Norm Gregory

The critical critics, and there are many, complain about all the talk...talk...talk...talk. I say funny...funny...funny...funny. Whatever Works is the funniest Woody Allen movie ever. At least that is how I feel today, an hour after seeing it. Sure the familiar theme of the old guy hooking up with the young women is there (Without it we would suspect it wasn't really a Woody Allen film). Larry David, with Woody's script, is terrific and does the best job I have ever seen of breaking the "4th wall." He does some hilarious talking to the audience which only he sees (because he is the only one smart enough to see the "big picture.") Evan Rachel Wood brings a break out comedic performance. Patrica Clarkson (always solid) takes advantage of her wide range of acting chops. Supposedly written in the '70s Whatever Works has been fine tuned for 2009 (with references to automatic flushing toilets; and a black president). [ RT ] [ MC ]

I didn't get a ticket to tomorrow's Michael Jackson Public Memorial Service in Los Angeles.

Ever since the Starbucks at 22nd and Madison closed a year ago and The Fargonian (where the Bottle Nexk Lounge is now located) closed a year before that there really hasn't been a coffee shop within walking distance. The other day I noticed "Cafe Char." I haven't been inside yet. Kinda weird hours. Closed Mondays, open Tuesday - Saturday at 8:30 a.m. Sure . . . you know no one wants coffee before 8:30. (Video taken with my two week old iPhone 3GS)

Just when I think I am weary of Michael Jackson news I come across some new fantastic news . .

Michael Jackson will be buried this week – without his brain. As his family tries to finalise details for the King of Pop’s funeral on Tuesday they have been told it will be held back for tests.

Michael Jackson to be buried without his brain | mirror.co.uk

More intriguing is where MJ got the sedative Diprivan. Which experts say should not be used at home without professional medical supervision.

One of the most tantalizing clues so far is the discovery of what one source described as "numerous bottles" of the powerful sedative Diprivan at the home. The source, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said some bottles were full and others were empty. None bore prescription labels, and investigators are trying to determine how Jackson, 50, got the drugs.

Michael Jackson's doctors scrutinized | Seattle Times Newspaper

Brian Oxman, Jackson family spokesman and attorney . . . said that the people surrounding Michael were "enabling him" and that he "warned" the family that Michael may have been abusing prescription drugs.

Family Spokesman, Says He "Warned" Family Jackson Might Be Abusing (VIDEO)