Why Dick Wolf’s TV Show, Chicago Justice Failed

Chicago, IL—Dick Wolfe is a prolific and wildly successful writer and producer.  Everything he puts a pen to, is absolutely golden.  That is,  except his offering called, Chicago Justice. 

Wolf replaced the grit and smell of courtrooms and death with silk stockinged lawyers from Ivy League schools working as prosecutors and criminal defense lawyers.  That’s just not Chicago.  

If you’ve ever been in a Cook County Criminal Court the first thing you notice is the lawyers, especially the males dress down.  They for the most part attended the local law schools like DePaul, John Marshall and ITT Chicago Kent.  These schools are more affordable but the alumni find that their job offers are limited.  Let me make it clear that many terrific and dedicated lawyers attend these schools.

Dick Wolf’s legal offices and courtroom settings all have new, polished and tasteful décor.  That’s just not Cook County!  Wolf’s TV lawyers are what you’d see in civil cases where millions of dollars are at stake and they dress the part.

Chicago’s criminal lawyers are local lads that attend Cubs games, eat hotdogs and drink beer.  These lawyers are not known for their expensive suit labels but far from it.  There are of course the occasional mob lawyers or white-collar crime specialists that fit inside Dick Wolf’s legal world.  

The files handled by Chicago criminal lawyers are almost all in in tattered folders.  Plea agreements are cut in the hallways or even local watering holes where the lawyers meet after work.  Very few criminal cases are actually tried before a judge or jury.  It may not look pretty but at least its real.  

Chicago crimes are despicable as are most of the defendants.  In Cook County the vast majority of defendants are African-American, angry and poor.  Frankly they actually have a foul odor about them.  They hate their public defenders as well as the whole world.  You can’t put lipstick on this pig and then make this kind of thing believable.

A better title might have been Chicago Injustice.  If the public really knew what goes on in Chicago Criminal Courts, they’d be shocked. Political decisions have replaced concerns for public safety. 

Chicago’s politicians would go out of their way to destroy Wolf’s Chicago Franchise if he refused to sanitize the much darker reality.  

I’m convinced if I were writing and producing Chicago PD, Chicago Fire and Chicago Justice it would get worldwide attention. 

I auditioned for Chicago Justice.  The show was cancelled before I could get any consideration. Frankly the show was a clinker.  Here is my audition that I also wrote. I’m a felony review supervisor explaining to a young cop’s mother why I let three thugs go that are suspected of critically wounding her son.  The implied hint is that this was more about race relations and politics than justice. 

Caitlyn Jenner, The Fallout and Opinions are Mixed

Malibu, CA—I weighed in yesterday on this story and I'm somewhat disappointed in many people including some of my own friends.   Many of the comments I received are not fit to print.

Bruce Jenner was an unquestioned world-class athlete and sports hero.  Jenner for the most part enjoyed a charmed life of wealth while he was always in the close company of beautiful women.  Now with a medically facilitated sex change Bruce is now Caitlyn. 
This non-political story has the political Right and Left taking sides.  That makes no sense to me.  

There was an apparent downside to this charmed life in the form of a life long desire for Jenner to be a woman.  Experts differ on the cause or pathology this peculiar sex confusion phenomenon.   Jenner is not alone since there are apparently millions of similar examples of transgendered people in our world.

The so-called experts have no concrete answers, cure or even an effective treatment for this malady. There are those that call Jenner insane, sick, perverted or worse.  We seem to judge insanity on the failure of people to reasonably function in their daily lives. I don't think anyone could label Jenner that way.  Perhaps those people concerned or worried need to get a life.

Transgendered people are historically non-violent and there is little evidence that they have any negative impact at all on society.  Why are some people concerned enough about Jenner to condemn, complain or hate what Jenner does with the remaining years of his/her life? 

Jenner deserves some slack from everyone.  This thing will play out in a high profile and public manner at least until the novelty wears off.  Jenner will make a mountain of cash that will soon find its way to his/her children and grand children.

Should this transgender situation wipe out an otherwise amazing and productive life?  Is there some reason to believe that suddenly Jenner will suddenly become unkind, evil or even homicidal?  Jenner has an absolute right to present and or promote the new persona “Caitlyn”.   Life is far too short for anyone possibly offended to concern himself or herself with Jenner’s new life. 

Now if anyone can tell me how this Jenner transgender thing will damage society feel free to let me know.

My Music Copyright Infringement Dilemma is Troubling, There Must be a Solution!

Los Angeles, CA—Like most of my blog visitors I love music.  I have my favorites from Gershwin to The Doors.  The artists that have entertained me deserve all of the reward for their work.  Every musical recording is a labor involving numerous people that worked so hard to create.

The music industry exists because of intellectual property rights.  Without these rights so many of the hits we enjoy everyday may never have pleased our ears.

My video host YouTube has settled most copyright issues with the use of music within the USA.  Advertising and iTunes links have solved many of the problems.

There was also a surprising discovery made by the copyright holders in the form of increased sales when a video featuring their products was popular legitimate sales of the music increased too.  Old forgotten hits suddenly were reanimated into moneymaking popularity once again!

As many of my visitors know I’m into the camera drone technology.  My drones shoot amazing video but the natural sound is the annoying sound of the whirling rotors and motors.  I must replace the soundtrack with music or a voiceover.  Music is the obvious choice. 

There is lots of copyright free music out there but most of it sucks in a big way.  Of course I want to use my favorite material. The problem is that my videos are blocked out in Europe because of unresolved copyright issues.

I want so much to share some great music that matches the videos.  I’d be willing to pay a reasonable fee for the privilege to have these videos seen worldwide. 

I have many friends in Germany, Switzerland and The Netherlands where I can’t share these videos. 

I will give you two examples.

While I was in Carmel By The Sea I sent my drone up over the beach for the soundtrack I used my favorite actress on the planet.  She  is a multi-talented Dutch lady, Carice van Houten.  She sang this classic 1930’s American song in her terrific film, Black Book called 100 Years From Today. 

Late this summer I was asked to shot a scene in the Palmdale desert for a film for my film director friend, Pablo Lewin.  The film is in post production right now and I’m not sure what Pablo has in mind for the soundtrack covering my shot.

Pablo gave me permission to show this scene on YouTube and I immediately knew the music I wanted to use!  It’s from the film Baghdad Café but is sung by Patti LuPone and is called, Calling You.   How perfect it was! 

There has to be a way to solve this problem. 

Needless to say my European friends will not be able to see these.  

 Carmel By The Sea

The Palmdale Desert Scene:

Theatre Palisades is a Place for Great Entertainment in Los Angeles

Pacific Palisades, CA—In this terrific seaside community there is an incubator for talent called Theatre Palisades.  It’s within the Pierson Playhouse that was built on its present site in 1975.  They put up five major shows a year along with children’s shows and various concerts.

Right now until July 13^th you can see the Tennessee Williams play, CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF.   For your convenience they have a website at www.theatrepalisades.org  

Back when I spent more time in L.A. I was honored to appear in several of their productions.  Six weeks of rehearsals along with a six week show run make appearing on the stage nearly impossible for me today.   The sad part is that it was non-stop fun. 

Since I’m having so much fun with little my camera-armed drone why not give you an incredible view of this great venue.

There is Life After Police Work! This Retired Policewoman Rocks!

Lorraine Iwan

Los Angeles, CA—For those that don’t know I’m a member of the Screen Actor’s Guild.  I attended a SAG function a couple of years ago in Hollywood and met a hopeful young lady actress.  Her Name is Lorraine Iwan and she happens to be a retired New York city policewoman.

I don’t know how old Lorraine is but she seems way too young to be retired. She packed her bags and relocated in LA LA Land so she could bring a little reality to cop dramas but she can also sing!   

Hollywood is a tough place to compete and make a living as an entertainer.  Lorraine was out making the rounds trying to get noticed.  Her credits are slim right now but I think that’s all about to change! I really hope that Lorraine get’s a top Hollywood agent and can see her dream come true.  

She just posted this video and I’m sure you’ll agree with me that there is life after police work.  Rock on Lorraine!

The Magical Music of Bob Lind is On Tour

Bob Lind today...

Los Angeles, CA—Back in 1966 there was a hit single, Elusive Butterfly by then 23 year-old, Bob Lind that was re-recorded by scores of popular singers including Petula Clark, Johnny Mathis and even the Four Tops.  Lind has since written many hits made famous by other artists along the way.  Today he's got quite a few wonderful songs you really need to enjoy.  

Bob Lind  is currently on a Western United States tour right now.  He is playing in intimate settings that are incredibly enjoyable.  He’s appearing in WY, CO, AZ and CA in various venues. 

This time Bob is being accompanied on the tour by talented singer Danny O’Keefe.  If you’ve never caught Bob’s show it’s a great time to do so.  I won’t miss this and neither should you!

Here are two dates in the Los Angeles Area:

May 25, 2012 Friday, 8pm

Bob Lind & Danny O'Keefe

McCabe's Guitar Shop

3101 Pico Blvd

Santa Monica, CA 90405

(310)828-4497

www.mccabes.com

May 24, 2012 Thursday, 8 pm

Bob Lind & Danny O'Keefe

The Coffee Gallery Backstage

2029 N. Lake

Altadena, CA

626-798-6236

www.coffeegallery.com

Check all of Bob and Danny’s touring dates and places right here:

http://www.boblind.com/tour.html

Sheen TV—Wayne’s World On Steroids!

Sherman Oaks, CA—Charlie Sheen is embroiled in a media war unpatrolled anywhere in history. I’m not sure what’s really going on in Sheen’s world. For all I know this whole apocalypse could be nothing more than a giant publicity stunt.

By all appearances this multi-millionaire is going through a meltdown fueled by alcohol, drugs and the largest ingredient, massive ego. Is this all just an act? There is no shortage of comedy, heartbreak and drama in this media Armageddon.

“Sheen’s Korner” broadcasts are done with a simple computer with broadband, a cheap camera and ordinary household lighting. Anyone, almost anywhere could do better quality broadcasts than Sheen has produced so far. The public lure of Sheen’s broadcasts seems to be sheer morbid voyeurism.

Sheen’s normally clean-cut TV appearance is embellished by the best TV make-up people who are noticeably and sorely needed for, Sheen’s Korner. He certainly looks like he’s on an extended bender on his show.

Should Sheen, CBS, Warner Brothers and the show’s creator resumed, Two and a Half Men right now it would break every ratings record ever established.

Sheen is a devilishly clever lad and born showman. Is there perhaps more to, Charlie Sheen’s Winning than meets the eye?

I personally want Sheen to succeed. Sheen’s many talents have enabled so many people to realize the American dream with lucrative employment connected to Sheens projects.

If as most people suspect, Sheen is going through a dark period of illness, addiction and the road to suicide, this is beyond tragic.

Sheen above all has to be a father to his young children. Yes, he can support them incredibly well but he has a more important duty and that’s to be their role model.

If Charlie is suffering from illness he needs treatment and those bridges that were burned must all be rebuilt by all involved. Those people who have been hurt need to do the right thing and that’s to help this fellow in spite of himself.

I want this war over, the show to continue and everyone involved to profit like they never have before. That can happen. Sheen’s young life hangs in the balance. Sheen and his family deserve a better entertainment effort than, Charlie sheen’s Winning. Sheen could easily retire in a grand lifestyle, but I insist that he also has an obligation to share his talent with the world. Let’s hope this was all just a grand publicity stunt.

Click here for SHEEN'S KORNER.

A Groovy Ride Down Ventura Blvd In Sherman Oaks, CA

Sherman Oaks, CA—On the way to lunch in Sherman Oaks yesterday, I pulled out my trusty Flip-HD to give you a look at my world. I hope this and Roy Hargrove's music will help my visitors get their groove. Please enjoy…

Darl Chryst Was A Well Kept Secret!

Phoenix, AZ-Nearly a decade ago I met a pretty lady in Phoenix. She had a couple of guitars and I learned she was a singer and actress. Darl Chryst was introduced to me by former, A Current Affair and now KTVK-TV’s ace reporter Mike Watkiss. Chryst was not famous, at least by my standards and I never heard her sing until now.

There are those lucky people that discovered this lady in local venues where they could hear this gifted songbird do her magic.

Sometimes amazing talent never finds the right venue. Everyday life, family and day jobs steal a lot of great entertainment from our eyes and ears.

YouTube is amazing because you don’t need to be related to or sleep with someone to get a chance at stardom. It is truly an equal opportunity venue.

Learn more about Chryst here.

I think this lady’s time in the sun is overdue.

New Device Will Save Cop’s Careers

I’ve never been a fan of the Taser stun gun. They are a public relations nightmare in too many cases. The Westwood, CA, November 2006 UCLA library incident is an example where an 18-year veteran officer is battling the threat of unwarranted civil litigation. This in a land where the jury pool is polluted with extreme, Liberal cop haters. As for the UCLA officer’s continued employment, I suspect that’s shaky too in an academic institution top-heavy with the Liberal elite. The Taser carries the reputation with it of an ugly American past where cops used cattle prods on African-Americans to gain compliance in Southern states.

Personally, I would not have used the Taser in that UCLA incident only because I fear the predictable outcry and circus especially when applied to an unruly minority group member. Nobody seems to care that the UCLA case like so many others only injured the pride of the so-called victim.

At the Orlando, FL 2007 SHOT SHOW, I met with Taser representative, Jay Keyhoe who is a Connecticut cop. Keyhoe showed me a somewhat new accessory for that Taser device. The Taser Cam is a small digital video camera that captures all of the behavior and sound from the suspect. Because of the built-in microphone the entire verbal exchange is fully recorded too. This device will would perhaps end any and all questions as to how and why the Taser was used.

I knew that Taser intended to offer the camera nearly two years ago but I have not seen that concept materialize until now. The Taser International website does not yet show this offering. Taser does have a full-page photo ad featuring this on the back cover of this months POLICE magazine.

I suspect that California’s goofy law against surreptitious audio recording even when it’s your own conversation will interfere with deployment of this accessory in that state. The device can be altered to collect only the video if necessary. There is a law enforcement exception to the law that may well allow that audio recording. Security people would not be exempt from that law.

I think that this camera apparatus will go a long way to defuse incendiary and misleading descriptions of the use of the Tasers in the future. I anticipate this will save officer’s reputations, jobs and taxpayer dollars used for defending bogus lawsuits.

Come Friday Was Thirty-Four Years Ago

It was exactly 34 years ago when 25 year-old recruit Chicago policewoman Ann Leybourne came home from a New Years party to find herself kidnapped by a serial rapist. The rapist made a deadly error in his victim selection because this time he picked a pretty young woman who had been just days earlier required to carry her service revolver at all times. You can read this story right here.

Actor Ray Dannis Has Died

It’s with a heavy heart I must report that Ray Dannis passed away yesterday. Dannis was an actor, humanitarian, World War Two veteran and lifetime resident of Venice, CA.

Dannis starred in several 1960’s horror films, TV shows such as Perry Mason, Gunsmoke, My Three Sons and a very long list of stage plays and commercials.

Dannis was a 40-year energetic contributor to Theater Palisades and was a member of the Board of Directors.

Update: Ray Dannis' funeral will be held on Sunday, January 14th at 10:00 AM at
Hillside Cemetery in Westchester. The address is 6001 South Centinela,
Westchester, CA 90045. There will be a reception afterwards at Ray's nephew's home.

The videos below from the summer of 2006, Ray Dannis is discussing his starring role in the 1960s horror film, The Undertaker And His Pals and the comedy farce FAROUK U with me at his Venice home. This film is out on DVD and can be bought at Amazon.com. Dannis died after a short illness on December 28, 2006.


Ray Dannis on his film FAROUK U


Dannis was a dear friend, mentor and a personal hero. I will update this with more information soon.

Miss Nevada USA’s Raunchy Romp Photos

I guess raunchy material is a big part of today’s happening pop culture. Bad girls get to go everywhere is a fact of life. The days of these things ending careers are over except in convents. I predict a bright and prosperous future in entertainment for Katie Rees wearing the red top. This is the real deal fromSplash News. Warning! The photos are graphic!

The Best Two TV Series Ever

They just can’t write scripts and produce shows like this anymore! The openings of these great action packed shows are right here…

Am I Living In The Musical Past Again?

Perhaps I am! In the late 60’s a song hit the charts that has ever since been sung by loads of singers of every description. Never once was I lucky enough to see the original artist, Bob Lind sing his great hit, Elusive Butterfly. Originally this song was recorded with an orchestra complete with violins. Here is Bob Lind alone outdoors with only a guitar and his voice in more recent times. Here is another real treat!


Here he is as a kid doing the song!

Yet Another Crimefile Adventure And A Treat!

Okay my life has taken unusual turns. I can’t truthfully say what I’ll be doing from one moment to the next. I’ve never been one to like the routine.

Not long ago I was lucky enough to get some voice coaching from a good friend who is a real pro that just happens to be an Emmy Award winning singer, writer and producer. This lady, Sue Ann Pinner prepared me for a musical theater production.

Sue Ann had already released four CD’s with her remarkable voice that have sold internationally. During a short break from the lesson Sue Ann played a melody she wrote on her piano. It was a magical melody that had no companion lyrics. Suddenly I had an Illumination! Yep, I saw the light! Until this very moment nobody has written a song about the remarkable life of a great man who recently passed away. I went on a quest to research the man’s life beyond what I already knew.

I’m a fan of story songs such as Marty Robbins’, El Paso, Jimmy Dean’s, Big Bad John and Gordon Lightfoot's, Edmund Fitzgerald. I sat down and wrote the biography and then with Sue Ann at the piano and together we crafted the final words to this song for that wonderful haunting melody. The result was the title track for Sun Ann’s latest CD, ILLUMINATION.

Who is the man Sue Ann sings about? I will give you a hint with this short clip of Illumination but you will just have to guess or buy the CD to find out. As for the other songs on this great CD. They’re showstoppers for sure. You can hear a tease portion of Illuminattion by clicking the play button below.

You can download this music and other musci fron Sue Ann Pinner at iTunes Store and napster.com

Of course you can always order this CD right here!

you can also buy it and hear clips from all selections at CD Baby.

This Is Talent!

One of the things I love about my vlog is that I can provide whatever content that I feel like. Today I received this clip e-mailed to me by a retired Chicago burglary sergeant from the old Area Six (Thanks Jim!). Sit back and enjoy the next couple of minutes with Bianca Ryan.
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Amazing 11 year old!!!