The Diana Ross Videos: Part Two: The Boss

Diana and her massive band are absolutely on fire in this rendition of The Boss from Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas, 1979. The song is the title track of her album from that year and was written and produced by Ashford & Simpson. This video has some great crowd shots, another guest from the audience, and a rad roller skater.

Refusing Oscar

It is Oscar time! Two actors in the 80 year history of the event have refused the award. The first was George C Scott in 1971 for his portrayal of General Patton in PATTON. I guess it was pretty shocking at the time. He called the ceremony a "two-hour meat parade, a public display with contrived suspense for economic reasons." He didn't show up to the event, later saying he was a home watching a hockey game.
Two years later Marlon Brando also refused his Oscar for The Godfather but with a more dramatic approach. He stayed home and sent Sacheen Littlefeather, the president of the National Native American Affirmative Image Committee. She walked past Roger Moore and declined the statue. She said Brando had asked her to represent him and he could not accept the award because of the treatment of Native Americans in film and television. She was very polite and "begged at this time that I have not intruded upon this evening and that we will, in the future, in our hearts and our understanding meet with love and generosity". Brando wrote a long speech that she read to the press after the show. You can read it here. Later that idiot Clint Eastwood got up and said maybe he should present the best picture award "on behalf of all the cowboys shot in John Ford westerns over the years." That is quite a comparison considering the genocidal atrocities against Native Americans the white man has committed.
Anyway, no one has refused an Oscar since, and probably won't. I take my hat off to Scott and Brando.

The Diana Ross Videos: Part 1: Upside Down

Diana Ross. One of the greatest careers of all time. A voice that has touched millions over the last 40 years. I keep buying her records and so far each one is excellent and unique. Her creative output is staggering. From her early Motown days with the Supremes, to amazing disco tracks with Chic, 80's stuff with Arthur Baker, the music is pure heart and soul. This is the first in a series of live performance videos I've found on Youtube. I had'nt realized what an amazing performer she was until I did some research. The joy in this video is so magical I almost cried the first time I saw it. Especially towards the end when a guest from the audience comes on stage with her.

Snaps

Here are some pictures I took with my phone this month.


Tony Watson and Juan Nunez killing it downtown at the Redwood Bar.


A father daughter balencing act on the boardwalk in Venice.


A snapshot of Tim's video art.


Gunner Fox and friend.


A kid being trained.

The Search for Garcia

The search is on. Who will play Jerry Garcia in the upcoming "biopic"?
We have some ideas. Beware- these may seem silly or downright offensive to Deadheads or anyone who respects the history of American music. But this is Hollywood and the exploitation of a meaningful and important life to make a quick buck is nothing new.
For maximum sappiness, I hear the film centers around Jerry's 1986 coma and recovery. Ouch.

How about:

Jack Black? So so wrong.

Javier Bardem? He may as well play John Lennon.

Jared Leto in a fat suit? Boycott.

Benicio Del Toro could work.

Cate Blanchett as 85 Garcia? HAha.

Fuck it, why not Jamie Fox? He already disgraced Ray Charles.

What about that dude Paul Giomantti? Ridiculous.

DeNiro. That could be interesting.

You know what? Let sleeping dogs lie. I hope this movie doesn't get made.

P-Lords Music Mix #5: Pacific Sunsets

The Brothers K present a mellow harp and guitar led tribute to sunsets worldwide. Ibiza chill out, Swiss new age, French spagetti western, and nu-balearic beats all meet here.

Pacific Sunsets Mix