Polanksi received special treatment in jail

November 27, 2009

Polanski/Goldberg/rape posts

Seems Roman rapist Polanski got special treatment in jail. Surprise.

From the LA Times blog. Not sure why they didn’t mention Polanski’s trips to the hospital.

In an interview with Zurich’s Radio One, Yussi Akram said Polanski was able to regularly call his wife and attorneys and communicated frequently with guards at the prison outside the city. Akram also said Polanski’s cell was equipped with a special emergency button he could use to summon guards.

Meanwhile, a close friend of the director’s said Polanski is depressed and has lost 30 pounds.

“His fear of the U.S. verges on panic and he has lived with that fear for so long that it’s become obsessive,” director Janusz Morgenstern told a Polish radio station, according to ABC News. He added Polanski’s children have been pulled out of school in part because of taunts from other children.

Where he will live until the court’s final decision on extradition is made.

His ski chalet “Milky Way” in Gstaad, Switzerland.

Photo: Fabrice Coffrini /AFP/Getty Images

Gore Vidal: Polanksi rapee “a young hooker”

November 2, 2009

Polanski/Goldberg/rape posts

Source: (10-26) The Atlantic JOHN MERONEY

This is disgusting. Not only that Vidal would think and say such a thing but that the Atlantic would print it.

His words speak for themselves. The 13 y/o Polanski raped was a hooker and Polanksi was wrongly accused because of anti-Semitism.

JOHN MERONEY: In September, director Roman Polanski was arrested in Switzerland for leaving the U.S. in 1978 before being sentenced to prison for raping a 13-year-old girl at Jack Nicholson’s house in Hollywood. During the time of the original incident, you were working in the industry, and you and Polanski had a common friend in theater critic and producer Kenneth Tynan. So what’s your take on Polanski, this many years later?

VIDAL: I really don’t give a fuck. Look, am I going to sit and weep every time a young hooker feels as though she’s been taken advantage of?

I’ve certainly never heard that take on the story before.

First, I was in the middle of all that. Back then, we all were. Everybody knew everybody else. There was a totally different story at the time that doesn’t resemble anything that we’re now being told.

What do you mean?

The media can’t get anything straight. Plus, there’s usually an anti-Semitic and anti-fag thing going on with the press – lots of crazy things. The idea that this girl was in her communion dress, a little angel all in white, being raped by this awful Jew, Polacko – that’s what people were calling him – well, the story is totally different now from what it was then.

During the 1970s, Warren Beatty, Jack Nicholson, and producer Robert Evans were celebrated for lifestyles of sexual extravagance.

Well, they’re all virgins, every last one of them. I can testify to that. And the last one you mentioned, he’s a super virgin.

They’ve certainly never been criticized and condemned for their sexual excesses. But Polanski was condemned even before he pled guilty to raping a girl.

Well, believe it or not, anti-Semitism is very strong out here, even though this is a Jewish business. L.B. Mayer was the worst anti-Semite of all.

But he was Jewish.

Well, Mayer’s view was, “The public will turn on all of us if they know that one of us has done anything.”

You think anti-Semitism is motivating the prosecution of Polanski?

Anti-Semitism got poor Polanski. He was also a foreigner. He did not subscribe to American values in the least. To [his persecutors], that seemed vicious and unnatural.

What are “American values”?

Lying and cheating. There’s nothing better.

So you’re saying that a non-Jewish director wouldn’t have to worry about getting caught up in a sex crime scandal? Such a thing wouldn’t be an issue for Martin Scorsese?

Well, he’s an absolutely sexless director. Can you think of a sex scene that he ever shot?

Errol Flynn stood trial for raping underage girls in 1943, and was acquitted. Was he treated differently than Roman Polanski?

Everybody liked Errol Flynn.

He also commented on barry.

You  said earlier this month that you now wish you had supported Hillary Clinton in the Democratic primaries instead of Barack Obama. You said that she would make a better president.

Well, I was in a thoughtful mood.

Do you really wish you had supported Mrs. Clinton?

She would have been a wonderful president. As for my support for Obama, remember that I was brought up in Washington. It was an all-black city when I was a kid. And I’ve always been very pro-African-American – or whatever phrase we now use. I was curious to see what would happen when their time came. I was delighted when Obama appeared on the scene. But now it seems as though our original objection to him – that experience mattered – was well-founded.

Barack Obama’s books seemed to persuade many people to support him. Have you read them?

No. Does one ever read a politician’s books?

Well, Obama actually wrote them himself.

I’m sure he did. He’s highly educated – and rather better than a country like this deserves. Put that in red letters.

Put this is red letters: barry did not write his books. He doesn’t write his speeches – not even that race speech. And I hope this old pervert lives long enough to see who barry really is.

Geimer wants Polanski case dropped

November 1, 2009

Found this in the drafts. Haven’t seen a comment from her or her lawyer since Polanski was granted bail.

Polanski/Goldberg/rape posts

Samantha Geimer wants it all to stop. She has lobbied in the past to have the case dropped because each time it is brought up she has to go through it all over again, including the media trying to get at her. She was especially upset that they released her grand jury testimony – she has teenage sons.

She lives in Hawaii and is being stalked according to her attorney, Lawrence Silver. Her house is being staked out and photographers are trying to take photos/video “through holes drilled in their cars and offering gifts to her children in exchange for information.”

She is the one being victimized because the cowardly pedophile fled.

Silver’s October 23 filing with the Second District Court of Appeal seeks a dismissal of the case against Polanski. He said he has been inundated with more than 500 media calls from around the globe, including Larry King and Oprah.

The pursuit has caused her to have health-related issues. The pursuit has caused her performance at her job to be interfered with and has caused the understandable displeasure of her employer and the real possibility that Samantha could lose her job.

This statement makes one more demand, one more request, one more plea: Leave her alone.

LA Times blog

 

Rapist Polanski to be released on house arrest

November 27, 2009

Polanski/Goldberg/rape posts

This is just wrong. He should have had to spend the time in jail while he fought extradition. As was, they let him out to go to the hospital at least twice. And Wednesday, the Swiss Federal Criminal Court gave him a deal: house arrest in his ski chalet in Gstaad Switzerland, monitoring bracelet, surrender of his passport and $4.5M bail.

It’s unclear why he was released. Twice the Swiss courts denied him bail, including the Minister of Justice, who told Swiss TV that he was not going to appeal Polanski’s bail ruling.

Interpol’s Secretary General Ronald K. Noble:

Given Mr. Polanski’s history of international travel while defying a judicial order, a $4.5 million bail and an electronic bracelet do not mean that law enforcement lets its global guard down. Mr. Polanski has given us more than 30 years of proof that he does not feel bound to respect any court decision with which he does not agree. The world law enforcement community should do all in its power to make sure that the Swiss judicial process is allowed to run its course, and if Mr Polanski defies the conditions of his release, no country should welcome, offer safe haven to, or defend his conduct.

LA prosecutors had scheduled a December 10th hearing.

ITN

Susan Boyle: “I Dreamed a Dream” (CD version)

November 27, 2009

Susan Boyle posts/videos/interviews

Susan Boyle’s version of  “I Dreamed a Dream” from her same named CD. Still think her best performance was her audition.

MerdesDeCasa

Susan Boyle bullied

November 27, 2009

Susan Boyle posts/videos/interviews/CD

News report of Susan Boyle’s interview where she claims she was beaten every day and bullied at school. Doesn’t name the source of the interview. Will see if I can find it.

Here is the interview in Ms Boyle’s own words: “I would get the belt everyday”.

ITN

Susan Boyle: “The Power of Love” (2001 video)

November 27, 2009

Susan Boyle posts/videos/interviews

Recently uncovered video of Susan Boyle from 2001. From News of the World. Filmed in Linlithgow Rose Social Club in West Lothian, Scotland by Marie Logan. Susan came in second, to singer James McCracken. Wonder where Mr McCracken is.

Courtesy of DocRobbie314

Funny face she makes when she’s finished. Not sure what’s up with her tooth.

Susan Boyle: “You’ll See” (CD)

November 27, 2009

Susan Boyle posts/videos/interviews/CD

Susan Boyle singing Madonna’s “You’ll See”, which she told Matt Lauer she included in memory of the teachers and kids who terrorized her as a kid.

Who’s laughing now?

Full CD playlist

MerdesDeCasa

Matt Lauer interviews Susan Boyle (video/text)

November 27, 2009

Susan Boyle posts/videos/interviews
Today Show interview & Live: I Dreamed a Dream & Wild Horses & Cry Me a River
Early Show: I Dreamed a Dream (live)
Back home – breakdown /thumb-sucking over

Susan Boyle talks with Matt Lauer on his special NBC’s People of the Year.  [Capt Sullenberger, Nadya Suleman,] She says she has become more “ladylike” and is living her dream – surreal as it may be. Matt enjoyed her laughter. Not sure why they always have to bring up the anoxia at birth and her learning problems. Brit Willard Wigan has severe dyslexia – by his own admission cannot read or write – but he makes the most amazing micro-sculptures that fit INSIDE the eye of a needle.

Today Show video promo – and then the web exclusive way at the bottom.

Homemade video of entire interview & Transcript follow

barry shook hands with crashers

November 27, 2009

11-27 update State Dinner crashers

barry shakes hands with wife crasher with hubby looking on

(Official White House Photo by Samantha Appleton)

Secret Service agents visited the winery. (SS official statement) Employee Diane Weiss quoted one agent:

We’re not here to arrest them today. We’re just looking to talk to them. It’s very imperative that we talk to them.

Like that. Not here to arrest them…today.

UPDATED: Tiger Woods in car accident, released from hospital

November 27, 2009

*Updated

(12-1)Case closed, citation issued
Pix of Woods vehicle/accident scene, Woods’ statement & 911 transcript, will play no more events this year

Hello branson.

Yes, I agree 100%. The Bears are done. Not sure about Lovie Smith though. He’s signed through 2011.

Milton Bradley will be gone come April. The Ritters are fans first and there’s no way they want to start the season getting hassled about that loser.

I think the story of Tiger Woods is a little off. Why would he have lost consciousness (for six minutes) after hitting a fire hydrant and then a tree if he was just pulling out of his driveway? And why would his wife have to break a window to extricate him? And where was he going at that time?

The tree had a scuff mark and the airbags had not deployed so one would think it was a low speed impact and yet it was loud enough for his wife to hear it from inside. His injuries evidently were just about his mouth. Did he hit it on the steering wheel? Did he have a seizure and bite his tongue? No idea.

Police say alcohol was not involved and that the accident “remains under investigation and charges could be filed.”

Pix & video of  Windermere Mayor Gary Bruhn talking with CNN

Official Secret Service statement re: crashers

November 27, 2009

11-27 update State Dinner crashers

Secret Service Director MARK SULLIVAN issued this statement today. No mention of the what will happen to crashers.

The Secret Service is deeply concerned and embarrassed by the circumstances surrounding the State Dinner on Tuesday, November 24.

The preliminary findings of our internal investigation have determined established protocols were not followed at an initial checkpoint, verifying that two individuals were on the guest list.

Although these individuals went through magnetometers and other levels of screening, they should have been prohibited from entering the event entirely. That failing is ours.

The Secret Service safely processed more than 1.2 million visitors last year to the White House complex. In the last several years, the agency has successfully protected more than 10,000 sites for the President, Vice President and other Secret Service protectees, screening more than 7 million people through magnetometers at campaign related events, with more than 1 million during the Inauguration alone.

Even with these successes, we need to be right 100% of the time. While we have protocols in place to address these situations, we must ensure that they are followed each and every time.

As our investigation continues, appropriate measures have been taken to ensure this is not repeated.

The men and women of the U.S. Secret Service are committed to providing the highest level of security for those we are charged to protect, and we will do whatever is necessary to accomplish this mission.

Video of State Dinner crashers

November 27, 2009

11-27 crasher update; barry shook hands with crashers (photo)

Savannah Guthrie’s report of the State Dinner crashers, who according to the WH were not on the guest list.

Brian Williams firsthand account of crashers (video).

Brian Williams’ firsthand account of the crashers (video)

November 27, 2009

11-27 crasher update; barry shook hands with crashers (photo)

BRIAN WILLIAMS is doing the Secret Service a little PR. He was an invited guest at the State Dinner and said he noticed the State Dinner crashers, (Tareq & Michaele Salahi) first from his vehicle. He said there was a jam up because a SUV was trying to turn around (presumably the “Real Housewives” production crew who had actually attempted to follow them into the WH). He saw the couple get out – both of them getting touchups.

WILLIAMS:

After their vehicle was turned away, they hopped out. What attracted our attention was there was at least one camera trailing them. And a makeup woman got out and fixed the woman’s hair and then started powdering the man’s forehead.

He again noticed them inside during cocktails. Video of nonchalant crashers being announced and walking, smiling, past reporters.

He said security couldn’t have been tighter. [Obviously that's a lie.]

• Vehicle was stopped three times – sniffed by dogs
• Two photo ID checks
• Three checkpoints on way into grounds
• Questioned by plain clothes SS agents
• Names had to be on list

Secret Service Agent ED DONOVAN‘s statements one, two.

Official Secret Service statement released Friday by Director MARK SULLIVAN.

He gave the same analogy – balloon boy plus he added balloon girl – and that if it turns out it was their 15 minutes it will be “tragic and almost pathetic” because WH personnel worked hard and it was an honor to be invited and to be there.

UPDATE (11-27): State Dinner crashers

November 27, 2009

12-2 Jones – Salahi emails
12-1 Today Show interview (text/video)
12-1 Michele S Jones statement
11-29 Holding out for highest bidder

*Updates

This is truly amazing. Seems blondes have more fun…a blonde cheerleader penetrates the Secret Service…blonde spy sent by Oprah Winfrey…jokes are endless. Also seems the WH wasn’t doing “profiling” what with the Arab name. According to wiki:

Tareq is the son of Israeli-born Palestinian parents, Dirgham & Corinne Salahi. Dirgham was educated as a petroleum geologist and worked in the Middle East and United States.

*CNN: The crashers are named in at least 16 lawsuits in Virginia area – some as plaintiffs, some as defendants. Husband crasher sued his own mother over the winery they own, which filed for bankruptcy in February, and the winery sued wife crasher.

*Photo: wife crasher shaking barry’s hand with hubby looking on.

ROXANNE ROBERTS from RELIABLE SOURCES (Washington Post) has been on it since she saw the State Dinner crashers, Michaele & Tareq Salahi, walk in and then saw their Facebook page. Good thing for eagle-eyed gossip reporters. She should be promoted to WH press corps. Might be a first on truthful reporting.

Anyway. They are accomplished party crashes and publicity seekers. *Video of crashers’ entrance. *Even BRIAN WILLIAMS noticed them in/outside the WH. Even though it is not known if they met FLOTUS, POTUS or the guests of honor – posted is a picture of barry, the Black-Eyed Peas and the crashers (below). They also have posted other pix from Inauguration week, including one from inside barry’s security box from the Inauguration concert.

At least Fergie shoved wife crasher to the side.

*And they also posted a pix of Deputy Chief of Mission for the Indian Embassy, Ambassador ARUN K. SINGH (below), who they have been pictured with before. GAWKER.COM believes this might have been the connection that got them through security. Singh & the Salahis (co-chairs of America’s Polo Cup) worked together on the June 2010 India – US polo match.

No statement from the guest of honor – PM of India MANMOHAN SINGH.

WH says they weren’t invited (guest list) and have launched their own investigation.

Secret Service said they weren’t invited. SS Agent (previous statement) ED DONOVAN said the crashers entered the SE side of the WH and that the first tier of security failed but provided no details:

We’re being intentionally vague on that. All we are saying is that procedures we have in place weren’t followed.

*Official Secret Service statement released today by Director MARK SULLIVAN.

*(11-28) According to MSNBC, the SS did chat with the crashers. The breach happened at initial checkpoint. They were allowed to pass through even though their names weren’t on the list. The “uniformed officer” who let them pass thought they would be verified at the next checkpoint, which never happened.

This is important because even if the crashers hadn’t known before, they knew at that precise moment they were not on the list and had to have lied to keep going. Not sure what “uniformed officer” means as far as lying to a federal agent, which put Martha Stewart in prison. Either way, they had a chance to call it off and they didn’t.

One of Michelle Obama’s social secretary staff should have been right next to the uniformed officer and should have demanded they not pass. Haven’t heard anyone mentioning their culpability. She’s got 24 staff – what were they doing?

*REP PETER T KING (R-NY), the ranking Republican on the House Homeland Security Committee told the NY Times:

Obviously, somebody dropped the ball, I mean, you’re talking about the president of the United States and the vice president and a powerful world leader, the prime minister of India.

The fact they went through the magnometer is incidental. They could have had anthrax on them. They could have grabbed a knife from the dining room table.

Bravo production crew (Real Housewives) say they have an on-tape admission they were invited. When asked for her invitation wife crasher rummaged through her purse and said “it must be out in the car”. Husband crasher said it was a “last-minute invite”.

Salahi spokesperson MAHOGANY JONES said they were invited:

At this time the Salahis will not make any formal comments regarding the rumors and media speculation surrounding the White House State Dinner.

We will be addressing this specifically with several media platforms.

Salahi’s lawyer PAUL W GARDNER:

My clients were cleared, by the White House, to be there. More information is forthcoming.

Salahis themselves have not made a public statement.

Instead they are going to stretch their 15 to 30 and appear on LARRY KING Monday.

Interesting comment made by wife crasher on their Facebook page:

Paid respect to our Veterans today at Arlington National Cemetery. Visited my dads grave site – a US “Ghost” Army Hero. With Love & Respect – I miss you dad so much… XO – MICHAELE

Ghost – does that mean her dad was secret ops? Perhaps that give her an in somehow?

Did they crash the Inauguration, too?

November 26, 2009

Updated

11-27 crasher update; video of the crashers being announced; video Brian Williams firsthand account; Secret Service statement; barry shook hands with crashers (photo)

[Source: Reliable Sources AMY ARGETSINGER & ROXANNE ROBERTS]

The State Dinner crashers, Tareq and Michaele Salahi, may have been doing this for a while.

In addition to their incriminating State Dinner photos – they were definitely not on the guest list – there are two other interesting photos.

Here they are inside the glass-enclosed presidential viewing box from the Inaugural concert at the Lincoln Memorial.

Their caption:

Tareq & Michaele were honored to be invited to President Obamas private viewing box at the Lincoln Memorial. Naturally this picture was taken after his departure. Sitting in the correct order of exactly were President Obama & First Lady were seated. The glass is not only bullet proof, but also electrified. Never try to touch this special protective glass.

And poor Oprah got roped in as well.

Here they are Kennedy Center. It sure doesn’t look photoshopped.

Their caption:

Tareq, Michaele & OPRAH backstage at the Kennedy Center after the Oprah TV Special Show. The Hottest ticket in town for the Inauguration, without a doubt.

The kicker?

Michaele was being filmed by a Bravo production crew during the 8 hours it took for her to get ready.The stylist asked her where the invitation was:

She starts rummaging through her purse, and then said, ‘It must be out in the car’.

The crew also tried to follow them in but were stopped.

How could they have not stuck out?

Maybe that was the point.

They’re expected to be on Larry King Monday night.

State Dinner crashers?

November 26, 2009

Other photos: Inauguration, Kennedy Center with Oprah

11-27 crasher update; Brian Williams firsthand account (video); Secret Service statement; barry shook hands with crashers (photo)

*Updated

This is truly hard to believe. An uninvited couple got past the Secret Service and crashed the State Dinner.

Worse – the SS didn’t even realize it until the couple posted photos on Facebook (below).

The Washington Post evidently saw the posted photos and emailed the couple to ask why they weren’t on the official guest list, which was released just hours before the event. Mr Salahi mentioned the America’s Polo Cup World Championships coming up June 2010. When pushed, he said “it was last-minute attending.”

No account of how the SS discovered it. The Post doesn’t say they contacted them.

*Washington Post’s “Reliable Sources” gossip columnist ROXANNE ROBERTS recognized the crashers immediately and knew they didn’t fit in but she didn’t take it one step further. Who would? Getting past Secret Service should theoretically be impossible, especially at a State Dinner. Those two strolled right in the front door (video).

TAREQ & MICHAELE SALAHI with Rahm Emanuel (they labeled him “Ron”)

Probabaly the only photo of VP Biden from the event.

Accompanying the photos:

Honored to be at the White House for the state dinner in honor of India with President Obama and our First Lady!

The Washington Post describes the couple as:

polo-playing socialites known for a bitter family feud over a Fauquier County winery and their possible roles in the forthcoming “The Real Housewives of Washington”.

Aka seeking publicity like balloon boy – except this could land them in jail. They had to lie to someone to get in because their names weren’t on the list.

Unclear how they got on the grounds but they strolled right in the front door of the WH (announced by a Marine), mingled in the lower lobby with folks around the red carpet, made their way up to the East Room for cocktails and then moseyed on out to the tent. They were never seated in the tent but they were in the same room as FLOTUS, POTUS and Prime Minister Singh. Unknown if any of them had direct contact.

And get this – there is no checkpoint to exit the WH grounds.

The crashers documented their own crime:

Michaele posed with: VP Biden, Katie Couric, Rep Ed Royce (R-CA) and the Marines posted at the door.

Both posed with: VP Joe Biden, Rahm Emanuel, Robin Roberts, DC Mayor Adrian Fenty and his wife, Michelle, Bollywood composer AR Rahman and PepsiCo CEO Indra Nooyi.

Secret Service Agent ED DONOVAN said in a statement that their:

Office of Professional Responsibility will be conducting a comprehensive review of the incident.

And that their preliminary investigation identified:

a Secret Service checkpoint which did not follow proper procedure to ensure these two individuals were on the invited guest list.

He also made sure to include:

Everyone who enters the White House grounds goes through magnetometers and several other levels of screenings. That was the case with the state dinner last night. No one was under any risk or threat.

And if they were assassins they wouldn’t need anything but their hands.

Even though the SS is admitting the security breach, the spokeswoman for the crashers, Mahogany Jones was nonplussed:

The Salahis were honored to be a part of such a prestigious event…. They both had a wonderful time.

And that they had:

full clearance to attend the state dinner.

As of this writing, the crashers have not made a statement themselves.

The WH is conducting their own review.

Who do you think will be fired?

Michelle’s Social Secretary who is supposed to be standing there vetting folks?

Or one of her other two dozen attendants?

Or will some poor Marine get blamed?

Jay Leno: Charles Barkley talks reporters, weight loss, Sammy Sosa’s skin

November 25, 2009

Charles Barkley – entertaining as always – was on Jay Leno to plug Thanksgiving night basketball.

Transcription follows

POTUS Thanksgiving message (text)

November 26, 2009

Pardons “Courage” (video)

POTUS Thanksgiving message and weekly address all in one.

WASHINGTON – In the midst of these challenging times for our nation, President Barack Obama used his weekly address to express gratitude to America’s military men and women and their families, and give thanks for our nation’s many blessings.  He also discussed the steps his administration is taking to repair the damaged economy, so that next Thanksgiving, Americans across the country can give thanks for a brighter and stronger economy.

The audio and video will be available at 6:00am Thursday, November 26, 2009 at www.whitehouse.gov.

Transcript follows

POTUS pardons “Courage”

November 25, 2009

As daughters Malia and Sasha look on.

Reuters

Transcript of remarks follows

Oprah Christmas special with POTUS/FLOTUS (Dec 13)

November 25, 2009

Well this is interesting – in general and also the timing of its release.

Oprah wasn’t at the State Dinner but she will be hosting a hour-long primetime Christmas special (Dec 13) with the first couple: Christmas at the White House: An Oprah Primetime Special. Set to air December 13, 9 pm CST on ABC.

Would like to know when Oprah was invited and how long this has been in the works because it’s a mystery why she wasn’t at barry’s State Dinner. (List of guests)

Still haven’t discovered an explanation. Oprah the media mogul could have used the opportunity to hype the special.

Oprah’s website:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 25, 2009

CHICAGO — Oprah Winfrey will usher in the holidays at the White House, visiting President Barack Obama and the first lady as they prepare for their family’s first Christmas there, on Christmas at the White House: An Oprah Primetime Special, airing Sunday, December 13, at 10 p.m. ET on the ABC Television Network.

The intimate, informative and entertaining hour-long special will include a one-on-one conversation with the president, marking the first time Oprah has interviewed him since he took office, as well as an exclusive sit-down interview with the first couple. The special will showcase behind-the-scenes preparations as the White House gets ready for the holiday season.

From the Dec 3rd taping of the show

The pearl necklace is a centerpiece of the conversation with barry whining he gives better gifts than he gets.

Letterman: Lambert: “What Do You Want From Me?”

November 25, 2009

Lambert posts/videos/interviews

Adam Lambert sings “Whataya You Want From Me?” from his just released album: For Your Entertainment.

He sang the same this morning on *The Early Show after he discussed his AMA performance with Maggie Rodriguez. He also answered questions from fans and his mom made a few comments.

*He was originally booked for GMA but they canceled after Lambert’s AMA performance. The also edited some of it our for the West Coast airing.

*2-16 Replaced video. Would really appreciate it if you could let us know if a video doesn’t work so we can fix it for the next person. Just put an x as the comment and use any email – we do nothing with them. Thank you very much.

TWILIGHTSAGALOVER01

Rep Kirk on resignation of Phillip Carter (detainee transfer policy)

Rep Mark Kirk Statement on Resignation of Defense Official Responsible For Gitmo Move to Thomson

Wednesday, 25 November 2009

[emphasis added]

NORTHBROOK, Ill. – U.S. Rep. Mark Kirk today released the following statement following news that the defense official charged with moving the U.S. military detention facility at Guantanamo Bay to Thomson, Illinois – Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Detainee Policy Phillip Carter – unexpectedly resigned on Friday.

“Last Thursday, members of the Illinois congressional delegation submitted specific security and legal questions to the Secretary of Defense on issues surrounding the proposed military detention of Al Qaeda detainees on U.S. soil. We now understand that the key official responsible for answering our questions resigned the following day. Phillip Carter’s resignation raises further questions.

“Key questions for Illinois remain, including:

Q. Where and how will the civilian trials/military commissions of the estimated 40 detainees be held and secured?

Q. Under what legal authority will another estimated 75 non-POW detainees be held without trial or commission?

Q. How will the families of judges and prosecutors be protected?

Q. Where will surgery or intensive care be offered — Mercy (9 miles away), Morrison (13 miles away) or CGH Medical Center (21 miles away)?

“This is the second major Administration official in charge of GITMO matters to resign. This month, the White House Counsel, Greg Craig, was let go after the President reversed positions on the release of DoD photos, the use of military commissions and the incarceration of 75 detainees without trial or commission. Secretary Carter was the key Obama Administration official in charge of bringing Guantanamo detainees to Illinois. He led the briefings in Thomson. The Administration is left with many unanswered questions and no key officials to advance this flawed proposal.

“Congressional leaders cannot advance the appropriations bill for the Department of Justice because they fear they will lose on a motion to block the transfer of Guantanamo detainees to the U.S. At the moment, it appears the Administration lacks key officials or congressional votes to back their proposal.”

CBS blurred Adam-keyboardist kiss but not Madonna-Britney’s

November 26, 2009

Lambert posts/videos/interviews

(11-25) Early Show: Lambert answers fan questions, discusses AMAs, performs and his mom comments.
Letterman: “What Do You Want From Me?“

(pix)

The Early Show blurred the Adam-keyboardist kiss and then went on to show the Madonna-Britney kiss. Uproar. Double standard. They showed Madonna’s – why not Adam’s? CBS: Madonna’s has been around forever.

EW.com [TONY LAMBERT] received a statement from an Early Show representative:

We gave this some real thought. The Madonna image is very familiar and has appeared countless times including many times on morning television. The Adam Lambert image is a subject of great current controversy, has not been nearly as widely disseminated, and for all we know, may still lead to legal consequences.

Also from EW: statement from the President of the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation, JARRETT BARRIOS:

The Early Show’s decision this morning to blur Adam Lambert’s kiss from the American Music Awards reinforces an unfortunate double standard that is applied to openly gay performers.

Never took Lambert for a victim. He got to the finals of American Idol, didn’t he?

Let’s be honest – it was the desperate nature of his performance, as well as the poor singing, that made what he did so obvious. Not to mention his fall. It’s why he was so defensive.

It must have been rough to have both criticized first time out but one would think he would have been a little more humble and at least apologized to the parents of the kids who will be buying his music.

He wouldn’t have had to make an apology for his creative license as a performer – just acknowledge that it offended some people. The old “I’m sorry if I offended someone”. There was no need for his ‘I’m not a babysitter’ comment.

Has inner diva overtaken his American Idol humility and media savvy?

barry “speechless” about bow brouhaha

November 25, 2009

State Dinner guest list…where was Oprah?

November 25, 2009

Update 3: 11-27 crasher update; video of the crashers being announced; video Brian Williams firsthand account; Secret Service statement; barry shook hands with crashers (photo)

Update 2: Couple crashes State Dinner; and Inauguration

Update 1: still don’t know why Oprah wasn’t there but she announced there will be an Oprah primetime Christmas special filmed at the WH.

Hello Mrs Perkins:

Here is the official guest list prior to the State Dinner.

Oprah was most definitely not there – Gayle King was. How’s that for paying Oprah back? King said Oprah was out in California working on her plans for her cable network, as if that’s more important than the first black president’s – who she went out of her way to help get elected – first state dinner.

Don’t know the real reason. Will have to see what I can find. Thank you for your kind words.

Guest List follows – take note of Gibbs new “title”

Early Show: Adam Lambert re: AMAs (video/text)

November 25, 2009

Adam Lambert posts/videos/interviews
Performs “What Do You Want From Me?” (later on Letterman)
Lambert’s mom Leila (video)
Lambert answers fans’ questions (video)

Adam Lambert spoke with Maggie Rodriguez on the Early Show. He was defensive. He said he didn’t think about kids watching and thinks it’s a double standard because he is a gay male.  He did admit that he looked out in the crowd and saw some of his favorite pop stars and wanted to “let loose” and that it just got the best of him.

He never apologized to his young fans, their parents, ABC or Dick Clark. He didn’t “see anything wrong with it” and he’s being discriminated against – both because he is male and gay. He said he’s learning and next time he will get everything approved in rehearsals.

Transcription follows

Early Show: Lambert answers fans’ questions (video)

November 25, 2009

Adam Lambert posts/videos/interviews
Early Show Lambert re: AMAs (video/text)
Performs “What Do You Want From Me?” (later on Letterman)
Lambert’s mom Leila comments (video)

Adam Lambert answers questions from fans.

[hand-transcribed]

Q: How did you feel the first time in front of the judges?

The remember the first time I performed Black & White number by Michael Jackson, it was kind of similar how I felt the other night at the AMAs -  so much adrenalin that I almost got the best of me and I kind of oversang it.

A woman flew all the way in from Japan wanted to know when he’s coming to Japan.

I would love to come to Japan – hopefully next year. Love to.

Vocal training?

I grew up doing a lot of musical theater. I started taking voice lessons when I was about 12-13 until 20-21. And then I just stopped and I started trying to figure out how to find my own voice. It’s like a combination.

Did you know at 12 and 13 that this is what you loved?

Yeah, I did. And then as I got older throughout my teenage years, I decided, ‘oh, I can make a career out of this’.

Did you have those pipes at 13?

Some pipe. I had a half pipe.

How did you put together your band – pick them personally.

He met everyone through the audition process except for his guitar player Monty. (They had a band ‘The Citizen Vein”.)

They’re great. They’re really great at what they do.

When are you going on tour?

Hopefully next year – maybe as early as Spring. There’s no definite plans yet – but it’s something I definitely want to do.

Early Show: Lambert performs “Whataya Want From Me?”

November 25, 2009

Adam Lambert posts/videos/interviews
Lambert’s mom Leila comments (video)
Lambert answers fans’ questions (video)
Letterman: “Whataya Want From Me?” (video)

After Adam Lambert talked with Maggie Rodriguez about his AMA performance, he performed “Whataya Want From Me” a single on his debut album: For Your Entertainment.

“…don’t give up on me”

Lyrics follow

Early Show: Adam Lambert’s mom, Leila (video)

November 25, 2009

Adam Lambert posts/videos/interviews
Early Show Lambert re: AMAs (video/text)
Performs “What Do You Want From Me?” (later on Letterman)
Lambert answers fans’ questions (video)

Adam Lambert’s mom, Leila Lambert, looking ever so proud chimes in about her son after his performance.

It’s my kid. It’s all good. He’s doing great. He’s entertaining everyone, including me.

He always wanted to entertain – even just in our family. We took it a few steps further.

And the controversy?

I was a little taken aback – I just went with the flow. It’s all good.

He inspires people – that’s the best part.