For eleven years we have listened to the opposing views of the sometimes controversial, sometimes interesting, and a lot of times funny women of The View. Today senator Barak Obama was their special guest. If you saw the show, then you know that it was a bit dicy. Talking about race and religion are still sore spots, but there are issues that have to be discussed if we are going to ever move beyond the fear of talking. Our personal views are sacred, and depending on ego the level of discussion can be down right volitle when arguing your position with someone of an opposing view. While I thought the show was mostly respectful, (Barbara and Whoopi had a bit of contention), I think it's silly of Elizabeth to fain shock when it comes to understanding how Obama could sit under the influence of his former, retired pastor for 20 years. Silly, because private discussions that often happens behind closed doors is unflattering. Silly because politicans discussing the plight of the world is uncompromising and deadly. Silly because sound bites are meant to be taken out of context by the media, including her own. Just a silly talking point that she is trying to make into an issue for personal satisfaction. While she is often lambasted for not being very smart, I tend to disagree. Come on Elizabeth, you are smarter than this.
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The Ladies on ABC's The View
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Oscar is International
Some feel this year's Oscar telecast wasn't particularly thrilling, and moreover the wins were dark. I guess people have already forgotten that we almost didn't have an "Oscars" this year due to the writers strike. It’s a credit to the entire team that they pulled it off as well as they did. Whoopi Goldberg felt snubbed because she wasn't included in the presenter’s montage, being the first woman, black woman, and Oscar recipient to host. On The View Barbara Walters stated that she regretted her dress choice, the yellow Oscar De Larenta number she wore on this years Oscar special. To Whoopi, yes it’s awful to be left out, but Steve Martin and Oprah Winfrey were also not included. I have to agree with Barbara, the dress didn't work at all, and believe me I'm no prude, but the slit was way too high for this kind of presentation. Actually I looked beyond the hype and fashions and saw something personally interesting that reminds me how much Hollywood has changed since I started out nearly 20 years ago. One of my big pushes in entertainment is to emphasize global diversity. And this year that was definitely a clear message made by Oscar.
The top acting honors were all European personalities, yet we can’t leave out many of the other international honorees that made an impact. Daniel Day-Lewis in There will Be Blood, Tilda Swinton in Michael Clayton, Javier Bardem in No Country for Old Men, and Marion Cotillard for Lie Vie En Rose were all splendid. I loved it and thought it spoke well of movie making and celebrating in Hollywood. Perhaps this trend will continue to play out at every level.
I also noticed there were several under dogs this year who's genuine surprise was truly inspirational. The music duo, Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova that wrote "Falling Slowly" for Once, and the writing team, Cynthia Wade and Vanessa Roth's win for Freeheld are two examples.
On a personal note I enjoyed my regular kick from life's little wink winks. For instance, the actress Amy French, showed in a commercial playing a PA is a personal friend. Two weeks ago I was invited to an intimate dinner party with an attendee at this years Governors Ball that revealed some inside scoops on celebrities attending. I can't tell you what they were of course, but just know, very juicy. During the memoriam tribute I noted two actors Roscoe Lee Brown shown at the beginning, and Heath Ledger, shown last. I had the pleasure of having a drink once with Mr. Brown at the popular Dimples restaurant/bar in Burbank many years ago. I was there to sing and he was a regular patron. I met Heath at the Chateau Marmot during lunch while there with my client Nikki SooHoo. We were discussing her career, and Heath had just come off the major success of Broke Back Mountain. He was with his infant daughter and then girlfriend, Michelle Williams.
Saoirse Ronan was there this year, the 13-year old actress from Atonement. She happened to fly over from the filming of The Lovely Bones currently going on in New Zealand. Nikki SooHoo is filming opposite Saoirse, playing her roommate in Heaven.
The top acting honors were all European personalities, yet we can’t leave out many of the other international honorees that made an impact. Daniel Day-Lewis in There will Be Blood, Tilda Swinton in Michael Clayton, Javier Bardem in No Country for Old Men, and Marion Cotillard for Lie Vie En Rose were all splendid. I loved it and thought it spoke well of movie making and celebrating in Hollywood. Perhaps this trend will continue to play out at every level.
I also noticed there were several under dogs this year who's genuine surprise was truly inspirational. The music duo, Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova that wrote "Falling Slowly" for Once, and the writing team, Cynthia Wade and Vanessa Roth's win for Freeheld are two examples.
On a personal note I enjoyed my regular kick from life's little wink winks. For instance, the actress Amy French, showed in a commercial playing a PA is a personal friend. Two weeks ago I was invited to an intimate dinner party with an attendee at this years Governors Ball that revealed some inside scoops on celebrities attending. I can't tell you what they were of course, but just know, very juicy. During the memoriam tribute I noted two actors Roscoe Lee Brown shown at the beginning, and Heath Ledger, shown last. I had the pleasure of having a drink once with Mr. Brown at the popular Dimples restaurant/bar in Burbank many years ago. I was there to sing and he was a regular patron. I met Heath at the Chateau Marmot during lunch while there with my client Nikki SooHoo. We were discussing her career, and Heath had just come off the major success of Broke Back Mountain. He was with his infant daughter and then girlfriend, Michelle Williams.
Saoirse Ronan was there this year, the 13-year old actress from Atonement. She happened to fly over from the filming of The Lovely Bones currently going on in New Zealand. Nikki SooHoo is filming opposite Saoirse, playing her roommate in Heaven.
American Idol ride
OK, it's taking me a while to get into American Idol's 7th season. It's for no reason other than I've been busy with PR for my clients. We're doing radio interviews, red carpets, newspapers and magazines. I expect more TV talk shows to follow soon. Well, it keeps me busy, and for that I am grateful. Last week I was out with Sierra McCormick while she was on a press junket at Fox. And guess who we ran into? The top 24 American Idol contenders. Yep, that's right, I got to see them all right there, plus sign an agreement stating that I wouldn't divulge the names and faces. Didn't say I couldn't blog about it however. Of course now we all know who they are because they right there in living color. Maybe this is why I am now tuning in, I have seen them up close. From watching the men last night I think that we will have an interesting competition this year. While Simeon bemoans about being memorable, the main reason that I remember the ones that I do is because he's so good at rail roading them. Looking forward to seeing the ladies this evening.
Voting gives you a voice
Voting for changes?
Today, February 5, 2008 is a historical day for the obvious political reasons, it's Super Tuesday, an African American man and a woman are seriously considered for the presidential choice for the democratic party. Kind of amazing that the democrats are leading the Nation in this kind of political, and historical direction. It is truly monumental.
All of the candidates talk about the incredible changes we can look forward to when they are our new president. And for the most part we believe that whoever is president will actually follow through on that was promised. Whether it's health care for everyone, a better educational system, a brighter financial outlook, or a decent home for every American, we believe all of these promises are possible. It is the American way.
While talking to my grand aunt today who happens to be in her 80's, we were discussing the recent death of her son, Larry Baker, 53 years old. He died this week, homeless, body ravaged with dis ease, an alcoholic, and probably suffered from some form of depression. As she talked about the 20 plus years her son has lived on the street, I couldn't help but wonder whether our new president will have a vision for handling our homeless problem.
Homeless people have always been a real issue in our country, and more than likely always will be. I certainly have my opinions on steps that can improve the situation. My cousin, not a celebrity, a man of any particular means, but he did have the distinction of being an American. A citizen of one of the most power, riches nations in the world, died like thousands of people everyday, homeless in America. We have so many problems to overcome.
In our obsession with fame, celebrity, and wealth it is easy to dismiss those that wonder the streets with a hope that seems to only carry them from one day to the next. Perhaps that's what hope is. I want to salute my cousin Larry. And perhaps as I vote I will remain clear, and vote for the person I believe can help lead in an America that will do more than provide equality as a concept for all.
Perhaps, we will create an America that will eradicate poverty as a way of life. Happy voting.
Addison Witt
We're having a baby!
Revital is one of the new contributing writers at WEM Studio:
My daughter and I are having a baby. Let me explain. She's past the time of a blushing bride, being thirty something, something. And no prince charming to call her own. So she's decided to have a baby on her own. And she's asked me to come along, to help pay for the experience. And be the baby sitter. Be her village. (It takes a Village to raise a child?) So I said yes. What kind of mother would I be, if I said anything else? And while we were at it, I figured, I might as well record the experience in a book. A best seller. So we can afford this baby. So, in the process, of trying to get as much information on her process as possible, for the book, not that I'm prying on her sex life, heck no! But in the process, I have gotten a bit obsessed with her three week old pregnancy, and we're driving each other crazy. So I need help. She can't be my only focus. I want to know if there are other pregnant gals out there, with crazy mothers like me, or visa versa. And maybe you can drop me an email and we can commiserate. If you like I'll even put you in the book. Anything to help divert my obsession wit my daughter. Trust me. It's so much less invasive to obsess in public, over a perfect stranger's little pending bundle of joy! So, please drop me an email! alkjdkr@yahoo.com
