Batmobiles

I have now seen and photographed every Batmobile from TV to the movies. Take a look.

Diva Actress - Fad Diets

A Letter To Hugh Jackman

Dear Hugh Jackman,
I see we still are at this impasse... I want you to follow me on Twitter, and you still haven't followed me on Twitter. I'm not sure what more I have to do. It's not like I'm gonna go single white female on you... right away. I mean, I understand you are a very important man, singing and dancing and clawing your way through life, but Hugh, what's a man without friends. Friends who will let you star in their web series musical and not even make you audition. Trust me, I wouldn't do that for anyone, just ask Patrick Duffy. No Hugh, when I look at you I see a guy who's got his shit together, a guy I could have a drink with, a guy my girlfriend would push me off a cliff for, but most importantly I see a guy who needs to follow me on Twitter. Just think about how much fun we could have.... and no, you can't meet my girlfriend. Till next time, your pal,

JLP

My Review of Moneyball

So, from the title I suppose you've guessed that I saw "Money Ball" last week. Let me start this post by saying that I don't normally write reviews, and I tend to be very opinionated about films, so my commentary can be a little strong at times. For this post, however, I will try to keep it as light as possible, in my attempt to tell you about a very solid film.

For those who don't know, Money Ball is a movie based on a book (Moneyball: The Art of Winning an Unfair Game), which chronicles Oakland A's GM Billy Beane as he tries to rebuild a professional baseball team with a budget that is probably actually less than what it cost to produce and promote the movie. It's all based on real events, real players... you get the picture. Anyway, at the surface, it's a movie about the economics of pro baseball, and even I was afraid going in that it would be a snoozer. Not so much, it seems, somebody, somewhere remembered at the end of the day, this is a sports movie, and therefore should also be fun and enjoyable. Now for those who read the book, the movie isn't as much about statistics and scouting, though these are the very root of the entire film. Instead the movie focuses primarily on Beane and the A's following their 2001 dismantling due to the fact that they only had an operating budget of $41 million (compared to the Yankee's $125 million). Much like the characters in the film, Money Ball is not a traditional sports film, it's not as much about the baseball on the field (though there is enough of that to keep the purists happy) but more about what goes on behind the scenes, in scouting meetings, locker rooms and front offices.

Of course at its root, Money Ball is a love story. It's a story about a man who is torn between two loves; the love of his daughter and the love of a game that has been his entire life. Don't get me wrong, the stuff about OBP and walks combined with runs per 9 innings and how that equates to wins is very interesting. I think the performances of Philip Seymour Hoffman as Art Howe and Jonah Hill as the fictional Peter Brand give solid performances, as do Chris Pratt and Stephen Bishop. However, it's the "love story" that seals the deal here. Whether the father/daughter relationship is a Hollywood fabrication, or if it's 100% truthful, I have no idea, but the scenes between Pitt and Kerris Dorsey, who plays Beane's daughter Casey, are solid, touching and serve to ground the story in reality.

The subtle beauty of Moneyball

Of course, when you get right to it, this is a baseball movie, and it's Pitt's depiction of Beane's love of the game that really allows this movie to succeed. In some of the best scenes in the movie, Pitt says nothing; he merely walks the stands of the Oakland Coliseum, strolls through the empty locker room, or simply lies in the outfield grass. Anyone who has ever played a sport, or loved a game so much, it's these little things that get taken for granted. I know ever fall, I sometimes catch the smell of fresh cut grass on a cool day and my mind suddenly has a football flash back. Yes, it's this collection of subtle visuals that lift this movie from pedestrian to very good.

I say, if you enjoy a good movie, and want to see something entertaining that should not get an Oscar nod, but probably will because of the people attached; then check this one out. However, if you are a baseball fan, or just a sports fan in general, this is a must see, the story, the performances, the tone of the subject matter combine making this the most earnest sports movie since "Bull Durham," and that's saying something.

JLP

Diva Actress - Type Cast

Diva Actress - The Process

You Can't Give Yourself A Nickname...

No, you probably aren't.

If I could describe myself, I would use words like funny, charming, intellectual, and creative. Never once would you see the words, procrastinate, stubborn, impulsive, or impatient, the words I figure most people use to describe me. You see for me, "describing" yourself is about as vain and douchey as giving yourself a nickname. I have had several nicknames in my life, some I like(d) some I hopefully will never hear uttered to me again. They were all given to my by other people though, never of my own device.

Living in Hollywood, and having to be around people that are constantly selling themselves, trying be a 'brand," I guess I should be used to all of this now, but for some reason I'm not. It's something I find I must do myself sometimes. Though I'm always careful to never cross that line, and trust me, it's a fine line. So, I have created a guide to let you know if you are crossing the line, and stepping into the world of being a sell out or just an outright douche.

• If  you you describe your sense of humor as (insert adjective here), but people just don't get it... Most likely you've chosen poorly. Just because you think you're quirky, or adorable or whatever doesn't mean you are, it just means you want to be. In reality, you could be mean, insensitive, or just plain unfunny and never really know it. Hell, it took me a very long time to learn that my sense of humor is very dry, at least I'm told.
• Anytime you give yourself a nickname.
• If you go out of your way to call yourself a geek or nerd, you're probably not. I know nerd is cool now, but just because you have an iPhone and like Star Wars, doesn't mean your a nerd. Actually, if you were a nerd, you would have a hacked android phone and know why the Millennium Falcon is so much faster than any other ship in light speed (186,000 miles per second) even though they are all going the same speed.Or you might know the best type of crystal to focus a light saber. (correct answer: Kaiburr crystal).



A real geek owns this rare 1977 Star Wars t-shirt, but never wears it.

• If you describe yourself as a "Brand," or in the third person.
• You are either a leader of people or you are not. That's just the way it is. You can't learn to lead, you can't be taught to inspire. Just because you are in charge, doesn't mean people will follow you.

Expect this list to grow with future posts, as this is just the tip of a much bigger issue. In fact feel free to comment with your own if you've got them.  As for today's lesson... Bottom line, be yourself, and if you're funny, you'll be funny, if you're a leader, you'll lead, and if geek, you'll buy all seven versions of the Blu-ray Star Wars box sets that will be coming out in the next three years. 

P.S. this post is not about any one actual person, it's a collection of thoughts I've collected observing many people. So if you get offended by something in this post, I promise, it was not directed at you... though it could mean you probably are a douche.

Summer 2010: A Review

This is the closest I've been to the beach all summer.

The kids are back in school, the beaches are less crowded and Hollywood is crying over decline in revenue at the box office, yes, it appears that the summer is officially winding down. As I look back, I take notice of a few things from the summer of 2010. First, I still didn't get to the beach. One of the things Heather and I discussed back in April and May was that this year, we had to go to the beach. We did not. Closest I got was being across the street from the beach while eating at Malibu Seafood on July 4th. Though, I will say this, as an east coast person, west coast beaches kinda suck; too many people. Is there anywhere around were you can go to the beach and actually enjoy yourself? 

Second thing I noticed, there weren't that many great summer movies, or at least movies I was willing to shell out $15.00 bucks a pop for. Thing is, 90% of all movies this year were remakes, reboots, sequels or based on some other source material. What does this mean? There are no original films being made, at least not during the summer months. The only original idea all summer was Inception, which I still have not seen. (shame on me) That's not to say I've not seen some enjoyable flicks, it's just that if I'm going to spend $50 to go to the movies, it had better be something worth the experience, after all, there are way cheaper ways to entertain these days. (thanks Netflix) There's good news Hollywood, I just happen to know a writer sitting on top of a handful of scripts that are sure goldmine ideas. GOLDMINE! (call me)

Other thoughts: I can't get Direct TV, and that blows. Heather and I saw Al Pacino playing mini golf with one of his kids this past Monday. It was about 85 degrees out, and he was wearing a black suit. As Heather put it, he swung the gold club as if he was chopping down weeds. It was trip to watch, until they decided to bolt.

Also, if you want to be entertained... good news, you don't have to watch a Gladiators fight lions to be entertained anymore. For your Amusement I present www.heatherandjeffshow.blogspot.com/. It's the only place on the internet to get the scoop on the real Heather and Jeff (and Swoosh).

That's all I've got for now, till next time...

JLP

Social Media

When is too much just too much? I'm talking about social media, were everybody can find out what everybody else is doing RIGHT NOW! As a society, when did we get to the point that we had to know everything about everything the moment it happens? Honestly, I think it takes some of the fun and mystery out of things. Not only that, it's slightly narcissistic and potentially dangerous. I'll elaborate.

I feel we now live in a society where everyone wants and needs to be famous. The old saying, "everyone gets 15 minutes of fame," doesn’t seem to be the case anymore. It’s an age when people achieve fame for no reason what so ever, the more followers you get, the more fame you can potentially achieve. When you have thousands of followers, yet you have in no way contributed anything useful to society in any form or fashion, and all you can put on your Twitter is, "I just ate tacos, Mmm Yummy," maybe it's time to rethink your life. I guess it just blows my mind that people who have nothing important to add or say, can suddenly have such a loud voice in the world. (See any Kardashian) It's scary really.

Now don't get me wrong, this is a bit of the pot calling the kettle black. I actively use many different forms of Social Media, including the big two, Facebook and Twitter. (Used to be the big three, but no one uses MySpace any more, do they?)Hell, this very page is covered with links to my other sites. Just like everyone else, I use these tools to say really ridiculous things, all in an effort to get people to notice what I am doing. The difference here is I'm trying to be useful. I have a purpose; I have a mission other than I want a million followers. (I do not want a million followers). I am a writer who would like to get paid to write. I'm not a blogger or a journalist, (by the way, bloggers aren't journalists and all blogs should be considered opinion, not fact... this one included) I am a fiction writer. I want to entertain, and not by telling you about the dump I just took. (That is something I really posted this week for the hell of it) So I use these tools to get my name and brand out there, hopefully entertaining as I do it. In a world filled with so much competition, I have to do things of this nature to try and stick out above everyone else.

Notice how I referred to these as tools, and not the only thing that makes me socially relevant in life. Facebook is a great way to keep in touch with people. I'm not arguing that. Twitter, well Twitter to me is a little more complex because on one hand, there are reasons why it's useful to have a public text message service, on the other hand... why do I need to know everything a person does every second of the day. It's sad, and I'm sad for doing it. Unfortunately, I must. Then you've got things like four square, another thing I’m guilty of doing. If you ever wanted a stalker, this is the app to use, because they will always know where to find you.

Sorry, this blog is more of me thinking about loud. I guess I just don't see how as a society, we've come to this. I think the internet is a great tool, it finally has allowed everyone to have a voice that can be heard. The only problem is no one really ever has anything to say. Not everyone can be famous, no matter what the programming on MTV, Bravo, and Lifetime make you think. If you want to be a household name, do something... tell a joke, tell a story, save a life, play a sport, change the world, and then, do that better than anyone else and you'll get your moment. Just remember, not everyone can… If they could, then no one would be special, and then what's the point. I guess all I'm saying here is, “when is too much, just too much?”

Now if you'll excuse me I need to proof this blog before I post it on my Facebook and Twitter page. Later...

JLP

Summer Update

So it's been a while since my last blog, and I kind of feel ashamed, after all this blog is about my adventures in LA, and I feel like I've not been very adventurous. I'll need to try harder. I have been working. I was lucky enough to film a web sketch called "Two Girls, One World Cup" for Mike Hatton Entertainment. If you haven't seen it yet, take a peek. (HERE!) Also, check out the changes I've made to the In Rare Form website as well as the changes I'm making to the JLP Films site. If you get a chance, please, check it out.


Some real exciting writing opportunities are coming up in the coming weeks, I'll post more information is it becomes available. Other than that, there’s not much to report on. I saw Dick Van Dyke at the Malibu Arts Festival. I guess Heather had a conversation with him, which was pretty cool. Also, she said she saw David Duchovny and Téa Leoni at the festival. I didn't see them, and honestly, if I had, I probably would have never noticed them.

Unfortunately that's all I got right now, I will leave you with a few images from the last few months. Go Braves!!

JLP

My Thoughts On The World Cup

With the exception of women's soccer in the 90's, I've never really watched a lot of the sport. So this year's World Cup, though not my first, is the first one I've really ever paid attention to, and I just wanted to take the time to point out a few things that I've noticed so far in group play.

THE US GOT ROBBED: It is true, the US got robbed in what would have been an amazing come from behind victory over the Slovs. However, it is important to point out; the US should have never been that position. As anyone who has ever played sports knows, anyone can win a close game.

THERE ARE A LOT OF DIVA"S IN SOCCER: And you thought American athletes are bad. I have never seen so much internal team fighting in my life. No wonder smaller countries with players you've never heard of are winning upsetting the pot, they play as a team. Soccer Diva's, SHUT UP and play!

TOO MUCH BUZZING: If you've watched a game on TV, you've probably noticed that there seems to be a serious bee problem in South Africa. Every game, no matter which stadium, you can hear them swarming outside. I'm very much concerned for the safety of the people there in South Africa.

I HATE THE FRENCH: Not only did they lose to the Mexicans, but then they scored against the South Africans, preventing them from moving on to the next round, thus, allowing the Mexicans to move on to the next round. Yeah I know, there was a lot of in-house fighting going on with the team, but if you are going to quit, quit.... don't let the Mexicans move on. Do you know how much "Viva la Mexico" crap I've got to hear now? Of course it's no shocker that the French dropped the ball here. That county has a history of under achieving. I've listed my top five list of greatest French defeats.

5) Waterloo - Napoleon's forces lose the decisive battle to the coalition army commanded by the Duke of Wellington, thus putting an end to Napoleon's 100 days return from exile. Maybe had Napoleon stayed out of that phone booth with Bill and Ted, things might have ended differently.

4) World War I

3) The French Men's 2010 football club's performance in the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

2) World War II

1) Lance Armstrong - Much like the Germans, the guy owns the French, and no matter what they do, they can't beat him.

Loss of Glory

Initially I was going to write about my trip home with Heather last week and how it was nice to finally have a real vacation. However, something happened today that actually saddens me the more I think about it. Today, the great John Wooden died. Understand, I don't use the term loosely, and in my opinion this man's greatness has nothing to day with his unbelievable coaching career. No, John Wooden was a great man for all he did off the court, for the little things he did in everyday life. I am saddened by the fact that the death of this great man symbolizes the end of an era. It's the end of the great generation. These are the men and woman who suffered the great depression, brought in the new deal, and fought and won World War II. This is the generation that despite everything, were willing to sacrifice their lives for something greater than themselves. Men like John Wooden, and my grandfathers represent those people. They had a sense of honor that unfortunately is very rare in today's world. Soon all of these great men and woman will be gone, and it saddens me when I look around, and realize that nine out of every ten people I see have no idea what I am talking about. Anyway, I just wanted to say that. Next time I'll get back to the good stuff. Till then, remember those who came before you. After all, if it wasn't for them, you would be sitting where you are today. Oh by the way, hat's off to Heather's family for making being wonderful and making my trip exactly what I needed... mostly.

JLP

End of an era... My 30th birthday

For those who have known me for the longest, you know I don't tend to make a big deal over things, my birthday included. Maybe it's just my laid back nature, maybe it's just because I save those celebrations for things that truly warrant me going all out. I know to some (I'll mention no names), this seems odd and maybe a little sad.


With that said, (and even though I already have) I would like to thank Heather for going to so much trouble for me today. She didn't have to, but she did, and for that I cannot thank her enough. She orchestrated a trip to the IMAX for Iron Man 2, she made dinner, and dessert (side note: If you've never had Heather's Apple Crisp, you're really missing out. Imagine your favorite thing to eat, and then multiply that by 20. Really, it's that good.). Also, she snuck around town and managed to get me several wonderful gifts. None of things she had to do, except Iron Man. Anyway, thank you Heather, if I'd had any stress over the end of my twenties, (which I didn't) you erased them.

Also, thank you to Alex and Emily for a fun night and free passes to mini-golf. I have no chance of ever winning, but it’ll still be a blast. Of course, thank you Kevin and Brad, I hope you enjoyed IMAX Iron Man all up in your face as much as I did. Finally, to all the birthday greetings, and well wishes everyone sent today, I know I already did once, but thank you all again. Oh yeah, Happy Mother's Day Momma. You called me, I win. Good night everyone, and here's to you!

JLP

Adventures with Homeless

Here’s an adventure in L.A. for you. So I’m getting some lunch today and for some reason I sit with my back to the door… which I never do. As I’m updating apps on my phone, I hear a voice behind me, “Do you have any money so I can get something to eat?” First of all, I’m having lunch, I don’t like to be bothered by anyone, especially this, second, I don’t carry cash anymore, so I never have any money on me. So I say I don’t have any cash, which they never believe, (Sidebar: I expect the homeless in LA to start carrying credit card machines in the near future) Anyway, No I tell him, no money and expect him to go on his way… but he didn’t. I noticed about a minute later he was still standing behind me. He had a coat or something over his head. It reminded me of a ratty looking Ghost of Christmas Future. Not only that, but this cat didn’t want to be ignored so he started making noises with his mouth. It sounded like he was sucking something from between his teeth. I, however, held strong. I had no intention giving this fool the time of day. Finally after several minutes, he spoke again, this time wanting me to turn around. So I did… mistake. I’m not sure what he said because I was so overwhelmed by the smell of piss. I believe he knew this because he was saying something about soap and baths and putting Nivea on his face. (Sidebar: if he would have asked me for money to buy soap at this time, I would have personally took up a collection) Oh yeah, there was something said about horses. Then he left, which was when I got my first look at him. He was wearing a dress and carrying a purse, which I found to be an odd look for a homeless man. Also, he still had his coat over his head. Maybe he was trying to be a nun or something, or maybe his skin was too delicate, hence the Nivea I guess. Only in LA do you get a cross dressing homeless man worried about his skin.


JLP