My Truth by Sam Rubin

My Father, My Sunglasses

7:07 PM June 21, 2009

Wailea Beach, Maui --- It's Father's Day among the celebrated here at the Maui Film Festival. First the quick name drops; Eddie Murphy with the single biggest posse ever; Mr. and Mrs. Tori Spelling with the babies and the nannies; Brad Garrett with his kids; Anna Faris, (who many say got married here this weekend), with her man and her parents. And that's just everyone I saw on my walk from a lounge chair at the Four Seasons to the elevator in the lobby.

If you have ever been to this part of the world; and over the years I have seen more friends and neighbors from Los Angeles at the Grand Wailea that I ever see in Los Angeles on any given day; you know that Wailea has a wonderful and lengthy walking path that connects all the various hotels and beaches. I think the whole thing is probably 2 or 3 miles round trip.

Taking that stroll once or twice a day is my greatest luxury here, and today of course it gave me time to think. To think about my father.

Dr. Theodore Rubin, Ted to friends and family, passed away about five years ago. People probably tend to see those who have passed away through rose-colored glasses. I think I can still see my dad fairly clearly; and what I see most clearly were certain qualities that he possessed in abundance, that I probably struggle with far more than he ever did.

My dad was 100% ethical. 100% responsible. 100% practical, and 100% fair. It is appropriate that I use percentages here, because he was a mathematician and worked for decades in Southern California as an engineer in the aerospace program.

My 8 year old daughter Rory always asks me to explain again and again what "Opa" did for his job. I tell her the two same stories. I went to work with my dad to his office in El Segundo only once. I am not sure if it was when he worked for TRW, or McDonnell Douglas, or Aerospace. Engineers at that time moved around a lot. Going to his office was like the opening sequence in the old 'Get Smart' television series. One security door after another, lots of badges being flashed and electric doors that made a big 'whoosh' sound when they opened up for you.

"But what did he do?" she always asks. I tell her that one of his biggest projects was making sure that two American submarines could talk to each other and that no one else could hear the conversation. When I hear her repeat the story to her friends, it always makes me laugh, because she will embellish it with extra details, like he invented a secret code that turned English into a language no one else in the whole world could understand.

Come to think of it, she may have been right.

I have been thinking about his various 100% qualities when I came upon a pseudo-temptation of sorts on this trip. As I believe I detailed on the show once; I lost my expensive pair of Maui Jim sunglasses at the Kodak theater over a year ago. I am in mourning for those shades; and I am current sporting a pair of Mobile Stations special; I bought during a recent fill-up for $13 dollars.

Well, in Maui, wouldn't you know, there is a guy with a very large stand on this beautiful walking path selling Maui Jim sunglasses, including my the exact same style as elusive lost pair. They are $259 dollars.

My dad, rest his soul, would never pay $259 for a pair of sunglasses. I doubt if he ever paid $259 for a suit or much of anything else. But his practical side has had it's benefits. He sent three kids to college, and my mother; who has also worked most of her adult life; enjoys a very comfortable retirement, thanks in large part to his good planning, and not buying $259 sunglasses.

Normally, I would absolutely buy the sunglasses; put it on a charge card; and figure out how to pay the bill sometime later down the road. It's obviously time for me, and for many, to change that kind of behavior. Behavior my father, for all his kindnesses and quirks, never had to contend with.

I love being a dad; and I hope I can pass along a few learn-by-example lessons to my kids.

Thanks Dad, for sending a few lessons along to me.

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The Nose Knows...How Do Movie Audiences Smell A Stinker?

8:12 PM June 7, 2009

Will Ferrell is a very nice guy and very funny. But nice and funny will only take you so far, when the aroma of a movie gone wrong is in the air.

I knew that "Land of The Lost" was going to be bad, long before it ever premiered and long before this weekend, when the film has the earned the dubious distinction of being this summer's first big budget bomb.

You could make the same argument, and savvy audiences did, about last year's "Speed Racer." Sure, it looked cool, but the original "Speed Racer" was all about wit and feel; and the 2008 version had none of that.

The risk with high profile properties; titles that audiences know, is that they come with some built-in expectations. "Land of the Lost" has a retro-charm, a low-budge flair. It's why Sonic Burger is stand standing.

Take a TV show that cost virtually nothing to make; add nearly 30 years AND upwards of 60 million dollars and, and you have nothing that was good about the TV show; even with a charming star like Will Ferrell.

I may be cutting my own throat to some degree; but I realize the diminishing value of movie critics. Opinions are everywhere. However, when "Land of the Lost" ran full page newspaper ads with no quotes from critics; you know why that is the case. They couldn't find a single positive critical quote. That bodes badly too.

On the other hand "The Hangover" is a hit. Why? So simple. Unlike "Land of the Lost," "The Hangover" was funny. In some places VERY funny. So funny, that people actually told other people, critics told audience; and word of mouth grew; and even before the film opened, "The Hangover" was set to be a hit. This is great news for Todd Phillips; the director who made the movie.

Phillips also made another 'word of mouth' hit that you might have heard of, "Old School" with an actor by the name of Will Ferrell.

It's funny that these two former colleagues are having entirely opposite experiences this weekend. And it is the film audience, movie goers who vote every single weekend with their wallets, who were clearly able to tell, as they can more often than not; what's worth their time and their money.

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"Allie MacKay is the dirtiest guy I know" and other secrets from the staff party.

8:41 PM June 4, 2009

I am not supposed to write this kind of thing; which is precisely why I do. I think it is the stuff, that often viewers are most interested in.

Believe me, if David Ono took notes during the KABC staff party, I'd want to hear all about it. Today, very much on the QT...in 'celebration' of some very impressive ratings during the just concluded May sweeps...the KTLA sales staff treated the KTLA on-air team to Beer and Burgers downtown at the ESPN Zone at L.A. Live.

I was the first to arrive. Well, actually the first in the private room set aside for our get together. Allie and Megan and Michaela were downstairs; I am not saying they were at the bar; but I don't think they were studying the lunch menu.

Parties always have a certain flow; and all of a sudden the lunch went from a snooze, to really something of a happening. Our hardworking sales team; these are the men and women who really pound the pavement to in effect enable KTLA to cover the news and to pay of all of us; are, as I imagine many sales types are....party people. So it should have come to no surprise when the sales people started to hand out ESPN Zone arcade cards. This wasn't going to just be a meal and a pat on the back. Tons of Air Hockey, Basketball shoot machines, mini-bowling, and pseudo motor-cycling riding was ahead.

While in the process of fueling up to prepare for a tough Air Hockey challenge from Michaela; I was sitting with Allie, Frank, Megan, Mark, Asha, and a few of the sales folks. Mark, always being health conscious refused to let Megan eat her hamburger with both sides of the bun. I, of course, went back for seconds; and then we all started to talk and speculate about the dating life of one of our colleagues.

NOT what you're thinking.

This is one of fellas on the staff; and as we postulated if he was serious about this person, or just playing the field. Allie, butter wouldn't melt in her mouth, MacKay, made a particular observation.

I can't repeat it here. Sad to say.

Frank, almost spit out his french fries. Megan just rolled her eyes....having known Allie the longest, I am sure she was used to this kind of language. I thought what Allie said was super funny, and super shocking. Earlier in an after-show meeting; Allie said something else I can't print here; and at that point I said, "Allie MacKay is the dirtiest guy I know."

After she made latest remark, Allie said, "Sam when you said I was the dirtiest person you know....it was the funniest thing I have ever heard."

Well it may be funny, but it also happens to be true.

And, it is actually a really good quality.

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Talented Taylor Swift Needs To Disembark From Bitter Bus

8:25 PM May 23, 2009

She is just 19 years old, and has sold more CD's and downloads in 2008 than any other woman of any age. There is no denying the popularity of Taylor Swift, and I was pleased to see her become so successful, because at the dawning of her career; about 4 years ago....that indeed was Taylor on the KTLA Morning News, sitting at our desk with just a guitar singing "Tim McGraw."

She had it as a 15 year old, and her talent, especially as a songwriter has only improved. That talent certainly wasn't lost on a sold-out crowd at Staples Center on Friday Night. The crowd itself, was in some ways quite the crack-up. I know this has happened with Madonna and other stars; but of the 16,000 + inside Staples; I would say at least a third were dressed up as Taylor. With long blond hair of their own; or their trusty extensions; as well as some over sized glasses that Taylor wore in a video.

I guess I didn't appreciate the extraordinary connection Taylor has with her many teen fans; and while it is not my place to impose genre preferences on the younger generations; I am much happier that my daughter likes Taylor's songs better than say, T-Pain's.

So, Taylor can really sing, she can really write songs, and she can really play her guitar. Why then, especially at the start, did Taylor's show verge dangerously towards disaster? There is an adage that is often applicable to show-biz, and other aspects of life as well I suppose. "10% less, would be 100% more." The opening number "You Belong With Me," is a sweet song with a nice hook. A charming country-pop confection. The song was nearly murdered with a no-less-than-Cher inspired over the top opening with dancers and Taylor and her entire band dressed as majorettes. Yikes. Yuck.

There were some other elements of extreme staging; as well as an endless and deeply unfunny video mid-show that primarily served the purpose of allowing Taylor another costume change. Even more troubling; many of Taylor's song and much of her audience patter, was all about the boy(s) who did her wrong; the junior high peers that rejected her; and various other elements of teen drama. There is certainly nothing wrong with conveying emotional disappointment, some of the best songs ever written are inspired by heartache. But I think there is so much more to life, and so much more to Taylor's music, than just being bitter. She is better than that; and when the show finally changed themes, she got better. Considerably better.

About mid-way through, Taylor did what she needed to do at the start; she ditched the big over-the-top stage and performed, with just her guitar in a stairwell at Staples. Then she walked to a rear floor stage area; where, again, just with a 12 string, she played a wonderful version of the song that brought her to the dance to begin with, "Tim McGraw."

To return to the main stage Taylor did something I have never seen any other performer do at such length, or as well. She walked the entire floor of Staples, pausing to hug, autograph, and pose for cell-phone pictures with fans. Large video screens all over Staples captured this walk and this incredible "connection," with her audience. The crowd roared...and then maybe roared even louder when a previously unannounced guest, John Mayer, joined Taylor on stage. What was impressive here, Taylor more than held her own with a performer who is easily ten years her senior and has at least that much more stage experience under his belt.

During one of the many standing ovations, Taylor almost seemed on the verge of tears; telling the audience that this particular night in Los Angeles is one that she will never forget. Taylor will have many, many such nights ahead of her; if she relies less on "production" that she doesn't need; and instead focuses on the talent and the connection with her audience that she has in abundance.

=======

Oh..one last thing....an e-mail from a concert goer;

Hi,

Remember Me? I was the Taylor Swift looking girl at the concert on friday. Your wife is Tswift's look-a-like cousin. Can I get an internship or something this summer at the station? or like be on a show or something? or meet Taylor Swift or Kellie Pickler?

Thanks,

Taylor's Twin

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Secret of "Star Trek's" Success... Good Is The New Black

9:32 PM May 10, 2009

I don't imagine there are actually people sitting in a room counting up piles and piles of cash; after all who uses cash these days to buy movie tickets; but no matter the method of accounting; one thing is clear; on Wednesday no one had paid a dime to see the new "Star Trek" movie and by Sunday night, Paramount has pulled in at least 75 million dollars.

So may I offer the Monday Morning Quarterbacking that I hope is as clear as a bell. It doesn't matter if avid Trekkers loved the new version. It doesn't matter if most young audiences couldn't pick DeForest Kelley; (The original Dr. McCoy), out of a line-up. What matters is simply this. The new 'Star Trek' movie was good, really good; and that is such a rare thing in Hollywood these days...that the fact the movie was good is enough to generate both headlines and, who would have guessed it, actual box office receipts as well.

Not too long, not too pretentious, not too confusing. "Star Trek" actually entertained audiences with thrills, visual excitement, and a few choice laughs as well. As director J.J. Abrams said in our KTLA/Reelz Channel "Sneaks" special, "I didn't make this movie for Star Trek fans, I made this movie to entertain the general audience." Nuff said.

If you build it, and it's good, they will come. Times are tough; but when people are making phone calls late on Friday night telling their friends they have got to see this movie; and those friends go on Saturday; and they tell friends who go on Sunday. Guess what, you have a hit.

"Wolverine" also made money, lots of it. But it was bad. Really bad. And I think when bad movies make money, as they often do, it shakes the confidence of those of us; and this is really all of us, who can actually tell the difference between good and bad.

Another good movie is on the way. "Up," is the 10th movie from the Pixar people; who have an amazing track record; and as I spoke with the filmmakers in San Francisco on Friday; I learned one incredible thing. The average Pixar movie takes 5 years from initial pitch to opening in the theater. I figured that computer animation was difficult and this would account for why it takes so long.

Not true. The Pixar people spend up to THREE YEARS on the script. A full three years working out the story and the script. That is enough time to really get it right. By the way; there is a rather quick sequence towards the beginning of "Up" that details the complete arc of a relationship. It is one of my favorite movie scenes I think ever. Look out for it.

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"Too much body, not enough mud" -- Sam's somewhat sexy spa vacation

9:27 PM April 14, 2009

Tuesday, April 14

Solage

Calistoga, California

My wife and I are celebrating our anniversary; (I know it is an anniversary because she presented me a card with the touching phrase; 'I love you...so deal with it'), and given the state of the economy; you know that freebie gift certificate for a stay in Calistoga that was in a Swag-bag more than a year ago....well I kept it; and here we are.

As part of the promotional package, we have been give the couples "mudslide" treatment. First we are each allowed to select a particular mud that is designed to detoxify us; then we take these small jugs of mud into a really neat and private treatment room; and place the mud all over one another.

I am well aware that no one has, nor should have, any interest in particularly intimate secrets of mine; but suffice to say this whole mud thing is done completely in the nude. As my wife was making her application on my backside and beyond; she was unable to complete the coverage task.

"Too much body, not enough mud," was her analysis of this particular problem.

Later, we went to phase three of this process; which involved reclining in individual zero gravity chairs while we listened to bizarre music and felt the vibrations of the music through the chairs. Oddly enough, I found this especially relaxing and was about to doze off, when my wife somewhat interrupted the flow of the process by announcing; "When was the last time we went to the Bombay Cafe on Pico? We never go out for Indian food."

We will continue to cleanse and hydrate and enjoy our time together.

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Residential Real Estate -- Is "now" the time?

10:04 AM April 7, 2009

Lake Las Vegas, Nevada

9:45 a.m.

It seems to happen to me every single time I go to Las Vegas. My voice holds up; until it doesn't. Not too significant a problem, unless you happen to be in my specific line of work, and you are trying to communicate some interesting stories, but don't quite have the pipes to do it.

I will show you this story on television later in the week; but the overall question is this; with the dramatic decline of real estate prices in some areas; for those few who are currently able; is now the time to jump in.

On Monday I toured some brand new model "view" homes in the Lake Las Vegas area. Beautiful, spacious, perfect homes for entertaining, relaxing and more. Two years ago you could have picked up one of these places for more than two million dollars. Now, one of the homes is listed for around $900,000; and I got the sense, if you had a checkbook and the money and/or credit behind it; you could probably steal one of these houses for that amount or less.

Showing me the houses were local real estate professionals and of course from their point of view; now is the exact right time. The lowest interest rates ever, tax credits for any home purchase and an extra credit for new home purchases. Nevada has no state income tax; the supposed list of advantages goes on and on.

I am almost sold, but tempered by the fact that virtually every single radio and television ad here in Vegas is for debt counseling of some sort. "If you are having trouble with your payments for your house, for your car, for your payday loans...call us."

Payday loans. I am a failed college econ major, but I know that if you need help to renegotiate your payday loans; you are in some serious trouble.

In our current economy situation, I am convinced that some people will come out of this whole mess even richer than before. Will the richer ones be the ones who are bold enough to dive in when everyone else is timid? Clearly it is better to be a saver than a spender; but what to do when some things seem to be so incredibly cheap.

Do you know anyone who is actually buying real estate right now?

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LAUSD doing some things right

8:28 PM March 21, 2009

The Los Angeles Unified School District has been part of my life for nearly as long as I can remember. I went to Westwood Elementary School, Emerson Junior High, and University High School. My mother was the school nurse at Mount Vernon Junior High for more than a decade.

I believe in public education, and so it was with some sense of horror several years ago when my oldest daughter was leaving pre-school, an adviser told me that my neighborhood elementary school was excellent, the middle school good; and my alma mater Uni High was "no longer an option."

Well now my eldest is graduating middle school and will attend a public high school. This weekend, I received a mailer from Uni detailing the incredible progress the school had made. The concept of several small schools within the larger school; the partnership between Uni and local companies including United Talent Agency; and their impressive rate of graduates attending college; over 90% . It seems that the school that "was no longer an option," was really in the midst of an impressive turn-around.

My niece goes to Overland Avenue Elementary School in Rancho Park; and I have hosted their annual fund-raiser for years. Well there is no denying that 2009 is tough for anyone to raise money; but even still our heartstrings can control our purse strings.

Last Saturday night at the fund-raiser, a school mom, on her Mac, created a video-tape showcasing the school's accomplishments and the continued ambitions of the young students. The tape was GREAT. About the very best one of this ilk that I have ever seen. Literally there was not a dry eye in the house. Prodded by that tape, Overland took in more than $100,000 for one evening. In these times, that is amazing.

Last night, my middle daughter's elementary school had their annual talent show. Once again, a great group of dedicated parents made for a wonderful evening. More songs, dances and skits based on Taylor Swift and Mamma Mia than any other cultural influences. My daughter and her classmates are not likely to be contestants on "Idol" or "So You Think You Can Dance?" But they gave it their all; and their parents paid for the seats and $1 bags of popcorn and $5 bouquets of flowers. I am sure the school took in a few dollars with the talent show.

The real talent, of course, is that active and interested parents are elevating their local public schools to provide a first class education for their kids.

I have toured many of these high-profile local private schools and they are indeed jaw-dropping. Incredible grounds, classes you probably couldn't find in most colleges, and annual tuition bills that are sometimes more than 20,000 or 30,000 dollars. So for many of us, private schools are simply not an option.

It gratifying to know that in these tough times, with potentially even tougher budget choices on the horizon, I can see at least three local public schools doing things right.

How is your local school doing?

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Wall Street, Main Street, Broadway + Arm-Wrestling Paul Rudd; Sam's in New York City

5:25 PM March 8, 2009

Hello from New York City....

Three press junkets....four nights....AND three trips to Broadway. Not much to complain about at all.

The press continues to talk and talk and talk about the economy and I have always assumed a direct connection between Wall Street and Main Street; but on this visit to New York City, a few snap observations;

1. Plane....totally full.

2. Street....totally full.

3. Broadway Shows....totally full.

Stores seems less crowded and some fancy restaurants I walked by, seem totally empty.

My wife Leslie is with me and we had one experienced I shared in an e-mail to two friends of mine, who are both bankers....my e-mail below; and their responses.

Hi Pals...

   Thought you would enjoy this....as Leslie and I were having lunch today

at Bergdorf/Goodman (apparently she remains unaware of the worldwide global

collapse) we sit next to this banker guy and his rich chick 
friend and she

is telling story after story about friends at Coach and Estee Lauder

getting fired; and then she says to her friend..."Is it GD 2, is it GD

2?"  And I keep thinking to myself what is GD 2....is it G-d Damn 2....what

is it....and finally the banker guy says, "I don't think it is a great

depression, just a minor depression."

So now I know what GD 2 is....

Subject: RE: Sammy in New York

Amusing yet too close to home.  But, I still remember one of the best six months

of life was when I lost my job.  Our kids won't need to go to college....  not

needed in an agrarian society.

-----Original Message-----

Subject: Sammy in

New York

Thats a great story. My friend Dave Thompson who is a teacher in San Diego was

once substitute teaching a high school history class and the period they

were learning about was the Great Depression. He had a hangover that day,

so he decided to show a film about it, but instead the film turned out be

about depression, which he showed anyway. Things are bad. Smith and Wesson

is up 63% this year. No joke. I think a minor depression is when your

neighbor gets laid off. Lets stay in Vegas until the m
money runs out.

=====

Okay....back to the blog. I feel very comfortable review movies and television shows

 and I know there has been some cerned expressed here that I don't review movies

on line enough; in any case, I feel less qualified to review live theater. I have no

expertise, but I know what I like; and one new show I really, really like is

 called "Impressionism." Jeremy Irons and Joan Allen star as a photographer and

a gallery owner. The play is still in previews, so I think technically, it is

not fair yet to review it....but guess what, it is GREAT. I was so touched by

certain scenes; it is playing in New York City through July...and I would make the trip

just to see these great stars in such a wonderful romantic evening. Really well done.

 Also saw the Tony Winning "In The Heights," which again shows to me the difference

between theater in New York and elsewhere. On Broadway, EVERYONE can sing..wail..

great, great voices. In Los Angeles, I often think you're lucky if the whole cast

can sing. Lastly, one other play in previews; "God of Carnage," with an all-star cast

including James Gandolfini and Jeff Daniels; a very tough evening, but certainly well done.

 From heavy drama to big comedy, one of the junkets here is for "I Love You, Man," which

features Jason Segal and Paul Rudd. Both stars in a fantatsic mood; I think, they think this movie

is going to be a big hit and they could well be right.

 Anyway, Paul and I arm wrestle; we'll show you that part on TV. What the small screen

may not capture is the genuine rapport these two guys have for one another. The jury

may be out on if the movie is a total comic gem; but you get the sense these two will be pals forever

and there is always something to be said for that.

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Is Jason "The Bachelor" the "biggest tool" in broadcast history?

6:25 AM March 3, 2009

Talk about your water cooler buzz.

By now you have heard that Jason prosed to Melissa...decided that he didn't really love her after all; officially dumped her on TV, and then declared his love for the woman he had *already* dumped, Molly.

Great TV...but bad real life, especially since he dragged his young son into the whole thing.

What do you think of Jason? Why does "The Bachelor" have a horrible track record when it comes to real-life romance? If you were Molly, would you stick with him now.

Can't wait to read your comments....

Also below here, from "Entertainment Weekly," their summary of Jason's talk with Jimmy Kimmel on Monday.

......

Jason said that he really did spend the whole six weeks, which included Christmas, following the final rose ceremony and up until the first After The Final Rose special with his chosen gal Melissa. "What really happened is the chemistry was completely different," he explained. "The relationship was completely different...The conversations, which were so great on the show, were completely different. How was I supposed to lead someone on and keep going if it really wasn't there? That's the honest truth." He has a point. No one should ever lead someone on -- but where was this "gut feeling" on the day of the freaking proposal?

Kimmel followed Jason's attempt at coming clean by asking what we are all dying to know: Why the heck propose to Melissa in the first place if his feelings weren't solid as, well, the diamonds in her ring? After all, Brad Womack certainly didn't feel compelled to propose to either of his final two, so what gives? "[Melissa was] exactly what I was looking for. I had this preconceived notion. And on that very last day, she was exactly what I wanted." Key words in that sentence: on that very last day.

Here's where things got juicy.

Jason claimed that Melissa was well aware of the events that were going to unfold at the After The Final Rose special. "She knew," he said. "The question was, are you really going to even wear your ring because we're not together?...We could not see each other before that, so we had to have conversations on the phone." In other words, along with the hopes of his son Ty having a normal life from here on out, Jason signed away his right to privacy when he became the Bachelor. So he "had to" drop the ax on live television.

As for Jason's current love of this life, Molly, he said there's no talk of marriage because they are taking things really slow. Kimmel, of course, had some humorous advice: "But if you do propose to her, do it on television. I mean you've made kind of a habit out of it."

On that note, PopWatchers, PHEW! What an intense night of television. Now that you've heard some of Jason's side of the story, are any of you moving your sympathy votes to his side or are most of you on Team Melissa? Do you understand where Jason was coming from when he said he didn't want to lead anyone on? Or do you think that's a bunch of BS and he was just too cowardly to speak up when he should have? Finally, what the heck are you going to do with your Monday nights now that The Bachelor is over?

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June 2009