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Our Men in Havana: The Secret Hollywood Power Lunch With Fidel
A gaggle of A-listers, from CBS's Les Moonves to Vanity Fair's Graydon Carter, spent last week on a mystery mission to Cuba that included lunch with Castro. Asked el presidente: What's with Brian Grazer's hair?
by Scott Collins
Tuesday, February 13 11:22 P.M.
When you reach a certain level in show business, politics inevitably enters the equation. Senators and even presidents come calling, lured by the power and the glamour. But it's not every day you get to schmooze for five and a half hours with Fidel Castro.''We did spend quite a long time with him,'' producer Brad Grey mused of his power junket last week to Cuba, the final day of which included a marathon lunch with the 74-year-old revolutionary himself.
By midweek Hollywood was buzzing with talk of the ultimate field trip, wherein Grey, CBS Television President Leslie Moonves, MTV's Tom Freston and Bill Roedy, producer Brian Grazer, William Morris head Jim Wiatt and Vanity Fair editor Graydon Carter jetted off to Havana for four days of music, food and God knows what else.
The highlight of the trip? A hairy exchange between Castro and Grazer.
While the impetus and exact purpose of the trip remain cloudy -- Grey and the other principals either declined to provide specifics or didn't return calls -- a person involved says it was a ''fully licensed'' cultural exchange, reportedly sanctioned by the U.S. government, which gave the Hollywood power brokers opportunity ''to discuss (Cuba's) public performances, musicians, arts programs'' and various other aspects of the island's fabled culture.
That's the official story, anyway. ''It was just a lark,'' one attendee told Inside, although he hedged when asked if any business was discussed.
One insider said at least some of the junketeers flew to Havana last Wednesday on Grey's private jet, although that couldn't be confirmed. What is known is that they stayed at the 450-room, state-controlled Hotel Nacional, which overlooks Havana Bay, was once a favorite of Winston Churchill's, and is by Cuban hospitality standards about as close as one gets to the Four Seasons.
The group -- which also included manager Jonathan Brandstein, an Italian businessman and a Cuban travel rep -- spent much of their time listening to local musicians, including a Wednesday night performance by bandleader Alberto Alvarez.
But the highlight of the jaunt was Saturday's visit with Castro, who entertained the visiting machers for hours with talk of everything from the types of fish found in Cuban waters to boasts of his having given up cigars 15 years ago.
At one point, the dictator suddenly stopped and looked at Grazer. ''How do you get your hair to stand up that way?'' he asked through the interpreter.
The entire group laughed. Grazer replied, ''I've always had this kind of haircut.''
Castro nodded. ''It's very interesting,'' he said.
Within hours, the group was back on its way to the U.S., with stories to tell the kids but presumably sans cigars or other contraband.
Inside's Stephen Battaglio and David Carr contributed to this report. •
The Black Book of Communism estimates that Castro during his reign has exterminated from 13,000-15,000 people, almost five times as many as Pinochet is said to have killed.
I wonder if that came up during their conversation.
Yeah...doubt that one. These people make me sick-slobbering at the trough with a man who slaughers political enemies, who crushes the spirits of his own people, who sends children into the fields to work (wonder if ADM will take advantage of this child labor at some point in the future?), who strikes fear in his peoples and demands total alligence. Wonder if it was satisfying for them to giggle about hair cuts with a murderer? Wonder if they felt important and wise? Wonder if they even thought to ask after Elian?
Thanks so much for the flag, Republic.
wonder if ADM will take advantage of this child labor at some point in the future?
Yes.
Wonder if it was satisfying for them to giggle about hair cuts with a murderer?
Yes.
Wonder if they felt important and wise?
Yes.
Wonder if they even thought to ask after Elian?
No.
FYI
I wonder how many 11-12 year old hookers they bagged.
Frigging scumbags.
That's the official story, anyway. ''It was just a lark,'' one attendee told Inside, although he hedged when asked if any business was discussed.
The highlight of the trip? A hairy exchange between Castro and Grazer.
Oh wow, really deep conversation between the potatoes heads!
Oops, there was a typo in my flag.
The highlight of the trip? A hairy exchange between Castro and Grazer.
Oh wow, really deep conversation between the potatoes heads!
LOL!
It just goes to show that Communism and liberalism are hair-brained schemes. ;-)
Yes, a hair-raising experience!
Thanks for flagging me. I wonder whether the Ho-wood contingent is planning to make a movie in Cuba. They may be wheeling and dealing prices with El Maximo....they'll pay him union scale for Cuban crew and actors, he'll pass on $1.98/week to the Cubans involved. Same old same old.
Yes, a hair-raising experience!
I see you're getting at the root of the problem.
That is the BEST COMMENT of the DAY! Oh ROFLMAO! I'm picturing the potato'e' (always felt Dan was right!) heads over here--lol-a perfect fit!
I see you're getting at the root of the problem.
This is getting too flaky for me.
:-D
"....producer Brad Grey mused of his power junket last week to Cuba....
.....CBS Television President Leslie Moonves,
MTV's Tom Freston and Bill Roedy,
producer Brian Grazer,
William Morris head Jim Wiatt
and Vanity Fair editor Graydon Carter
jetted off to Havana for four days of music, food and God knows what else. "
I wonder whether the Ho-wood contingent is planning to make a movie in Cuba. They may be wheeling and dealing prices with El Maximo....they'll pay him union scale for Cuban crew and actors, he'll pass on $1.98/week to the Cubans involved. Same old same old.
Thanks for the flag WW.
And thanks to you Poisedwoman for helping to explain what it means. But I disagree about the "Same old same old". This is going to be very interesting.
There is going to be a new rock musical (ergo reps from MTV & two producers) made called "The Cuban Miracle" or "Paradise for Dancing Happy Workers". (or some other title equally nauseous)
It will star OJ Simpson, (a natural match for the part, who else can relate to Castro's bloodthirst and maniacal control over others).
Bill Clinton will be casting agent - executive producer - and Executive VP in charge of foreign affairs. (three paychecks and plenty of babes away from Hitlary.
There will be many songs written by Denise Rich with videos made of the Cuban workers paradise in the background. Naturally MTV will love these.
It will have the latest and best fashions (ergo Vanity Fair reps) expect Bruno Magli shoes and teeny bikinis.
It will cost lots of money, more than enough to line everyone's pockets. It will put forth all the leftist propaganda and will surely win a dozen Oscars.
The only thing this production won't have in it is the truth, but that has never stopped Hollywood before.
Coming to a theater near you for 2002.
I wonder whether the Ho-wood contingent is planning to make a movie in Cuba. They may be wheeling and dealing prices with El Maximo....they'll pay him union scale for Cuban crew and actors, he'll pass on $1.98/week to the Cubans involved. Same old same old.
Castro'll get the $625 union scale per actor and pay them 625 per day in Cuban pesos.
Silly me -- that's just what you said.
This is getting too flaky for me.
It's the bald truth.
There is going to be a new rock musical (ergo reps from MTV & two producers) made called "The Cuban Miracle" or "Paradise for Dancing Happy Workers". (or some other title equally nauseous)
If it's a musical, shouldn't it be called "Springtime for Castro"?
It's the bald truth.
And there is no Tonic to cure it.
Oh gish. That group would give the shaft to everyone! They could call themselves the 'Split ends'.
Let's not split hairs. The media refuses toupee for their follicles. We should give them the brush off. They think Castro is a cut above, he's their mane man, a shear genius. But if he's hair today, gone tomorrow, who'll be the hair apparent?
You are right, there is not one hair of evidence that the media will ever stop their hair stroking of this man. Their adulation and loyalty for these hair-trigger communists is beyond me. The media combs the world looking for these hairballs, and they are always letting their hair down when it comes to any criticism of these tyrants. Let's not forget that in the 60's the US had a close shave with Castro who now by any definition is just a trim short of being a deranged bouffant.
You are right, there is not one hair of evidence that the media will ever stop their hair stroking of this man. Their adulation and loyalty for these hair-trigger communists is beyond me. The media combs the world looking for these hairballs, and they are always letting their hair down when it comes to any criticism of these tyrants. Let's not forget that in the 60's the US had a close shave with Castro who now by any definition is just a trim short of being a deranged bouffant.
LOLOL!!!!
You win! :-D
LOL----she is grooming herself for the big wigs. She has braided her word play with great care. The weave is practically perfect! But your brush strokes color her fine usage with a perfect agility. You have waxed eloquent, yourself.
LOL----she is grooming herself for the big wigs. She has braided her word play with great care. The weave is practically perfect! But your brush strokes color her fine usage with a perfect agility. You have waxed eloquent, yourself.
LOL!
Hair Hair! That was shear poetry! I like the way the two of you made this thread gel. I admire your style. Any way you slice it, you are a cut above the rest. You’re on quite a streak. You might get the brush off on Salon, but they’re a bunch of hairballs.
Your comments really cut me up. I had to brush up to avoid being scalped. I asked myself: Am I a man or a mousse? I was afraid I would curl up and dye. Please don’t give me the brush-off or upbraid me.
And whatever happens, promise me that you’ll go out and win one for the Clipper!
I am, your groomer, forever. That was off the scalp. A full and thick 10, by any clip! A real man-made hair raiser. I am convulsed with my doo moving and bouncing with sheer shine at your prelliance! (.... a man or a mousse......ROFLMA0!!!!!!)
oops-I must have gotten the dreaded matted brain disease! italics off!
Doesn't it just frost you that Hollywood and it's electric high rollers consort with Castro? They fly away to Cuba, without so much as a flippin strand of guilt, to wrap around that greasy shafter. Just thinking about it makes me want to separate from this computer, locate a spiked drink to tone down my outrageous permanent disgust. (Do we have to cut this out yet? I don't want it to get too dried out!)
There is something I want,
There is something I need,
There are words that must be told.
I can't for the life of me think what it is,
You see it eludes me right now.
A clue would be nice to put me on track,
I'm sure that I'll find it somehow.
Please wait while I think of things to be said,
Please wait for my mind to come round.
I'm sure it will happen any time soon,
I know my advice will be sound.
Here it is at last my friend,
Here is the salute at hand,
My heats off to Republic and William,
For their well-groomed posts, beginning to end!
WOW-impressive!!! I am overcombed with gratitude. Your gonna have to cut that out!
LOL! I think so too.... permanently :-)
Here it is at last my friend,
Here is the salute at hand,
My hats off to Republic and William,
For their well-groomed posts, beginning to end!
Thank you so much, Victoria! That was truly awesome!
As James Cameron would say, "Cut!"
Have you seen the stories about Venezuela adopting Cuba's educational system? Too many here think that Cuba is some isolated little island with little or no impact on the rest of the hemisphere and therefor it is alarmist to consider it anything but "quaint". Makes me sick!!
"Springtime for Castro"
That was funny.
Thanks Lise. Do you have a link to a story about Venezuela adopting the Cuban educational system.
In fairness, apart from the political indoctrination, which comprises a hefty part of the curriculum, I think the Cuban schools are demonstrably better than our public schools. The quantity of indoctrination is at least the same in our public schools.
The difference is Cuban children learn to read, write and do arithmetic in addition to the propaganda. Our school children hear mostly propaganda.
You are correct, and they do not need billions of dollars to make them work. All this bs about more money for schools to improve education is bs!
I stand with you on that-and Mr Wallace's comments. Watching the hearing on education with Dr. (?) Paige on CSPAN-it was clear that he feels exactly the same. Not that he deems more money is not necessary, of course he would like more, but he stressed over and over that it is NOT money that makes a school great, or even adequate. As for propaganda-it is the downfall of our schools system. We have killed the spirits of generations of those who are not fortunate enough to have parents who understand and suppliment the education of their children with supervision and even helpful instruction. We have killed this spirit with LOW EXPECTATIONS and years of blather about self esteem and crappy programs designed to neutralize independent thought. SHAMEFUL!
I am sorry to hear that-Venezuela? Oh no. And as for the word-quaint, as used to describe that miserable oasis Hitler er, Castro has corrupted.... for heaven's sake, who, in his right mind, would EVER consider it 'quaint'? (Except maybe the Hollywood idiots who shoved food into their mouths as they blabbered with castro and who enjoyed the best luxury Cuba has to offer. Do you think even ONE OF THESE arses asked after Elian? What absolute JERKS!)
Does the 15,000 include the "rich" people executed after 30 minute trials when he first came to power?
As for propaganda-it is the downfall of our schools system. We have killed the spirits of generations of those who are not fortunate enough to have parents who understand and suppliment the education of their children with supervision and even helpful instruction. We have killed this spirit with LOW EXPECTATIONS and years of blather about self esteem and crappy programs designed to neutralize independent thought. SHAMEFUL!
Bump!
I wonder how many 11-12 year old hookers they bagged.
Frigging scumbags.
I'll bet they weren't all female underage hookers.
The Cuban schools have done pretty well with little money. Illiteracy is around 2% in Cuba compared to 10-20%(depending on the source) in Venezuela. Venezuela spends much more money on its schools but they are failing. And that is where the educational deal comes in. Cuba desperately needs oil since the collapse of the Soviet Union and its support of Cuba. Venezuela has made an agreement to sell 53,000 barrels of oil a day to Cuba. Cuba will only be required to pay for half the oil with cash, the rest will be bartered for services, including teachers.
Chavez, Venezuela's newly elected left-wing president has militarized the schools. This article contains more information on the schools. The relevant quote to our discussion is the following:
"Concerns about state indoctrination have only grown, however, since Fidel Castro of Cuba visited in late October. An "integrated cooperation accord" that he and Mr. Chávez signed on Oct. 30 calls for Cuban educators to help Venezuela in "the consolidation of the Bolivarian schools" through joint teacher training and curriculum development programs.
"In addition, a foundation affiliated with the Ministry of Education recently sponsored a nationwide essay contest whose topic was "Che Guevara, Example for Youth."
The Cuban teachers Nicaragua hired in the '80s played a key role in the communist uprising which followed- something Venezuela would do well to remember.
Other links on the oil deal are: HERE and HERE
Rowdee posted on another thread that the March issue of the New American also has information on this. I haven't seen it yet. I'm sorry to not have better links for you. I read several Latin American papers and occasionally there is a story about how education is changing; trouble is I can never find the stories when I search for a particular article months later! I hope this helps.
http://www.FreeRepublic.com/forum/a3a8bac3246b1.htm
Funny; I posted this same news above, and no one seemed interested! Maybe it was just the time of day...
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.
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