Orignially written for Film Radar  

There is something in your pants that can burn you. Specifically, it’s in your wallet. A new film by James Scurlock, MAXED OUT, takes an in-depth look at how the credit card companies have exploited the definitions of credit to cater to the self-entitlement of the American consumer.

One thing the Bush Years will be positively remembered for is the emergence of op-ed documentary filmmaking. MAXED OUT takes a humorous yet tragic look into the lives of those who are ensnared in the credit quagmire.  James Scurlock’s style is efficient, straightforward filmmaking that cuts right to the heart. There isn’t the unnecessary eye candy of “ENRON- Smartest Guys In The Room” to soften the blow of the real damage these largely unregulated companies inflict. He simply lets his subjects tell their story. This film is a wake up call for the rest of us. MAXED OUT deserves to be the most talked about film of the year.

 Despite the weather, L.A. is often a chilly, brisk town. It’s strictly divided between the haves and the have nots and it’s hard to keep to pace with everything that is changing about you. God forbid should you talk to your neighbors. For the most part, people stick to their neighborhoods and cower behind locked doors. 

Friday was my first day off in a while.. It was an errands-palooza kinda day.  I drove over to the west side for a Doctor’s appointment and brought some early lunch  to a friend recovering from a gimpy leg.  He asked me if I wanted to catch a flick, but, no, it was my first day off in a while and I had stuff to do. Wanted to get some writing done.. needed a car wash.. I’ve been real busy and wanted to tackle those loads upon loads of laundry  (ah-hah! That’s where that smell has been coming from!) that had been piling up. This reminded me I was a week late in picking up my dry-cleaning and needed to get that before Subir hocked it. I needed some dishes out of the sink.

Today, I’m NOT gonna be irresponsible. Got shit to do. Today I am laundry doin, dry cleaning picking up, crazy bitch with a dish cloth, mad ass duster, closet organizing, Armor Alling freak.  By the end of the day, everything that had slid since the first of the year was going to be done.

So I skip out around noon or so, proud of myself that I was sticking to my day off schedule.  Traffic was moving great up the Sepulveda Pass,  and I screech on the breaks. 

And stopped.

This is the first of a Three Part Series. First on the chopping Block-- Dell Computers -- CP 

WHAT GOOD IS IT TO LIVE IN A CONSUMER SOCIETY IF THE CONSUMER ISN’T IMPORTANT?

I’m not one these “consumerism is evil” people.  I am a proud average American consumer.  I consume funky new gadgets and fine wine.  I consume shoes and shirts made in sweat shops (not on purpose!!!!).  I consume popular culture and fast food.  I consume commodities of all shapes and sizes.  I consume various and sundry nourishments from the Gonzo food pyramid.  I consume things that I don't need but want.  Yes, I am the average American consumer. 

It was announced today that Elaine Youngs and Nicole Branagh have clinched the number 2 spot for the U.S. Olympic Beach Volleyball Team.

Now, I really don’t have anything against these two. Branagh has been a spitfire all season. EY has been EY; fearless, fierce and simply the hardest working woman in all of Pro-Beach Volleyball. They’ve earned it. The combustion between these two is enough for a hundred beach weenie roasts.