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Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Temptation...quote by Julian Ayrs!


 






Temptation descends in the hour
of darkness
but, quickly vanishes
into the ether
in a moment
of
purifying
faith


Julian Ayrs
Divine Grace
Collection of Poems




Mr. Manners (aka Julian Ayrs)...English in businesses, Government offices & hospitals! Please!










In this first installment of Mr. Manners - in this regular weekly feature at the Tattler - it's important to drive home first things first!

We're mad as heck - the polite word to use in mixed company - in Los Angeles (and elsewhere around the country, I expect) and we're not going to take it anymore!

If no one has lamented about this in the past, then let me be the one to enlighten the teaming masses.

There's no scenario worse (or ruder, for that matter) than one in which a couple of immigrants are inclined to speak in a second language - Spanish, Russian, Chinese, you name it - which results in an English-speaking citizen being excluded from the conversation.

This is particularly so when the location happens to be - a business entity, hospital facility, or Government Office.

Indeed, boorish conduct such as this - not only amounts to bad manners - but reaches the level of a tasteless lack of etiquette in a polite society.

With one exception.

Unless, of course, there are no other English-speaking residents within ear shot which might be insulted!

And, common-place International greetings, aside (common sense, of course).

That said?

Ciao, baby!

http://www.thetattler.biz




Medical procedures...iffy at best! Just ask Andy Warhol!









While all of you chomp down on turkey on one of the biggest American holidays of the season, I will be checking into a local hospital for a medical procedure.

From what I understand, the operation is expected to be a snap!

Nonetheless, I can't help but conjuring up an image of Andy Warhol, as the hour approaches.

If you recall - the celebrated Pop Artist who made the soup can famous in the heady 60's - met an untimely death when a simple gall bladder operation went wrong.

Go figure!

Well, if I am inclined not to return to consciousness, it was nice knowing all of 'ya!

By the way, I'll be back to haunt you, too (God Willing).

Happy Thanksgiving!

http://www.thetattler.biz/


Los Angeles Sheriff's Dept...sweeps Metro's Westlake/McCarthur Park station with dogs!






Say, that was quite a show of force by the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department, today at the Metro Line's Westlake/McCarthur Park station!

About a half-a-dozen-or-so armed officers - with dogs in tow - stood at attention near the turn-styles on the lower level as passengers scurrying to work were checked for tickets & passes at the crack of dawn.

Were they looking for drugs?

If not, just maybe, the canines were bomb-sniffers on the alert?

A short dumpy uniformed female officer gave me the once-over as I approached the gate, but allowed me to pass, once I offered up my tap card for proof of payment.

Golly, thanks, Missie!

And, how was your day?

http://www.thetattler.biz

Bristol Palin...dethroned on ABC TV's Dancing with Stars! Jennifer Grey snags prize!











Amid a sea of controversy - Bristol Palin slipped off her ruby red slippers and skulked away into the good night from whence she came - on Tuesday eve.

Her last hurrah?

In spite of the bold-faced deceitful efforts of a posse of Republican Tea Party upstarts to catapult Sarah Palin's daughter into the winning slot on "Dancing with the Stars" - pretty Jennifer Grey (Dirty Dancing) and Derek Hough (handsome professional dance cutie) - prevailed and snatched up the glittering disco ball!

The feat was not accomplished without a lot of sweat and tears, though.

In fact, in the final hours of the heady competition, Grey threw a disc in her spine after dancing her little heart out to a captive live! audience.

In recent weeks - fans of the hit show bit their nails nervously as they cursed the TV screen in disgust (one dude shot his screen out) - at what was shamelessly going down on the popular entertainment show.

Although more talented "dazzling" contestants scored high with the show's competent (professional) judges - for some inexplicable reason - the Alaskan tart (Palin) continued to score big-time with her sloppy dips and awkward two-steps with viewers around the country and at home.

By the time Levi's ex shot into the top slot, critics began to cry foul!

Were Sarah Palin's Republican Tea Party supporters in the political arena stuffing the ballot box at the ABC web site online???

At this juncture, a furor erupted in the blogosphere, and eleswhere!

Once the word was out, the viewing public fought back fervently to "right the wrong".

On Tuesday night, for example, a multitude of fans - anxious to vote for the best dancers (Grey & Hough) - overwhelmed the site with legitimate nods.

And, in the aftermath - after the ballots were tabulated - the deserving talented twosome were named top dogs on "Dancing with the Stars".

That just goes to show 'ya.

Hell hath no fury like an American viewing audience scorned!

Talk about a reality check, Sarah.

Later?

You betcha!

http://www.thetattler.biz


Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Mr. Manners...launches advice column on the Tattler!









A few years ago, I penned a popular column on manners and etiquette under the catchy by-line of Mr. Manners.

Needless to say - the undertaking was always a complete-and-utter hoot - for the duration I slaved away on the weekly column (which aised a few hackles now-and-then by the way).

Since I have returned to the multi-cultural "Big Bad Orange" - it has not escaped my attention - that the madding classes are more-often-than-not clashing (at blows!) because of cultural, social, and politically-incorrect differences.

So, in the city's hour of need, I have elected to start up the column once again - if only to smooth the way for the huddled masses drifting aimlessly through a sea of uncertainty about deep-rooted traditions (and misguided assumptions) - so they may ultimately gain a footing in this great country without rubbing the locals the wrong way!

The first installment launches tomorrow - so cruise on by - eh?





http://www.thetattler.biz

The Evil Eye...quote by Julian Ayrs!







Never trust a man
who dares not look you
straight in the eye


 
Julian Ayrs
The Daily Planet
Collection of Poems






Dwayne Johnson...fans in cold @ FASTER premiere! Seats over-booked by Power 106.1 & CBS Films!








Up front, everything looked pretty kosher at the sneak preview of FASTER last night at the Mann's Chinese Theatre.

A stream of limos pulled up to the curb, lookie-loo's gawked at the celebs who alighted from their plush environs, and a posse of frenized paparazzi snapped away fevisherly at the stars who ran the gaunlet under the glare of the dazzling kleig lights.

Oh, there's nothing like a splashy Hollywood premiere, alright!

For the celebrated elite, that is.

In contrast, the highly-publicized event - which touted an appearance by star Dwayne Johnson - was a lesson in humility for the die-hard fans who turned out in full force to take part in the glitzy festivities.

Although the cast and studio suits made their entrances into the Theatre in grand style - the fans were left to huddle outside on a windy corner (a stone's throw away) in a long queue that snaked all the way down one dark lonley side-street - and then on - behind a run-down old building across from the football field at Hollywood High!

Many of the filmgoers - who initially turned up all gaga and excited about the screening - ended up standing in line for over two hours before they were turned away with crumpled invites in their numb little hands totally pi**ed.

Uh-huh!

Once again, sponsors - this time it was Power 106.1 and CBS Films - overbooked the seats to ensure there would be a noticeably large turn-out on the "WALK OF FAME" - for appearances sake.

How many folks are anxious to catch Johnson's new flick?

In the past, it was evident that Johnson once had a following.

For example - I witnessed excited crowds turned out at a CineVegas Film Festival screening of "Get Smart" - to catch his comic performance in droves.

Post:  06/16/2008

http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2008/06/get-smartfans-screen-out-for-rock-at.html

In this tough competitive market?

Don't think so, dudes!

However, there was upside to the fiasco that unfolded last night in the mean streets of Hollywood.

Folks waiting in line behind the El Capitain Theatre were treated to segments of the Jimmy Kimmel Show (which was being taped in the same block on a sound stage which opened at the rear of the building into a spacious parking lot) every time the security guards opened-and-closed the gate.

Curiously, Billy Bov Thornton (a star of FASTER screening across the street) was a guest on the popular talk show last night.

In the final analysis, fans got their monies worth, but in an odd round-about-way!

That's show biz for 'ya!

http://www.thetattler.biz




 

Monday, November 22, 2010

Friend...quote by Julian Ayrs!







A true friend is there
to lift you up
the moment an unfortunate misstep
results in a precarious fall from
Grace



Julian Ayrs
Chocolate Buddha
Collection of Poems


http://www.thetattler.biz

Toyota of Santa Monica...staff short on intelligence! Lot long on inventory!

 




If you have ever been a victim of Internet Identity theft, then you are no doubt aware of measures that may be taken to prevent it from happening again.

For starters, a consumer may ask a credit bureau to post a statement on their profile requesting that potential creditors contact the individual first, before issuing credit automatically by computerized methods online.

Unfortunately, there are a couple of problems with this practise.

When a potential creditor spies the "fraud alert" on a credit report, more-often-than-not, they assume that the agency has posted the warning to alert the company that the person requesting the credit may have engaged in wrongdoing or fraudulent conduct in the past.

Wrong!

On occasion, creditors are unaware that it was the debtor - not the credit bureau - who placed the alert on their credit report to prevent identity theft.

Then, there is the issue of identifying the individual, when such an alert pops up on the computer screen.

A potential creditor may be posed up to five questions - with the specific intent - of determining their true identity.

For instance, one question may ask that the debtor state which address listed on the notice applies to them.

But, here is where problems often arise, as well!

Instead of posting a former address of the applicant (home or business), the credit bureau may list addresses that are tied to their credit accounts.

For example, if a consumer had a car loan with Bank of America, that address may be posted for the applicant to identify.

However, if the credit bureau posts the address for the Bank's headquarters - and not the one for the branch where the account was approved - the consumer may be totally in the dark as to the significance of the entry on their credit report questionnaire.

I laughed yesterday - when a credit manager at Toyota of Santa Monica - made the stupid mistake of assuming that the customer seeking a loan that afternoon must have been an imposter because they were unable to fathom the correct response in a similar scenario.

The mistake was a particularly shocking one to watch down go down when you consider the over-riding factors.

The method for identifying the individual - five questions posed to an applicant, for instance -is used specifically for individuals applying "sight-unseen" on the Internet.

Since the applicant appeared in person at the Toyota lot in sunny Santa Monica - with driver's license and supporting documents in hand - the internet confirmation was redundant (not necessary) in this instant case.

Notwithstanding the obvious, the Credit Manager proceeded to waive the applicant away - and in the process - the car dealership lost an important sale to a reputable individual who just happened to be very well-known member of the community at large.

In these tough economic times, that is a bleeding shame!

Clearly, the staff at Toyota of Santa Monica are not only a posse of losers - but short on brains!

And, how was your day?

http://www.thetattler.biz

American Music Awards...Justin Bieber nabs 4 Statuettes! Usher gets nod from Pop Idol!









Justin Bieber became the youngest performer ever to snap up a "Best New Artist" honor last night at the fast-paced high-energy American Music Awards which were broadcast live! from downtown Los Angeles.

Indeed, by the time the lights went down at the Nokia Theatre at the end of the dazzling evening, the sizzling hot Pop Star managed to scoop up four of the Golden statuettes in total (including one for best break-out artist of the year).

When Bieber trotted on stage to snap up one award, he was quick to thank Usher, who was also honored with two of the coveted prizes, as well (one for Best male R&B performance).

In so many words, mop-haired "Bieb" acknowledged that the talented showman was not only his "mentor", but also a "best friend and big brother", of sorts.

Usher is credited for having nurtured the career of the young music phenomenon since he was first discovered on YouTube a scant couple of years ago.

The annual awards show belonged mostly to a bevy of dazzling young performers last night - highlighted by live performances from Miley Cyrus, Kate Perry, and fiery-headed Rihanna - although seasoned pros like Carlos Santa also graced the stage in highly-entertaining moments that riveted the audience.

Old boy-band faves - the Back Street Boys and New Kids on the Block - brought back a few nostalgic pangs back for a handful of us older pop music fans.

For the most part, the awards ceremony - amounted to a popularity contest more than anything else (unlike the Grammy Awards or the Oscars in the film arena) - and a shameless stab at self-promotion on occasion.

For example, in one impromptu moment, Nicki Minaj was inclined to tout her debut album.

Nobody else would, I dare say!

In contrast, a low-key Taylor Swift (who was given the nod for favorite female country artist) was quite gracious.

"I only want to thank the fans," she said, with an infectious smile on her face.

"You guys get me and understand me."

You betcha, honey bun!
http://www.thetattler.biz




Prince William's engagement...triggers fashion knock-offs!









On the chic heels of Prince William's engagement announcement - knock-off artists sprang into action - to fill the potential demand for all-things Kate Middleton!

For example, quick-as-a-wink, a cheapo version of Kate's engagement sparkler (the ring that once graced the finger of Prince Willie's mother Lady Diana) was being hawked on HSN (by an enterprising Carol Brodie) for a posse of young lovers to scoop up for their own upcoming trot down the aisle of wedded bliss.

Issa - a popular fashion house for the tony elite - was quick on the uptake, too!

Within hours of the future Royale's appearance before the frenzied fleet-street press - the top brass was drawing attention to the fact Kate was gussied up in one of their own understated - but elegant - saphire blue frocks.

Once Ms. Middleton is firmly entrenched in the uppercrust society of the super rich - and the International Jet Set - will she go the way of Lady Diana before her or the Duchess of pork - er - York?

News at 11!

http://www.thetattler.biz



Vivacious Kate!

Sunday, November 21, 2010

Chaz Bono...LA TIMES spotlights Cher's "son" on red carpet! Cher's hairy legs!









Much in the tradition of the New York Times - the staff at the LA TIMES cast caution to the winds this weekend - when they opted to publish a red-carpet publicity still of Cher's "son" at the "Burlesque" premiere in Hollywood earlier this week.

Chaz Bono was pictured beaming (in her new sexual skin) alongside current girlfriend Jennifer Elia.

Christina Aguilera was dazzling in an emerald green gown that flattered.

Other cast members - Julianne Hough, Cam Gigandet and Stanley Tucci - were well-received by a gaggle of paparazzi who snapped away at a fever pitch!

Was it just me, or did the photograph of Cher give off the impression she has hairy legs?

Inquiring minds want to know!

News at 11!

http://www.thetattler.biz


Sarah Palin...Judge orders injunction against Gawker Media! Book Excerpts a no-no!










No sneak previews of Sarah Palin's new book - America By Heart - if the feisty "Alaska" reality star has any say in it!

When Palin's handlers spied unauthorized excerpts of the her latest offering on a Gawker Media web site at the tail-end of this week, they were quick to petition the Court for a temporary restraining order to halt the material from being reviewed by curiosity-seekers on the Internet (sans pay).

U.S. Distict Judge Thomas P. Greisa found merit in the pleadings submitted to the bench and issued an injunction after Palin's publisher (HarperColins) filed a lawsuit for damages in Federal District Court.

In response - Gawker staffers countered that there was no wrongdoing on their part - pursuant to applicable fair use clauses under U.S. Copyright Law.

Notwithstanding, the Palin material went "poof" (disappeared from the site) for some inexplicable reason.

News at 11!


http://www.thetattler.biz


It's a fish tale
(just betcha!)

Saturday, November 20, 2010

Julian Ayrs 3rd Annual Best/Worst Dressed...Men & Women on alert!







 
Oh, I can't believe it is just about that time again!

As December rolls around, I will start compiling my Best & Worst Dressed lists - with a focus on the Men & Women who sashay into the sizzling glare of the daily spotlight in glitzy Film & TV Entertainment circles, the staid Political arena, provocative Music industry - you name it!

Uh-huh!

I will be scouring the red carpet, perusing the supermarket tabloids - and surreptiously taking an up-close gander at publicity stills caught on the fly by the ravenous International paparazzi - in a bold-faced searing effort to crown the chic fashionistas - and likewise - banish the stylish flops who turned-out pathetically (as ugly swans) this past year!

If you recall - last December - Lady GaGa garnered her own special category:

Best-Dressed / Worst-Dressed Pop Diva

Unfortunately, there is no category for "meat" this year, so the Pop Temptress may be SOL!

Meanwhile, celebrities like - Cher, Emma Thompson and Barbra Streisand - may wash out once again once I start to rustle up the run-down for the worst-dressed of 2010.

Post:  12/31/09

http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2009/12/julian-ayrs

A posse of dudes held up well under close scrutiny the last time out - Blair Underwood (actor), Brian Williams (TV news anchor), and President Barack Obama - to name a few.

Post:  01/01/10

http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2010/01/julian-ayrs-2nd-annual-worst-best.html

At a screening the other evening - a fan of Johnny Mathis - put in a plug for the crooner with the golden pipes who still has the uncanny ability to make the ladies (and dudes) swoon!

"He's 75 years old, but he still looks sharp in his turtle necks, and classy suits," she gushed!

Uh-huh!

We'll see, dahlink!

If you have any suggestions, do pass 'em along, eh?

The fashion appraisal - with a nod to Mr. Blackwell - is due out on New Year's Eve.

http://www.thetattler.biz




Best a** of 2010?

American Music Awards...Justin Bieber, Kate Perry & Ke$ha perform live!













Fans of the American Music Awards are out shopping for party favors this weekend - so they'll be ready to hunker down and catch the annual musical extravaganza - which is expected to be a big blow-out this year!

ABC Broadcast - live! - Sunday November 21st @ 8/7 c

Pop Idol - cutie extraordinaire Justin Bieber - is slated to trot onto the stage and dazzle his fans.

Meanwhile, appearances by Kate Perry & Ke$ha are sure to rev up the frenzy onstage, too!

Will there be any show-stopping - breathless - moments?

You betcha!

The AMA's are streaming live - so, anything is bound to happen - go figure!

I expect that censors - and a posse of security guards - will be waiting in the wings to fly into action if the much-ballyhooed stage offerings get out-of-hand.

See 'ya there, eh?

http://www.thetattler.biz




Ed Sullivan...laughing in the grave! Blog snafus keep me on toes!











This morning I awoke suddenly - and sat bolt upright in my bed - with one thought on my mind.

Ooops!

Something must be up at the old blog!

Whenever I get a "psychic nudge" from the great beyond - it usually means that there has been a screw-up at the web site - so I am inclined to get on the fast track and figure out where!

I got an inkling that it was something to do with that regular "Dancing with the Stars" upstart - Bristol Palin - who I penned a post on last night before putting the blog to bed for the day.

Post: 11/19/10

http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2010/11/dancing-with-starscrystal-palin-scandal.html

Uh-huh!

After scanning the article this morning, it popped right out at me!

Bristol was mistakenly identified as "Crystal" in reference to her appearance on the top-rated weekly Television show.

After reviewing the edits this morning - it became abundantly clear - that "spell check" software inadvertently changed her name to "Crystal" right under my nose.

Go figure!

What kind of a Christian name is "Bristol" anyhow???

Count on some "loser" like Sarah Palin to curse her daughter with a moniker like that, eh?

The whole incident reminded me of Ed Sullivan!

Mr. Sullivan - the popular host of the Sunday Night Variety Show that aired on the old boob tube for years - was known to often trip-up when it came to the names of his guests.

Indeed, he often got 'em wrong, mispronounced the little suckers, and what-have-you!

Over the years, it was part 'n parcel, of the legend's overall charm!

Notwithstanding - it should be noted that newspapers and tabloid gossip rags - are often forced to follow up with "corrections" in their publications, too.

In spite of a posse of fact-checkers and eagle-eyed editors at their constant disposal - more-often-than-not - members of the illustrious press bound to make mistakes along the way.

Especially when you consider - that there are a bevy of B-list players parading across the show-biz terrain daily these days - that are difficult to keep track of.

They are hardly worth the effort, I dare say!

In my own instant case, I laugh it off.

A handful of these personalities are so low in stature in the show-biz arena - that they don't warrant closer scruitny - in my estimation.

They (like Bristol Palin) are just a stone's throw away from being has-been's, after all.

The fall-out yesterday did play-out to my advantage, though.

Indeed!

The hits zoomed into the stratrosphere as word-of-mouth spread that Bristol had been mistakenly referred to as "Crystal" in the scandalous post on "The Tattler" and elsewhere on the Internet.

What an insult to the little tart, eh?

I can live with that!

On the other hand - I never claimed to be perfect - for that matter.

If I was, I'd be on the "other side", free from the shackles that currently bind me to this mortal coil!

The truth will set 'ya free!

You betcha.

http://www.thetattler.biz




The Face only a mother could love!

Friday, November 19, 2010

Dancing with Stars...Bristol Palin scandal! Fans irate over ballot-stuffing!

 






In recent weeks, in spite of less-than-stellar dance routines, Bristol Palin has managed to finesse her way to the top of the "Dancing with the Stars" hopeful heap much to the chagrin of  hateful detractors sharpening their daggers on the sidelines.

What accounts for this remarkable phenomenon?

Tea Party Republicans have allegedly hurt the integrity of the ballot-box at the ABC website - by casting excessive double (and maybe triple votes) on her behalf - according to angry viewers who are livid at the prospect of the tarted-up little tramp winning the coveted glitter ball.

Indeed!

On a couple of occasions when I tuned in to catch the top-rated glitzy entertainment bill-of-fare - I couldn't help but notice that the plump homely-looking contestant - with no star quality to speak of - was a mediocre dancer at best!.

Is dirty politics at the crux of it?

There outta be a law.

News at 11!

http://www.thetattler.biz/


 



Bristol & Levi in happier days!



AFI Fest...whimpers to a close! Rinky-dink film par-tay a joke!










At the end of last week, the AFI's circuit offering, limped to a sorry close in Los Angeles!

What was the general consensus of film-goers - who attended the much-anticipated red carpet previews - in the end scenario?

The annual oft-ballyhooed event lacked - oomphf! - in the final analysis.

And, it was in large part due to the hit-and-miss attitude of the organizers, who failed to recognize that the medium of film  is capable of - not only entertaining - but, uplifting the human spirit, as well.

In a nutshell, the AFI Fest staff didn't know "snuff" about the Hollywood film industry, its in's-and-out's, who the players were, or how to put on a quality show under the big top!

In fact, their idea of the Hollywood "Dream" factory was a nightmare, from the get-go!

For example - one piece of celluloid trash the AFI staff screened (which was conjured up by a demented first-time-out Danish filmmaker) - couldn't help but stir up a nasty controversy.

Post:  11/11/10

http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2010/11/afi-festscreens-sick-debauched-danish.html

"Smut masquerading as Art," was the way I put it - and, believe me - most who attended the preview of the sick flick wholeheartedly agreed!

Bob Gazzale - "doesn't know his a** from a hole in the ground" - some loudly lamented about the current disreputable President & CEO (as I rubbed my hands with glee on the sidelines).

The assessment was bang on, if 'ya ask me!

And, the Fest suffered miserably as a result, in the final analysis.

Of course, the program was plagued with bad omens, from the very start.

At one panel discussion (focusing on young up-and-coming rising superstars in the film industry today) - mics persistently sputtered beneath washed out film clips - in the midst of incompetent staffers who attempted to steer the derailed program back-on-track with little success.

Post:  11/06/10

http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2010/11/la-times-actors-panelcarrie-mulligan.html

Actually, the fest's problems first festered up, when film buffs attempted to book tickets on the AFI web site which was ill-equipped to handle ticket reservations for the ten-day event to be held at a handful of prestigious venues such as Manns Chinese, the Egyptian, and-so-forth-and-so-on.

I was personally taken aback when tickets I reserved for - "The Black Swan", "Love & Other Drugs", and "The King's Speech" - were not forthcoming.

In fact, the ticket reservations vanished into thin air.

What a fiasco!

In the end scenario, I ended up with four tickets to Circus Kids, in spite of the fact I just ordered one lone ticket for the early morning screening at the Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood.

And, there were other snafus to contend with, as well.

For instance, I was issued double the tickets I requested for Mon Oncle, Hour of the Wolf, Amigo, an Industry Panel Discussion featuring up-and-coming stars (aforementioned), a Sony Seminar on 3D filmmaking, etc. etc.

Whew!

Talk about a rinky-dink outfit, eh?

Film buffs who turned up later at the box office in person to sort out the snafus - like moi! - wondered aloud where the celebrated guest Artistic Director - David Lynch - was in their hour of need.

Certainly not at the helm, that's for sure!

Judging by the AFI promos that sputtered to life at a handful of screenings - then, off again - he was obviously off on a drunk somewhere!

Post: 11/06/10

http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2010/11/david-lynchaudiences-laugh-washed-up.html


Next year I'll pass, thank you very much, Mr. Gazale!

http://www.thetattler.biz/



Mann's Chinese Theatre an AFI venue in 2010

Rite Aid Pharmacy...false advertising & deceptive business practices! Consumer Alert...









Well, it looks like a good deal, at first.

2 Boxes of Special K cereal (12 oz) for $4.00!

However, consumers are taken aback when they trot up to the cashier to pay for the purchase, and discover that the cereal is actually 2 boxes for $5.00.

What gives?
For starters, the customer must sign up for a "Wellness" card to be eligible for a discount price.

After-the-fact, though, Rite Aid Pharmacy still fails to cough up the advertised price once the scammed consumer has affixed their John Henry to the application (and their personal data - home address and telephone - have been summarily inputted into the giant retailer's computer banks).

For example, when the cash register rang up the wellness member's sale, the cereal was priced at $2.59 per box.

"If you bought two boxes, it would have been $5.00," a customer was rudely informed in front of a throng of bemused onlookers in a line that snaked precariously down one aisle.

So, how did Rite Aid arrive at the advertised (posted) price of 2 boxes for $4.00?

"If you buy two at $5.00, you get a coupon for $1.00 towards the next purchase," the clerk snarled, with a smirk on her face.

Gotcha!

Rite Aid is not only engaging in deceptive business practices, but guilty of false advertising - and quite possibly - fraud!

I trust that the Department of Consumer Affairs will swoop down and impose appropriate fines and penalties to deter this kind of dishonest (fraudulent) conduct in the future.

Consumer beware!

http://www.thetattler.biz





*Fraudulent promotion launched at 7th & Hope Street outlet
  (Los Angeles)

Thursday, November 18, 2010

Burlesque...angry mob storms into night! LA Weekly screening a fiasco!








Earlier this evening a posse of Cher fans were literally seeing red - when they were turned away from a Grove Theatre screening of her latest flick "Burlesque" - in spite of the fact they held precious invites in their greasy little palms!

Obviously - LA WEEKLY (a sponsor of the highly-publicized event) overbooked the ballyhooed sneak preview - in a concerted effort to ensure that all the plush seats were filled (if only to save face to industry execs at-large who have been predicting doom-and-gloom from the early development phase).

The guests (in the 18-to-30 demographic age-range) waited patiently for almost two hours - in a convoluted line that zig-zagged this way 'n that in a ridiculous fashion about the dismally-small lobby - before a rude insulting usher suddenly appeared from nowhere and shooed them away from the entrance to the screening room.

"The theatre is seated to capacity," he snapped at the startled filmgoers, without any explanation for the long wait, or even ounce of empathy or compassion for their plight.

Fans of the two lead stars (Cher and Christine Aguilera) were ready to burn their CDs - just betcha - in the horrendous aftermath that followed.

According to insider buzz, the bloated paltry offering, is about to be dubbed a gigantic commercial flop.

Uh-huh!

Cynics are joking that this ceremonial turkey is arriving just in time for the critics to carve it up into itsy-bitsy little pieces for the upcoming thanksgiving holiday next week.

Soon, it will be set adrift down the river, to DVD hell (or late-night boob-tube oblivion, whichever comes first), thank God!

Cher, heap-loads of botex injections won't be able to mask this disaster.

Amen!

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Bump & Grind Disaster flick!

Russell Crowe...The Next Three days a hit! Intense action thriller!







It was a toss up between  attending a Los Angeles Westside screening of "The Kids are Alright" at the Landmark Theatre (where Annette Bening was slated to appear at a much-anticipated Q &A Session afterward) or take in a sneak preview of Russell Crowe's newest feature flick "The Next Three Days".

The action-thriller starring Crowe was not only the most popular choice - but, obviously - the hottest ticket in town last night.

In fact, a raucous crowd of ecstatic fans braved a nasty night chill, to stand in line in hopes of securing a coveted seat (with no guarantee they'd be ushered inside or have the opportunity to drink up the mesmorizing - sometimes gritty - images about to splash across the wide screen).

Meanwhile, inside - the event (sponsored by KROQ rock and hosted by AMC Theatres) was packed to the rafters an hour before the feature was slated to commence.

And, the security was tight!

For starters, a posse of security guards - out-fitted in ubiquitous impeccably-tailored black suits - frisked the startled guests for cell phones - to ensure that no unauthorized clips would slip out onto the Internet before the auspicious premiere date.

In sum - "The Next Three Days" - is a taut action-thriller which starts off innocently enough.

Shortly after the audience is introduced to the main characters, the plot jolts to life, in a realistic believable fashion (much to its credit).

Suddenly, Crowe - who portrays a community college teacher - is plunged into a real-life drama when his wife is unexpectedly charged and convicted with murdering her boss.

After the legal process is exhausted, Crowe's character is forced to take the law into his own hands, with awesome results!

The big-budget studio offering is a film for the intelligent filmgoer, for sure.

But, manages to treat regular down-to-earth folks to a roller-coaster-rides of thrills and chills not soon to be forgotten by any discerning film buff.

Crowe is at the top of his game here in a role that not only challenges - but manages - to uplift and inspire.

Indeed!

When a common man is forced to fight the legal system - and risk all against the odds - the audience (no matter how moralistic or law-abiding) is inclined to root from below the flood-lights and egg him on to victory come-hell-or-high-water!

More popcorn, please!

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