Here We Go Again

Thank God for the inside voice...

It’s awards season again, the first of the bunch kicked off last night. I’m happy to say I didn’t watch. Instead the Mr. and I chose to watch the new version of Ben Hur. Which despite reviews from the critics, we loved. I’m not surprised though, since the producers Roma Downey and Mark Burnett are out as Christians (a group critics seem to love to marginalize and criticize).

I made a decision long ago to simply “unplug” from the things in entertainment that go against my morals, values and beliefs. All too often instead of celebrating good art (which unfortunately these days is so few and far between), it winds up turning into a half-baked political pontification session.

Well apparently last night was no exception. The Hollywood mucktey mucks did not disappoint this year, and their brave leader was none other than Meryl Streep. After the movie was over, I picked up my phone and there it was, all over social media and the news. So of course I had to go find a clip and see for myself what all of the hullabaloo was about. My inside voice was going “watchu talkin bout willis” while I almost spilled what was left of my dunkins decaf all over my lap.

Now I’m not going to pick it apart because I do believe we are all entitled to our own opinions. To think for ourselves, to be what we want and to not let others do our thinking for us. I will say this though… her entire argument and character assassination of Donald Trump was based on a total lie.

I wonder though... where pray tell were all of the Hollywood "defenders of the disabled" last week when a disabled boy was held hostage and tortured for up to forty eight hours on Facebook live by four african american teenagers while they screamed obscenities? What was that? Crickets... that's what I thought.

Lies, misrepresentations, things taken totally and utterly out of context, are exactly what almost the entire news media or her precious “profession of journalism” did throughout the entire election season. All in a planned correlated effort not to get to the truth (that she said in her speech she is worried about protecting), but to hide the truth from the American public. In order to elect or shall I say coronate their hero none other than Hillary Rodham Clinton.

To their shock and horror it did not work. The American people chose instead to unplug just as I have from the media propaganda. Donald Trump brilliantly decided to go around the media and take his message straight to the American people. Thank God it worked because I honestly do not believe America could have survived a Hillary presidency. It would have been the nail in the coffin for our country after eight years of the Obama nightmare.

Am I being hypocritical for lambasting Meryl for having an opinion when I clearly have my own? Noway hosay. Meryl is entitled to have all the opinions she wants. The problem is when she goes on national television and broadcasts that opinion on a show that is not about politics; that further perpetuates a story that is based on a total lie. Sorry, but that is just plain ignorant in my opinion.

Hollywood is so mortified by the thought of a Donald Trump presidency that they have taken to making these pathetic PSA videos being shared all over social media. The funniest thing about them is these actors are all going on and on about the Constitution and our founding fathers, when 99.9% of them would not know the constitution if it bit them in the butts. Really can you imagine some of them passing a simple quiz about our nations actual founding history?

When uninformed people with a worldwide platform insist on pontificating publicly and perpetuating lies it is dangerous. Have an opinion, yes be involved, disagree even, but for the love of God please, please, please get your information from somewhere other than the mainstream media (and if I have to explain what the mainstream media is then I rest my case).

These Hollywood celebrities whine that the “majority” of the American people voted for Hillary, blah blah blah… they are having temper tantrums because they say the American people did not get who they voted for.

Newsflash to all the Hollyweird crybabies: the American people got exactly who we voted for. We the American people (you know the people in flyover country, the Christians, the silent majority) got exactly what our founders so brilliantly and uniquely created. They set up a system to prevent mob rule and tyranny. Since the Electoral College didn’t go their way now they want to abolish it. Had Hillary won though, they would all be praising the brilliance of it all, hypocrites.  

So please stop whining, stop making PSA’s. Trump is President. Get over it, just like we all had to for the last eight years. Go back to making movies, art and hopefully one day you will wake up to your stupidity. If not, you’ll most assuredly find yourself four years from now, and God willing eight years from now in an America that is greater and stronger than ever before (no thanks to you).

Blessings, Love & Music,
Ava xo
www.avaaston.com

God's Not Dead

"God's Not Dead, He's Surely Alive. He's living on the inside, roaring like a lion!!" - Newsboys

True story.... in my first year of college (yes I did actually go to college), I came home all upset and my mom asked what was the matter? I proceeded to tell her how my Biology professor had asked the class a question earlier that day..."who in the room was a Christian and believed in the story of God and or Jesus?". Not wanting to deny my faith I  raised my hand along with a few others in the class. That was when he decided it was a good idea to not only mock but also challenge us about it. He went on to further say, "If we believe in God then we have to prove his existence." So I went home understandably upset, and not wanting to be embarrassed, spent most of the way home thinking of how to proceed.

Now, don't get me wrong, I know my Bible and all that but was not nearly as vocal about my faith then as I am now, as I was just a young Greek Girl at the time. So back to when I arrived home... If you guessed that my mom was very perturbed when I told her what happened, you guessed right. She couldn't believe that a professor would think it was his place to do such a thing. Now, if you know anything about my mom let's just say the apple doesn't fall far from the tree, and if you know how I am with my Big Fat Greek opinion, then you can get an idea of how my mom is.   

She could not believe her ears when I told her the details of the days episode. In a swoosh she marched off to her bedroom and grabbed her trusty Bible, a legal pad and a pen. In no time she was marching back toward me and sat me down at the kitchen table where she proceeded to give me a sermon. Probably the most extensive Bible study I have ever had in my life. It was like an encyclopedia of knowledge poured out of her noggin. So there I was armed with all sorts of ammunition when I went back to school the next day. I strapped on my favorite sneakers and marched my butt into class with a notepad chockfull of notes and said (beneath a mischievous grin) something to the effect of, "well... here you go." It was great because it actually shut him up, thanks mom!

I felt so good and he actually left me alone. It was short lived though as it was not even two days later my English professor decided that the class had to watch the film "The Last Temptation of Christ", starring Willem Defoe. I couldn't believe what my ears were hearing. If you don't know anything about that movie, just image "Jesus of Nazareth" in the Red Light District. I couldn't believe this was happening again. So I went home to inform my mom of the newest chapter in the college indoctrination episode. She then did what any good Godly mother would do and made a big stink. She called the college and demanded that her daughter not watch that stupid and twisted movie. Needless to say, I did not have to watch the movie and I was able to do my report on another topic.

Now fast forward umpteen years later and low-and-behold, we have a movie hitting the theater's called, "God's Not Dead." It's about almost the same thing, a liberal professor that takes it upon himself to ridicule and belittle the faith of a student who believes in God and Jesus. Just another instance where liberal logic unloads itself in our society and how some have taken to demonizing and tearing down people of faith. Ironically Christians are known for being positive and helpful loving people, even to those who do not share our values or faith. Something these Liberal professors love to profess is how we shouldn't "impose our Christian beliefs on others", yet they do not see the hypocrisy when they think it's a good idea to impose their liberal ideology, kumbaya craziness, and global warming gobbley goop on others people's children, just sayin.

Anyway, back to the movie. I think it's so cool that this storyline is something that actually happened to me and it's now on the Big Screen for the world to see. I am so thrilled that it has had only a limited opening and has already grossed over $8million in less than 800 theaters worldwide. In fact it came in 5th overall for the weekend on box office totals in openings this past weekend.

Since my mom and step-dad stopped by on their way home from Florida we didn't get to see it on opening weekend. However, you can count on one thing... where I will be this week. I am going to wrap my hot little hands around a popcorn and CocaCola in a dark theater with my sweetie as we watch and celebrate that, "GOD IS NOT DEAD"!

Blessings, Love & Music ~
Ava xo
www.avaaston.com

inTWINition of murder

"inTWINition of murder" a crime novel by Michael Houbrick, inspired by true events. An excellent read!

People who have been following my music for a while have asked from time to time what ever happened to Mr. Bricks? For anyone new to my blog who has no idea who or what a "Mr. Bricks" is... Mr. Bricks was my manager until a few years ago. Mr. Bricks is not only very smart, but he is also a very funny talented guy who loves McRib Sandwiches, Diet Coke, Danica Patrick, and just so happens to have a googley eyeball. Rumor has it he owned several pairs of white skinny jeans back in the 80's the thought of which makes me want to burn the next pair I see.

So the Mr. Bricks character in my Cartoon Series "Ava The Diva" is in fact a real person. The cartoon Mr. Bricks is based on the real life Mr. Bricks's quirks and all the muckery he seems to find himself getting into which ends up keeping him too busy to get "Ava The Diva" her beloved record deal.

Now long before he knew about the Greek Girl or the word "muckery" ever made him smile. Mr. Bricks had an unimaginable tragedy happen to him and his family that would surley take away anyone's smile. Something that I can not even fathom having to go through, or would ever wish on my worst enemy, that is if I ever were to have an enemy. Mr. Bricks is an identical twin, and his twin was murdered on November 14, 2005.

The circumstances leading up to, and surrounding his death most were not known by anyone except Mr. Bricks. Knowing what I know about Mr. Bricks, his character and the incident, in my opinion the circumstances surrounding his death were at the very least a rush to judgement by several parties. Starting with a famous hotel trying to keep a scandal from affecting it's business, a security staff trying to cover the hotel's butt, and a police department ignoring facts and not digging beyond what a bumbling security staff told them had happened. All of which was deviously and diabolically orchestrated by a very sick, twisted, and manipulative woman. Who then involved multiple other parties to help her cover up her actions and in the end help her to get away with taking the life of Mr. Brick's twin brother.

Knowing all of this information, dealing with the unimaginable loss, and to add insult to injury knowing the persons who were responsible for the death of your twin are walking round scott free day after day, would most likely be enough to break any sane person... not Mr. Bricks. Instead of break him it created a burning desire to tell the story. So as much as he loved working on the career of the Greek Girl he had to spend time and focus on getting the story out of him. So "inTWINition" was born...

Finally my chance to read the story!

Since it was and is an "ongoing police investigation" Mr. Bricks chose not to write it as a true story but rather wrote a "crime novel" where the story is "based on true events". As you can probably imagine I was super excited to receive my autographed copy in the mail and could hardly wait to start reading it. Knowing him for what's going on four years now I already knew he was funny and a great writer. What I wasn't expecting was for the book to be something I was literally unable to put down. Really... I started it one morning, read it while I was waiting at an appointment for a few hours. I would have finished it that day, however I had to make a road trip which did not allow time to finish when I arrived. So I finished it the next morning. I'm not one who likes to read. I will read articles, or short stories but to just pick up a book and read it all the way through, is a rarity.

From the minute I started reading I could see the whole story in my head. It was so descriptive, and even though it deals with some heavy stuff, there are moments in there where I giggled. He managed to tell this heart wrenching story (a story in my opinion that the world needs to hear) and yet at the same time still manage to have some humor in it. It screams "Make Me Into a Movie". Throughout reading it I found myself going through all kinds of emotions, from anger, to hope, to rooting for and cheering inside when the main character catches a break. To top it all off, there is a mega twist in there that changes everything! All I know is James Patterson might have a little competition once the world finds out about "inTWINition" of murder... just sayin.

So how would a person get their hot little hands on a copy for themselves to read? That's EASY! There are several ways: Amazon: Or go to any bookstore and ask to order a copy if they don't already have one, or visit www.inTWINition.com - It's available in paperback and also as an ebook. Follow on Twitter or @inTWINition or even better visit the Facebook page, like it and share with all your friends! Happy Reading!

Blessings, Love & Music ~
Ava :D xo
www.avaaston.com

Son Of God

I give it a Thumbs Up.

Having watched "The Bible" miniseries last year leading up to Easter and very much enjoying it I'm sure it will come as no surprise that I have been super excited to see the film "Son Of God". In fact I had been waiting with baited breath to see it and went opening day, Friday night.

Then it happened, I made the mistake of looking at my phone and just as it did last year, the hate started to consume my newsfeed on Facebook. Before I knew it the internet was full of it. Full of what you might be wondering? Super Christians bashing a film, in many cases some had not even taken the time to see yet before proceeding to write a scathing review about how "biblically Incorrect" it is.

I had already experienced many of these same "Super Christians" bashing "The Bible" miniseries before and it irked me so much that I blogged about it last year (read that blog here) Seeing these people bash the film in particular when it is "Christians" doing the bashing is beyond silly if you ask me. In my opinion they are just as bad as the Pharisees who killed Jesus. It is totally counter productive and further in my opinion actually disrespectful to Jesus to bash and or nit pick these things to death. It is one thing if someone is preaching a false doctrine, however some Christians seem to get some sort of satisfaction from super judging. Anyhow this is what I thought about the film.

The thing is as bad as it is today in our country and around the world politically... Jesus is bigger than politics. We are all called to go and spread the good news to all of creation and to be the light. Unfortunately most of us myself included get far too distracted with things that ultimately do not matter in the end. Yes there was a lot of hoopla made in the media about the editing out of the "Devil" character. It didn't bother me that they took the devil out of it, after all it's about the Gospel of Jesus, not the gospel of the devil. The film starts with Jesus coming into Galilee so it's focused on Jesus and his message and his time with the disciples up until his death so it makes sense that they took it out anyway.

Now regarding the "theologically correct" part that people seem to be losing their minds about... the point of the film and mini series as I understand it from seeing them in interviews talking about it, was to bring the message of salvation and Jesus Christ to people in a way that will reach them in "todays world". To reach people and change hearts with the love of Jesus. For people (Christians in particular) to nit pick every single little thing in my opinion is just as bad as the Pharisees who killed Jesus because he did not come "the way they thought a king should". Why... because they were too wrapped up in their own "religiosity" to see him "The Son of Man" standing right there in front of their faces.

No one was around when the scriptures were written and they have been translated how many times? The important thing is the message being correct and in that vein it was correct. What annoyed the fire out of me was seeing people last year saying they were boycotting the bible miniseries at Easter because thus and such and then at the same time not having any problem with Beyonce and the Superbowl debacle and then being obsessed with shows like American Idol, along with engaging in things that totally contradict their supposed ideology.... which is a total hypocrisy.

Jesus instructed us to go and spread the "good news", further to GO and preach the message of salvation (the gospel) to every corner and to every creature and to love one another and to be the light. Far too often Christians spend too much time pointing out the speck in others eyes while walking around with a giamungo plank in their own eyes.

When a hollywood power couple spends their time and resources to produce a film about Christianity in a modern way to try to cut through to pop culture which is a total mess btw and then Christians sit around bashing their efforts because thus and such pastor i.e. "Joel Osteen" was a consultant on the film is ridiculously unproductive if you ask me. I do not think Jesus would be happy about that kind of behavior. Just my opinion of course one can take it or leave it.

Some have said the film is blasphemous and changes the scripture and all kinds of other outrageous things. Some have even made these claims with out even seeing the film mind you. Newsflash to these Debbie Downers: the bible in English is inaccurate.... since they actually spoke Aramaic. So that would make the King James, NIV, Message, NAS, Amplified, and all other bible versions  outside of Aramaic, Greek or Hebrew inaccurate. They have been translated how many times? And by whom? Yes that's right, by "man" whom is imperfect. The Greek and Hebrew are the only languages that are the traditional language of the bible from the time of Jesus and the disciples since no one is really running around speaking Aramaic anymore. Need I remind these same naysayers the pharasies said many things along those same lines about Jesus because they were worshipping their "words and traditions" and not seeing with their eyes of faith or their spirits. Not only missing out on but killing Jesus because it was not word for word what they had in their minds. A sad yet familiar pattern with Religion. People can forget Jesus came for us to have a "relationship" with him not a Religion.

So say what you will but the fact that Jesus and the message of salvation through him with a modern perspective is on the big screen is far more important than "Super Christians" sitting around pointing fingers from lofty places. That does not win souls for the kingdom - Shame on anyone who would try to stop that message from reaching people.

I loved the film. I left there feeling my heart very filled with love for Jesus and what he did for all of humanity. So in my opinion I think they did their job well, thumbs up... in my humble greek girl opinion that is.

Blessings, Love & Music ~
Ava xo
www.avaaston.com

The Bible

The Greatest Story is not just a story it's who we are and what makes us so.

So I was all excited to settle down tonight with a hot cup of Dunkin' Donut's (decaf of course) and a few Pekingese to snuggle up with and watch History Channel's "The Bible" by Mark Burnett and Roma Downey.  Now, I know it's the second week of the 5-part series, and yes I did watch last week.  That's why I was so excited to get to watch it this week.  In case you haven't tuned in, which I can't imagine why you wouldn't, this is a really neat and one of a kind production.  Instead of a full length film about one character from the Bible we are getting to see and meet the main characters throughout the entire Bible.  It's actually pretty cool to see it like this.

Now, because I 'love' Roma Downey from Touched By an Angel and I used to watch that show whenever I could, I am not surprised she is a Christian and would want to produce this project.  What I did not know is that Mark Burnett was a Christian and would also be involved in making this project.  So for that, I say Kudos! That's Greek for "two-thumbs up" in case you didn't know.  What is even more interesting was that after reading about the production aspect of the mini-series, I learned the crew insisted on having prayer-circles and really dedicating the production to the guidance of God's hand in making it come to life.  One other thing I didn't know but find interesting is that when they produced it they wanted it to be engaging from the perspective of both those who are of the faith and for those who may not know the Bible story and therefore find it interesting.  So instead of making it over-dramatic with an overtly religious tone they insisted on it being made as a tool to minister to those who would possibly come to know Jesus and God through the Bible mini-series.

But then during the commercial break I made a mistake.  I opened my facebook to read my thread only to be completely disappointed.  If any of you know anything about me you would know how much it upsets me that our society is going down the drain with all the Beyonce, Housewife of Whatevertown, Lady Gaga and the idolized overpaid criminal gangster athletes leading the way.  So like I was saying, all I see in my newsfeed is a bunch of Christians complaining about how bad The Bible mini-series is and how it's so inaccurate. Some people were saying how they should be ashamed and that they can't watch it because it was blasphemous or whatever.

Let's just say, this kind of attitude really irked Greek Girl.  I was a bit perturbed to say the least.  Here I am thinking, "Isn't this great, we have a Hollywood Powerhouse couple making an effort to impact society through producing Godly Christian content in the mainstream arena and it falls in line with my ideals.  Meanwhile a whole bunch of miserable Christians are bashing it as if it were Beyonce flashing the Illuminati sign while half-naked during the Super Bowl.  Ironically, most people didn't even complain nearly as much about that as they did about The Bible mini-series.

So, I just have to ask, "What in the heck in the world is wrong with some people?"  Seriously, if we have any desire to change the way people act and behave in society and the direction of where we are taking, we have to start somewhere.  I tip my hat off to Burnett and Downey for taking a risk and trying to connect with both believers and no-believers alike while trying to honor the message and story of God and Jesus at the same time.  Here's my Greek Girl suggestion, instead of "bashing" what others are doing about spreading God's message of love and faith why not embrace it and promote it for what it is and encourage more content like it to be produced.  By doing so, we just might actually start to see this country begin to slowly turn around and just maybe we can start seeing morals and values come back "into fashion"...  Just a thought.

Blessings, Love & Music~
Ava xo
www.avaaston.com

Storytellers

A good story is a timeless and beautiful thing to enjoy and share.

Well here I am plopped on my couch watching the Oscars.  Are you really surprised? I mean I am Greek... We did invent "Acting" remember?  That along with the windex, politics and good food of course.

So it's got me to thinking about the whole process.  The glitz, the glam, who gets nominated, who doesn't.  Whose wearing what and whom.  Who is so and so's date and on and on...  We all know so much of what goes on Oscar night boils down to a popularity contest.  Yet there are so many amazing stories that because of popularity do not get the attention they deserve.  So many stories yet unseen, and even more stories who are yet untold.

There are screenplays from countless storytellers from all over the world that are waiting to come to life.  Not only that but the world is full of great storytellers.  Almost everything we experience on a daily basis is a story.  Not just the movies, but TV, animation, music, blogs, newspapers, and magazines.  Stories are everywhere.

We have such a strong connection to stories.  Really who doesn't want their life to be like a story?  The good guy wins, gets the girl, and the dog finds his way home again.  If only life were that simple.  Stories help us to find our way through life through the good times and the bad.  And the greatest storyteller of all... Jesus.

He used stories to tell us how we are to live and how to navigate through this life according to his plan and purpose for us.  It was his primary message of communicating with us and delivering God's message.  Modern theatre was birthed from the Church (the Greek one of course - the "Correct Church" that is - LOL) ;D Think about it...  That is why most churches are designed in the way they are.  The pastor is telling a story, conveying a message and most times the choir helps drive home that message with songs, that also tell stories.  Which is ironic because that very industry (the film industry) was birthed from the church, and it is doing everything it can to keep God out of it.

Geeze... it's a good thing there are people like me ;D Who desire to tell stories using my talents through music and acting that invoke thinking and promote morals, values and yes even Godliness into our Pop Culture and into society.  Yes I said it that bad word that might possibly offend someone "Godliness".  The best part is, I'm not alone.  There are so many amazingly talented artists out there who create and produce thought provoking stories that are also funny and entertaining.

At the end of the day... isn't that what we all want anyway?  To be inspired and to smile... I will say that the entire cast of Les Miserables singing the finale song on stage - that sure did make Greek Girl smile.

Blessings,
Ava :D xox
www.avaaston.com

Politichicks

Honorary "Rock" Politichick ;) with a twist of comedy for good measure.

If you are a regular reader of my blog, you might've guessed by now that when I am passionate a particular topic, I am hard pressed to keep it out of my blog.  What can I say, I'm Greek... It's in my genes.  We invented Politics, The Olympics, Drama (Acting, seriously we did - look it up on google), Windex and a whole bunch of other things, so it's to be expected.  There are lots of things I'm passionate about like coffee, working out, dogs/animals and of course my music, and politics.  Shocking, I know you would have never guessed that one would ya? ;)

You see my filter broke off a few weeks ago, due to the fact that my noggin has at times has about spun off seeing the goings on in the world lately... and I can't seem to keep my big fat greek yap-trap shut.  So I decided to start speaking out about what I see going on.  Many of you may know this already about me, especially with my song, "We The People" that was written about getting back to our founding principals.  It was written because I can't stand to see my country losing it's identity.  The very same country my dad came to with only $20 in his pocket to chase the American Dream.  So I started my MissionWeThePeople.com website to help get the message of the song out to the masses before this the most important election of our lifetime.

A few months ago a good friend of mine asked me to be an honorary Politichick and take part in trying to make a difference.  What's Politichick's you might be thinking?  Well it's a group of women all across America coming together to help shed light on local, regional and even national and sometimes international news.  It's kind of like a conservative version of TMZ but with all smart women. ;)

My role as a Politichick will take a different approach.  Because I am a Greek and I love to laugh, and entertaining people; I will be creating political rants in the form of adding a sarcastic and funny spin on what is going on in the Main Stream Media.

As an artist, I love and value the freedom of speech which allows me the right to express myself however I feel it necessary.   For me it is crucial that I take part in what is going on.  Too often I turn on the TV or walk in the mall and see the impact our pop-culture is having on our society.  Not just on the youth, on everyone.  What most people don't realize is that with most of Hollywood being so liberal in their ideology they are literally stripping the morality away from our country.  In so doing they are allowing our very freedoms to be attacked and stripped away from us.  Including our freedom of speech as seen with the recent Innocence of Muslim's video on YouTube.  What's worse is that most people are becoming more and more desensitized by the people they idolize and don't realize their values are shallow and go against everything this country was founded upon.

So to get a taste of what to expect, feel free to watch any of my "Greek Girl Rants" on Politichicks or subscribe to my own YouTube channel and get them as they are posted.  Here are the first 3 with more to come:

Hope they bring you a great big smile!

Blessings, Love & Music~
Ava xo
www.avaaston.com

I Pledge

"I pledge Allegiance to the FLAG of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one Nation under GOD, indivisible with Liberty and Justice for all."

Now I know what you must be thinking... (especially people who have been reading my blog for any amount of time) "Oh no here she goes again."  You had to know I was going to have something to say about this whole debacle, didn't you?

Have you ever stopped and actually read the words of this simple yet profound pledge?  Most people don't.  Most people just rattle it off without really taking the time to connect with the true meaning of what this pledge actually means.

Let's look at it.  When someone says these words they are saying they will never serve another country and will always stand by it's people.  We acknowledge it is a nation under God - the creator of all of us and provider of our unalienable rights as human beings.  As well, it implies we cannot be divided and all of us have the same liberty and justice.  Yet, for some reason we can't say it in school anymore.  We almost never say it.  Now our country is more divided than ever and our schools have more crime and evil than ever and our courts are more corrupt.  Why?  What is happening?  Where did we go wrong?

In 1942 The US Congress enacted that this would be the official pledge of Allegiance for America and our flag.  It is intended to be a reminder of how important it is and how valuable being an American Citizen really is.

According to the US Flag Code, the Pledge "should be rendered by standing at attention facing the flag with the right hand over the heart. Members of the Armed Forces and veterans who are present and not in uniform may render the military salute. Persons in uniform should remain silent, face the flag, and render the military salute."

However this pledge and the flag of our country has been under attack for many years for a number of reasons.  Most recently I was disgusted and completely appalled to see what has been happening during this election season.  Not only have there been brain-dead celebrities who like drones are making public "pledges" not to their country but to President Barack Obama.  Jessica Alba and many others are literally asking voters to "pledge to Obama"

Jessica Alba Asks voters to Pledge to Obama

I wonder if she supports equal pay on all her films including her own pay? Just wonderin'

Now, check me if I am wrong, but didn't they do the same thing with Hitler back in the 30's??? Look how well that turned out.  Now, I am not saying Obama is Hitler or will ever do what he did.  However from a social standpoint it is just not right that anyone would ever pledge such a thing to any "person".  Yet he doesn't condemn it because I think in his narcissistic noggin he enjoys it.

I guess he must've just forgot.

What bothers me most about this is that not only do these celebrities who go along with the masses of others in order to be seen as "cool, hip or trendy" because Heaven forbid if in Hollywood you are a conservative or even worse a republican and you can never be a Christian because that would be just unthinkable.  Libertarians were probably birthed out of this very need to not be a total lib and somewhat still be seen as "cool" by those who would otherwise blacklist them from ever working again, joking... Greek girl knows the definition.  I guess what they don't understand is that they can't see past their ego and pride to realize they are causing such divisive behavior and being seen by youth as so-called role models and acting in such a moronic manner.  To say it is disturbing to me hardly even begins to cover it.

timing is always key – especially when you set out not to offend people.
I wonder where the apology is for this?

Now, let's not forget.  Last week Obama and his campaign found it was a good idea to create a new flag for his campaign.  Now, even though I am a blonde I am not dumb enough to not realize this is no "official" flag replacement but really??? Not only does this flag look erily similar to bloody finger drags along a wall - a - hem like seen in a most recent attack in Libya, but what's worse is that it includes his campaign logo.

So now you have all of Hollyweird pledging allegiance to their president and oohing and ahhhing over his idiotic and insensitive flag.

Okay, I know what you are going to say "what about freedom of speech"?  Yes, you would be right to ask this.  However, when we have thousands of soldiers on the front lines (not allowed to use Real Ammo I might add) who have sworn to protect and uphold this country and our constitution and to serve under a specific flag, our official flag and our Commander in Chief finds it appropriate to arbitrarily create a substitute flag that suggests a pledge to him?!?! I just gotta ask, what in the hell was he thinking?!?

Back to the celebrities.  Don't they realize what they are doing?  Don't they see how their very industry is under complete attack?  The freedom of speech that they hold so dear is on the verge of being stripped from them.  Because meanwhile as they are worried about free choice, fairness, free birth control and equal this and that, there is a stupid 20-minute film on Youtube called, "Innocence of Muslims" being used as a scape-goat for a worldwide uprising of Muslim extremists who have killed and injured many Americans while attacking and destroying our embassies abroad.   It is so bad of a film and was loaded months before these attacks that coincidently happened on 9/11...  Really?  All the uproar is supposedly due to the offensive nature of this film.  If Obama has his way with his recent apology tour our soldiers will be pledging allegiance to him and not our flag and our Hollywood elite will be completely censored.  That is of course, unless it offends Christians - because that's always okay in their book and by their standards.

I bet Obama would not apologize if this were his campaign flag.

It doesn't take a rocket scientist to realize that this is just another sign of how much out of touch Obama and his swoon of Hollywood elites really are.  It is never cool to change the United States Flag, and the American people do not pledge allegiance to anything but our Country!  So on November 6, let's make sure we tell them just what we think.  Because in my humble Greek opinion... it's a bunch of Muckery!

Blessings, Love & Music ~
Ava :)
www.avaaston.com

Another Hollywood Remake

If It Ain't Broke Don't Fix It...

So was it just me or was anyone else sitting there saying to themselves "They're going to what, whatchutalkinboutwillis?!?!" When Yahoo splashed the news tidbit about Dirty Dancing being remade. This is again a case of a situation causing the Greek Girl to temporarily loose her filter. Seriously, note to Hollywood: STOP remaking movies and start finding original screenplays.

My only issue with this is that it doesn't "need" to be remade.  There is an old saying, "If it ain't broke don't fix it." Ah hello? Bueller, Bueller?  Anyone?  Is Hollywood listening?  For crying out loud there was talk about remaking Ferris Bueller and even The Breakfast Club.  Like I said, I get the idea of doing a remake, but at least do it from something from 50 years ago or at least a movie that in it's first go-round was not so hot.

So what is my point?  As an avid filmgoer and an actor I love to watch new movies. Nothing is better than watching a new story never before seen be told and unfold before your eyes.  Who wants to watch the new version of Grease or Dirty Dancing?  We know the story,  we know what happens,  we know how it ends, period.  There are tons of amazing screenwriters and screenplays just waiting to be made.  Is it so hard to think outside of the box and make an actual "original" movie vs. the "Hollywood formula" remake with the same 10 actors in it?

Okay, here are some movies I think are okay being remade:

• Anything with Charlie Chaplin
• Any silent movie
• Three Stooges (in production now)
• Little Rascals
• Mr. Ed

Here are others that just cannot be remade (at least until they are 50 years old):

• Dirty Dancing
• Grease
• The Outsiders
• The Breakfast Club (they'll just ruin it with arbitrary nudity and crass language)
• Rocky (any of them)
• E.T.
• Jaws
• Ghost Busters
• Back to the Future

You get my drift as this list can go on for infinity.  The point is it gets old seeing movies over and over as a remake with the same 10-15 actors.  Time for some originality Mr. Demille.

Blessings, Love & Music,
Ava xox

www.avaaston.com

Ava the Greek Predicts the Oscar

Ok, I'm Ava the Greek and not Jimmy the Greek. I have put all of the crap about all of the movies that I watched in 2010 and crammed it into my Greek little noggin and now I would like to present my 2011 Oscar predictions.

Drum roll please.

Actor in a Leading Role

James Franco - 127 Hours

Actor in a Supporting Role

Christian Bale - The Fighter.   First, this is a movie about boxing... Hello...that's my favorite  kind of movie ! Remember my blog about my love affair with the Rocky Movies?  (Also I loved Cinderella Man) ... now as for his acting performance - insane. Christian is hands down one of the best actors of our lifetime. He always transforms himself into these outrageous characters. Who cares if he is cocky as some say, because  seriously the dude has a lot going on in his coconut and is insanely talented. If he does not win he will go down with actors who were robbed of the Oscar in my Greek noggin/ Another great Oscar robbery was Joaquin Phoenix for Walk the Line. and Viggo Mortensen for Eastern Promises. Two acting performances that were just so brilliant for the transformation into the characters that they will live on forever in my mind.

Actress in a Leading Role

Who I want to win: Jennifer Lawrence for Winter's Bone - It was an incredible performance.  Who I think will win: Natalie Portman for Black Swan since she is the darling this year. I was not that impressed with this film. I think they took the A - bus on the story. It had way too much sexual content in it... they could have shown the struggle and conflict within a dancer and all of her problems without going all college freshmen fantasy on it. Really, I know I'm no Steven Spielberg, but it's just my two cents. She's a great actor and all, but I think she has done better work - just sayin'.

Actress in a Supporting Role

Melissa Leo - The Fighter.  Seriously have you seen how gorgeous this woman is in real life? She morphed into a worn haggard old-looking mother way beyond her years. The accent was spot on and she must win this. If not, she goes down with actors I previously mentioned who were robbed, period and I might just have to throw a sneaker through my television set.

Animated Feature Film

I honestly havent seen so it's not right for me to comment, but from the trailers and clips I have seen of them... How to train your Dragon, it has an animal in it, so I  have to pick it. I am sure that is how many members of the Academy cast their votes anyway.

Art Direction

Inception.  This is a groundbreaking piece of artwork and truly beautiful film making.

Cinematography

Inception.  Mostly for same reasons as above.  The film is simply gorgeous photography... A  total work of art.

Costume Design

Kings Speech or True Grit, both are period pieces and tougher to dress 'em up.

Directing

Hmm this is tough. I'm torn... The Fighter - since I love all boxing movies. But it is a true story and I love a good comeback - any story where the human spirit to overcome wins out, that is for me. And, they did an amazing job on this film. but.... if it does not win, I want the Social Network. This film was brilliant and really captured the essence of FB and how it has changed all of our lives. Hang on..gotta go change my status update...

OK, I'm back now...

Music (Original Score)

This is easy... Social Network - amazing.  Hands down!!

Music (Original Song)

Okay I cant believe I'm saying this because normally I am not a fan of actors who decide.... oops I think I wanna  be a singer now. But I do love her as an actor - and she does a decent job on this movie. But the writing - really pulls at the heartstrings. So after all that, I'm picking "Coming Home" from Country Strong - Music and Lyric by Tom Douglas, Troy Verges and Hillary Lindsey.

Best Picture

The fighter.  Obviously for the same reasons about this movie I listed above. I love a good comeback, it's about fighting, and it is a true story... the acting was superb and the main reason I think it will win Best Picture is that my manager Mr. Bricks wasn't in it!!

Visual Effects

Hereafter or Inception - both amazing visually and simply spectacular visual effects and gorgeous works of film art.

Writing (Adapted Screenplay)

Social Network. This film did an incredible job of documenting how Facebook has changed almost everyone's life. Well written. I had read the book  "The Accidental Billionaires: The Founding of Facebook, A Tale of Sex, Money, Genius, and Betrayal" and I was anxious to see the movie and how it was adapted.

Writing (Original Screenplay)

The Fighter.  It's a true story...  it was awesome in every aspect you can measure.. and like I have said a bazillion times already, it is about boxing (again, my favorite  type of movie) and it is about a good comeback. you just cant beat that!!! Am I repeating myself?

OK, there are a few other categories like sound editing and short films live action, short films animated, etc that I did not go out on a limb and make a prediction about because well, quite frankly I just don't care who wins in those categories.

And for those of you have asked if I am going to be at the ceremony, the answer is sadly, no not this year. If Mr. Bricks hasn't gotten me a record deal yet, I really had no faith he was going to get me on the red carpet for the Oscars. So you can just sit back pop some popcorn and watch them at home like I will be doing.

But next year -- that's a whole other story, baby!

Blessings,

Ava

xox