Thursday, September 30, 2010

Tony Curtis Old School Hollywood Legend Passes at 85




I had the pleasure of meeting Tony Curtis earlier this year during the TCM Movie Classic Film Festival. Anyone who loves classic movies, knows Tony Curtis. 'Some Like It Hot' is probably on the top comedy lists of all time. One of the reasons I love taking pictures and chatting with people, is I get the pleasure of meeting talents like Tony Curtis. People who made films that made Hollywood. He was as close as I will ever get to Marilyn Monroe. When I met Mr. Curtis, he still had a twinkle in his eye and was rocking some cool shades. RIP Tony Curtis. RIP.

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Michael Bolton Meets Up With Some Heroes

Before rushing into DWTS's practice recently, Michael Bolton took time to meet up with some Firefighting fans...

Chelsie Hightower Talks Michael Bolton

I asked Chelsie Hightower before the premiere of this season's DWTS about her new partner Michael Bolton...

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Brian McKnight Tribute to Michael Jackson

A sweet tribute by Brian McKnight for MJ during a performance at the Grove for Breast Cancer Awareness...

George Lopez Signs On For Divorce

After 17 years of marriage and his wife donating a kidney to the comic, George and Ann Lopez are heading for a divorce. Marriage and business doesn't always mix.

Michael Bolton Joins David Hasselhoff

Tough break for crooner Michael Bolton who was voted off during the 2nd week of Dancing With The Stars with partner Chelsie Hightower. Hopefully being on the show will garner Bolton some positive attention as well as record sales.

Janelle Monet Dazzles on DWTS

I saw this dazzling girl backstage at the Fabulous Grace Jones concert at the Hollywood Bowl 2009. I forgot to get her name. But I remember Grace being very happy to meet her. It seems Janelle is the Next Big Thing. So good to see her and find out her name by watching her perform on Dancing With The Stars...

Paul Wall Staying Relevant By Beating Someone Up


I may have to fear for my life after posting this. When did giving someone the middle finger cause a beat down during a concert? I wish I could beat up everyone who ever said something negative towards me. But that would be immature, reckless and against the law. Luckily all the times I've given the middle finger, I've never been assaulted. I really don't give the middle finger that much, Mom if you are reading this. Anyway, Paul Wall a rapper that I didn't know that much about when he came to visit LA a few months ago (until someone said the White Rapper with the Grillz) was seen giving a concert goer a beat down with his microphone after the fan gave him the bird recently. Now Paul Wall's name is all over the net. There is no police report so, was it another staged event for publicity? If so it is working.


Mike The Situation Sorrentino Is He Taking DWTS Seriously

The Situation was late for rehearsals for this season of Dancing With The Stars. If Mike Sorrentino wants to last, that is a situation that needs to be corrected stat. This season of DWTS is fierce and it looks like Jennifer Grey and Derek Hough are the front runners. Here is a clip of the Jersey Shore star showing up late to one of his first rehearsals...

The Hoff Was The First Elimination on DWTS, Who Is Next?

Here's David Hasselhoff seen leaving Dancing With The Stars Rehearsal after a grueling day before being eliminated...

After tonight who will be joining The Hoff on the sidelines?

Sunday, September 26, 2010

Matthew McConaughey Dons Black Skull Mask As He Directs Country Music Video On Hollywood



Matthew McConaughey was on the Down Low on Hollywood Blvd recently trying to hide the fact that he was himself. Just look at the same shorts he is wearing as well as the biceps not to mention some of the same crew members are around him as they were on last Saturday when I photographed him





Matthew McConaughey Scouts Location Before Directing A Country Music Video





Last Saturday, I noticed Matthew McConaughey on Hollywood Blvd surrounded by his production team. With notebooks in hands and in a tight circle McConaughey surveyed in front of the Mann's Chinese Theatre before shooting a country music video that took place later in the week.

Snoop Top Dogg at the Grove







Snoop Dogg was a fan favorite at the Grove. Snoop was interviewed by Mario Lopez for Extra on a balcony overlooking the court of the Grove. The popular Rapper, actor and pitchman took pictures with fans on his way out.

Thursday, September 23, 2010

Donald Glover of NBC's Community Watch Him




I'm a very busy person so the few times I have to watch anything is via the net. I catch COMMUNITY on hulu.com. I think the show is irreverently humorous. The ensemble cast is top notch and quirky. I love Donald Glover on the show and I saw him on 3rd street and introduced myself and told him I'm a fan of the show. Watch COMMUNITY on NBC. It premieres tonight!

Phoenix Hits Hollywood






I got to hear the sound check of a great band Phoenix before their stint on JKL show. Snuck some grainy shots of Phoenix through a fence.

Video of Phoenix fans waiting in line...

Adrian Grenier Gorgeous At The Grove


Entourage star Adrian Grenier was at the Grove to talk about his directorial project 'Teenage Paparazzo' which highlights the photography exploits of Austin seen below..

Austin is a teenager who is famous for being one of the most popular paparazzi who consequently was one of Lindsay Lohan's favorites. Lohan had his number on speed dial and vice versa. But getting back to Grenier at the Grove, Adrian did a wonderful job engaging with his fans, answering questions and being interviewed by Mario Lopez of Extra.



Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Brian McKnight & Michael Bolton Performs at the Grove

Lovely evening at the Grove LA where Brian McKnight and Michael Bolton sang for a Breast Cancer Awareness Concert. Brian opened the show with his wonderful charm and skill. What a voice, what talent. McKnight is accomplished on the keys as well as on the guitar strings.

Michael Bolton came on after performing on the season opener of Dancing With The Stars with his partner Chelsie Hightower. He of course introduced her to the audience.

He must have been physically exhausted but his voice didn't show it. It is so great to hear real singing without all the Illuminati symbols and artifice which is so prevalent in today's pop music. These two gentleman could teach the upstarts a thing or two about having the chops to actually communicate the inherent beauty of a song.

Monday, September 20, 2010

Lindsay Lohan Is A Wanted Woman


Lindsay Lohan said she is ready to face the music for slipping up and failing her drug test. Well that is a good thing because according to multiple sources she is heading back to jail. A warrant has been issued for Lohan.

Avatar Goes to UCLA vs. Houston Cougars Game

UCLA 31vs. Houston Cougars 13
Lots of merriment going down at the Tail Gate party for UCLA...
72 year old Lady Gets Down

UCLA Marching Band

Los Angeles, CA Chapter of Ruff Ryders Smoke Up Hollywood

I think this is the right motor cycle group that had an anniversary celebration this weekend. I hope they didn't get into too much trouble from the Po-Po...

Discussing Hollywood Blvd Characters & Street Performers Banned

I just got finished rummaging around the net looking at what some Flickr Posters have said about the characters. Ross Reyes said "an award should be given to these faux costumed fools for actually making money with absolutely no talent whatsoever." Keta Goes Global wrote, "The real problem is the johns. Oh wait, I mean the tourists.
The ones who are silly enough to WANT to have their photo taken with an actor dressed up as a movie or comic book character. Why don't they get arrested? Oh wait, I mean the johns". Another writer Doubletee said, "Oy, those "characters." I'm down with them being arrested . . . for gross lack of talent or resemblance to those they are impersonating."
It is interesting that people have such venom and make far reaching assumptions without actually knowing evidence and the real issue of the situation. Only one person got it right that I saw during my quick read. jakerome wrote "Loitering-- how transparent, how laughable. Poor city council is about to have an unfortunate run in with this thing we call the first amendment.
See, they can arrest people for loitering if that's the law. But they can't use loitering as a legal excuse to arrest people wearing costumes. That's clearly applying a content-based test to their enforcement of the law, which is clearly enjoined by the first amendment.
The prosecutors are probably smart enough not to file any cases, as they would be thrown out quickly by any decent judge and force an abandonment of the illegal policy. But, in this case, I could see the ACLU or a similar organization stepping in to represent the characters in a lawsuit against the LAPD for unlawful arrest. The policy won't last."
I would have loved to contact those posters personally but I'm a little busy to join Flickr right now. I love when people underestimate me, try to belittle my talents or think they are better than me. Haters Drink Haterade and they get drunk with it.
Lets look at the issues which the mainstream press has grossly over looked. 1st Amendment Rights (being violated), False Arrests and Intimidation by the LAPD, Refusal of the LAPD and the City Council to meet with the performers and come up with a solution, There is no performance permits as of yet even though some of the characters have requested to be licensed, Kerry Morrison of the Hollywood Entertainment District has stated she thinks a performance license should cost $1,000 per year whereas Santa Monica's permit costs $37, Ms. Morrison also stated that it would take 2 years before an agreement could be made and that NO ONE has contacted her about wanting the characters back on Hollywood. Those are just a few of the issues not being reported or discussed publicly. I attended a BID meeting recently where I listened to what Ms. Morrison, as well as a spokesperson for City Council member Eric Garcetti, Andrews International SVP Bill Farrar and others attended. When I spoke up about the incorrect information being said, I was told I had no right to speak by Mr. Farrar. I found that fascinating considering I have been to the LAPD at least 7 times several months ago to discuss the situation. Needless to say I never got a straight answer from the LAPD. After the BID meeting I spoke with Bill Farrar and Kerry Morrison and told them that I have done everything I could have done to work with the city months ago and got no answer. I also said I would be happy to send them evidence to prove my points. Here is just a few videos shot on Sept. 18, 2010.
New Zealand Tourist

Young Girl asked about Character Ban


Joe Mcqueen Hulk


I gave my video of NACHO LIBRE Gets Attacked to help the LAPD prosecute his assailants unfortunately my good will was used as a basis to get rid of the performers. I'm not happy about that. I videoed the crime to stop it. But as someone said no good deed goes unpunished. I hope this post clears up a few things. Before I forget, for all those who think all the street performers have no talent I would like to let you know a few more facts, One former Street Character is on ABC's The Gates, Another has been on TRUBLOOD, A Couple has had several plays produced in Los Angeles, Several Comedians that have had their movies shown at the Beverly Hills Film Festival, A young lady is the guardian of a child that wouldn't be going to school if it wasn't for her sacrificing and making a commitment to her charge, there is a teacher, actors, actresses, a pro photographer, script writers, film makers and others who do this as another stream of income & creativity in these trying times. We also turn around and put money back in the city by frequenting the local businesses in the area: Fresh & Easy, Coffee Bean, Starbucks, Parking, restaurants, clothing stores, MAC (makeup) and costume shops. So before one makes gross generalizations, one should go in and get the facts. Of course there are bad apples in all groups but get those individual apples not the whole bunch. Some people think they shouldn't have to tip the characters, of course you don't but in turn the characters don't have to take a picture with you or for you. A tip is fair for a picture that lasts forever. The people who put time in effort in their makeup, costumes and other expenses deserve it. With the economic down turn, it is easy to pick on all the characters and street performers. People are always looking for a sacrificial scapegoat to slaughter but their are bigger crimes being committed than wearing a costume and asking for a tip if you take a picture with a character. I invite any of the people who think the characters and street performers have no talent such as Ross Reyes, Keta Goes Global, Doubletee as well as Kerry Morrison & Bill Farrar to don a costume and see what it is actually like being a performer on Hollywood. I think your eyes would be opened and you would have a better understanding of how it is. Most people just shoot the photo or video from far away and laugh in the face of being fair. In addendum, I did an interview with a person who performs as Marilyn Monroe in a previous post. Did you know she spent more time (in jail 12 hours for "loitering - blocking the sidewalk" was her charge) than Paris Hilton who was found in the possession of cocaine and was in custody for less than 3. The Marilyn impersonator case was thrown out. So what is justice?

Saturday, September 18, 2010

KAT Tells Coach José Mourinho of Real Madrid The Obvious

Mario Lopez: Watch The Birdie

A funny thing happened after Mario Lopez was wrapping up his interview with DWTS' Margaret Cho. A lady with a green little pet bird was in the crowd and Mario wanted to see it. The lady put the bird on Mario's shoulders and Poop goes the birdie...