Playing with fire.

That Looks Familiar

Now that the election is over it's time to start considering the next big question facing America -- which picture will take home the Oscar for Best Movie.

Thursday night I went to see "Changeling," which I think is going to be a contender. Directed by Clint Eastwood, Angelina Jolie stars as a woman whose 9-year old son goes missing. The LAPD "returns" her son, but it turns out it's the wrong boy. Set in the late 1920s and early 1930s, this movie looks at the corruption in the police force and the importance of "saving face" above all else.

This movie may be nominated for Best Picture and Jolie will probably get a nomination for Best Actress. But I'm absolutely certain it is going to win for Art Direction. It's amazing how they recreated the Los Angeles of more than 70 years ago -- Red Cars and all.

Exciting Theater!

Sunday afternoon I went to see the touring production of "Spring Awakening." I'd previously seen this show in June, 2007 before it won the Tony for Best New Musical.

I loved it then and I have to say I enjoyed it even more this time. In 2007 I was startled by the freshness of this musical. This time, since I new what to expect I focused more on the lyrics and the story being told.

What a heartbreaking tale of teenagers becoming adults in a society unprepared to help them (Germany, 1890s).

Too often Broadway productions really suffer when they hit the road. I happy to report this show at the Ahmanson Theater is an exception to the rule.

Toothless Dawgs

The USC Trojans defeated the Washington Huskies by a score of 56 to 0 on Homecoming.

The Trojan Marching Band played to a packed crowd on campus before the game.

This future Trojan Marching Band member appears ready to go.

Poor Traveler got quite a work-out Saturday coming out on the field after every Trojan Touchdown.

As part of the Homecoming Celebration USC invited former Song Girls -- in their original costume -- to perform during Half-Time.

In this photo you can see how many former Song Girls showed up for the Homecoming Celebration.

I guess even tough times can come to the Trojan Nation. This guy was pushing around his "Trojan Bar" for sale for $340.

Happy Halloween!

The West Hollywood Halloween Carnival was as much fun as ever tonight!

I've seen these guys before and they always have terrific costumes -- this year was no exception.

McCain - Palin.

Uh, wrong season.

Quite elaborate.

Financial commentary.

Smurfette.

Dinosaurs walk among us.

This was my favorite costume.

There were lots of Heath-Ledger-as-Jokers walking around -- this was the best I saw.

I'm not certain this Aunt Jemima costume is politically correct.