Oregon: Cliven Bundy & Sons face multiple federal charges at Nevada

News From My Home State of Oregon. The "hits" just keep coming. Cliven Bundy, Ammon Bundy, his brother Ryan Bundy, Ryan Payne & Peter Santilli have all been charged in the armed take over of the Mahleur Nationa Wildlife Refuge. They're all sitting in an Oregon jail. Each has now been charged from the FBI with 16 counts after taking up arms against the federal government back in 2014 at Nevada. They're also charged with 5 counts of criminal forfeiture. If convicted, they have to hand over property profited by their crimes totaling $3 million. They would also be forced to hand over firearms used in 2014.

For 20 years, Cliven Bundy has built a militia against the federal government. He refused to get permits for letting his cattle graze on federal land. His grazing fees had risen to $1 million. His "beef" is with the bureau of land management & his supposed right to be a free American. Now, if convicted, he may spend the rest of his life in prison.

Shawna Cox who was one of the occupiers at the Refuge has filed a compliant against federal employees. She is seeking $666 billion & called her arrest as "The Works of the Devil." She was in the truck when Robert Finicum tried to escape police. He was shot & killed. Meanwhile, the Oregon state police board will investigate the actions of Grant County sheriff Glenn Palmer. He met with the occupiers twice & once got an autograph from two militia leaders. Public complaints have asked the police board to look into Palmer's part in the armed take over. He called Finicum's death an "Ambush" & seeks re-election. 

Ladies & gentleman, you can't write this stuff up.

Click photos for OREGON LIVE news.

(Ryan Bundy, Father Cliven & brother Ammon)

1991: The 25th Anniversary of "The Silence of the Lambs"

THE SILENCE OF THE LAMBS. Orion Pictures (1991). It opened on Valentine's Day 1991 & ran for 5 months. It stayed at the top of the box office for 6 weeks. Orion Pictures was going bankrupt & plunked it into U.S. theaters to try & earn some cash. It was made for a mere $19 million & grossed $130 million domestically. It's world wide total grabbed $272 million. It went on to win 5 Academy Awards & Orion only had enough money to send VHS tapes to Academy members for voting purposes. 

DEADLINE HOLLYWOOD interviews the team behind the movie & there is some great stuff for cinema buffs.

58th Annual Grammy Awards: Producers defend Natalie Cole's Tribute

The family of Natalie Cole were upset after Monday's Grammy Awards because there wasn't a big enough tribute to honor her legacy. Cole received a 45 second "In Memorium" segment from the Grammy winning "Unforgettable, with Love" duet with her father, Nat King Cole. Producers of the Award show are defending their decision with that tribute because they were close friend's of Natalie. 

Click photo for "Eonline" News & Producer's response.

(1994. Natalie Cole winning Grammy for 

"Take a Look" CD).

An all new episode of "Dateline" Friday Feb. 19, 2016

DATELINE on NBC. Friday's episode is called, "A Place on the Sand." 

"Keith Morrison reports on the case of a Florida motel owner who suddenly disappears. The mystery of what happened to her confounds family, friends and detectives. Will she ever be found? Airs Friday, February 19th at 10p/9c."

Click on photo for TV Preview.

TV Preview "Elementary" for Thursday Feb. 18, 2016

ELEMENTARY on CBS. (S04E13). TV promo for Thursday night's upcoming episode on Feb. 18 at 10/9 p.m. "Sherlock and Joan search for a murderer who used poisonous mushrooms to kill a botany professor and a group of the instructor's students. Also, when Joan is disturbed by loud noise next door, she discovers her neighbor, Trent, is renting out his home through a vacation site that caters to hard partiers on "A Study in Charlotte."

Oregon: Federal officers found explosives, fireams & human feces

News From Home State of Oregon. (I said I would stop reporting on this, but there needs to be an update). It's been a week since the 41 day standoff ended when anti-government militia took over the Mahleur National Wildlife Refuge. Federal officers are still making a clean sweep of the Refuge. They found explosives & firearms. They also found a trench with human feces in it. The militia is so against the government that they didn't want to use the federal building bathrooms.

Meanwhile, a judge will not release Cliven Bundy because he is a dangerous man. That judge came down hard on him in court, because he has warrants in Nevada going back several years. It all came to a boiling point when Cliven & his armed militia protected cattle from the FBI back in 2014. They had snipers in place as militia gunmen out-numbered the federal officers. Cliven owes $1 million in grazing fees because his cattle roamed free on federal land at Nevada. 

Cliven was arrested when he stepped off the plane at Portland, Oregon. His son's Ammon & Ryan sit in prison who were the leaders of the take over of the Refuge. Those three & 22 others face federal charges that could land them in prison for up to 6 years. Cliven has at least 30 federal counts charged against him & could face more than 25 years in prison.

Click photo for OREGON LIVE news.

 (Goeff Stanek sits at Wildlife Refuge during standoff).

2016 Oscar Nominee "Embrace of the Serpent" opens in U.S. Theaters on Feb. 17.

EMBRACE OF THE SERPENT is a nominee for "Best Foreign Language Film" with the Academy Awards 2016. The Oscars will be handed out on ABC-TV Sunday Feb. 28 at Los Angeles. 

"Serpent" opens in limited theatrical release beginning Feb. 17 at New York City / Feb. 19 at California. 

Here is a synopsis, "At once blistering and poetic, the ravages of colonialism cast a dark shadow over the South American landscape. (It) centers on Karamakate - an Amazonian shaman and the last survivor of his people - and the two scientists who - over the course of 40 years - build a friendship with him. The film was inspired by the real-life journals of two explorers, Theodor Koch-Grünberg and Richard Evans Schultes who traveled through the Colombian Amazon during the last century in search of the sacred and difficult-to-find psychedelic Yakruna plant."

Natalie Cole's family upset "Grammy's" didn't pay a bigger tribute

The 58th Annual Grammy Awards gave Natalie Cole a nice memorial tribute last night. Her family is upset that the show didn't give Cole a bigger tribute. Other musical artist's who "passed on" got their tributes (David Bowie). Natalie recently passed and the family is still dealing with their loss. They want to honor Cole's legacy & a larger tribute would've been nice during the show. (Just my opinion) I think her 21 Grammy nominations & 9 wins is statement enough. And so is the outpouring of love from her fans on YouTube. I checked and each song uploaded has thousand's of Cole fans saying goodbye. Some are even heartbroken at the passing of their favorite singer.

Click photo for People Magazine News.

(1992. Natalie Cole won multiple Grammys for

 "Unforgettable")

TV Preview "The Mysteries of Laura" An assassin targets a world political leader

THE MYSTERIES OF LAURA on NBC. (S2E14). Wednesday at 8/7 p.m. Tomorrow night's episode is called, "The mystery of the political operation." Laura and her team have to protect a foreign diplomat from an assassination attempt.

Click photo for TV Preview at Examiner News.

"Vanity" 1980's talented & sexy siren dies at age 57

The 1982 hit single "Nasty Girl" propelled lead singer "Vanity" into the spotlight. She was widely known as Prince's protege & lover. She went into films like "Action Jackson" & the hilarious - campy - popular, "The Last Dragon." She played up to her sex appeal by appearing in sexy outfits on Talk Shows. Sadly, she disappeared by the 1990's & had a drug overdose in 1994. She dropped her show business name "Vanity" & returned to Denise Matthews as a born again Christian. She suffered from kidney failure & abdominal illness which took her life. - Were the 1980's that long ago? Those were the days. RIP.

Watch videos below for "Vanity." 

$2 Hamburgers / $2 Shrimp Baskets at Sandia Casino February 2016

SANDIA RESORT & CASINO. Sorry, I'm late with announcement. Sandia usually has paid ads in the "Alibi" newspaper, but I saw none for February. $2 Hamburgers & $2 Shrimp Baskets will run Feb. 1-29, 2016. I head over each month to play Black Jack. Sssshhh! They don't know I'm counting cards.

 Click photos for "P'A Shur Deli" at the Sandia.

TV Preview "The Mysteries of Laura" for Wednesday Feb. 17, 2016

The new episode coming this Wednesday is called, "The mystery of the political operation." I will write my usual preview article on Tuesday with an update on what's going on in the personal lives of Laura & her team. It gets comical sometimes. TV Promo is below.

"Dateline" An unstable teen is coerced into a confession of murder

DATELINE on NBC. Did you watch last night's episode called, "The Interrogation?" What an injustice to this young man who has a learning disability. He was lead by a police detective into a confession of murder. That detective was a friend of Robert's too. This episode was seen by  millions of TV viewers including the small town of Virgina where the murder took place. I hope that detective feels ashamed for what he did. Robert is too forgiving. That detective needs everything taken away from him. This episode made me angry at police who abuse power.

Click photo for TV recap over at Examiner News.

Comedy team of Laurel & Hardy have a 10 Disc-set that fans can enjoy

LAUREL & HARDY (The Essential Collection) is on a 10 Disc DVD set over at Amazon. They made 107 films together, 32 short silent films, 40 short sound films & 23 full length films. They were both signed under contract with Hal Roach studios & became a comedy team in 1927. They went easily from Silent films into Talking pictures. Stan was the innocent one, while Hardy was the pompous one. Together, they worked off each other as a slapstick comedy team from 1927 -1950. 

I've been enjoying the silent films because their slapstick is at the forefront of their comedy. Oliver Hardy always knew when to look into the camera letting the audience see the ridiculousness of each situation. Stan Laurel never looked into the camera deliberately. He was always being hit & picked on by Hardy. There were times when he would fight back & it is funny. They went into Talking pictures & used each sound to comic effect. Laurel wrote most of the gags throughout their career & Hardy just went with it.

I'd have to say, "The Midnight Patrol" (1933) is one of my favorites because they portray police cops. I never laughed so hard. 

Click on Photo for LAUREL & HARDY at Amazon.

"Downton Abbey" Lady Mary is shaken up after race car accident

DOWNTON ABBEY on PBS. (S06E07). Did you watch tonight's episode? Lady Mary was apprehensive about watching her new beau Henry in a motor race. There is an accident that shakes her up because she thought He was killed in an accident. Remember, her husband Matthew was killed in a car crash right after their baby was born. Meanwhile, Bertie asks Lady Edith to marry him, but she has to think it over. She still hasn't told him Marigold is her daughter. 

The downstairs help finds out that Andy cannot read. He explains that Thomas was helping him. Mr. Carson is still angry with Thomas, thinking that he wants Andy sexually. Mrs. Hughes injures her wrist & Carson has to cook for her. He realizes how hard it is to prepare a meal. He falls asleep at the dinner table. Miss Patmore opens her "bed & breakfast", but doesn't know that she is being followed by an investigator.

Click photo for DOWNTON ABBEY website.

(Lady Mary & Henry Talbot)

SAG-AFTRA reports on 2015 Film & Media Industry Conference

Agents Give the Inside Scoop at Film Fest

(In attendance were, Xochitl Cerda, SAG-AFTRA’s senior manager. Casting Director Jo Edna Boldin / Talent agents Carissa Mitchell, Jody Black and Lynette O’Connor / National Board member and Local 1st Vice President Mel MacKaron and member Frances McCain).

"In late October, the New Mexico Film Office hosted the Film & Media Industry 2015 Conference. This three-day event provided a great opportunity for local filmmakers, producers, vendors, crew and actors to learn more about the resources available to them in the market." 

"A variety of presentations and networking events covered all aspects of the industry. One of the highlights from the conference was the SAG-AFTRA New Mexico Franchised Talent Agencies panel. Casting Director Jo Edna Boldin led the discussion with the three local SAG-AFTRA-franchised agencies and Xochitl Cerda, SAG-AFTRA’s senior manager, professional representatives. Topics included the role of talent agents in the casting process, what it means to be SAG-AFTRA-franchised and what the appropriate protocol is for actors during the casting process."

"48 Hours" Texas prosecuting attorney's gunned down in small town

48 HOURS on CBS. Did you watch last night's episode called, "Target Justice?" If it sounds familiar, well, because "Dateline" covered the same story in 2015. It is unbelievable, but in this day & age, disgruntled employees will kill because they were humiliated. "Humiliation" turned a man into a psychopathic killer.

Click photo for TV recap over at Examiner News.

(District Attorney Mike Mclelland)

"Spotlight" takes home Writers Guild Award for Best Original Screenplay 2015

SPOTLIGHT won Best Original Screenplay at the 68th annual Writers Guild Awards 2016. It is the best investigative journalist film since "All the Presidents Men." I saw it three times. It is up for Best Picture with the Academy Awards (Oscars). 

ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY
• “Bridge of Spies,” Written by Matt Charman and Ethan Coen & Joel Coen; DreamWorks Pictures
• “Sicario,” Written by Taylor Sheridan; Lionsgate
• “Spotlight,” Written by Josh Singer & Tom McCarthy; Open Road Films WINNER
• “Straight Outta Compton,” Screenplay by Jonathan Herman and Andrea Berloff; Story by Leigh Savidge & Alan Wenkus and Andrea Berloff; Universal Pictures
• “Trainwreck,” Written by Amy Schumer; Universal Pictures

Click photo for SPOTLIGHT official website.

"Better Call Saul" wins Writers Guild Award for episodic TV drama 2015

BETTER CALL SAUL on AMC. The 2nd TV season begins Monday Feb. 15, 2016 at 10/9 p.m. The 68th annual Writers Guild Awards (WGA) were handed out Saturday night & "Better Call Saul" won for best Episodic TV Drama.

EPISODIC DRAMA
• “Explosivos” (Narcos), Written by Andy Black (Netflix)
• “International Assassin” (The Leftovers), Written by Damon Lindelof & Nick Cuse (HBO)
• “Mind’s Eye” (The Good Wife), Written by Robert King & Michelle King (CBS)
• “Mother’s Mercy” (Game of Thrones), Written for Television by David Benioff & D.B. Weiss (HBO)
• “Person to Person” (Mad Men), Written by Matthew Weiner (AMC)  
• “Uno” (Better Call Saul), Written by Vince Gilligan & Peter Gould (AMC) WINNER

SAG-AFTRA New Mexico local board member "Frances Lee McCain" 2016

Member Spotlight: Local Board Member Frances Lee McCain

"Shortly after relocating to Albuquerque in 2010, I began my involvement with our local New Mexico (then) Branch of SAG by responding to a member wide invitation to attend a brainstorming session for theatrical/television wages and working conditions in the market. It was there I learned some of the unique features of film-making in New Mexico and felt the urge to give back to a union that had taken care of me for over four decades."

"I filled a vacancy on the board about three years ago and haven’t looked back! It’s been a fruitful and exciting time for our union and its members: The merger is truly a game-changer, and one I had voted for each time it came up for a vote. I worked extensively in both film and TV under the various contracts and felt firsthand the need for consolidation of our practices and resources."

"The use of the New Media Contract is providing opportunities for students, budding filmmakers and artists of all experience to grow within a union that cares about quality of work, living wages and the health and welfare of its members."

"Since joining the local SAG-AFTRA board, I have also become a member of New Mexico Women in Film, which I see as a natural extension of our interests in working for the marketplace equality of all creatives. I also intend to be involved with education and outreach for our union, and I serve on a number of local SAG-AFTRA committees."

"My one regret is that I did not become active within the union earlier. I can’t stress enough the rich education and networking experiences available to our membership by engaging with local and national committees and board opportunities. I urge you all to step up and join us as you familiarize yourselves with the history and benefits of this fine and venerable institution whose sole mission is to work for you!"

"Hawaii Five-0" It's Valentine's Day & of course there is a murder

HAWAII FIVE-0 on CBS. (S06E14). Did you watch last night's episode called, "Misery loves company?" There is a murder on Valentine's Day, but the Five-0 team goes through several dates with their significant others. All accept Kono, Dr. Max & Jerry. Funny episode.

Click photo for TV recap over at Examiner News.

(Chin Ho is in a predicament)

"Dateline" A rapist & murderer terrorizes Texas college students

DATELINE on NBC. Did you watch last night's episode called, "The Face of Evil?" I think it was a repeat, but I've never seen it before. Just because you're at a college party. Don't go into a room alone with a stranger unless you want to. Especially if it's an off-campus party. 

Click photo for TV recap over at Examiner News.

"Elementary" Sherlock is asked to plan a heist on a dangerous biker gang

ELEMENTARY on CBS. (S04E12). Did you watch last night's episode, "A View with a Room?" Sherlock likes Fiona who has a form of autism. She is enormously smart though while working for a computer company. He has been in sexual threesome's with women because that's his preference. Watson see's that he is attracted to Fiona as a lovely woman instead of a play thing.

Sherlock is asked to plan a computer heist on a notorious biker gang. He has to work with Ryan who has infiltrated the gang who is later found murdered.

Click photo for TV Recap over at Examiner News.

(Undercover cop meets Sherlock)

SAG-AFTRA: Are You Ready For 2016? New Mexico Local Board Member.

Are you ready for 2016?

Marc Comstock / SAG-AFTRA New Mexico Local Board Member

"New Year’s resolutions are more than just putting dreams and desires on paper. To achieve your goals, you must work out a plan. We can’t just expect to lose 10 pounds and not work out or eat right."

"The same can be said for our acting goals. Of course we all want to work more, but our profession requires more than just a desire to do that: We need auditions and opportunities. Since these opportunities can ebb and flow, what can we do in between to still feel like we are moving toward our goals? Simply put, be ready for when those opportunities come. Here are some proactive things you can do."

• "Meet with your agent. Make sure you are on the same page with headshots, identifying your “brand” and career goals."

• "Create. Write and shoot your own union projects — not only can we do this on our phones, SAG-AFTRA has contracts that work for all budgets. Here’s a link to the Production Center where you can view samples of all the contracts and watch tutorials on how to become signatory."

• "Further your education. Find a class that challenges you and pushes you. Keep flexing those muscles."

• "Get more involved in your union and use the resources it has to offer: Do you know about the live-streamed events through the SAG-AFTRA Foundation?"

• "Sign up for A Call to Arts, our union’s effort to mentor the next generation of storytellers through volunteerism and service."

• "Use local resources and keep up on the “biz” side of show business."

• "Time to quit fast-forwarding through those commercials and watch the work some of your peers are doing. This could be a big boost to our career paths. The timing is great because it also ties in with SAG-AFTRA’s Best in the Biz campaign to keep commercial work under SAG-AFTRA contracts. To find out more, visit Best in the Biz."

• "Meet with your fellow actors. Nothing’s better than chatting with your peers. We get what you are going through, we will keep you motivated and we love to brainstorm."

"These are just a few things you can do in 2016. So be ready and have a GREAT 2016!"

Oregon: An occupier tells FBI there are "Booby-Traps" in wildlife refuge

News From My Home State of Oregon. (This will be my last post on the standoff). One of the occupiers who took over the Mahleur National Wildlife Refuge, claims there are "Booby-Traps" inside the refuge. The occupier didn't elaborate if those traps will explode or not. The FBI will check for explosives.

Nevada Assembly woman Michele Fiore talked with the 4 remaining holdouts Wednesday night after FBI closed in on them. It was broadcast for nearly 5 hours on YouTube. 60,000 listeners tuned in. "Tea Party" conservative Kris-Anne Hall got on the phone & talked to David Fry the next morning. Social Media blames her for making things worse by spouting her political views. Fry then had wanted to commit suicide. 20,000 listeners tuned in on YouTube Thursday morning (2/11/2016).

The city of "Burns" had a celebration parade Thursday afternoon when the 4 remaining occupier's surrendered. What's sad is the crippled mind of David Fry. He joined a group of anti-government militia who believed they were above "U.S. Law." Fry seemed like a lost child desperately seeking attention & he's a 27-year-old male. He found his chance by jumping on a militia bandwagon that deserted their cause when the FBI divided & conquered. 25 Occupiers who led the standoff are now in prison & will probably remain there for a few years. 

Social media was the downfall of the militia. Everything was recorded on YouTube. Everything they said or did was used against them by the FBI. America was laughing at the militia. I mean-falling-down-laughing. A lot of people are glad Cliven Bundy was arrested. He will now face more than 30 counts against the government. He should of never have left his ranch in Nevada & stepped into Oregon. The FBI was waiting two years to grab him.

Click mugshots of last occupiers for OREGON LIVE news.

(Multnomah County Sheriff's Office. Clockwise, 

Sandy Anderson 48, Sean Anderson 47, 

Jeff Banta 46 & David Fry, 27).