INTERRACIAL COUPLE CHANGE HISTORY

In 1958, the now celebrated interracial couple, Richard & Mildred Loving, were given a choice in Virginia-leave the state or get arrested; hence the supreme court decision:
"Loving v. Virginia (1967)". Ironically they began courting when she was 11 & he was 17 (in VA THAT was ok--WTF?)



The Lovings stood for two principles:
 First, all citizens have the fundamental right to marry...
Secondly, that all people should be treated equally...
THE LGBT community embraces the Lovings courage and resolve. Thy didn't ask to be heroes but, in my opinion, they personify the definition .

"Obama’s declaration of the importance of same sex marriage marks a decisive turn in the new debate on civil rights..."




"By their own widely reported accounts, Mrs. Loving and her husband, Richard, were in bed in their modest house in Central Point in the early morning of July 11, 1958, five weeks after their wedding, when the county sheriff and two deputies, acting on an anonymous tip, burst into their bedroom and shined flashlights in their eyes. A threatening voice demanded, “Who is this woman you’re sleeping
with?”

Mrs. Loving answered, “I’m his wife.”

Mr. Loving pointed to the couple’s marriage certificate hung on the bedroom wall. The sheriff responded, “That’s no good here.”

The certificate was from Washington, D.C., and under Virginia law, a marriage between people of different races performed outside Virginia was as invalid as one done in Virginia. At the time, it was one of 24 states that barred marriages between races.

After Mr. Loving spent a night in jail and his wife several more, the couple pleaded guilty to violating the Virginia law, the Racial Integrity Act. Under a plea bargain, their one-year prison sentences were suspended on the condition that they leave Virginia and not return together or at the same time for 25 years...

"They paid court fees of $36.29 each, moved to Washington and had three children. They returned home occasionally, never together. But times were tough financially, and the Lovings missed family, friends and their easy country lifestyle in the rolling Virginia hills.."

"ARGO": A MUST SEE

"ARGO" IS A NEAR PERFECT MOVIE.


 



I came to the film knowing the plot but was wondering how the screenplay would be handled under the direction of pretty boy, Ben Affleck--he's not just a pretty face anymore. He has come into his own as a director (listen up George Clooney). Along w/ turning this film into a near perfection viewing experience (there was a hint of melodrama when focused of Affleck's character's personal life, oh well).  Affleck's acting is subtle allowing those who need to be more "in-your-face" shine (especially Alan Arkin who deserves another Oscar and Bryan Cranston his first),
Good for you, Ben,  for stepping back and letting the film shine as the perfect ensemble piece it's meant to be.

Being a political suspense/thriller it constantly reminded me of Alan Pakula's "All the President's Men". His pacing, explicit explanation of the true events and impeccable editing kept the entire audience on the edge of their seats--applause was heard in key scenes--what? KUDOS!
One got the feeling we were experiencing the events in real time (though Affleck's team perfectly captured the period-mostly through various styles of telephones).

This will probably be the film to beat at this year's Oscars; then again, I haven't seen "Lincoln" or "Les Miserables" yet.

But go see "Argo". Many of us remember this horrific time in history; therefore, it will resonate even more to you. Those too young will attend a very pleasurable history lesson.

What made me the most sad after watching "Argo" is that the world is actually worse today. Enough already! Like John Lennon said,  "Give peace a chance".

The world looks so ugly right now, you would have thought we would have learned something back in the 1970's huh? What to do? What to do?

UPDATE: WINS ACADEMY AWARD FOR BEST PICTURE -2013--KUDOS!!!

GLEN CAMPBELL 10-18-2012

"GLEN CAMPBELL: THE GOODBYE TOUR"

Sadly, Glen Campbell isn't retiring due to lack of talent or  the love of his fans but because for several years he's been in the progressive stages of Alzheimer Disease.

But you wouldn't know it last night, October 18, 2012, at the State Theater in New Brunswick, NJ.

His infectious playful manner combined with his amazing talent gave way to an unforgettable evening. Numerous standing ovations & audience participation made the entire experience electrifying.

To watch a legend improvise and offer ALL of him was a thing of beauty. Thank you Glen!

Three of his many children play in his band. They have started their own which opened the program, "Victoria Ghost". Though you appreciate them as highly skilled musicians & an aw shucks attitude, reminiscent of their legendary father, they are more proficient as background for the time being. Their songs, save for one,  lacked message and musical content. In the future, perhaps, they can carry the baton & continue to keep their father's repertoire alive.

What was beautiful to watch, on a very visceral level,  was the love shared between his children and Glen Campbell's ultimate journey. The daughter (she is amazing on keyboard & many string instruments) loving attention to her dad on stage is so heartfelt--"they got him, no doubt" as my friend and I shared afterward. This is a very special time for all to remember and share.

Campbell opened with "Gentle on my Mind" whereupon I realized once again the uniqueness of his voice in tone, range and a masculine velvety that comes around once in a lifetime. He gave the audience all the hits. I think the pop, karaoke "Rhinestone Cowboy" connected the entire theater.

Sure he did struggle about 75% of the time, but who cares? We all know his  struggle and applaud  him for being in on the reality of it all. He owns his situation and being that brutally honest proves why we all fell in love with him in the first place. Not an ounce of phoniness in this man since he started playing background for people like The Beach Boys and most of the artists in the 1960's as part of the obscure "WRECKING CREW" (watch a trailer of The Wrecking Crew on youtube for more).

Thank you Jimmy Webb for writing for Glen for so many years  so many hits and  thank you Glen for making them come to life for so many decades.

MARK DIVINCENZO AMAZING TIPS-FYI

FROM AMAZON:

 Buy Shoes on Wednesday and Tweet at 4:00: More of the Best Times to Buy This, Do That and Go There [Paperback]

 

Are you thinking that you might have gotten a better deal on a purchase if only you'd known the right moment to buy? Do you wonder if your workout would be more effective at another time of day? Have you worried that your tropical vacation plans might land you on an island paradise just in time for monsoon season?

Mark Di Vincenzo's eye-opening, phenomenally useful New York Times bestseller, Buy Ketchup in May and Fly at Noon, captured the attention of consumers across the country—and saved readers time, money and trouble. Now he's back with hundreds of brand-new timing tips! 

BARBRA STREISAND STORMS BROOKLYN

TO ADD TO THIS COMPLETE ARTICLE WOULD BE SELF INDULGENT & STUPID. JUST READ IT...

HIGHLIGHTS:

HER SON JASON SINGS A DUET W/ HER
HER BROTHER IS IN THE AUDIENCE
SHE GETS POLITICAL, USING HUMOR
SHE HAS A COLD (OY, OF COURSE SHE DRINKS CHICKEN SOUP)-PHILLY GOT THE BEST OF HER VOICE
CLOTHES BY DONNA KARAN
TOTALLY STREISAND
I WOULD HAVE LOVED TO HEAR HER MARVIN HAMLISCH TRIBUTE...,
HELLO BROOKLYN!

COMICS: "FLUFFY" & AMY SCHUMER

LAST MONTH I HAD THE PLEASURE OF SEEING TWO UP & COMING COMICS THAT ARE QUICKLY BECOMING HOUSEHOLD NAMES:

GABRIEL "FLUFFY" IGLESIAS  &  AMY SCHUMER


 



RUN & SEE THEM BEFORE THEY START FILLING RADIO CITY OR MADISON SQUARE GARDEN--WHICH THEY WILL...

AMY SCHUMER IS GREAT ! To see this amazing talent, watch the Comedy central roasts (Rosanne Barr's being the latest). Now a Chelsea girl in our own NYC, Amy looks like a sweet, salesgirls at "Forever 21" but hold on to your seats she's a potting mouth who can back that with wit & innovation. I had the pleasure to meet her at Gotham on Thursday Sept 16th.--she couldn't be sweeter!

GABRIEL "FLUFFY" IGLESIAS IS IN A LEAGUE OF HIS OWN-ENJOY HIS LOVABLE WIT AND CLEAN (yes clean , parents bring their kids to his show, after seeing his 90 min set he did not utter a single curse, only  the occasional double entendre ). Watch him on on youtube.

I have seen many comedians in my day but he stands, right now, in 2012, at the top of the male ones!!! He offers a well produced show full of energy & good vibes. His 5 opening acts were great as well. You definitely feel like you get your money's worth.He was sold out quickly at WESTBURY in Long Island. For us, the schlep was long but we came back wanting to see him again--anywhere-soon! Right Olivia?

  I was studying him like a piece of art, which in his profession can be described as high art. It was pure laughter magic! He is actually better in person; but for now, enjoy his comedic antics on youtube.

TREAT YOURSELF TO: 

"E-glesias with a I" - Gabriel Iglesias (from my I'm Not Fat... I'm Fluffy comedy special)