The series, which began in June 2009, is now winding its way towards the home stretch and I wanted to bring your attention to this first-rate piece of work before it comes to an end.

IP, a 20,000 mile road trip without a plan. A sort of Zen and the art of free spirit wanderlust.

Co-directed by Austin Lynch, along with his friend Jason S., IP continues to mine some of the rich terrain and wonderful characters which David Lynch brought to the screen in the satisfyingly moving 1999 film, “The Straight Story.” (God bless Richard Farnsworth.)

IP posts a new episode every 3 days. We have opportunities to meet some plain ol’ folks and a few others who are a bit more colorful that ‘the team’ discovered as they traveled around our great country over the course of 70 days. The interviews, which are well photographed, edited and scored into 3-5 minute segments; allow each of the subjects to share bits of their lives in a way that is spontaneous, organic and refreshingly real. ‘The team’ as Lynch refers to them, at the top of each episode, also includes Sabrina Sutherland/producer along with Angie Schmidt and Julie Pepin/interviewers.

As someone who enjoys a good documentary, I can tell you this work  is right up there. The ease, at which the subjects seem to appear on camera, is a testament to the filmmakers skills and ability to use the existing space, allowing their characters ‘to be present and in the moment’. As always, it’s in the little things. Small details. Images. Sounds. The music by Dean Hurley and Stoll Vaughan is oh-so-fine. The people, the situations each magically different as night and day. 

Take Jess, from the first episode, who ‘the team’ found sitting by the side of the road, in Needles, CA. An Army veteran, who served in Vietnam, talking about his wife leaving him and a bushel full of regrets, among them, not being able to see his Dad before he died. 

Or Rey, an art school teacher from Springer, NM, who served ‘the team’ fresh biscuits and jalapeno jelly. A man who enjoys life, however he ordered his coffin early so he could sleep in it, to get ‘the feel’.

There’s, Anthony, who ‘the team’ found riding his bike down on Cherry St., in Dumas, AR. A soft-spoken, good natured man who talked about growing up in Detroit, his family and son Robert, who was killed in a drive-by shooting. 

Another time, we meet, Mrs. Dennis, a sweet lady from Vicksburg, MS, who is married to a preacher. A good woman who shares her secret to living a long life. 

Further on up the road lives, Nick ’Batso’ Maccharoli, from Stratford, CT. A man of many talents who while struggling through life has worked hard to make something of himself. 

There’s Joe, Edward Devenport and 114 other men and women all just a mouse click away. 

As I mention earlier, the story of Alvin Straight was an indication of just how ‘tuned in’ David Lynch is to everyday people. He ‘gets it’. He understands, appreciates the simple beauty of our human condition. Like all great artists, he is drawn to it. As he states, “it’s something you can’t stay away from.” The man is a major presence here and I, for one, am grateful for his contribution. The filmmakers have much to be proud of. This is good work. Others in Hollywood should take a lesson and learn.

When all is said and done, it’s about the people and their stories. American heart and soul. Everyday folks treated with respect while having their say. Are you listening Janeane Garofalo?

Say what you will about David Lynch, the man is a gifted, rare bird in Hollywood. Much like the late John Cassavetes, he’s a true independent spirit, forever marching to the beat of his own drum.

Interview Project, is a film experience which will entertain, educate and perhaps enlighten you.

Please, stop by. Check it out. And if you like what you see…tell a friend.

 Take care.

Paging Mr. Schlichter…paging Mr. Kurt Schlichter. You see, while reading the recent article, “Top 10: Lead Performances of the Last 25 Years” I stumbled across these words: ”And you film snobs out there are out of luck. This list completely ignores foreign language films…” 

Film snobs? WTF!? Movie lovers who enjoy foreign language films are artistic snoots in the eyes of Mr. KS? Nah, I don’t think so. Not me.

 While I could appreciate the article and some of the choices of lead performances by actors over the past 25 years, I do believe KS missed out when he decided to exclude performances by actors in foreign films. 

As reader J.B. stated in the comment section: 

“I would nominate the late Ulrich Muhe in THE LIVES OF OTHERS, which is probably the best new film I’ve seen in the last 25 years. Muhe gives a remarkable performance as an East German Stasi agent who has a gradual awakening of conscience…” 

I agree. 

Then again, as so-called film snobs, what do we know? 

Look, the point I wish to make is that there are all kinds of films for us to enjoy in life. Whether or not they’re English language or foreign language should not be an issue. If they’re good, they’re good. Or as John Nolte so nicely put it in a recent article: 

“A good film is one that casts a spell and doesn’t break it.” 

Works for me. 

If KS, in writing his article, chose to exclude performances by actors in foreign films from his list, well then, that’s his call. However, I didn’t think it was necessary to take such a cheap shot at those of us who dig a good foreign flick every now and then. 

Which is why, in my article, I would like to add to the mix, a few of my favorite foreign films from the last 25 years and give a well deserved nod to the filmmakers, other artists and actors who made these works so memorable. 

Beginning with, the aforementioned, “The Lives of Others.” The Academy Award winner for Best Foreign Film (2007) from Germany. The feature film debut of writer/director, Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck, takes place in 1984 East Germany, as Stasi Captain, Gerd Wiesler (Ulrich Muhe) is assigned to spy on a local playwright. The performance by the late actor is one for the ages. Watching his character and the various transformations which he goes through, is film acting at its highest level. A brave, nuanced depiction that will stay with you long after the movie has ended. A truly great work by all who were involved in the making. 

 A very different film, also from Germany is Wim Wenders, “Wings of Desire” (1987). A magical little drama of a love story, set in West Berlin during the 80s, the film follows two angels (the ever so very fine, Bruno Ganz and Otto Sander), as they keep watch over various individuals throughout the city. Also in the cast is Peter Falk, playing an actor on location shooting a movie, who at one time was an angel himself. The cinematography, by the great Henri Alekan, was shot in both black/white and color. (It has to do with the angels and the human beings points of view but  it all works beautifully, trust me.) A unique mood piece which I would highly recommend. 

The love of movies, as a subject, is in fine form with Guiseppe Tornatore’s “Cinema Paradiso,” which won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Film (1989) from Italy. Told in flashback, it’s the story of a young boy, Salvatore, nicknamed “Toto” (Salvatore Cascio) and how his life has been shaped by his experiences at the Cinema Paradiso, where he learns about life and love through the magic of movies from his wise, old friend, Alfredo (Philippe Noiret). Upon receiving the news that his friend, has died, the adult Salvatore (Jacques Perrin), returns home for the funeral. With music from the legendary, Ennio Morricone, “Cinema Paradiso” remains a treat for movie lovers everywhere. 

180 degrees from “Cinema Paradiso” and next on my list, is a powerful film, from New Zealand, “Once Were Warriors” (1994) directed by Lee Tamahori. The movie paints a riveting  picture of domestic family violence, along with issues pertaining to the Maori culture and stars Rena Owen as Beth and Temuera Morrison, as her husband Jake “the Muss” Heke. 

When I reflect back on seeing this film for the first time, I remember being stunned. The performances by the two leads left me awestruck. Their work so raw, so brutally honest in their portrayals; to this day I can’t shake them from my head. The fine supporting cast includes the fantastic Cliff Curtis, who as Uncle Bully, is one truly twisted soul. Not an easy film to watch, I would highly recommend, “Once Were Warriors” if only to experience the brave, gutsy performance of Rena Owen, as a woman determined to save herself and her children from a living hell. 

Switching gears there’s “Life is Beautiful” starring/written/directed by Roberto Benigni, which won the 1998 Academy Award Best Foreign Film from Italy. Benigni also took home the Best Actor Award in one of the most memorable acceptance speeches in the history of the Academy. 

After Guido (Benigni) meets and falls in love with schoolteacher Dora (Nicoletta Braschi, real life wife of Roberto Benigni) they marry and have a son, Joshua (Giorgio Cantarini). Years later, when the war breaks out, they are sent to a Nazi prison camp, where Guido’s spirit, love and imagination are key ingredients to keeping his family safe. 

The film is proof that despite a dark subject matter, in the hands of the right talent certain material can soar. A wonderful movie. 

Finally, from director Gavin Hood, “Tsotsi” which took home the 2005 Oscar for Best Foreign Film from South Africa. The story revolves around a young man named Tsotsi (Presley Chweneyagae) who is the leader of Soweto street gang. Things go from bad to worse as Tsotsi, who is involved in a murder and up to his eyeballs in trouble, ends up stealing a car, which unbeknownst to him has a three month old baby in the back seat. 

Faced with a difficult decision, he realizes he is unable to care for the child and finds a young mother Miriam (Terry Pheto) to take the baby in. The end result finds Tsotsi confronting his own violent past while facing himself in the process.

“Tsotsi” is a movie that will move you with its energy and story of hope. It has a fantastic score, including music by the artist, Zola, who also stars in the film. 

So there you have it. A few good foreign films. All different, in their own special ways but each sharing the constant thread of a well told tale, brought to the screen by passionate artists and filmmakers who we, the audience, are made a bit richer for having gone along for the cinematic ride. 

The performances in this handful of films, I believe can stand with the best of them. If you’re not familiar with the work, I do hope you’ll check them out. 

For what makes a good movie has little to do with language or the country from which it originates, what makes a good movie is… 

“one that casts a spell, doesn’t break it, that you dig, in any ol’ language” 

Finis.

“Inside Moves” is a little gem of a film, director Richard Donner knocked out back in 1980 between, among others, “Superman” and “Lethal Weapon.” Working from a solid script by Valerie Curtin and Barry Levinson, “Inside Moves” tells the story of a young man named, Roary, (beautifully portrayed by John Savage) who, after a failed suicide attempt, sets out to put the pieces of his life back together again. Along the way, he finds a motley group of friends, who accept him for the man he is, as he discovers just how sweet life can be, when you’re willing to risk, willing to go for your dreams. 

Shortly after being discharged from the local hospital, Roary, moving along like some sort of sand crab as a result of his injuries, finds himself among the slightly ‘crippled,’ yet not-so-broken souls of Max’s Bar (a wonderful ensemble of actors, including casting director turned actor, Bert Remsen, jazz great, Bill Henderson and Harold Russell, the Academy Award winner from “The Best Years of Our Lives,” add to the joy and spirit of the film.) 

Roary immediately strikes up a friendship with bartender, Jerry Maxwell, (the fine David Morse) who invites him to watch the San Francisco Warriors, play some round ball later that night. At the game, Jerry is all over hot shot rookie, Alvin Martin, (Harold Sylvester) who, while clearly a talented player, seems to lack the killer instinct to be a truly great player. After the Warriors lose the game, due to Alvin’s freezing under pressure, the mouthy Jerry confronts him, challenging him to a game of one-on-one. Alvin accepts. Put up. Shut up. 

The next day, the two friends arrive before the Warriors practice and much to his surprise; Jerry gives Alvin all that he can handle, losing the game by one point. Jerry, you see, has a bum knee and despite being ‘a cripple’ battles with great passion. Never giving up, Roary is inspired by his friend. 

From that moment on, a spark is ignited in both men. Life suddenly has meaning. For Jerry, the possibility to repair his damaged knee and the slight hope to follow his dream of playing basketball. For Roary, a chance to hitch his wagon to his new best friend, while providing him support in the process. 

New beginnings. 

Not so fast. 

After Max (Jack O’Leary) suffers a heart attack, Roary, with ten-thousand bucks in a trust fund and Jerry, with some money saved for his surgery, go in as partners to save Max’s from foreclosure. To them, Max’s is more than just a bar, it’s family.

Things do not go smoothly, as Jerry is forced to deal with his drug-addicted, hooker girlfriend, Anne, (Amy Wright) who brings nothing but trouble into his life. When Anne’s pimp (Tony Burton) arrives to reclaim her, he subsequently has Jerry beaten to a pulp, which sends him into a deep funk, nearly extinguishing his hopes of ever pursuing his dream. 

Roary on the other hand continues to plug along, finding peace in his life and love, in the form of the new waitress at Max’s, Louise. (Diana Scarwid, Academy Award-nominated for best supporting actress.)

Without giving away too much, Jerry has an operation to repair his gimpy knee and is soon on the road to living his dream of playing professional ball. Months later, when a big welcome home party is set at Max’s, Jerry is a no-show. Later that night, he calls Roary to meet him and explain his absence. 

Soon after, Jerry begins sneaking around while seeing Louise; Roary finds out and is crushed. Once again, he’s back to where he started, forced to deal with the hurt and pain of his life. Confronting the Warriors newest basketball star on the eve of his big-game debut, Roary digs down deep, setting Jerry straight on the issue of friendship. Louise then handles the situation in her own classy way,  wisely choosing between the two men. The next day finds Jerry back at Max’s to face his old friends, telling them the truth of why he stayed away for so long. (the lack of PC dialogue in this wonderful scene is very refreshing.) 

For me, “Inside Moves” is a small labor of love, as evidenced by the b/w photo of the cast and crew over the closing credits, while Count Basie’s “Captain Bligh” plays on. It really is family.

Without question, the heart and soul of this film is John Savage, whose portrayal of Roary is superb. Coming on the heels of his amazing work in “The Deer Hunter” and “The Onion Field” (is there another actor out there who captures the inner pain and torment of his characters as well he?) Savage centers the film, providing his fellow cast members with the opportunity to shine. A generous actor who here is at his best.

Add to the mix, original music by the great John Barry and you have a thoroughly satisfying movie that will no doubt  leave you smiling…

Good stuff.

As a kid, for me, goin’ to the movies was like goin’ to church. It was something special. I remember my older cousin, Eddie Cassassa, taking me to the show, when I was about 4 or 5. I’ll never forget him sitting me in the front row, to watch Boris Karloff  in “Frankenstein,” one fine Saturday afternoon. I was scared stiff and loved every minute.

A few years later, it was the same cousin Eddie who got us thrown out of the theatre during a matinee of “The Devil at 4 O ‘Clock” starring Frank Sinatra and Spencer Tracy. He laughed his ass off as the usher escorted us to the exit door, while I was just humiliated. Like gettin’ thrown outta church!

Another time, when I was 8 years old, I spent the entire week of the Christmas vacation from school going to see “The Guns of Navarone” during the matinee shows. How I would beg my mother for the seventy five cents so I could go again and again. Sitting there in the dark, sometimes with a friend or other days alone, when I couldn’t get anyone to come along. Looking up at that beautiful silver screen, watching Gregory Peck, David Niven, Anthony Quinn and the other members of that magnificent cast in that great, classic adventure. I do believe Irene Papas may have been my first movie crush. Man, those days were the absolute best.

The seeds of me wanting to be an actor were planted way back when. I thank God for that.

Movies. Movies. Movies.

So many terrific movie memories at The Coolidge. Sean Connery “Dr. No,” Kirk Douglas “Spartacus,” Burt Lancaster “The Young Savages,” Jerry Lewis “The Delicate Delinquent” — which, by the way, also starred a young Dick Bakalyan who went to high school with my mom and dad. When I moved to LA in ‘75 to seek my fame and fortune, I looked up Dick, who gave me some sage acting advice telling me, “Kid, this business is like tryin’ to climb up a hill of coal in white pants and keep ‘em clean”.  Dickie B. Stand up guy. Cool actor. Good friend.

Yeah, I grew up loving movies. The kind of movies they show on TCM.

For movie lovers of all ages, there’s no place on earth quite like Turner Classic Movies. A virtual film oasis in the desert for millions of Americans somewhere over the rainbow. A place where we can sit back, forget our troubles for a few hours, and enjoy the show.

The beauty of TCM, is how the films are presented uncut and commercial-free. On many occasions letterboxing is the format of choice allowing the audience to experience the film in it’s original splendor. There’s a short featurette which runs on TCM from time to time narrated by Martin Scorsese which explains the importance of letterboxing films.

We, the adoring fans, get to see these films as they were presented in the theatres where we first fell in love with them. Sweet.

Then there’s TCM host, Robert  Osborne…movie lover and gentleman extraordinaire. Mr. Osbourne keeps it simple, keeps it classy. Always providing tidbits to share with his audience about “our next feature.” For my money, Robert Osborne is Mr. TCM.

As I said, I love movies and believe it or not there once was a time when I used to go to the show a couple of times a week. Not any more. The pickins’ are very slim these days. I’d rather watch my oldies but goodies on TCM. As the saying goes: They just don’t make ‘em like they used to.

And despite my kicking and screaming going into the 21st century with new technology, I’m extremely grateful for DVR. TiVo, if you will. Love the fact that I can just press the record button and one of my TCM favorites, or something I haven’t seen yet, is right there for me to enjoy in the comfort of my own home any time of the day or night.

Right now in my TCM queue, I have all set to go “A Man for All Seasons,” “Mean Streets” (the movie I went to see some 50+ times when it came out in ’73, pretty much sealing my fate as an actor and convincing my mother I was absolutely nuts), “The Party,” “Harold and Maude,” “The Last Detail,” “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington,” ”The Delinquents,” (Robert Altman’s first film starring none other than Dick Bakalyan) and my all time favorite, “On the Waterfront.”

Life is good.

And yeah, while the days of sitting in the darkness of those wonderful movie palaces watching the greats are ever so quickly fading away, I’m so glad we have TCM.

To which I would close with a simple request to the powers that be at Turner Classic Movies, to please…please keep it simple. Keep it classy. For movie lovers all across this land, let’s try to keep politics out of it. Up to now, you’ve been doing fine. Robert Osborne is the standard bearer for what a good host should be. Let’s not blow it with this Ben Mankiewicz character, who, for whatever reason, can’t seem to find a way to keep his politics to himself, as he recently demonstrated with his promo for ”A Face in the Crowd.” 

Movie lovers and those who love them will thank you for it. Watch. You’ll see.

Jimmy, from all accounts, has shown himself to be a stand-up guy. A good man, a good cop. Someone who is respected and loved by the people who matter most in his life: family, friends and the men and women who serve with him in the Cambridge Police Department, back in my home state of Massachusetts. Anyone who saw the strong statements made by Sgt. Leon Lashley and Officer Kelly King in support of their colleague can appreciate that these two people came forward.

I’m happy for Jimmy Crowley because now that the dog and pony show staged by the ringmaster-in-chief is officially over, he can get on with his life. Go back home where he belongs, with his wife and kids, being a dad. He can hold his head high for the way he conducted himself, after being called “a racist” by a good friend of the president during an unfortunate event which should never have occurred in the first place.

I can only imagine Jimmy’s shock as he was thrust into the spotlight on July 22 after President Obama, while speaking at a national press conference on health-care reform, decided to foolishly comment on the subject of the arrest of his pal, Professor Skip Gates. As we now know on July 16, Sgt. James Crowley responded to a 9-1-1 call at a home on Ware St., in Cambridge. Upon arriving on the scene he was met by the woman who had made the phone call and proceeded to investigate a possible break-in at the residence.

The rest, as they say, is history and I’m not going to rehash the event.

There are enough stories out there on the Internet along with the police report of the arrest for those who wish to read it.

So now what? In a brief statement made by Officer Crowley after the White House get together, he mentioned that both men wanted to look forward, rather than backward.  Agree to disagree on the particular issue.

No apologies were made, which at least in regard to the president and Mr. Gates, in my opinion, is unfortunate. For all the president’s “talk” about “a teachable moment,” in the end, it was just that. All talk. No action. The White House got their photo-op and now they’re happy. Too bad; they blew it.

An opportunity to “right the wrong” is gone. As they sat at the table, sipping their beer, what would it have taken for Mr. Gates to look Mr. Crowley in the eye and say “I’m sorry”? You know, something like, “I’m sorry for the way I behaved. I was tired after a very long trip, locked out of my home and I should have known better. Please, accept my apology,” to which Mr. Crowley more than likely would have said, “Apology accepted.” Now, there’s a teachable moment for you, America. Have the strength of character to admit when you’re wrong and take responsibility for your actions. Man, this country could have been lifted up, big time, had that happened. No dice.

And what’s up with our president? Here is a man who traveled all over Europe apologizing left and right for supposed past mistakes made by the United States. He can’t find a way to say, “I’m sorry Mr. Crowley”? He doesn’t have it in him to apologize not only to the men and women of the Cambridge PD, but law enforcement officers all across the country for his off-the-cuff, boneheaded statement?  Instead we get this “regrettable, calibrate my words” crap. This is leadership? Ugh!

Maybe, it’s just me. Maybe I’m a little sensitive because my dad was a firefighter for 22 years outside of Boston. He knew a lot of cops as we were growing up. He would tell my brothers and me, if you’re ever stopped by a police officer, you show respect. Keep your mouth shut. Don’t talk back. You’ll never have a problem. He was right. But hey, that was another time and place.

Today is a new day. We live in the age of moral equivalency. We’re told both sides overreacted. There is no “right” there is no “wrong.” The black professor with a chip on his shoulder is no different than the white cop out doing his job. What a bunch of bull.

But hey, it’s over. Last call at The White House Tavern came and went without a lot of fanfare. Until next time.

As for me, I’ll close with this… I respect Sgt. Crowley and wish him all the best. He made a lot of cops and many Americans from coast to coast very proud. If you were to ask, I would say what this country needs are a few more men like Jimmy Crowley.

A stand-up guy and an honest cop if ever there was one.

And so I found myself awake at 2:29 Friday morning. Unable to sleep, thinking of Marc Lee. 

Marc Alan Lee, a brave young man, who made the ultimate sacrifice, on August 2, 2006, while serving with our troops in Iraq.  He was 28 years old. 

I had first learned of Marc, on Thursday morning, as I clicked onto Big Hollywood to get my daily fix of politics and pop culture. What I didn’t know at the time was that this was a different kind of day at my favorite website. The content and articles printed were dedicated solely to the military and their families. 

And so I found myself, reading a letter from one, U.S. Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Marc A. Lee.

As a result, my life will never be the same. For the clarity, for the eloquence of his simply stated words, written to his family two weeks before he was killed in Iraq. A powerful letter from a fallen hero. 

An additional article from Marc’s mother Debbie, who I had heard speak on Dennis Prager’s radio program, only made it more special. On Thursday, Big Hollywood was the place to be if you care about our troops, who serve our country with great pride and honor, day in and day out. 

June 25, 2009 was an eventful day for a few reasons. Besides Big Hollywood participating in Troopathon 2009, it was also the day when music icon, Michael Jackson, passed away. Suddenly, out of left field, from an apparent heart attack at the age of 50. 

A major story, with worldwide reverberations, the passing of Michael Jackson on any other day would have probably grabbed a bit more of my attention.  No question, Michael Jackson is a music legend whose contributions will stand the test of time. However, as I mentioned, once I became aware of Marc Lee’s story, the death of Michael Jackson seemed to pale in comparison.    

I found myself throughout the day staying connected to Big Hollywood.  Articles written by some fantastic contributors, Gold Star Mothers and the live stream webcast, from the Reagan Library, were all excellent. 

As the day went on, it seemed impossible to get away from the news gathering around what had happened to Michael Jackson. After picking up my son from work, I talked with him about what seemed to be occurring. I understood the magnitude of the event but somehow, the circus like atmosphere going on outside of UCLA Medical Center, turned me off. It was becoming sort of a 2009 warped version of Billy Wilder’s 1951 film, ‘Ace in the Hole‘. 

I mentioned to my son about what was going on at Big Hollywood, what I learned about Marc Lee and how it frustrated me that all this attention was being given to a pop icon but not an American hero. Being a good son, he listened and suggested I write something about it. I wasn’t sure if I had anything to say on the subject. 

Thursday night, before I hit the hay, I decided to visit the Huffington Post to see what was on their site. Not surprising, a number of stories about the passing of MJ complete with numerous pictures of fans grieving over the loss of the man. Quite the contrast to what had transpired over at Big Hollywood throughout the day.

I thought about what it all meant?

I guess, at the end of the day, what it boils down to is a question of one’s priorities in life. 

And so I found myself, up at 2:29 Friday morning, thinking of a brave young man. Looking at his picture. Reading his last letter to his family. A beautiful man. A sweet soul. A proud warrior, who gave his life for his country. 

For us. 

No matter what the date says, for me, June 25, 2009 will always be the day I came to know Marc Lee. 

To Marc and to all the brave, fallen warriors, who gave their precious lives, in the name of liberty and freedom, God bless you. May God watch over your families and friends, always.

Yeah, my wife would probably be the first one to tell you, I’m a caveman with heart. At the end of the day, however, I support women’s rights, especially when it comes to them being treated with respect.

On Monday, I wrote an article concerning Bill Maher’s recent attempt to one-up his friend, David Letterman, on the stupid ladder. During his opening monologue on his June 12 “Real Time” show, Maher took his shot at the Palin girls and later went on to state how he believed his pal’s jokes were “harmless.” A claim he continued to echo as recently as yesterday in an interview with Wolf Blitzer on CNN:

BLITZER: “Some of these domestic issues- we’re almost out of time, but a quick question. On David Letterman’s apology to Sarah Palin and her daughters- what do you think?”

MAHER: (Laughs) “I think it’s a real shame. David Letterman should not have had to apologize. You know, I‘ve known David Letterman a long time. We’ve all watched him a very long time. He’s a very fundamentally decent Midwesterner. It’s just not in his DNA to have said something that they’re accusing him of saying, and it just bothers me- the way some lie gets into the media- and then, it becomes the truth. Somehow, it became conventional wisdom now that David Letterman made a rape joke about a 14-year-old. I promise you, the 14-year-old was not in their minds. They made a joke about Alex Rodriguez, because he has a certain reputation as a player. Sarah Palin was at Yankee Stadium, where Alex Rodriguez plays. Her family is very fertile – her daughter did get impregnated before she was married. It was an easy and obvious joke to make. It was funny. It was not offensive in any way, and they made it sound like he said something completely different. So he’s apologizing for something he never meant, never thought, and never said. I‘ve been through this, Wolf. It stinks.”

Personally, I considered Letterman’s joke as being in poor taste. Maher’s joke, on the other hand, was disgusting and pissed me off. I’m all for free speech and I enjoy a good laugh as much as the next guy; however, these two were over the line.  I say, from here on in, the children of politicians should be “off limits” on all sides.

Additionally in my article, I addressed the National Organization for Women coming forward and speaking out on the issue. The fact that NOW had made Letterman a part of their Media Hall of Shame, seemed a good thing. They agreed the joke was ‘ugly’ and went on to state:

Comedians in search of a laugh should really know better than to snicker about men having sex with teenage girls (or young women) less than half their age.

The sexualization of girls and women in the media is reaching new lows these days — it is exploitative and has a negative effect on how all women and girls are perceived and how they view themselves.

Since David Letterman on Monday made a sincere apology to the Palins (which the Governor accepted), the case should now be closed.

So the question for NOW is, what about Bill Maher? If Letterman’s joke was ugly and worth a trip to the Media Hall of Shame, how do you explain Maher getting a pass?  If Maher can’t make it into NOW’s Media Hall of Shame for his sexual jokes concerning a 14-year-old kid and a 62-year-old gap tooth comedian, while subsequently stating these types of jokes are “harmless,” then no one can.

I would only ask NOW to be consistent in dealing with those who continue attacking women, especially young women.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, there’s a dead horse I need to put to rest.

During his opening monologue on ‘Real Time’ Friday night, Bill Maher, couldn’t resist piling on to the David Letterman controversy and the sex jokes made by him earlier in the week regarding Sarah Palin’s daughter. 

In defending his friend, Maher thought Republicans had over reacted and this was just a case of ‘fake’ outrage. Much ado about nothing. He then went on talking about how Letterman had invited Sarah Palin and her young daughter, Willow, to appear as guests on his show but the Governor declined because she thought it would be wise to keep her daughter away from him. Said Maher, “…that’s right, he’s 62 years old, he’s gonna fuck her right there on stage…it would be very wise to keep her, very wise, yes. You know, I’d worry a little more about the 18-year old hockey players who knock up your daughters.” To which his audience of trained seals laughed and clapped and had a good old time. 

I sat there stunned. Much like his pal Letterman, as far as I was concerned, Maher had crossed the line. Big Time. 

What is it with these guys? 

For some strange reason, the Palin family continues to be a source of comedic gold despite the fact that Sarah Palin is Governor of Alaska. Can you imagine the side-splitting laughs we would’ve been able to enjoy had she been elected as our first female vice-president? Damn! Maher and Letterman would have ‘killed’ day in, day out. Their adoring audiences would have been carried out of the theatre on stretchers. “Somebody call the comedy ambulance for the love of Mike!  Dave did it again!” 

According to Bill Maher, these jokes are ‘harmless.’ Women of NOW are you listening? 

Remember when Don Imus was canned in 2007 for his comments made in reference to the Rutgers women’s basketball team? The outrage from the usual suspects and others was a bit more ‘real.’ He was called a racist and a sexist. He was forced to apologize for his lame attempt at humor and sent on his merry way by the powers that be. 

No such luck with Bill and Dave. Harmless. Yeah, right. 

Isn’t it interesting?…depending upon who is telling ‘the joke’ and who is the subject of ‘the joke’ there seems to be an inconsistency of just how ‘real’ or how ‘fake’ the outrage is when dealing with those oh so tolerant souls on the left. 

What’s up with that? 

We all know the answer.  For Bill Maher and David Letterman, no harm, no foul because the Palin family deserves it. They asked for it because Sarah Palin is who she is. An authentic, decent woman who became the governor of a state and last year accepted an invitation from Sen. John McCain to join him as his running mate for vice-president. 

The fact that the Palin’s are conservative doesn’t have -a- thing- to- do- with- it.  In the upside/down world which we now live, the Palin’s and their kids seem fair game to some on the left. WTF!?

One man’s free speech is another man’s hate speech. One man’s outrage is another man’s ‘fake’ outrage. At least it is if you worship at the altar of Leftism. 

As a father and a husband, I can tell you this much, my outrage is friggin’ real. For Todd and Sarah Palin. For their daughters, Bristol and Willow. For their family and those who love them. For my  wife. For my  daughter. Nothing fake about it at all, Billy boy. 

Enough is enough. 

Time for action. Saturday, my wife and I canceled our HBO service. A big thank you to Bill Maher. If there are others out there who have had enough of his brand of comedy, I suggest you take some action. Make a phone call to your service provider, let them know how you feel. You need to hit back. Hit ‘em hard where they understand it most, in the wallet. For some odd reason, that seems to get their collective attention. Money. Honey. 

In closing, it’s good to see the National Organization for Women and other women’s groups speaking out on the Letterman issue. As I mentioned earlier, hopefully, feminists are watching, listening and take notice of Maher’s Friday night performance and his stab at humor regarding the Palin girls. Harmless? You be the judge. 

As for Bill and his friend Dave, if they want to get back to the high road and make amends for the hurt they’ve caused the Palin family, I have a few suggestions: 

Apologize. Sincerely apologize. Stop with the jokes concerning the Palin’s daughters. Millions of young women and their families will be watching; listening. 

And if by some slim chance our pseudo heroes punk out, I suggest women and the men who love them, petition our state department to send Bill and Dave on an excellent adventure. Swap these two clown kings for American journalists Laura Ling and Euna Lee currently being held prisoners on some BS charge of illegally entering the armpit which is, North Korea. 

That way, everybody wins.

Still at another place and time we had Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.) who in keeping with the nasty spirit of Garofalo blasted the Tea Party events in her own unique, elitist way. Quote: “It’s despicable that right-wing Republicans would attempt to cheapen a significant, honorable moment of American history with a shameful political stunt.” What’s “despicable” and “shameful” to me is the contempt Rep. Schakowsky seems to hold for average American citizens who chose to get out there on April 15th and exercise their rights under the First Amendment. It has become blatantly obvious by those on the left, First Amendment rights only apply to them and to their agenda. I guess the rest of us should just stay home and eat cake. Once again, FTS. 

Well, after a while, it started to dawn on me, I was stuck in a quandary with this angry post I’d written and didn’t want to let these suckers get the best of me. I didn’t like the way I was feeling. I decided to step back.  Relax. Took a deep breath and looked around. There must be something better than this?  I thought, I have a choice as to how I want to proceed here. Hell yeah! 

I decided rather than focus on this pathetic Hollywood creature and her super snob sister in Congress; I’d try a different approach.  

It hit me. As easy as changing the channel on “24,” I decided to look for a positive story. A story that made you feel good and there she was… Susan Boyle. A 47 year overnight sensation of a lady, who “dreamed the dream” and had the guts to go for it. Susan Boyle, at first glance not much to look at but oh how she soared when the music began to play. Standing alone on a stage, in England last week, she knocked the socks off all who heard her lovely voice.  She touched a chord in me, creating a magical moment forever captured in time. Susan Boyle is a great story about what’s good in the world. 

If that’s not enough, how about the story of Anvil? From Victor Hugo to the heaviest of metal, one end of the spectrum to the other. Check it out.  After my wife and I left the Tea Party at the Santa Monica Pier on Wednesday we decided to head over to the Nuart Theatre to see the documentary “Anvil! The Story of Anvil.” Now granted, I’m no big fan of heavy metal music but I enjoy documentaries of all kinds.  I’m a sap for stories such as this one.  Let me tell you, similar thing as with Susan Boyle… Steve ‘Lips’ Kudlow and his best friend Robb Reiner are guys in their early fifties who’ve known each other since they were teenagers.  Founders of the band, Anvil, we follow them around as they tell their story which spans for 30 plus years struggling to make it. ‘Lips’ and Robb are the heart and soul of this film. You root for these guys from the get go. Good men along with the families who love and support them. The ‘little heavy metal engine that could’ with a dash of “Spinal Tap.” Needless to say, this movie was a labor of love by all involved and hit all the right notes for me. 

These two stories have one thing in common…having a dream and the desire to make it happen. Decent, hard-working souls who earned the opportunity to drink from the silver cup of success.  Sweet. What could be better than that? 

Not much. 

I have to admit, after writing about these individuals and sharing bits about their stories, I feel much better. Not so angry. Thoughts and words out here in cyberspace about what’s good and right in the world. 

Winners and losers. The choice is yours. 

In an effort to bring this piece back home to where I began with the Tea Parties, a wise man told me some years ago, it’s better to be for something rather than against something. 

Keeping that in mind, I came across these five points posted at the Dallas Tea Party website. I made copies of them which I shared with some of the folks at the Santa Monica Tea Party. Grassroots thing. Good stuff to remember, to focus on for a future events, for the sake of our country. I’d be willing to bet, for many people out at the Tea Parties last week; this kind of sums it up: 

What we stand for:

1. Limited Government – As our Founding Fathers recognized, restraint of government is necessary to protect the liberties of the people.

2. Fiscal Responsibility – Government at all levels must learn to live within its means. To saddle future generations with the crushing burden of excess spending is unconscionable.

3. Personal Responsibility – Liberty is unsustainable without responsibility. Each citizen must take responsibility for the consequences of his or her own actions while respecting the rights and dignity of others.

4. The Rule of Law – Consistent, independent and uniform application of law is critical to a free and prosperous society.

5. National Sovereignty – We must maintain a strong national defense, effective security for our borders, and sole control over land and our laws.

Finally,to all those Americans, who proudly took to the streets on April 15th and let your voices be heard, congratulations. As with another great story which took place in the city of Boston back in December of 1773, you made a statement. Took a first step, despite what critics had to say, in my book, that makes you winners. 

Happy trails…

Despite the fact I’m an actor, she loves me. She thinks I’m the most talented guy on the planet, even as work continues to dry up.  The eternal optimist to my ever lovin’ pessimist. I’m a Flintstone while she’s a beauty with a heart of gold.  I make her laugh.  She loves my bits. (A particular favorite is, my DeNiro, as Jake LaMotta, performing Kenny Loggins, “House at Pooh Corner”). FAHGETAHBOUT IT! My wife’s a peach.

Lately, however, there’ve been some clouds brewing on the horizon and it’s possible I may have had a slight hand in creating the situation.  I’ve been listening to her as she’s watching the tube, talking about how Hannity is so cute.  On other occasions, how the humble founder of Big Hollywood, Andrew Breitbart, has such a quick wit.  I mean, I can handle her getting jazzed about Dennis Prager but this is new stuff for me. For the longest time, she was just so liberal.  To this day, she’s a registered Democrat.  I asked myself, how did this happen?  How did she go from being a liberal woman from Buffalo to being charmed by the likes of O’Reilly?  As I mentioned, I may be somewhat to blame because truth be told, at one time I was a liberal guy from Beantown.  A man who voted for both Carter and Clinton.  There, I said it. 

Somewhere along the line, I began slowly waking up.  I started to look at things a little differently. Events were happening in our country that began getting my attention, coincidentally right around the time my wife and I met in 1991. First up were the hearings for Clarence Thomas followed by The World Trade Center bombing in 1993. Needless to say, I didn’t vote for Clinton in ‘96. I chose to sit it out.  I was frustrated. In retrospect, I believe the bombing of the U.S.S. Cole, in the summer of 2000, was the last straw. I was angry and didn’t like the way our country seemed to be blamed when we were the ones who were attacked.  Our sailors were murdered yet we were at fault?  No way.

9/11 happened and like millions of other Americans, I was never quite the same.  I found myself asking questions, looking for answers.  It was difficult.  We were a country at war.  A nation divided.  I began to notice the way certain stories were reported in the MSM and would look for alternative sources to get information.  The Internet was a good place to plug into.  I discovered Oriana Fallaci, David Horowitz and Thomas Sowell.  I would listen to talk radio, in particular, Dennis Prager, who seemed so clear.  He made sense. The fact that he had been a Democrat for so many years and was now a Republican interested me.

Hearing Ron Silver speak at the RNC in 2004 was a big one.  I remember thinking, wasn’t this actor a Democrat? A liberal?  How could this be?  Yet there he stood, speaking with such passion.  Ron Silver made it cool for me to call myself conservative.  As a result, I began looking once again at Charlton Heston and Ronald Reagan. These men were the real deal.  Men of courage, conviction and I related to their values. I was ashamed of myself for having bad mouthed them years before.  I began to ask, how could I have been so blind?  The answer was easy.  I was growing up.

One other small incident happened during the election of 2004.  My wife and I were visiting with family (I’ll keep it loose as not to upset anyone).  I remember watching a program on CNN with a relative.  Something about President Bush and then I heard those words, “Republicans are evil.” It just hit me. I kept my mouth shut. For some reason, in that moment, all I thought of was my Republican brother-in-law, Johnny, one of the most decent men I know. A man of integrity and someone I respect.  Yet, I was silent knowing full well, if I opened my mouth, there was a good chance all hell would break loose. I kept quiet and didn’t like the feeling. It was personal. From that moment on I was pretty much done with liberals. (I wish to add, not all liberals, just the ones who pretend to be liberals but in truth are leftists. I despise leftists).

As a result, I began finding myself being drawn more and more to conservatives. During the 2008 election, I literally was coming home.  I tried to educate myself best as I could on the candidates and the issues.  My wife and I talked a lot.  We were united as a couple.  What became clear was the fact that many of our family members and friends didn’t seem to quite share our points of view.  On one occasion, I was actually accused, by a liberal friend, of brainwashing my wife.  There was a great deal of tension in the air. People were angry, still raging about the “stolen” elections of 2000.

Our country was divided and the historic election seemed to bring out the best and worst in people. The stakes were high. When my wife and I let it be known we were supporting McCain/Palin, it wasn’t good. We were drinking the kool-aid (so we were told). A particular challenge for me, as an actor, was to stay on the high road whenever the subject of politics came up with liberal friends. Man, it was rough.

The attacks on Sarah Palin made it even more difficult for me as I resented the hypocrisy of so called progressives, feminists and other like minded souls, who stood by while many in the MSM viciously went after her. Screw politics, I thought, enough is enough. I wanted to fight back, tear the faces off these miserable mutts. My Italian Irish American blood was boiling. Through it all my wife was there to help me stay focused. Keep my cool. Although, I must say to this day, I still get a little pissed off when I hear someone go after Governor Palin. She’s a decent woman, who I believe will come back wiser and stronger to lead this country on another day.

Ultimately we got through the election. The waters calmed briefly and on January 20, 2009, Barack Obama was sworn in as our 44th President of the United States. History was made and a new day in America had begun.

What will happen now? God only knows. I believe, as Americans, we will persevere and find our way back home. Time will tell.

As for those clouds on the horizon, I’m really just fine with my wife.  It’s cool.  Hannity, Breitbart, Prager, O’Reilly and all the rest of those guys are good men.  As I said, I’m somewhat (proudly) responsible for her taking a different look at how she views politics, although it was always her call. Alice to my Ralph Kramden. It’s been an interesting journey along the way and I look forward to better days.

My wife loves me.

Despite the fact I’m an actor and a conservative, she loves me.

Oh, and one more thing…Kath, I love you too.