Welcome to LyWood. I'm just gonna jump in and blog away...hopefully it'll be coherent ...

We've just celebrated our 232nd birthday here in America -- swimming, grilling, picnicking and fireworks. Hope your pets weren't traumatized. The occasional whistling fireworks turned my dog into a cowering, whimpering wreck. Watching the choreographed cascading sparks accompanied by music from Josh Groban to Luciano Pavarotti to John Phillip Sousa, I'm struck by the thought that people actually make a living with computer programmed controlled explosions. "Hi--I'm a professional pyro."

Another big weekend for Will Smith. You could've predicted Hancock would do well on the 4th of July weekend. The reviews weren't overwhelmingly great but when you put Big Willie with stunning Charlize Theron and the hilariously witty Jason Bateman --wow, a $108.33 M haul! Holy action anti-hero! A year ago Will filmed several scenes on Hollywood Blvd. The blvd. was closed for all sorts of mayhem -- crashed cars, destroyed streets and fleeing pedestrians -- and you could tell then that it was gonna be a crowd pleaser.

The LA premiere (July 2nd) was all that is fun and special about Hollywood yet at the same time a bit excessive. But a big red carpet shindig was a welcome respite from the ills of the world. I would venture to say the premiere wasn't a 'green' affair what with all the lights shining down on the stars. Will & Jada and kids, Charlize & love Stuart Townsend, Jason and wife Amanda. Plus more stars, many sitcom veterans of the 20th century. Sinbad, Damon Wayans, Chi McBride, Tia Mowery, Tisha Campbell, Tatiana Ali, Justine Bateman ,Valerie Bertinelli and her Jenny Craig co-hort Queen Latifah looking good. Throw in the expectant Minnie Driver, the Cheetah Girls, Chris Daughtry and wife Deanna, T.O. (Terrell Owens), Tyson, and Diddy (who zipped by photogs and ET/Access Hollywood) being one of the latest arrivals and everyone looked ready to have a good time.

Hopefully everybody had a good time this past weekend-- onward and upward. Chat with you next time.