2011 Oscar Animated Features Symposium

Thurs 2/24/11

The 83rd Academy Awards Oscar Nominated Animated Features Symposium was tonight and I had a great time seeing the nominated clips and hearing from the films' directors. I saw both Toy Story 3 and How To Train Your Dragon in the theaters last year but I had not even heard about the delightful, The Illusionist. Illusionist is a traditional 2 D hand drawn film about a stage magician in Europe during the 1960's. The film, which was written for adult audiences, looks absolutely beautiful to the eye and is very funny as well.

I think Toy Story 3 will win this category but this is the closest animation features race ever because HTTYD is phenom, too. Still TS3 writing was better with more 3 dimensional characters (no pun intended) with full back stories (i.e. Lotso and Big Baby). TS3 is up for best Picture, too but I doubt the academy is brave enough to pick it for a win over such a classic British film like King's Speech.

It was a nice outing but there were a few downers for the night. First, Sylvain Chomet, The Illusionist's director was unable to make it from France because he was getting an award there. Then, I was unable to meet any of the other directors after the panel. I had already met Chris Sanders and Dean Deblois from HTTYD at the 3D film Fest last year but I was really trying to speak with TS3's, Lee Unkrich, but to no avail.

Out Of The Mouths Of Babes:
I was able to meet up and coming film critic, radio talk show host, artist and self-promotional whiz kid, Perry S. Chen. Perry is just 10 but he handled himself like a pro as he asked the panel questions and promoted his various websites and projects. Later, I got the opportunity to shake Perry's hand and he handed me his business card like a tried and true industry professional. We spoke about the business a bit then I spoke with Perry's mom, film producer Dr. Zhu Shen, about what's on the horizon for him.

I was able to view Perry's art work and movie reviews on-line and I concur with the Oscar panel's response that Perry's future is bright, indeed. Here's a list of awards that the 10 year old has already racked up:

Young Journalist awards:
- “Excellence in Journalism Award” at the San Diego Press Club, Oct 2010
- Honoree of the Cox Communications Asian Heritage Month, May 2010
- Vic Kops Children’s Challenge Award:
- “Excellent Writer for We Chinese” for movie review column, January 2010:

Art awards:
-San Diego County Fair, First Place, 2010 and 2009
-San Diego City Hall Children’s Art Show, October 2009
-San Diego International Art & Music Festival, January 2010

Check young Perry out at:

www.wsRadiocom/Perry
www.youtube.com/perryspreviews
www.facebook.com/perryspreviews
http://twitter.com/perryspreviews
www.linkedin.com/in/perryspreviews

The Skin, The Body And Baptism At Ecclesia Church

Pastor Joseph has started a wonderful 6 part series called Skin: The Body Matters at at Ecclesia Church. It coincides with our prayer vigil for sexual brokenness that we had last week, where we prayed for the sexual healing of Hollywood. This new series is about sexual healing, too, especially how we should honor our bodies and our sexuality as Bible-believing Christians. It is based mostly on Paul's writings in I Corinthians and it is very relevant to the young people today and to anyone who wants to live a cruciformed life. With titles like "Thank God for Sex", "Lies We Believe", "The Sexual Charade" and "New Skin", it's bound to be an interesting listen.

Check the sermons out at www.churchinhollywood.com or download them for free at iTunes.

Update: 2/13/11
The last of the Skin: Body Matters series entitled, New Skin, ended and kudos to Pastor Joseph! I'm a Bible-believing Christian and an M.D. and I've waited for years to hear a pastor say these honest Biblical truths (said eloquently and with humility) from the pulpit. I've said similar things to many of my patients over the years and it has resulted in sexual restoration that even conventional medicine and therapy could not provide. Praise God!

I know first hand that sexual and spiritual brokenness is not limited to Hollywood but just walking down Hollywood Blvd. en route to church (or even sitting at home watching network TV) reveals that there is a massive problem here industry-wise and city-wise, as a whole. I was told that things were even worse along Hollywood Blvd around the time that the movie, Pretty Woman , was filmed there, and that I should feel lucky. I do not believe that it is God's intention that we should accept any level of sexual brokenness ( I Corinthians Chap 6 "we are not our own") and so we must keep praying for change and healing here!

As I said, all the series was great but especially listen to the last 2 in the series, "Symmetry" and "New Skin".


Baptism:
So many things keep me eternally hopeful about Hollywood and how God is moving in Ecclesia church. In fact, the family of believers here continues to grow as the church membership continues to increase. This past Sunday, Pastor Joseph wrapped up his Skin: Body Matters series and then he ended the service with a splash(literally), as numerous believers were baptized in a modest fiber-glass shaped soaking tub on the altar. As I Corinthians Chap 6: verse 10-12 says about salvation and the unrighteous (fornicators, thieves, drunkards...) "but ye were washed".

I was a bit emotional as my own baptism last year is still fresh and tingly for me but I have never been able to hear confessions of faith and baptismal submersion without a bit of water-works of my own. I was not alone in my emotions as, when the wet and newly baptised believers emerged, there was many whoops, hollers of "Hallelujahs", hugs and tears from the baptized, the congregation and the church elders. Hallelujah!

Golden Globes 2011

Sun 1/16/11 The weather was perfect today, so I left church and headed to Beverly Hills for this year's Golden Globe Award arrivals. This was my first year attending the GGs (last year rained cats and dogs plus I was fasting and praying for Haiti) so I was eager to get there and compare/contrast it to the Oscars. I got there about 3 pm and surveyed the set up. First off: Security was tight but they were very professional. They barricaded off all access to the Beverly Hilton (the GG venue)from blocks away and no one could enter without an entrance ticket. All the fans were relegated to the side-walk across from an official looking rear entrance on Wilshire Blvd with a blue awning and a side access street a half a block away.

I stayed at the rear entrance long enough to see NBC's Today Show host and weatherman, Al Roker artfully dodge on coming cars as he run across lanes of traffic, tuxedo jacket in hand. He was smiling and cheerful but obviously late. We shouted hello and thanked him in jest for the lovely weather and he waved back. I was a few feet from a small group of faux protesters protesting fake and contradicting causes in hopes of get on TV. They were loud and obtrusive so the police came over quite often and then they were eventualy told to leave.

I soon relocated to the star arrival street which was already lined with eager fans hoping that their favorite stars would drive by. However, as there was 1/10 of the crowd of the Oscars, everyone was able to line up along the main arrival street and get a real up close glimpse of the stars as they drove by in their limos dressed in their finest. I got a good position and waited for the sleek black limos to arrive, which they did at a regular pace.

Unfortunately, there were two so-called Christian protesters there with signs and they shouted judgemental things at the stars as they passed by in the limos and they also freely misused many scriptures. The majority of the crowd stated that they were Christian, too that they didn't like the protesters approach but people just mumbled it under breath. Most knew their Bible and had been to church earlier and some, like myself, were even heading back to church later in the evening. The male protester was quite aggressive and he began confronting the crowd with condemnation, too. Eventually, the crowd had had enough and we started rebuking him with Bible verses. The police came over and assessed the situation and relocated the protesters far from the main crowd, which was greeted with cheers of "God bless the cops"!

Seeing Stars:
I saw lots of stars as they rode by en route to the red carpet at the Hilton. Though, we had to whoop and holler a lot to have the limos stop and for the stars to roll down their windows and wave. I was the designated spotter and screamer so I didn't get any pictures(lol). Thankfully, my GG viewing friends e-mailed me a few later.

The Women:
We saw a smiling Amy Adams, Claire Danes, 30 Rock's Tina Fey and Jane Krakowski (I didn't even realize that she was pregnant 'til I viewed the red carpet arrivals later). Others seen included Helen Bodham Carter with her 80's hair, Julianne Moore, Edie Falco, Jane Lynch and the marvelous and always stylish, Helen Mirren.

The Men:
We saw chocolate handsomeness Edris Ilba (see photo), Ryan Gosling, funny man Steve Carrel (looking quite debonair) and rapper turned actor, LL Cool J, who licked his lips but did not roll down his window. Sean "Puff Daddy", "P. Diddy", "Bad money"? *rolls eyes* "whatever" Coombs rolled down his window but I didn't bother glancing his way. Paul Giamatti rolled down his window and waved to us like we were old friends while Thomas Jane just had a satisfied smile on his face.

Young Hollywood:
I was told that I missed Justin Bieber by about 15 minutes but that didn't stop me from calling out a feigned spotting just to see the teen crowd reaction-lol. I also did this for Robert Pattison who I was told had not been by us yet. I saw Jesse Eisenberg (Social Network) and the new Spider-Man, Andrew Garfield (he's also in Social Network). Then I saw Zac Effron (nearly unrecognizable with a shorter buzz hair cut) and Jake Gylenhaal(looking a bit embarrassed at all the attention). At 5:00 pm, Rob Pattison's limo was the last to whiz by but with windows rolled up as he was late for the red carpet.

Couples and Ensembles:
Catherine Zeta-Jones and Michael Douglas drove by with all smiles. Zeta-Jones looked absolutely lovely from the bodice up (I especially loved the earrings). I didn't exactly see Douglas but and I'm glad that he is is doing well. Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie drove by with their windows up despite shouts and signs for them to "roll your windows down". They relented at the light and finally gave the crowd some great photo opps.

The cast of Glee predominated the arrivals, with each cast member arriving seperately in their own limos, to the thrill of the teens and college students in the crowd. The cast was very energetic and gave full access to their screaming fans but I only know a few of them on sight so it was not as thrilling for me.

Look-alike or Mistooks: I mistook a short haired blond actress for Carey Mulligan but it was actually Michelle Williams. Then I mistook January Jones for Nicole Kidman but Kidman drove by with hubby later. I also mistook Carrie Underwood for Julianne Hough but they really look alike anyway.

Writers, Producers, Directors:I saw Aaron Sorkin, then we spotted famed director, Steven Spielberg(Jaws, Jurassic Park)and the entire crowd erupted with cheers. I thought I had seen Quentin Taurintino too but instead it was a young actor named Christopher French.

Update:
The Golden Globe Coverage:
Unfortunately, I could not watch more than 5 minutes of the GG coverage thanks to host, Ricky Gervais. I normally like Gervais but he went too far tonight, I think. Not only was he unbelievably mean he was also vulgar at times and mostly unfunny (British humor be damned). His only funny joke was about the Tourist and even that one bit a bit too hard. I also didn't like Robert Downey, Jr.'s sexist comment about sleeping with the female nominees but I liked Tom Hanks and Tim Allen's rebuttal to Gervais' mean-spiritedness.

Golden Globe Fashion:
Best Dressed:
As I couldn't see the stars' outfits in the limos, I had to tune in to the red carpet arrivals on TV for the full picture. Olivia Wilde, Eva Longoria (black, form fitted gown with plunging neckline and a diamond detail at the waist) and Catherine Zeta-Jones (exquisite green satin fish-tail) were my best dressed picks but I gave the win to Longoria.

Pregnancy Fashion/Honorable Mention:
Natalie Portman looked gorgeous in a peachy dress with a red rose detail framing her baby bump.(Portman also rocked it at the SAG Awards on 2/6 wearing a white strapless gown with shimmery diamonesque inserts at the bodice and a lovely baby bump). Jane Krakowski looked gorgeous in a grayish blue gown with draping but the 6 inch staked heels that she wore could have been omitted (as the falling runway models can attest, they are unsafe pregnant or otherwise).

Worst Dressed:
Former fashion model, Heidi Klum took the prize but Leo Michelle (in red ruffle hell), Helen Bodham Carter (in 80's fashion hell)and Jane Lynch were close seconds. More Men: All of the men looked handsome and well outfitted and none made any missteps fashion-wise.

Spike Lee At Book Soup

More amazing happenings here in L.A for 2011.    
Sunday (1/9/11) It's my first full day out since the New Year and as it wasn't as cold or rainy, I decided that I would go to see director, Spike Lee, at a book signing on the Sunset strip at 3pm. After church, I made a quick stop at Bed Bath and Beyond to gave away free 20% coupons to thankful shoppers (I luv doing this, 'cause you get all the thrills of bargain shopping but without the cost). I finally headed up Sunset Blvd. to Book Soup at 4:00 pm (over 1 hr late).

I had never been to Book Soup but I had heard that it was a small trendy and edgy West Hollywood book store that has been known to attract local celebs. Still, I wasn't expecting for Paris Hilton to practically run into me as I was a few steps from the entrance of the place. Paris was checking her phone, as usual(for calls from BFFs I'm sure), so I guess that's why we got as close as we did. Thankfully, she looked up quickly when she sensed the near collision. I said quite officially "hello, Ms. Hilton" and walked by her, she looked at me and said hi" with a little pouty smile then  we agilely skirted each other then she was back on the phone. Needless to say she looked pretty out of place in a bookstore like Book Soup and a few people looked very surprised at seeing her there. However, we must remember that Paris is an author and entrepreneur so why not hang out in a bookstore.

I hope Paris doesn't use that cellphone the same way while she drives though cause that could end badly. Funny Recollection: My second day in LA back in '07, I went on a Hollywood tour that began at Paris' former home the week after she had been arrested for another reckless driving charge (Lindsay Lohan was arrested that weekend too, if I recall correctly). Amazingly (and not in a good way), tourists from Sweden got off the bus and took pictures of the trash cans outside Paris' home--the home of a person famous (at that time) for doing nothing- and they took pictures of her trash cans even after knowing she had moved out of the house 3 days prior.  

Fashion V.S. Vanity:
It's no news that Paris is a spoiled rich girl with an affinity for the wrong side of the law but she has a good style sense and she was dressed to the nines. She looks thin BUT she doesn't look anorexic-skinny so that's a good thing. Girl has had some work done, too but she keeps it minimal(lips injections etc). Her clothes, accessories and skin/make-up were all very good, too. Even better was that I saw our reflections in the windows as we passed each other and, IMHO, I looked just as gorgeous despite being on a budget(read-with no Paris Hilton hair extensions, no Paris Hilton perfume, no Paris Hilton shoes and no Paris Hilton jewelry). I'm laughing now but I was a bit disappointed in myself that I, as a mature Christian, could think of such vain things at such a time. Still, it was truly what I thought as I straightened my gold metallic sweater, patted my hair and did a pouty smile too. Then I clutched my giraffe print hobo bag, fluffed my faux-fur collar and strutted past Paris into the store in my comfortable but trendy croc knock-offs-lol. Seriously though, I am praying that I'm becoming less vain about myself and just more assured and confident in the Lord and where the Holy Spirit is leading me.  

Spike Lee:
I entered the store with an eagerness that I reserve for a very select few in Hollywood or other-wise. I'm a big Spike Lee fan and I've followed his career closely for nearly 30 years. I've always wanted to meet the man and one of my dreams was to perhaps work with him or for him someday. In fact, when I moved to New Jersey for my fellowship in 2002, I would head to NYC for classes but with the distinct hope of dropping my script treatment off at Lee's 4O Acres And A Mule production company in Brooklyn so you can imagine that I was real eager to see him. 

The book clerk pointed me to the back of the store for the Spike Lee signing which was all but over. I stepped further into the somewhat cramped bookstore and squeezed by a line of well dressed 40 something black people who were navigating the narrow book-laddened aisles to exit the store. I was immediately certain that they, like me, had only come to Book Soup on that particular day because of Spike Lee. Spike was there signing the last copy of his book, Do The Right Thing, and talking to some fans as the staff packed up for him to leave. Spike wrote the Oscar nominated script for the movie, Do The Right Thing, then he went on to produce, direct and star in the ground breaking 1989 movie. Do The Right Thing was very controversial 20 years ago but it did lots to promote discussions about race and racism in America. The music for the movie was also ground-breaking, as it's the first award-worthy movie that I remember with a strong hip-hop score and attitude (Public Enemy's Fight The Power and Tina's dance etc).

This new book is a behind-the-scenes retrospective of the making of the film, with photographs and interviews with the crew and cast as well as anecdotes and all the related controversies. It's also about the films historical relevance in this so called "post-race age". (I have even read reports that it was the Obamas' first date movie.) The book is a hard cover with a lovely muted fuchsia hued still photo of the back of Spike Lee as he sits on a bed in his role as Mookie, the main character from the movie.(By chance, I later got the blurred photo above of Spike in the exact same position-genius). The Book Soup staff was all a-twitter by all the in-store traffic Spike had garnered and they happily told me that there were no more books to buy. Apparently, they had sold over 100 copies of Spike's book in less than an hour, which was some sort of record for them. Actually, at a price of $39.95 and in this economy, selling out all the books is practically a miracle but, by all accounts, the book is worth every penny.

I walked up to the table where Spike was signing the last book and chatting with its owner, another devoted fan. I tried to stay calm as I said my "hellos" and I expressed how much I love his work. Spike was real cool about everything so we talked about casual things and things we both liked like basketball. I asked why he wasn't heading to the Lakers v.s the NY Knicks game already. The game was at 5 pm and it was already about 4:20 pm. He said "That's where I'm going to now" and he opened up his sports jacket and showed me that he was decked out in orange and blue Knicks team apparel. We talked sports for a bit longer even playfully argued the outcome of tonight's game. There is a minuscule chance of the Knicks winning only because of the Lakers having recent injuries and big losses but Spike was certain that the Knicks would definitely win (gotta love that NYC swagger). I'm not a fan of either team but Spike is a BIG Knicks fan and his heckling of opposing teams while court-side during Knicks games is legendary (think Reggie Miller and Indiana).  

I mentioned to Spike that one of my brothers had worked with him on 2 of his films in New York. Spike smiled and then he asked, "who's your brother?", but before I could tell him a lady (pretty and in pink) snuck up behind him and tapped him on the shoulder. Spike turned around quickly then whooped in delight to see her. They grabbed each other in a bear hug then they both started laughing loudly and instantly reminiscing. I gathered from their conversation that the lady in pink was a close personal friend and fellow filmmaker but they get to see each other rarely now because she lives here in LA.

Spike and his friend talked at the counter for a while and I marveled at how expressive his face and body was. As they talked further I could tell I would have to put my Spike-mania on hold in order to let the 2 friends reconnect. It was still nice just standing there watching them though cause they talked about a lot of insider Hollywood things ("you missed the party last night" (at another famed director's house)..." I saw your latest work"... then, "how are the kids?" ) and so I got to pretend that I was in the know for a while, too :D I feel really blessed as I had such unbelievable access. I had some great photo opportunities, too but I decided that taking pictures would prove I didn't belong (it's weird how that works-lol). 

Under her pink jacket, Spike's friend was wearing a t-shirt with the smiling face of a 10 year old afro-wearing Michael Jackson on it (MJ was really a cute kid whether black or white). She said that the shirt was Spike Lee's own design from MJ's memorial birthday block party held in Brooklyn in 2009. Cheeky me, I told Spike Lee that I wanted one in my size if he could get it. I had forgotten about the Michael Jackson event and I had also forgotten that Spike had directed Michael's controversial "They Don't Care About Us" video in 1991 so I guess that's how they knew each other.

Like I said, meeting Spike Lee was like a life-long dream come true and I could have hung around him all day. He is very animated and fun but at the same time he is very exacting, detailed-oriented and he certainly speaks his mind. Though Spike is only about 5 ' 4" tall, he can be a bit intimidating to some but I liked it because he's a large presence but not in a "I'm a famous director Hollywood snob" kind of way but in an "I'm a brother from NYC with mad-skills” kind of way, which is way more real. I soaked in as much of Spike's atmosphere as I could without looking like a stalker, which is a fine line to walk for a true fan if you ask me but I'm getting the hang of it.

Another 15 minutes flew by with Spike and his friend talking and laughing with Spike intermittently inquiring a about a few business details from the bookstore staffers as they wrapped his book signing event up and prepped for another author's book signing at 5 pm. Spike gifted a signed copy of his book to his friend and the friends did one last hug then Spike was ready to leave. He grabbed a small paperback book by another author that he'd found while at the store and asked the cashier to ring it up. The book was only $7 so I quickly jumped in and told Spike, "let me pay for it as a gift for you!" and I grabbed my wallet and quickly whisked out $7 in crisp bills ($5 and 2 dollar bills) and thrusted them pleadingly at the staffer. Spike looked at me and chuckled but pulled out his own wallet and cash ($5 and 2 dollar bills too—great minds think alike).

The staffer looked at Spike for direction as I insisted. "Please, let me! When will I ever have the chance to treat you, a big-time director?". Then I added the obvious, "I can't afford you"! Spike seemed to hesitate for a fraction of a second and it looked like he would humor me. He exchange quick conspiratorial glances with his friend and the cashier then he smiled and said, "No, I'll pay for it" and he did. As he waited for his receipt, I lamented to him that now I won't have a great true story to tell about my $7 gift to the famed director. Both Spike and his friend smiled kindly and told me to go ahead and tell my story because it was still an interesting one (especially after how strongly I insisted to pay-lol). I could tell that they are both writers at heart because they enjoyed the telling of a good story no matter the conclusion. So I've written about it sort of at Spike Lee's bequest and now you're the first to read about it. God is amazing!  

As they are about to leave, Spike's friend reminded him that I had been eagerly waiting in the wings for him. He turned to me expectantly but I thought that I'd better let him get to that basketball game on time so I didn't delay him any further. They left together through the employee exit in the back then Spike returned a few minutes later for a bag he had accidentally left behind the counter. I had to resist the urge to mob him again and so I engrossed myself in a book about the life of musician, Jimi Hendrix and only took sneak peeks over my shoulder at him while he found what he was looking for. I saw him exit again and I heard a car rev-up outside as he finally drove off.

After Spike Lee left, I spent about 30 minutes listening to authors of 2 John Lennon books as they discuss their work at another book signing then I browsed around the store a bit.

Book Soup: My Impression
Book Soup was smaller than I expected and very indie in style with lots of nooks and crannies and tall ceilings and bookcases (see video). It is very unlike Borders or Barnes & Nobles' massive corporate hyper-merchandising style and the patrons seem to love it that way. The store seemed stuck in an 80's time-warp and it seemed to fit in more with the Silverlake neighborhood than the indulgent style of the Sunset Strip. There was even a feel of small town Americana in the back with an American flag and an old fashion cash register.

I love browsing in libraries and bookstores of all kinds so an hour quickly raced by. I saw great books about Peter Falk (TV's Columbo), the life of ballerinas (my interest inspired by the movie, Black Swan) and one on Picasso that I thought I'd get. I liked a few pictorials table-top photo compilations and one or two arts and craft books caught my eye, too but I ended up leaving without buying anything. Maybe next time when I have more time to really browse.

The Sunset Strip:
I left and headed down the Sunset Strip, that mile or so of expensive real estate that's bordered by the exclusive Hollywood Hills and runs along Sunset Blvd. through West Hollywood. As would be expected, I passed some of the most expensive and popular boutiques, restaurants and nightclubs and rubbed shoulders with more bar hopping blond party girls wearing 6 inch stilettos, mini-skirts and fur. Important men whized by me in fast luxurious cars, making important cell phone calls and going somewhere obviously more important than my destination. Sadly, I also saw some of the most desperate looking homeless, drunk and mentally ill people I've ever seen.

L.A. is so night and day... good and bad... amazing one moment and not so great or even stinky the next. Even the weather is getting to be like that these days. After 3 plus years here, I'm not so sure I can or should adjust to its dichotomy. I think I care too much. About Spike Lee. About those busy rich businessmen in their luxury cars. About Paris Hilton and those other giggling party girls trypsing non-chalantly by... and about every glassy-eyed homeless person on the street corner.    I am encouraged though by what Jesus said at the pharisee's house in The Parable of the Great Banquet found in the book of Luke Chap 14 especially verses 16-24.

In this passage, Jesus tells us of a certain man who prepared a great banquet and invited many rich and famous guests but they were too busy to attend when it was ready. The man then sent his servant out into the streets and alleyways to bring in the poor, the crippled, the blind and the lame to partake of his feast and then he announces that none of his previous invitees would ever taste of his banquet. This is a powerful scripture to contemplate as the feast is the Kingdom of God. God doesn't disapprove of being rich, famous or even busy but He asks that we make Him a priority and that we attend when the banquet is ready. Deep stuff!

Later when I got home, I saw Spike on TV sitting courtside at the game. He was hanging out with Lindsay Lohan as they cheered for the Knicks. Everything seems to have come full circle for Hollywood. A happy ending just like in the movies. Spike Lee is back cheering on the sidelines at a Knicks game, Paris and Lindsay are both out of jail and rehab and back enjoying life... and the Knicks are still losing.

Next Up: Sunday 1/16/11 – True Grit Movie review and Golden Globes summary.

Rains Don't Dampen The Christmas Spirit

Fri 12/24/10 Christmas Eve
L.A. Weather Update: Christmas Rains

If you've seen the news you've seen all the rain that's been falling in California. My apartment patio flooded a bit from all the rain so I was on clean-up duty Wednesday. Thankfully, my neighbor did most of the work as a Christmas gift for me. The rain stopped soon after and the sun finally came out on Thursday. People are already hurrying to the malls to get their shopping done now that it's dry out. I'm heading out today (Christmas Eve) too, to see the sights and to window shop at the Americana mall in Glendale. If I'm lucky I might see a Nativity scene somewhere or share the Christmas story/good news with someone.

Later, I'll be at Ecclesia church for a Christmas Eve candle-light service with the Christmas story read from the 4 gospels, carolling at 7pm. And if I'm lucky, the little drummer boy might even drum for us (he's too cute). I plan to be busy visiting various friends and neighbors all day on Christmas Day, weather permitting, so this will be the last post for a bit. So bless you all and Have A Merry Christmas!!!!

Ecclesia Church's Alternative Christmas Market

Today was the second Sunday and the 8th day of Advent and I spent a wonderful day at Ecclesia. First, we listened to an inspiring Bible message from Pastor Joseph about 1 Corinthians Chap 1-4 plus wonderful praise and worship from the praise band. There was also strong prayer from the prayer team in the wings as we partook of the Lord's Supper, including us gently sopping the communion bread in wine just as Jesus did. There isn't a time that I take communion that I am not thankful and humbled by Our Lord and Saviour and His sacrifice for us.

After service, we all headed out to the lobby for Ecclesia's Alternative Christmas Market. The alternative market is a way of supporting Christian missionaries and needy charities around the world as they do their outreach. The church was already decked out for Christmas but now the lobby filled with throngs of would-be shoppers and a band of carolers moved about singing Christmas favorites. There was lots of items for sale including jewelry, bags, scarfs and Christmas ornaments. There was Christmas goodies of all varieties for sale, too. I supported the Wild Hope Artisan Project and thereby supported the Masai women by buying their unique Christmas themed hand-beaded trinkets and jewelry including a beaded Christmas tree made of glass beads for one sister-in law. (Ooops I spoiled the surprise)!

I made another small donation in honor of my two sisters to Corridor of Hope saving young women from prostitution and poverty and leading them to Christ. I then bought some traditional Masai hand-beaded jewelry also made by the tribes women including a traditional necklace for another sister-in law. Then I sat down at the Kenya table with an eager band of twenty-somethings and made cards to send to various mission children in the Kibera slums of Kenya for Ghetto Light Youth Ministry. We made lots of lovely cards for the kids, all of whom have strong Bible names like Samson and Ruth, etc. I took home a bunch more cards to design at home, too so I'll be busy all this week.

I walked around some more first stopping to look at the items on the table at iSanctuary, which prevents human trafficking and sexploitation of young girls in Mumbai, India. I then donated a small amount to Heifer International towards livestock and training in the third world then I grabbed a quick bite to eat from the PATH (People Assisting The Homeless)table where our donationd go to feeding the homeless at their shelter.

It's A Wonderful Life
Then I grabbed some Christmas cookies and snuck back into church hall/theater for the showing of Frank Capra'sIt's a Wonderful Life. The movie was being shown on a new and bigger projection screen than the one the church had before. Apparently it was upgraded by the landlord for the church for free just in time for Christmas and the showing of this wonderful film. God is Amazing!

I snuggled in my seat as Brian introduced the movie and gave a little background on the history of the film. It's A Wonderful Life was not a money maker when it was released but it grew on people over time and it has now become a Christmas classic. Though it's unlikely that anyone over 25 had not seen it, Ecclesia especially wanted to show it to explore the faith-based concepts it promoted in the 1940's and to reflect on them in the present day.

I absolutely love this movie and must have watched it over 200 times and will probably watch it 200 more times in my lifetime if I'm so blessed. James (Jimmy) Stewart is at his best as the lovable, George Bailey, an earnest and hardworking manager of a local small Building and Loans. George defers all his life's dreams in order to keep the B & L afloat and to help his family, friends and neighbors to accomplish their dreams like attending college, traveling the world, attaining financial security, buying a new house etc. This movie is poignant, funny and believable, especially the chemistry between Jimmy Stewart and Donna Reed (as his high school sweetheart then wife, Mary Bailey).

It's A Wonderful Life is based on a short story aptly named, The Greatest Gift, by Phillip Van Doren Stern and it has a lot of parallels with A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. Both are timeless stories but IAWL definitely has more of a religious tone with lots of praying to God, angels to the rescue, redemptive themes, discussions about suicide plus good George Bailey versus evil Mr. Potter (played splendidly by Lionel Barrymore).

I missed some of the post-film group discussion but here were my thoughts: Mr. Potter is a sneaky thief and liar just like the devil and Potter's field is referenced here just like in the Bible. There is lots of reference to God, morals and prayer in this movie. For example, George talks/prays to God at least 3 times and Mr. and Mrs. Martini's pray at least twice and make the sign of the cross. The kids pray as well especially in the scene when Georges storms out of the house and his daughter asks her mother, Mary if she should pray for him and Mary says, "yes... all of you should pray".

The movie climaxes with George Bailey being angry at God and questions his own existence i.e. that he would be better off dead and contemplates suicide. Then comical angel, Clearance, comes to his "rescue" (lol). Clearance takes George through a series of scenarios that prove that George is indeed loved and needed in the lives of those he'll be leaving behind if he does kill himself.

Spoiler alert: The movie's resolution occurs later when George realizes he wants to live and prays for God to help him return to his family. As he runs back to the arms of his loving family and friends, our hearts are with him too. The icing on the cake was old Clearance getting his wings and that notable saying "teacher says 'whenever a bell rings an angel gets his wings'".

I read somewhere that there was an alternative ending to IAWL that was felt to be too religious. I don't know how that script may have read but I think the film is just right as it is and a "must see" for everyone on every Christmas.

Later, I had an amazing hour of fellowshiping with a new friend in the church's basement. We shared testimonies of God's amazing abilities and we prayed strong healing prayers for each other. We even danced around a bit and sang Christmas carols and then (surprise, surprise) I got my first Christmas gift of the season from my newly found friend in Christ. Yeah, keep them coming!

Update: There was more caroling on Sunday 12/12 during the Sunday service.

Christmas in La La Land

Sunday 11/28/10 I spent the first day of Advent in church(of course)praising and worshiping the Lord. Pastor Joseph had a lovely take on the scriptures (as usual) and the band was on point. The entire church was decked out for Christmas and the first Advent candle was lit and stood in the center of the church. There was even a little drummer boy playing on stage(priceless)! Shop! I headed to CVS to start my thrifty Christmas shopping. The store was decked out in all the usual materialistic merchandising and for a while I was dazed by all the blinking lights and glitzy chauchkies. I really only wanted to pick up candy canes to decorate my tree with but I searched and searched but I couldn't find the traditional red and white striped mint variety. Instead there was a striped green, red and white mint flavored one, fruity flavored ones and even one tasting like cherry coke. I got the first one then walked along Hollywood Blvd. as they were setting up for their annual Christmas parade.

Annual Hollywood Christmas Parade:
I've been in L.A. 3.5 years and had not heard of this parade until last year (that's keeping up with things, eh?) but it looked like fun online so I was debating whether to stay 4 more hours for it or head to old Towne Pasadena for their event. I hadn't made up my mind when I walked by a young guy (mid 20's) wearing the official Christmas parade volunteer t-shirt. He was hard at work setting up a viewing station along the sidewalk so he didn't see me watching him. He looked to be an enthusiastic and diligent volunteer but so handsome that a line of women were gravitating towards him under the pretense of learning more about the parade. I watched as he politely answered their questions then immediately got back to his task, oblivious to their eye fluttering and swooning.

I myself asked him a few questions about the Christmas parade(which he answered politely) then I asked permission to take a few pics of him for my blog as he set up("but no face shots", I insisted). Dude was so upbeat about volunteering for Christmas that it was contagious and he continued setting up methodically, fully absorbed in his task. As I took my pics I noticed 2 men behind us wearing sort of military short-sleeved uniforms watching him and nodding with satisfaction almost as if supervising his work and his interactions. Then I looked up from the doorway of a building behind them and I realize that the building they were standing under was one of the many scientology buildings along Hollywood Blvd. To confirm my fears, I turned to volunteer guy and asked, "so, what made you want to serve for Christmas in the Christmas Parade anyway? He nods towards the building behind us and said ,"I'm a scientologist--We do it every year".

Be wiser than a serpent:
As you can imagine our conversation skree-e-e-eeched immediately to a halt and I back peddled my way out of there before the cult of crazy and confusion had me jumping on couches. Unfortunately scientologist do a good job of the ole bait and switch cause I can yell you none of the girls who spoke to fair, handsome and helpful volunteer dude even realized that he was a non-Christian or worse.

Keep Christ in Christmas! It reminded me of my first Christmas in L.A. There was a large Christmas tree set up on Hollywood Blvd with beautiful ornaments, blinking lights, Santa's workshop with fake snow, elves etc. I was missing the east coast style of Christmas and this just fit the bill for me so I gleefully hustled towards this welcomed sight. As I was about to walk inside the gate, I realized a banner over head spewing some crap from L. Ron Hubbard and I nearly fell out. See I had been in a constant battle with scientologist along Hollywood Blvd. about their street recruitment practices (i.e them constantly trying to touch or grab me as I walked by or them offering to "test or audit" me)and here I was walking into their lair. Fool me once shame on you, fool me twice shame on me. Fool me 3 times? Never gonna happen. The take away message?

Matthew 10:16 Be wiser than a serpent.

The website Bible-knowledge.com has a nice article on this and a nice list, too. http://www.bible-knowledge.com/wise-as-serpents/

Home Sweet Home:
While I was caught up in that scary memory, throngs of people were lining up along the parade route and the jostling for the best viewing spot. I had not made up my mind about staying yet but, as the recent interaction had left a bad taste in my mouth, my enthusiasm for the parade had certainly dimmed. I had other concerns, too. They had already closed off entire streets to traffic and the traffic re-route schedule was crazy. Worse, the temperature dropped another 10 degrees and an icy wind started to blow. Instantly, my mind was made up. I hopped on the metro and decided to skip Hollywood AND Pasadena and head straight home altogether. It was a good choice, too because I got some nice interior shots of the Red Line metro station at Vine.

My commute was fraught with delays but I finally made it home about 1 hour later. I then spent a lovely afternoon reading parts of the Christmas story from the Bible. Then I decorated my tree, listened to Christmas carols and drank hot cocoa stirred to perfection with a candy cane swizzle. About a week later, I was flipping through the channels and caught the broadcast of the Hollywood Christmas Parade just as the scientology float entry made its way down the red-carpeted boulevard. Needless to say, I quickly turned the channel.


Update: Area Holiday Events Here's what I've been up to-

Wed 12/8 Hanukkah began and I had my first ever go at making potato latkes. They came out rather nice, I must say.

Thur 12/10 Due to water main repairs, the Griffith Park Christmas Lights are set up at the near by Mulholland Fountain.

Sat 12/11/10 Sunshine Kids Christmas Party at Raleigh Studios(see separate post)

Sun 12/12/10 Second week of Advent The week began at Ecclesia Church with a day full of Christ, the best kind of shopping at the Alternative Christmas Market and happy carolers(see separate post).

1Thur 2/16 Beverly Center Christmas Chronicles of Narnia: Ice Palace is a hit with all! They had "snow" and Santa! I even got to get a picture of the old bearded guy before security got to me-lol.

The Farmer's Market looked quite festive from the outside but had no time to go inside. I had to leave the Grove for another day too ... hopefully I'll get to them before New Years.