Wednesday,
July 18th, 2001
Nicole Sheridan Settles Her Case With Kevin Korey
Nicole Sheridan, a tall blonde porn star, writes: Luke, A concerned friend wrote to you yesterday about the dispute I have been involved in with Kevin Korey. Although my attorney was involved, the case was never taken to court. As of today, this dispute has been resolved.
Metro Nixes Luke
Helpful writes: Luke, I asked if you, as my "significant other," could attend Quasarman's shoot on Monday with me, but Quaze nixed it. He said he likes you personally, but the top brass at Metro said NO! Sorry Buddy.
Mike McCormick aka Quasarman writes on his site QuasarmanRants.com: Monday and Tuesday will find the Quaze back at work on another quality pornographic production. Also present will be several winners of "Quasarman's Quazy Qontest". I'm told Colin Malone of "Colin's Sleazy friends" is stopping by as well. Among the starlets scheduled to be on hand for the event: Keri Windsor, Nina Ferrari, Danni Sexton, Sunrise Adams, Brigette Kerkove and Shay Sights. Also, if you ever wanted to meet Tyce Bune', subject of an in-depth LA Times piece of reportage about the wonder's of viagra, here's your chance.
In the month of August it is rumored that Quasarman will be given a chance to join the "big league" or porn directors. I'll be given a budget which ensures that I will be able to shoot an "important" movie with "high production values" and a "gripping storyline" that will take the viewer on a "journey" of some kind. It is my sincere hope that my epic will also contain sex but I don't want to hurt my chances of winning an award of some kind by putting too much in. Anyone interested in being an extra in this gift to videotape please drop me a line. I need to fill an entire courtroom. Don't make me resort to bribing homeless people with the promise of soup and Vodka.
James DiGiorgio vs Tom Zupko
Jim DiGiorgio makes a couple of comments on Luke F-rd's site which Tom Zupko responds to:
DiGiorgio: "I think Deborah Sanchez did our business a great service. She once again illuminated what will get you in trouble and what won't..... I saw more women as attendees [at Erotica LA] than I've ever seen before. Maybe we need to cater more to that audience. Maybe less sticking flags up asses and raping squaws."
Luke [Ford]: "What do you think of Thomas Zupko's latest?"
Jim: "They're pathetic attempts to stand out from the crowd in the only way he knows how by using shock instead of good filmmaking and eroticism. He says that he wants people to sit back and think while they watch his movies? No, people are supposed to sit back and jerk off, asshole. They're not thinking movies. If he wants to make thinking movies, tell him to try to make it in real Hollywood. Go pay your dues there. Don't try to turn porno into thinking mode, oh, we're supposed to try to understand the underlying forces to drive Tom Zupko to shove a flag up a girl's ass.
"It's a very competitive business right now, more competitive than it has ever been before. And you need to find ways to stand out from the crowd. And if you can't do it by making a higher quality movie, you do it by making a more shocking movie."
Zupko responds: I actually made a point months ago not to respond to these two-bit wannabe jack off over-the-hill pathetic dinosaurs, but as my head is spinning after my latest project, I am in dire need of some lighthearted entertainment, so I will only say this to Mr. Di-whatever who took it upon himself to criticize me on Luke F-rd’s site yesterday. Yes, Mr. Di-whatever, you’re absolutely right, I know nothing about eroticism and jack-offable sex. My first movie for Extreme, In The Days of Whore, received a fully erect rating in Hustler Magazine and Video of the Year from Adam Film World. It also received two AVN awards, although I could give a s--- less about that and was one of the two flicks I had in High Society’s Top Ten Videos of 2000 (the first time a director has had two vids in their top ten).
The other features I’ve done for Extreme have received at least three-quarters erect or better in Hustler and Hustler Video Guide. More importantly all my movies sell at least 3,000 units out the door. But you’re absolutely right, “asshole” I don’t know what I’m doing and don’t know how to make people “sit back and jerk off.” f--- off, “asshole” and crawl back into your grave and grovel at the feet of those who tell you what you “can and cannot do.” Like you said: “I think Deborah Sanchez did our business a great service. She once again illuminated what will get you in trouble and what won’t.” This way, when they tell you putting a dick in a pussy is obscene and is something that will get you in “trouble” you can stop making movies, don a court jester’s costume, and dance in front of City Hall while Deborah Sanchez throws you peanuts and you absurdly entertain the troops.
Tabetha Yang from Tymanagement.com writes: Being a 'woman attendee' myself along with three other ladies, I have to agree with James and what he said about eroticism in the industry. Nothing is hotter than a simple (soft) 'chick-flick'. Only because I do think, women and even some men, get turned OFF by the rough stuff.
Porn Pro writes: I see where Zupko continues to perpetuate the big lie that In the Days of Whore was named Adam Film World's best movie of 2000. The truth of the matter is that Les Vampyres was named the best movie of the year followed by first runner-up Jekyll & Hyde followed by second runner-up Whore. It's all there for everyone to see on page 283 of Adam's 2001 directory of adult films.
Stuart Allen vs Craig Amabello Update
Stuart Allen writes: In case you were wondering what happened with my little problem, since last we spoke the DA's office has declined to prosecute owing to an inability to make their case for extortion. I received a note from Mr. Amabello inquiring as to my position since we "had agreed" that I would pay him a storage fee of $125 per month. Maybe I'm crazy, is that standard in California to charge storage for tapes? So I am left with the option of paying someone who is holding a metaphorical gun to my head or telling him to go f--- himself. I prefer the latter.
Luke Gets Mail
Webmaster Brad Shaw writes: Luke, I was served today with a Cease and Desist from Evan at Xpays. http://www.freshphotos.com/brad/DocumentScanned.doc
My response to it is this, http://www.freshphotos.com/personal/smokeweed1.jpg
Evan has no clue as to the bag of worms he has opened up here. I am heading out of the country, have a field day with this.
Kitten Roars
Black porn star Kitten writes Tuesday noon: "Okay Mr.Luke F-rd, this is Kitten, wow....that is all I can say. Well I sure got alot of different responses. I also got a call from one guy from Wicked. Man when you lay it down, you lay it DOWN!!! I really didn't think that you'd actually put that up...anyway, whats done is done. It's amazing how black guys who wrote back in are sooo negative. but no matter, they'll still be living in their own little lives, be it good, bad, or other wise... Anyway, thanx's...I'll see you on the flip side."
Hank Rose writes: Luke: "Loved your bit on Kitten. You have a way of bringing people out and gettting them to be themselves that is akin to certain drugs and booze or like a truth serum. I did Kitten 4 or 5 years ago in a loop for Jeff Coldwater. She may not remember me. But she was a bomb. Sexy. Great f---. Definite grade A material.
"In my decade plus in the jizz biz, black women were the best. Best head, pussy---the works. A hot black slut vs. your average blonde bimbo was like the difference between a Ford or Chevy and a Ferrari. Performance-wise, black sisters are physically superior to the white primadonnas just like our black brothers are better athletes.
"I went to the FOXE show and met an old friend I used to work for. So the temptation is still there to make a comeback. Yet I am cautious because I'm married and have sexual chemistry with black pornesses that can get me into big trouble. I've been committed for 6 years. You've heard of the 7 year itch? If I wind up on the comeback trail, I'll keep you posted. In the meantime, resign yourself to your fate. Wet wick or not, you're the modern day Walter Mitchell of porn. Live with it."
From Modern-Man.com: Perhaps the hottest black performer today, Kitten, is frustrated with only doing black movies saying "I'd like to do more white movies. I'd like to f--- people I'm f---ing on the side personally. If you really want to see the true essence of me coming out on video, give me what I like - white boys." Luke F-rd asked "why do you prefer white boys?" and she responded "because of their respect. What's been good for me has been white boys. They eat pussy all night long." When it comes to black men eating pussy Kitten said "most of them don't."
Luke said that he will make her a star to which Kitten responded saying "you know how many times I've heard that, from every producer and director. 'Hey Kitten, I'll make you a star. Do you want to come over later?' One thing I don't do. I don't f--- to f---. I really hate it when people assume that I will" and further saying "I know people in the business who want to hang out with me and they want to f--- me, but they don't want to put me in their movies." Luke asked "do you feel that this business has tarnished your soul?". Kitten said "my soul was already tarnished before I got into this business. I've been in the sex field for over seven years. I was a dancer and other things for two years before I got into porn."
Kitten lost her virginity at age 13 saying "it was horrible. I wanted to cry. Then I got better at it." She got into porn "for the money. I got tired of dancing. I like feature dancing but I hate dancing as a house girl." Kitten said that she "only deal with quality men" such as Mark Davis who was sitting with her Thursday night at the Free Speech Coalition dinner. At Erotic L.A. Kitten was signing generic Video Team flyers which don't even feature her picture and said "I've got nothing to sign." then while glaring over at the white girl running the Video Team booth Luke askes her "do you think that's because you're black?" to which she says giggling "it is because I am black, dude. I am outraged." Luke says "if you were white, they'd have things here for you to sign. But they don't treat you with respect because you're black" and Kitten says "bcause they don't like us darkies." A white girl is laughing because white guy Chris Mann's Video Team is known for its many black lines and its good treatment of black performers. Kitten says she's never shot for VCA that she also wants to work for Wicked with white guys.
Luke says: I snagged some interesting quotes on this from Black Girl Online. It seems that various black men took great exception to Kitten's remarks:
Stamina Daddy writes: Das f---ed up like helll.....f--- dat pussy clatt gyal
Real writes: That s--- pisses me the f--- off. She is one of my favorite pornstars.
Nos writes: Ain't that a bitch! She wants respect in an industry that is the antithesis thereof!
Black_King writes: what's so suprising about that it's true. well I dunno bout the white boy part, that's f---ed up but Im sure black performers don't make as much as white ones...unless them produce they own movies..that's why jake and marcus and others started doing that.
Halogen writes: LMAO..s---...what u guys expect from a porno hoe...."I was a dancer and other things for two years before I got into porn."...she was a hoe before she got in the biz and she still a hoe.
Blunt writes: Heaven forbid Kitten should tell the "truth" as she sees it. I guess when guys rant about "black women" (bitches, hoes, goldiggers ..etc.) on this board, it's okay. Amazing how "loyalty" only works one way. (Anyway, she was "baited" by the avowedly racist Luke F-rd to make those remarks at the convention below. They're out of context.)
Gimale writes: THIS KITTEN CHICK IS A TOTAL HYPOCRITC. SHES BITCHES ABOUT HOW BLACK PERFORMERS GET PAID LESS AND TREATED WORSE THAT WHITES. BUT SHE BRAGS ABOUT HOW MUCH SHE WANTS TO f--- A WHITE BOY AND HOW THEY ARE BETTER THAN BLACK MEN. I MEAN THE SAME WHITE BOYS SHE WANTS TO f--- ARE THE SAME ONES THAT ARE KICKING HER AZZ AND NOT LETTING HER DO THE MOVIES SHE WANTS.AS LONG AS SHE HAS THAT ATTITUDE SHE DOES NOT DESERVE TO GET ANY FARTHER IN THE PORN BIZZ
THE DIFFRENCE BETWEEEN KITTEN AND THE BLACK MALE PORN STARS LIKE MR MARCUS AND JAKE STEED IS THEY ARE PRO BLACK AND BELIEVE IN PROMOTING BLACKS IN PORN. EVEN THOUGH THEY DO A LOT OF PORN MOVIES WITH WHITE WOMEN THEY DONT PUT DOWN BLACK WOMEN. KITTEN WITH HER STATEMENT MAKES BLACK MEN SEEM BAD. SHE SOUNDS LIKE THE WHITE WOMEN WHO WONT DO INTERRACIAL MOVIES. KITTEN IS LOOKING TO WHITE MEN TO GET INTO THE BETTER MONEY MARKET, WHEN THEY ARE THE ONES KEEPING HER DOWN PROBABLY ON PURPOSE BECAUSE THEY KNOW SHE IS A UNCLE TOM. THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH WANTING TO BRANCH OUT AND DO DIFFRENT MOVIES AND MAKE MORE MONEY, BUT DO U HAVE TO PUT DOWN YOUR OWN PEOPLE TO DO IT. IF IT WERE NOT FOR THE BLACK MOVIES SHE WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN s--- IN THE PORN BIZZ AS IT IS. HEY WHAT IS THAT CONCEPT THAT WHEN BLACK PEOPLE GET A LITTLE SUCCESS AND MOVE UP IN THE WORLD THEY WANT TO FORGET ABOUT THEIR BLACK ROOTS AND ACT LIKE THEY ARE BETTER.
CANT writes: f--- that bitch. She's just a porn hoe, and nobody cares what she thinks.
TampaBayClitSucker comments: f---ing dirty porn slut. i seen thos one clip of nastee one;s where white boys where calling this sista..i mean WHORE a bitch and a dirty slut. thats respect? these dirty sluts dont know what respect is. like that cracker on kara davis? got his face blurred out so that his good white friends and relatives wont see him whore with "****** whores"? just cause i white man smile before he nuts in a porn sluts face, that makes him respectful? f--- it brothers. tupac says....."WHITE MANS WORLD". he aint never lied....black man cant win for losin'.
JRob writes Luke: Kitten may or may not be a whore, but she is most certainly NOT a gardening implement. If I were her, I'd be insulted. Imagine comparing her to long handled gardening tool.
Hot4BlackChix@hotmail.com writes: Hello there sweet Kitten...Don't let these lame ass punks get you down. They just don't know how to treat a super fine black woman. If you are ever in the Detroit area send me a e-mail and maybe we could hook up. My tongue (and everything else) is up and ready for hot all night action. Lets get our interracial freak on you incredibly fine sexy thing! Later baby!
Luke says: Here are the highlights from my Sunday report on Erotica LA:
I chat with solidly built black girls Kitten, who's appeared in over 200 movies during her five years in porn, and Dianna DeVoe at the Video Team booth and try to bait them into saying something controversial.
Dianna says reading l-keford.com is a guilty pleasure. "I'm always reading gossip on your site about people I don't know like Kendra Jade."
Kitten's frustrated with only doing black movies. "I'd like to do more white movies. I'd like to f--- people I'm f---ing on the side personally. If you really want to see the true essence of me coming out on video, give me what I like - white boys."
I saw Kitten with white stud Mark Davis at the Free Speech Coalition dinner Thursday night.
Luke: "Why do you prefer white boys?"
Kitten: "Because of their respect. What's been good for me has been white boys. They eat pussy all night long."
Luke: "Black men don't like to eat pussy?"
Kitten: "Most of them don't."
Luke: "I'm like most black men."
Kitten: "Why?"
Fan: "If you won't lick it, you can't stick it."
Luke: "I'm squeamish."
Kitten: "But you want me to suck your dick, right?"
Luke: "Yeah."
Kitten: "I'd never date you."
Luke: "I could make you a star."
Kitten: "You know how many times I've heard that, from every producer and director. 'Hey Kitten, I'll make you a star. Do you want to come over later?' One thing I don't do. I don't f--- to f---. I really hate it when people assume that I will.
"I know people in the business who want to hang out with me and they want to f--- me, but they don't want to put me in their movies."
Luke: "You want to come make a home movie with me?"
Kitten: "I've never made a home movie in my life."
Luke: "Do you feel that this business has tarnished your soul?"
Kitten: "My soul was already tarnished before I got into this business. I've been in the sex field for over seven years. I was a dancer and other things for two years before I got into porn."
Kitten lost her virginity at age 13. "It was horrible. I wanted to cry. Then I got better at it."
Luke: "Why did you get into porn?"
Kitten: "For the money. I got tired of dancing. I like feature dancing but I hate dancing as a house girl."
Luke: "Is pornography a great way to meet quality men?"
Kitten: "Hell no."
Luke: "It seems that most of the male performers in this business are always in and out of jail."
Kitten: "Not that I know of. But then I only deal with quality men. Who did you see me with Thursday night?"
Luke: "Mark Davis."
Kitten's signing generic Video Team flyers which don't even feature her picture.
Kitten: "I was late of course because I am like a star and I'm always late. I was up till 7AM. And I get here and I've got nothing to sign."
We glare over at the white girl running the Video Team booth.
Luke to Kitten: "Do you think that's because you're black?"
Kitten giggles: "It is because I am black, dude. I am outraged."
Luke: "If you were white, they'd have things here for you to sign. But they don't treat you with respect because you're black."
Kitten: "Because they don't like us darkies."
The white girl is cracking up because white guy Chris Mann's Video Team is known for its many black lines and its good treatment of black performers.
Luke starts making up incendiary comments and attributing them to Chris Mann to try to bait Kitten.
Luke: "That's just what Chris Mann tells me. 'I don't like those little darkies.'"
Kitten: "If this comes up, just tell him [Chris] I was joking."
Luke: "He says, 'They're good for picking my cotton.'"
Kitten and the white girl are stunned.
Kitten: "Oh he is so going there right now. Look out. Unless he likes to have dick picked, but that's something different."
White girl moves away. "I'm not hearing any of this."
Kitten: "No, it was a mixup in ordering. They ordered My Baby Got Back 25 and I'm number 24."
Luke: "That's because you're a colored girl."
Kitten: "Colored? I thought I was black."
Luke: "What are you supposed to call them?"
Kitten: "Ohmigod. Call me Kitten. Put me in some white satin sheets and f--- me the right way and my color comes right off."
Kitten says she's never shot for VCA. She also wants to work for Wicked. With white guys.
JP writes: on mr marcus's website, he is being called out as a loser for kissing bidding on tera patrick's auction for a date with her, he lost, heck he has to pay for it anyway might as well try, but why a gal who won't touch blacks. at erotica l.a. he went around hugging and kissing asses of women who won't do him on film to save his life, like crystal knight among others. next he works for a racist like spallone who call blacks "monkeys" at least sean michaels had the dignity to refuse working with rob black who has made racist comments as well. marcus is your typical "all about me" black from the ghetto with no class, a gangster wanna-be who care about nothing but himself and can care less about his race, or dignity. he is a dime a dozen, very typical, very dumb.
Germany's Beate Uhse Dies at Age 81
BERLIN (AP) - Beate Uhse, the founder and chairwoman of Germany's best-known erotica dealer, has died, her Beate Uhse AG company said Wednesday. She was 81.
Beate Uhse AG was listed on the Frankfurt stock exchange in 1999. The company said Uhse, who remained its chairwoman until her death, already has been buried in a family ceremony. A memorial service was to be held Aug. 3 in Flensburg.
Denise Bostrom writes for Salon.com about her experience working as a script girl on a John Holmes movie:
It was 1977, San Francisco. And if you were breaking into film work in the Bay Area, sooner or later you'd have a chance to work in the thriving porn industry. In those days, porn films, or pornos, as we called them, were made in the San Fernando Valley, New York and San Francisco. San Francisco was especially popular because it was cheap, the vice squad was understanding (some said well paid) and the crews were eager. In fact, certain crew people, caterers and soundstage owners made a decent living working exclusively on pornos.
Amazingly, during the six-day shoot, John and I would talk about ways to make porn sexier. One of his ideas was to adapt Shakespeare to porn. He would strut around in his kimono wrapped tightly around him and recite from "Othello" or "Macbeth." And he wasn't bad. In fact, had he made different choices in his life or taken different chances, John could have been a "legitimate" actor.
But the actors cared. They took great pride in their ability to perform and they were humiliated. They proceeded to enter the cock-off, where they would try the most imaginative ways to get hard -- from the usual hands and mouths to the lubricated nozzle of a vacuum cleaner to wrapping their dicks in warm popovers from the toaster oven and on and on. They would then thrust their hard cocks in front of the rolling cameras (two cameras were used for sex scenes), and attempt to do their own close-ups. Sometimes it worked. When it didn't, the always-primed cock-ins would take over. My script notes read like an X-rated version of "Animal House":
Take one -- Victor removes cock from popovers and Jenny sucks it. No good. It's too hot for Jenny. Take two -- Victor uses Crisco on cock and rubs it on Jenny's face. No good. Crisco smudges Jenny's makeup.
Aja Available Again In Los Angeles
Blindguy writes to BigDoggie.net: Aja/Barby posted on TBD's Los Angeles Message Board that she is available for appointments in LA again http://www.bigdoggie.net/messageboards/losangeles/msgs/posts/16189.html IMHO, Aja is a French expert, one of the absolute very best!
Brandy Alexandre Is Not A Prostitute
SH writes: Dear miss Brandy ! I don't treat you like a prostitute. You are the most beautiful women on earth. I can offer you one million dollars for about two hours of sex with you. Is it enough?
Brandy replies: This is the latest in this guy's hot pursuit of sex with me. I don't understand his avid persistence when there are plenty of actual prostitutes in porn he can have for a fraction of the price. This Italian businessman could get The Italian (cough) Princess of Porn for three zeros less. Needless to say, I declined the offer. But I will still never understand it.
BrandyAlx1: Isn't that offer to me weird? I have been actually quite rude to the guy about his belief that I can be bought. I told hime to take his money and buy himself a brain, which is what promted the response I sent you. I replied reminding him that I just turned 37 and he doesn't know what he's asking for and to please go away. He wrote back asking to see a recent picture.
Gail Harris's Falcon Foto
From the Chicago Tribune:
"I was working in made-for-cable and 'B' movies before I developed this sideline business," said Harris, 36, who broke into the skin trade as England's "Marlboro Girl" and posing for a tabloid's "Page 3" feature. "One day, I asked my boyfriend, who was a photographer, if I could take the images he'd thrown in the trash, and try to find a use for them. I went down to a newsstand, collected a bunch of men's magazines, and shipped off the pictures to the addresses I found.
"I sold everything."
While also acting in such straight-to-video epics as "Cellblock Sisters: Banished Behind Bars," "Sorority House Massacre II" and "Virtual Desire," Harris used her modeling connections to initiate an exchange of photo collections with agents on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean. Instead of paying the photographers she represented a small commission on occasional sales to magazines, she would agree to a flat fee up front for all rights to the images.
It didn't take long before Falcon Foto owned the copyrights to tens of thousands of photographs, which she then syndicated to magazine publishers around the world. When the Internet began to explode in the mid-'90s, Harris already had viable business and distribution models in place, and she prospered, along with the rest of the adult-entertainment industry. Today, the privately held company owns 1.5 million mostly soft-core images, yet it remains one of the best-kept secrets in the constantly expanding world of adult entertainment. The www.falconfoto.com Web site offers consumers and other Web masters dozens of niche photo galleries from which to choose, plus streaming videos, CD-ROMs and stories.
Casual observers might assume that skin magazines retain the rights to the photographs they use, and, as such, have stacks of pictures stashed away for creative dry spells. In fact, with the exception of Playboy and a few other publications, most skin magazines only own first rights to the handful of images they pick from each portfolio.
Freelance photographers, then, can peddle the dozens that are left unsold to other magazines and Web sites. Or, they can make deals with archivists, like Falcon Foto.
RPM writes: Luke, wondering about the following: Did that Falcon Foto article mention that the company is currently for sale? If not, then the reporters were suckered into providing some nice sales material.
What Do Luc Wylder and David Carradine Have In Common?
Katy from Adam&Eve writes: They were called on stage together Sunday night at the Magic Castle's performance by veteran magician John Calvert. In yet another example of adult entertainment merging with mainstream, Luc Wylder shared a stage with Kung Fu star David Carradine in an impromptu "rubber ball" magic trick that had the audience both amazed and begging for more. With Luc's significant other, Alexandra Silk, and Avalon Enterprises' President Gigi Appleton in the audience, Luc proved to be both a good sport and a talented magician himself. When pressed, Wylder refused to explain how the trick was done...
The Jewish Ethicist
From JewishWorldReview.com: Q. I work in the video duplication room at an advertising agency. While duplicating tapes I have been exposed to "soft" pornography on some of the commercial directors reels. Is it inappropriate for me to duplicate these videos?
A. There are two distinct questions here: your own exposure to indecency, and your role in disseminating it. Let's examine these separately. There is no question that you must avoid exposure to these videos. Jewish tradition considers provocative material to have a very damaging effect on the human spirit. Even a married person who might think he is channeling the influence in a permissible way is bound to make unconscious and destructive comparisons between the supposed "ideal" we find in the media and his actual experience.
If you absolutely must view the videos as you duplicate them, to check light, color, focus, and the like, here's a solution which may work for you: Try making a mask for your video monitor. A half-dozen or so narrow vertical stripes over the center half of the screen may be enough to completely neutralize any provocative effect of the movies. If this trick doesn't allow you to do your job properly, or doesn't eliminate the influence of these videos, consider eliminating this aspect of your work - even if it will harm your income.
The problem of disseminating these videos is more involved. It would certainly be wrong to spend your entire day copying hard-core films. However, the situation you describe is much different. It's only a small part of your job; the material is not as offensive; and you don't really have much influence since you're not the boss and lots of other studios are prepared to do this work. Given that your livelihood is on the line, you don't have to quit to avoid duplicating an occasional problematic film which would be copied anyway without your intervention.
SOURCES: Rashi, Numbers 15:39; Genesis 34:7; Babylonian Talmud, Nedarim 20b; Mishna Shvi'it 5:8-9, 7:4.
Porn Stars To The Rescue At Erotica LA
Dr. Robert Chartman, MD writes: Mr. Ford,
I was told by some of the "fans" of the adult film industry at the LA Erotica Convention to write you about what you may have witnessed or heard about this evening (Saturday).
I was taken to the Convention by an associate and saw an event occur that you may have some interest in reporting to your readers.
While standing in line at the Wicked Video booth with my friend, who is quite familiar with the wares of this industry and the performers, a young man carrying an orange poster approached the line. He obviously seemed "excited" to be at the Convention and it appeared he was going to have someone autograph the poster for him like many of the others in the line.
I asked my friend who we were waiting to see and he informed me it was a performer with the name of Stephanie Swift. I again observed the young man with the poster gazing about and noticed he appeared a little lightheaded. Being a practicing physician I became a little concerned. He slowly unraveled the poster and began to look around as though he was trying to match the face on the poster to someone at the booth. My friend, who noticed the events, informed me the young lady on the poster was Stephanie Swift.
I noticed the young man turned his attention to a giant banner over the snack bar advertising all of the lovely starlets of the Wicked Video Company. He began to appear much more disoriented and seemed somewhat flustered. A young lady who again my friend informed me was a performer named Tina Cheri seemed to be assisting him much like one would see a tour guide help a lost traveler. This certainly seemed to be a very kind effort on her part.
As she helped him like I noticed, nearly everyone in the line at this point did as well, that he repeatedly pointed at the poster and then at a giant banner over the snack bar. It seemed everyone in line at this point was watching the extremely happy young man, as he would point at the poster and then the banner. My friend again pointed out that he was obviously pointing out that Stephanie Swift was on his poster AND on the large Wicked Video banner. We both chuckled thinking that this young man must certainly have a big "crush" on the young lady and was very happy to see a giant image of her at the same time he was looking at his poster with her photograph.
The young lady my friend identified as Tina Cheri, was close enough to us where we could hear her telling him that Stephanie Swift was actually at the table where the line we were in ended. At this exact point the young man dropped to the floor. Being a physician I prepared myself for whatever may be needed to assist the fellow. Immediately after falling, Ms. Cheri applied the proper treatment for what was obviously a fainting spell in this type of situation. She, by coincidence, had several towels with her and a giant cup of ice water. She moistened the towels with the drink and applied them to his forehead. Spontaneously the young man regained his composure and was up and speaking again.
Ms. Cheri gently moved him close to the front of the line so he could have a better view of Ms. Swift. Again, he collapsed and was quickly treated by her with her more moist applications. She comforted him in her bosoms and told him to just relax. He seemed to get up and was visually shaken and informed everyone in the line how embarrassed he was and how he prayed he did not embarrass Ms. Swift.
Ms. Swift quickly came to his side and presented him with a photograph and signed his poster. The young man thanked her and all of us who had been standing in line all of this time. He was obviously weeping and moved by these kind acts. Like the young man most of us in the line were weeping as well at this point. I am not embarrassed to weep anywhere, especially when I see an act of compassion and concern like all of us in line witnessed this evening.
Ms. Tina Cheri and Ms. Stephanie Swift performed great acts of humanity that need to be recognized and commended. I was told your column would be an excellent place to let others know of what occurred. I wish there was someone to write or inform of these events but perhaps your readers can spread the word of the good work that these two young ladies performed. Their concern for a fan and "customer" of the company they are employed by should be recognized.
Thank you Ms. Tina Cheri and Ms. Stephanie Swift! You both have one more fan that will be purchasing many of your films. If possible please forward this to the President of Wicked Video or whatever person(s) you may feel necessary. Sincerely, Dr. Robert Chartman, MD
Brian Kushner writes: Not bad but a better ending would have been Stephanie Swift sucking the guys cock!!!
Fred writes: While I have no doubt that Stephanie Swift is a nice lady, Dr. Chartman was really laying it on a bit thick. Sheesh. And the idea that some guy would be so overcome with emotion as to faint in the presence of his favorite porn star seems to suggest misplaced priorities in his life. But it was a nice, touching story--the stuff of which great PR is made. Do you suppose its bulls---, or do you suppose it actually happened?
David Moyes writes: I have no doubt that Tina Cheri and Stephanie Swift are capable of manners and etiquette. I think the letter was a bit over the top. Especially the doctor waiting in line at an adult products expo who doesn't realize who Stephanie Swift is. I agree the story should have ended with the gals tag teaming him.
Fred Nek writes: Dr. Chartman, MD, who reported that touching story about the goodness and kindness of Ms. Swift, does not appear to be on the list of physicians licensed by the state of California, nor does the AMA appear to have a record of him. Sir--it appears we have an imposter in our midst.
Call Lord Peter Luther Christian, OBE, Chaim Amelek and Muhammed of Mecca and Medina immediately and report his imposter at once. There's not a moment to lose.
Regards, Fred Nek
Lawyer, nuclear physicist, chess grandmaster, physican, symphony composer, nobel laureate and pornographic stunt double. (We're still looking for the original.)
Dr. Robert Chartman writes Luke: Thank you again. I hope these two young ladies view this site and are made aware of their outstanding actions. To the readers that doubt my credibility, I would not jeopardize my professional standing and license by reporting this and I certainly would have "jumped in" if Ms. Swift and Ms. Cheri were not assisting the young man safely and properly.
Fred replies: Sir-- The source for my earlier skepticism concerning our friend, the good Dr. Chartman, is www.medbd.ca.gov/LicenseInfo.htm.
I didn't see him listed as a physician licensed by the State of California. Not that I would ever impugn the truthfulness of a fellow professional. But no matter--I take him at his word, a trusty fellow citizen reporting on a selfless good deed by two fine young ladies. Luke, how could you possibly continue to criticize the pornography industry after a report like this? I expect you to begin recanting all of your criticisms immediately.
Self Obsessed Jewesses Who Write About Sex
XXX writes: Self-obsessed jewesses who write (at least primarily) about sex for a living. these ones come to mind: http://www.jenniferweiner.com/
http://www.teresastrasser.com/ (granted, she's more wholesome than most ... )
http://www.amy-sohn.com/ (her diary, last updated in december, suggests she's fallen off the face of the earth since she was on the bob berkowitz show)
elizabeth wurtzel (read today she's gonna be doing a monthly sex column for details mag ... no web site but a semi-innocent topless photo): http://celebgarden.takehost.com/Elizabeth_Wurtzel/image1.htm
I'm sure there are a whole bunch more.
Lynne writes Luke: I thought I'd better check out these sites to see if my favorite self-obsessed wannabe Jewish princess sex writer, Miss. Luke F-rd, had any real competition. Neither Jennifer nor Teresa write primarily about sex, unless you count a biography of the Snapple lady (Jennifer) or "How to Marry a Millionaire" and assorted Comedy Central shows (Teresa) as sex writing. If Luke's therapy were actually working, either woman would be a suitable mate for him, and no doubt find his life and site hysterically funny. Teresa, in particular, is rather attractive. I think I shall e-mail both women and see what I can instigate...
Lynne writes Teresa Strasses, a columnist for the JewishJournal.com of Los Angeles and someone who's work Luke's read for years. Luke may even have a crush on this girl.
"I don't know if you are familiar with l-keford.com, but he's a "friend" of mine and has a website from which I clipped the following. XXX is a pseudonym for someone within the adult industry who doesn't wish to have his name posted. If you type "judaism and porn" into any search engine, you get "l-keford.com," which is interesting in itself."
Teresa Strasser responds: "LYNNE - That is hilarous. Thanks so
much for passing it along. I can't believe anyone would type in "Jews
and porn." I also have never actually written about sex in my life -
but I'm happy just to be included. Your over-sexed, self-obsessed friend
- teresa s."
Atlanta Porn Shop Owner John J. Cornetta Wins In Court
John J. Cornetta writes: Luke, I told you and anybody who would listen that I would win this thing. My day has arrived!
LAWRENCEVILLE — Efforts to keep adult sex shops out of Gwinnett County were quashed by a federal judge, who ruled the county’s 1998 adult entertainment ordinance unconstitutional last week.
The federal court ruling forced Gwinnett County commissioners to quickly rush through a new ordinance, which was approved unanimously by the board on Tuesday.
The new regulations are less restrictive opening up some 117 potential locations where adult sex shops could legally operate inside Gwinnett County. Previously, there were only 10 locations in Gwinnett County where an adult business could legally operate, under the terms of the previous ordinance.
Luke F-rd The Novel By Luke F-rd
I want to spend the rest of my life creating literature. I started Tuesday on my first novel. I know that literature is my calling. In a way, by praying and studying Torah hours a day, I was avoiding my life calling. Now I must sit and write and read and create. The most beautiful things to me are words rightly used.
Fred rewrites my opening pages:
Luke F-rd's the name. Journalism and proper word usage is the game.
It was a dark and stormy night. The city was crawling with immorality, slime and filth. (I could tell from my vantage point in the gutter where I have taken up residence.) The San Fernando valley was crying out for a role model and moral leader to save itself from the foul putrid excrement of pornography. That's where I come in. I thought I'd check out the babes until that role model came along. I also thought I'd put together a web page and pretend to rail against it.
I was in my hovel, perched over my computer. The screen belched forth lascivious images of young bare-breasted women begging for sex. I was horrified. Something must be done about this, I thought. How deep-rooted is this infernal problem. I began clicking on the links. And clicking. And clicking. "Hmph," I said. "Pretty deep rooted."
It was clear that uncovering this problem would require assistants. I contacted my trusty advisors, Chaim, Fred, Rumdar, Aghast, Dizzy, Dopey, Grumpy, uh--sorry, wrong novel.
I decided to convene an urgent meeting at the secret rooftop headquarters of l-keford.com, located in the heart of Los Angeles. I summoned my personal helicopter to take me there. Unfortunately, the helicopter was out of commission, so I had to settle for a beat-up unwashed van with old pizza boxes in the passenger seat. I immediately set out for the rooftop headquarters.
I sped through the streets of an unsuspecting Los Angeles. I was able to remain above the suspicion of the good citizens of this city, as I maintained a triple-life.
During the day, I was a hard-hitting journalist, uncovering evil whereever I went. Few people would also suspect that I was also working as a fashion consultant to the most prestigious and wealthy families of this city. In fact, it was through my influence and efforts that wearing black shoes, white socks and shorts became a trendy fashion statement among the trendier folks in this metropolis.
The Last Temptation of Luke - The Luke F-rd Story by Curious
Bitter and dejected the young man lay in his van and reflected on his short life. The past few years had been humbling if not humiliating. Crippled by CFS. Rejected by his lover. Separated from his family. Ejected from his college. Ignored by Hollywood agents. And now he was down to his last dollar in the cruel city of Los Angeles. He was certainly not the first unemployed actor to be in these desperate straits he thought. That fact gave him some cold comfort as he drifted off to sleep in the back of his battered van.
He arose at dawn and commenced his daily morning rituals. The reading of the Torah. The wrapping of the T'fillin. The recording of his masturbation diary. And the uninterrupted hour of gazing in the mirror at his own beautiful visage. While lost in the awe of his own reflection he suddenly remembered an advertisement that he had seen some months back. It read: "Figure Models Wanted. $200 - $1000 A Day. Call World Modeling." He knew that World Modeling was the entry point for most actors and actresses in the porn industry. He knew that the Torah forbid such immodest and vulgar activities. He knew it would shame his family for generations. But $1000 a day! He sped to the San Fernando Valley office of Jim South's World Modeling.
He sheepishly walked into the dank and dark office. His yarmulke askew and a 8X10 head shot clutched in his sweaty palms he approached the harsh looking receptionist. "I need to work. Bad," he mumbled. "We cast gay stuff on Wednesdays. Come back tomorrow!", she snapped. "Umm, but I'm not homosexual," he sputtered. She nodded and snickered. "Sure hun, I'll see if Mr. South can see you." and she went behind a door. A minute later she came out and motioned the young lad inside.
He could faintly make out three figures in the shadows when one of them said, "Siddown kid." He sat. "Wadda ya want?", the center figure asked. "I ... I ... I want to act.", the naif stuttered. The figures all laughed. "Act?" The laughter continued for what seemed like an eternity to the poor naive fellow. "Here's my head shot, portfolio, resume, ...," he stumbled. "Drop your pants and get it hard. NOW!", demanded the darkened figure on the left. The young man hastily complied. "What do you say you're packing there, kid?", asked the man on the right. "Five ... I mean five and a half inches," he said. "Sheeeit! Maybe if you're measuring from your asshole!" said the shadowy figure as he stepped into the light. He was tall and sinewy. His bearded face was creased but gentle and silvery hair flowed from under a bright red baseball cap labeled, "AVN." His brawny arms flexed as he pointed to the other two men. "This is Jim South and Paul Fishbein. I'm Gene Ross. We run this industry you see? What we says goes! Why are you wasting our time? You ain't cut out for porn. Why your unit is smaller than Chloe's clit. Get out of here you f---ing loser!"
The crushed actor quickly tucked his flaccid member in his pants and scrambled out the door and into the parking lot. Tears streaked his face and blurred his vision as he commandeered his van out into traffic and drove back to the alley he called home. That night before he went to sleep in the back of his van he made a solemn vow to himself. He would remember those three names. Jim South. Paul Fishbein. Gene Ross. And one day he would make them curse the day they ever laughed at him ... Luke F-rd!
The End
Rumdar writes: Luke F-rd the Novel...What a novel idea. I am back in Thailand so I haven't been keeping up. I find myself going for less sex and more extrospective thought. I suspect my girlfriend Popsicle Toes pinched my can of Deep Woods Off. Damn I would have given it to her. I met a guy who is supplying sewing machines to the ladies of this country so they can develope some kind of skills. I wonder if Luke F-rd. com would back such a venture. Would anyone be interested in a "Save The Ho's Foundation"?. Every time a mosquito bites I find myself being cross with Pops. I am in Pattaya so I sent her an E mail to B-kok telling her I am not happy loosing my can of mosquito repellant. I will still love her forever though. I personally think a sewing machine would do her no good. She basically wants to lay in bed and watch TV. She would probably sell it. What I find more invigorating than sex is a two hour massage. I don't have much to say. Life is good.
BDWLCL [Lynne L-patin to Luke]: Beautiful words, correctly used: You,
sir, are a jerk!
BDWLCL: And when you are able to delve into the origin of your misogyny,
and you understand why you are so incredibly afraid of, hence angry
with women....you can make the choice to move on to normal relationships
with them.
BDWLCL: You've stagnated in your narcissistic swamp. Receiving attention
feels better than acknowledging the truth.
BDWLCL: When your behavior and your work indicates that you really do
have respect for women, in and out of sex work, I'll enjoy WRITING on
your behalf. When I know you're ready to appreciate it.
BDWLCL: Meanwhile I just watch, shake my head and pray for your redemption.
Adventures With Nena Cherry
Nena Cherry's husband Brian Lankford writes: Luke I'm a man of my word, I have never took s--- from anyone and you know what really gets under my skin? She care's about nobody but herself! If some awful day come'sthat I test pos for HIV I will not die a lonely man. I have family and TRUE friends..why? because I'm true to myself. With Dawn I let a heart run my life instead of my head. When I was with her I went against my self and everyone that I love for her. I became someone I dispised.I have always had a code to live by I was with the 75th Rangers for 9 years, I have seen combat more than I wanted. I have never cared to be around anyone like her, strippers, escorts, porn, etc.why? because all I have ever met were users.( except a couple of them I know) If I have to show you my tit's or ass to get your attention. I never needed it. The past 8 months has been the lowest point of my life. You asked what have I learned from all this the last time we talked. NEVER Never betray your family. Because when all the pussy is gone no matter what they say, FAMILY will be there.
Ok, The next thing we knew it was 7am and she asked if I would take her to her apartment, I tell her sure! ( she is so f---ed up she can barely walk, she has to hold on to me to walk). She had an apartment on the beltway in Houston. I'm going to tell everything about her and me, I don't usally do drugs but when I do I like Cocaine ( snort it) well it's very cheap in Houston and good quality. Know what I'm talking about? Well we arrived at her apartment I help her to the couch and she passes out. I cover her up and write a note to tell her that let me know she is alright. I wasn't expecting any call from her.
Around 3pm that afternoon I was waking up and the phone rings, I answer. The voice on the other side asked to speak to Bryan...I tell her he is speaking. It's Dawn she says. I ask how is the head? Terrible she says. She ask did I want to come over? I tell her sure but I'm doing laundry at the moment.(actually waiting connection) an hour passes and she calls back to see how long will I be. She tells me she is not working this afternoon. (as an escort) I told her I was on the way.
I arrived at her apartment go in and she is on the computer and she is looking at www.l-keford.com. I ask what is it? She tells me the story of Nena Cherry and Luke F-rd. She tells me to read it. I do, and read about her being married to a cop, has a child, living in upper class subdivision, etc. So I ask where is her little girl? She tells me she doesn't have one she told Luke F-rd that to make everyone think she is doing real well. I tell damn I would not lie about. Dawn said all that Luke F-rd done was trash her! I tell her he (Luke F-rd) must be an asshole.( I didn't know the ehole story)
So I ask if she wants to go back to my room, and we go. We get back to my room and the man comes by and drops off 1/4 oz of cocaine. At the time I didn't know the worst thing for people with HIV is alcohol and cocaine! So my room fills up with my guys (we all bought a 1/4) and the party begains Dawn aka Nena calls a friend up. Friend arrives and everyone is getting so f---ed up! Dawn's naked dancing with everyone, give one guy a handjob in the kitchen.
She gets to where is about to passout and tells me and another guy if she passes out that we could f--- her just wear a condom. We tell her go ahead and crash noone is going to f--- her. I send everyone on the way. And Dawn is passed out on the couch and I pick her up and put her in the bed.
I take her home around 8 am. I didnt hear from her for a couple of days. I had met a couple of girls there at the hotel and was at one's room about 2am and my roommate calls down and says Dawn had called and wanted me to call. So I call and she is in a panic, telling me her place is full of firemen. Seems she had passed out with the stove on. She ask could I come over. When I get there everyone had left. She ask can I stay and hold her while she sleeps. So I stay. I hear from her a couple of days later and she said she has some coke (very very paranoid). Tells me that she went to get some crack used it up goes and gets more and ends up f---ing the crack dealer. And again I dont hear from her for a couple of days and then she calls in the middle of the day and tells me she runs her truck off a bridge on purpose! She is crying telling me she is tired of her life, her lifestyle! By this time it had turned September and all the crew is getting ready to go home for labor day. I havent heared from her in about a week so I call home to check on things there. My mom tells me a girl named Dawn had just called.
l-keford.com's Uniqueness
I was just thinking that I don't know any other writer who's made his living off his independent web site, like I have the past four years. Gene Ross, Tod Hunter etc are employed by bigger companies. l-keford.com has always been independent. And it has paid my bills since August of 1997. I've never had a boss who could tell me what to write or not write. I've never altered editorial content to suit a sponsor. Perhaps Matt Drudge, but he's mainly a link site...and he makes most of his income off his book, defunct TV show and radio show. I've earned over 90% of my income over the past four years from l-keford.com.
Curious writes: You live in a garage and sleep on a floor. Is that really "living"?
Ian writes: Hi Luke, Yes, I think it is an extraordinary achievement that you've managed to live off your site for four years. And you've become famous, to boot! It's a tribute to your determination, your intelligence, your quirkiness and the quality (and weirdness) of some of the contributors you attract. Congratulations!
I found these updates on Kevin Moore's site StunningCurves.com:
He made only three films, but yet caused more controversy then possibly anyone else in the adult industry. While attending the Erotica LA show, I finally met in person the man behind the Rough Sex series, Kahn Tusion.
When this website first opened, I did an interview with Tusion, but after going over it again and again, decided it was not in my best interest to print it.
...Tusion suggested to me that he might be returning to directing.
Miranda and Alexis were supposed to be both signing for Adult DVD Empire at the Erotica LA show... However only Miranda was on hand.
Alexis didn’t flake. Instead she ended up jail.
Alexis was driving, when she hit (with her car) a motorcyclist. When she pulled over, she noticed this person was able to get up. Alexis thought the motorcyclist was unharmed and left the scene of the accident. Bad move. But in true porn fashion, the person she hit is a member of her website. Alexis is now in lockdown for six months.
Carr writes: I have alot of orginal photographs that I took of "Eden Rae" at the University of Minnesota-Duluth while we attend graduate school together in '96. It was my photos in her portfolio that she used to get her XXX career going in California. I am offering the original 8 by10 B&W photographs for sale. These consist of nudes, semi-clothed and others. I will also sell the original medium format "Mamiya RZ" and Nikon 35 mm negatives as well if the price is right. These are Eden Rae's pre porn photos. A piece of her history that no one has ever seen before. If interested, contact me at; riversun@pressenter.com
Jeremy Steele writes: I've seen those photos of my ex.. Some of them are pretty cool. It's too bad in that one she didn't pull the trigger.
Word got to her when we were in Duluth in 97 from a BPM friend who we became friendly with that the word is out about me as her new bf and there were bike brothers looking for me to f--- me up.. At one point Eden and a female friend of hers were shacked with me in a trailer, both of them with serious guns protected my ass. It was sort of thrilling to have two armed chicks as your bodyguard.. Then sometimes I'd walk this path to the local store with a 44 tucked in the back of my jeans and a leather jacket on. Just a taste of exciting days with Eden Rae.
Riversun sent me this letter last september about her:
Jeremy man, I am sorry that you had to learn the hard way as I did a few years ago up here un Duluth Minnesota. I met her at the University of Minnesota-Duluth when I was attending grad school. I too found that you cannot believe a word she says! Her real name is Grecinger...watch out, her (ex?) husband is a BPM motorcycle gang member who is in Still water prison for attempted murder. He some how found out about me, and I carried a gun for a long time, because other members of the gang were looking for me. Cancer? she has been telling every one that for years! Degrees? thats bulls---- as a faculty member at the university, I had access to student files-she was almost-if not, kicked out. She is indeed insane (but gives great head!)-She also boasted about all of these phantom tattoo parlors that she owned when I knew her! Eveything you speak of about her mirrors my exact thoughts! She will suck every last penny out of you then move on to the next sucker! I was lucky though-it took me only 1 month to figure her out-then I dumped her like a f---ing rock! I understand where youre coming from man....
Logan LaBrent Update
DP writes: Luke, ever since you had that stunning Logan LaBrent pop up on you're site, i'll have to say i've been following the posts on you're site more every day. Hustler magazine has her in a gorgeous pictorial this month [October issue] with that male actor Evan Stone. She looks so sexy. i noticed yeaterday i believe, that some turkish girl named eda is trying the same route Logan did to get into the industry. The only problem for this highly intelligent girl eda(Not!!!) is that logan didn't jump right into gang bangs and anal like this so-called turkey model is attempting to do!The turkey girl is not the most attractive thing around to begin with!but, she'll be taken in by some porners that will use her up, pay low rates(cuz she's an alien)) then spit her up. Logan will have a long history but turkey had better just work on her spelling and forget porn!!!
Patrick writes: Luke, Which video would you recommend of her? Has she actually improved porn like she said she would? I went over two months and never read your site until today. You mentioned her then an you mention her now. I do respect your honesty. Is there something going on with you and her?
Who do you think is the best looking woman in porn today? I would say Taylor St. Claire. Maybe my info is wrong, but iis it true she 29 y/o this year. If it is Luke you can't tell me she looks like she is 29 y/o. The times I've looked at your site I've never seen any pictures of Taylor. Is there a reason for that?
Luke says: Logan is an acquaintance of mine. We've met once. I don't watch porn so I can't recommend any particular movie. I have some pictures of Taylor in my CES photos from the year 2000.
Eran writes: You know how to do it like Max, don't lie. Lipstick on her...pile driver stuffing with her upside down. Put her head in the toilet, like Rocco. Use spit. Slap and pinch those fake boobs of hers. Give her a facial. Logan knows how to do it all, don't worry about mistreating her. Its not in your nature. That's what porn sex has come to these days, apparently. Blame the messengers.
She willingly entered the world and knows what it takes to be "famous". She's definitely not the Jewish girl, cold and indifferent to sexuality, your looking for. Of course, that girl won't let you continue l-keford.com.
You can't stop, your looking for someone to stop you. You need a hot girl to exercise those sleepless nights out. Your tempted by porn stars mightily, yet play down the desperation on the website. Jewish rituals aren't helping either. Lack of Jewish girl sensuality in the bedroom, that play sex, your flopping like a fish needing water because you want contact. Nasty contact in non Jewish ways. Get some hot Logan, those demons inside you will go away and you'll sleep better.
Print this discrepancy!
Luke says: "Logan is an acquaintance of mine. We've met once. I don't watch porn so I can't recommend any particular movie."
Luke: "I've been on a 100 porn sets and I've never seen a girl forced to do anything she wasn't willing to do."
How is it, you've seen naked women on porn sets 100 times and never "saw" anything.
Playboy Board Forces Hefner To Buy Hardcore Channels
I've heard that Playboy's board of directors forced company president Christine Hefner to buy the three hardcore channels. Playboy has missed out on the hardcore boom and has struggled financially since Christy took over about 15 years ago. It's amazing that Playboy can't even turn a profit from its web site Playboy.com. And its flagship magazine is dull and staid.
Julie Walters writes: While I can't be sure about the Playboy board forcing Christie Hefner's hand to buy the Vivid Networks, let's not forget that Playboy sold them to Vivid a few years back when they bought Spice. I think the price then was $7 million or so. Back then Christie was adamant that Playboy "wasn't about sex" and was in fact a "lifestyle brand." How times have changed as profits diminished.
Backlash to the Vivid Networks purchase has been swift. Bloomingdale's dropped the Playboy line of clothing and ABC dropped a pilot that was in development with Playboy. Additionally, the staff over at Playboy is becoming increasingly concerned as they move closer to producing their own hardcore porno content for the new networks. The production wing is most concerned. While they are obviously used to dealing with porn talent, they aren't used to dealing with porno production. Just wait until the Sex Court producer has to start buying enemas and watch the staff flee for the hills.
From the 7/16 issue of Newsweek: It's been a while since Playboy shareholders had any cause for celebration. The company's stock price had lost almost two thirds of its value last year, before it began rebounding slightly in recent weeks. In the first quarter of 2001, Playboy Enterprises reported a loss of almost $12 million. The empire's flagship magazine has seen its circulation fall significantly from its peak in the 1970s. As the tech bubble burst, last year the company postponed a spinoff of its Playboy.com Web site. And the company's profitable entertainment division, which operates Playboy's soft-core movie channels, has been losing market share recently to more explicit pay-per-view offerings. "There are so many alternatives that are down and dirty," says Jack Trout, a Greenwich, Conn.-based marketing strategist. "They should have done this a while ago."
Playboy is optimistic about its Web prospects. Though the company' s online division lost $25 million last year, revenues increased by 50 percent and Playboy says it expects the group to turn a profit next year. Playboy's CyberClub subscriptions, which sell for about $7 a month, continue to grow. Earlier this year the company launched Playboy SportsBook, an online gambling site based in Gibraltar and intended for foreign bettors. And it also introduced SpiceTV.com, the companion Web site to what will become Playboy's harder-core cable channels. Playboy's management is hoping the company's latest aggressive moves on TV and the Web are enough to return it to profitability.
Despite the new advanced strategies, until recently the market had been moving away from Playboy. With the introduction of more-advanced satellite cable systems in the 1990s, operators quickly discovered that viewers preferred more explicit programming to Playboy's tamer fare. Last year viewers spent $465 million on adult pay-per-view alone, and Hefner, who says he's never had any problem with hard-core porn, admits that in retrospect he wishes Playboy had branched out into more-risque programming a couple of years ago. He claims Christie was more reluctant to move into hard core. "She's a strong feminist, " says Hefner. "Christie came out of a time frame and sensibility that had a strong anti-sexual element."
Paula writes: Dearest Luke, thought you might be interested to know that Playboy has spent the past few weeks casting for a half-hour live talk show. There's only one spot on the network for such a show, so it looks like it's farewell to the simply dreadful "Inside of Adult" with Alisha Klass. Perhaps now she can really be out of adult and get a few more two second, naked, no dialogue appearances in big movies.
Truth In Journalism
Heather Barron writes: I hesitated to write this when I saw your post yesterday because I certainly don't want to be labeled a basher. Asia Carrera is drop dead gorgeous and her fame is well deserved but I hate it when women lie about their ages. Why can't people just be real and self loving? Men love women of all ages.
My guess is Asia is in her early to mid 30's. I'm expecting some harsh comment but I'll take the heat. Asia should worry less about what she'll do when she retires and more about why she feels she needs to life about her age. Luv, Heather, turning 33 this November
Asia Carrera replies: Oh please, that's just silly! I always respected Heather's comments before this, because she gave the impression she had a good head on her shoulders with her thoughtful, introspective writings. But I'm completely taken aback by this groundless accusation. why on earth would I bother lying about my age, when I've had to provide two forms of ID on every shoot I've done since day one? It's a matter of public record that when I started in porn I was still a 2nd-year student at Rutgers University, and not even old enough to drink yet.
I found it ironic that even after I'd made several XXX movies, Bud Lee had to sneak me into my first CES show, because you had to be 21 to enter. It seemed pretty stupid that I was old enough to be MAKING smut, but not old enough to be LOOKING at it... but i digress. Please, ask Heather why she wouldn't at least ASK me about my age first, before deciding to label me a liar? I don't lie. I live my life like an open book, because honesty is always the best policy, especially when you're in the public eye. It would be sheer stupidity to try and rewrite history on a website with 10,000 hits a day, knowing that everyone from Luke F-rd and my pornoland peers, to ex-boyfriends and highschool classmates drops by to see what I'm up to - believe me, if I ever tried posting any b.s., I'd be caught out in a heartbeat!
Heather Barron writes: Per Asia/s Filmography on her web site www.asiacarrera.com, Asia indicates that her first movie was in 1993, 8 years ago, that would means she filmed first at the age of 19. She also says she's done 250 films in 8 years, that would make for 31 films a year. Technically, what was Asia's first film and how old was she when she made it? If she's skimming 3-5 years, she could have been making films as a minor.
JRob writes: It is refreshing that the blank, clueless look in Heather Barron's eyes in her photographs isn't just acting.
Barbie Dahl writes: Ok, Asia is 27, that's the truth. But what i find interesting is that she has the audacity to say:
"What's really scary is how quickly some of the girls start believing their own hype, and acting like the 'superstars' they think they are - throwing tantrums, making outrageous demands, and just being bitchy divas on the set and on the road..."
How dare she accuse "others" for doing the very things she quite noted for doing. "Bitchy Diva" is an accurate description of Asia. Pretentious, self righteous, and condescending also do her justices. You know, I have seen her ID's. What I want to see is a copy of her alleged 1560 SAT.
Me2 writes: Why does Heather feel the need to exacerbate her ignorance? Asia's birthday is August 6, 1973. The first porno she shot was "The Swap 2," filmed in 1993, released in 1994. Heather's groundless insinuation that Asia lies about her age, and that Asia pulled a "Traci Lords" by working as a minor is utterly disgusting.
Barbie, it's 1440 on Asia's SATs. And I have no idea how you could have possibly formed your hostile and erroneous opinion of her. Asia is completely self-deprecating and grounded in real life. She holds in high regard her professional reputation. She learns her lines. She doesn't flake out on shoots. The only trouble Asia could have possibly caused is crying to herself for a brief moment after some director or producer throws a tantrum her way. Asia is not condescending and extends to others the full respect they deserve. Yes, Asia is smart, but she doesn't smother you with her accolades. She does however have to respond when people repeatedly demand "if you're so smart, prove it."
Amber@EroticVideos.com writes: My records show that Asia was born August 6, 1973, that means she is 28 years old. We got this information from Vivid some 4 years ago.
Dianne writes: Hi Luke, A friend got me hooked up to your site. I like it, but I don't know why you give Heather Barron the time of day. I've tried to find info on her but I can't find any, other than her self serving website. What's the deal?
Luke says: Heather's whacky and interesting, a multi-dimensional escort, porn star and script doctor.
Heather Barron writes: I heard Houston claim on a Stern show a while ago, that she was in her late 20's when it was pretty darn obvious that she had to be around 40 but nobody even questioned it. They were more concerned about having her come back on the show so they just overlooked the whole thing. I feel the need to question most things, but that's just me. If Asia is 27 and has done that many movies, more power to her!
If Tracy Lords was required to present 2 forms of IDs before shooting and that is the absolute rule, then why did we find out otherwise? Because there is profit to be made, some things might get "overlooked". We already know the HIV test thing has its flaws. If my questioning, helps protect one girl that is being taken advantage or improves the system so that porn is healthier, that minors don't get hired and sex always involves protection/condoms, then it's worth doing. I don't want to see a profitable industry at the cost of young girls who are easily influenced by older guys looking to live off them. And as much as the industry might not like me saying it, porn is often, but not always, a business of preying off the self esteem issues of young women, taking its cut like a needle to their veins, getting them in a situation of payouts (high maintenance lifestyle, plastic surgery, money going out the window faster than it comes in...til in a few years, most girls have nothing) and then disposing them for fresher meat. I know Asia isn't one of that set and I'm glad. Asia, please do consider that I am trying to question things with good intent, regardless of benefit a manufacturer, a distributor or a production house. There are people behind this animal and motivation will separate the smut from the art. Finished product is only as good as its integrity. I'm surprised Extreme is still around.
Director Roy Karch writes: Regarding Asia...she's the consumate professional. If there were more like her, you'd have much less to write about.
Sean writes: Hi Luke, I attended Rutgers College from Sept. 1990 until I graduated in May 1994. I can say that she did attend the school while I was there. She has posted pics from that period on her site and I used to see her around every so often. I didn't know her and I am sure she wouldn't remember me, but I do remember seeing her. I was born on Dec. 25, 1971 (too late to start school with everyone else from '71, so I went in with the '72s) and I will be 30 in Dec., so a 1973 B-day is quite reasonable for her.
Farrell Timlake from HomegrownVideo.com writes: I must admit that like the beast in the movie "Predator", I am drawn to conflict. Crossing the universe to dive into hostile jungles like Luke F-rd's site, so that I can hunt for sport and pleasure, I constantly pit myself against worthy adversaries. In this case, the Asia and Heather catfight has piqued my interest. Like a hunter, I tracked the quarry to its lair, which in this case is the websites of these two beautiful and powerful creatures. Now, my interest drifts from trophy hunting to musing over the merits of each.
While both have fair "handmade" sites that clearly are amateur in nature, a subject that is very near and dear to me at www.homegrownvideo.com, I am more attracted and interested by Heather's.
Both sites are clearly fueled by the good humored personalities of their webmistresses, but I find one crucial difference. That difference is the crux of what makes a good amateur xxx website.
Asia's site seems an effort to paint her as a very sexless nerd. There is an almost toneless expression of her sexuality. For a pretty women who has been fornicating around in the sex biz for seven successful years, that seems sort of strange. For someone as apparently intelligent as her to say "I am really a smart nerdy girl who only did movies for the money" is very anti-sexy to me. Which, obviously, on one level at least, is her purpose. That may excite her fans that say to themselves, "now I am getting to know the real Asia", but to me it is not very appealing. By being so vapid on the subject of her sexiness, she denigrates the erotic aspect of her nature. No matter how much "good" personality she does have, to cancel out that part of herself diminishes the totality of her attractiveness. Why can she not be a woman who is smart, pretty, funny, and sexy?
( I have only seen one of her movies and her scenes seemed like she had a friend phone them in, but I will not judge her "porno side" on the merits of one video.)
On the other, I like that Heather is also obviously intelligent and good humored and that she seems to honestly like being sexual too. At the very least, she plays up her sexuality for the site. I find that quality far more attractive and arousing of not only my libido, but also my intellectual interest. I guess I see Heather's site as being free from a sense of hypocrisy about what and why she is doing what she is doing. Once again, that is very attractive to me. By the way, that is not to say that Asia is being hypocritical even if it seems to insinuate that. I am simply critical of her trying to whitewash her sexuality to blandness.
I like that both sites have a sense of humor. However, and this is just me, I live by the cliché that for anyone to be truly good at what they do, they need to love what they do. A basketball player should love basketball, a businessman love business, and a porn star should love sex. If you want to be a computer "geek". No problem. Go work for IBM. The sex biz should really be left to those that love sex as we do at www.homegrownvideo.com.
I mean no ill will by my comments, however I am a Scorpio. If you know the story of the scorpion and the frog, then perhaps you will understand when I say that I cannot help it, for it is my nature. Heather should give us a holler. I wish Asia best of luck in her future endeavors. I return to the hunt.
Arch Stanton writes: Luke, this Asia/Heather beef has big potential. Let the war of words escalate to a fever pitch until only one solution remains; a pay-per-view no-holds-barred hair-pulling tit-twisting catfight. Your site could sponsor this online extravaganza. Now seeing how Heather started this s--- she's definitely the villain. Being part of the male sect of the species I've learned you never never never question a womans age or weight. If you value your balls. Heather should know better. So, I immediately set the odds as 6/5 in Asia's favor. After all she must know martial arts and have catlike reflexes. On the other hand Heather has a weight advantage. If you take heed of my suggestion and can arrange it I will dutifully send you my credit card information. No matter the cost.
Amber@EroticVideos.com writes: Heather you need to get a life. Asia works with some of the biggest "and the best might I add" companies out there such as Vivid Video and Wicked Pictures. Companies that make it their business to have their legal documents all lined up. They keep a copy of her REAL age on file for legal purposes and post it on their bio data on each of their sites. Vivid Video has posted Asia's birthday for years now as the exact same day, August 6, 1973. I think you need to move on to something you might actually know about and anyway what does it matter if Asia is 27 or 47?? Asia looks hot - her videos sell well - isn't that all that really matters? Get over it please!!!!!!!
And while I'm on the subject of your big mouth .... I don't think I've seen Kelli post anything you've ever done on any top 10 list (Asia makes that list often). So until you move up in the ranks, my advice would be NOT to attack the big boys (girls in this case). I just can't imagine it doing your career any good.
As a matter of fact, I can't think I've heard of you EVER, except for your endless ramblings here on this site. First you attack Chasey Lain of being a crack smoking whore (with NO evidence might I add), now you go after Asia. Geez you need to find something better to do with your time. You are NOT making friends fast.
Heather Barron writes: Luke, I do extend an apology to Asia publicly. I, honestly, thought she was in her mid 30's considering her resume. Sleeping on it, it probably wasn't any of my business.
Amber, You have a right to your opinion. If you don't think there is a market for amateur sites, I think you should think again. Wicked and Vivid, might be the biggest, but they aren't the only venues for creativity. Many people make their own way in this world and when they can't get a job at a particular company, they go out and create their own businesses. That is the American spirit of entrepreneurship. You are right, the big companies weren't and aren't knocking on my doors but that wasn't about to stop me from building something of my own.
I wouldn't take a video gig where safe sex wasn't practiced regardless of testing. If condoms are not being used, I think the risk is too high and it's not one I wish to take. I wouldn't even do a BJ video without condoms so I'll gladly live on my own island. I created my own site to reach out to porn fans in my own unique way and to do what I enjoy, photography and video, while practicing safe sex.
If you'd take a look at Luke's archives, you'd see I extended a helping hand to Chasey for support if she needed it. I have no clue if she uses drugs or not. So you are attacking me for not making the Kelli's Top 10 list. My site is mostly still photography with video clips. I did look at your web site. You don't make videos. You sell other people's finished products, mostly Vivids so it's easy to see where your money is coming from. Drive amateur out so you can take all of the pie. Let's see if the fans respond to that.
