Monday, February 29, 2016

TV Preview: Season Finale 2016 "The Mysteries of Laura"

THE MYSTERIES OF LAURA on NBC. (S2E16). The upcoming episode is called, "The mystery of the end of watch." I can't believe it's the season finale already. This was a good TV season, but Captain Santiani was shot & killed by a sniper. Was it meant for Laura after arresting a drug dealer? We'll see on the Finale this Wednesday March 2, 2016 at 8/7 p.m.

Santa Fe Indian School says they wrote "why" they "Fired" Ceci Moses

 (NBC-KOB 4. Rick Schimmel & Ceci Moses)

The Santa Fe Indian School (SFIS) & St. Michaels School met today, Monday Feb. 29, 2016, to talk about the altercation between apposing coaches. Rick Schimmel says Tom Manning pushed him during a halftime basketball game. Manning says he only tapped Rick on the shoulder. Rick also claims he heard racial slurs from opposing team which St. Michaels denies. The New Mexico Athletics Association has given incident reports where Ceci & her daughter Shoni Schimmel were ejected from several games because of verbal abuse of referee's.

The Santa Fe New Mexican reports that, "The SFIS administration fired Schimmel and Moses on Feb. 21 after sending them termination letters on Feb. 20, the SFIS release said Sunday, adding: 'Mrs. Moses and Mr. Schimmel refused various efforts by the school to communicate with them. SFIS has no comment on the personnel issues. We gave them a letter explaining why they were terminated.' "

"But on Friday, Moses — who seemed to have little to do with the Feb. 17 encounter — told the Albuquerque Journal that she had 'no idea' why the school fired her. That story also quotes SFIS senior Trevor Chama confirming Schimmel’s report that Manning used the 'reservation' language when asking the team to get off the court."

"Schimmel and Moses have since attended school games as parents of senior player Job Schimmel and freshman Mick Schimmel. At one of those games, Rick Schimmel wore a T-shirt quoting an offensive term he claimed was used on Feb. 17."

"SFIS said in its letter Sunday that the T-shirt contained 'profane language, perpetuating the use of the racial slur.' It goes on to reiterate that Schimmel and Moses were not affiliated with Indian School beyond their role as parents."

Visit The Santa Fe New Mexican for complete story.

"Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon: Sword of Destiny" is on Netflix

I watched the 2016 sequel to the Oscar winning film, "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" directed by Ang Lee. "Sword of Destiny" has a lot going for it in the martial art sequences, but not a whole lot with character. An evil warlord wants the "green destiny sword" to rule the world. He sends his henchmen to kill for it, but Yu Shu Lien (Michelle Yeoh) will return to protect the sword after 18 years. I liked it because Yeoh returned, but the magic is gone even though the production used some of the original music soundtrack. There is too many bodies flying in the air & fighting for no reason. Warriors used to only fight when they had to defend themselves. (Check it our over at Netflix if you want).

SAG-AFTRA income statement due today Feb. 29, 2016

SAG-AFTRA union members. Did you report your income for 2015. It is due today, Monday Feb. 29, 2016. It's too late to mail in your income, but you can go online & report. It took me mere seconds to give my "no income" status. Hah! - It ain't over til it's over right?

Click Logo to sign in for SAG-AFTRA income.
https://www.sagaftra.org/msre

Ceci Moses & daughter Shoni Schimmel ejected from baskeball games

http://www.santafenewmexican.com/news/local_news/nmaa-files-show-incidents-of-bad-behavior-by-fired-sfis/article_39ef9b8b-05b5-5700-9071-dcefc5fc5a05.html
(Ceci Moses, Rick Schimmel & Shoni Schimmel.
Albuquerque Journal Photo.)

The New Mexico Activities Association has several incident reports on former head coach Ceci Moses of the Santa Fe Indian School. Those reports show that she has been verbally abusive during basketball games. She was ejected from several of those games during the 2015 season. Her daughter Shoni Schimmel was also ejected during a game for her own bad behavior.

The Santa Fe New Mexican says, "The NMAA reports obtained by The New Mexican don’t mention Rick Schimmel, but they cite two instances in which Moses used profane language in response to referee calls she didn’t agree with. Both times, she found herself ejected from the game. The two instances involved games between SFIS and Albuquerque’s Hope Christian School."

"In a third instance, one report says, the couple’s daughter, WNBA star Shoni Schimmel,was ejected from a game against Taos High School after she uttered insulting and profane comments to the referee from the stands. Shoni Schimmel plays for the Atlanta Dream (WNBA)."

Please visit The Santa Fe New Mexican newspaper for complete report.

Leonardo DiCaprio wins Best Actor Oscar for "The Revenant" 2015

THE REVENANT. Leonardo DiCaprio won the Best Actor Oscar for 2015. He talked about climate change in the world that shared some parallels with the movie. The camera focused on the Native American cast of the film during Leonardo's acceptance speech. Way cool.
 
  • Best Actor / Leonardo DiCaprio for "The Revenant"
  • Best Directing / Alejandro G. Iñárritu for "The Revenant"
  • Best Cinematography / Emmanuel Lubezki for "The Revenant" 

Please visit DEADLINE HOLLYWOOD for complete list of winners.
 

"Spotlight" wins Best Picture at the Oscars 2016

SPOTLIGHT. I was secretly pulling for this movie which I think was the best film of 2015. It is also one of the best movies on investigative journalism since ALL THE PRESIDENT'S MEN. It tackled the sexual abuse of boys from Catholic priest's who got away with it for so many years. 

SPOTLIGHT also won for "Best Original Screenplay" (Written by Josh Singer & Tom McCarthy).

I liked THE REVENANT because of the Native Indigenous aspect. It was my second pick for best of 2015.

Please visit DEADLINE HOLLYWOOD for a complete list of Oscar winners.

Sunday, February 28, 2016

"48 Hours" A James Bond wannabe kills a man for thrills

48 HOURS on CBS. Did you watch last night's episode called, "A student of murder?." I hope that police charge the wife of an engineer genius who was obsessed with James Bond. He took a gun and killed a man for the thrill of it. Him & his wife were sickening in those recorded prison phone calls. He was "bunny" & she was "snuggles" who spoke in baby-talk throughout each call. Prosecutors laughed, but realized they were dealing with two screwed up people. (By the way, I love it when Peter Van Sant approaches suspects on the street who asks tough questions. Love it!).

Click photo for TV recap over at Examiner News.
http://www.examiner.com/article/cbs-48-hours-a-james-bond-wannabe-kills-man-for-the-thrill-of-it
(Dinh Bowman)

Saturday, February 27, 2016

Santa Fe Indian School says 30% blame is on coaches Ceci Moses & Rick Shimmel

The terminations of Rick Schimmel & Ceci Moses spread fast on the Internet. They told the Albuquerque Journal they have no idea why Santa Fe Indian School fired them. Both parents would like their coach jobs back when the investigation of "racial slurs" & the supposed "physical pushing" is over. Santa Fe Indian School said that 30% of the altercation was their fault during a heated game last Sunday Feb. 21, 2016.

The Santa Fe New Mexican newspaper has, "obtained reports from the New Mexico Activities Association that detail a 'pattern of verbally abusive behavior during high school basketball games' by Moses."

"Dateline" A husband is caught up with mysterious deaths of two wives

DATELINE on NBC. Did you watch last night's episode called, "Over the Edge?." If this story sounds familiar, well, it should because "48 Hours" covered it too. After Harold found his wife at the bottom of a cliff. He called 911 & kept saying his cell phone might go out. But, he called & texted people over 20 times. He knows CPR, but he didn't perform it on his wife Toni. The park rangers had to hike up off the main trails. It took them 2 hours inside the rocky mountain national park. 

Click photo for TV recap over at Examiner News.
http://www.examiner.com/article/nbc-dateline-a-husband-is-caught-up-with-mysterious-deaths-of-two-wives

"Hawaii Five-0" The team tries to help their confidential informant

HAWAII FIVE-0 on CBS. (S06E16). Did you watch last night's episode? It was certainly a departure from their usual murder episodes - but it was okay. Last week, did you see the FBI that was questioning Danno? Abbey is the lead investigator. She slept with Chin Ho and then left him on Valentine's Day. She wants to nail the "Five-0" team. Last night, the team tires to help their crazy confidential informant. 

Click photo for TV recap over at Examiner News.
http://www.examiner.com/article/cbs-hawaii-five-0-the-team-tries-to-help-a-confidential-informant
(Kono almost hits Sang Min who is obnoxious)

Friday, February 26, 2016

Netflix: "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon: Sword of Destiny" streams online today

"Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon: Sword of Destiny." The sequel opens today in limited IMAX Theaters at North America. It also premiere's on Netlfix today, Friday Feb. 26, 2016. The film opened in China to a massive $32 million in one week.

Click poster for Netlfix original movie.
https://www.netflix.com/title/80039717

"Triple 9" opens in US theaters today Friday Feb. 26, 2016

TRIPLE 9.
Click Poster to visit "Fandango" for movie tickets
& theater showtimes at Albuquerque.

http://www.fandango.com/albuquerque_+nm_movietimes

"Elementary" Sherlock investigates assassination attempt on his dad

ELEMENTARY on CBS. (S04E14). Did you watch last night's episode called, "Who is That Masked Man?." I thought it unsatisfying to see Sherlock's dad Morland say goodbye. But, they had a complicated relationship & it was revealed that Sherlock's mom was also an addict. Sherlock doesn't care anymore & moves on even though Morland tried to make things right. All of this happened during a murder investigation.

Click photo for TV recap over at Examiner News.
http://www.examiner.com/article/cbs-elementary-sherlock-investigates-assassination-attempt-on-his-dad
(Watson & Sherlock in Chinatown)

Santa Fe Indian School "Fires" coach's Ceci Moses & Rick Schimmel

Ceci Moses was the Varsity boys basketball coach. Rick Schimmel was the Jr. Varsity coach plus head boys baseball coach. They were both "fired" from the Santa Fe Indian School after an altercation during a regular 5-4A basketball game on Sunday Feb. 21. 2016. Rick claims that the "St. Michaels" high school athletic director, Tom Manning pushed him during the halftime game. Rick also claims that he heard a racial slur coming from Manning's brother calling Native Americans, "Prairie N******."

Manning says he only tapped Rick on the shoulder. Also, his brother couldn't have called anybody any names because he was not at the Sunday night game. Ceci & Rick showed up for Tuesday's game to watch the "Braves" team play. Rick wore a t-shirt with the title, "Native Americans are not "Prairie N******." Santa Fe Indian School regrets the incident & the un-sportsman like attitude of their former coaches. Rick wrote an incident report of battery against Manning. 

Rick & Ceci are the parents of Shoni Schimmel. She is playing basketball in the WNBA for the "Atlanta Dream" at Atlanta, Georgia. Shoni was the focus of the documentary "Off The Rez." Ceci & Shoni are from the Umatilla Indian Reservation at Oregon.  Rick is non-Native.

Click photo for Santa Fe New Mexican News.
http://m.santafenewmexican.com/sports/santa-fe-indian-school-fires-coaches-after-courtside-clash/article_9b4548d1-e8b9-5eeb-a26b-6d7f2dcf002c.html?mode=jqm
(Ceci & Rick)

Thursday, February 25, 2016

1973 Oscars: Marie Cruz aka Sacheen Littlefeather refuses Marlon Brando's Oscar

Marlon Brando won the best actor Oscar for his role in "The Godfather" 1972. He didn't attend the 1973 ceremony to pick up his Academy Award. He sent Sacheen Littlefeather instead to refuse his Oscar with a 15 page letter. Howard W. Koch (Producer) told her that if she spoke more than one minute. She would be arrested. Brando also told her not to touch the award. His full letter was read backstage to the world-wide press. He protested the mistreatment of Native Americans in movies. Sacheen reiterated what he said in her short speech. She received "Applause" & "Boo's" from the audience.

Sacheen received praise from minority leaders such as Coretta Scott King (Widow of Martin Luther King Jr.). Native American activists have long since admired her. She also received backlash when Hollywood blacklisted her as an actress. Sacheen even claims that John Wayne had to be held from physically pulling her off stage during the ceremony. Critics outed her real name as Marie Cruz. (Her mother is French-German-dutch & her father is White Mountain Apache-Yaqui).

Littlefeather refuses Oscar from Roger Moore & Liv Ullmann.
http://www.newsweek.com/marlon-brando-boycotted-oscars-native-americans-418545
(Click photo for Newsweek article on Oscar history)

Sacheen's acting career never got off the ground. If she wasn't exploited as a Native American. She was exploited as a woman. She posed for "Playboy" magazine in 1972 with 9 other Native women called, "10 Little Indians." It was scrapped, but after she appeared at the Oscars. Her lone nude photos were published in that magazine. She appeared in "B" films including, "The Trial of Billy Jack" 1974. She was gang raped by 5 white men & her breast's were exposed in "Johnny Firecloud" 1975.

Sacheen Littlefeather (Marie Cruz) today.
(Click photo for Entertainment Weekly Oscar History)

The Academy Awards no longer lets people accept Oscar's for Winner's by proxy after Sacheen's appearance in 1973. Roger Moore kept Brando's Oscar until years later, when the Academy sent an armed guard to his home to get the award. Marlon Brando passed away in 2004. Littlefeather is now writing a memoir & fighting cancer. Each & every year when the Oscars approach. She is interviewed and/or an article is written about her 1973 Oscar minute.

An all new "48 Hours" Saturday Feb. 27, 2016 at 10/9 p.m.

48 HOURS on CBS. The upcoming episode is called "A Student of Murder." CBS asks the question, "Was the shooting of a Seattle man a random incident of road rage, or was the gunman a self-taught killer intent on finding the perfect moment to kill? Peter Van Sant investigates."

"The Mysteries of Laura" Captain Santiani was shot by a sniper

THE MYSTERIES OF LAURA on NBC. (S2E15). Did you watch last night's episode called, "The mystery of the unknown caller?" It was kind of a shocker that Captain Santiani was shot. Everyone was worried that it was Laura after she caught a drug dealer. Anyway, fans of the TV show kind-of-didn't like Santiani who took over as captain in season 2. The producers did the right thing though by removing Jake as captain & made him the detective partner to Laura. Their chemistry blossomed, but what will happen now after captain Santiani was shot?

Click photo for TV recap over at Examiner News.
http://www.examiner.com/article/nbc-the-mysteries-of-laura-the-sister-of-laura-is-caught-up-drugs-murder
(Lucy & Laura)

Oscars 2016: Stunt performers rally at Beverly Hills

Stuntman "Ilram Choi" on the set of "The Amazing Spider-Man 2 
http://deadline.com/2016/02/oscars-stunt-performers-protest-academy-1201708811/
(Click photo for DEADLINE HOLLYWOOD news).

Over 100 stunt performers walked in a rally at Beverly Hills to be included with Oscars. Stuntmen & women have been around since the Silent Film Era back in 1915. Yet, there is no category for them with the Academy Awards. The Oscars will air live on ABC Sunday Feb. 28, 2016.

An all new "Hawaii Five-0" coming Friday Feb. 26, 2016

HAWAII FIVE-0 on CBS. (S6E16). The upcoming episode Friday at 9/8 p.m. is called, "Ka Pohaku Kihi Pa'a (The Solid Cornerstone)." This has been a really good TV season. Last week, the Five-0 team thought they had Gabriel after Chin Ho through him out a window & three stories below. I hope they catch that guy. He is a ruthless animal has made life a living hell for Chin Ho who is his brother-in-law. 

Wednesday, February 24, 2016

1958 Oscars: Lana Turner's career took a terrible turn with real life killing of boyfriend

She was the ultimate movie star & she loved men. Lana Turner received her only best actress nomination for "Peyton Place" (1957). She returned with her lover Johnny Stompanato from vacation in Mexico. Turner wrote in her autobiography, "Lana: The Lady, the Legend, the Truth", that she was trying to get rid of Johnny. She went with her daughter Cheryl Crane to the 1958 Oscars leaving Johnny at home in Beverly Hills. He was furious & on the night that was supposed to be a crowning achievement in her film career. He beat her up.

A news reporter, Lana Turner, Johnny Stompanato & Cheryl Crane.
http://www.amazon.com/Lana-The-Lady-Legend-Truth/dp/067146986X
(A return from Mexico 1958).

Johnny was said to be one of Mickey Cohen's (mobster) body guards. He wouldn't let go of Lana & if she left him. He said he would kill her whole family. Cheryl (14) heard Johnny & her mom fighting on "Good Friday" 1958. She wanted to protect her mother & went down to the kitchen to grab a knife. She waited outside her mom's bedroom before he came out the door. The knife she held went straight into his abdomen & it killed him. Cheryl was arrested & Lana testified for nearly an hour on the witness stand. Many people said that it was the performance of her career. The Jury returned in 20 minutes with justifiable homicide for Cheryl.

(Lana Turner presented Best Supporting Actor Award)
http://www.amazon.com/Lana-The-Lady-Legend-Truth/dp/067146986X
(Red Buttons won for "Sayanora" 1957).

Over the decades since that fateful night in 1958. Many believed Lana was the one who stabbed her abusive boyfriend. She & her daughter have always claimed that Cheryl did it to protect her mom. Lana became infamous after Johnny's death. Her career was ignited when her fans flocked to movie theaters when she starred in the remake of "Imitation of Life" 1959. It was a box office smash & Lana took a percentage of the profits earning $1 million plus. Lana wrote about Johnny in her 1982 autobiography. Cheryl Crane also wrote about him in her 1988 book "Detour: A Hollywood Story." Johnny's death has also been picked a-part by other biographer's, documentaries & news stories. It will forever be a subject of talk in Hollywood & beyond.

Rooney Mara who played Tiger Lily "I'm embarrassed" Hollywood whitewashing

PAN was a retelling of Peter Pan for 2015. It grossed a mere $35 million at the U.S. Box Office. It grabbed $93 million internationally. The world wide total climbed to $128 million. The production budget was $135 million.

There was criticism over a white actress (Rooney Mara) portraying the Native girl Tiger Lily in PAN. Many called it the "white washing" of Hollywood. Mara is now speaking out about being cast in the role. She says, "I think that there are two sides to it. Yes, I do think it curbs art and creativity, and I also think that if you’re going to go by that, you have to be able to… it has to go both ways. It can’t just be that you don’t want a white girl to play a certain part. It has to be both sides. And I do think it can curb art and creativity. That being said, is there whitewashing in Hollywood? Absolutely, and I feel really bad and embarrassed to be a part of that." 


Click photo for complete Rooney Mara article
http://blogs.indiewire.com/theplaylist/i-feel-really-bad-and-embarrassed-to-be-a-part-of-that-rooney-mara-talks-hollywood-whitewashing-her-role-in-pan-20160222
(Rooney Mara as Tiger Lily in PAN 2015)

SAG-AFTRA Welcomes new union members for New Mexico 2016

http://www.sagaftra.org/
(Welcome Recent New Members and Transfers into SAG-AFTRA)

New Members: "Ramsey Scott, Lisa Lucas, Augusta Allen-Jones, Jahan Khalili, Frank Sandoval, Howard Ferguson, Cory J. Broussard, Ruth A. Ward, Matt Timmons, Jordan Rivers, Lucas Hogue, Liam Ruggles, Heather Gonzales, Eric Martinez, Conrad Dahlstedt, Filippo Guardione, Saneh T. Boothe, John Nussbaumer, Justin Marmion, Brennan Foster, Megan Pribyl, Santiago Campos, Benjamin Hall, Miles Hall, Jackie Carter Jones, Andy Kastelic, Lalo Flores, Matthew Van Wettering, Bau T. Duong, Isaac Vallie-Flagg, Kyle Segura, Aurora Antonio, Annittra Atler, Julia Harris, Clay M. Space, Victoria Pham-Gilchrist, Orchid Kim Phan, Le Hai Dang, Julian Bonfiglio, Ramona King, Victoria Walker, Chuck Kauffman, Adonis H. London, Douglas Christian, Allie Sundstrom, Jim Sea, David Devereaux, Harrison Sim"

Transfers in: "Lynn Sellers, Ross Clay, Jonelle S. Anderson, Douglas C. Metzger, Scot Henderson Jones, Doris Hargrave, Carolyn Wickwire, Jack Forcinito, Laura Trew, Patrick Gozur, Conrad R. Padilla, Brian McLain, Norm Lee, Victor Montoya, Beverly Sartain, Bobby Andrew Burns, David Tollardo"

All the best to all performers who have joined SAG-AFTRA at New Mexico. - RP

Tuesday, February 23, 2016

"Dateline" Two hours of Synthetic drugs & a double murder

DATELINE on NBC. Did you watch the 2-hour episode on Sunday? They were called, "One small dose" & "The collector." The first hour followed a vibrant teen who took a synthetic drug that is smaller than her fingernail. She put it on her tongue, swallowed & during the night she died. This is the drug that is killing high school teens across the U.S. It is cheap to buy, but drug dealers are making a lot of money.

Click photos for TV recap over at Examiner News.
http://www.examiner.com/article/nbc-dateline-two-separate-hours-of-synthetic-drugs-a-double-murder

http://www.examiner.com/article/nbc-dateline-two-separate-hours-of-synthetic-drugs-a-double-murder

TV Preview "The Mysteries of Laura" The sister of Laura becomes murder suspect

THE MYSTERIES OF LAURA on NBC. Tomorrow night's episode is called, "The Mystery of the Unknown Caller." I was asked by fans of the TV show to add in my preview the "sneek peak" clips from the NBC website. I usually just recap and write about the TV promo, but here goes...,

Click photo for TV Preview over at Examiner News.
http://www.examiner.com/article/tv-preview-the-mysteries-of-laura-the-sister-of-laura-becomes-murder-suspect
(NBC Photo: Laura lunges at her sister)

An all new "Elementary" on Thursday Feb. 25, 2016

ELEMENTARY on CBS. (S04E14). The upcoming Thursday episode is called, "Who is that Masked Man?." Morland Holmes returns & someone he cares about is killed. Sherlock told his dad he would try to find out who shot him several years ago. Sherlock also never talked to Watson about his mother, but will do so now. 

(YouTube: "Dreamer" recorded the TV promo below which runs at regular speed first. Then, it runs in slow motion on second viewing).

A new Sunday night mystery on "Dateline" Feb. 28, 2016

DATELINE on NBC. The Sunday night episode is called, "Deadly Game."

NBC says, "When a woman goes missing in a small town in rural Michigan, her husband becomes the primary suspect. But eyewitnesses and surveillance cameras support his alibi that he was in Virginia the day she disappeared - more than 700 miles away. Dennis Murphy reports Sunday February 28 at 7p/6c."

Click photo for TV Preview.
http://www.nbcnews.com/dateline/video/preview-deadly-game-628272195677

A 2-hour "Dateline" coming Friday Feb. 26, 2016

DATELINE on NBC. The upcoming 2-hour special is called, "Over the Edge."

NBC says, "In an all-new two-hour Dateline, Andrea Canning tells the story of a woman who falls to her death while hiking with her husband in Rocky Mountain National Park. Rangers question if her death was an accident or a heinous act of violence. Will a buried secret soon be revealed? Airs Friday, February 26 at a special time 9p/8c."

Click photo for TV Preview.
http://www.nbcnews.com/dateline/video/preview-over-the-edge-629177923509

Monday, February 22, 2016

NBC "The Mysteries of Laura" An all new episode Wednesday Feb. 24, 2016

THE MYSTERIES OF LAURA on NBC. (S02E15). The upcoming episode is called, "The mystery of the unknown caller." I will write a TV preview for Examiner News on Tuesday Feb. 23, 2016. I will include a recap of what's been happening to Laura outside of her police work. "Laura" received a 16 episode order from NBC. Wednesday's episode is number 15 for the 2015-16 TV season. The show is garnering some steady TV ratings. (Below is a TV preview).

Oregon: More indictments to come in March 2016 of Refuge take over

News from my home state of Oregon. Here is the latest as Federal investigators continue to gather evidence against the militia who took over the Mahleur National Wildlife Refuge for 41 days. The FBI has announced that there will be new indictments coming in March of 2016. They're still canvassing the Refuge & have already found explosives, firearms & human feces inside a trench. Defense lawyers of the 25 militia who were charged, want to be part of the investigation. (Gee, all they have to do is check out YouTube. All the evidence against their clients is right there).

Sandy Anderson has claimed she was unaware that FBI wanted her to leave. She spent 41 days with her husband Sean squatting at the Refuge. A judge will let her go home to Utah, but cannot have contact with her husband or the others indicted. She cried in court as the judge handed down his orders. Sandy says she never knew Ammon Bundy, but check out YouTube. There she is talking and engaging with the "Bundy Brothers" during the take over. Also, listen to her on that phone call with Michele Fiore. She's screaming & says she's carrying a rifle at her side. (She is so caught up in the whole take over. It's laughable how she now claims her innocence).

Click photo for OREGON LIVE updates.
(YouTube Screen Capture of Sean & Sandy Anderson).

USC study shows that Hollywood studios is dominated by white males

I usually don't do this, but this new study on Diversity in Hollywood is interesting. The University of Southern California has come out with an analysis that shows Hollywood Studios are dominated by White Males.

"The study, titled the Comprehensive Annenberg Report on Diversity, examined the 109 films released by major studios (including art-house divisions) in 2014 and 305 scripted, first-run TV and digital series across 31 networks and streaming services that aired from September 2014 to August 2015. More than 11,000 speaking characters were analyzed for gender, racial and ethnic representation and LGBT status. Some 10,000 directors, writers and show creators were examined, as was the gender of more than 1,500 executives."

"In the 414 studied films and series, only a third of speaking characters were female, and only 28.3 percent were from minority groups — about 10 percent less than the makeup of the U.S. population. Characters 40 years or older skew heavily male across film and TV: 74.3 percent male to 25.7 percent female. Just 2 percent of speaking characters were LGBT-identified. Among the 11,306 speaking characters studied, only seven were transgendered (and four were from the same series)."

"USC’s study, which the school has been publishing in various forms for the last 10 years, also seeks to add a new metric in the conversation. The “inclusivity index” is a report card for the performances of 21st Century Fox, CBS, NBC Universal, Sony, the Walt Disney Co., Time Warner, Viacom, Amazon, Hulu and Netflix. Those companies encompass all the broadcast networks, most major cable channels, all of the major movie studios and three of the dominant streaming services."

Click photo for complete USC Study.
http://losangeles.cbslocal.com/2016/02/22/usc-study-finds-whitewashed-hollywood/
(White Males dominate film studios in Hollywood)

"Downton Abbey" Lady Edith finally tells Lady Mary what she thinks of her

DOWNTON ABBEY on PBS. (S06E08). Well, it's about time Lady Edith tells off her sister Lady Mary. For years, Mary spent her time putting down Edith who just takes it because they're sisters. Mary finally goes too far & ruins Edith's engagement to Bertie. She unearths that Marigold is Edith's real daughter & Bertie leaves Downton. Boy, Edith finally lets loose on Mary and it was great to watch

Miss Patmore was being followed by a news reporter. She let a married man stay inside her bed & breakfast along with his mistress. The police assume that Miss Patmore might be the head of a Brothel. Everyone laughs, but Patmore nearly faints over it. And poor Thomas Barrow. He is ill & decides to commit suicide by slitting his wrists. 

Lady Edith flees to London & finds out that "Spratt" writes a column under a female name. He is the butler for the Lady Dowager. He has the funniest scenes with the Dowager's maid, Miss Danker, who wants him to get fired. 

Click photo for DOWNTON ABBEY website.
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/downtonabbey/
   (Lady Mary & Lady Edith)

Sunday, February 21, 2016

SAG-AFTRA & "Actors Fund" seeks performers for side employment at Albuquerque

http://www.sagaftra.org/nm
Sideline Work Opportunity in Albuquerque

"A market research company is seeking part-time researchers in Albuquerque for a temporary project in civil rights. The actors will role-play (based on the training they will be provided) and report their findings to the market research company."

When: "The work must be completed during variable hours on your choice of weekdays during normal business hours beginning April 4, and ending approximately in June."

"Must be available for a three-hour training session on Saturday, April 2."

Where: "Position requires a personal vehicle to travel to various locations in the Albuquerque metropolitan area and proof of car insurance."

Compensation: "Pay is $45 per research assignment and mileage is compensated at $0.50 a mile round-trip from your home to research sites."

Other details:
  • "The job requires accurate and clear writing skills, strong attention to detail and a basic knowledge of Microsoft Word."
  • "Qualified candidates must undergo a criminal background check."
To Apply: "Please email a resume and cover letter describing your interest and qualifications by Friday, March 11 to: sikon@actorsfund.org. Include the title: 'Market Research Project' in the subject line of your email."

"The Revenant" director Alejandro Gonzalez Iñárritu talks to "Deadline Hollywood"

THE REVENANT climbs to $165 million at the U.S. box office as of Feb. 21, 2016. It has grabbed $216 million at the international box office. The world wide total has garnered $381 million. The film's director -- Alejandro Gonzalez Iñárritu -- talks to DEADLINE HOLLYWOOD.

Click poster for DEADLINE HOLLYWOOD interview.
http://deadline.com/2016/02/alejandro-gonzalez-inarritu-the-revenant-leonardo-dicaprio-tom-hardy-birdman-1201706112/

"Embrace of the Serpent" opens in 3 theaters grabbing $50,000 over weekend

EMBRACE OF THE SERPENT is the last Foreign Language Oscar nominee 2016 to open in U.S. theaters. It rolled out in 3 theaters at New York plus L.A. It will continue to expand over the next few months. The Colombian film reached an average of $16,000 in the 3 movie theaters over the weekend. The Academy Awards will air live on ABC-TV Sunday Feb. 28, 2016.

Click photo for DEADLINE HOLLYWOOD Box Office news.
http://deadline.com/2016/02/embrace-of-the-serpent-neerja-specialty-box-office-1201706628/
(Colombia's "Embrace of the Serpent")

"48 Hours" A husband returns home to find his wife dead on Valentine's Day

48 HOURS on CBS. Did you watch last night's episode called, "What did the children see?" I don't know. I'm on the fence with this one. Did Curtis smother his wife to death? Did she die of natural causes? Did the children see their mom alive before they went to school? Or did prosecutors bring in too many medical examiner's - a decade after the wife died? I think when you have too many opinions, it muddles everything up. I believe the kids though even when prosecutors say the mom died the night before.

Click photo for TV recap over at Examiner News.
http://www.examiner.com/article/cbs-48-hours-a-husband-finds-his-wife-dead-on-valentine-s-day 
(Curtis Lovelace arrested)

Saturday, February 20, 2016

"Marco Polo: One Hundred Eyes" is a Netflix original backstory

It is without a doubt one of the best 30 minutes you will ever watch on the origins of the character "One Hundred Eyes" from "Marco Polo." This special premiered on "Netflix" last December 2015 & it is Spectacular. (I've watched it 4 times). Season 2 will premiere June 2016.

The Kublai Kahn captures a martial arts monk after he killed 25 soldiers. The monk is tested & also kills a high ranking officer among Kahn's armed forces. He loses his sight & is renamed "One Hundred Eyes." He will be used to train the son of Khan plus his soldiers. There is purpose in life even through torture & pain. "Eyes" finds peace of mind & can see everything without his sight. He is given a temple to train Marco Polo later on. (I'm a big fan of this show).

Michelle Yeoh will have a recurring role in the second TV season.

Click Poster to sing up with "Netflix."
https://www.netflix.com/title/80083594

"Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon: Sword of Destiny" comes to "Netflix" Feb. 26, 2016

"Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon: Sword of Destiny" will open in select IMAX theaters on Feb. 26, 2016. It will also launch on "Netflix" that same day. It will only be released in China this weekend to the frustrations of fans in all of Asia. There was a Western film made & an Eastern film made. (English & Mandarin languages). It is the sequel to the Oscar winning first film directed by Ang Lee (2000). Michelle Yeoh is the only cast member returning for this sequel - 20 years later. (Below is the second trailer recently released).

"Hawaii Five-0" A bank heist might lead to the corrupt Gabriel

HAWAII FIVE-0 on CBS. (S06E15). Did you watch last night's episode? We finally get to see Chin Ho meet up with his corrupt brother-in-law Gabriel. And it is a fight to the death. The last 10 minutes is all action. Danno's brother Matthew was murdered by a drug lord and he left behind $100,000 to his mom. The FBI questions her in front of Danno. Action is what I like because Kono is a sniper. - Wahoo!

Click on photo for TV recap over at Examiner News.
http://www.examiner.com/article/cbs-hawaii-five-0-a-bank-heist-might-lead-to-the-corrupt-gabriel
(Steve & Neil)

"Dateline" a popular woman disappears off the island of Florida

DATELINE on NBC. Did you watch last night's episode called, "A place on the sand?" A woman is involved with a younger man who is a supposed artist. She runs a motel off the coast of Florida & then one day she disappears. All her friends told her they didn't like this man 10 years her junior. He "snaps" when she tells him their relationship is over. 

Click photo for TV recap over at Examiner News.
http://www.examiner.com/article/dateline-nbc-a-popular-woman-disappears-off-the-island-of-florida

Friday, February 19, 2016

All new 2 separate hours of "Dateline" Sunday Feb. 21, 2016

ONE SMALL DOSE Sunday Feb. 21, 2016 at 7/6 p.m.

DATELINE on NBC. "During a sleepover in Woodbury, Minnesota, 17-year-old Tara Fitzgerald decides to experiment with drugs. She dies just hours later. Police discover her death was a result of a new class of synthetic drugs. Kate Snow reports on this growing nationwide epidemic affecting young people. Airs Sunday, February 21st at 7p/6c."

Click photo for TV Preview.
http://www.nbcnews.com/dateline/video/preview-one-small-dose-624036419858


THE COLLECTOR Sunday Feb. 21, 2016 at 8/7 p.m.

DATELINE on NBC. "A coin collector and his wife are found dead in their Springfield, Missouri home. With no signs of forced entry and the house full of valuables left seemingly intact, detectives suspect an inside job. But who would want to kill the beloved couple? Dennis Murphy reports Sunday, February 21st at 8p/7c."

Click photo for TV Preview.
http://www.nbcnews.com/dateline/video/preview-the-collector-622028867839

"Elementary" A professor and his students are poisoned by mushrooms

ELEMENTARY on CBS. (S04E13). Did you watch last night's episode called, "A study of Charlotte?" A professor & his students are poisoned after drinking a tea with mushrooms in it. Sherlock & Watson track down what kind of mushroom is poisonous or - was poisoned. Meanwhile, their neighbor rents out weekly to people who like to party and play loud music. All because Sherlock worked on his loud experiments which forced the neighbor to move out.

Click on photo for TV recap over at Examiner News.
(Sherlock & Watson find special mushrooms)

An all new "48 Hours" Saturday night on Feb. 20, 2016

48 HOURS on CBS. The upcoming episode this Saturday at 10/9 p.m. is called, "What did the Children see?" The Sneak Peek says, "What happens when a former hard-charging prosecutor is prosecuted in his old courtroom? Maureen Maher investigates."

Jay Leno returns to "Tonight" for some rough comedy zingers

"The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon" on NBC. Jimmy faked a hamstring pull during one of his opening monologues. Jay Leno stepped in & took aim at the Clinton's, Bernie Sanders, Trump & of course Bill Cosby. He didn't go easy on any of them either. - Hah!

Thursday, February 18, 2016

"The Darkness" Spirit guardians of Native American tribe opens May 13, 2016

THE DARKNESS is a new Horror film starring Kevin Bacon. Here is the synopsis, "A family unwittingly brings a supernatural force home with them from vacation. The evil presence feeds off their fears and secrets." 

What it doesn't tell you completely is that a kid brings back a Native American artifact from Grand Canyon. What comes with that artifact is spirits who are guardians of a Native Tribe. It reeks havoc on the family.

"The Mysteries of Laura" Jake & Laura protect a Cuban diplomat from assassination

THE MYSTERIES OF LAURA on NBC. (S06E14). Did you watch last night's episode called, "The mystery of the political operation?" Well, everyone likes Jennifer who has been seeing Jake. She is a district attorney & Laura is perturbed by "Jen" at first. Laura steps aside to see Jake happy & she hasn't told anyone that she broke up with Tony. 

Meanwhile, Jake & Laura are saddled with protecting a Cuban diplomat who is going to speak to the United Nations at New York. 

Click Photo for TV recap over at Examiner News.
http://www.examiner.com/article/the-mysteries-of-laura-nbc-jake-laura-protect-a-cuban-diplomat-from-assassin
(Laura & Jake arrest a protester)

An all new "Hawaii Five-0" Friday Feb. 19, 2016.

HAWAII FIVE-0 on CBS. (S6E15). Danno's mother returns & she is questioned by the FBI. It looks like an action packed episode this Friday at 9/8 p.m. - Wahoo!