather than me rant on and on about the series, drop by and get a taste of what it's all about here. You can download or watch segment to see why I'm gung-ho and raving about it.
http://www.cbs.com/primetime/creature_comforts/
Writers & Friends
www.jrslater.com/forum
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
BRITISH ARTIST SELLS FRAMED ROADKILL
Most drivers will try to avoid driving over a dead animal carcas strewn over a highway but a British artist (if you can call him that...I would call him weirrrrrrrd) is selling - wait for it - squashed/mashed/mangled and framed no less, hare and fox for - again wait for it -£35,000.
The artist in question who lives in Horsley, gets his inspiration by scraping off animals who have encountered cars and lost, off the cement highways. He then takes them home (presumably but who knows) and skins them after which he sticks them in a frame and displays them to the public! Why - who knows. Art? Self-expression?
In order to sustain his supply the artist has set up a "roadkill hotline" for people to get in touch with him when they spot a squished animal.Does the union representing highway cleaners know about this?
There's more - don't read this if you haven't had your breakfast/whatever yet - he actually eats their flesh before using them for sculptures and admits to eating badgers, squirrels and hares.
He claims that he uses roadkill to highlight how people have become alienated from the natural world. O-kay...whatever... Personally, the possibility of the lingering taste of rubber from the tires is enough to put me off.
His sons aged 8, 12 years and 7 year old daughter, all vegetarians co-incidentally(!), love his work. I bet.
By the way and if you're in the area it can be viewed at Griffin Mill, near Stroud, as part of the town's arts festival. Viewing it on an empty stomach is suggested. There is no information available as to whether there are any buyers.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/gloucestershire/6742407.stm
Writers & Friends
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The artist in question who lives in Horsley, gets his inspiration by scraping off animals who have encountered cars and lost, off the cement highways. He then takes them home (presumably but who knows) and skins them after which he sticks them in a frame and displays them to the public! Why - who knows. Art? Self-expression?
In order to sustain his supply the artist has set up a "roadkill hotline" for people to get in touch with him when they spot a squished animal.Does the union representing highway cleaners know about this?
There's more - don't read this if you haven't had your breakfast/whatever yet - he actually eats their flesh before using them for sculptures and admits to eating badgers, squirrels and hares.
He claims that he uses roadkill to highlight how people have become alienated from the natural world. O-kay...whatever... Personally, the possibility of the lingering taste of rubber from the tires is enough to put me off.
His sons aged 8, 12 years and 7 year old daughter, all vegetarians co-incidentally(!), love his work. I bet.
By the way and if you're in the area it can be viewed at Griffin Mill, near Stroud, as part of the town's arts festival. Viewing it on an empty stomach is suggested. There is no information available as to whether there are any buyers.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/gloucestershire/6742407.stm
Writers & Friends
www.jrslater.com/forum
Monday, June 11, 2007
PARIS HILTON DAILY UPDATE: PARIS CALLS BARBARA WALTERS
Hmmm... Don't quite know what to make of this. Perhaps an attempt at trying to re-build her credibility?
Seems that Paris H. was able to phone ABC's Barbara Walters, she of "The View" to discuss...stuff and presumably her current incarceration.
"I used to act dumb," she told Walters in the exclusive phone conversation. "That act is no longer cute. Now, I would like to make a difference. ... God has given me this new chance."
Um...used to act? I really must curb my tendency to be saracastic and cynical because it's obvious that Paris is trying to turn over a new leaf and change her life because...because...she's seen the light. Actually, more than one light that will focus on her when she gets out of jail.
She went on about how horrific her experience in jail has been...about being and feeling depressed...and it generally being a horrible experience.
Duh...
It was a collect call and Walters agreed to accept the charges. Aw - that's like...so nice and generous of her!
Anyway, the interview will be on ABC's "The View" today if anybody is interested.
http://abcnews.go.com/US/story?id=3264588&page=1
Writers & Friends
www.jrslater.com/forum
Seems that Paris H. was able to phone ABC's Barbara Walters, she of "The View" to discuss...stuff and presumably her current incarceration.
"I used to act dumb," she told Walters in the exclusive phone conversation. "That act is no longer cute. Now, I would like to make a difference. ... God has given me this new chance."
Um...used to act? I really must curb my tendency to be saracastic and cynical because it's obvious that Paris is trying to turn over a new leaf and change her life because...because...she's seen the light. Actually, more than one light that will focus on her when she gets out of jail.
She went on about how horrific her experience in jail has been...about being and feeling depressed...and it generally being a horrible experience.
Duh...
It was a collect call and Walters agreed to accept the charges. Aw - that's like...so nice and generous of her!
Anyway, the interview will be on ABC's "The View" today if anybody is interested.
http://abcnews.go.com/US/story?id=3264588&page=1
Writers & Friends
www.jrslater.com/forum
Saturday, June 09, 2007
PARIS HILTON AND PUBLIC SYMPATHY
After a mere 24 hours more or less of serving out her jail sentence in her luxury estate, heiress Paris Hilton is back behind bars. Media reports indicate that she was hysterical and calling for her mother, as she was led out to a waiting police car that whisked her back to jail.
It will be interesting how this whole incident will play out with the public.
By the mere act of being Paris Hilton, party girl, international celebrity and rich heiress who appears to flaunt authority, public sympathy was not on her side on the onset. In a statement released before her initial incarceration, she appeared to accept the consequences of her action.
"During the past few weeks, I have had a lot of time to think and have come to realise I made some mistakes. This is an important point in my life and I need to take responsibility for my actions. In the future, I plan on taking more of an active role in the decisions I make."
However a short time later reports began to circulate regarding her physical condition and it wasn't long before she was sent packing accompanied by an electronic bracelet to serve out her sentence at home in her mansion. Perhaps due to the public outcry focusing on celebrity justice and laws for the rich and the regular people, she was back in court and will have to serve her sentence behind bars.
Thing is...had she accepted the consequences of her action as she claimed initially to do and serve time behind bars, public sympathy would have been with her and she might even have emerged a hero of sorts. Once she defied traditional incarcertation, however, the public appeared to turn on her.
How she will be perceived by the public down the line will depend on the length of her stay in jail.
BTW - where are all her good friends and ex-boyfriends with whom she hangs out and accompany her on globe trotting jaunts, when she needs them? What about her ex-boyfriend? Guess she's as good as her last party.
Writers & Friends
www.jrslater.com/forum
It will be interesting how this whole incident will play out with the public.
By the mere act of being Paris Hilton, party girl, international celebrity and rich heiress who appears to flaunt authority, public sympathy was not on her side on the onset. In a statement released before her initial incarceration, she appeared to accept the consequences of her action.
"During the past few weeks, I have had a lot of time to think and have come to realise I made some mistakes. This is an important point in my life and I need to take responsibility for my actions. In the future, I plan on taking more of an active role in the decisions I make."
However a short time later reports began to circulate regarding her physical condition and it wasn't long before she was sent packing accompanied by an electronic bracelet to serve out her sentence at home in her mansion. Perhaps due to the public outcry focusing on celebrity justice and laws for the rich and the regular people, she was back in court and will have to serve her sentence behind bars.
Thing is...had she accepted the consequences of her action as she claimed initially to do and serve time behind bars, public sympathy would have been with her and she might even have emerged a hero of sorts. Once she defied traditional incarcertation, however, the public appeared to turn on her.
How she will be perceived by the public down the line will depend on the length of her stay in jail.
BTW - where are all her good friends and ex-boyfriends with whom she hangs out and accompany her on globe trotting jaunts, when she needs them? What about her ex-boyfriend? Guess she's as good as her last party.
Writers & Friends
www.jrslater.com/forum
Friday, June 08, 2007
UH-OH...COULD BE TROUBLE ON THE HORIZON FOR PARIS!
Uh-oh...looks like Paris Hilton might have to trade in her designer duds for a no-name, run-of-the-mill orange jump suit with a number!
Having been released from jail on Thursday and now serving her "time" at home Los Angeles's top prosecutor, Rocky Delgadillo, is not a happy man. Seems he's quite upset with the county's sherriff decision to release Paris from serving time in prison and allowing her to wear an electronic ankle bracelet while - um - lounging around her humble abode watching TV...being served meals by servants, etc. etc. Seems that his office is of the opinion that her early release undermines his efforts to apply "equal justice."
A mere few hours after Paris Hilton was sent packing back to her mansion under house arrest, the judge who put her in jail ordered her back to court to decide whether she should go back behind bars. The judge in question, Michael T. Sauer issued his order after the city attorney filed a petition on Thursday afternoon, demanding to show cause why Sheriff Lee Baca should not be held in contempt of court for releasing Paris that morning, and demanding that she be retained in custody.
According to media reports she was released due to "medical condition(s)", which have reported to be a) a skin rash (pure speculation here but maybe they forgot to add fabric softener to the final wash) or b) psychological problems. One wonders how many other prisoners also experience psychological problems being incarcerated but don't get released with an electronic ankle bracelet.
Read more about her current legal problems here:http://www.montereyherald.com/ci_6082816?source=most_viewed
Writers & Friends
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Having been released from jail on Thursday and now serving her "time" at home Los Angeles's top prosecutor, Rocky Delgadillo, is not a happy man. Seems he's quite upset with the county's sherriff decision to release Paris from serving time in prison and allowing her to wear an electronic ankle bracelet while - um - lounging around her humble abode watching TV...being served meals by servants, etc. etc. Seems that his office is of the opinion that her early release undermines his efforts to apply "equal justice."
A mere few hours after Paris Hilton was sent packing back to her mansion under house arrest, the judge who put her in jail ordered her back to court to decide whether she should go back behind bars. The judge in question, Michael T. Sauer issued his order after the city attorney filed a petition on Thursday afternoon, demanding to show cause why Sheriff Lee Baca should not be held in contempt of court for releasing Paris that morning, and demanding that she be retained in custody.
According to media reports she was released due to "medical condition(s)", which have reported to be a) a skin rash (pure speculation here but maybe they forgot to add fabric softener to the final wash) or b) psychological problems. One wonders how many other prisoners also experience psychological problems being incarcerated but don't get released with an electronic ankle bracelet.
Read more about her current legal problems here:http://www.montereyherald.com/ci_6082816?source=most_viewed
Writers & Friends
www.jrslater.com/forum
Thursday, June 07, 2007
PARIS HILTON NO LONGER BEHIND BARS - WHAT A SURPRISE!
Boy am I ever shocked! Paris Hilton, she of the "I-want-to-set-an-example-for-others" was released today after being in prison - in isolation no less away from life's 'undesirables' - for a mere 4 days.
According to media reports she was released due to medical problems. Hang nail springs to mind...or the emergence of a zit... Officially, she couldn't cope with it all.
Duh.
Perhaps and unknowingly, Paris has set a precedent and other prisoners will claim hardship and ask to be released early because they couldn't cope.
So now Paris is under house arrest for 40 days and has to wear an electronic bracelet that will monitor her movement. Law enforcement officials will know for example, when Paris relaxes and dines el fresco by her pool, and lounges in other rooms of her mansion.
It's a tough sentence but someone has to serve it! There is no information as to whether the bracelet in question came in a selection of colors and styles or designer models.
www.http://www.dailyherald.com/story.asp?id=320892
http://origin.mercurynews.com/breakingnews/ci_6082867
Writers & Friends
www.jrslater.com/forum
According to media reports she was released due to medical problems. Hang nail springs to mind...or the emergence of a zit... Officially, she couldn't cope with it all.
Duh.
Perhaps and unknowingly, Paris has set a precedent and other prisoners will claim hardship and ask to be released early because they couldn't cope.
So now Paris is under house arrest for 40 days and has to wear an electronic bracelet that will monitor her movement. Law enforcement officials will know for example, when Paris relaxes and dines el fresco by her pool, and lounges in other rooms of her mansion.
It's a tough sentence but someone has to serve it! There is no information as to whether the bracelet in question came in a selection of colors and styles or designer models.
www.http://www.dailyherald.com/story.asp?id=320892
http://origin.mercurynews.com/breakingnews/ci_6082867
Writers & Friends
www.jrslater.com/forum
Monday, June 04, 2007
PARIS HILTON BEHIND BARS...WELL...YEAH...KIND'A
So y'see...Paris Hilton, she of the girls-just-wanna-have-fun Hilton heiress, is in jail...in a manner of speaking. She showed up at a Los Angeles Country jail for a three week visit...that is to say, jail sentence for violating probation in an alcohol-related reckless driving case.
Although she was sentenced to 45 days behind bars, Paris is expected to serve only 23 days due to a state law requiring shorter sentences for good behavior.
Say what?
Good behavior? She violated probation on an alcohol related reckless driving charge and gets rewarded?
She is quoted as commenting: "I am trying to be strong right now," she told reporters on the red carpet. "I'm ready to face my sentence. Even though this is a really hard time, I have my family, my friends and my fans to support me, and that's really helpful."
"I'm really scared but I'm ready to do this," she added. "And I hope that I'm an example to other young people."
Again - say what?
The young heiress with lots of $$$ gets a reduced sentence and she wants to set and example?Her cell is located in a "special needs" unit separate from most of the 2,200 inmates. Why should we not be surprised? The unit contains 12 two-person cells reserved for police officers, public officials, celebrities and other high-profile inmates. She could have a cellmate. As is the case with other inmates in the unit, Paris will eat in her cell (no mention of the menu btw) and be allowed outside for at least an hour each day to shower, watch TV in the day room, participate in outdoor recreation or talk on the telephone. No cell phones or BlackBerrys are permitted in the facility, even for visitors.
Read about Paris in jail here: http://www.eonline.com/news/article/index.jsp?uuid=a0e110df-179e-480b-beed-7860c4132755
Comments anyone? Is Paris receiving priveleges not offered to "normals"?
Writers & Friends
www.jrslater.com/forum
Although she was sentenced to 45 days behind bars, Paris is expected to serve only 23 days due to a state law requiring shorter sentences for good behavior.
Say what?
Good behavior? She violated probation on an alcohol related reckless driving charge and gets rewarded?
She is quoted as commenting: "I am trying to be strong right now," she told reporters on the red carpet. "I'm ready to face my sentence. Even though this is a really hard time, I have my family, my friends and my fans to support me, and that's really helpful."
"I'm really scared but I'm ready to do this," she added. "And I hope that I'm an example to other young people."
Again - say what?
The young heiress with lots of $$$ gets a reduced sentence and she wants to set and example?Her cell is located in a "special needs" unit separate from most of the 2,200 inmates. Why should we not be surprised? The unit contains 12 two-person cells reserved for police officers, public officials, celebrities and other high-profile inmates. She could have a cellmate. As is the case with other inmates in the unit, Paris will eat in her cell (no mention of the menu btw) and be allowed outside for at least an hour each day to shower, watch TV in the day room, participate in outdoor recreation or talk on the telephone. No cell phones or BlackBerrys are permitted in the facility, even for visitors.
Read about Paris in jail here: http://www.eonline.com/news/article/index.jsp?uuid=a0e110df-179e-480b-beed-7860c4132755
Comments anyone? Is Paris receiving priveleges not offered to "normals"?
Writers & Friends
www.jrslater.com/forum
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