Barbara Graham in Court at her 1953 trial Burbank, CA — Mabel Monahan a former pro-roller skater who had been disabled but was living out her retirement in a nice Burbank home located at 1718 West Parkside Avenue in Burbank, CA. 30 year-old Barbara Graham was a very pretty but troubled gal who came from Oakland, CA.   Graham was raised in really crappy conditions and often often by strangers.   Her education was somewhat marginal. Back then being homeless was a crime called Vagrancy.   That was her first offense and Graham was jailed at the Ventura State School for Girls.   Graham’s own mother also once did some time there.     Later Graham also did a prison stretch over a perjury beef while trying to help a friend in trouble. Back in those days there were no birth control pills and abortion was a serious felony.   Graham unwisely married three men, had a child by each.     Everyone treated single mothers of that sad...

Los Angeles, CA —Where better than in the City of Angels could it be to see a film about LAPD cops? I have to warn you that this film is very violent and may give sensitive types, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder .   The title says it all.   End of Watch or EOW , is standard police jargon to signify an officer’s sudden death on the job. The film is gritty and from the point of view of cops armed with various high definition video cameras and well as their sidearms.   Most of the video is shot with handheld cameras rather than using tripods.   It’s like the TV series COPS but on steroids. This story centers around two young cops in the very busy Southwest Division of the LAPD.   These two lads are just starting families and their spouses are no small part of the film. This was written and directed by, David Ayer .   The writing, directing, acting and casting are as good as it gets.   You will immediately fall in love with the te...

Chicago, IL —In the Windy City live theater is legendary. Tonight and for the next month theatergoers are in for a treat.  My talented friend, Jack Fry brought his show there.  Take from me this will be a night out to remember.  The show is, They   Call Me Mr. Fry .  It's playing for the next four weekends at Stage 773 on Belmont Ave.  http://www.stage773.com/Now-Playing Jack Fry is a real Los Angeles, inner-city, substitute, fifth grade school teacher.  This is about his first year in what would best be described as somewhat of a combat zone.  In fact the teachers get paid extra for the challenges there. What Jack Fry does in his production is relive the culture shock, fears, hopes, and dreams along with the lives involved in his teaching experience for the audience. Fry delivers a commanding performance as he takes you through school district’s bureaucratic political correctness gone bonkers.   Fry enters a world ...

Los Angeles, CA —Back when the mainstream media had money the sensational hidden camera story was all the rage.   Ambiguous privacy laws, deep pockets and lawyers changed the game, at least for well-healed broadcasters. The days of big broadcasters using hidden cameras has ended because of the omnipresent specter of expensive litigation. The landmark case that changed everything was in 1992 when ABC News, PrimeTime Live did a revealing hidden video exposé of the Food Lion supermarket chain’s really disgusting meat marketing deeds. Food Lion was selling outdated meat to unsuspecting shoppers.   ABC claimed the practice was a health hazard but allowed six months to pass before airing their story for the industry sweeps time.   I guess it wasn’t that serious of a health threat after all. It’s a safe bet that Food Lion would never have let ABC News come unannounced in with cameras, inspectors and reporters to show the public what they were actually buy...

Amsterdam, The Netherlands —In this incredibly beautiful city there is no shortage of art, entertainment or excitement.  It’s a natural place for the terrific actress, singer and world-class entertainer, Carice van Houten  who is a child of Holland.    I fell in love with Carice’s many talents when she starred in the Paul Verhoeven Film, Black Book .  I expect this incredible and exciting young woman to be getting an Oscar bound film role any day.    Carice completed a brand new album,  See You On The Ice  which is due to be released on ITunes on September 28 .   Carice was a guest on a Dutch DJ’s radio show and sang two selections from her album.  This sneak peek was a real treat for me to watch and now I must pass her on to you! At the very top of my Bucket List is winning a video interview of Carice for this blog! Somehow I think that will happen when I'm in Amsterdam or Carice is in L.A. Black Boo...