She was invited

Some are asking "How did Boa get into Ben Lyon’s party?"

Answer: She was invited.

Boa was actually asked to perform at Ben Lyon’s birthday party at Body English in Las Vegas. From the pictures below, the Boa seems to be getting friendly with the DJ…. and the DJ seems to be checking her out (in video). If she wants her music to get air time, this is a smart move….

For those not aware, BoA Kwan is the "Britney Spears of Korea", somewhat notorious in these parts for being one of many "stars" who attended the birthday bash of "film expert" Ben Lyons. I am not sure which is more sad: that Ben Lyons crew asked her to perform, or that she said yes.

Ben parties with BoA

Some YouTubery of Ben Lyons birthday party featuring the "Britney Spear of Korea", which I originally found on a Korean pop blog:


A few choice comments from her disappointed fans:
- Who is Ben Lyons?
- she’s doing birthday parties for nobodies now? ugh

Ebert smack-down round-up

After the controversy of Minutegate, Roger Ebert has found it necessary to redeem himself. In case you had not heard, Ebert "walked out", or rather turned off, a movie after 8 minutes and then wrote a scathing review. At least he was honest enough to mention this in his review, you might say. But this was an independent movie about gay kids with no publicity (until now, anyway), and the weight of Ebert's disproportionately large thumb has the ability to stamp out any prospects for what looks like a well meaning (although, according to Ebert, very poorly made) film.

There is little question, though, that his latest blog posting has fully redeemed him. "I may make mistakes from time to time," Ebert seems to be saying, "but for some critics, their entire career is a mistake." I wonder which critic he was talking about?

Well, it has not taken long for people to figure it out. Ebert, to his credit, never mentions the poor lad's name but makes it absolutely clear who he is talking about. I mean, who else has "friends" throw them a party in Vegas with the "Britney Spears of Korea"? Must be talking about the K-Fed of Korea.

Below is some of the buzz on the blogosphere and beyond. But first, a special shout out to Thighs Wide Shut--the originator of the image above-- with Thumbs Downing His Knows. They seem to have allowed Ben and Harry to take over their entire page.

Second, it is worth pointing out Gawker's critical assessment of Ebert's article. They write:

Then there's this piece of useful advice: "But in hard times like these, do not say, "Reason enough to get it!" Of course in his 2006 review of Take the Lead, [Ebert] says: "That said, Antonio Banderas is reason enough to see the movie."

But this takes Ebert's words totally out of context. What Ebert actually says is this:

It is admirable that the DVD of "Cool Hand Luke" contains an extra where they guess how many eggs Paul Newman ate while filming the egg-eating scene. But in hard times like these, do not say, "Reason enough to get it!"

Anyway, here is a sampling of the rest:

Cinematical: Ebert Lays Down the Law for Critic Conduct

Defamer: Ben Lyons Gleans Valuable Starfucking Tips From Roger Ebert

PopWatch: Roger Ebert savages rule-violating film critics (one critic in particular)

Karina on SpoutBlog: Roger Ebert’s Code For Critics: Don’t Be Ben Lyons

The Portland Mercury: The Eeb Has No Patience for Hackery

Movie Man: Roger's Rules for Critics

The big dog smacks down the poodle

Roger Ebert slams Ben Lyons without even mentioning his name. Oh yes he did.

Roger's little rule book for critics is a lesson in how to avoid becoming Ben Lyons. Readers of this blog will likely recognize some of the references Ebert makes.

He starts with:

We can't be too careful. Employers are eager to replace us with Celeb Info-Nuggets that will pimp to the mouth-breathers, who underline the words with their index fingers whilst they watch television. As the senior newspaper guy still hanging onto a job, I think this task falls upon me.

And continues:

Keep track of your praise. If you call a movie "one of the greatest movies ever made," you are honor-bound to include it in your annual Top Ten list. Likewise, for example, if we describe a film as "the most unique movie-going experience of a generation," and "one of the best films of 2007, and of the last 25 years," it's our duty to put it in the Top Ten of 2007.

But here is where it gets really good. Recognize any of this behavior?

Accept no favors. For example, if some "friends" throw you a birthday party at a classy Vegas joint they hope to fill with movie stars who are your "friends," say thanks, but no thanks. That crosses the line, even if the "Britney Spears of Korea" truly is your close personal friend. Your only real friends come to the party you throw for yourself in the activities room of your condo building, and they bring their own booze. [Note; If the Britney Spears of Korea is the real thing, Britney Spears should be known in Korea as the BoA Kwan of America.]
. . .
No commercial endorsements. This used to be a given in journalism ethics. A critic must be especially vigilant. If you express approval of a product, you must sincerely believe what you are saying. How will we know you're sincere?
. . .
No posing for photos! Never ask a movie star to pose with you for a picture. No movie star ever wants to do this. They may smile, but they're gritting their teeth. "It is the Chinese Water Torture," Clint Eastwood told me.
. . .
Sit down, shut up, and pay attention. No cellphone use. No texting during the movie. No talking out loud. No sucking up the last Coke out of the Kidney-Buster.

You rule, Roger Ebert.