Polanski: To Hate or Not to Hate

Jeff Norman, 01.04.2010

Jeff Norman is the Director of The Veterans Project

While many are busy hating Roman Polanski, I'm more interested in Steve "Airtight" Cooley and Judge Espinoza, because the justice system has failed to resolve a criminal matter that's been lingering for 32 years.

Los Angeles Crime: 2009 in Review

Robin Sax, 01.01.2010

Former Deputy District Attorney, Legal Commentator, Author

After perusing dozens of media outlets, I'd like to remind you specifically of 12 crime stories -- one for every juror on a panel -- from 2009 (plus one for good luck!).

"Barely a Crime?" - An Answer to a Polanski Apologist

Michael Seitzman, 12.30.2009

Screenwriter, Director, Producer

If Jeff Norman's legal logic reigned, Roman Polanski would be "barely guilty" -- because the crime he is of committing in California is "barely" a crime in some places in Europe.

Polanski Lawyer Says Client Will Face Only One Charge if He Returns to LA

Jeff Norman, 12.31.2009

Jeff Norman is the Director of The Veterans Project

Just because a lot of pathetic people need to dwell on the director's supposed indecency to make themselves feel decent in comparison, doesn't mean that normal evidentiary standards should be abandoned in the Polanski matter.

A Letter From Roman Polanski

Bernard-Henri Lévy, 12.27.2009

French philosopher and writer

At Roman Polanski's request, I would like to share the letter he has written me with all of his friends and supporters -- his first public statement since his incarceration.

Christmas 2009: We Know Who's Been Naughty... Nice Is a Little Harder to Find

Arianna Huffington, 12.26.2009

Time for my annual tradition of getting gifts for my favorite -- and not so favorite -- public figures, including Larry Summers whom I'm getting a Goldman Sachs pension (after all, he's earned it). READ MORE Newsmakers Roasting on an Open Fire: Your Gift Ideas for 2009's Naughty and Nice Here are your gift suggestions, including a GPS for Barack Obama, to show him the way from Wall Street to Main Street (submitted by manx). READ MORE The Senate Health Care Bill: Leave No Special Interest Behind There are many reasons for hoping the Senate health care bill doesn't become the law of the land. But the biggest reason of all is the desperate need for a DC pattern interrupt. READ MORE

Let's Talk About Crime -- Not Run From It

Diane Dimond, 12.14.2009

Modern day journalist

If we don't try to understand and deal with the dark side of life it will come back to haunt us.

Polanski Guilty Plea Could be Withdrawn

Jeff Norman, 12.10.2009

Jeff Norman is the Director of The Veterans Project

One of the most important questions in the case is how many years Polanski might spend behind bars as a result of pleading guilty. Under California law, a plea may be withdrawn "at any time before judgment...for a good cause shown."

A Tribute to Beate and Serge Klarsfeld

Bernard-Henri Lévy, 12.11.2009

French philosopher and writer

This year, it is my privilege to present the Scopus Prize of Hebrew University of Jerusalem to the two French "Nazi hunters", Beate and Serge Klarsfeld.

Beauty With Substance: The Best Catherine Deneuve Movies By Farr

John Farr, 12.08.2009

Writer, editor and lecturer on timeless film

Now a vigorous 66, Catherine Deneuve remains as busy as ever. While awaiting her next release, why not re-visit some of the seminal titles that made her France's "grande dame" of film.

Woman Denies Sleeping with Tiger Woods

Sybil Adelman Sage, 12.07.2009

Television writer

In an almost unprecedented announcement, a woman came forth to claim, "I never slept with Tiger Woods."  As evidence, she showed that she's been ...

Culture Zohn: Les Contes d'Hoffmann (Tales of Hoffmann), or, a Four-Way Gets Complicated

Patricia Zohn, 12.03.2009

Journalist, screenwriter and producer

Charles Fabius, former director of artistic programming of the Paris Opera, helps me lay out the complexities of the new opera at the Met.

Why Are These Artists Defending Pedophiles?

Johann Hari, 11.27.2009

Columnist, London Independent

Over the past few years, there has been a drip-drip of artists, from Alan Bennett to Gore Vidal, defending old men who abuse their power over young boys and girls for sexual pleasure.

Polanski's Release From Prison

Bernard-Henri Lévy, 11.27.2009

French philosopher and writer

The decision to free Roman Polanski is a wise decision. It honors the people who took it. It shows that the arguments developed by the movie director's partisans have finally been fruitful.

Polanski Barred from Poking People on Facebook

Andy Borowitz, 11.27.2009

BorowitzReport.com

A recent court order prohibiting Roman Polanski from poking people on Facebook has already drawn howls of protest from film industry luminaries, who signed a letter calling the limits a "persecution."

Tony Blair's Cautionary Tale For Obama

William Bradley, 11.24.2009

California-based Political Analyst NewWestNotes.com

Under Blair, Britain "modernized" as "Cool Britannia," and indicators on the economy, the environment, and crime improved. Then came Iraq, the war too far.

Is The Battle of The Sexes Over? Your Sexual Harassment And What To Do About It

Eli Davidson, 11.06.2009

Reinvention Expert, Executive Coach and Speaker

With such heated discussion on the topic of sexual harassment, I asked two of the top experts, Barry Halote, Ph.D., and Allan Gerson, Ph.D., to weigh in on the issue.

Polanski To Offer Cash and Cuddliness For Release

Michael Seitzman, 11.02.2009

Screenwriter, Director, Producer

Roman Polanski, the film director currently imprisoned in Switzerland, is planning to offer a new bail for his release this week.

Halloween Costumes Ripped From The Headlines

Glynnis MacNicol, 10.31.2009

Senior Editor, Mediaite.com

So it's the morning of Halloween, and you don't have a costume. You were going to be Kanye West, but the friend you were counting on to be your Taylor...

Polanski: What's On Trial?

Karin Badt, 10.31.2009

Professor of theater and cinema in France

What is fascinating about the Polanski case is that it is not particularly about Polanski.

Gore Vidal Has Lost His Mind

Ryan J. Davis, 10.28.2009

Theatre Director / Progressive Blogger

Why does this guy still get interviewed? Can't someone stop him from embarrassing himself? Doesn't someone have power of attorney? Isn't there anyone concerned with this guy's vanishing legacy?