PC Collecting etcetera

My Bucket List

2012-01-02T12:48:00.000-08:00

My Bucket List (Work in Progress)

Things I’ve Already Done

Swim with Sea Turtles
Enjoy Hungarian Yogurt in Budapest
Dance the Bouzouki in Mykonos
Sleep under the stars in Yosemite
Live and own a Bar in Palma de Mallorca
Float in Kaanapali Beach, Maui
Celebrate Christmas in Paris
Photograph Long Beach Grand Prix
Eat pig blood in Lake Tequesquitengo, Mexico
Start my own business (4-times)
Jump off a waterfall
Go at midnight and catch Grunion
Work counting worms in a Worm Ranch
Fly First Class
Fly up Cook Inlet and buzz Glaciers
Have bit part in Movie (Deadfall 1966)
See Opera in Munich, Germany
Find my way back to a youth hostel at 5 am
Enjoy Octopus soup in Naples, Italy
Hear Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony performed live
Hitch a ride on the side of the road
Ride side-car on motorbike during rush hour Vietnam
Eat Black Scorpions in Vietnam
Train thru Vietnam
Drive through a giant Redwood tree
Ride an Elephant in Cambodia
Watch El Cordobes fight a Bull
Get a 3 hour massage
People watch from a Parisian café
Keep a journal for a year
Crew on Transpacific Yacht Race in Australia
Take a 65 foot sloop thru the Greek Islands
Walk around Stonehenge
Drink fresh Mint Tea on Moroccan rug in Tangiers
Do the whole coin thing in the Trevi Fountain
Scuba at night in Catalina
Ski in fresh powder at Sun Valley
Hike to Horseshoe Bend in Page, Arizona
Learn only the best magic trick ever
Enjoy Fettucinni Alfredo at original restaurant in ROME
Learn to cook Paella from Spanish Cook
Soak in a thermal hotspring
Watch people climb Half Dome
Camp in the Yellowstone
Use a machete in the rainforest
Listen to Flamenco in Andalucia
Cross from Europe to Asia by ferry
Win a Chinese Yo-Yo Contest
Dive in the Amazon River
Catch and Eat a Piranha in the Amazon river
Haggle for useless trinkets in a Bazaar or Casbah
High Tea in London
Do an underwater photoshoot
Drive on the Autobahn
Celebrate Carnaval in South America
Gamble in Monte Carlo
Have a sushi breakfast at the Tsukiji fish market
Have walk-on in TV Reality Show (Maui Fever)
Spend Thanksgiving in Turkey
Eat at French Laundry

Things I Want To Do

Write a hit doowop song
Watch Prarie Chickens mate
Throw tomatoes at La Tomatina
Create Multi Medi Show on PC Industry
Walk the Camino de Santiago in Spain
Celebrate New Years on the International Dateline
Walk Cinque Terre Italian Riviera
Go to the Oscars
Explore Petra
Kayak around a calving glacier in Alaska
Experience the Aurora Borealis
Go bushwhacking
Ride the Orient Express
Float in the bio-luminescent bays of Puerto Rico
Stomp grapes in Tuscany
Watch the sun rise and set on all 7 continents
Standing dangerously close to an erupting volcano
See Earth come into view from space
Get an 8 hour massage
Watch Grand Slam of Tennis (3 down)
Kayak down the Grand Canyon
Get over 1,000,000 views on YouTube
Crash an Indian wedding
Camp in the Serengeti

"16 and Pregnant" Tuesday @ 10PM on MTV! Slumber Party has Complications!

2010-03-29T14:56:00.001-07:00

Don't miss a very powerful all new "16 and Pregnant" tonight @ 10PM on MTV! See another heart wrenching Teen Pregnancy episode. Hope you saw "16 & Pregnant" on the Today show on the 19th. NBC did a great job in their analysis of teen pregnancy and the importance of our young kids tuning into "16 & Pregnant".

TEEN ALERT! MUST SEE TV! "16 & Pregnant" Tonite on MTV!

2010-03-06T20:21:00.000-08:00

This weeks Entertainment Weekly picked MTV's top-rated show "16 & Pregnant" as one of the "Don't Miss" programs for this week and season! I agree and suggest Mom's with teenage kids make this show available to them each week. Tough stuff but our teenagers need to see the complete story about teen pregnancy! Good Job MTV!

"16 and Pregnant" just gets Better! Watch Valerie tonight at 10PM on MTV!

2010-03-02T11:04:00.000-08:00

All new episode of "16 and Pregnant" - Valerie - tonight at 10PM on MTV! Executive Producer Morgan J Freeman. This year MTV will showcase 10 new Teen Mom's. Tonight is the 3rd episode and each show just gets better.

16 & Pregnant New Episode Tonight @ 10PM on MTV! Executive Producer Morgan J Freeman

2010-02-23T10:17:00.000-08:00

Episode 2 of MTV's popular show "16 & Pregnant" tonight @ 10PM. All new show titled "Labor Pains".
Don't miss it! I will be watching....

"16 & Pregnant" First Episode in Season 2 Huge Hit on MTV

2010-02-18T12:40:00.000-08:00

Subject:
Tuesday's 4th highest rated program on all TV was 16 & Pregnant

1. AMERICAN IDOL-TUES FOX Tue 7.45
2. LOST ABC Tue 3.75
3. WINTER OLYMPICS TUE PRIME 1 NBC Tue 3.61
4. 16 AND PREGNANT 2 MTV Tue 3.28
5. FAMILY GUY ADSM Tue 2.59
6. BAD GIRLS CLUB OXYG Tue 2.44
7. SORTILEGIO TUE UNIV Tue 2.41
8. FAMILY GUY ADSM Tue 2.06

Congratulations to Morgan J Freeman, Executive Producer, and the entire MTV Team. It's a statement of the power that the material "16 & Pregnant" delivers. It is raw, organic, edgy, realistic and hits our teens hard on teen pregnancy consequences. I hope the message starts to sink in and our kids realize having unprotected sex is more than risky business. It hurts people beyond just the mother and father and is proven to have a negative impact on their lives and the potential for their child to enjoy a normal life.

Next Tuesday 10PM PST on MTV
Episode 2

I will be watching....

Olympics of Teen Pregnancy this Tuesday Feb 16th on MTV with debut of Season 2 of “16 & Pregnant”

2010-02-15T19:54:00.000-08:00

"16 & Pregnant"
MTV's top-rated show from last year will chronicle the ups and downs of 10 new teenager’s ability to cope with becoming a mother earlier than planned.
Teen pregnancy has become even a bigger problem as 2009 saw an increase of 2% over the previous year.
I think all teens from 15 years should view ”16 & Pregnant” as it captures the issues head-on in a no-holds barred approach of showing what happens when you have a child at such an early age.
If you are a young teen mother you can forget about:
*Graduating from High School with your peers.
*Maintaining normal relationships with your friends will be difficult.
*Your base of friends will almost go away.
*Statistics say obtaining a College Diploma will almost totally out of reach.
*Free time to do what you want will not be possible while raising a child.
*Getting a good job while you are raising a child is almost impossible.
*Most teens lack the parenting skills to raise a child.
*Chances are your new child will face greater risk of poverty, behavioral problems, poor academic performance, incarceration, and teen pregnancy.
*Teen pregnancy creates family issues that continue day-in and day-out.
Bottom-line: Teen pregnancy has zero advantages.

“16 & Pregnant” deals with these and other issues in way to discourage young teens from risking an early pregnancy. It is a difficult line for the creators of this show to bring the issues front and center while not making Reality TV Stars of the mothers. They have been very successful showing all the aspects of teen pregnancy in a entertaining and educational way. You really feel for the girls that are showcased. The show our young people think before you getting into a similar situation as these girls.

I am 68, hardly the target audience, but cannot wait for another season of “16 & Pregnant”.

I will be watching!

George Kahumoku wins 4th Grammy at 2010 Grammy Awards

2010-01-31T17:07:00.000-08:00

George Kahumoku, from Maui, with Daniel Ho, Paul Konwiser & Wayne Wong win this years Best Hawaiian Music Grammy. Award was presented today January 30th, 2010 at Staples Center in Los Angeles. This is George's 4th Grammy and 5th nomination. LONG LIVE SLACK KEY GUITAR!

Make sure you get "Masters of Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar -Vol 2", the 5th recording of "live", on-stage performances, selected from the 6th year of the Masters of Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Concerts on the island of Maui.
This CD features master guitarists: Dennis Kamakahi, Owana Salazar, Sonny Lim, Kawika Kahiapo, Keoki Kahumoku, Daniel Ho and George Kahumoku Jr.
With special guests: Richard Hoopii,and Bobby Ingano. Also featured are the young next generation nephews Peter DeAquino and Sterling Seaton.
If ever in Maui don't miss them every Weds. night at the Napili Kai.
Here is photo of Daniel Ho and a good luck shot of George serenading my wife Barbara at her birthday held at Lahaina Yacht Club in Maui!

US Weekly TEEN MOM ReCap On Newstands NOW! Dr. Drew Returns on Tuesday

2010-01-29T14:32:00.000-08:00

US Weekly to recap TEEN MOM in new issue Feb 8th. TEEN MOM on Tuesday Nights on MTV has set new records for viewership during its time slot. MTV has green lighted another season so we will be seeing more of TEEN MOM next year. Quite a year for Morgan J Freeman, Executive Producer, and his crew as their shows "TEEN MOM" AND "16 & PREGNANT" have both become top-rated for the 18-34 age group.

Time to head out and get my copy of US Weekly!

Award Winner Rome Film Festival "Just Like the Son" by Morgan J Freeman now available on DVD!

2010-01-26T12:34:00.000-08:00

YES! I support INDIE Movies! Morgan J Freeman's new movie "Just Like The Son" is now available at Amazon, Best Buy and Netflix! Rent or Buy DVD today!
You will fall in love with Antonio Ortiz... About the movie: While performing community service, small-time crook Daniel Carter (Mark Webber) makes an unexpected connecti...on with 8-year-old Boone (Antonio Ortiz)
and takes drastic measures to prevent him from getting lost in the
foster care system. Drawing on the skills he's picked up as a thief,
Carter nabs Boone and takes him on a cross-country journey to find his
older sister. Along the way, their makeshift father-son bond deepens. Rosie Perez co-stars.

"Just Like the Son" won the Alice in the city prize for the best feature film in Young Adult competition at the Roma Cinema Fest. Be so kind to forward this good news to the writer/director Morgan J Freeman.
Gratzi
Patrizia Freddi

Congratulation to Morgan and his Team!
Photos from "Just Like the Son" Premiere in New York!

"TEEN MOM" Episode 1 on MTV Tuesday Night Dec 8th!

2009-12-02T10:36:00.000-08:00

NEW SHOW! Teen Mom airs at DEC 8TH on MTV. "Teen Mom" will update and re-visit the complicated lives of the Mothers and Daughters of "16 & Pregnant".

Good Luck to Morgan J. Freeman and his team on Season 1- We will be watching! Based on Clips shown in last night's show it looks like it will be exciting stuff!

Tonite Dec 1st on MTV: The Girls of "Teen Mom" spinoff of "16 & Pregnant"

2009-12-01T07:34:00.000-08:00

Catching Up With 16 and Pregnant: The Girls of Teen Mom airs at 6PM tonight on MTV. "Teen Mom" starts next Tuesday Dec 8th and will follow the Mom's and Girl's of "16 & Pregnant".

Good Luck on Season 1- We will be watching!

Teen Mom Premieres December 8th on MTV (Spin-Off of 16 & Pregnant)

2009-11-13T12:12:00.000-08:00

"Teen Mom" Premieres December 8th on MTV. New show is spin-off of the popular "16 & Pregnant" also slated for 2nd Season in 2010. Teen Mom is also product of Executive Producer Morgan J. Freeman. Here is first promo piece on the new show! Looks edgy and we hope it will have same success as 16 & Pregnant. Good Luck Morgan we will be watching.

16 and Pregnant, Season 1 Complete DVD Now Available

2009-11-02T11:29:00.000-08:00

16 and Pregnant, Season 1 Complete DVD. The Perfect Christmas Gift for the 16 year olds in your life. Even 15 years! Now at Amazon.com.

MTV's 16 and Pregnant is an hour-long documentary series focusing on the controversial subject of teen pregnancy. Each episode follows a 5-7 month period in the life of a teenager as she navigates the bumpy terrain of adolescence, growing pains, rebellion, and coming of age; all while dealing with being pregnant.

Each story offers a unique look into the wide variety of challenges pregnant teens face: marriage, adoption, religion, gossip, finances, rumors among the community, graduating high school, getting (or losing) a job. Faced with incredibly adult decisions, these girls are forced to sacrifice their teenage years and their high school experiences. But there is an optimism among them; they have the dedication to make their lives work, and to do as they see fit to provide the best for their babies.

This 3 disc set includes all 6 episodes from Season 1 as well as a 3rd bonus disc featuring the Reunion Special!

Memorial for Darryl Wright Friday Oct 9th at Tantalum in Long Beach

2009-10-04T22:22:00.000-07:00

A memorial tribute for the late Long Beach State football player Darryl Wright, will be held on Friday October 9th between 2 and 5 p.m. at Tantalum Restaurant in Long Beach.

Darryl had quite a fan base of local athletes in all sports. He was an avid Long Beach State 49'er fan and almost never missed a UCLA football game.
Please join us this Friday in Long Beach....
Here are a couple of old photos of Darryl,
David Freeman

Darryl Wright Memorial October 9th

2009-09-29T17:51:00.000-07:00

A memorial tribute for the late Long Beach State football player Darryl Wright, will be held on October 9th between 2 and 5 p.m. at Tantalum Restaurant in Long Beach.

Darryl Wright One of the Finest 49er's Remembered

2009-09-19T13:14:00.000-07:00

Darryl Wright left us this week. One of many memories I have of spending time with Darryl. We shared a common appreciation for photography. When Chris Pook and Don Dyer started the LB Grand Prix, Darryl rallied by getting all of his 49er buddies to bail the Grand Prix out from a tremendous rainstorm, mudslides and flooding. Without the all-night help the race would not have gone on. For the next 7-8 years Darryl, Ron Malouf and I became the unofficial official photographers for the Grand Prix. We spent 4 days shooting everything and our photos were used for the programs, posters and promotional slide shows and more. We created a great slideshow called “The Boys are Back in Town”. He even went up in a helicopter to photograph the race one year. The world is a lesser place without him.

Here are some photos of Darryl working for the Long Beach Grand Prix.

doug.krikorian@Presstelegram.com

A one-time Long Beach State assistant football coach (1960-67) named Stu Farber has fond memories of the late Darryl Wright, whom he recruited from Glendale Community College. "Darryl was a `yes sir, no sir' kind of guy who was smart and intense," says Farber, a 49er backfield coach between 1960-67. "I remember once during a scrimmage he had a big gash on his nose that needed stitches, but he didn't want to come out. That's the kind of player Darryl was."

from Stu Farber in Doug Krikorian Column at Press Telegram

Reality TV: MTV To Premiere New Reality Show ‘Teen Mom’

2009-09-07T10:38:00.000-07:00

Teen Mom will follow four mothers featured on 16 & Pregnant as they continue life during their first year after giving birth.

According to the press release, each Teen Mom episode will combine stories of the four teenage girls featured in 16 & Pregnant’s first season as they navigate through various issues ranging from marriage and financial support to education and employment — all while facing the new responsibility of being a mother and trying to create their own family.
In addition to ordering Teen Mom, MTV announced that it will air a 16 & Pregnant marathon on Monday, September 7.

reprinted from: www.reality tv.com

MTV's "16 & Pregnant” new spinoff "Teen Mom" gets Greenlight

2009-09-06T11:17:00.000-07:00

FROM: THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTER
By Nellie Andreeva Sept 2, 2009

MTV's breakout hit "16 & Pregnant" has spawned a spinoff.

The cable network has greenlighted "Teen Mom," a doc series featuring four girls from the first season of "16 & Pregnant" as they deal with the challenges of their first year of motherhood.

The order is for eight hour-long episodes; Morgan J. Freeman is executive producing.

The four intertwined stories in the spinoff will touch upon such topics from the girls' everyday lives as marriage, relationships, family support (or lack thereof), adoption, finances, graduating high school, getting a job and moving out of their parents' houses to start their own families.

Some of the teens from "Teen Moms" will be on hand to host a "16 & Pregnant" marathon on Labor Day.

The marathon will kick off with an encore presentation of the "Life After Labor" special hosted by Dr. Drew Pinsky at 11 a.m., followed by all six episodes of the show's first season.

Following strong ratings, including 1.6 million viewers tuning in for the series premiere, "16 & Pregnant" was renewed for a second season.
reprinted from www.thehollywoodreporter.com

"16 & Pregnant" TRENDS #2 ON GOOGLE LAST NIGHT WITH DR. DREW

2009-07-24T10:25:00.000-07:00

Google Labs listed "16 & Pregnant" ON-FIRE last night ranking as the 2nd highest (basically tied for 1st) trending topic on Google! Deservedly so! As last nights show was very emotional and captivating TV! Would love to see some behind the scenes takes?

Welcome Calvin Julian Ponder-Freeman

2009-07-22T12:15:00.000-07:00

Welcome Calvin Julian Ponder-Freeman born 7/22/09 11:48 AM in Chicago Illinois. What a great day! Grandchild number 3 for Grammy and Papa and of course Uncle Morgan! All are doing fine! No girls for the Freeman's but we will take it!
Love
Mom and Dad

16 & Pregnant New High in Viewers Executive Producer Morgan J Freeman

2009-07-21T11:09:00.000-07:00

MTV's Season Finale of '16 & Pregnant' Hit Series Highs Among Both P12-34 (1.9) and Total Viewers (2.1 Million) Thursday, Ranking as the Number One Primetime Cable Program
"16 & PREGNANT: LIFE AFTER LABOR" FINALE SPECIAL HOSTED BY DR. DREW PINSKY SET TO AIR ON THURSDAY, JULY 23 AT 10PM ET/PT
"16 & PREGNANT: UNSEEN MOMENTS, HOSTED BY DR. DREW" THURSDAY, JULY 30 AT 10PM ET/PT - FOLLOWED BY A SPECIAL EPISODE OF "TRUE LIFE: I'M HAVING TWINS" AT 11PM ET/PT

MTV's Season Finale of '16 & Pregnant' Hit Series Highs Among Both P12-34 (1.9) and Total Viewers (2.1 Million) Thursday, Ranking as the Number One Primetime Cable Program

NEW YORK, July 20 /PRNewswire/ -- Reflecting on teen pregnancy, one of the most controversial and thought provoking topics today, MTV's "16 & Pregnant" season finale hit series highs among both P12-34 (1.9) and total viewers (2.1 million) on Thursday, July 16, ranking as the number one primetime cable program among P12-34. Viewers can catch more of their favorite series with the "16 & Pregnant: Life After Labor" finale special, hosted by Dr. Drew Pinsky, on Thursday, July 23 at 10pm ET/PT. Additionally, MTV will double up on the drama airing "16 & Pregnant: Unseen Moments, Hosted by Dr. Drew" Thursday, July 30 at 10pm ET/PT followed by a special episode of "True Life: I'm Having Twins" at 11pm ET/PT.

Thursday's finale capped off a season of strong ratings reaching a total audience of over 31 million viewers, consistently taking the #1 spot in its time period among F12-34 and #1 across all of television among F18-24. "16 & Pregnant" also found success online, with more than 9.1 million streams since premiering on June 11.

The "16 & Pregnant: Life After Labor" finale special, hosted by Dr. Drew Pinsky, will be an issue-driven forum on teen pregnancy. All six of the teen mothers profiled on season one of the series will participate in this event. Dr. Drew will discuss each girl's episode, specific issues and challenges and update us on what's going on in their lives now. This open discussion will provide a platform to address the controversial topics that were shown in season one: birth control, adoption, abortion, marriage, religion, gossip, finances, high school graduation and employment. During the show, Dr. Drew will field questions by members of the live studio audience, as well as select emails from viewers.

Dr. Drew will return to MTV on Thursday, July 30 at 10pm ET/PT to host "16 & Pregnant: Unseen Moments, Hosted by Dr. Drew," a compelling hour-long compilation special of the most gripping stories that occurred beyond what audiences saw in the first season. The special highlights many of the challenges and struggles, as well as the funny moments that the girls faced during the filming of "16 & Pregnant." Topics covered will include dreams deferred, family tensions, moments of doubt and the challenges of being pregnant at a young age. Doubling up on the drama, a unique episode of True Life will follow with "True Life: I'm Having Twins" on Thursday, July 30 at 11pm ET/PT.

"True Life: I'm Having Twins" will chronicle two young women who are struggling to care for their newborn twins while balancing their families and their hectic lives at home. From surprise pregnancies to coping with the fear of being a single parent, this special will give viewers an inside look into their lives and how they handle becoming new mothers of twins.

"16 & Pregnant" follows the lives of teenage girls for 5-7 months as they navigate the unfamiliar territory and uncertainty of being pregnant. MTV captured every moment and reaction in real time, including several of the births and how the young mothers and fathers dealt with new parenthood. The series tackles a variety of issues including marriage, adoption, attending school and dealing with gossip. Cameras continued to follow the teens for a significant amount of time after they gave birth to document how they coped with taking care of their infants in addition to balancing adult responsibilities with teenage life.

The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy is working with MTV to support "16 & Pregnant." In partnership with MTV, The National Campaign will continue to create viewing guides for each episode so educators, key organizations and individuals can use the show, which will be available rights free for distribution, as a platform to have an honest discussion around sexual health and pregnancy with teens. Additionally, The National Campaign launched an online resource supporting the show at www.stayteen.org to answer viewers' most commonly asked questions surrounding pregnancy and provide young people with the information they need to be fully informed on this topic.

"16 & Pregnant" is Executive Produced by Morgan J Freeman. Tony DiSanto is President of Programming for MTV. Dia Sokol is Co-Executive Producer. Liz Gateley and Lauren Dolgen are Executives in charge for MTV. Jessica Zalkind is Executive for MTV. Concept by Lauren Dolgen.

Executive Producer Morgan J. Freeman (MTV's Taking The Stage, Laguna Beach,) made a name for himself as the Sundance award-winning writer/director of Hurricane Streets, a film centered on the trails and tribulations of teenage life. Freeman's latest film is called Homecoming, a thriller starring Mischa Barton and Jessica Stroup (90210). The film was released July 17 and is currently in theaters.

About Dr. Drew Pinsky:

The most listened to doctor in America, Dr. Drew is the host of the nationally syndicated radio show "Loveline," where he has taken calls from listeners since 1982. Dr. Drew, who still runs a private practice, is also an internist who is board certified in addiction medicine and is an Assistant Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at the Keck USC School of Medicine. Using media to deliver information, Dr. Drew often appears on television and radio programs to talk about sex, relationships, and addiction. Recently, Dr. Drew teamed up with MTV to help teens and parents get to the root of their problems surrounding the taboo topic of sex in the groundbreaking series, "Sex. . .with Mom and Dad." Additionally, Dr. Drew is the best-selling author of The Mirror Effect: How Celebrity Narcissism Is Seducing America.

About The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy:

The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy is a private, non-profit, non-partisan organization that seeks to improve the lives and future prospects of children and families. Our specific strategy is to prevent teen pregnancy and unplanned pregnancy so that a higher proportion of babies are born into wanted and welcoming circumstances. The National Campaign supports a combination of responsible behavior by men and women and responsible policies in the public and private sectors. Find out more at www.thenationalcampaign.org or www.stayteen.org.

About MTV:

MTV is the dynamic, vibrant experiment at the intersection of music, creativity and youth culture. For over 27 years, MTV has evolved, challenged the norm, and detonated boundaries -- giving each new generation a creative outlet and voice that entertains, informs and unites on every platform and screen. On-air, MTV is the number one rated full-day ad-supported cable network for P12-24. Online, MTV.com averaged 8.5 million monthly unique visitors during the first quarter of 2009 -- up +6% from Q4/2008 and up +6% year-over-year. Total video streams for the first quarter of 2009 increased 21% over the same time period last year. And MTV's successful sibling networks MTV2, mtvU and MTV Tr3s each deliver unprecedented customized content, super-serving music fans, college students and young American Latinos like no one else. MTV is part of MTV Networks, a unit of Viacom (NYSE: VIA) (NYSE: VIA.B) , one of the world's leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms. Wanna know more? Come on in...www.mtvpress.com

SOURCE MTV

Homecoming LA Opening directed by Morgan J Freeman and written by Katie Fetting

2009-07-18T08:39:00.000-07:00

Well thank you again Morgan for creating such a special night for all of us including your Long Beach fan base!
Homecoming was a big hit for those who were at the Sunset5 showing Friday night.
Some of the gritty scenes produced so much groaning in the audience that I thought I was watching "16 and Pregnant".
Alissa's song in the scene when Mischa is talking on phone to her brother was rich and exciting- she has a great voice. Jenny Lewis and Blake's music (Rilo Kiley) was also great. Mike Anderson commented about how great the music was as well.
We all met writer Katie Fetting(in photo) and she spent several minutes taking our questions- she said critics do not know how to handle a movie like homecoming
and she enjoyed working with you and your team. She also wished best for Mischa Barton as we all do. Katie was a very interesting and personable and provided a super recap on an already great night!
Another memorable evening for all of us and we thank you and congratulate you for inviting us to such a great movie.
If you get a chance go check out "Homecoming".

"16 & Pregnant" Episode 4 Ebony Most Eye Opening Yet

2009-07-03T09:33:00.000-07:00

"16 & Pregnant" Episode 4 Ebony Most Heart Wrenching to date- Seals the Deal! Captivating video- I was mesmerized! Getting Pregnant at 16 is not for me!

"16 & Pregnant: Life After Labor" Finale Special Hosted By Dr. Drew Pinsky Set To Air On Thursday, July 23 At 10PM ET/PT

Recent Comments:
I have been able to catch a few of these episodes. Good for young kids to see that raising children ain't so easy...JM Manhattan Beach, CA

We watched the first one and are looking forward to seeing REAL life after the blessed event...RR Sagle, ID

"I LOVE the series. Very, very, very good TV! I was So surprised those programs don't already exist?" about time yeah MTV and Morgan! LC, San Jose, CA

WOW, this is great!!!...MG, Long Beach, CA

I hope you are getting this out to all the schools, TV media and newspapers. It is very good! Must see for all our teenagers.... BB, Fairbanks, AK

"Kids in Long Beach Schools today think getting pregnant is a cool thing to do?"...CB, Long Beach, CA

This is so timely for Alaska as I think we have the highest rate of young Mothers, especially with our Gov’s daughter with a baby of her own....GB, Juneau, AK

"About time someone did something, as teen pregnancy in Texas is up as much as 15%.....I applaud MTV for this provocative no holds barred look at one of our most severe social problems today!"....SK, Denton, TX

"16 & Pregnant" Episode 4 of Popular Docu-Drama Tonite on MTV

2009-07-02T12:26:00.000-07:00

"16 & Pregnant" Has Reached Over 31 Million Viewers Season To Date And Is # 1 In Its Time Period Across Cable Among F12-34 And Across All Of Television Among F18-24

"16 & Pregnant: Life After Labor" Finale Special Hosted By Dr. Drew Pinsky Set To Air On Thursday, July 23 At 10PM ET/PT

MTV GREENLIGHTS 2nd SEASON OF HIT SERIES “16 & PREGNANT” Produced by Morgan J. Freeman

2009-06-30T12:25:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to spread some good news!!!
Morgan's Dad!

MTV GREENLIGHTS SEASON TWO
OF HIT SERIES
“16 & PREGNANT”

“16 & PREGNANT” HAS REACHED OVER 31 MILLION VIEWERS SEASON TO DATE AND IS # 1 IN ITS TIME PERIOD ACROSS CABLE AMONG F12-34 AND ACROSS ALL OF TELEVISION AMONG F18-24

“16 & PREGNANT: LIFE AFTER LABOR” FINALE SPECIAL

HOSTED BY DR. DREW PINSKY

SET TO AIR ON THURSDAY, JULY 23 AT 10PM ET/PT

Santa Monica, CA/New York, NY – June 30, 2009 – Reflecting on one of the most controversial and thought-provoking topics, MTV President of Programming Tony DiSanto announced today that after only 3 episodes aired, the network is picking up a second season of the captivating series “16 and Pregnant.” In addition, MTV will also air “16 and Pregnant: Life After Labor” finale special, hosted by Dr. Drew Pinsky, on Thursday, July 23rd at 10pm ET/PT. “16 & Pregnant” can currently be seen on Thursdays at 10PM ET/PT.

The series follows the lives of teenage girls for 5-7 months as they navigate the unfamiliar territory and uncertainty of being pregnant. MTV captured every moment and reaction in real time, including several of the births and how the young mothers and fathers dealt with new parenthood. The series tackles a variety of issues including marriage, adoption, attending school and dealing with gossip. Cameras continued to follow the teens for a significant amount of time after they gave birth to document how they coped with taking care of their infants in addition to balancing adult responsibilities with teenage life.

The “16 and Pregnant: Life After Labor” finale special, hosted by Dr. Drew Pinsky, will be an issue-driven forum on teen pregnancy. All six of the teen mothers profiled on season one of the series will participate in this event. Dr. Drew will discuss each girl's episode, specific issues and challenges and update us on what's going on in their lives now. This open discussion will provide a platform to address the controversial topics that were shown in season one: birth control, adoption, abortion, marriage, religion, gossip, finances, high school graduation and employment. During the show, Dr. Drew will field questions by members of the live studio audience, as well as select emails from viewers.

Since its debut, “16 & Pregnant,” has garnered amazing ratings reaching an audience of over 31 million views and consistently taking the #1 spot in its time period among F12-34 and #1 across all of television among F18-24. In addition, the show has improved its time period by 162% among P12-34 and 184% among F12-34. “16 & Pregnant” has also found success online. Since premiering on June 11th, the show delivered over 3.4M streams to date, making it the second most streamed series on MTV.com within their time period underneath “The Hills.”

The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy is working with MTV to support “16 & Pregnant.” In partnership with MTV, The National Campaign will continue to create viewing guides for each episode so educators, key organizations and individuals can use the show, which will be available rights free for distribution, as a platform to have an honest discussion around sexual health and pregnancy with teens. Additionally, The National Campaign launched an online resource supporting the show at www.stayteen.org to answer viewers’ most commonly asked questions surrounding pregnancy and provide young people with the information they need to be fully informed on this topic.

“16 & Pregnant” is Executive Produced by Morgan J Freeman. Tony DiSanto is President of Programming for MTV. Dia Sokol is Co-Executive Producer. Liz Gateley and Lauren Dolgen are Executives in charge for MTV. Jessica Zalkind is Executive for MTV. Concept by Lauren Dolgen.

Executive Producer Morgan J. Freeman (MTV's Taking The Stage, Laguna Beach,) made a name for himself as the Sundance award-winning writer/director of Hurricane Streets, a film centered on the trails and tribulations of teenage life. Freeman’s latest film is called Homecoming, a thriller starring Mischa Barton and Jessica Stroup (90210) and is being released theatrical July 17th.

About Dr. Drew Pinsky:

The most listened to doctor in America, Dr. Drew is the host of the nationally syndicated radio show “Loveline,” where he has taken calls from listeners since 1982. Dr. Drew, who still runs a private practice, is also an internist who is board certified in addiction medicine and is an Assistant Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at the Keck USC School of Medicine. Using media to deliver information, Dr. Drew often appears on television and radio programs to talk about sex, relationships, and addiction. Recently, Dr. Drew teamed up with MTV to help teens and parents get to the root of their problems surrounding the taboo topic of sex in the groundbreaking series, “Sex…with Mom and Dad.” Additionally, Dr. Drew is the best-selling author of The Mirror Effect: How Celebrity Narcissism Is Seducing America.

About The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy:

The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy is a private, non-profit, non-partisan organization that seeks to improve the lives and future prospects of children and families. Our specific strategy is to prevent teen pregnancy and unplanned pregnancy so that a higher proportion of babies are born into wanted and welcoming circumstances. The National Campaign supports a combination of responsible behavior by men and women and responsible policies in the public and private sectors. Find out more at www.thenationalcampaign.org or www.stayteen.org.

Max Walker Ponder Freeman Goes to School

2009-06-21T20:06:00.000-07:00

Max looking good as he goes to his first kindergarten class. So far so good. We are all very proud of Max! Hope you do well in school!
Love You
Papa and Grammy

Homecoming starring Mischa Barton, Directed by Morgan J. Freeman coming in July

2009-06-16T10:00:00.000-07:00

Mischa Barton (Shelby) takes it out on Jessica Stroup in Morgan J. Freeman's new horror thriller 'Homecoming' scheduled for theatrical release in July!

16 & Pregnant Premiere on MTV gets Huge Audience

2009-06-16T09:44:00.000-07:00

Reports from MTV indicate 16 & Pregnant is reaching a significant audience of 12-34 year-olds. Morgan J. Freeman, Executive Producer, hopes more of our nations youth will tune in as the show really presents a raw and real look into how ones life changes with the addition of a new baby. Especially when the young parents are still teenagers. Teenage pregnancy, reportedly, has increased as much as 15% in some of our larger cities. Some high school teachers currently say teenage pregnancy in our schools has actually become a fad. The first episode was very heart-wrenching as Maci attempted to deal with all the issues of raising a new baby at 16. Hopefully there will be updates as we all want Maci, Ryan and Bentley to have a good life.
By the way MTV is looking for new participants in its socially important and thought-provoking series. If you are a young women and are presently pregnant contact MTV and inquire on how you can get involved with the series.
Congratulation's to MTV and its entire team for its early success in presenting this important issue to our young kids.

TV Trailer for "16 & Pregnant" Premieres JUNE 11th on MTV

2009-05-23T12:40:00.000-07:00

With Teenage Births on the Rise For the First Time in Fifteen Years, New Series Documents the True Stories of Pregnant Teens!
"16 & Pregnant" Premieres JUNE 11th on MTV- Executive Producer Morgan J. Freeman
To see video please go to Facebook link
http://www.facebook.com/n/?inbox/readmessage.php&t=86307327439&mid=823e85G25ac1f37G247f799G0

Live Look into Teen Pregnancy MTV's "16 & Pregnant" Produced by Morgan J. Freeman

2009-05-19T10:33:00.000-07:00

NEW YORK, May 18 NY-MTV-Teen Pregnancy

With Teenage Births on the Rise For the First Time in Fifteen Years, New Series Documents the True Stories of Pregnant Teens

The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy and the Kaiser Family Foundation Join Forces With MTV To Catalyzean Open Discussion About Teen Pregnancy

NEW YORK, May 18 /PRNewswire/ -- This summer, MTV brings one of the most controversial and thought-provoking topics to its viewers with the new series, "16 & Pregnant." With statistics showing that three in ten girls in the U.S. will get pregnant before the age of 20, the show will take an intimate look inside the lives of pregnant teenagers as they face the challenges that come with being a young parent and dealing with relationships, finance, school and other new responsibilities. "16 & Pregnant" premieres on Thursday, June 11th at 10:00pm ET/PT and will have six one-hour episodes.

According to the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy, more than 700,000 teenage girls in the U.S. become pregnant each year. The vast majority of these pregnancies are unintended. Despite the availability of sex education and access to contraception, the United States has the highest rate of teen pregnancy and teen birth in the entire developed world.

"MTV has a long history of reflecting the lives of our viewers with compelling reality stories," said Tony DiSanto, President of Programming MTV. "'16 & Pregnant' follows the journey of six young women going through an immensely life changing experience at such a young age. Each episode tells a new, unique story and shows the real life challenges they face from dealing with family and friends to school and finances as new mothers. This is the real secret life of an American teenager."

"16 & Pregnant" will follow the lives of teenage girls for 5-7 months as they navigate the unfamiliar territory and uncertainty of being pregnant. MTV was able to capture every moment and reaction in real time, including some of the births and how the young mothers and fathers deal with new parenthood. The series tackles a variety of issues including marriage, adoption, attending school, and dealing with gossip. Cameras will continue to follow the teens for a significant time after the births to show how the new parents cope with taking care of their infants in addition to balancing adult responsibilities with teenage life.

"Given that the teen birth rate is on the rise for the first time in a generation, MTV's '16 & Pregnant' is extremely timely," said Sarah Brown, CEO of The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy. "We applaud MTV for using their unique and compelling style of storytelling to bring this important programming to their devoted audience. The show provides an honest portrayal of the challenges of too-early pregnancy and parenthood. The stories in '16 & Pregnant' are full of hope, heartbreak, and real life consequences and should be a must viewing for teens nationwide."

The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy is working with MTV to support "16 & Pregnant." In partnership with MTV, The National Campaign is creating viewing guides for each episode so educators, key organizations and individuals can use the show, which will be available rights free for distribution, as a platform to have an honest discussion around sexual health and pregnancy with teens. In conjunction with The National Campaign, MTV will reach out to thousands of individuals and organizations across the country that work in education, health, and sex education to promote the show and its resources. Additionally, The National Campaign will launch an online resource to support the show at www.stayteen.org, to answer viewers most commonly asked questions surrounding pregnancy and provide young people with the information they need to be fully informed on this topic. "With the high incidence of unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases, it's more important than ever to reach young people where they are and with messages that resonate," said Tina Hoff, Vice President and Director, Entertainment Media Partnerships. "Through our longstanding partnership with MTV, we reach tens of millions of viewers every day with programming and other content to help them make responsible and safer decisions about their sexual health."

During the month of May, National Teen Pregnancy Prevention Month, MTV and The Kaiser Family Foundation's It's Your (Sex) Life campaign (www.ItsYourSexLife.com) will also highlight resources and information on how to prevent unintended pregnancy and educate yourself on contraception. It's Your (Sex) Life, which promotes responsible decision making about sex, offers insight into what to do if you think you could be pregnant, are pregnant, had unprotected sex, and how to choose and use contraception properly.

"16 & Pregnant" is Executive Produced by Morgan J Freeman Tony DiSanto is Executive Producer for MTV. Dia Sokol is Co-Executive Producer. Liz Gateley and Lauren Dolgen are Executives in charge for MTV. Jessica Zalkind is Executive for MTV. Concept by Lauren Dolgen.

Executive Producer Morgan J. Freeman (MTV's Taking The Stage, Laguna Beach,) made a name for himself as the Sundance award-winning writer/director of Hurricane Streets, a film centered on the trails and tribulations of teenage life. Freeman's latest film is called Homecoming, a thriller starring Mischa Barton and Jessica Stroup (90210) and is being released theatrical July 17th.

About The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy:
The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy is a private, non-profit, non-partisan organization that seeks to improve the lives and future prospects of children and families. Our specific strategy is to prevent teen pregnancy and unplanned pregnancy so that a higher proportion of babies are born into wanted and welcoming circumstances. The National Campaign supports a combination of responsible behavior by men and women and responsible policies in the public and private sectors. Find out more at www.thenationalcampaign.org or www.stayteen.org.

About Its Your (Sex) Life:
Since 1997, the Kaiser Family Foundation and MTV have partnered on an extensive, Emmy and Peabody Award-winning public information campaign on HIV/AIDs, other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and related sexual health issues. The partnership includes targeted public service advertisements (PSAs), entertainment and other special programming, news segments, and free resources, including an informational guide developed especially for the campaign, and an extensive website www.itsyoursexlife.com.

About MTV:
MTV is the dynamic, vibrant experiment at the intersection of music, creativity and youth culture. For over 27 years, MTV has evolved, challenged the norm, and detonated boundaries -- giving each new generation a creative outlet and voice that entertains, informs and unites on every platform and screen. On-air, MTV is the number one rated full-day ad-supported cable network for P12-24. Online, MTV.com averaged 8.5 million monthly unique visitors during the first quarter of 2009 -- up +6% from Q4/2008 and up +6% year-over-year. Total video streams for the first quarter of 2009 increased 21% over the same time period last year. And MTV's successful sibling networks MTV2, mtvU and MTV Tr3s each deliver unprecedented customized content, super-serving music fans, college students and young American Latinos like no one else. MTV is part of MTV Networks, a unit of Viacom (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B), one of the world's leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms. Wanna know more? Come on in... www.mtvpress.com.

SOURCE MTV

"Taking the Stage" Premieres Tonight on MTV at 10PM!

2009-03-18T22:49:00.000-07:00

Taking the Stage, directed by Morgan J Freeman, Premieres Tonight on MTV. Morgan previously directed the first year of Laguna Beach, Maui Fever and now "Taking the Stage" for MTV.

Executive producers, Nick Lachey, Colton Gramm, Mark Ford, Marc Platt, Kevin Lopez, Morgan J. Freeman; co-executive producer, Kathryn Takis; supervising producer, Andrew Davis; line producer, Nick Senter; producers, Jessica Zalkind, Kelly LeCastre; directors, Rob Bruce, Morgan J. Freeman.

Here is how ROBERT LLOYD, Television Critic of the LA Times describes this new exciting show!

Reprint from March 19 edition LATimes.com Entertainment Section

In the opening scene of “Taking the Stage,” two young women in leotards discuss their aches and pains.

"So now my back is, like, shot."

"The things we do for dance."
"Look at the alignment of my toes, that's gross."

It is such small, unglamorous, particular moments that make me enormously fond of this new reality musical from MTV, set at Cincinnati's School for Creative and Performing Arts, an institution that we are told "has produced many famous performers from Sarah Jessica Parker to Nick Lachey." Lachey, the boy band singer, reality TV star and game show host, "conceptualized" the series, which is intended to read as a real-life "Fame" and tracks "five seniors, on the cusp of greatness" over a 10-episode arc.

Premiering tonight, the series follows the method of "The Hills," and "Laguna Beach" before it -- production veterans of those shows are onboard here -- in leaving out the usual spot interviews and video diaries and polishing the footage to look more like a drama than a documentary. Still, it's important that we see these kids as the real thing and for all their rare drive and talent, they are, indeed, clearly kids and really real.

Outside hands have been busy, of course, from the conception to the casting to placing the characters in such a way as to keep the sightlines clear. And if they are not told what to say, it's nevertheless clear that they are asked to discuss certain things at certain times. Did the producers, thinking of "Fame" and various iterations and imitations of "High School Musical," suggest that a dance-off in the cafeteria might be a good thing to have happen? Possibly -- I would think probably -- but when it happens, it feels spontaneous, and what occurs is as good a musical number as I've seen anywhere in some time, full of energy and joy and half-friendly aggression. There is nothing the least stock about it, and when the next Emmys roll around, the academy would do well just to wind these kids up and let them go.

The show was clearly conceived to maximize visual potential and to reflect the interests and fantasies of the MTV audience: Four of the five principals are in the dance department, and in the first episode, at least, that means a little ballet and a lot of hip-hop; the fifth is a singer-songwriter girl in an age of singer-songwriter girls. And given that the emotional interplay is what matters here -- more than a picture of life inside a school for the arts -- the show is liable to give more weight to the dream than to the discipline, except as the discipline advances the dream.

Such a narrative as the first episode proffers is familiar and graspable. It boils down to mostly unrelated stories, both of which aim toward a climactic talent show to be attended by "mass talent scouts." One involves new kid Tyler, a hip-hop dancer looking for some ballet training -- though perhaps not looking hard enough -- who catches the eye of top ballerina Jasmine and becomes the rival-in-dance of Jasmine's best friend, Malik. ("She's out of your league, buddy," Tyler's friend JJ says of Jasmine.)

The other follows Mia, who writes songs full of pained teenage urgency and whose dream is to get signed by age 18 -- that young girls still dream of "getting signed," in a major label way even as that business rocks and reels, is kind of touching, though perhaps not as naive or quixotic as wanting to grow up to work on a newspaper. (For more on that, see last year's MTV high-school reality series, “The Paper.”) They do teach journalism and creative writing at SCPA and, personally, I would like to spend some time with the classical musicians, the theater kids and the visual artists, but that's not what's on the program here.

Anyway, that's just reviewer talk. I pretty much loved it, is what I really want to say.

robert.lloyd@latimes.com

Here's hoping Taking the Stage comes up big for all at MTV!
Hope you have a chance to tune in
Dave Freeman

Morgan J Freeman on Thin Ice at Lake Erie Photo Shoot

2009-02-10T18:38:00.000-08:00

The popular movie "Frozen River" takes place on US-Canadian Border next to the St. Lawrence River. If you haven't seen it catch it before the Oscars on Feb 22nd- it is Great!
As a West Coast resident it is hard to imagine a big river or lake freezing over.
Lake Erie only freezes over about six or so out of every 10 years and 2009 was one of them. However, taking a short cut across the thin ice to Canada is very risky and never recommended. This week it was so cold Lake Erie's surface was frozen. It is estimated that 98% of the lake is covered by ice. Not enough for the 150 or so fishermen that got stranded this week on a piece of ice near Oak Harbor, Ohio.
Morgan J Freeman is once again filming against the bitter challenges of snow, ice and the Lake Erie weather. Here is a low-res iPhone shot of what it looked like the same day of the fishermen rescue.....
Stories like this make be feel good about just being home in Southern California where the days are sunny, the nights cool and are best with a nice log in the fireplace.
For all my friends that live along Lake Erie bundle up and stay warm as Spring is coming soon- but not soon enough for most of you.

Morgan J Freeman "39" Forever Happy Birthday!

2008-12-03T11:57:00.000-08:00

Hard to believe Morgan J Freeman has reached Jack Benny's magical number 39- a number long associated with legendary comedian Jack Benny, who always claimed to be only 39 years old. To commemorate the US Post Office issued a 39 cent stamp. Along with Jack Benny being perennially 39 years old, his character was known for his stinginess- but Morgan is one of the most generous people I know! Here is what life is like in New York according to Jack Benny.

Morgan was born December 5, 1969. Dave Myerscough sent me an email today that determined the Number One Hit Record at the time of his birth was "Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye" by Steam. In case you forgot this tune here it is and it basically says "We Love You" and we surely do!

Happy Birthday Morgan
With Lots of Love from your Dad!

"Just Like the Son" Movie Trailer

2008-11-10T14:52:00.000-08:00

New trailer for "Just Like The Son" directed and written by Morgan J. Freeman has received several awards and has been well received by the Film Festival movie viewers.

Jessica Stroup will follow “Prom Night” with another thriller in “Homecoming”

2008-04-14T09:40:00.000-07:00

Numbing as Amber in “The Hills Have Eyes 2” and riveting in last weekend’s Box Office Hit “Prom Night”, What could be next for Jessica Stroup? You guessed it another thriller in the edgy new teen shocker, “Homecoming” to be released later this year!

Jessica teams up with Mischa Barton, Matthew Long and Michael Landes in Homecoming, directed by Sundance winner Morgan J. Freeman (American Psycho 2, Dawson’s Creek).

Stroup plays girlfriend who becomes the target of her man's ex-high school sweetheart (Mischa Barton).

"It's based on the movie Misery. Mischa captures me," she tells shocktillyoudrop.com. So, essentially, you're the James Caan of the film. "I am." Are you hobbled by a sledgehammer? "No, my Achilles tendon gets slashed."

Stroup expresses the film posed significant physical challenges that extended beyond her scenes with Barton. "We shot the film in Pittsburgh. It was 10-degrees outside and I'm wearing a sweatshirt, sweatpants and a white wife-beater. It was freezing cold and awful."

Homecoming: The Movie, Final days of filming with Mischa Barton and Matt Long... an animus films production directed by Morgan J. Freeman

2008-02-04T12:33:00.000-08:00

As promised here is another update on the final days of the filming of Homecoming from Animus Films. The crew had to persevere very difficult conditions as it snowed, rained and created miserable conditions on the grounds. Many days were spent filming to midnight and beyond. Morgan did say "overall they were very satisfied with the consistent lighting provided by weather conditions". We frankly spent a few hours on the set and our toes were approaching frostbite condition and the hand warmers were getting too hot, as we did not have the proper gloves. Their salvation was shooting interiors most of the time. The old farmhouse had some unique rooms and here are some shots of the numerous interior sets. Just walking through the farmhouse was fascinating as you could see and feel how obsessive and deranged that Mischa Barton's character was.

DP, Stephen Kazmierski, is preparing for a new scene.

Empty Chairs- talent on the set please!

Sound is ready for action (the numerous stickers are used to keep track of who is acting in the scene).

Craft Services- still faint smell from horses that called this home in recent times.

The ride home and God was on our side as Amy, who lives in Pittsburgh, drives in the snow and sleet without fear!

My it was great to get back to the warmth of the Westin!
More updates on Homecoming soon....

20 Days Fun and Work Pittsburgh: New Movie "Homecoming" directed by Morgan J Freeman produced by Animus Films

2008-01-27T09:48:00.000-08:00

Animus Films and Morgan J Freeman wanted to shoot in Pittsburgh to capture its gloomy winter days and nights. Even more so to take advantage of the consistent weather conditions and outdoor skies to keep the film exposure and look and feel of the film consistent! Animus Films seemed to be very satisfied with how the Pittsburgh conditions treated them over the 20 days of shooting. It actually took longer as they took a break for the Christmas Holidays which is very unusual in making a film.
Morgan J Freeman and Mike Kolko (line producer) made it back to city on January 5th just in time for the Steeler-Jaguars playoff game. In Pittsburgh everything stops on gameday- the bars open early- the tailgaters spend the night- and you cannot go anywhere without seeing gold and black. In fact the bridges downtown are painted gold and all the seats are painted gold in the Heinz Field. So if you're in Pittsburgh and the game is on what could be better than to be there! Quite a game as the Steelers scored 19 points in the 4th quarter only to fall short 31-29!

Now one more day of Holiday Break and back to work as Morgan, Mike and Jim Young review the plans for the day.
The next 10 days will be shot in Saltsburg outside of Pittsburgh. The old farmhouse was located through a realty firm that had it up for sale! Perfect location for a edgy thriller like "Homecoming". The rooms were small and crusty. The basement was as dreary and uninviting as it gets. The crew spent several agonizing days filming in the basement!
Mischa Barton (Shelby) and Matt Long (Mike) were on the set when we visited. The film also stars Jessica Stroup and Michael Landes who had the day off. Here is Mischa doing her "Fargo" body disposal imitation blood and all! It looked as tho' she'd done this before in watching the scene!
Matt Long arrived later as the rest of the day was to be filmed inside the farm house. Matt showed up ready for bright sunlight or was expecting "People Magazine" with his nice shades. More later....

Pittsburgh the Perfect Host for Homecoming Movie Crew and Director, Morgan J Freeman and Lead Mischa Barton!

2008-01-23T21:14:00.000-08:00

This was my first trip to Pittsburgh. I arrived late and we stayed at the Westin downtown. The view of "Three Rivers" at night is very impressive. Plus you can see the lights and the skyline as the acid dust and constant haze from the early steel manufacturing days is long gone.
Now Pittsburgh is offering tax advantages and other incentives to attract more movie makers to film here. I assume this is why Paper Street Films selected Pittsburgh for "Homecoming" and Kevin Smith will be arriving soon to start their new project here as well.
Here are a few shots of Pittsburgh and Three Rivers.

We had an early start the next day to the set located about 50 miles outside of Pittsburgh. It was cold and you could feel it in the air that snow was on the way. I went with my wife Barbara and we had a quick cup of coffee at crafts services and then proceeded to take a look at the set for today's shoot. Morgan J Freeman and the crew decided that it would be best to film the outdoor scenes first in case it snowed. The crew had already set up for interior shots in the old farm house and were not excited about breaking down their morning effort and prepare for the exterior shots. Turned out the Morgan was right as the sky opened up about 10:30 AM and within 30 minutes the snow was too heavy for the snow filters mounted on their cameras to work properly- so they were able to maximize their day in spite of the difficult weather conditions. Mischa Barton was getting a good dose of snow conditions just in time for her departure to more snow at Sundance for the premiere of her new film, "Assassination of a High School President," that debuts on Wednesday night the 23rd!

Here is a photo of Morgan, Barb and me on the set.
More later

"Homecoming" with Mischa Barton and Matt Law & Directed by Morgan J Freeman is a Wrap!

2008-01-19T18:55:00.000-08:00

Just left Pittsburgh and the snow, wind, rain, ice and sub-freezing temperature. If the Paper Street Films team and crew wanted to shoot their film in gray, gloomy and dreary conditions the weather certainly cooperated. How they withstood the harsh conditions is beyond my warm California blood. I lasted about 3 hours on the set (a farm house in Bell Township in the city of Saltsburg about 60 miles outside Pittsburgh) and after watching two wicked and bloody scenes by Mischa Barton I got out of town and headed for Chicago to thaw out! Arrived in Chicago town on Friday the 18th and it was 10 degrees. Today, Saturday, it will reach minus numbers! Sunday is supposed to be even colder and we are not far from Green Bay and a bunch of crazy guys will try and play football in this kind of weather. Morgan, Mischa and company are very lucky as the word I got in Pittsburgh was that they get their weather from Chicago. So as cold as it was during the shoot they are going to miss the super-cold as they are all headed home.
I met the entire crew plus the producers and I was very impressed with everyone. They all said it was one of the best crews they have ever worked with and I could see it as I watched them pull down an entire set and relocate in order to shoot outside and hopefully miss a potential snow storm- they moved outside and did their shots and at about 11:00 AM the snow storm started!
So a big "job well-done" to the entire team and here's hoping their hard work results in a successful movie!
For me I'm heading back to California for some Fun in the Sun!

According to Variety Mischa Barton plays stalker in Homecoming

2007-12-20T08:25:00.000-08:00

reprint from....ZAP2it
Mischa Barton Crowned 'Homecoming' Queen
Indie also stars Matt Long, Jessica Stroup and Michael Landes
December 19, 2007
Mischa Barton
Maxim covergirl and beloved "O.C." corpse Mischa Barton will play the lead in the indie "Homecoming."

Described by Variety as a "stalker thriller," the project is set to co-star Matt Long ("Jack & Bobby"), Jessica Stroup ("Reaper"), and Michael Landes ("The Wedding Bells").

Frank Hannah's ("The Cooler") script focuses on a golden boy who returns to his hometown with his new girlfriend only to discover that his old high school flame (Barton) has gone just a little "Fatal Attraction" on his memory.

"Homecoming" will be directed by Morgan J. Freeman, the "Hurricane" helmer who probably has to say "No, not *that* Morgan Freeman" an awful lot.

Since being killed off "The O.C." at the end of its third season, Barton has been busy making unreleased movies. Her potential upcoming credits include "Closing the Ring," "Virgin Territory," "Finding tATu," "Walled In," "Don't Fade Away" and "Assassination of a High School President."

Morgan J Freeman & Mischa Barton Wrap Late in ICE & Snow filming "Homecoming"

2007-12-19T10:09:00.000-08:00

Pittsburgh in Mid-December can be the pitts! Snow, Ice, Ice-Rain and then Rain does not make for a nice warm homecoming. The crew has been wrapping after midnight most nights in frostbite weather as they move closer to a Christmas holiday break in shooting. Most will head for warm weather to thaw out!
Nice article in today's Variety on the project! Here is what they said in case you missed it....

Barton crowned for 'Homecoming'
Actress to play stalker girlfriend in indie thriller
By TATIANA SIEGEL
Mischa Barton will star in the indie stalker thriller "Homecoming."

Morgan J. Freeman ("Hurricane," "Dawson's Creek") will direct the film, which will also star Matt Long, Jessica Stroup and Michael Landes.

Story centers on a former small-town golden boy and his new girlfriend who visit his hometown. and discovers his high school sweetheart (Barton) has developed an unhealthy obsession with him.

Frank Hannah ("The Cooler") wrote the screenplay. Katie Fetting and Jake Goldberger penned an earlier draft.

Jim Young and Bill Papariella of Animus Films will produce alongside Bingo Gubelmann and Austin Stark of Paper Street Films. The Schiff Co.'s Jack Heller is also a producer. Nuala Barton, Benji Kohn, Chris Papavasiliou and Richard Bard will exec produce.

Freeman's film "Just Like the Son" is currently making the festival rounds.

Gald I am here in Southern California putting another log on the fire!
All for now!
Dave

Rilo Kiley Video Wires and Waves Released! Created and Filmed by Morgan J Freeman

2007-12-13T08:13:00.000-08:00

Morgan became fascinated with Rilo Kiley very early in each others career. Either Rilo Kiley or Elected have created music for several of Morgan's films. I also am a huge Rilo Kiley fan and I hope you enjoy this video that showcases one of their best songs called "Wires and Waves" which was on the album "Take Offs and Landings". Good work Jenny Lewis, Blake Sennett, Pierre and their old drummer Dave Rock! This video was filmed way back in 2001 at the Knitting Factory, Mojave Desert and other cool locations. Brings back nice memories of the earlier days of the group!

Born Killers Directed by Morgan J. Freeman now available at on DVD at Amazon!

2007-12-11T07:59:00.000-08:00

Born Killers directed by Morgan J. Freeman with Tom Sizemore, Gabriel Mann, Lauren German, Jake Muxworthy and Kelli Garner released today 12/11 on DVD. Please checkout additional information on this movie as well as trailer below on earlier post! Morgan is presently in Pittsburgh filming new movie titled "Homecoming" starring Mischa Barton and Matthew Law.

Happy Birthday Morgan J. Freeman and Little Richard

2007-12-06T07:13:00.000-08:00

No better way to celebrate a birthday than doing it right....with "Little Richard" who is also enjoying his birthday today! This video will really put you in the birthday spirit! Plus this is a special day as both of these people are my personal favorites! Last time I saw Little Richard he said, "I may not be the best but I am blessed with one thing? Longevity!"
Here's hoping all of us can be so lucky!
Happy Birthday Morgan!

Just for kicks! Max celebrated his 4th Birthday Early!
Happy Birthday to Max!

Born Killers Directed by Morgan J. Freeman now on DVD!

2007-11-30T15:20:00.000-08:00

This movie is worth seeing just to witness Tom Sizemore and how he can act when he was performing at the same time the law was really on his case for the Heidi Fleiss incident. When Morgan said.."action"- Sizemore locks in and he is superior! Available on DVD at amazon.com and other outlets on December 11th.
Congratulations Morgan!

Review By Dennis Dermody of CINEMANIAC
Watched a test disc this weekend of a movie coming out from Lions Gate on DVD on December 11th that was really twisted and dark: Born Killers. It was directed by Morgan J. Freeman, who made the fascinating Hurricane Streets (Sundance 1997) with Brendon Sexton III. Born Killers is about two brothers: John (Jake Muxworthy) and Michael (Gabriel Mann), who roam the countryside killing people.
In flashbacks we see they were taught well by their psychotic dad (played all too appropriately by Tom Sizemore), who claims most houses are just piggy banks to break into and steal from (not to mention kill their owners). The original title was called Piggy Banks.

The movie is the damnedest thing -- every time you think it's going to do one thing it pulls the rug out from under you. Most of the murders happen off screen, but it's still pretty deranged. And when John visits his half sister Gertie (Lauren German) things take another turn and get even weirder. I remember liking Lauren German in Hostel 2 -- she has a toughness and yet she's sexy and great to watch on the screen. But this Jake Muxworthy is really something -- he's frighteningly cute and fabulous in the film. I see he's in the new film by Snakes on o Plane director David R. Ellis called Asylum. It's too bad Born Killers never got a proper release but now at least it will be coming out on DVD. It's unusual and kind of terrific.

Blurb from Hampton's Film Festival (Jake Muxworthy received special award!)
This year’s Rising Stars are Eugene Byrd (Confess, GSA Narrative Competition), Kip Pardue (Laura Smiles, World Cinema), Emily Blunt (Gideon’s Daughter, Spotlight Films), Florian Lukas (One Day In Europe, GSA Narrative Competition), Elizabeth Reaser (Sweet Land, GSA Narrative Competition) and Jake Muxworthy (Born Killers, Spotlight Films).

Andrea Sperling and Jamie Babbit with Baby!

2007-11-26T09:52:00.000-08:00

Popular Indie movie Director, Jamie Babbit and Producer, Andrea Sperling seen just a few days before their second child.

Zac Freeman with his wife Paige and Andrea Sperling and Jamie Babbit with Baby!

Morgan J Freeman inks Mischa Barton for lead in “Homecoming”

2007-11-13T12:01:00.000-08:00

This is a “quasi-pseudo-Exclusive” release of Morgan’s new film “Homecoming”. Morgan has taken up residence in Pittsburgh and is currently doing pre-production and “B-Roll” shots for filming which begins on December 10. Morgan has always worked under some of the harshest weather conditions of any movie maker in the business. “Hurricane Streets” and “Just Like the Son” were shot in 100 degree plus weather in New York. El Nino forced the bonding company to move the location of “Desert Blue” to Tonapah, Nevada from California and the set was covered by six inches of snow. So much for the decision-making of bonding companies. This time they are hoping for snow as the storyline calls for snowy conditions similar to some great scenes in “Misery”. So we are hoping El Nino delivers some timely snowstorms to Pittsburgh for a White Christmas and successful filming.

Morgan has quietly signed Mischa Barton as the lead in this new thriller! Mischa just finished “Malice in Sunderland” and played Marissa Cooper in “The O.C.”. In “Homecoming” she will play an obsessive, manic small-towner that tries to renew an old relationship with her former high school sweetheart. The plot thickens and becomes a scary college-aged thriller similar to “Misery”. Mischa will be joined by Matthew Long (Ghost Rider).

The project is from Animus Films and Paper Street and producers include Jim Young, Bill Papariella and Bingo Gubelman. Austin Stark, and Jack Heller are in talks for the other two leads. "Homecoming" is co-written by Katie Fetting and Frank Hannah.

Here’s hoping much success and good luck to the entire team as they convene in Pittsburgh, PA for the Holiday Season!

"Hurricane Streets" repeats Sat 10/20 on IFC!

2007-10-11T14:32:00.000-07:00

Just received announcement by Tony Pierce at LAist (a popular LA Blog) and he summarized the evolution of Morgan's career and uncovered some new facts about the movie: Hurricane Streets.
Here is what LAist and Tony had to say- go to www.lalist.com for more info
reprinted from LAist
October 11, 2007
LAist Interview: Morgan J. Freeman
morgan j. freeman on the set of hurricane streets

Ten years ago Long Beach native Morgan J. Freeman was minding his own business in film school back east, doing what everyone else in his class did, he submitted his thesis film "Hurricane Streets" to Sundance for competition. Not only was it accepted - alongside the "real" movies, but it won three awards at the festival - Morgan won best director, the cinematographer won for best cinematography, and the film got the audience award for best dramatic film.

Tonight IFC premieres "Hurricane Streets" at 7:45pm, and since I went to college with Morgan back in the day, I emailed him some questions whaddya know he emailed back answers. He also emailed some stills from his latest film "Just Like The Son" that re-unites Freeman with Brendan Sexton III, and Hurricane producer Gill Holland.

hurricane streets box cover LAist: "Hurricane Streets" is hitting its 10 year anniversary. Is that why the Independent Film Channel is premiering it tonight or was it a happy accident?

Morgan J. Freeman: I have no idea. Either way, I'm stoked to see my first born is playing in the streets again. Especially because the distributor, MGM/UA, has not released the film on DVD yet so it's not readily available for most homes anymore. The film is only available on VHS. I'm hopeful they'll release it soon.

This was your first feature after grad school or did you do this while at NYU?

I made it as my thesis film. We were instructed not to make features as our thesis, but I'd been watching a lot of anti-hero films like "Easy Rider" and "Bonnie and Clyde", so I decided to go against the norm. I kid, sort of... the project just fell together in a way I couldn't deny.

You grew up in Long Beach and got your undergrad degree at UC Santa Barbara. Was it difficult for you to place these kids in the NYC setting that is pretty different than the environment that you knew best?

No. I took the characters from my Long Beach teen years and transplanted them into my current NYC East Village neighborhood. Nearly all the locations in the film were places I frequented. Lucy's bar was my local watering hole. Marcus' apartment was my apartment. His roof was my roof. The school was on my corner, etc. But the coming-of-age themes were lifted from the west coast.

morgan freeman and some of the cast of Hurricane Streets
On the set of "Hurricane Streets", 1997

What made you decide that it should be entered into Sundance?

It was just what we did. Every film student submitted to Sundance. Mostly shorts at that time. Two of my shorts had been rejected prior to submitting "Hurricane". The day we were accepted stands out as one of my fondest memories!

When you won at Sundance were all doors opened to you because in "Desert Blue" your follow up to "Hurricane Streets" had Brendan return, but you also were able to cast Christina Ricci, a very young Kate Hudson, as well as everyones fave, Sara Gilbert? Did anyone say no to you after the success of "Hurricane Streets" at Sundance?

It was a strange period. Many new doors opened and suddenly I'm sitting in all these rooms with people who want to work with me. It was hard to keep my focus on what was real, what was the truth.

You were 2nd AD on "Welcome to the Dollhouse", what did you learn on that set that you used on "Hurricane Streets"?

Everything. I learned how the low-budget indie machine operated. I figured out how much money I'd need, how many days I'd need to shoot, how many crew members I'd need. I modeled "Hurricane" entirely around my experience on "Dollhouse." I even met Brendan Sexton III on that film...

Wasn't "Hurricane Streets" Adrian Grenier's first feature? Therefore doesn't he owe you a giant favor, like maybe starring in your next film?

Ha! Yes, I believe it was his first feature role. He gave such a great audition. We all knew he was going to be a star! He doesn't owe me any favors. I don't see it that way.

On the set of "Just Like The Son", 2006

Why were you forced to change the name from "Hurricane" to "Hurricane Streets"?

We had to add "Streets" because the rights to "The Hurricane" were already owned by the studio behind the Denzel Washington film. We couldn't clear "Hurricane." It was a sad day. I really liked the simplicity of the single word title. It was inspired by the Bob Dylan album Desire which I was listening to non-stop while I wrote. I liked the idea of a societal hurricane that throttles these kids lives.

Since your first two features you have continued to write and direct for both film and tv. It seems like many of the themes that you have dealt with revolve around the same center - independent young people trying to break through somehow. Would you say that growing up in the 80s with all the great brat pack films inspired this path?

Hmm... I'm not sure. But I can tell you the films that inspired me the most: "The 400 Blows", "Arizona Dream", "Benny's Video", "Easy Rider", "Harold and Maude", "The Graduate", "Bonnie and Clyde", "Mean Streets", & "Badlands". Most are '70s films that I discovered on video rather than on the screens.

Is there anything major about Hurricane Streets that you'd change now that you look back at it 10 years later?

I'll have to take a look at it tonight on IFC and let you know. My VCR has been broken for a while!

That is so weird. You'd think a film that won the audience award at Sundance, is about young people - typically the ideal target market for studios - and features Adrian in his first feature film, would have been on DVD a long time ago. Why do you think it's not on DVD yet?

I don't know. I've been reaching out to the distributor and am hopeful that it will be made available on DVD sometime within the next year. If not I fear the film will disappear with the VCR!!!

Hurricane Streets(featuring Marcy Playground song "Sex and Candy" that was doing nothing until it got placed in the film)
IFC
tonight @ 7:45pm
10/12 @ 12:45am
10/20 @ 9:45pm

By Tony Pierce

"Born Killers" on DVD in December!

2007-10-09T12:28:00.000-07:00

Word is that Lions Gate is releasing "Born Killers" on DVD in December 2007. It was directed by Morgan J. Freeman (Hurricane Streets: Sundance Winner 1997) and is breakout role for Jake Muxworthy (John) and one of the last acting roles for Tom Sizemore (Father) who may be watching from his cell. "Born Killers" is a twisted tale about two brothers, John and Michael, who get their kicks from killing people. Well-taught by their father (Sizemore) who believes that people and things were just piggy banks there for the taking. John tries to break the trend and Jake Muxworthy really shines in this role. Muxworthy won special award at "Hampton's Film Festival" for his role in this movie. Sizemore is really good as well! Original title of movie was "Piggy Banks".
Morgan is in pre-production for his 6th Independent Feature Film to be filmed in Pittsburg, PA!
Morgan J Freeman at Film Festival with Dad!

Hot off the Press! Just Like the Son wins Grand Prize Winner!

2007-08-14T07:39:00.000-07:00

"Just Like the Son" was awarded Grand Prize Winner at this years Rhode Island Film Festival that concluded on August 10th. Written and Directed by Morgan J. Freeman, "Just Like the Son" has received numerous awards and has enjoyed very good reviews in each venue it has played.

BUZZ R.I. Film Fest Honors Freeman, Shenkman, Weimberg & Ryan, and More

Morgan J. Freeman's "Just Like the Sun" won the grand prize for best
feature at the 2007 Rhode Island International Film Festival (RIIFF),
which concluded on Sunday night in Providence. The festival presented
some 320 films from 70 countries, according to organizers. First place
in the competition was Richard Shenkman's "The Man from Earth," which
also won the award for best screenplay for the work of Jerome Bixby.
Gary Weimberg & Catherine Ryan's "Soliders of Conscience" won the
grand prize for best documentary at the festival, which was honorarily
co-chaired by R.I. Governor Donald Carceiri, Providence Mayor David M.
Cicilline; and US Senator Jack Reed. The festival, which is one of 61
that qualify short films for Academy Award consideration, awards its
best short prize to Guys Thys' "Tanghi Argenti" from Belgium. Joseph
Mazzello won the directorial discovery award for "Matters of Life and
Death," while Kristian A. Soderstrom won the international discovery
award for "Darkness of Truth" from Sweden. The grand prize for best
experimental film went to Arend Steenbergen's "Twee Dromen" and the
award for alternative spirit went to Rob Williams' "Back Soon." A
complete list of winners is available on the festival website. (by Eugene
Hernandez)

Commodore 64 "Looking good after all these Years!"

2007-06-30T09:31:00.000-07:00

Hard to get excited about a Commodore 64 as Jack Tramiel and Company shipped millions of what was the largest selling computer in its day! This system really turns me on as it is in absolutely perfect condition. Plus the matching peripherals really makes for a handsome photo. There is a group on the East Coast that has funded a program to locate, acquire and restore everything and anything about the Commodore 64. I wonder if they have a system that is this good. Hoe you enjoy. I also want to make you aware of a new video that was on thestreet.com that presented a nice overview of Bill Gates and Paul Allen's new museum StartUP located in Albuquerque. Here are the links.
Thanks for all your feedback and support of the PC Museum.
Dave Freeman

"Just Like the Son" World Premiere had Newport Film Festival in a Buzzzz

2007-04-26T15:40:00.000-07:00

This is the second time I have seen "Just Like the Son" and I enjoyed even more. Certain things like the quality of the Soundtrack came through and especially the songs by Blake's new group "Elected". The crowd really was into the movie as all stayed til the very end and through what was a lively and interesting Q&A session. Morgan J. Freeman and Mark Webber were on hand and enlightened the independent movie fans with tidbits about the writing, directing and acting process they went through, One of the biggest challenges was working with Antonio Ortiz as sometimes a 5 year old can be difficult. But with Antonio it was a breeze. Morgan said he wrote the ending first as that is what works best for him in his writing process. The film took place all over the East Coast and the South down to Texas and was shot in 24 days plus 3 days pickup. Mark has a new movie coming out in August called "Hottest State" with Michelle Williams. He is also going to Direct his first film this summer. Nice sweet movie as one fan said. Sure was and it was nice to see "Chaunte" from "Maui Fever" and some of the Long Beach supporters like John Hancock and Steve Conley. We all hit the El Torito Grill after for some more active dialogue. Morgan came close to closing a distribution deal with Dave Myerscough but Dave wanted to sleep on it. Here are some photos of some of the crowd and festivities. They do a nice job at the Newport Beach Film Festival.

Just Like the Son introduces Antonio Ortiz who will steal your heart away!

2007-04-22T10:37:00.000-07:00

Don't miss "Just Like the Son" World Premiere this Wednesday April 25th at Edwards Island in Fashion Island. Headlining at this years popular Newport Beach Film Festival will go for twp wins in a row as it recently won the Alice Award at this years Rome Film Festival. Filmmaker Morgan J. Freeman and Lead Actor Mark Webber will be participating and will be at the screening for Q&A following the screening. Only one shot to see this fine movie on the West Coast so try and make it.
Here is a fresh new review from Film Threat.

JUST LIKE THE SON by Eric Campos 4/8/07

Former “Dawson’s Creek” director Morgan J. Freeman has us meet twenty-year-old petty thief Daniel Carter (Mark Webber) just as a compassionate judge gives him one last chance to straighten up his act, or it’s locked away in the pokey for him. He hits the East Village streets again with the intention of at least “chilling out” for a bit from the crime scene. It’s his mandatory gig of community service removing graffiti from the walls of an elementary school that helps keep him on track, even more so when his natural ease with children lands him an unexpected role as substitute teacher for a class full of six-year-olds. Daniel is drawn towards one kid in particular, Boone (Antonio Ortiz) , a charming little boy with a big Afro. He takes Boone under his wing as kind of like a little brother being that the boy’s mother isn’t around to take care of him a whole lot due to some mysterious illness she has. Then, one day, Boone vanishes from class, taken away to some orphanage supposedly due to his mother becoming even more ill. Determined to find a better life for this boy, Daniel takes it upon himself to rescue Boone (seen as kidnapping by everyone else) from the orphanage and take him on a cross country trek to re-connect with his long lost sister in Dallas. And so begins a road trip filled with all of the best intentions, but ultimately finds Daniel on the wrong side of the law once again.

Light on over-the-top feel good mishy mashy, this road trip bonding experience is instead fueled by the natural chemistry between actors Webber and Ortiz, with little Ortiz stealing the show as Boone. This kid’s got natural screen presence. We’ll be seeing a lot more of him shortly. All in all, “Just Like the Son” is an easy-going, enriching journey. It doesn’t ask much of you except to just sit back and enjoy the ride.

Tickets to "Just Like the Son" Screening at Newport Beach Film Festival April 25th at 3:00 PM.

2007-04-05T10:51:00.001-07:00

Hope you are saving the date as we would really like to see a nice turn out for the screening of Morgan's new movie "Just Like the Son". Morgan will be there along with the lead actor, Mark Webber. See review below- Barb and I saw this movie at Tribeca Film Festival and it also won the Alice Award at this years Rome Film Festival. Here is direct line to theater for tickets!
http://newportbeach.bside.com/?_view=_filmdetails&filmId=16701982

Hope to see you there!
Dave and Barb

Just Like the Son to Screen in Newport Beach Film Festival April 25th!

2007-04-02T17:27:00.000-07:00

Hope all our SoCal friends can join Morgan and Mark Webber at the West Coast screening of "Just Like the Son" on Wednesday April 25th at 3:00 PM at the Edwards Island Theater in Newport Beach. Tickets are on sale now at newportbeachfilmfest.com website.
http://www.newportbeachfilmfest.com/

Here is a new review of Morgan's new film.
Barb and I will be there and we hope you can come and join us.
Morgan and Mark will hold Q&A session following the screening and then we'll head off for Pizza or something else fun in the area- more later.
Dave
http://www.moviesharkdeblore.com/html/just_like_the_son.html

MOVIE REVIEW: JUST LIKE THE SON

by debbie lynn elias

Currently screening at the Method Fest Film Festival in Calabasas, California is one of the most endearing and touching films I have seen in some time. For whatever reason, it seems that creative independent filmmakers like Morgan J. Freeman have a knack for turning out films that, for the most part, speak to the heart, the conscience, the average Joe. This is JUST LIKE THE SON.

Daniel Carter is a hapless 20-year old. With no direction or purpose in life, he spends his time hanging with his friend living a life of ³fun-filled² crimes like shoplifting and pickpocketing, making for excellent Resume references. His father, struggling to instill some value and sense of accountability and responsibility into Daniel, keeps bailing him out of jail and his misdemeanor crimes, but fears the day is fast approaching when he won¹t be able to help his son. Nevertheless, he keeps intoning, ³Keep your side of the street clean,² with Daniel being the street and the message being, straighten up and fly right. Also concerned with Daniel¹s welfare is a kind hearted Judge who believes, as she reminds Daniel at his latest appearance before her, that he should be locked away to keep from committing crimes and that she holds the key to do so. But, believing that there is more to Daniel than meets the eye, she surprises Daniel and gives him one last chance and instead of jail orders him to 240 hours of community service - at an elementary school.

Under the watchful eye of Principal Ponders, who¹s mantra is how many misdemeanors does it take make one a felon (which is how she views Daniel), Daniel serves as graffiti remover and janitor working off his 240 hours of time - that is until Mrs. Ponders has to step away from a classroom and asks Daniel to watch the door. Returning to the class, she finds Daniel in the classroom actually having reprimanded this class of 6 years olds who were acting like little hellions and even more surprisingly, finding that the kids listened. Like the Judge, she too suspects there is more than meets the eye to Daniel and decides to give him a little more responsibility by having him read to the class.

Thanks to his own childlike demeanor and attitude, Daniel connects with all of the kids, but none moreso than with a little boy named Boone. Smart as a whip, cute as a button and according to Mrs. Ponders, a boy with a more than vivid imagination, Boone is alone but for a mother who Boone says is ³sick² and if she doesn¹t get well and has to be hospitalized he will be sent away to ³The Red House², and a sister that has long ago moved and according to Boone¹s mother ³doesn¹t exist.² But something about Boone touches a chord within Daniel and it¹s not long before he soon finds himself feeling more than a friend towards the boy.

Things take an interesting turn, however, when Boone doesn¹t show up in school. Despite Mrs. Ponder¹s emphatic argument that Boone ³tells tales² and Daniel shouldn¹t believe what Boone tells him, Daniel knows in his heart that Boone was telling him the truth about his mother, his sister and ³The Red House.² Making probably the first proactive decision in his life, Daniel determines to get Boone and reunite him with his sister, thus leading the two on the kind of road trip adventure every boy and every father and son dream of.

Mark Webber leads the cast as the aimless and misguided Daniel. With the tousle hair high-school look, board shorts and laid back lackadaisical attitude, Webber is perfect in the role. Where he particularly shines is in character development. He progresses with the character, developing an understated maturity with adult stature and attitude that is balanced with his youthful connection to Boone. It is a joy to watch him throughout the film. The scene stealer, however, is Antonio Ortiz as Boone. Impish, precocious and adorably cute, he is a talent beyond his years. Only his second career role, I expect to see Antonio become a frequent face for the next several years. He has a charismatic natural unpretentious flow that is delightfully fresh. Rosie Perez steps away from her comedic persona in films like ³It Could Happen to You² and fills the shoes of Principal Ponders admirably. Tough on the outside, but clearly a teacher with a heart, she provides some of the initial impetus for Daniel¹s emotional growth.

Written and directed by Morgan J. Freeman, the script is straightforward with a cut-right-to-the-heart sensibility. The dialogue is more than believable and the storyline touches the heart from get-go. Most impressive is the character growth. So often in a film such as this, the characters stagnate, but not here. Freeman feeds you enough that you hope the story will play one way, but keeps you guessing until the actions finally speak for themselves. Adding immeasurably to the thematic feel is Yaron Orbach¹s cinematography which is particularly effective and embraceable in some of the open country scenes. I am particularly impressed with the fact the Orbach shot in Super 16mm and achieved such scenic lushness.

What should prove to be a festival award winner, JUST LIKE THE SON, is as embraceable as the hug between a father and son.

Daniel Carter: Mark Webber
Boone: Antonio Ortiz
Mrs. Ponders: Rosie Perez

Written and directed by Morgan J. Freeman. (86 min)
* * * * * *
Emily Froelich

Maui Fever The Movie! Huge Finale in Hana!

2007-03-08T11:52:00.000-08:00

I was in Maui when for part of the time while the team was shooting Maui Fever. Every now and then i would happen on them in front of Lei Lani's or The Whaler "shooting some reality". I overheard them planning where they were going to shoot next and one of them said "tell the boys we will be over at 10:30 and we will shoot some reality". I thought it was interesting that they did not have a script and they were not concerned about people on the the beachwalk walking by while they were shooting. The cameras just keep on running. In a movie the production people would be running all over up and down the beach telling people to freeze , be quiet and as the Assistant Director would say "all quiet on the set" and then the Director chimes in with "Action" and the cameras roll. Reality is totally different- no film, they used HD digital cameras and they can shoot as much as they want.

I left Maui and 3-4 days later Maui had the big Earthquake. I wondered if this would impact "Maui Fever"? So far none of the episodes have had any reference to the earthquake that did, if you recall, close down the only access road to Hana. So now that episode 8 is part of the "Maui Fever Movie" and they said in the last episode they were going to Hana- it'll be interesting to look for any signs of the earthquake. Anyway.....I'm just glad that they'll be showing some of the "Road to Hana" and I hope there are more surprises in the 2-hour long movie!

Maui Fever The Movie On Staurday MTV!

2007-03-06T12:42:00.000-08:00

I thought tomorrows (Weds) episode would unfortunately be the last but MTV has decided to release a two-hour movie on Maui Fever! I have to reset the TIVO! I am looking forward to the final episode as they plan to travel to the other side of the island. Should be spectacular. Not sure who is going to come out on top in the love triangle or triangles but hope it is Cheyne and Rachael.
More after the final episode!
Mahalo!
See you on Kaanapali Beach in Maui....Soon!

Maui Fever and the Road to Hana! One more Year!

2007-03-01T09:16:00.000-08:00

Last night was another great episode. Nice shots of Kaanapali Beach, The Point and Kapalua. Too bad the show has to end next week just when they travel to Hana and Haleakala. Can't wait to check out the Hana Road! Nice job by the Maui Fever team on the first season. Maui offers so much potential and I hope to see an even better season next year. Input from the Maui people hopefully will be integrated into an improved format. There are so many stories to tell about Maui and Hawaii and its history and culture. The people of Maui should be consulted so their stories about the history and traditions be included. More road trips and visits to fascinating parts of the island will make the show even more interesting. I would like to go along with Cheyne on more surfing trips. Watch Anthony, Sean and Cheyne get ripped by the strong surf at Hookipa. Tag along with Rachael as she arranges a traditional Hawaiian wedding on a secret and sacred beach somewhere on the Island. Maybe a visit to some of the New Age Yoga-type spiritualists upcountry would motivate people to take better care of themselves. A visit to a traditional kitchen upcountry in Kula to learn how to make Lau-Lau's then watch Anna and Chaunte try to eat them properly. Every other Saturday Maui has Canoe races that attract a very interesting crowd. And of course my personal Maui favorites, George Kahumoku, Jr. and Willy K have some of the best Hawaiian stories to share about their "Aunties and Uncles". It would be sad to not be able to continue to showcase Maui on network TV in the future. It's good for Maui and for the Maui people. Here's hoping we see you guys all back for one more year! One more visit to the Hula Grill, Kimo's, Lei Lani's and Hailemaile. I enjoyed it!
Mahalo!
See you in Maui!

Maui Fever Only 2 Episodes left! What will I do?

2007-02-28T07:53:00.000-08:00

Tonight is Episode 7 of only 8 and this week is going to go by so fast. Rachael is coming back from Oahu and who is going to end up with Cheyne? I just want to see the Island. Maui is so picturesque and I'm hoping they will visit Haleakala and Hana before it is over. Nice season nonetheless. Maui is such a special place and I credit MTV and the Producers for giving the world a glimpse of Maui's beauty.
Then the long wait for the Season on DVD!

Maui Fever Gettin Real Complicated!

2007-02-22T15:46:00.000-08:00

Well I guess everyone is going to do everyone else! I still think Rachael is the class of the show! I hope she gets back with Cheyne upon her return from Oahu. I hate to beat a dead horse but I really like the imagery Maui presents. Each shot is a postcard view. The colors are really vivid in Maui. Even the Moon seems to look closer and so much brighter in the Maui sky. It would be so nice to drop everything here in Southern California and take advantage of those special low fares on Aloha before they jump up for the summer.
Maui Fever Makes Me Feel Good!
Here are some photos I took in January of Whales in front of Kaanapali and also mid-channel on way to Lanai.

Maui Fever "Cram Session" New Scenes from Maui!

2007-02-20T09:53:00.000-08:00

I am still into toes as the Maui Fever season moves forward. Anna gets the nod for "Cosmic Toes" with her nice nebula of tattooed stars highlighting her toes. I had a dream that I got fit and sized for a new toe ring by Anna. When I woke up it was another Maui Hottie that probably should have been in the show. Thanks Erica for the nice toe ring. Now I need a tattoo. Whatever you want you can get it in Maui like a nice massage on the boardwalk, henna tattoo's, toe rings, Croc's, Hawaiian Ice, Nice grass hats custom woven, Mai-Tai's on the Beach or dinner on the sand and more.

The next best thing from being in Maui is the glimpses of the Maui Beach, Ocean, Surf, Moon and more each week on Maui Fever! Last night the "Catch-up Show" had some great shots and the water looked psychedelic. When Rachael and Cheyne went to the beach to check out a wedding site (not their wedding) it was the prettiest blue color anywhere. How do they get the colors so vivid and saturated? The production staff at Asylum and 11th Street Productions really have their act together as they get the maximum results for their HD camera work.
Nice stuff-- I also really liked the repeat of the cat show! What a cleverly done sequence.

Here's looking forward to another exciting Wednesday night of Maui Fever!

Maui Fever Anna Makes Her Move...The Edge is Near!

2007-02-14T20:42:00.000-08:00

WOW! What an episode!

Things are really getting twisted....

Rachael is freaking out...

The cat and Rachael are shitting in Cheyne's nest...

Anna is making her move on Cheyne....

Maui is supposed to be a low key, go with the flow, kind of place. But not in Maui Fever. These locals are playing hardball. And where do you find a chick that hasn't heard of a "skin flute"?

I really liked the visit to Justin's home and meeting his "Aunties". They were very interesting and I liked her comment about watch out for Keiki's (kids). Looked like a nice place for some good old Hawaiian Home Cookin! I would like to see George Kahumoku (Grammy Winner Hawaiian Music Album: "Legends of Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar—Live From Maui") come and join Auntie for lunch on a future episode and George could serenade the kids with his slack-key. Or maybe Willy K could cameo and join in on the fun. Maui is blessed to have two of the world's top musicians living there. Hopefully, Willy has been watching the show, but George, who lives on a farm, does not have a TV, so he probably doesn't watch- although he knows all about the show. Maui is blessed to have these two fine Ambassadors of Hawaii living in Maui.

Anna's glimpses at Cheyne in the early episodes were for real and are beginning to pay off big time. Cheyne should be careful, as he is getting in over his head and Rachael is the best for him. Even though she has a Cat! The Cat was quite animated and seemed to enjoy his dialog with Cheyne.

There is something about the Maui backdrop that makes this drama play better.
Especially if you have ever spent alot of time in Maui. It would be tough to have this going on in Oswego, New York with 12 feet of snow or in Chicago with 40 mile an hour snow flurries.

Nice episode- can't wait until next week for another Maui Fix!
(below is George Kahumoku receiving Grammy!)

"Maui Fever" Next Injection Not Soon Enough!

2007-02-13T05:10:00.000-08:00

It has only been 2 1/2 weeks since I was sitting on the Beach in Kaanapali. Yes I have to confess one of my guilty pleasures is watching the Hotties saunder up and down the Kaanapali Walkway. Tomorrow Episode 5 will give me a chance for another glimpse of the Maui lifestyle. Traversing the Island leads you from one postcard perfect view to another. This is how I see Maui Fever. Not the shallow picking up girls on the beach but the natural beauty of Maui in lifelike HD color. Yeah I could watch the Travel Channel- but I want some hep kids like Chaunte, Anna and Cheyne showing me some of the finer parts of Maui that people normally don't see.
Not sure what is going to happen in this episode or where the camera is going to take me but one thing for sure my Tivo is set and I am ready to Catch the Fever!
Mahalo

Maui Fever Will Chaunte Get Dumped? Cosmic Toes

2007-02-08T13:58:00.000-08:00

I am way to old for this stuff but I am enjoying the storyline in Maui Fever. Since I have a second home in Maui I was initially interested in watching to see just how the Producers of the show would capture the remarkable scenery in Maui. There is nothing like a nice ride to Hana or spending an afternoon on the many rocky beaches on the other side of Kapalua. This show does put you in a Maui State of Mind! I remember a taxi drive telling me as we drove to the airport during a full moon "you know Maui and Sedona are the only places on the earth that get special beta particles from the Cosmos". I have spent 15 years since he told me this trying to intercept some of these special particles- I am sure they are there. So Maui is a special place and it was nice to see the rocky shores south of Kapalua where we learned that Anna has Norwegian blood and that her toes are also cosmic. I have eaten at "Blu" in Lahainatown and like all the restaurants in that stretch (Kimo's, Lahaina Yacht Club, Bubba Gumps) the view is amazing. So I think next week Chaunte may get hers! She has quite the attitude and I hope the boys put her in line.
Hope to see Hana soon and maybe Haleakela!...and here's to the pipeline in Paia!
Nice stuff and it just keeps on getting better!

"Maui Fever" Finding its Way! Now in Full Stride...

2007-02-02T20:59:00.000-08:00

Episode 3 really put Maui Fever in stride. It takes several episodes to tell a story and showcase such a beautiful place as Maui. As you can imagine I have been getting some interesting comments to my blog. Some looking for a more Hawaiian influence and others that really like what is going on. I just returned from over 3 weeks on Kaanapali Beach and I really enjoy the weekly glimpse of the vivid imagery found only in Maui. I am too old to be watching MTV, but I still enjoy the great photography and imagery in each show. The sunsets, moonscapes, transparent surf and the fast moving blue sky dotted with snow white clouds in deep saturated HD color. Wow! that is nice stuff! I also like the music aside from some of the hip-hop and rap. In the past three weeks they have showcased Flemming Beach, Lahainatown, Napili, Airport Beach, Black Rock, Hula Grill, Kaanapali Beach Hotel, The Whaler, Kaanapali Alii, Kimo's, Hula Grill, LeiLani's and more. It is just nice to see Maui. I can't wait until we get to enjoy the rest of the Island.
Hope you are liking the show more each week as I am.

New Trailer on "Maui Fever" MTV looks for big Wave

2007-01-08T18:48:00.000-08:00

On Wednesday, January 17 at 10:30 pm eastern / 9:30 pm central, MTV premiered a new reality TV show that was created, produced, and directed by Morgan J. Freeman. A 90 second trailer for the show can be found at

http://www.mtv.com

http://myspace.com/morganjfreeman

Press Release from MTV on Maui Fever

2007-01-05T20:59:00.000-08:00

TEMPERATURES RISE WHEN MTV PREMIERES NEW REALITY DRAMA SERIES “MAUI FEVER” ON JANUARY 17 AT 10:30 PM ET/PT
Released by MTV

New York, NY January 4, 2006 What is life like when everyday is a vacation? MTV answers the question with Maui Fever premiering Wednesday, January 17 at 10:30 PM ET/PT. Maui Fever exposes the daily lives, loves and betrayals of seven locals living in paradise. This close knit group of friends spends their days sunning and their nights partying with no rules and no one to answer to.

Maui Fever explores the lives of several young Kaanapali, Maui locals navigating their way through life on the small island, juggling the revolving door of tourists while trying to maintain stable relationships and establish what they want for their future. The constant threat of temptation causes waves for Cheyne, Chante, Anthony, Anna, Corbin, Sean and Jesse who are just trying to make a good time out of life.

Maui Fever uncovers the real-life drama of a group of friends living and loving in an island paradise, said Tony DiSanto, Executive Producer of Maui Fever. While the guys think they have the upper hand in relationships with the locals and tourists, its the girls who seem to really be pulling the strings. The lush location, compelling characters and classic beach movie vibe come together to make Maui Fever a totally unique and compelling viewing experience."

Meet the Cast:

Cheyne-

Cheyne is all things you'd expect a top pro surfer to be: a party-all-night, funny, outgoing, handsome guy. As the most popular guy in Kaanapali and the son of professional skateboarder Tony Magnuson, will his relationship with girlfriend Rachael survive his attraction to his ex, Anna?

Corbin-

With no goals and no girlfriend, Corbin is the kind of guy who cant take anything or anyone too seriously. Pinned the clown of his social group, Corbin seems to be everyones pal in Kaanapali while perpetually cracking jokes.

Chaunte-

Notorious for being the center of attention, Chaunte is sure to stir up the drama wherever she goes. She likes to keep her on-and-off boyfriend Anthony in the palm of her hand while she keeps her eyes open for other love interests.

Anna-

Shes Chauntes partner in crime and roommate. They even work together as hostesses at a restaurant. And like Chaunte, Anna relishes the attention the attention of boys, especially one boy in particular ex-boyfriend Cheyne. Since Cheyne started dating Rachael, he and Anna have remained close, much to Rachaels dismay. Cheyne and Annas attraction is palpable and it gets the best of them.

Anthony-

Quiet and shy, Anthony is hanging on tight to his relationship with Chaunte. While Chaunte insists they remain just friends, Anthony is incapable of making a decision without her, and unable to see her flirty and manipulative ways. How long until Anthony catches on and cuts all ties?

Sean-

Sean is what one would call the Kaanapali player. Not your normal one-night-stand player, he often dips into the constant flow of tourists to find his love du jour. Will this spontaneous waiter ever settle down?

Jesse-

The new guy in town, Jesse has already moved in with best bud Corbin and become part of the in crowd. Still Jesse often feels like an outsider and finds himself breaking the number one rule in Kaanapali: don't fall for tourists.

Bringing viewers a more in-depth Maui experience, mobile subscribers can receive weekly episode recaps, video clips and partake in a fact or fiction text-message trivia game. MTV.com will also feature an online boutique where fans can purchase exclusive ringtones and wallpapers from the show, as well as check out cast photos and bios.

Tony DiSanto, Liz Gateley and Mike Powers are Executive Producers of Maui Fever. Christy Spitzer is the Development Executive. Steve Michaels, Jonathan Koch, Morgan J. Freeman and Russell Heldt are Executive Producers for Asylum Entertainment. Maui Fever was created by Morgan J. Freeman.

MTV Networks, a unit of Viacom (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B), is one of the worlds leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms. MTV Networks, with more than 130 channels worldwide, owns and operates the following television programming services MTV: MUSIC TELEVISION, MTV2, VH1, mtvU, NICKELODEON, NICK at NITE, COMEDY CENTRAL, TV LAND, SPIKE TV, CMT, NOGGIN, VH1 CLASSIC, LOGO, MTVN INTERNATIONAL and THE DIGITAL SUITE FROM MTV NETWORKS, a package of 13 digital services, all of which are trademarks of MTV Networks. MTV Networks connects with its audiences through its robust consumer products businesses and its more than 200 interactive properties worldwide, including online, broadband, wireless and interactive television services. The network also has licensing agreements, joint ventures, and syndication deals whereby all of its programming services can be seen worldwide.

Press Release appeared on http://www.thefutoncritic.com/news.aspx?id=20070104mtv01

Maui Fever to Air on MTV January 2007 from Long Beach to Laguna Beach to Kaanapali Beach in Maui

2006-12-26T10:12:00.000-08:00

"Maui Fever", filmed late 2006 in Maui, will hit the TV screens starting January 17th, 2007 at 10:30 on MTV. Created, Directed and Co-Produced by Morgan J. Freeman, "Maui Fever" should bring new excitement to the line-up of reality-based shows on MTV. Morgan and Asylum Productions are very excited about the new show and have big expectations on how it will be received by the MTV audience. They have tried to deliver the raw beauty and excitement Maui has to offer plus a very edgy story featuring some of the most interesting young adults now living and making their homes in the Lahaina area. I am looking forward to this hot new show and hope you will also tune in. Morgan also directed the first season of Laguna Beach: The Real OC and hopes that "Maui Fever" will be just as successful. Here are some random shots of Laguna Beach (Kristin and Morgan) and Maui Fever (Anna and Chante with Morgan, Morgan and Steve Michaels on the Beach in Maui) during production. Remember Maui Fever! January 17, 2007.

TI Professional Almost PC Compatible!

2006-12-20T13:48:00.000-08:00

When TI made its entry into the PC arena (owned by IBM) they solicited all of the top tier dealers in America and had them sign a non-disclosure to see and preview their new PC. They created some real excitement that quickly waned as their super secret version of th PC did everything but run IBM PC software. What a cop out and TI ate the big one on the Professional.
Not PC compatible then get to the bottom of the list!

Reprint from Kodak on Just Like the Son

2006-11-13T10:45:00.000-08:00

reprint from Kodak In Camera — October 2006
Feature Films
Just Like the Son
A road movie with a sense of grandeur.....

Just Like the Son
Cinematographer, Yaron Orbach, taking an exposure reading at night

Hurricane Streets, Morgan J. Freeman's debut feature, won the Audience, Best Director and Cinematography Awards at the 1997 Sundance Festival. Freeman, not to be confused with the Oscarwinning actor, was the director. His latest venture is an independent feature called Just Like the Son.

The lead character is a petty thief who takes an orphan under his wing. Things get complicated when the thief kidnaps the boy and begins a cross-country trek towards Texas. Freeman teamed up with cinematographer Yaron Orbach, a native of Israel, who studied filmmaking at the School of Visual Arts in New York.

The filmmakers considered whether to shoot in the Super 16 film format or in high-definition digital video. They opted for Super 16 film in part due to cost savings in post-production. Orbach envisioned a road movie with a sense of grandeur that communicated the wide-open spaces through which the characters travel. He suggested framing the images in a widescreen 2.4:1 aspect ratio.

Freeman and producer Jamin O'Brien requested to see some tests before approving the proposed aspect ratio. "The script called for a simple, organic visual language based on natural, available light," the cinematographer says. "We wanted to focus attention on the characters and not the cinematography. I knew that we'd be on the road, capturing all these environments, and HD would not work for such a filmic story with so many day exteriors."

"The question became how to give the film widescreen scope while shooting in the Super 16 format," he says. "I shot tests with a couple of stocks, and did DIs of about a minute's worth of film at PostWorks in New York. They did a bit of color correction and made an anamorphic print on 35mm film. When we saw the print, we knew there wouldn’t be a problem making the film that way. There was virtually no loss in the quality."
Just Like the Son
Mark Webber and Antonio Ortiz enjoy a private moment

Orbach ordered a ground glass with the widescreen aspect ratio. He exposed the full frame, however, which allowed reframing later if necessary or desired.

After testing a range of films, he chose KODAK VISION2 500T 7218 film, "because of its grain structure and consistency. I used that stock for the entire film — day, night, interiors and exteriors. That was partially for simplicity and also because the slightly grainy look gave the film an extra little bit of character."

He covered the action with an ARRI SR3 camera mounted with T2 Zeiss 35 mm lenses. "It was important to use the pristine glass," he says. "The speed and resolution helped us."

Hostess trays and hood mounts were used for car shots. Sometimes the picture car was towed with a horse trailer carrying lights. For some shots Orbach aimed a 6K or 4K HMI with diffusion through the windshield. Other times he shot with available light.

Post-production, including the digital intermediate, was done at Goldcrest Post in New York City. The colorist was John J. Dowdell III.

"We made some subtle alterations," says Orbach. "The New York material is cooler and the colors are not as rich. As the two characters warm to each other, the film warms up and the colors become more lush."

"I recently saw the finished film at the Tribeca Film Festival," says Orbach. "There's something slightly meditative about it. It's very simple and natural, not too flashy. I got somewhat lost in the calmness of it, which seems rare nowadays. I'm very pleased that our minimalist approach worked out so well.

"http://www.kodak.com/US/en/motion/newsletters/inCamera/oct2006/likeSon.jhtml

Just Like the Son Gets Great Early Buzz at 21st Ft. Lauderdale Film Festival

2006-11-03T10:18:00.000-08:00

JUST LIKE THE SON (reprinted from today's Miami Herald)
Independent filmmakers often describe their movies as labors of love, even though the films themselves can look like cynical calling cards to the Hollywood film industry. But the coming-of-age drama Just Like the Son genuinely feels like one from the heart. The story centers on Daniel (Mark Webber), a trouble-prone 20-year-old sentenced to community service at an elementary school after his latest arrest for thievery.

Under the supervision of the school's principal (Rosie Perez), Daniel befriends 6-year-old Boone (Antonio Ortiz), a cherubic kid with a giant-sized afro and a single mom struggling with terminal illness. When his mother is hospitalized, Boone is shipped off to a state orphanage -- a resolution Daniel finds unacceptable.

So instead, Daniel steals a car, ''kidnaps'' the willing Boone and heads out on a road trip to Dallas, in hopes of reuniting the boy with his older sister. Writer-director Morgan J. Freeman, whose 1997 debut Hurricane Streets also centered on disaffected youth trying to find their way to adulthood, devotes most of Just Like the Son to the bond that develops between Daniel and Boone. Well played by Webber and Ortiz, the two boys become a would-be father-son team in which the father is still figuring out how to become a responsible, self-sufficient adult.

Unlike most road movies, Just Like the Son doesn't throw too many misadventures at its protagonists: Instead, the film settles for allowing Daniel and Boone to get to know each other and form the kind of familial relationship that's missing in their own lives. Sweet and tender without being sentimental or cloying, it's the kind of personal, heartfelt picture that gives indie films a good name. -- R.R.

Cast:
Mark Webber, Antonio Ortiz, Brendan Sexton III, Rosie Perez
Writer-director: Morgan J. Freeman
Producers: Gill Holland, Jamin O'Brien, Matthew Parker
90 minutes. Vulgar language, adult themes. Plays at 8:30 p.m. Thursday and 9 p.m. Nov. 14 at Cinema Paradiso.

Just Like the Son wins top prize at Film Festival in Rome

2006-10-21T10:37:00.000-07:00

Morgan J. Freeman, Jamin O'Brien and Gil Holland received the good news by email from Rome! They created their new movie "Just Like the Son" to reach a young audience (13-19) and it looks like they were right on. Nice job and here's hoping it opens new doors for the film.... Here is the email they received.

Dear Jamin, 10/20/06
We tryed to call you by phone but maybe it's too early in the morning in USA
We are pleased to inform you that the film Just like the son won the prize for the best feature film in Young Adult competition Be so kind to forward this good new to the director as well We will send the prize to the address you will let us kindly know Concerning the prize of euro 5000 (five thousand) for the director please give us his bank account details in order to make the money transfer as soon as possible For any question or further information we are at your complete disposal
Best Patrizia Freddi

Alice in the city
Roma Cinema Fest www.romacinemafest.org Headquarter
Via Benaco, 5 00199 Roma
Tel +39 (0) 6 85304966 Fax +39 (0) 6 8840362

Alice - an intelligent little girl filled with curiosity, dressed in red with her arms thrown open to the world, who speaks in cartoon bubbles – is partying for cinema around the city, from the Auditorium to Piazza Augusto Imperatore and Piazza dei Sanniti in San Lorenzo. This is the logo, the heart, the symbol of “Alice nella città”, the children’s festival running as an integral part of the RomeFilmFest from this year, as one of the Roman programme’s five sections. From the 13th to the 20th of October, the 150 jurors aged between 8 and 14 will be working to choose the winners in two categories: cinema and books. There are 14 films in competition, divided into two groups based on the age of the audience and jurors: “K12”, for children aged 12 to 14 and “Young Adult” for those between 13 and 17 years of age. Five books will be running for the Ungari UNICEF award. Prizes range from 2,000 euros for a special mention to 5,000 euros for the winner. The jury is made up of students from five Roman schools selected from those most active in teaching cinema and literature to youngsters. Jurors will be based in a centre on Via Flaminia throughout the festival, where they will be followed by 12 UNICEF tutors, aiming to promote children’s rights. The whole event will be accompanied by sidebar programmes held in historic venues throughout the capital, decked out in contemporary style for the occasion by Spanish designer Marti Guixe.

Here is Morgan now working hard on "Island Fever" in Maui!

Apricot FP Unique Antique Portable Just in!

2006-10-06T12:56:00.000-07:00

The Apricot FP was released in 1984. It was one of the first PC's to have Speech Recognition, infrared mouse, infared keyboard and the GEM O/S. This is the white model with 512Kb RAM, there was also a black model with 256Kb. It did have some compatibility issues with the IBM PC and the display did not have backlight so it was difficult to see. Uses a 8085 cpu operating at 5MHz and has bulit-in 3.5 inch floppy. This is a gem and it is in pristine condition. Check out the innovative carrying case and light pipe!

Maui No Ka Oi Maui Marathon

2006-09-20T15:54:00.000-07:00

The closest I get to running in a marathon is to watch up close. I also take advantage of the free muffins, Jamba Juice, Starbucks and fruit. Maui had a very successful Marathon including the 5K, Half-Marathon and Marathon. People fly in from Japan, Jamaica, Germany, Africa and more. Men's winner for 3rd time was Jacob Rotich in a slow time of 2:33:44. Runners say add 10 minuutes for the weather in Maui. Plus the course is a real grind starting in Kahului and ends at Whalers Village in Kaanapali Beach. They run next to over 17 miles of the beach! Nice time to be in Maui!

Maui Notes "Island Fever" Buzz

2006-09-13T12:35:00.000-07:00

People are talking everywhere about "Island Fever". The Maui locals do not seem to like the title as it has a negative tone to them. Fine with me, however I think Maui should be part of the title. Morgan says the filming is going good so hopefully the new TV reality show will attract a huge following when it airs in early 2007. Hard to miss them filming as the MTV team is everywhere. Today (friday) they are filming on Front St (downtown Lahaina) and a restaurant named Blue. Paia will be tomorrow, so they are getting out of town for the Maui Marathon which takes place this weekend.
Here are some Island Fever team photos.
Aloha! from Maui!

A Taste of Lahaina "Willy K" steals the Show!

2006-09-11T12:36:00.000-07:00

The 15th annual Taste of Lahaina was our 1st! Very impressive, nice location, great with view of the Pali and full moon, well organized, and the Music of Maui was impressive but some better than others. We frankly expected the crowds to be larger- Maybe it is time for some changes? How about a new name? "The Willy K Taste of Lahaina"? He was by far the best performer over the two days! WOW! Maui is so lucky to have him here 24/7. I also think they should pull in the dates by one week to get more of the holiday tourist trade. People go to this event for (3) reasons: Taste the Food, Hear good Maui Music and to support the Lahaina community charities. They were not disappointed. The local Maui restaurants went all out! "Best in Show" was a tasty seafood offering from Kaanapali Beach Hotel (winning for the past 4 years). Others included Kimo’s Sansei, Roselani, Gaby's, Pioneer Inn, Hyatt Regency, Zuihao and more. These are photos of the winning dish!

Music highlights:

Willy K:

Closing act was “Willy K”, simply amazing, what a talent. Maui has to be proud of their homegrown superstar. From yodeling to rock he sent everyone home happy! If you ever visit Maui don’t miss him at Hapa's Nightclub in Kihei!

Makaha Sons:

Together for more than 30 years. Formerly called Makaha Sons of NiHau with Israel "IZ" Kamakawiwo'ole. IZ left the band to so solo in 1993. He weighed as much as 750 pounds and died at 38 in 1997. After IZ left they changed the name to Makaha Sons. They were on their “A” game at the festival. At the end of the set Barry Kimokeo joined them and showcased his amazing guitar and singing talents. Very good show!

Ekolu:

The group was formed in 1995 and has a very unique harmonic sound and features another Maui heavyweight singer, Lukela Keala.

Makana:

We also liked Makana, especially his Hawaiian slack-key guitar renditions.

Henry Kapono:

Henry goes "Wild Hawaiian" Hard Rock with local Slam Poetry- we like the C&P stuff like "Butterfly". Here is Henry!. The music overall was good but like most festivals you have to hear the good with the bad!
The radio DJ did not add to the festivities! I was disappointed with the coverage of the Maui Times. Looked like their reporter spent a few minutes on the first day, took some token shots and then left. Their was absolutely nothing about the event in Sunday's paper..too bad.
If in Maui next year I will not miss it!

Island Fever and MTV invade Maui for new TV Show

2006-09-05T14:15:00.000-07:00

2 new MTV reality shows will use Valley Isle as a backdrop
The programs will air on MTV in 2007 and feature Maui residents

By Katherine Nichols knichols@starbulletin.com (reprint from Honolulu Star Bulletin)

Oh, the misery of working as a surfing instructor on a yucky white-sand beach on Maui! Or, worse, being young and falling in love and trying to stay loyal to a relationship when beautiful people wander into your life on a daily basis!
It's all part of the drama revolving around two new reality shows set on Maui that will air on MTV in early 2007. "Living Lahaina" started shooting on the Valley Isle yesterday, and "Island Fever" begins filming next Friday. Each show initially will complete eight half-hour episodes over the next 10 weeks.
"Living Lahaina" features a group of instructors at the Royal Hawaiian Surf Academy in Lahaina, who fuel their thrill-seeking sensibilities with an endless quest for adventure. Their exploits will take them on road trips around Maui, as well as to other islands. The cast and crew include an undisclosed mixture of Hawaii residents and people imported from the mainland.
"Island Fever" is more relationship-driven, highlighting a group of "friends and lovers" dealing with the angst surrounding emotional ties and constant temptations to stray. An MTV representative said that everyone in the cast already lived on Maui, and most were born and raised there.
While both shows will accentuate the inherent physical beauty of the setting, "Island Fever" does not plan to relegate Hawaii to the role of backdrop. Producers instead want to incorporate the feel and culture of the island as though it were a character on the show. Hawaii state Film Commissioner Donne Dawson said that producers were receptive to community and cultural concerns, and wanted the show to be as authentic as possible and worked hard to hire residents. "If you're going to be immersing a production in a community for any length of time, it always helps to have a lot of locals on your team," said Dawson. "They know the lay of the land." The shows have different producers, shooting schedules, crews, casts and concepts, so overlap does not seem to be a concern. Content might be, though. "I'm well aware of what reality shows are about," said Maui Film Commissioner Benita Brazier. "I'm well aware that there's going to be some conflict, but I'm positive that it's going to put Maui in a good light. They're being good stewards because they want to come back." Brazier expressed even stronger optimism: "We trust that both productions will take this opportunity to educate themselves and then to document the Maui that most visitors will never experience."
That might be a stretch for a network that caters to a young, edgy set that does not necessarily tune in for an anthropology lesson. Yet everyone involved is excited about what could result in vast and beneficial exposure for the state.
Producers came to Maui in June to shoot a pilot episode for each show, which they presented to MTV executives. Both shows received "green light" status several weeks ago, fueled by a constructive meeting last month in Los Angeles with Hawaii's film commissioners. The decision to proceed was made before the tax incentives of Act 88 went into effect, but the MTV spokeswoman confirmed that those incentives have made shooting in Hawaii even more appealing.

Timex 1000 and KayPro II Two Classic PC's

2006-08-29T13:17:00.000-07:00

Timex 1000
First came the ZX80 followed by the ZX81. Sir Clive Sinclair really put the PC indusry on its ear when he released the USA version of the ZX81, the Timex 1000, for under 100 bucks in 1982. Yes for $99.95. Our new system includes boxed 16K RAM module, ZX81 computer plus software ad manuals. All in original boxes and in nice condition. Timex has only 4 chips, the Z80A CPU, ROM, static RAM and custom chip. Users detested cheap keyboard so many versions followed by 3rd parties with better keyboards. However for the price it was one of the best deals at the time!

KayPro II
Designed to go after Osborne, the Kaypro II had 64K of RAM, dual Tandon SS/DD 5 1/4" Floppy Drives, plus a huge 9" green screen (Osborne only 5" screen). It is said that "2010: A Space Odyssey" was written on a Kaypro! Key advantage was software including Wordstar, Perfect series and more.

Maui to be Showcased on MTV "Island Fever"

2006-08-25T07:42:00.000-07:00

Surf's up for MTV skeins
Reality duo set on islands
by Denise Martin

MTV has greenlit a pair of unscripted series set on the island of Maui.
Cabler has ordered eight half-hour episodes each of the docudramas "Island Fever" and "Living Lahaina" for premiere in first quarter 2007.

In the vein of "The Real World" and "Laguna Beach"-style reality, "Island Fever" will track the lives and loves of a group of friends in Hawaii, while "Living Lahaina" will follow surf instructors who work at the Royal Hawaiian Surf Academy.

"We're excited to explore the beautiful island of Maui to see what stories develop," MTV entertainment and programming exec VP Lois Curren said. "As always, our goal is to continue to bring our audience an entertaining inside look at the lives of young people told through our distinctive storytelling style."

"We trust that both productions will take this opportunity to document the Maui that most visitors will never experience," Maui Film Commission's Benita Brazier said. "To most people, Maui is merely sand and surf. Maui and the Hawaiian culture are much richer and deeper."

Tony DiSanto, Liz Gateley and Mike Powers exec produce "Island." Steve Michaels, Jonathan Koch, Morgan J. Freeman and Russell Heldt exec produce for Asylum Entertainment.

Jesse Ignjatovic will exec produce "Living Lahaina."
date in print: Variety, 8/25/2006, Los Angeles

Good Luck Morgan J. Freeman and Steve Michaels and Mahalo!

39 Years still having FUN!

2006-08-16T12:57:00.000-07:00

Tuesday the 15th Barb and I celebrated our 39th Wedding Anniversary. It has been a long time since we went to the Rock of Gibraltar (home of rock apes) and got married under the Queen in 1967. The year the Beatles released "Sargent Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band". Our oldest son Morgan joined us as we had drinks at TantaLum in Long Beach and then enjoyed the best sushi anywhere at Koi (note Tiffany bag on seat) in Seal Beach! Nice night and we were happy Morgan was in town (on break before new project starting the 20th) and joined us! I am one LUCKY Guy!

Airport Security Revisited: Inadequate Action

2006-08-10T08:40:00.002-07:00

I wrote this to our President and also the Director of Homeland Security over one year ago as the result of my obervations as a frequent flyer. Why doesn't someone take some positive steps to prevent a disaster before it happens? Common Sense 101.

Date: July 28, 2005 1:29:23 PM PDT
To: comments@whitehouse.gov and homeland security (dhs.gov)
Subject: Anti-Terrorism Program

Dear Sir,

Last week a friend of mine was in a horrible accident on a local freeway in Los Angeles. He quickly called 911 on his telephone. After repeated calls to 911 for over 30 minutes he was unable to get through. If he was calling to report suspicious potential terrorists activity he would have just got a busy signal.

The best way to prevent terrorism is through vigilant people making Homeland Security or other Anti-Terrorism agencies aware of suspicious situations that may or may not be linked to an actual horrifying event. Obviously, calling 911 does not work.

I suggest you consider a special number such as 666 for vigilant people to call in case of a potential bomb threat or suspicious activity. One of the issues in fighting terrorism utilizing vigilance is reinforcing the need for all citizens to pay attention of what is going on around them. In a few months things will return to the way it was before the London tragedy. People need to be reminded and it has to be part of a program such as "Project 666".

Secretary Chertoff in his address recently to a Congressional committed stated that there is no way to protect our infrastructure of subways and mass transit. He cited the lack of funds and personnel to adequately support these efforts. If we can spend $180 Billion on the Iraq war then we can find the money to fight terrorism. It was interesting that shortly after his talk the City of New York introduced random searches at train stations and subways. However this program was immediately
dilutely by their position that in anyone refused they could simply walk out of the terminal. This negated their new program.

The nation needs to hire a staff of as many security officers it needs to respond to 666 calls. Yes, it will be expensive but the cell phone is the only tool that US citizens can use against terrorism. This program must continually make citizens aware that they can help- It must be an ongoing program.

It is also important to define a new policy regarding carry-on knapsacks and luggage on airlines. All carry-on must be contained in a seamless plastic see-thru bag. In a major department store, employees must use a see-thru bag when they carry things into work. They use this as part of their security system to stop employee theft. Several different versions of see-thru carry-on luggage must be made available to accommodate the variety of needs of the travelers. If it is not see through it is checked in at the terminal as baggage. I have personally witnessed the ineptness of Argenbright and other security companies. Sometimes I leave my computer in by carry-on and it goes through undetected. Sometime I have to take my shoes off and other times no. I am disabled and when I had to use a wheel chair in O'Hare I was put through the lines quickly and was basically un-inspected. I could have carried on anything. The use of poorly trained and mismanaged independent security companies is not doing the job! See through bags is the only way to be able to inspect everything. The airlines are also falling short. I recently flew from Maui to Los Angeles on American Airlines. During the first 30 minutes the pilot cabin door was opened 4 times without following normal security procedures.

Thank you for taking the time to read my suggestions and input. Your agency needs to more not less. The funds have to be made available to get the job done. I feel much safer flying Air France where the passengers go through an added level of screening just when they are about to get on the airplane. This is also done in Africa. They don't mess around. With see-thru carry-on luggage it takes this process to a more secure level and that is what we want- Security. I am continually amazed at how we as a country remain saddled the most ill-equipped and ineffective security at our airports. If France, Africa, Israel and other countries can develop and utilize more effective programs then why can't we? We should take the lead and institute new programs that are above and beyond those offered in other countries.

David Freeman
Concerned Citizen
PS: That's Right- During travel to 3rd World Countries in Africa the screening procedures at the airport were tighter than the good old USA! Go fiqure, if it cost a lot of money the African's could not afford it- so they just have to work harder on the job to get it done right!

Rent-a-Nanny Returns to California

2006-08-04T10:43:00.000-07:00

101 Degrees in the Shade! 112 Heat-Index with humidity! Chicago is not the place to be when it is HOT! The Windy City needs the wind to survive during this heat. But working as a Rent-a-Nanny the job has to be done. I spent the hot days taking care of Sebastian and avoiding the hot weather. Here are a couple photos. Sebastian is now 14 days old and weighs in at a whopping 6lbs 6ozs. Rent-a-Nanny is home and really enjoying the nice weather in California!

The World IS Mel Gibson by Bill Maher

2006-08-04T10:10:00.000-07:00

I suspect I'll have plenty more to say about Mel Gibson when Real Time returns to HBO on August 25 (PLUG!!!), but in the meantime a couple of thoughts:

As I watch so much of the world ask Israel for restraint in a way no other country would (Can you imagine what Bush would do if a terrorist organization took over Canada and was lobbing missiles into Montana, Maine and Illinois?) - and, by the way, does anyone ever ask Hezbollah for
restraint. you know, like, please stop firing your rockets aimed PURPOSEFULLY at civilians? - it strikes me that the world IS Mel Gibson. Most of the time, the anti-semitism is under control, but that demon lives inside and when the moon is full, or there's been enough alcohol consumed,
or Israel is forced to kill people in its own defense, then it comes out.

I've heard Mr. Gibson say he's sorry, and that he's wrong, and others say, well, he was drunk, he's got a disease, etc. But my question is, what is the root of this, Mel? I mean, we all say crazy things when we're drunk, and we've all undoubtedly had ugly moments when we're superstressed out and then drunk on top of it, I know I have - but what comes out at that moment isn't a tirade against the Jews. Yes, liquor releases demons, but I want to know why the demon in Mel Gibson is hatred of the Jews to begin with (I know, the father). Why, when Mels's id is released, its about the Jews fucking everything up, just like it was with Hitler. Except Mel Gibson, when his id is in check, I believe, really knows how wrong that is, and how stupid. He, I believe, at least fights with himself about this.

But he'll never win as long as he's so religious, because, I hate to tell you, the disease isn't alcholism, the disease is religion. But that's another essay.

For now, let me just say again: the world has their simmering hatred of the Jews under check most of the time, but do watch them when they start weaving on PCH.
And Mel, let me remind you: The Jews have not started all the wars in the world. But they have greenlit all the movies.

NorthStar Horizon Classic System- Nice Memory

2006-07-25T10:50:00.000-07:00

Vintage Northstar S-100 Horizon System in excellent condition and working. Includes SOROC IQ-120 Terminal with unique Northstar labeled function key sticker. Plus NEC 9510 SpinWriter. Donation by Carol Amato of Stargazer Publishing in Corona, CA.
Horizon 8-bit S-100 computer was introduced in 1979. Horizon with single drive is $1599/kit form and $1899/assembled. Dual drive is $1999/kit form and $2349/assembled. They also started shipping a Shugart 5.25" disk system in 1978. You could buy a kit for a whopping $700! North Star Computers was founded by phD types Chuck Grant and Mark Greenberg. Chuck was quite a nice and gentle guy to deal with. The company seemed to be in some kind of trance when you dealt with their moon-people like sales and service team. I call it the personal computer created by the "Hippie Generation". Horizon was one of the most popular computers from 1979 to 1985. We enjoyed dealing with and selling Northstar products....
Thanks Carol!

Introducing Sebastian Ford Ponder-Freeman

2006-07-18T10:06:00.000-07:00

Little Sebastian was born this morning (7/17) at 12:09 a.m. Apparently, all 6 pounds, 2 ounces and 20 inches of him decided sometime late yesterday that they just wanted to be born. Everyone is healthy, happy, and exhausted.
from proud parents--Zac and Paige

Makes Papa proud!
Nice job Zac and Paige! Mom and Sebastian are already home and back to normal routine of breakfast brunch out, shopping and exercise at the gym.
Love,
Dad (Proud Papa)

Bush Follies A Short History

2006-07-18T09:06:00.000-07:00

The New York Times, July 17, 2006
Op-Ed Columnist, March of Folly, by PAUL KRUGMAN

Since those who fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it — and since the cast of characters making pronouncements on the crisis in the Middle East is very much the same as it was three or four years ago it seems like a good idea to travel down memory lane. Here’s what they said and when they said it:

The greatest thing to come out of [invading Iraq] for the world economy ... would be $20 a barrel for oil.” Rupert Murdoch, chairman of News Corporation (which owns Fox News), February 2003

Oil Touches Record $78 on Mideast Conflict.” Headline on www.foxnews.com, July 14, 2006

The administration’s top budget official estimated today that the cost of a war with Iraq could be in the range of $50 billion to $60 billion,” saying that earlier estimates of $100 billion to $200 billion in Iraq war costs by Lawrence B. Lindsey, Mr. Bush’s former chief economic adviser, were too high.” The New York Times, Dec. 31, 2002

According to C.B.O.’s estimates, from the time U.S. forces invaded Iraq in March 2003, $290 billion has been allocated for activities in Iraq. ... Additional costs over the 2007-2016 period would total an estimated $202 billion under the first [optimistic] scenario, and $406 billion under the second one.” Congressional Budget Office, July 13, 2006

Peacekeeping requirements in Iraq might be much lower than historical experience in the Balkans suggests. There’s been none of the record in Iraq of ethnic militias fighting one another that produced so much bloodshed and permanent scars in Bosnia.” Paul Wolfowitz, deputy secretary of defense and now president of the World Bank, Feb. 27, 2003

West Baghdad is no stranger to bombings and killings, but in the past few days all restraint has vanished in an orgy of ‘ethnic cleansing.’ Shia gunmen are seeking to drive out the once-dominant Sunni minority and the Sunnis are forming neighborhood posses to retaliate. Mosques are being attacked. Scores of innocent civilians have been killed, their bodies left lying in the streets.” The Times of London, July 14, 2006

Earlier this week, I traveled to Baghdad to visit the capital of a free and democratic Iraq.” President Bush, June 17, 2006

People are doing the same as [in] Saddam’s time and worse. ... These were the precise reasons that we fought Saddam and now we are seeing the same things.” Ayad Allawi, Mr. Bush’s choice as Iraq’s first post-Saddam prime minister, November 2005

Iraq’s new government has another able leader in Speaker Mashhadani. ... He rejects the use of violence for political ends. And by agreeing to serve in a prominent role in this new unity government, he’s demonstrating leadership and courage.” President Bush, May 22, 2006

Some people say ‘we saw you beheading, kidnappings and killing. In the end we even started kidnapping women who are our honor.’ These acts are not the work of Iraqis. I am sure that he who does this is a Jew and the son of a Jew.” Mahmoud Mashhadani, speaker of the Iraqi Parliament, July 13, 2006

My fellow citizens, not only can we win the war in Iraq, we are winning the war in Iraq.” President Bush, Dec. 18, 2005

I think I would answer that by telling you I don’t think we’re losing.” Gen. Peter Schoomaker, the Army chief of staff, when asked whether we’re winning in Iraq, July 14, 2006

Regime change in Iraq would bring about a number of benefits for the region. ...Extremists in the region would have to rethink their strategy of jihad. Moderates throughout the region would take heart, and our ability to advance the Israeli-Palestinian peace process would be enhanced.” Vice President Dick Cheney, Aug. 26, 2002

Bush — The world is coming unglued before his eyes. His naïve dreams are a Wilsonian disaster.” Newsweek Conventional Wisdom Watch, July 24, 2006 edition

It’s time for Democrats who distrust President Bush to acknowledge that he will be the commander in chief for three more critical years, and that in matters of war, we undermine presidential credibility at our nation’s peril.” Senator Joseph Lieberman, Democrat of Connecticut, Dec. 6, 2005

I cannot support a failed foreign policy. History teaches us that it is often easier to make war than peace. This administration is just learning that lesson right now.” Representative Tom DeLay, Republican of Texas, on the campaign against Slobodan Milosevic, April 28, 1999

image from www.president-bush.com/oil.jpg

Kaypro 2000- Their 1st Laptop! and..last!

2006-07-12T12:27:00.000-07:00

Kaypro 2000 introduced in 1985. This was Kaypro's first and last laptop. The black brushed-aluminum case is very unique and the look is somewhat eerie. It has been called the "Darth Vader" of laptops. Has a Intel 8088 cpu and 256K of RAM. IBM PC compatible and comes with a very complete software bundle. This computer is very rare and is in fair condition. Kaypro is not. They filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 1990. In 1983 Kaypro was listed as the 5th largest computer manufacturer, Too bad as Andy and David Kay were good people and risked their total corporate business on Kaypro- and lost!

Vintage OP-80A Paper Tape Reader

2006-07-11T09:05:00.000-07:00

Oliver Audio Engineering (OAE) first introduced in 1976 by a very nice man named Doug Oliver. Doug was one of those people that made it a pleasure to be in the computer business. At ACP we sold hundreds of these and they never came back. The quality was a tribute to Doug and his approach to design and reliability. Plus Doug purchased a fair number of his components from us. The OP-80A basically outdated the Teletype ASR-33 as the popular mode of reading paper tape. The OP-80A sold as a kit for only $74.95. All you needed is a light source to place over the reader as you pulled the paper tape through. OAE and Doug continued to make several more models and EPROM programmers throughout the 80’s. This one is a "Classic".

“Otafuku” for "soba" in Gardena.

2006-07-10T14:14:00.000-07:00

This small, hot, very-Japanese, old-time restaurant serves authentic peasant style noodles. The ambiance certainly could be better. I had kiku-uchi, a buckwheat soba noodle ($10) that's rare even in Japan, served cold on a piece of paper with sliced scallions and a dipping sauce (tsuyu) made of dark miso, kelp and Bonita flakes. (photo similar)

After you finish your noodles they bring a pot of yu (water they used to cook noodles) and you add it to your dipping sauce and finish with a nice broth. Barb had Udon soup with shrimp and it was also very good. The noodles are as good as it gets at this place. Only problem is the ambiance itself and the location, food is top-quality and we recommend, but get there early as they line-up. 16525 S Western Av, Gardena, 310-532-9348. Next week we will try another noodle shop!

“Pho Thang Long” Best Pho in California

2006-07-10T14:07:00.000-07:00

Last year Barb and I visited Vietnam. As we traveled from town to village we looked for the perfect “Pho”. There seems to be a degree of freshness to “Pho” in Vietnam that is difficult to find here. The best “Pho” we have experienced to date has been “Pho Thang Long” on Brookhurst at McFadden in Westminster (behind KFC). Their chicken broth is fresh, delicate, and full of a variety of herbs and special flavors.

One of my friends, Vivian (from Vietnam), joined me here and was very impressed. She said the chicken is fresh. What do you mean? I said, she replied, it is fresh chicken, not frozen or processed. Then on the way back to the office she took me by the place that only sells freshly butchered chickens- just like the old country! Good Spring Rolls as well. Also open late! 15579 Brookhurst St. Westminster, CA 92683. 714-839-4955

Ultimate Noodles “Mandarin Deli”

2006-07-10T08:51:00.000-07:00

We have decided to try to find the best noodles in So Cal (My obsession for noodles started when I was making about 2 trips to Tokyo each month). To date there is only one noodle shop that warrants top billing and that is the “Mandarin Deli” located on Broadway in China Town. Jimmy is one amazing chef and turns out the best fresh steamed dumplings, potstickers, seaweed salad, dry ground pork with handmade noodles (our favorite), 5-spice Beef noodle soup, black bean dry noodles with pork, scallion pancakes and more. It is fun to watch them make the noodles and dumplings with wonton wraps through the front window. Prices are totally reasonable. Limited seating. Park below underground, validated. No credit cards. Not fancy just great food. Many top chefs in LA and the country have come in and tried to steal and imitate Jimmy’s “Dry Ground Pork Noodles”. He will not part with the family secret. 727 N. Broadway, Los Angeles, CA, USA. 213-623-6054. Perfect before theater or concert place to eat! Long time our favorite!

So this week we checked out “Otafuku” for the perfect soba in Gardena.

The "Revolutionary" Osborne 1

2006-07-08T15:04:00.000-07:00

Just received the vintage "premiere" issue of "the Portable Companion" magazine by Osborne Computer Corp. It is dated June/July 1982. Loaded with Osborne propaganda and this incredible shot of the Osborne 1 in the midst of the Taliban. This computer could possibly be in the hands of Osama. I will try to post a better scan of the cover.

David Hockney Exhibit is Not to be Missed!

2006-06-21T17:23:00.000-07:00

Perfect Fathers Day. My wife took me to The David Hockney Portraits exhibit at LACMA. This very impressive and colorful show continues through September 4, 2006. This is the first exhibition devoted solely to Hockney’s portraiture, one of the most significant facets of his work. Some highly detailed portraits using camera projection techniques, create an extremey fine image. His water colors are bright, cheerful and breathtaking. LACMA, senior curator, Stephanie Barron, has delivered a very impressive show. Don't miss the video movie showing Hockney painting (3) pictures in time-lapse photography.

Also at LACMA is the Gustav Klimt painting of Adele. Don't miss it! The crowds were light on Sunday! Cosmetics magnate Ronald S. Lauder paid the highest sum ever for a painting for Gustav Klimt's 1907 portrait "Adele Bloch-Bauer I."

Osborne 4 or Vixen: Last Hurrah!

2006-06-21T08:18:00.000-07:00

The Osborne-4 "Vixen" was the last computer produced by Osborne before it closed for the second time in 1985. This machine was still in development when the company filed bankruptcy in 1983. It was another step in the ego-driven company that ignored what the customer’s really want and like the Executive only caused more lost marketshare for Osborne.

Very few of these units were ever sold. It is extremely rare and we are proud to have one in pristine condition. It has a smaller footprint than earlier Osborne models. The screen is 7” and the keyboard is attached and folds down to act as a riser for the computer. Nice design. The Vixen had a 4 MHz Zilog Z80 cpu, 64Kb RAM. 24 lines x 80 columns of memory-mapped videodisplay, (2) 400Kb disk drives and optional 10Mb hard drive.

Back in America

2006-06-07T10:01:00.000-07:00

Just getting back to normal after nice cruise to the Baltic. 14 days on Celebrity Constellation can be a bit grueling at times, but the Ports of Call were very interesting. Bottom line is the US dollar is hurting and prices abroad are out of sight. Plus the people in this part of the world gave us a nice reception wherever we went. Meeting nice people was the norm in each place and these are probably the things we will remember the most. It is just not difficult to be nice.
Oslo, Norway
The Fjords of Norway are a sight to behold. Entering the Oslo Harbor is an unforgettable experience. Oslo welcomed us with constant rain so we did not get a chance to really enjoy the city, reported to be the most expensive city in Europe.
Stockholm, Sweden
Sweden has over 24,000 islands and Stockholm was located where it is to prevent hostile neighbors from finding the city. The islands are everywhere as you cruise into Stockholm. Everywhere you look in the city is a postcard. Enjoyed one of the best hot dogs at the Nordiska Kompaniet (NK) store located in center of the city. Why can't we have a better dog in the USA? Hebrew National just doesn't do it! Visited the Absolut Ice Bar in the Nordic Sea Hotel and had a couple vodka drinks at minus 5 degrees Centigrade for only $20 bucks apiece. The first glasses, are made from pure, clear ice from the Torne River in Northern Sweden. Now a factory makes millions of glasses each year. WARNING: Reservations (+46 8 50563124) required! The first Ice Bar was at the Icehotel located in Northern Sweden, which was first built in the autumn of 1989. Each year the Icehotel melts, and a new (bigger and better) one is constructed in the fall. Ended the day with a nice stroll through Gamla Stan (Old Town). Stockholm is a place that warrants more time.
Helsinki, Finland
We arrived on May 24th, Ascension Day, a holiday in Finland. The stores were closed but the city was alive with people. We enjoyed a nice meal at Kappeli on Etelaesplandi in the city center. Had one of the best meals ever of rare, fork-tender Reindeer with potatoes and of course some Akavit.
St. Petersburg, Russia
What a change from Scandinavia, your first impression of what used to be Leningrad is of a bleak, poor and uncolorful city with all the potential in the world but starved from a badly needed makeover and injection of funding from Moscow. Hard to believe that Putin's birthplace is being ignored by the "Family" and oligarchs of Moscow. Spent two days touring with our very accomplished guide Katrina from Red October Tours. There is a lot to see in this historic city and she made it very interesting to us as we took in the city sights. The Hermitage was impressive but in need of structural repairs, St Isaacs Cathedral was a high point as we witnessed a special service attended by the Archbishop and other Bishops from all parts of Russia, Church of Our Savior on the Spilled Blood was marvelous, and Catherine's Summer Palace was worth the trip to visit outside of the city. In spite of the magnificence of the Hermitage and the Roman Orthodox Cathedrals, St. Petersburg feels just like Dostoevsky describes it (before it became Leningrad) in "Crime and Punishment" (1917)-- impoverished, dirty and crowded--it's amazing that a novel written in 1917 seems to paint the a picture of what we felt currently--when we were not enclosed in the grandeur of the Museums, Churches or Palaces. I would think that a return trip to St. Petersburg is not in my future, however I would like to see Moscow and other parts of Russia some day. We had a very nice lunch at Mamep cafe. Insist that your tour guide takes you to this place instead of any restaurant catering to tours. This place is large and can accomodate big crowds. A special treat. We had Beef Stroganoff on mashed potatoes with warmup of hot Borsch.
Tallinn, Estonia
Spent the day in old town just walking and shopping. Tallinn is a city of music, cobblestones, artisan's, craftsmen and courtyards. Strolling though old town feels like the Middle Ages. The people are very handsome, pretty and nice. Enjoyed a nice meal of Elk and Wild Boar at Medieval Restaurant Olde Hansa. This was an unexpected pleasure for all of us as Tallinn is a nice place to visit.
Helsingborg, Sweden
Wonderful and delightful port city with one of the oldest shopping streets in Europe. The people of this city believe that there is nothing better than to be from Helsingborg. Plus you cannot beat the freshness and taste of Swedish food.Visited the Dunker’s Cultural House on the way to the port and were totally impressed by the QUALITY of the installations here. Truly a state-of-the-art experience utilizing the best dsigners, workmanship and technology in the exhibitions.
Berlin, Germany
Nice side trip through the former East Germany to Berlin. Visited the Berlin Wall and toured the entire city. Had a great lunch at KaDeWe Department Store at the Winter Gardens on the top floor- perfect stop for lunch! Berlin is quite a city and would love to return. Curry-Wurst and other hot dogs are also a special treat in Berlin.
Copenhagen, Denmark
Visited restaurant called “Groften” (photo) in Tivoli. One of the best eating and drinking experiences we had on our trip. We had a very popular traditional Danish dish called “Skipperlabskovs”. The dish was not pretty to look at and consisted of diced potatoes mixed with veal bits and spices, served with pickled beets, butter and rye bread. It was really shockingly tasty and was all-you-can-eat for DKK 115. Ran up a $200 tab on Akavit- as we consumed the top-of-the-line (Aalborg Extra Akavit) and it was worth the price! Groften also gets highest marks for their WC's. The Men's room has a complete Golf Museum featuring European Pro Golfers and the Women's WC has a full length wall Aquarium. Nice touch! Best to use both facilities on your visit! By far and away the Best Toilets in Europe!
London, England
Change $100 and get anywhere from 43-50 pounds! (Uug) What have we (Bush) done to our dollar! This place was expensive as well and you just had to put you head in the sand and ignore the gaffing. Highlights were certainly the shows, which we would give "Billy Elliot" the one not to miss! For nice DIM-SUM restaurant go to Royal China located at 13 Queensway. Tube stop Queensway or Bayswater.

This was our first cruise and aside from the down time cruising at sea it was a nice trip. More to follow.
Dave's Tips for Baltic Cruisers
1. Easy on the Boat Food! Not much to do so tendancy is to overeat. I stayed away from most of the meat dishes in favor of seafood. Most is flash frozen and seafood seems to be better than meat when thawed. However, while in port go with what the locals eat! European food is incredibly interest and good. From Hot Dogs to Pastry- all good stuff! I noticed that many cruisers were too cheap to eat on shore and just waited until they got back to the Boat? What a shame- to miss the good food of each country we visited. It is part of the experience!
2. Nothing does it like European Hot Dogs- first stop in port go to the dog stand. Ask someone which hot dog stand is the best! You will be pleasantly surprised.
3. St. Petersburg: Use Red October Tours instead of the crusie line tours. Less people and more flexibility. No Visa required. Our guide was outstanding, insist on Katya Chystiakova (Katerina). Very knowledgeable, flexible and good looking!
4. In St. Petersburg go to Mamep Cafe for lunch- great place and for the young people! Katerina introduced us to this nice place! We went to the Folklore Show that evening and it was a real disappointment- try to see an Opera instead or go to Mamep Cafe for a Jazz Show and dinner!
5. In Copenhagen, don't miss "Groften" at Tivoli. Order: Start with Herring and Fish Roe assortment (tell them half and half). Then main dish Skipperlabskovs and of course Aalborg Extra Akavit. This is top-of-the-line Akavit- nice bubbly feel on palate as you swallow! You can feel the difference.
6. Helsinki- Go to Kappeli for lunch in the fancy upscale sit down part of their restaurant and order Reindeer! Unexpected treat!
7. London- Go see "Billy Elliot". Skip "We will Rock You".
8. Oslo- take the Cruiseline tour as it is best way to see Oslo.
9. In most ports they have "Stop and Ride" independent tour buses that take you around the City. Usually they are waiting outside as your depart from the boat. Also very cost effective.
10. Copenhagen: Just take a seat in a coffee shop on the main shopping street, enjoy coffee and watch the most beautiful and fashionable men and women walk by. Great people watching. Don't miss the Ice Cream and a Hot Dog!
11. Copenhagen: Take a Canal Boat Cruise- don't miss it!
12. Port Strategies: Oslo, sign up for tour package. Stockholm, Sweden: take "Stop and Go" Double-Decker Bus Tour waiting outside boat. Helsinki: Shuttle into town and take "Stop and Go" Double-Decker Bus Tour. St. Petersburg: Sign up in advance for Red October tour. Rostock, Germany: Sign up in advance with tour on mini-bus to Berlin. Copenhagen, Dennmark: Take shuttle into town, then short walk (100 yards) to Canal Boat Tour. Then spend time on shopping street. Helsingborg, Sweden: Take short walk from boat into town and visit Old Town, the old fortress and the Cultural Center on the way back to the boat. Dover, England: Suggest going day early and spend night in London and then arrange car to take you on leisurely drive to Dover with countryside stops along the way. (best car is on the Internet in cruise reviews)
13. Casino on board, take it easy, bet low and try to win enough to play with their money. Don't overbet early in trip as it may bum you out. Barb and I won almost every night when we played. Barb is one lucky gambler. Play Roulette and concentrate on the numbers 2-8-15-22! Limit your losses! Good Luck!
14. Money: Get enough funds from ship bank for the day. Use credit card for all possible purchases in local currency. Visa card is best. Credit card exchange rate is best you will get. AMEX has limited acceptance.
15. Take away your wife's credit cards as things are just too expensive in Europe! Option 2: Just let her play Bingo while in Port and stay on the ship.

Many of you have asked me about the difference between European Girls and American Girls?

"Just Like the Son" Premieres at Tribeca

2006-05-02T09:39:00.000-07:00

Quick trip to New York to attend the Premiere of "Just Like the Son" at the Tribeca Film Festival. The entire Freeman Family was there including Zach, Paige and Max from Chicago. Andrea Fall also joined in on the festivities. Morgan's girlfriend Rebecca was there and also worked on the movie. The audience really seemed to like the movie...here's hoping it gets the top prize! Antonio Ortiz (Boone) and Mark Webber (Daniel) really were engaging and did a nice job. Mark's new look is for his latest film where he has Alopecia (loss of hair). Congratulations to the entire JLTS team- it was a great celebration for a lot of hard work and the result was totally enjoyable to watch. Nice to see Rosie Perez, Brendan Sexton III and the producers Gill Holland (with new bride Augusta) and Jamin O'Brien with his wife Maria. Plus Jamie Oliver (Naked Chef-FoodTV) made an unexpected visit to the JLTS brunch!
Also there is a nice video interview of Morgan and Brenden Sexton III on AOL Moviefone at the following link. Once on the page click thru the video's until you get Morgan and Brenden Video.
http://movies.aol.com/tribeca-film-festival-2006/
unscripted-celebrity-interviews-movies

Update:
Tribeca Film Festival is now history. A film called "The Treatment" won the division that "Just Like the Son" was in. JLTS did receive the cudos of the audience, created a healthy buzz around New York and had incredible reviews. Here is a link to one of the reviews. The following is an excerpt from the review.
Reviewer Thoughts: Just Like The Son is a movie that fell under the radar at the festival. After reading a brief synopsis, I went in expecting a mushy, sentimental flick about the world’s cutest kid and the world’s biggest loser somehow hitting it off. Preparing for a super-saccharine experience that would undoubtedly give me a sugar seizure, I kept my expectations low. But I stand corrected.

As it turns out, Just Like The Son is the biggest surprise at Tribeca. It is a bittersweet tale about friendship, self-sacrifice, and doing what you think is right even when all logic (and the law) would steer you otherwise. Writer/director Freeman (Hurricane Streets shoots the film with subtlety and raw passion for the material. In a way, it’s this year’s Garden State, telling an honest story about two people who stumble into each other’s lives and leave an imprint. There is no overhead narration, no preachy monologues, nothing the faintest bit nauseating. It’s also got a great soundtrack, full of tunes from “Iron & Wine”, Woody Guthrie, and “The Elected”, to name a few.

The best thing about the movie is how you really care about the characters. Boone is a sweet kid, but he is challenging and can be a handful—like when he wanders off in a crowded carnival. Daniel has been dismissed by society as a bad kid, and he certainly has his fair share of issues. But there is a depth to his eyes and a kindness to his actions that suggest he has hope; if not for himself, then at least for the kid. Just Like The Son is a quiet movie that says more with a single glance than many films say with pages of dialogue. It’s a real delight, and one of the best hidden treasures at Tribeca.

http://www.cinemablend.com/new/TRIBECA-REVIEWS-TV-Set-Just-Like-The-Son-
Lockdown-2636.html

Casey Hughes Still Pluggin' Away

2006-04-27T07:05:00.000-07:00

Kommunity Casey is still out there pitching his craft with Gartner. Casey says..“I'm Not Unemployed - I'm a Consultant”. Many will remember the good old days when Casey was the President of Merisel working with Robert Leff and Dave Waggoner. Thanks for the update from Monaco and please try to be productive at next weeks Vision Event in Orlando.

Morgan's New Movie getting Tribeca BUZZ!

2006-04-26T14:53:00.000-07:00

Lots of nice press on Morgan J. Freeman's new movie, "Just Like the Son" ready to premiere at Tribeca Film Festival April 29th. Morgan has written and directed over 10 films and here's hoping for a good reception at Tribeca. Here is a clip from Tuesdays Hollywood Reporter.
(.....also CBS News has a new movie clip about the film as narrated by Morgan. Go to www.cbsnews.com. Click on Entertainment, then click on Tribeca Film Festival and then click "Just Like the Son" movie clip....)

Morgan is also writing about his Tribeca experience on NewYorkology- see website..
http://www.newyorkology.com/archives/2006/04/directors_acces_1.php

Thinking about Kayaking in Maui?

2006-04-24T11:28:00.000-07:00

Yes, there have been a few shark attacks in Maui over the past couple of years.
Fortunately the sharks in Maui waters are not as quite as big as this one. Not sure where this photo was shot but it sure makes you wish you had a bigger boat. Check out our website www.alohamauiwhaler.com for great trip-tips and more photos of our favorite hangout.....Maui!
Mahalo