Day: October 31, 2006

Just got this e-mail from Dave Seidman. Being out in the sticks, I doubt I’ll have the opportunity to see this film in theaters, but…

“Back in 2003, when one of the Dixie Chicks criticized President Bush,
conservatives denounced the Chicks, and radio networks and radio
networks refused to play their records, I think you announced on your
website that you bought a Dixie Chicks CD, just to support their right
to free speech and defy the denouncers.

I just got back from a screening of SHUT UP AND SING, a documentary
about the controversy. The directors (who were at the screening) said
that — in a replay of 2003’s radio blackout — the film is facing some
of the same resistance that the Dixie Chicks did. For instance, NBC is
refusing to accept or air paid ads for the film.

So I’m passing on a recommendation to you and others to see the film.
I don’t think it’ll disappoint you. It’s an interesting story well
told. Besides, the music’s terrific (and I’m not a Dixie Chicks fan).”

A week from today, we’ll have a chance to see just how much the rest of the population has caught up with the sentiments the Chicks expressed.

PAD

This is from the imdb.com news feed:

“Desperate Housewives actress Marcia Cross is battling to keep naked pictures of her from being published. Two hundred sexy snaps were reportedly discovered by a catering company hired to removed rubbish from redhead Cross’ home in Los Angeles. The firm’s owner is being represented by agent David Hans Schmidt, who plans to sell the pictures. Schmidt tells the New York Daily News, “There are some pictures of her showering outside. She looks absolutely gorgeous. And yes, the carpet does match the curtains.” But 44-year-old Cross’ legal team claim the photos were thrown away by mistake and insist they still belong to her and husband Tom Mahoney. She is demanding their return. But Schmidt is confident he has the law behind him and hints he plans to sell them abroad: “The pictures were not stolen. When you throw something away, you forfeit that property. We recognize the copyright issue, but US copyright law stops at the border.” But he has given Cross the opportunity to buy the photos back, claiming he knows how wealthy she is after discovering her tax return in the trash as well. Schmidt adds, “I’m not looking to mortify Ms. Cross. I just want the most money for my client. I know how much she made, but out of respect for Ms. Cross, I won’t discuss it.””

Putting aside that I think they mean “carting company” since I don’t see caterers hauling trash all that often…and putting aside that the lawyer comes across as a complete pig with the carpet/curtains line…isn’t this astoundingly close to legalized extortion? I mean, it’s one thing if, say, you accidentally throw out a pair of Gucci loafers and a homeless guy who’s picked them up wants a hundred bucks for what is now his property. But this seems a whole ‘nother level.

PAD