http://movies.nytimes.com/movie/305252/The-Onion-Movie/trailers
The Onion Movie (it's about time!) stars veteran actor Len Cariou as the news anchor (remember Len in "Executive Decision" when he made all those super serious executive decisions?), and Steven Seagal (yes, I said Steven Seagal -- who ALSO happens to be in "Executive Decision"). Watch the trailer above, and you will understand (and laugh your ass off). I can't wait to get my hands on this DVD. It should make for a funner summer, and help me forget how much gas is a bummer. ---D.R.
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
NOKIA 6263 CELLPHONE HITS SWEETSPOT OF FEATURES: 3G, 1.3MP CAMERA, VIDEO, MUSIC PLAYER, XHTML WEB, STEREO BLUETOOTH & MORE; T-MOBILE'S 2ND 3G PHONE
Tech Review by Don Rose
I just renewed my T-Mobile contract for another 2 years, since I have been extremely happy with their combination of customer service, call quality and overall coverage in the LA area (very few dead spots or dropped calls, especially in the past year). And thanks to an extremely friendly/helpful Joel in T-mobile's Customer Loyalty department, I got a lot of perks for reupping my contract, including: a free NOKIA 6263 cell phone (more on that baby below), free shipping and handling, waived $18 upgrade fee, and even a free month credit on service (worth $39.99 on my plan, which continues to be 1000 anytime minutes per month plus unlimited nights and weekends, an unbeatable deal if you shop around).
The Nokia 6263 lists at $199 and is normally $49 or so when you upgrade, but since I told Joel that many companies offer similar or better phones gratis, he was able to get me the 6263 for free. (One example of the plethora of free deals out there: you can currently get money back - yes, beyond free - when you order a T-mobile Shadow smartphone via Amazon.com -- once you sign up for T-mobile service through Amazon, of course; I didn't do this since I would have had to end one contract and start another (a hassle), which also means an activation fee, and a plan that cannot match the one I have now.)
I'm telling you all this to help you in your decision process, should you be near the end of your contract. Let me know your experiences. Now on to the phone...
How is the Nokia 6263? Excellent. It packs a lot into a reasonably small size that passes The LA Report's Pocket Test (fits easily, and jacks are located on top to avoid cord hassles). I like the fact that, for a clamshell phone, it has just about every feature you would want in a phone. Not always the best at each feature, but decent-to-excellent on most dimensions, especially when it comes to what cell phones are really about, after all: call quality. (One feature where the 6263 IS the best is its display: over 16 million colors, TFT, a big bright and sharp 2.2 inches of visual va-va-voom; no other phone in this price range came close.)
Another sexy selling point: the 6263 is one of only two T-mobile phones (as of this writing) that is 3G capable. With higher speed 3G cell service rolling out across the country, this phone's 3G capability makes it future-focused (T-mobile already has 3G in New York, and I was told Los Angeles should have it by the end of 2008). What does 3G mean? Better call reception/coverage (because the frequency used is higher, hence the signal penetrates more areas, even if dense with buildings)... faster web downloading... and, according to phone specs on cnet.com , "3G Services / Included Services: Video Call". Wait -- did I actually see the words "Video Call"? Can it finally be here? Wow. We can't wait to try it. (I assume other callers must have 3G too to do Video Calls, but since 3G is coming fast, expect most folks to have it by year's end or sooner.)
Even without 3G, the Nokia 6263 has a winning combination of features. We especially like the dedicated music controls on the front of the closed clamshell (play/pause, back, frwd), which lets you play tunes when the phone is closed (e.g., in your pocket) and is suitable for airplane playing (they even call it Airplane Mode). These outer controls are located just under the large color external display, which is also pleasing and good for self-shots using the 1.3 megapixel (MP) camera, which takes good photos (despite the so-so MP rating). There is also an FM radio built-in (the included wired headset acts as the antenna), with many presets possible. The phone box also includes a 512MB microSD card, for storing and transporting tons of data (songs, video clips, photos, and other digifiles), and the phone's microSD slot (smartly located on the left rather than inside under the battery, like some phones) can accommodate SD cards up to 4GB. You can also sync with your PC (and Microsoft Outlook), by using the included mini-USB cable to hook the 6263 up to your PC and running the free PC Suite software that Nokia makes available on their website.
Final note: since July 1st officially launched California's Hands Free Only While Driving cellphone law, and since stats show less accidents overall when drivers keep both hands on the wheel during cell calls, the 6263's Stereo Bluetooth capability can literally be a lifesaver.
Nokia really covered all the bases with their 6263 cell phone. It simply has the best sweetspot of features I have seen in any phone of this size and price. For more info on the Nokia 6263, including an informative video overview of the phone and its features, click on this PhoneScoop.com link: http://www.phonescoop.com/articles/article.php?a=172.
I just renewed my T-Mobile contract for another 2 years, since I have been extremely happy with their combination of customer service, call quality and overall coverage in the LA area (very few dead spots or dropped calls, especially in the past year). And thanks to an extremely friendly/helpful Joel in T-mobile's Customer Loyalty department, I got a lot of perks for reupping my contract, including: a free NOKIA 6263 cell phone (more on that baby below), free shipping and handling, waived $18 upgrade fee, and even a free month credit on service (worth $39.99 on my plan, which continues to be 1000 anytime minutes per month plus unlimited nights and weekends, an unbeatable deal if you shop around).
The Nokia 6263 lists at $199 and is normally $49 or so when you upgrade, but since I told Joel that many companies offer similar or better phones gratis, he was able to get me the 6263 for free. (One example of the plethora of free deals out there: you can currently get money back - yes, beyond free - when you order a T-mobile Shadow smartphone via Amazon.com -- once you sign up for T-mobile service through Amazon, of course; I didn't do this since I would have had to end one contract and start another (a hassle), which also means an activation fee, and a plan that cannot match the one I have now.)
I'm telling you all this to help you in your decision process, should you be near the end of your contract. Let me know your experiences. Now on to the phone...
How is the Nokia 6263? Excellent. It packs a lot into a reasonably small size that passes The LA Report's Pocket Test (fits easily, and jacks are located on top to avoid cord hassles). I like the fact that, for a clamshell phone, it has just about every feature you would want in a phone. Not always the best at each feature, but decent-to-excellent on most dimensions, especially when it comes to what cell phones are really about, after all: call quality. (One feature where the 6263 IS the best is its display: over 16 million colors, TFT, a big bright and sharp 2.2 inches of visual va-va-voom; no other phone in this price range came close.)
Another sexy selling point: the 6263 is one of only two T-mobile phones (as of this writing) that is 3G capable. With higher speed 3G cell service rolling out across the country, this phone's 3G capability makes it future-focused (T-mobile already has 3G in New York, and I was told Los Angeles should have it by the end of 2008). What does 3G mean? Better call reception/coverage (because the frequency used is higher, hence the signal penetrates more areas, even if dense with buildings)... faster web downloading... and, according to phone specs on cnet.com , "3G Services / Included Services: Video Call". Wait -- did I actually see the words "Video Call"? Can it finally be here? Wow. We can't wait to try it. (I assume other callers must have 3G too to do Video Calls, but since 3G is coming fast, expect most folks to have it by year's end or sooner.)
Even without 3G, the Nokia 6263 has a winning combination of features. We especially like the dedicated music controls on the front of the closed clamshell (play/pause, back, frwd), which lets you play tunes when the phone is closed (e.g., in your pocket) and is suitable for airplane playing (they even call it Airplane Mode). These outer controls are located just under the large color external display, which is also pleasing and good for self-shots using the 1.3 megapixel (MP) camera, which takes good photos (despite the so-so MP rating). There is also an FM radio built-in (the included wired headset acts as the antenna), with many presets possible. The phone box also includes a 512MB microSD card, for storing and transporting tons of data (songs, video clips, photos, and other digifiles), and the phone's microSD slot (smartly located on the left rather than inside under the battery, like some phones) can accommodate SD cards up to 4GB. You can also sync with your PC (and Microsoft Outlook), by using the included mini-USB cable to hook the 6263 up to your PC and running the free PC Suite software that Nokia makes available on their website.
Final note: since July 1st officially launched California's Hands Free Only While Driving cellphone law, and since stats show less accidents overall when drivers keep both hands on the wheel during cell calls, the 6263's Stereo Bluetooth capability can literally be a lifesaver.
Nokia really covered all the bases with their 6263 cell phone. It simply has the best sweetspot of features I have seen in any phone of this size and price. For more info on the Nokia 6263, including an informative video overview of the phone and its features, click on this PhoneScoop.com link: http://www.phonescoop.com/articles/article.php?a=172.
JUL 5: FREE ROOFTOP PARTY AT STANDARD HOTEL DOWNTOWN; FREE JELL-O SHOTS, DJs, LIVE HIP-HOP (FROM THRILLIST)
The following listing is from a Thrillist.com email:Party: Creme De La Creme
Saturday at the Standard: 550 S Flower St, Downtown
Continue your long-weekend revelry at this free rooftop pool party, with $40 champagne bottles, free Jell-o shots, 4 DJs, and a live performance from hip-hop crew Pacific Division, who use the slogan "Fashionable.Artistic.Trendsetters.= F.A.T." because nobody's buying "big boned".
The flier is here; rsvp to standard@dubfrequency.com
Monday, June 30, 2008
Sunday, June 29, 2008
DAYTIME EMMY WINNERS "DAZZLED" AT BRITE SMILE’S SUPER SUITE IN BEVERLY HILLS; 2008 DAZZLING DAYTIME EMMY SUITE HOSTS TV STARS, CELEBS, VIPS AND MEDIA
Guests Treated To Luxury Services, Lifestyle Elegance and Great Gifts During Two Day Event
Event Report by Don Rose
(Beverly Hills) – On June 18-19, 2008, BriteSmile®, the world-famous and foremost leader in the teeth-whitening industry, opened its spa doors to host the 2008 Dazzling Daytime Emmy Suite to honor the television industry’s Daytime Emmy Nominated actors, presenters, major Daytime icons/personalities, film stars, producers and industry VIPs. Guests attending this intimate and unique “camera ready” suite in preparation for their red-carpet appearances enjoyed BriteSmile’s ultra-luxury new high-tech teeth whitening process, a plethora of top beauty services for him and her along with fabulous fashion, exotic trips, premium hotel stays, delectable goodies, exotic spirits and more!
Over 200 guests attended the exclusive 2-day suite including 2008 Daytime Emmy Winners, Jeanne Cooper (for Best Actress “Katherine Chancellor” Young & The Restless), Kristoff St. John (for Best Supporting Actor “Neil Winters” Young & The Restless) and Gina Tognoni (for Best Supporting Actress “Dinah Marler” Guiding Light). Adrienne Frantz, Amelia Heinle, Brandon Beemer, Nadia Bjorlin, Bryan Datillo, Crystal Chappell, Carolyn Hennesy, Christian LeBlanc, Don Diamont, Cindy Ambuehl, Darrin Brooks, Diedre Hall, Emily O’Brien, Ashley Jones, Greg Rikaart, Jason Cook, Judi Evans, Kate Linder, Kent King, Leann Hunley, Marcy Rylan, Mary Beth Evans, Melissa Archer, Melody Thomas Scott, Nicole Forrester, Patrika Darbo, Rachel Melvin, Tracey Bregman, Vail Bloom, Shawn Christian, and Tammin Sursock were among the bevy of stars who were treated to ‘the best of the best' products and services.
But the influx of celebs didn't stop there. Actors Ernie Hudson, James Wilder, Lou Ferrigno (the ORIGINAL Hulk!) and Maria Conchita Alonzo joined in on the fun, as did Angie Everhart, Omorosa, Traci Bingham, Reichen Lehmkuhl, Erin Hamilton, Lena Yada and 'Deal or No Deal' girls Leila Milani and Katie Cleary. KTLA reporter Sam Rubin received a teeth whitening, and Fox News' Christine Devine was, well, simply divine!
“I can’t believe I’m going to Spain – I’ve never been there,” said Diedre Hall when she was gifted with a 4 night stay at the Hotel Marques de Riscal. “We’re being treated like kings here – this suite has great stuff for men, too!” declared Kristoff St. John. “This was the best suite we have ever attended!” said Don Diamont. "This generosity is overwhelming!" said Ernie Hudson.
Of course, the many services and gifts provided in the Dazzling Daytime Emmy Suite were the real stars. Spa 415 provided facials for guests, while Nailtini provided picture perfect manicures. HAI Elite gave out their signature hair products (including hair dryers and irons for straightening hair without damaging/frizzing your cuticles). Sensual Mistique Lingerie showed off beautiful corsets, some of the best designs I've ever seen.
Eton of Sweden featured their sophisticated formal shirts (ideal for the red carpet or any other night on the town), including "slim cut" styles that are very flattering and flattening to the physique. The very friendly representative from Eton explained that the cotton they use is woven in a unique way to help prevent stretching and wrinkling. Eton also featured coordinating neckwear and cufflinks.
Glo To Sleep graciously gifted guests with their unique sleep-aid product. Shaped like oversized glasses but made with a very soft Nerf-like material, you put their product on over your eyes before going to bed, and the small lights inside guide you to a deeper and more restful sleep.
Other sponsors included Nicole Barr Belts, Hotel Marques de Riscal, Caribbean Escapes, Hotel Le Petit, The Cheesecake Factory, Poleci Couture Clothing, Beautorium, Porsche Design, Tarte Enbrightenmint, Twisted Silver, Choconella, Honest Tea, Fancy Flip Flops, Syrup Swimwear, Olivier Napa Valley Orange Honey Grilling Sauce, AIRA Signature Mink Eyelashes, Liz Alpert of Jewelry of The Spirit, Electric Body Healthy Skin Care®; Twin Magic Lashes, Friar Tux, The Charlie Lapson Collection (who showed off their signature handbags and clutches for the ladies and watches, plus beautifully crafted wallets and messenger bags for gentlemen), Heavenly Sinful Jewels; Lowd Suga’ Boutique Jewelry Designs handcrafted by “Days Of Our Lives” star Arianne Zucker; The Devani Couture Footwear Line; Model In A Bottle (our pick for best named product at the Suite!), Vinomex’s super premium Tequila; PAMA Pomegranate Liquer; Hypnotique Liquer and Fred water.
Refreshments were plentiful at the Suite as well. Aroma Café Culture provided the java and BODEGA provided the sin with the amazing chocolates they are famous for (including my favorite, the Dark Bark with Almonds, which is almost addicting). The two-day affair was catered by Michael Ferradine and Raymond Sage of Sage Restaurant and Lounge.
The 2008 'Dazzling Daytime Emmy Suite' was produced by Anita Talbert and Doris Bergman. Westside Today was the media sponsor.
Event Report by Don Rose
(Beverly Hills) – On June 18-19, 2008, BriteSmile®, the world-famous and foremost leader in the teeth-whitening industry, opened its spa doors to host the 2008 Dazzling Daytime Emmy Suite to honor the television industry’s Daytime Emmy Nominated actors, presenters, major Daytime icons/personalities, film stars, producers and industry VIPs. Guests attending this intimate and unique “camera ready” suite in preparation for their red-carpet appearances enjoyed BriteSmile’s ultra-luxury new high-tech teeth whitening process, a plethora of top beauty services for him and her along with fabulous fashion, exotic trips, premium hotel stays, delectable goodies, exotic spirits and more!
Over 200 guests attended the exclusive 2-day suite including 2008 Daytime Emmy Winners, Jeanne Cooper (for Best Actress “Katherine Chancellor” Young & The Restless), Kristoff St. John (for Best Supporting Actor “Neil Winters” Young & The Restless) and Gina Tognoni (for Best Supporting Actress “Dinah Marler” Guiding Light). Adrienne Frantz, Amelia Heinle, Brandon Beemer, Nadia Bjorlin, Bryan Datillo, Crystal Chappell, Carolyn Hennesy, Christian LeBlanc, Don Diamont, Cindy Ambuehl, Darrin Brooks, Diedre Hall, Emily O’Brien, Ashley Jones, Greg Rikaart, Jason Cook, Judi Evans, Kate Linder, Kent King, Leann Hunley, Marcy Rylan, Mary Beth Evans, Melissa Archer, Melody Thomas Scott, Nicole Forrester, Patrika Darbo, Rachel Melvin, Tracey Bregman, Vail Bloom, Shawn Christian, and Tammin Sursock were among the bevy of stars who were treated to ‘the best of the best' products and services.
But the influx of celebs didn't stop there. Actors Ernie Hudson, James Wilder, Lou Ferrigno (the ORIGINAL Hulk!) and Maria Conchita Alonzo joined in on the fun, as did Angie Everhart, Omorosa, Traci Bingham, Reichen Lehmkuhl, Erin Hamilton, Lena Yada and 'Deal or No Deal' girls Leila Milani and Katie Cleary. KTLA reporter Sam Rubin received a teeth whitening, and Fox News' Christine Devine was, well, simply divine!
“I can’t believe I’m going to Spain – I’ve never been there,” said Diedre Hall when she was gifted with a 4 night stay at the Hotel Marques de Riscal. “We’re being treated like kings here – this suite has great stuff for men, too!” declared Kristoff St. John. “This was the best suite we have ever attended!” said Don Diamont. "This generosity is overwhelming!" said Ernie Hudson.
Of course, the many services and gifts provided in the Dazzling Daytime Emmy Suite were the real stars. Spa 415 provided facials for guests, while Nailtini provided picture perfect manicures. HAI Elite gave out their signature hair products (including hair dryers and irons for straightening hair without damaging/frizzing your cuticles). Sensual Mistique Lingerie showed off beautiful corsets, some of the best designs I've ever seen.
Eton of Sweden featured their sophisticated formal shirts (ideal for the red carpet or any other night on the town), including "slim cut" styles that are very flattering and flattening to the physique. The very friendly representative from Eton explained that the cotton they use is woven in a unique way to help prevent stretching and wrinkling. Eton also featured coordinating neckwear and cufflinks.
Glo To Sleep graciously gifted guests with their unique sleep-aid product. Shaped like oversized glasses but made with a very soft Nerf-like material, you put their product on over your eyes before going to bed, and the small lights inside guide you to a deeper and more restful sleep.
Other sponsors included Nicole Barr Belts, Hotel Marques de Riscal, Caribbean Escapes, Hotel Le Petit, The Cheesecake Factory, Poleci Couture Clothing, Beautorium, Porsche Design, Tarte Enbrightenmint, Twisted Silver, Choconella, Honest Tea, Fancy Flip Flops, Syrup Swimwear, Olivier Napa Valley Orange Honey Grilling Sauce, AIRA Signature Mink Eyelashes, Liz Alpert of Jewelry of The Spirit, Electric Body Healthy Skin Care®; Twin Magic Lashes, Friar Tux, The Charlie Lapson Collection (who showed off their signature handbags and clutches for the ladies and watches, plus beautifully crafted wallets and messenger bags for gentlemen), Heavenly Sinful Jewels; Lowd Suga’ Boutique Jewelry Designs handcrafted by “Days Of Our Lives” star Arianne Zucker; The Devani Couture Footwear Line; Model In A Bottle (our pick for best named product at the Suite!), Vinomex’s super premium Tequila; PAMA Pomegranate Liquer; Hypnotique Liquer and Fred water.
Refreshments were plentiful at the Suite as well. Aroma Café Culture provided the java and BODEGA provided the sin with the amazing chocolates they are famous for (including my favorite, the Dark Bark with Almonds, which is almost addicting). The two-day affair was catered by Michael Ferradine and Raymond Sage of Sage Restaurant and Lounge.
The 2008 'Dazzling Daytime Emmy Suite' was produced by Anita Talbert and Doris Bergman. Westside Today was the media sponsor.
Saturday, June 21, 2008
JUN 19-29: LOS ANGELES FILM FESTIVAL RETURNS TO WESTWOOD; DAY ONE LAFF HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE 45TH ANNIV BYE BYE BIRDIE SCREENING, YOUTUBE & TARGET ROOMS
Day One at the LA Film Fest is always fun, as Westwood Village wakes up for 10 days to double its pedestrian population (perhaps even triple it). 5 to 8 was the Diversity Expo, which took over half of Broxton Avenue with booths and free drinks to entertain festivalgoers. The other half entertained a large crowd on chairs and makeshift frontrow couches to show the classic movie "Bye Bye Birdie" on its 45th anniversary. Conrad Birdie, Elvis Presley, get it? Conrad wears gold jumpsuits, sports slicked back black hair, sings with a swagger, woos Ann Margaret, okay okay you get it already. The songs are still great, and the audience clapped after every musical number. (When will someone release a music video DVD that includes all the best musical numbers of a Hollywood classic -- or a Hollywood studio? Does The LA Report have to think of these things all the time? Steal this idea, will ya, someone?)
Another highlight of LAFF Day One was the YouTube room, located on Westwood Blvd, a couple doors south of the Target Red Room. YouTube is entertaining LAFF folks every night during the fest, with live entertainment and more. The Target Red Room is the annual funpacked food-music-drink-dance space, this year located on Westwood Blvd in the space vacated by Hollywood Video after its demise. LAFF Passholders can get in; two specially colored passes get 1 guest in too. Once inside, it is pure fun vibe time, and again this year the yummy snacks are provided by Archer Farms (great chocolate chip cookies, sea salt pita chips, rosemary garlic potato chips, fruit bars, pomegranate green tea, and much more). I am writing this from the Red Room's three Macs, set up near the door where you can blog as you bop to the DJ's cool tunes (perhaps the best string of continuous rock/pop tunes I have heard any DJ play, ever -- I liked every song but one (yep: Journey) - she even played a rare Beatle alternate version of "A Hard's Day's Night"). Wait... now it's The Monkees. Coolness! (Other Red Room sponsors include open bar helper Tommy Bahama Premium Rum, Smart Water, and Stella Artois -- and of course Target!).
One more note: we hear that the lead actress in the film BAGHEAD did a great job; her name is Elise Muller! Look for her in this movie at LAFF.
Another highlight of LAFF Day One was the YouTube room, located on Westwood Blvd, a couple doors south of the Target Red Room. YouTube is entertaining LAFF folks every night during the fest, with live entertainment and more. The Target Red Room is the annual funpacked food-music-drink-dance space, this year located on Westwood Blvd in the space vacated by Hollywood Video after its demise. LAFF Passholders can get in; two specially colored passes get 1 guest in too. Once inside, it is pure fun vibe time, and again this year the yummy snacks are provided by Archer Farms (great chocolate chip cookies, sea salt pita chips, rosemary garlic potato chips, fruit bars, pomegranate green tea, and much more). I am writing this from the Red Room's three Macs, set up near the door where you can blog as you bop to the DJ's cool tunes (perhaps the best string of continuous rock/pop tunes I have heard any DJ play, ever -- I liked every song but one (yep: Journey) - she even played a rare Beatle alternate version of "A Hard's Day's Night"). Wait... now it's The Monkees. Coolness! (Other Red Room sponsors include open bar helper Tommy Bahama Premium Rum, Smart Water, and Stella Artois -- and of course Target!).
One more note: we hear that the lead actress in the film BAGHEAD did a great job; her name is Elise Muller! Look for her in this movie at LAFF.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
HARRY SHEARER, SIMPSONS VO STAR AND RADIO SHOW HOST, GETS STAR ON WALK OF FAME; OVER 20 PERFORMERS HONORED WITH ONE OF HOLLYWOOD'S HIGHEST KUDOS
KCRW’s Harry Shearer to receive Hollywood Walk of Fame star; Host of flagship public radio station’s “Le Show” among over 20 performers and personalities named by the star committee today
Shearer will also emcee LA Press Club Awards this Saturday night, June 21st
Radio personality... actor... author... director... comedian... musician... philosopher... political satirist... multi-media artist... and one of the best “voices" in the business (just ask “The Simpsons”), HARRY SHEARER is one of the most prolific entertainers of this – or any – generation. Today, The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce's Walk of Fame Committee announced that Harry Shearer is one of two LA-based radio personalities who will be honored with a star on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame next year.
For 25 years, Harry Shearer has been dissecting headlines, impersonating news makers, creating topical songs, writing/acting/producing sketches about political figures, news anchors and entertainers, and inventing unique feature segments and characters for Le Show, his weekly Sunday morning program, produced for and distributed nationwide by 89.9 KCRW-Santa Monica and www.KCRW.com. Le Show is one of the station’s most popular podcasts—available here: (www.KCRW.com/etc/programs/ls). He writes, produces and presents all of the material on the show himself.
Vogue magazine called Le Show “a wildly clever, iconoclastic stew of talk, music, political commentary, readings of inadvertently funny public documents or trade magazines and scripted skits.” Los Angeles Magazine described Harry’s talent for writing and performing this way: “Shearer is a one-man renaissance assault force on the conventions of our culture and a much-needed antidote to the current gloom and doom.”
An LA native and child actor, Shearer appeared on radio with Jack Benny and in the pilot episode of TV’s “Leave it to Beaver” as Eddie Haskell. A political science major at UCLA in the early 60's (where he was a writer and editor for the school's humor magazine), Shearer also did graduate work at Harvard and served a political internship in Sacramento. As a freelance journalist, Shearer covered the Watts riots for Newsweek before teaching high school English for two years in South Central Los Angeles. He cut his performance and satirical teeth with the legendary 70s stage troupe, “The Credibility Gap,” writing for, producing and performing on their albums and tours.
Shearer’s TV work currently includes “THE SIMPSONS,” the longest running primetime animated series, where he is never seen but always heard as three of the show's leading characters (Mr. Burns, Smithers and Ned Flanders) as well as dozens of other "friends" who visit the Simpson family. Other television credits include “Saturday Night Live,” “Murphy Brown” and “Chicago Hope,” to name just a few, and he starred in his own HBO hour-long special: “Comedy Hour Live: The Magic of Live.” He is a two-time Cable Ace Award winner for his rap music video “Shredding Party,” and “The News Hole,” a current events gameshow. These days, he appears in his own productions on “My Damn Channel,” an Internet-based entertainment website.
Shearer earned multi-media artist status by creating several acclaimed museum exhibits of public figures, captured via satellite in silence as they waited for their television interviews to begin. The Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) in Los Angeles presented Shearer's installation, Wall Of Silence, featuring key figures from the O.J. Simpson trial in their least soundbite-stealing moments.
Shearer, along with his wife, singer-songwriter Judith Owen, created Courgette Records; among other albums, they released Shearer’s CD “Songs Pointed and Pointless,” which was nominated for a Grammy Award in 2007. His new CD, “Songs of the Bushmen,” will be released July 7 as a digital download at www.harryshearer.com.
Today’s announced Walk of Fame star-honorees: Harry Shearer, Felicity Huffman, William H. Macy, Cameron Diaz, Robert Downey Jr., Tim Burton, Leslie Caron, Charles Durning, Ralph Fiennes, William Petersen, Kyra Sedgwick, John Stamos, Mark Burnett, Chuck Lorre, Kenny "Baby Face" Edmonds, Dave Koz, The Miracles, Doug Morris, Rush, Shakira, KFI radio personality Bill Handel.
Shearer will also emcee LA Press Club Awards this Saturday night, June 21st
Radio personality... actor... author... director... comedian... musician... philosopher... political satirist... multi-media artist... and one of the best “voices" in the business (just ask “The Simpsons”), HARRY SHEARER is one of the most prolific entertainers of this – or any – generation. Today, The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce's Walk of Fame Committee announced that Harry Shearer is one of two LA-based radio personalities who will be honored with a star on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame next year.
For 25 years, Harry Shearer has been dissecting headlines, impersonating news makers, creating topical songs, writing/acting/producing sketches about political figures, news anchors and entertainers, and inventing unique feature segments and characters for Le Show, his weekly Sunday morning program, produced for and distributed nationwide by 89.9 KCRW-Santa Monica and www.KCRW.com. Le Show is one of the station’s most popular podcasts—available here: (www.KCRW.com/etc/programs/ls). He writes, produces and presents all of the material on the show himself.
Vogue magazine called Le Show “a wildly clever, iconoclastic stew of talk, music, political commentary, readings of inadvertently funny public documents or trade magazines and scripted skits.” Los Angeles Magazine described Harry’s talent for writing and performing this way: “Shearer is a one-man renaissance assault force on the conventions of our culture and a much-needed antidote to the current gloom and doom.”
An LA native and child actor, Shearer appeared on radio with Jack Benny and in the pilot episode of TV’s “Leave it to Beaver” as Eddie Haskell. A political science major at UCLA in the early 60's (where he was a writer and editor for the school's humor magazine), Shearer also did graduate work at Harvard and served a political internship in Sacramento. As a freelance journalist, Shearer covered the Watts riots for Newsweek before teaching high school English for two years in South Central Los Angeles. He cut his performance and satirical teeth with the legendary 70s stage troupe, “The Credibility Gap,” writing for, producing and performing on their albums and tours.
Shearer’s TV work currently includes “THE SIMPSONS,” the longest running primetime animated series, where he is never seen but always heard as three of the show's leading characters (Mr. Burns, Smithers and Ned Flanders) as well as dozens of other "friends" who visit the Simpson family. Other television credits include “Saturday Night Live,” “Murphy Brown” and “Chicago Hope,” to name just a few, and he starred in his own HBO hour-long special: “Comedy Hour Live: The Magic of Live.” He is a two-time Cable Ace Award winner for his rap music video “Shredding Party,” and “The News Hole,” a current events gameshow. These days, he appears in his own productions on “My Damn Channel,” an Internet-based entertainment website.
Shearer earned multi-media artist status by creating several acclaimed museum exhibits of public figures, captured via satellite in silence as they waited for their television interviews to begin. The Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) in Los Angeles presented Shearer's installation, Wall Of Silence, featuring key figures from the O.J. Simpson trial in their least soundbite-stealing moments.
Shearer, along with his wife, singer-songwriter Judith Owen, created Courgette Records; among other albums, they released Shearer’s CD “Songs Pointed and Pointless,” which was nominated for a Grammy Award in 2007. His new CD, “Songs of the Bushmen,” will be released July 7 as a digital download at www.harryshearer.com.
Today’s announced Walk of Fame star-honorees: Harry Shearer, Felicity Huffman, William H. Macy, Cameron Diaz, Robert Downey Jr., Tim Burton, Leslie Caron, Charles Durning, Ralph Fiennes, William Petersen, Kyra Sedgwick, John Stamos, Mark Burnett, Chuck Lorre, Kenny "Baby Face" Edmonds, Dave Koz, The Miracles, Doug Morris, Rush, Shakira, KFI radio personality Bill Handel.
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