From the Editor's Desk...
(Entertainment
News & Updates Column)
 'Photo' by: Lar deSouza |
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Archive
4/17/03 - through 1/14/03 |
Long time no see! I know! Been a busy little while & still is. Thank you all so much for your continued support and e-mails during the lull.
Now I'm assuming that we don't have a huge number of teenage girls and boys reading the site, but there are plenty of parents of such creatures out there. So if you are a parent and interested in picking up a CD for your offspring for Passover, Easter or any other special occasion, we have reviews of The Lizzie McGuire Movie Soundtrack and Holes Soundtrack available.
But just in case that you do fit the 12-18 category, feel free to write editor@modamag.com and let me know what YOU think of the above soundtracks.
I
have a very random mind, so bare with me as I re-cap the actual
ceremony: The Academy Awards last night were loaded with all sorts
of emotions, but mostly those concerning the war in Iraq. While some
attendees, presenters and nominees couldn't help but make some sort
of a statement, most did it with grace. At least a little bit of it.
Adrien Brody did it with a sincere heartfelt speech, Susan Sarandon
displayed a peace sign and an ample of celebrities wore selections
from the "Love + Peace + Hope" jewelry line by an Israeli
born, New York artist Udi Behr. But if you have had a chance to tune
into any sort of Oscar coverage, you would know about the headlines
that Michael Moore had made that night. Moore was accepting an award
for Best Documentary for his film, "Bowling for
Columbine," when he began making remarks against the war in
Iraq & Bush to the sound of loud clapping, booing and jeering.
"We are against this war, Mr. Bush. Shame on you," he practically
screamed out. But Steve Martin, along with his wonderful sense of
humor and elegance, saved the show by joking that "the
Teamsters are helping Mr. Moore into the trunk of his limo."
Steve is certainly one of the best hosts in the Academy's history.
Anyone who has been reading my column and articles regularly, would
know that I am a HUGE fan of Catherine Zeta-Jones. She amazingly
pulled off a performance of I MOVE ON alongside Queen Latifah
- and grabbed an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress as well,
given to her by Sir Sean Connery (a Scotsman to a Welsh girl).
Catherine was obviously pregnant. Very pregnant. So pregnant in fact
that an ambulance was on stand-by, just in case. And she still gave
a dazzling performance. And Richard Gere, whom I also adore, has
been giving everyone hugs. Well, everyone but me. But I guess it's
because I'm not from Chicago.
Big surprise as to whom the much debated Best Director award went
to. Most predictors crossed out the potential for Polanski due to
his shady legal troubles, but he got it. The interesting thing is
that there was an actual pause, as attendees looked around to see if
Polanski would suddenly show up.
What else? Oh yes! Although the show was really toned down, one very
adorable moment slipped in. Or should I say, an adorable mouse snuck
in. Mickey Mouse, that is. It was a very old-fashioned moment, take
aside that the mouse was put together by high technology. Mickey
even asked Jack Nicholson for a cue. "Jack" looked charmed
(and charming).
And to close things down, Michael
and Kirk Douglas announced the Best Picture: Chicago. They were
sooooo enchanting as they exchanged witty jokes & did their
little card trick. And soon the show was over... until next year.
For a list of actual winners & how I fared in my predictions,
turn to: http://www.modamag.com/oscars2003d.htm
The
results are in. The results for the Academy Awards, of course. Check
out http://www.modamag.com/oscars2003d.htm
for the results & to see how much predictions fared. (hint: They
fared well!)
Go Catherine Zeta Jones! Go Adrien Brody! The Pianist, Chicago et
cetera...
Check back later today for some thoughts on the actual event...
An
e-mail just arrived in my mailbox that included an official
statement made by Thomas R. Bond II that addresses the current
situation in Hollywood, the Oscars and the war. Bond is the
president of Biograph Company, the oldest movie company in America.
Bond, along with his entire staff, declared the support for the
troops and the country in the Iraq war. Bond spoke out against the
violent protests, "So they are protesting for peace by using
violence?" He stated that this actually hurts the cause of
those who are anti war. Biograph shares pro-American sentiments with
some high-profile Hollywood celebrities such as Bruce Willis, Arnold
Schwarzenegger, Charlton Heston, Clint Eastwood, Ben Stein, Dennis
Miller, Drew Carey, Mel Gibson, Michael Douglas, Steven Spielberg,
Tom Cruise, amongst others. As for the Oscars, Bond is glad to see
them go on as planned (hopefully!). "Everyone should celebrate;
celebrate who is fighting for us, who has died for us, so we can be
free. This should be a reason to celebrate, shouldn't
it?"
We're
getting ready for war. Or so they tell us. Even Hollywood is
responding by splashing away limos this year and opting for electric
vehicles for their arrival method at the 75th Academy Awards.
Cameron Diaz, Robin Williams, Tom Hanks, Susan Sarandon and Tim
Robbins are all taking part in this distinctive designer showcase.
"Improving fuel efficiency and conserving energy is a critical
part of creating a more peaceful and sustainable world," says
Susan Sarandon. "Collectively, we have the power to make a
shift, to make a difference, today." This certainly marks a
shift in Oscar night's typical style of excess, but for how
long?
What do you guys think of alternative fuels? They can be great, but are they affordable to the average Joe? What will a Hollywood-led fashion statement do to encourage a shift towards electric cars? Drop me a note at: editor@modamag.com to share your thoughts! (Your comments MAY be posted, so make sure to include your name, location and age -- or advice me if you want to be kept anonymous).
Want
to know who Oscar will walk away with...or rather who it SHOULD walk
away with? Check out my official report by clicking HERE!
Let me know what you think...
I've got a counter-comment to Denise's about the French Wine
Boycott. 'Carol' from Kansas, US, puts it simply with: "No
French Wine For Me!" -- I just love it when people quote me!
Anyways... Today in entertainment news:
(1) As it turns out, the first movie ever made in Hollywood
was made 3 years prior to the movie the "Squaw Man" by
Cecil B. DeMille. It was made in 1910 by the American
Mutoscope and Biograph Company. The subject matter is about the
Hispanic settlers in California. A monument honoring the film is
scheduled to be placed on Hollywood Boulevard in 2003.
A press release about the film states:
"The
film is a drama of Mexico-owned California, and is an insight into
the life and times of the history of Mexico and Mexican Americans in
California. Since this was the subject matter chose for the first
movie in Hollywood, it also shows the importance Mexican-Americans
played in the beginning of Hollywood and the movie industry."
Do you guys think that this is relevant to us today? editor@modamag.com
(2) Another Press Release: http://www.hollywoodPeace.com
opens its doors with an avalanche of traffic and stirs the emotions
of those who visit.
Greg Oglethorpe, a laid off JPMorgan Chase computer programmer after
6 months without a job decided to spend his time, and what little
money he had left to build a web site that ensured Hollywood celebs
would get a real understanding of how America felt about their
stance on the impending war on Iraq.
This newly created website brought the mountain to Mohammed by
giving people a place to vent their thoughts on the diametrically
charged subject of Hollywood celebs and their ever increasing
political voice concerning the impending war in Iraq.
After being mentioned on a major Houston, TX radio station KHPT-fm
radio 106.9 "The Point" as one of their "cool
spots" on the web, the small site was flooded with people from
all walks of life. Each person willing to pour his or her heart out
on this emotionally charged subject for the entire world to see.
Within
minutes this small site received thousands of hits to its pages, and
local residents created dozens of heart-felt excerpts.
Just a few short minutes after the first explosion, another one.
HollywoodPeace.com went international with its first postings from
Australia, and Scotland.
On June 1, 2003 the top ranked excerpts will be taken to the SAG
(Screen Actors Guild) headquarters in New York, and Los Angeles
where they will be distributed to SAG.
Does
anyone even care about what celebrities say about the war in Iraq? Or is this a wonderful way to see
what they think, after all, shouldn't the opinion of a celebrity
have the same value as that of any citizen & a great to start an
open discussion?... What do YOU
think? (remember, this is talk-net) -- Tell me what you think at: editor@modamag.com
Every day I learn something new. Or rather, I try to. I've
been an avid student of pop culture over the past month or so,
exposing myself to reality television and talk radio for the
very first time. Both were interesting experiences, but for now,
lets leave reality TV aside.
Talk radio is such an interesting format. Yes, there is much chatter
on behalf of the host, however the most alluring premise of this
format is the interactivity. This interactivity gives audience a
voice and a much more intimate connection than most other formats.
Even if you don't call in, the fact that you CAN, gives you a sense
of power and a sense of proximity.
Talk radio, if done right, is very open-ended. It's success depends almost entirely on the audience. A) The audience must feel like they want to communicate with the host and B) The audience has to have something interesting to say, that would appeal to the rest of the audience. Shows like Love Line, Dr. Laura, not only appeal to a very targeted demographic, but they also have much more impact because it is about the average Joe and getting the average Joe to participate.
It's all rather interesting, isn't it?
Here's
a little something that I decided to do with this column (Hot
Ticket): From now on, we'll call it talk-net and I invite your
responses on everything that pops up in my and your head.
Firstly, what do YOU think of talk-radio? talkback@modamag.com
After
reading my little article here (Michael Levine's French Wine
Boycott), I've gotten some feedback in my mailbox. One disagreement
comes from Denise:
Mr. Levine:
In my opinion, your stance to lead a boycott on French wine is
absolutely absurd.
A boycott would affect the owner's of the Châteaus more so then it
would
affect the French government. Why take it out on the wine
makers? I was
just in France, I met a woman whose family owns a château in the Châteauneuf
du Pape region, and she was actually for the war. Your boycott
would affect
her as well since there is no way to pick and choose who you are
boycotting.
Secondly, with a boycott not only are you affecting innocent
business owners
in France, but you are also going to affect our (United States)
fragile
economy as well. What about the businesses (i.e., stores,
importers, and
restaurants), which already have a substantial investment in French
wine?
Have you considered the French people that have actually come to
America to
pursue their hopes and dreams? Are these people to be punished
because the
government of their native country doesn't agree with ours? Do
we (United
States) have the right to browbeat people into agreeing with
everything we
say or do? Just because we saved them in a few wars does that
mean they
have sold their soul to the devil. and have no right to an
opinion unless
it agrees with our government? What about the American's that are
anti-war? Have you read the news lately? This is a direct
quote from the BBC website: "The latest opinion poll in the
United States, conducted by TIME/CNN, suggests that 61% of Americans
either oppose a war in Iraq on any terms, or would support one only
if it had UN
backing." What's next... a boycott on American's that are
anti-war?
Considering the fact that your business is Public Relations, I would
think
you would be wise enough to understand the big picture. The
news we hear is
propagating aggression towards the French and vice versa. I
know because as
I mentioned I was just in France, and I was fortunate enough to hear
both
sides of news. Taking all of the facts into consideration, how
can you
really support such an effort in good conscience? I
understand your
frustration, but is discrimination based on nationality really the
way to
go? I don't believe in such generalizations, and I wouldn't
think you would
either considering your comments on anti-Semitism.
Lastly, speaking of anti-Semitism, what about
the French Jewish people...
where do they fit in to your anti-Semitic equation? The world
is not so
black and white. you might try to broaden your mind a bit.
--
Denise,
35, California
So
what do you think? Does Denise has a point, or should we just
boycott something else? I invite you to write in at editor@modamag.com
and tell me what you think.
I've
got a little update on the French Wine Boycott, or what is
otherwise known as Americans With A Memory. I've now had a
chance to speak with Michael Levine, the publicist who has
started this whole movement about his reasoning and the impact of
his efforts so far.
Levine says that he basically got tired of turning the other cheek.
He was exhausted by what he referred to as France's "obnoxious
ingratitude towards US." He articulates that France, which is
considered an ally to the States, has been unhelpful in the 80s and
unsupportive now. This, despite the approx. 200,000 troops that the
US has given to free France in WWII.
Also outrageous is France's "pathetic record of anti-Semitism,"
Levine adds. This is something that has been in the media quite a
bit as of late, especially with the past elections, hateful crimes
and survey statistics that reveal that as many as one in five
French people are anti-Semites. "I don't like their
style," says Levine.
So why specifically French wine? "Boycotts have to be
focused," says Levine. With wine, Levine was able to find a simple
and effective focus. Besides,
So far the response has been tremendous, with much support coming
from varied organizations, media and individuals writing in with
their encouragement.
Agree/Disagree? Tell us what you think at: editor@modamag.com
Most Recent:
An
interesting news story just struck my mailbox. A famous Hollywood
publicist has announced a national French wine boycott. My first
thought was, "Boy, the bubbles out there in Hollywood have finally
gotten to him," but I read on...So
there you go...No more French wine for me!
 |
Part A: Let The Race Begin! For nominations &
quotes from jovial nominees click here...
The Official Modamag 75th Academy Awards Guide can be found here. |
I
wanted to wish you all a wonderful weekend & encourage everyone
to go see Chicago - again! Try following this
link to something that you can get for FREE. Yep.
Good morning. Those of you who are loyal may have been noticing some
changes around Modamag. We're going through beta testing stages for our
new design & features. Unlike with most companies, with us, change is
always a good thing. Most other sources start charging more! We GIVE you
more. But enough about that. The Guru Soundtrack is currently in
stores. I've been listening to it a bit & it's not too bad. It
certainly has a distinct sound to it and some Indian songs, but it's
always a good idea to go through cultural expansion. Come back tomorrow to
find out what terrific book is beside my bed! (Oh, and before I go, one
word of advice: Stay tuned for March!)
Quick
note: The soundtrack for CHICAGO come out today. I grabbed a copy &
it's certainly a keeper. I saw CHICAGO a few weeks back & it was
terrific! My one complain is that the outfits are quite skimpy...but that
probably works for the male population.
DISCLAIMER: All opinions presented here, are just that, opinions.