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Damage control is underway by the handlers of singer and suspected girlfriend batterer, Chris Brown. Yesterday, the pop singer released a statement to the media through a spokesperson claiming he was “.. sorry and saddened by what transpired.” The statement goes on to say: “I am seeking the counseling of my pastor, my mother and other loved ones and I am committed, with God’s help, to emerging a better person.” Hmm, the singer may need to seek more professional help for his, ah, problem.

19-year-old Brown got booked at a Los Angeles police station a week ago Sunday night for reportedly making criminal threats. Brown was released on $50,000 bond. It all stems from an incident after a pre-Grammy party Saturday night, February 7. Brown and a woman, suspected to be his 20-year-old pop star/model girlfriend, Rihanna, got into a fight on a Los Angeles street. The cops were called. When they arrived Brown was gone, but the woman was still at the scene with “visible signs of injuries.” 

The police did not identify the victim who named Brown as her attacker. Since then, media reports have claimed Rihanna is the victim who allegedly was beaten and bitten by Brown. Rihanna and Brown canceled all appearances and both have stayed out of the spotlight since the incident. In the few days that followed, there has been an outpouring of sympathy and support for Rihanna.

The reaction has been mostly negative for Brown; at least two of his major endorsement contracts were canceled or suspended. Fans have been speaking out on various websites and blogs; some are willing to forgive the incident as a mistake, others are so appalled they’re turning their backs on the singer.

Brown released his first album in 2005. That album sold over two million copies and featured the hit, “Run It.” Since then, Brown has appeared on the music charts with several other hits and two more albums. He was riding high on a wave of success, which included movies and commercials, until the street fight incident.

The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office may decide to file more charges in what is being called a domestic violence investigation.  Brown’s case is due to go to court March 5.

On this Valentine’s Day weekend most of the moviegoers were not looking for hearts, flowers, and romance. Surprisingly, the biggest crowds opted for a good fright by packing the theaters to see the new version of  ”Friday the 13th.” This horror re-make of the bloody adventures of the machete wielding killer, Jason Voorhees, pulled in an estimated $42 million over the weekend to become the number one film in the country.

Variety claims  ”Friday the 13th” had the best opening ever for a horror movie and may break other records before the four-day-holiday weekend is over. Presidents Day is tomorrow, making this a double holiday weekend.   

Last week’s top movie the romantic comedy, “He’s Just Not That Into You,” dropped to second place with an estimated $19.6 million, followed by the thriller, “Taken,” in third with $19.2 million.

The new chick flick, “Confessions of a Shopaholic,” based on the bestselling novel, debuted with about $15.4 million for fourth and rounding out the top five, the family animation “Coraline” with $15.3 million.

Photo by Pete Souza  — President Barack Obama preparing to deliver his weekly address from the White House today.

Today President Barack Obama called the passage by Congress of the much debated $787 billion stimulus bill a major milestone. Even before he officially took the oath of office, President Obama has been pushing hard for his American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan.

The president’s original plan was larger and he had lobbied for Republican support. Yesterday, the House voted 246-183 in favor of the stimulus bill; not one Republican voted for it. On Friday night, the Senate passed it on a 60-38 vote with three GOP moderates courageously voting “yes”.

Today in his weekly radio/Internet address to the nation, President Obama praised Congress for taking the swift action he encouraged: “Congress has passed my economic recovery plan – an ambitious plan at a time we badly need it. It will save or create more than 3.5 million jobs over the next two years, ignite spending by business and consumers alike, and lay a new foundation for our lasting economic growth and prosperity.

This is a major milestone on our road to recovery, and I want to thank the Members of Congress who came together in common purpose to make it happen. Because they did, I will sign this legislation into law shortly, and we’ll begin making the immediate investments necessary to put people back to work doing the work America needs done.”

The president reiterated a promise for transparency: “Once the plan is put into action, a new website – Recovery DOT gov – will allow any American to watch where the money goes and weigh in with comments and questions – and I encourage every American to do so. Ultimately, this is your money, and you deserve to know where it’s going and how it’s spent. This historic step won’t be the end of what we do to turn our economy around, but the beginning. The problems that led us into this crisis are deep and widespread. Our response must be equal to the task.”

At the end of his address, President Obama cited a message from a past president: “This morning, I’m reminded of words President Kennedy spoke in another time of uncertainty. ‘Do not pray for easy lives. Pray to be stronger men. Do not pray for tasks equal to your powers. Pray for powers equal to your tasks.’” 

President Obama is expected to sign the stimulus plan into law on Monday, February 16, Presidents Day.

FLLewis/A Writer’s Groove  — Burbank

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”

1 Corinthians 13:4-7     Bible/ New International Version

                        Happy Valentine’s Day!!!

Get those umbrellas out!  Major rainstorms are bearing down on Southern California. In Burbank this morning, light rain fell off and on. Weather experts say it’s just a precursor to some serious storm drama.  Yes, that means Valentine’s Day will more than likely be wet and cold. Yet, I doubt that will slow the celebration of love on Saturday; and that’s as it should be.

The first wave of bad weather is expected to pound our area this afternoon through the evening. Weather reports say we could get thunderstorms, hail, and gusty winds. A second big storm is supposed to roll through sometime on Sunday. And another one could slam into the Southland on Tuesday.

We got hit pretty hard with some storms just a short while ago. The ground hasn’t really had time to dry out and that increases the chances of flooding, and not just in the areas that were ravaged by wildfires last year. So drive carefully and stay on the alert!

Academy Award winning actress/singer Jennifer Hudson has to find a place to display some more trophies today. Last night, Hudson won the outstanding new artist, best album for “Jennifer Hudson,” and shared the win with Fantasia for outstanding duo, group collaboration for ”I’m His Only Woman” at the 40th Annual NAACP Image Awards.

Also, Hudson stars in the 2008 drama, “The Secret Life of Bees,” which took the best motion picture honor at the Image Awards ceremony at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles. Last Sunday, Hudson picked up her first Grammy for best R&B album for “Jennifer Hudson” as well.

Hudson won the Oscar for best supporting actress in 2007 for her role in the film musical, “Dreamgirls.” Tragedy struck her family last fall, when her mother, brother, and young nephew were gunned down in Chicago. Hudson’s ex-brother-in-law, William Balfour, has been charged with the murders.

Some of the other top Image Award winners are “Grey’s Anatomy” for best TV drama, Beyonce top recording female artist, and Muhammad Ali was honored with the President’s Award. A list of the winners is on the Variety website.

President Barack Obama’s White House is looking for a few thousand dedicated public servants to fill jobs in his administration of change. Today the official White House website www.whitehouse.gov put out the call for potential candidates to use the new job link at the bottom of its pages to begin the application process.

If you decide to apply, make sure you’ve got your resume and qualifications together: “Remember, the WhiteHouse.gov jobs application is just for politically appointed positions in the Executive Branch of the government. These are positions that serve at the pleasure of the President and so are by definition temporary, not permanent. We have received more than 350,000 applications to date for several thousand positions; the selection process is very competitive and rigorous,” according to The White House Blog.

So if you feel you’ve got the right stuff and want a shot at joining the Obama administration, check out The White House Blog for more details.

FLLewis/A Writer’s Groove  —  Samuel’s floral designer Karla Comayagua adds yellow roses to an arrangement.    

The last minute dash for Valentine’s Day gifts is on and many folks are going for flowers. I dropped by Samuel’s, a Burbank florist well-known for its gorgeous arrangements and high quality flowers, yesterday afternoon. While I was there, several male customers picked up orders and they all included roses.

I am really dazzled by all the different colors of roses out this season; my favorites are the yellows and magentas. Despite the variety, Samuel’s owner/floral designer, Donna Smith, says red roses are still the most requested flowers for Valentine’s Day. 

The holiday price this week, $85 for a dozen long stem roses. That price has not changed that much in recent years, according to Smith who has owned Samuel’s since 1998. The florist opened for business in Burbank in 1937. Smith started in the shop as a helper, worked her way up to manager and eventually bought the place.

Smith admits business slowed down a bit last year as the recession kicked-in; but she says customers are still springing for flowers, particularly on special occasions. One regular customer of Samuel’s pops for fancy flower arrangements costing between $350 and $500 for the women in his family on all major holidays including Valentine’s Day.

Smith thinks the sluggish economy makes flowers a good buy because a lot of, “… people cannot afford jewelry” and other big ticket items right now. The orders have been coming into Samuel’s at a steady stream this week, nevertheless, Smith expects the pace to really pick up the closer we get to Valentine’s Day. She says Samuel’s will have at least three drivers delivering the bulk of their 100-200 orders on Friday and Saturday.

Samuel’s is at 921 West Olive Avenue, Burbank, CA 91506-2299     (818) 846-1722

Photos from Vogue/Annie Leibovitz

First Lady Michelle Obama achieves a milestone of her own with an appearance on the cover of the March issue of Vogue magazine. First ladies have shown up in the high fashion icon since 1929, however, only two got the cover. The first, the now Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, back in December of 1998.

For weeks now, rumors of the Obama/Vogue cover have been swirling around the Internet. Last night, the rumors became reality when the story along with the gorgeous cover popped up in some major media. Today the Vogue/Obama cover was officially released. There are reports about it from People magazine to the Washington Post to the BBC News. 

Understandably, I found the most extensive and detailed coverage on the Vogue style website. Several lovely photos from the March Vogue are included with a shorter version of Andre Leon Talley’s informative feature story on the First Lady; her style, beliefs, and new life. And of course, there are some great insights and observations about Michelle and fashion.

On the subject of fashion, you get to hear Michelle explain how that controversial black and red outfit she wore at the November 4, 2008 campaign victory rally came to be. However, what impressed me most was the First Lady’s assessment of fashion:”I love clothes,” she admits. “First and foremost, I wear what I love. That’s what women have to focus on: what makes them happy and what makes them feel comfortable and beautiful. If I can have any impact, I want women to feel good about themselves and have fun with fashion.” Right on, Michelle.

The Screen Actors Guild and the representatives from the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers are heading back to the bargaining table, according to a joint statement that appeared on the SAG website yesterday. The brief statement is below.

 ”Screen Actors Guild and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers have agreed to meet on February 17 and 18, at the AMPTP offices in Sherman Oaks, California. We will have no further comment about the meeting.”

The contract talks were scheduled to re-boot  a week ago, but were abruptly put on hold due to more SAG  drama. The squabbling factions in Hollywood’s largest acting union took their battle to a Los Angeles court twice last week. Both times a judge rejected a request for a temporary restraining order to block a decision last month by SAG Board Directors to fire hardliner National Executive Director and Chief Negotiator Doug Allen. The TRO was supported by SAG President Alan Rosenberg, SAG First Vice-President Anne-Marie Johnson and National Board members Kent McCord and Diane Ladd.  

Last Sunday, the SAG National Board of Directors had a do-over on the controversial vote and again Allen and the SAG Negotiating Committee got the axe. The committee was replaced with a task force more to the board’s liking. David White was appointed Interim National Director. And the chief negotiator position has been taken over by John T. McGuire.

So on with the negotiations. Let’s see what kind of a deal SAG will get now from the producers.

President Barack Obama’s hard fought economic recovery plan struggled through the Senate today on a vote of 61-37. To pass, the measure needed 60 votes. Only three Republicans voted for the $838 billion stimulus bill.

About $108 billion in spending items were whacked from the measure in order to win support from the Republicans. Now, this stimulus bill and the one passed recently by the House will be compressed into one by a House/Senate committee. Democrats are still pushing hard for the final stimulus bill to reach President Obama’s desk for signing next Monday, Presidents Day.

Meanwhile stocks took a serious tumble, 382 points, today. The Dow industrials closed at around 7,888. Today’s Senate stimulus bill vote is not being blamed for the down turn on Wall Street. Instead, some investors and money watchers are pointing fingers at Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner’s plan for bailing out the banks again, saying it lacks details.

The Treasury Secretary announced the new Financial Stability Plan this morning : ”Our plan will help restart the flow of credit, clean up and strengthen our banks, and provide critical aid for homeowners and for small businesses,” Secretary Geithner said. “As we do each of these things, we will impose new, higher standards for transparency and accountability.”

Last night during his first official news conference as president, Obama stressed the need for swift action on his Economic Recovery and Reinvestment Plan: “It is absolutely true that we cannot depend on government alone to create jobs or economic growth. That is and must be the role of the private sector. But at this particular moment, with the private sector so weakened by this recession, the federal government is the only entity left with the resources to jolt our economy back to life. It is only government that can break the vicious cycle where lost jobs lead to people spending less money which leads to even more layoffs. And breaking that cycle is exactly what the plan that’s moving through Congress is designed to do. “

 Two days after the 51st Grammy Awards ceremony the talk is not about who won, but about two stars  who skipped out on the affair Sunday night at Staples Center. In a surprise to a lot of folks ( me included), Robert Plant, the veteran rocker from “Led Zeppelin,” and bluegrass singer Alison Krauss won five Grammys including the top prize of album of the year for their collaboration on  “Raising Sand.”

Also, Coldplay took home three awards and rapper Lil Wayne, nominated for eight, won four. An emotional Jennifer Hudson picked-up best R&B album, her first grammy win. A full list of the winners is on the Grammy website. However, two no-shows at the Grammy ceremony, pop stars Chris Brown and Rihanna, are getting the most media attention right now. Both stars were nominated for Grammys and scheduled to perform. Now, Brown and Rihanna are laying low and out of sight.

Early Sunday morning, 19-year-old Brown reportedly got into an altercation that turned violent with a woman on a street in the upscale Los Angeles neighborhood of Hancock Park. When police arrived Brown had driven off, but the woman was still at the scene. Police say she had visible signs of injuries.

Some media reports say the woman was beaten up. Other reports claim the victim was Brown’s 20-year-old girlfriend, Rihanna. Instead of making the scene at the Grammys Sunday night, Brown was booked at the Los Angeles Wilshire police station for allegedly making criminal threats. The singer posted a $50, 000 bond and was released. Police say there could be further charges in this felony domestic battery investigation filed later by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.

Both Rihanna and Brown have hot careers. Rihanna ‘s break out smash was “Umbrella” in 2007. Brown’s popularity shot up with the 2005 hit, “Run It.” Both have lucrative endorsement contracts as well. The fallout from this alleged street fight has already taken a toll on Brown’s image and bank account. Yesterday, the Wrigley gum company put the brakes on its deal with Brown. Wrigley is apparently waiting for the outcome of Brown’s legal problems to make a final decision. Brown’s case is scheduled to go to court in Los Angeles on March 5. 

Jennifer Aniston stars in ”He’s Just Not That Into You”                                                                                                                                    

Moviegoers were really into romance this weekend, which pushed new film, “He’s Just Not That Into You” to the top of the Box Office. The relationship flick follows the romantic antics of several couples. “He’s Just Not That Into You” barreled right over the competition to earn an estimated $27 million, to become the number one film in the U.S.

The cast includes stars Jennifer Aniston, Drew Barrymore, Scarlett Johansson, and Ben Affleck. ”He’s Just Not That Into You” is based on the bestselling romance-advice book with the same title by Greg Behrendt and Liz Tuccillo.

Dropping to second place, last week’s number one movie the action/thriller “Taken” with about $20 million. In third, the new animated/family/fantasy film “Coraline” with around $16 million. Steve Martin’s “The Pink Panther 2″  sequel debuted with $12 million for fourth, and rounding out the top five the comedy “Paul Blart:Mall Cop” with $11 million.

“Slumdog Millionaire,” the rags-to-riches story produced on a mini-budget, has scored another huge victory among the top Hollywood awards. Last night, Simon Beaufoy won the best adapted screenplay honor for “Slumdog Millionaire” at the 2009 Writers Guild Awards. The film is based on the novel, “Q&A” by Vikas Swarup. The 2009 Writers Guild Awards were handed out simultaneously at ceremonies in Los Angeles and New York.

“Slumdog Millionaire” focuses on an orphan from the slums who gets a shot at winning it all on India’s version of “Who Wants to be a Millionaire?” “Slumdog” cost only about $15 million to make. Since its release in the U.S. 13 weeks ago, the movie has raked in $77 million. After winning a ton of major awards, it will be a surprise if “Slumdog” doesn’t take home the big prize of best picture at the Oscars later this month.

 ”Milk,” written by Dustin Lance Black, is a film about San Francisco gay activist Harvey Milk; and it won the best original screenplay trophy at last night’s WGA Awards.

The WGA Awards honor outstanding achievements in writing for the screen, television, radio, news, promotion, and video games. A complete list of the winners is on the WGA West website.

FLLewis/A Writer’s Groove

Celia Wolin is a total perfectionist when it comes to her trademark manicures, pedicures, and therapeutic foot massages called reflexology. Wolin’s clients( I’m one of them) rave about her skill, care, creative flair, and attention to high sterilization standards. Candy and flowers are dandy for Valentine’s Day, but many folks in the San Fernando Valley are giving Wolin’s gift certificates for treatments at the Toscana Hair & Nail Studio in Burbank. Wolin shares the cozy chic Italian-influenced salon with owner and hairstylist extraordinaire, Ana Balzer.

 On most days there’s a steady stream of customers dropping into Toscana. Around the holidays the number of folks coming in to buy gift certificates or to redeem them goes up. The clientele includes men as well as women.

 In the salon now are fancy fliers advertising Celia’s Valentine’s Day specials: Love Affair in Italy Manicure $29, Chocolates & Roses Pedicure $39, and Gentlemen’s or Ladies’ Reflexology Session $35. Through the years, Celia has noticed that men usually buy the pedicure gift certificates for their lady loves; and women seem to prefer to gift their male valentines with reflexology treatments.

In these troubled times with the economy in a tailspin, Celia has discovered customers really want to de-stress and relax. Futhermore, she says they’re being very careful with how they spend their money this Valentine’s Day :”People want a good value… (also, to be) able to show someone they love they care.” Celia’s gift certificates include a $5 bonus coupon, which can be used on a future nail or reflexology treatment.

Toscana Hair & Nail Studio is located at 2005 West Burbank Boulevard, Burbank, CA  91506  (818) 917-1561.

A cold winter storm pounded Burbank yesterday afternoon as I drove by the NBC Studios at Alameda and Olive Avenues. Along the side the building, huddling under the overhang, a long line of folks waiting to get into “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.” A miserable day to be standing outside, but I can understand the dedication. Leno’s days on “The Tonight Show” are numbered.

Last December, Leno and NBC announced he would be getting a new weekly prime time talk show at 10 p.m. sometime in September. This announcement followed months of anger from fans and negative reaction from critics, after NBC made the decision to kick Leno off  “The Tonight Show,” effective May 29, 2009. Replacing Leno at the “The Tonight Show” desk, Conan O’Brien.

This network plan could work out really well for some television viewers. For fans of Leno, they will soon be able to watch his show from 10-11 p.m. rather than waiting until 11:30 p.m. — the time “The Tonight Show” airs. Still, if the ratings of “The Tonight Show” drop significantly, NBC could end up regretting this new plan.  

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President Obama’s campaign manager/Internet wizard, David Plouffe, has snagged a mega-book deal worth between $1.5 and $2 million, according to the publishing news site GalleyCat. Plouffe now heads Organizing for America, a new entity that aims to mesh 13-million or so supporters of the Obama campaign into a powerful force to help push the President’s message and issues for change.

I got an e-mail yesterday from Plouffe as part of Organizing for America. Plouffe, in a style he honed during the presidential campaign, wrote a casual, but informative e-mail backing Obama’s economy rescue plan. Also, Plouffe asked supporters to spread the word and attend one of the thousands of Economic Recovery House Meetings scheduled across the country this weekend. No mention of Plouffe’s book deal in this e-mail.    

Still there are media reports that say Viking, an imprint of the Penguin Group, won out over 16 other bidders for Plouffe’s book titled, “The Audacity To Win: The Inside Story and Lessons of Barack Obama’s Historic Victory.”  The book is due out next fall. 

 A website dedicated to First Lady Michelle Obama’s fashion and style is offering a special deal this week. The mrs-o.org website is totally into the new First Lady, offering frequent postings of great photos and articles.

Photo from:  www.mrs-o.org

 The site raves about a look from the presidential debates last year, when Mrs. Obama added decorative brooches to a string of pearls. The website is now offering a limited edition T-shirt that pays tribute to this example of Mrs.O’s style.

There are only 250 of these Mrs.O Inspired T-shirts. The price is pretty reasonable; $30 dollars. Three dollars of the proceeds reportedly will go to Operation USO Care Package, one of Mrs.O’s favorite causes.   

Covering Mrs.O’s style has really paid off nicely for the editor/founder of this website. Mary Tomer has just signed a major six-figure book deal based on her site. Last week, Publishers Weekly reported the Mrs.O book will cover all aspects of the First Lady’s first year; from fashion to White House decor. Tomer is writing the book in partnership with ZAG, a division of ad agency Bartle Bogle Hegarty. The Mrs.O book of style is due for release at the end of the year.

Photo from: www.whitehouse.gov

Today President Barack Obama vowed to take ”the air out of golden parachutes” with new rules governing financial compensation for top executives at companies taking federal bailout money. The President said: “As part of the reforms we’re announcing today, top executives at firms receiving extraordinary help from U.S. taxpayers will have their compensation capped at $500,000 — a fraction of the salaries that have been reported recently. And if these executives receive any additional compensation, it will come in the form of stock that can’t be paid up until taxpayers are paid back for their assistance.”

Recent reports claim executives on Wall Street got year-end bonuses of $18 billion, despite the financial meltdown and billions from the U.S. government paid to some of their companies. President Obama called this, “Shameful.”

Also, it’s a shame Bush Administration officials did not put restrictions on executive compensation into the Troubled Asset Relief Program, before they handed over billions of dollars of taxpayers’ money to these ungrateful financial institutions. The full text of President Obama’s statement about the new rules is on the White House blog.

Battling parties in the Screen Actors Guild are scheduled to go before a Los Angeles Superior Court judge again tomorrow. Yesterday, the judge ruled a lawsuit filed by SAG President Alan Rosenberg and three others was defective. Rosenberg , SAG First V.P. Anne-Marie Johnson, National Board member Diane Ladd, and National Board member Kent McCord were scheduled to re-file their suit tomorrow.

The Rosenberg group wants to reinstate ousted National Executive Director and Chief Negotiator Doug Allen. Last night, Interim National Executive Director David White sent out an e-mail to members explaining the situation. That statement from White is posted on the SAG website as well.

Here’s that e-mail White sent out last night.

Dear Screen Actors Guild member,

As you know, the Guild was scheduled to resume negotiations today regarding the expired TV/Theatrical contract.  However, that meeting had to be postponed due to a legal matter that has been brought against the Guild, which is now before a state court in Los Angeles.  I am writing to present you with information about this development. 

Yesterday, the Guild received notice that President Alan Rosenberg, 1st Vice President Anne-Marie Johnson and National Board members Kent McCord and Diane Ladd filed a lawsuit against the Guild challenging the January 26, 2009 “written assent” presented by a majority of the National Board of Directors.  As you know, that written assent terminated the Guild’s relationship with its then-National Executive Director; created and appointed a national task force to advise the Chief Negotiator and the Board on the TV/Theatrical negotiations; named John T. McGuire as Chief Negotiator; and named me as Interim National Executive Director. If successful, this legal action could impact or even reverse those board actions.

As a result, attorneys for Screen Actors Guild appeared this morning in Los Angeles Superior Court to respond to the lawsuit. After hearing from attorneys representing the plaintiffs, as well as the response from SAG counsel, the Court ruled that the lawsuit was procedurally defective and refused to issue the requested injunction.

 The Plaintiffs’ counsel then stated that they intend to amend their documents and resubmit them this Thursday morning, February 5, 2009. The Guild will present a vigorous defense.

 The Guild understands the importance of concluding negotiations and securing a fair contract for SAG members and looks forward to re-engaging with the AMPTP as soon as possible.  In the meantime, the Guild continues to work in the service of its members, with focus, dedication and commitment.

David White

Interim National Executive Director