Julian Ayrs 1st Annual Worst-Dressed Men's List...Kid Rock! Brandon Flowers! Johnny Depp!

With a nod to Mr. Blackwell

The male animal has always been blessed with the most colorful plumage of the species.

To hasten the mating ritual, perhaps?

So, in our modern permissive society, the savvy fashion-minded dude is inclined to push the limits, take risks, even carve a niche in the high-stakes world of pop culture, the high-profile business arena, you name it!

When it comes to cutting a fine swath, some dudes just got it.

So, they flaunt it.

Other hapless losers, continually miss the fashion mark by a country mile.

Here's the 1st Annual 10 Worst-Dressed men (and 10 Best) list to brighten your day, with a nod to Mr. Blackwell, of course!

Ten Worst-Dressed Men


Phil Spector
(infamous for wall of hair)

A whirling dervish with a bee-hive "do" driven to sheer madness by a "wall of murderous sound".

Be bop a-loo!

Rod Stewart

(Whiskey Soaked rock star)

A ruddy-complexioned dykey Dusty Springfield impersonator blown-dry to seedy perfection in a matronly Royal Blue Kimono Queen Lizzie would be proud of!

Brandon Flowers
Pop Icon

A killer Bar Mitzvah crooner in spiffy Maitre d's jacket trotted out in jazzy black designer trim!

A Boy Band wannabee with enough tarted-up groupies to start-up his own bubble-gum factory!

Richard Simmons

(Fitness Queen)

Nellie wimp to Norse-God in just six aerobic weeks.

The rigorous weight-watch & body work-out taskmaster can help you accomplish the quirky sweaty  "Mission: Impossible" in the wink of an eye.

To rustle up cut pecs a-la-Pitt (pooh on the femme ta ta's) stop tossing your legs in the air & cut down on hormones, quick!

Barry Manilow

(Vegas Crooner)

The joker or Ellen Degeneres on prozac?


Just maybe, no fashion sense, at all?

No matter how 'ya cut the cloth, the Pink Lady is Queen, packing 'em in nightly on the glitzy Vegas strip!

No hot-ticket wonder!

Retreads of old hits are in Vogue now for those who nostalgically pine for the good ole American way of life that's seen better days.

Donald Trump

(Vanity be her name)

A smarmy tie-dangling dandy in blinding canary yellow - with a dash of fragrant Hotel soap - wafting about his nouveau riche mogul demeanor.

The fashion elite scratch their heads, meanwhile, and ponder why the "Donald" can't afford to do somethin' about that crusty old souffle - that goes pouf - flat as a pancake on top of his noggin'.

Kid Rock

Front Man

A Honkie Pimp with a penchant for endangered pussy and slinky luxury fur. And, a swish-buckler to boot!
White trash with punk overtones crying out to be ushered into the tony set!

Johnny Depp

Rags to Riches to Rags Tale

No. 1 contender for back-up dancer in Cher's bone head production of gypsies, tramps and thieves.

Johnny has enough trussed-up belted flourishes to titillate any bone fide S & M Queen - and a provocative come-hither-look - sure to entice hot-to-trot babes, in-the-closet homos, and those in-between.

Tony Curtis

Aging Lothario

A ruffled has-been personifying B-Movie sleaze.

If this is an American Prince, descendants of the Mayflower need to charge the Castle and push the classless thespian into the moat, please!

Steven Cojocaru

Styless Fashionista

Chastity Bono in drag?

An over-the-top fashion critic who sashays and rallies on behalf of the Fashion Elite.

But, a mirror turned back on the fabric Queen t'wil reveal a high-profile gag out of Vogue since Rex Reed first reined supreme.

Sorry, Cojo!

Ten Best Dressed Men

Brian Williams

The conservative news anchor instills confidence as he boldly strides forward into sartorial spendour - in a never-never land - where fashion wimps rarely prance.

A study in cool icy contrasts (monochromatic blues against pristine whites on elegant midnight black silhouettes) he's a leader of the pack who always gets the lead right.

Wagner is a masculine beauty shamelessly at home in designer duds, elegant three-piece suits, and the like.

But, being a man's man, sports a day-old stubble, to effect a rugged fashion sense that is the envy of the most impotent of men.

Tom Cruise

Clotheshorse with the presence to back it up!

In spite of troubles over the past year, 'ya gotta hand it to the "Top Gun".

With little aplomb, the couch-jumper struts down the red carpet in a Tuxedo or fanciful designer suit, with ease.

Sexy in leather bomber jackets & snug-fitting jeans, a nod goes to a dude who is a role model on the fashion runway.

Johnny Brenden

Flash with Cash!

On the red carpet in Vegas (or anywhere else for that matter) Johnny (no-cum-lately) is a rare breed of man capable of relaxing in a chic Gianni Versace sure to stifle any other dude.

Then, boosts the fashion stakes into the stratosphere, when he sparks up the ensemble with a $100, 000.00 diamond- studded bracelet that other dues can ill afford.

A dazzling dizzying hunk of a male - Mr. Muscles - is!!!

David Bowie

Trend-setter, innovator, and leader of the transgender spaceman pack!

Yes - glitter, rouge, and wide-brimmed hats - are his forte and signature style.

Surprisingly, David holds up well in the classics on a night out on the town.

Barack Obama

The "Brown Look"

Probaby a brown-noser in school, who peddled some influence with the teach.

As to the "Brown" look - well - he's a master at it, man!



Check out the shade of brown he hand-picks for the suit he models to the right. On the money, 'fer sure!

And the correctly knotted tie in complementary colors (against a pristine white dress shirt) drums up sheer elegeance and class.

A study in individual style!

Brad Pit

Fashion Plate Special

A dude's dude, dude!

When it comes to fashion, Pitt has it all.

The attitude to carry a look off, for starters.

A slightly notorious brown leather jacket teamed with a floral design, for instance (that would render most guys to the status of lowly pimp or rounder on the wrong side of town) revs up a hint of danger to his persona, 'ya know?
The A-list actor would look good in a K-mart sheet tossed around his slightly-buffed frame.

Come to think of it, isn't that what he strode into combat in on the set of Troy?

Blair Underwood

Actor

When I scuttled about in office scenes on LA LAW many moons ago, I got an eyeful of Blair Underwood in the flesh.

In a suit, the man was pure Legal Eagle all the way, sure to incline any hanging Judge to rule in his favor.

When he strides in the room, in fact, a breath of fresh air permeates the space, too.

The stylish dude is also equally at home in trendy designers duds tossed out each season to spark up the fashion trail a bit. (pictured here)

Sidney Poitier

Man for all Fashion Seasons

A seasoned actor never out of fashion step at a premiere on the red carpet or even at a cook-out among friends.

Sidney is suave & sophisticated in designer suits that he spruces up with subtle fashion flourishes in pastel shades and chic accessories.

And, versatile enough to sport bold-patterned shirts like the one picture above, without anyone cringing.

George Clooney

Man's Man-about-Town

Born into the old-world charm & elegance of the Hollywood elite, Georgie boy still manages to effect casual chic.

He's comfy in three-piece suits, a hunting cap - even long-johns - I just betcha.

In the final analysis, Clooney is a swoon dog, who makes heads turn 'cause he's the ultimate fashion plate.

After a gander at the Clooney persona, it's obvious that the old truism is correct.

It's style, not the clothes, that make the man!

Post: 12/31/2008

Julian Ayrs 10 Worst-Dressed Women's List

http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2008/12/10-worst-dressed-listcher-oprah-and.html

http://www.julianayrs.com

Los Angeles Zoo...Cher, Lily Tomlin, and Bob Barker protest Elephant captivity...

To quote a line from a Simon and Garfunkle tune:

"Something tells me it is all happening at the Zoo."

Day before last, anyway, there was a lot of star power down at the Los Angeles Zoo to support protestors who allege the elephants in captivity there have been subject to cruel treatment.

The rag-tag posse of elephant protectors also argue that man-made wild-life preserves are potentially harmful to the overall well-being of the animal - and thus - are opposed to the elaborate one under construction at the Los Angeles County Zoo.

Cher (in Jackie-O-style shades shielding half her face), Bob Barker (who mugged for cameras), and Lily Tomlin (who was so agitated she interrupted the formal proceedings much to the chagrin of zoo supporters) attended what has been described as a raucous three-hour meeting meant to determine whether there was any validity to the claims.

Pop Icon Cher lamented to the press - and anyone within earshot who would listen - that the L.A. Zoo consistently concealed the use of electric shock and bullhooks on the animals, although officials at the facility vehemently denied the accusations.

Other opponents - like Bob Barker - were quick to point out that the elephants should be moved to huge sanctuaries that mirror the natural habitat of a wild preserve.

No matter how spacious or well-thought-out, wild life enthusiasts argue that the zoo environs are not sufficient for a species that roams miles daily in the wilds of the forest in social herds.

Mr. Barker felt so strongly about the issue that he offered to pledge 1.5 million dollars for the upkeep of "Billy" - an elephant who is the subject of the ongoing controversy - if he's moved to an appropriate santuary.

Some, were more vehement in their disapproval of the Zoo's policy.

Actor Robert Culp, for instance, noted that as a taxpayer he was outraged at funds going to shameless political boondoggies.

But, at the end of the day - animal handlers, management at the Los Angeles County Zoo, and City Council members - dug their heels in and said "no way".

"The pachyderm exhibit stays."

The decision delighted caged-animal supporters who jumped up and cheered exuberantly in their green t-shirts emblazoned with slogans that shouted out "Save Pachyderm Forest".

"No disrespect - I love you, Cher - but if you want to know about a concert, talk to Cher. If you want to know about how to spin a wheel, talk to Bob Barker. Let's talk to professionals at the zoo who care for the animals , if you want to know about the zoo. Billy has never seen electric shock. He's basically been in a sanctuary in the middle of the city."


Moved to speak at this juncture, funny-lady Lily Tomlin jumped up and charged towards the podium , defying Council's strict orders of procedure.

"Mr. Garcetti, I have to speak," she cried out angrily.



Opponents tried to hush Tomlin.

"No! No!"

Garcetti had the final word as a uniformed guard approached the entertainer to ensure each speaker was heard in proper turn.

"Ms. Tomlin, we have to go in order. We will return to the other side."

For Tomlin, Cher, Barker, and Culp, the proceeding went downhill from there.

Councilman Tony Cardenas who prompted the reexamination of the zoo exhibit under construction - and slated to open around 2010 - put it succinctly when he noted his take on the matter after the vote was in.

"Today, the council sent a frightening message to the public that, even in light of new facts (i.e., research that supported the supposition that elephants don't do well in zoos) politics trumps the truth."

Tusk! Tusk!

www.julianayrs.com

Julian Ayrs 1st Annual 10 Worst-Dressed Men's List...previews Feb 1st!

Manilow, the Joker or Ellen Degeneres on prozac?

Well, I expect some peacock feathers will fly on Sunday (Feb. 1st) when my scintillating list of the 10 Worst-Dressed Men is posted!

Actually, it wasn't difficult to rustle up a list of the 10 Best, which will be unveiled in tandem with the fashion disasters.

In fact - so many dudes I had my designs (um) eyes on - tended to be pretty fashion savvy from the get-go!

The celebrated ten best are quite the sartorial lot, in fact.

So, I guess you'd like a teaser or two to get 'ya through the weekend, eh?

In addition to a song or two that impish Barrie Manilow has mangled in recent days (Unchained Melody, for starters) I expect that there is a stylist or two that would like to wave a fashion wand his way.

And, though I am inclined to toss Phil Spector (known for his wall of hair) smack dab on top of the fashion-victim pile, I worry the swirling dervish might chase me down cobbled streets under picturesque storied-night-skies with a fully-loaded pistol and diaper in hand.



But, in the final analysis, I'm a ball*y kind-of-dude who likes to tempt the fickle finger of fate!



Kid Rock?

The "Donald"?

A weight-watcher's answer to the good fairy?




Well now, I'll have to depart, and leave you with bated breath.

See 'ya at "high noon" on February 1st!

http://www.julianayrs.com

Jessica Simpson...pregnant?

Yesterday, Zimbio posted a publicity shot of Jessica Simpson on their main web page with a caption that noted how "healthy" she looked.

One glance at the photograph - and I was inclined to note to myself - "pregnant".

This morning the airwaves were rife with fat jokes about Jessie and speculation that the moment's "it" girl is with child.

One catty gossip speculated that the earthy sexpot caught Tony (current squeeze?) in bed with another babe.

The infidelity especially hurt because the sexy cutie allegedly caught the couple in the throes of passion between her own designer sheets!

Ouch!

For good reason, another rumor monger speculated that the pregnancy may have been a deliberate attempt to firmly entrench her claws into her man!

But, my favorite dig came from a male disc jockey, amused by the scenario.

"Judging by the photos, she got Tony Romo mixed up with the restaurant, Tony Roma's."

Well, maybe she can model for ads for full-figured gals if motherhood doesn't pan out.

Full-figured model Mia Tyler has tips for Jessica on the catwalk

http://www.julianayrs.com

Big Lebowski trailer

Big Lebowski...screens at Insomniac Cinema! Midnight! January 30th!

Urban Achievers

When "The Big Lebowski" screened at "Insomniac Cinema" a few months ago, there was a big turn out at the midnight show in West Hollywood.

Frankly, I don’t recall encountering such a boisterous rambunctious crowd of filmgoers descending on a movie house with such fan frenzy in recent days.

"The Big Lebowski" topped the "Rocky Horror Show" - for all-out enthusiasm - in my estimation.

In fact, at one point, the over-anxious crowd of young hipsters stormed the Theatre.

Yeah, when the usher’s back was turned - off refilling the popcorn machine, I guess - the gang of merry pranksters surged forward in a bold-faced effort to snap up the best seats in the house.

What rollicking fun - in spite of the fact I was nearly trampled in the long cramped hallway - on the way to Theatre No. 2.

Well, get ready for another round of boisterous rowdy conduct tomorrow night at the Regency Theatre in West Hollywood (Fairfax & Beverly) when Big Lebowski hits the silver screen once again!

"The Big Lebowski" is a Coen Brothers’ offering!

The hilarious comedy is the off-beat tale about a laid back, down-and-out guy, who goes by the moniker of "Dude".

His pals are a motley crew keen on bowling - so much so - they’re in a bona fide rag-tag league.

On the heels of a case of mistaken identity, the Dudereno (Jeff Bridges) gets mixed up in an intriguing scenario with a millionaire’s wife, a subsequent kidnapping, and a gang of wacko characters who spill out of the woodwork and pound on him without warning.

There’s a whole posse of zany characters in this movie - a gang of loser nihilists, a high-brow conceptual artist and her hired hands, and some white-trash thugs a little slow on the uptake.

The one-liners are real zingers; in fact, the best COEN gems to come down the pike in a long time.

In fact, they’re so choice and so memorable, that the filmgoers (who’ve obviously caught an infectious bug of some kind which compels them to take in each and every screening when it rolls around) are inclined to scream out the dialogue verbatim with wicked glee in sync with the characters on screen.

Dudes, there appears to be a cult following for "The Big Lebowski".

In fact, the film spawned a book with a forward by Jeff Bridges.

The hefty tome is rife with trivia, interviews with fellow achievers (Patton Oswalt, Tony Hawk, Powerpuff Girls creator Craig McCracken), tips on how to Dude-ify your life, a Little Larry flipbook, a guide to the film’s locations, Lebowski Fest Highlights, and a lot of what-have-you.

And - did you know? - there’s a "Big Lebowski" Film Festival every year.

Check out the dudes below in Louisville (KY) at their annual event.

Dudelicious!

By the way, friends of Jeff Bridges who maintain his web site, recently e-mailed me that they intend to launch a scintillating PODCAST in the future for "all things" Big Lebowski.

Will keep you posted on the much-anticipated fan-appreciation tributes and opportunities to interact with the Big Lebowski gang!

'Til then, mark your calendar "Lebowski", for the witchin' hour tomorrow night!

See 'ya there, eh?

http://www.julianayrs.com

Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act...signed into law by Barack Obama!

Just moments ago, President Barack Obama signed his first bill into law.

With a brief flourish of his pen (he's left-handed, by the way) Mr. Obama affixed his signature to the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Bill, then passed off the keepsake to Ledbetter as a posse of Government Officials nodded approval on the sidelines.

The President noted that it was a historic moment.

"I sign the Fair Pay Bill in honor of Lilly Ledbetter and those who came before her."

With that, he added that new life had been breathed into a Constitution signed over two hundred years ago, which now guarantees an end to discrimination in the workplace.

Ledbetter - a seventy-year-old grandmother - worked for the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. in Gadsden (Alabama) from 1979 to 1998.

As she was nearing retirement, she received an anonymous tip that she was being paid less than male colleagues performing the same tasks in the workplace.

On the heels of the revelation, Ledbetter filed a charge with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission pursuant to Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act which makes it illegal to discriminate in paying wages based on race, gender, national origin and religion.

A jury initially awarded the Goodyear employee more than $3 million in back pay and punitive damages which was later reduced to $300,000.00 by a Judge presiding over the controversial case.

Finding fault with the lower court's ruling, Ms. Ledbetter and her lawyers appealed all the way to the the Supreme Court.

In a 5-4 ruling in May 2007, the Justices threw out Ledbetter's complaint, saying she was required to bring suit within 180 days of the initial act of discrimination even though she was not aware at the time that she was receiving less than her male colleagues.

In their landmark ruling, the court underscored though, that the 180-day statute of limitations is extended every time an employer violates the law by issuing a paycheck or engages in other practices that discriminate.

For example, if an employee alleges that she received a salary a couple of decades ago that was less than that of male co-workers because of discrimination, each new paycheck since that occurrence would be a new unlawful employment practice that resets the statute of limitations.

The bill, now in effect as a matter of law, is intended to ensure equal pay for women in the workplace henceforth.

The Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Bill retains current limits on employer liability by restricting back-pay awards to two years, however.

http://www.julianayrs.com

Castillo Theatre...Coming of Age in Korea! Mingle with dancer Desmond Richardson at pre-show receptions...

The producers of "Coming of Age in Korea" invite theatre-goers to two pre-show receptions over the upcoming weekend.

The first party mixer is slated for Friday January 30th (6:30 p.m.) one hour prior to curtain.

The second soiree will be tossed on Sunday Feb. 1st @ 1:00 p.m.

The play - in a nutshell - focuses on three young GIs from New York City (one Latino, one Black and one Jewish) who confront the harassment of brass, racism in the military, and the brutality of the United States occupation of South Korea at the tale end of the War.

"Coming of Age" features music by Fred Newman and celebrated Grammy-nominated composer Annie Roboff.

According to the director, the score takes the audience on a journey through the "coming of age" of American popular music — the blues, swing, doo-wop, rock - and country.

This production is directed by Garbrielle L. Kurlander (CEO of All Stars Project) and partnered with renowned dancer and choreographer Desmond Richardson (co-artistic director of Complexions Contemporary Ballet).

Tickets: https://www.ovationtix.com/trs/pr/79512

Castillo Performs the World

Since 1983, Castillo has staged over 130 productions - from multi-cultural and avant-garde plays - to musicals and performance projects.

Located at the All Stars Project's performing arts and learning center on West 42nd Street, the Castillo Theatre brings challenging, thought-provoking entertainment to the heart of New York's theatre district which deal with contemporary and historical social issues.

A showplace for the plays of Fred Newman and Heiner Müller, a multicultural home for Black theatre, and a hotbed of theatrical improvisation.

Castillo includes people of all ages and backgrounds in the creative process - from raising and contributing money - to being a part of the house staff or performing on stage.

Castillo works and plays side-by-side with the developmental youth programs of the All Stars Project, which bring theatre to the whole city.

http://www.julianayrs.com

Jerry Lewis...Oscars honor comic with prestigious Jean Hersholt Award!

The Academy of Motions Arts & Sciences has announced that Jerry Lewis will receive the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award by the Board of Governors to be presented at the Oscar celebration on February 22nd (2009).

In France, Jerry Lewis is hailed as a great comic, much like "The Little Tramp" - Charlie Chaplin - has been on these shores.

You know what they say.

A man is never recognized as a prophet in his own country!

Film buffs may recall that Jerry Lewis was a comic genius who teamed up with "straight" man Dean Martin back in the fifties.

The odd bedfellows became the hottest act in show business by virtue of a handful of screwball comedies that entertained an American public hungry for their brand of whimsical low-brow slapstick humor.

At the commencement of their respective careers, Abby Greshler - a high-powered Hollywood agent - negotiated one of Hollywood's best deals during that time frame in the burgeoning show business marketplace.

Although the duo managed to pull in $75,000 between them for films slated for production with Hal Wallis, Jerry and Dean were free to do one outside film a year, which they would co-produce through their own production company.

The Lewis/Martin business entity had complete control of club, record, and radio and television appearances which racked in millions of dollars during their successful union.

To the delight of television audiences, the comics also made regular appearances on the highly-rated Colgate Comedy Hour (NBC).

Unfortunately, artistic differences (and a grab for power) caused a split.

The ugly scenario was not unlike a nasty no-holds-barred divorce proceeding - which played out in the media at great cost - particularly in respect to the names and reputations of the two artists involved.

On the heels of the break-up, Dean later experienced success as an actor in such noteworthy films as Rio Bravo, The Rat Pack, and The Young Lions.

In recent years, Mr. Lewis was loudly applauded for a serious role he played opposite actors Robert DeNiro and Sandra Bernhardt in Scorsese's "The King of Comedy".

For a couple of decades now, Jerry has been the host of a weekend telethon each September for the Muscular Dystrophy Association, which raises funds for a project that is close to his heart.

The Jean Hersholt Award is given periodically to an individual in the film business whose humanitarian efforts have brought credit to the industry.

"Jerry is a legendary comedian who has not only brought laughter to millions around the world, but has also helped thousands upon thousands by raising funds and awareness for those suffering from muscular dystrophy," President Sid Ganis noted proudly.

Previous honorees have been Bob Hope, Frank Sinatra, Charlton Heston, Quincy Jones, and Danny Kaye.

The prestigious award is named after Jean Hersholt who served as President of the Motion Picture Relief Fund for 18 years.

Jerry Lewis quote:

"I've had great success being a total idiot."

http://www.julianayrs.com

George Bush...Ken Salazar to review 11th hour purge on environment!

Gray Wolf needs protection

When the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals denied the Republican Administration's request to open up a wild-life preserve for oil and gas exploration, George Bush jumped into the frey and began an 11th hour purge on the environment.

I reported on Bush's last ditch attempt to shore up leases for his cronies in the energy industry - and essentially - stick it to the American people.

Post: 11/21/08

http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=3458481441884861780&postID=6299630567232075


The Interior Agency Secretary - Ken Salazar - announced on Tuesday the new administration will be reviewing a number of the 11th hour decisions approved by George W. Bush in the final hours of his Presidency.

In particular, the focus will be on a move to open Federal land near National Parks to oil and natural gas drilling.

In addition to the oil and gas issues raised in respect to arid areas where water is required to extract oil from rock - Salazar promised to take a second look at the process for resumption of oil exploration in coastal areas and several directives Bush approved in respect to the Endangered Species Act.

"I'm very concerned about a number of the midnight actions that were taken by the Bush Administration. We barely have moved in, but we already know enough to know that there are many issues we need to revisit," Salazar lamented to the press.

Mr. Salazar has expressed his desire to reinstate a rule that requires Federal Agencies to consult with scientists in specialized fields before approving projects that could adversely affect or endanger threatened plants and animals.

Environmentalists have urged swift action, but there are many considerations which hinder the process of restoring much-needed protection of the environment.

Lobbyists, for example, have warned that tossing out some of the changes made by the Bush administration may slow down domestic energy development - and likewise - put a hold on energy independence goals already promised by Mr. Obama.

Scandals that have ripped apart the agency in recent days haven't helped matters.

Government investigators determined in their probe that Interior Staff manipulated endangered species decisions to advance political agendas, for instance.

In addition, tawdry accounts of cocaine use and the unsavory practice of sex and graft for favors, surfaced.

Salazar noted that he planned to fly to Denver to have commence meaningful talks with the Minerals Management Staff to instill in the government employees there the need for the "highest expectations for integrity and ethics from the secretary down to each of the agencies".

http://www.julianayrs.com

Kirsten E. Gillibrand...photo of chat with Hillary curious! Oh, to be a fly on wall!

Ha!

That photograph of Kirsten E. Gillibrand and Hillary Clinton - the newly-crowned Secretary of State - on the front section of yesterday's New York Times was a titillating sight!

Those photogs were right on the ball, weren't they?

Now there was a moment captured on film worth a thousand words.

The expression on both their faces, well, very intriguing.

Oh, to have been a fly on the wall when that little bit of chit-chat went down.

Were they comparing notes, do 'ya think?

News at 11!

http://www.julianayrs.com

The View...Blagojevich wearing a rug?

When embattled Governor Rod Blagojevich appeared on a gab fest (The View) yesterday - to plead his case on the heels of a call for his impeachment - one of the ball*y dames jockeying for the limelight couldn't resist mussing up the politician's lustrous locks.

Contrary to what most viewers thought, though, Joy Behar was not hot-to-trot.

On the contrary!

Spies report that after she ran her fingers through Blagojevich's "do", she made a flippant quip behind his back.

"It's not a rug!"

Blagojevich is riding high in a swirl of controversy since his arrest last month on Federal corruption charges which allege that the colorful public figure tried to sell Obama's former Senate seat to the highest bidder.

In spite of the seriousness of impeachment hearings currently underway, the Governor chose not to appear before the Senate to defend his actions in a legal proceeding he has essentially labelled a "Kangaroo Court."

Notwithstanding, Blagojevich appears to have seen the writing on the wall, though.

When asked about his future in the wake of the scandal, he was inclined to wax politically.

"Well, I think it's not very promising right now."

Do 'ya think?

David Brin once said:

"It is said that power corrupts, but actually it's more true that power attracts the corruptible."

http://www.julianayrs.com

Panera Bread...free coffee & samples Wednesday January 28th!

To celebrate the introduction of a couple of spanking new coffee blends, Panera Bread is inviting customers to sample a free cup of coffee throughout business hours at one of their many locations on Wednesday (January 28th).

Those who saunter in for a cup of java, may also snack - for free - on miniature samples of three new grilled breakfast sandwiches and mouth-watering strawberry parfaits.

Panera has outlets in Northridge, Studio City, Simi Valley, Thousand Oaks, Santa Clarita, Palmdale and Lancaster.

See 'ya there!

http://www.julianayrs.com

Westwood...sculpture imprisoned! Art-lovers kept at bay...

Pablo Picasso sculpture

In a small park in Westwood - just next to the Federal Building - an enticing piece of sculpture beckoned me from afar.

Being a great fan of art in-the-round outdoors, blended in with the natural environment, I strolled over to explore the artist's rendering up-close and personal.

As I drew closer, I was taken aback when I spied a chain-link fence haphazardly erected around the circumference of it.

Odd, that!

A plaque bore an inscription, so I inched closer to peruse it, in the event there was a clue or two as to why the work of art appeared to be out-of-bounds to the art-loving public.

The message was somewhat ironic!

It read:

"Touch and Experience"

Was this some wacko's idea of a sick joke?

Or, just maybe, this was one of Yoko Ono's mind-fu** conceptual art pieces?

In the alternative - just maybe - I was a surprise guest on candid camera and my reactions were being filmed for a side-splitting episode on the subject of modern art!

In that event, I expect I was supposed to play along, climb over the barrier, and touch away.

Get all orgasmic over the enlightening cultural "experience"?

I waited a beat or two, but no camera crew scrambled out from behind the trees or from within any of the roomy SUV's parked on the street nearby.

All in all, it ended up being a rather hollow experience.

Kind of like viewing a Takashi Murakami flat painting!

Henry Moore sculpture

http://www.julianayrs.com