BritneyMania...hits streets of San Francisco! Gays burn CD's???

 

As I headed up Polk Street bright-and-early this morning, I spied a 6' 3" tall muscle-bound stud all dolled-up in a pink satin frock, paired with chic pricey heels, topped with a blond fright wig (a parody of you-know-who?); a bevy of bodacious boy-toys cruising merrily-along; and a line of Britney Spears fans that snaked - somewhat uniformly (with the help of the City's finest) - down-and-around several blocks as far as the naked eye could see.

About every ten minutes or so, when the queue inched forward, the thronging masses roared so loudly that the commotion could be heard a 1/4 of-a-mile-away.

Of course, the Pop Diva - Britney Spears - was about to take the stage live! in a free concert sponsored by ABC TV's popular morning talk show "Good Morning America".

However, up until curtain call, there was still some confusion about where Ms. Britney was set to alight her sexy bod!

This was evident, when I stopped to snap up a soda, and overheard two studly young guys chatting each other up.

"Just think, right now we could be in the Castro District with thousands of hotties watching the Britney Spears concert outside the Castro Theatre," one cutie chirped to his obvious lover.

Not!

Last minute, citing security issues, ABC was inclined to relocate the Spears extravaganza to the Civic Center in downtown Frisco, instead.

As I noted in a post last evening, a few of the shopkeepers on Castro Street also complained about the potential loss of business due to traffic jams (!), which may have figured into things a tad.

Post:  03/26/11

http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2011/03/britney-spearssan-francisco-concert.html

Some dim-wit actually sent me a message to inform me that the concert was cancelled; then, in the next breath noted that it had been moved to the Civic Center.

Huh?

ABC TV never cancelled the show, they simple changed the venue, for security reasons.
Needless to say, dedicated Britney-ites managed to fathom the mystery out, and ended up at the "Church" on time.

Was that God-awful stench wafting over the City by the Bay the residual effects of CD's burning all over the Castro District at the witching hour?

This morning - when I conducted a Britney Spears image search - I also spotted a couple of nasty photo shopped stills that spoke volumes.

Hell hath no fury like a Queen scorned!!!

But, for the most part, the shining multitudes who turned up this morning were nonplussed about the last-minute switcheroo.

Brit followers were elevated into the realms of ecstasy at the thought of being just an arm's-length away.

Provided they passed mustard with the burly security guards at the door.

Because City Officials were adamant that there would not be any "sleep-overs" in the squeaky-clean confines of the impressive Civic Center last night, Diva-lovers were forced to rise (maybe not shine) early to land a coveted spot in the limelight.

"I've been here since 7 o'clock," I overheard one pretty babe in Britney gear flutter to all within earshot.

There was quite a media frenzy too, as helicopters buzzed overhead non-stop to capture an aerial view of the Britney phenomenon.

Curiously, a publicity still of Billy Graham on one wall of the concert hall screamed out to the gathering throngs:

"Jesus forgives you!"

And, Britney's fans, obviously.

Later!

http://www.thetattler.biz

An image ABC TV prefers!

America celebrates 4th of July...Lopez insults Obama! Kelly Clarkson bombs! Lionel Richie rocked!

Ford Theatre in 1860

 

Renee Fleming glorious at close of show!

An American Idol darling bombed at the top of the show, comic George Lopez insulted the President right out-of-the-gate, and a touching tribute to war heroes brought tears to the eyes.

In fact, the underlying current that swept the telecast along, appeared to guided by an invisible hand with an agenda in mind.

Was it just coincidence that a pretty African-American chanteuse belted out a Broadway tune about a colored woman’s plight, a war hero was singled out as a legal immigrant from Mexico who went on to fight for his new country once landed on these shores, and a celebrated Soprano warbled about the “truth marching on” (which turned out to be a great lead-in for the President’s parting speech to the Nation at the near-end of the hyped-up soft-shoe-show?).

Me thinks not.

Was Barack Obama simply an invited guest, or did the President orchestrate behind-the-scenes, to ensure the Democrat's message was presented in a neat-and-tidy package complete with ornate bow?

Unfortunately, "America's" (Obama's?) 4th of July celebration suffered a bumpy start, though.

A bland, non-charismatic host, caused viewers at home to utter up in disgust:

“Who the heck is this guy?”

But, it was the opening number by Kelly Clarkson, that triggered folks to grab for the remote.

The former American Idol contestant sashayed out in a overblown ballroom gown - too wide at the skirt and too-tightly-stretched over her pudgy frame - in the most unflattering way.

Uh-huh.

Clarkson looked more like a stuffed sausage than a dazzling Pop Star Diva.

In the wake of all the pressures of success, it appears that Clarkson is now eating her way into oblivion.

The tune she warbled (badly) - "Everyone’s got Something" - established (ironically) that was simply not the case with Kelly.

Bad taste persisted when George Lopez trotted out with that gnarled grin and proceeded to insult the President.

“I was asked if the President was real. I assured the person that he was, otherwise, he would have had his ears pinned back years ago.”

Dumbo smiled when an on-the-ball camera-man zoomed up for a close-up reaction, but I expect he was seething with rage inside.

Like Ronald Reagan before him, Obama  is a good actor (or expert at masking his feelings).

No more invites to the White House, just betcha.

Dick Van Dyke scurried out on stage at one point - as part of a tribute - and to celebrate the return of an all-time Broadway favorite (Mary Poppins) to the Broadway "boards".

Though the seasoned pro is highly respected, some shook their heads at the dated material.

Moi!

What’s the expression?

Old and grey.

Corny, too.

On occasion, the camera floated around the interior of the Ford Theatre, momentarily putting the spotlight on the Washington power-players in attendance.

One Supreme Court Justice - you know, the Latino woman - looked puffy and tired beyond her years.

For the most part, it appeared from this perch, that there were quite a few stodgy stuffy Washington movers-and-shakers trying to get their mugs on camera and in the limelight.

The 4th of July show creaked, was flat and old hat, not with it (for the most part).

There were a couple of highlights, though.

In one quaint segment on the history of 1st families in the White House, a well-spoken woman noted that over the years one hundred-and-fifty-four children resided in the Mansion.

And, with wit and charm, the hostess recalled some of their antics for the audience to appreciate.

For instance, on the heels of being gifted with a toy cannon, Lincoln’s children allegedly turned it on the President’s cabinet with explosive results.

One President’s children were known as the “White House Gang” because they got caught firing spitballs at portraits adorning the walls.

In one lively entertaining segment, Lionel Richie was warmly received as he performed one of his popular mega-hits of yesteryear (“All Night Long”).

At one point, Richie let loose, and began dancing a clapping on stage which inspired guests to copycat in the packed house below the footlights.

In fact, I spied a few stuffy political types letting loose, too!

No panties were hurled on stage, Tom-Jones-style, though.

“I see you want to dance,” the talented performer quipped in Michelle Obama’s direction.

The 1st Lady was dolled-up in a mauve designer gown and spectacular neck piece which sparkled and caught the light just right.

Barack obama was smartly attired in a formal dark suit.

Positively Presidential.

But, get this, Barack often responded to the music with a roll of the eyes and a rhythmic bobbing of  the head (as if he were stoned on a joint).

Soprano - Renee Fleming - stepped on stage and unfortunately chose to warble a tune that was all wrong for her professionally-trained voice.

Fleming came off like a pale version of Sarah Brightman.

However, she redeemed herself later with a spirited version of another tune that revved up the emotions of everyone in the ABC TV Special's sway.

Coincidentally, a contact of mine at her record company, just provided me with a copy of her new album for the purpose of a review.

The critique will follow.

At a solemn moment in the show, five men who valiantly earned the Medal of Honor, were singled out to represent all recipients of the prestigious group who have earned one over the years.

The light blue ribbon adorned with 13 stars is awarded to those who made supreme sacrifices beyond the call of duty while serving their country.

During this poignant touching presentation, General Colin Powell established his talent for public speaking.

What a stage presence, too!

The well-spoken Powell should be gainfully employed as a voice-over artist!

By the way, as each of the five Medal of Honor recipients were introduced to the audience, the President stood at attention and saluted each military man with utmost respect and admiration.

A prolonged standing ovation persisted and I expect there wasn’t a dry eye in the house.

After Fleming’s rousing rendition of “Glory Glory Hallelujah”, the President took the stage.

Natch!

Told ‘ya he wasn’t an innocent by-stander.

Barack Obama noted that he was thrilled with the spectacular evening.

He thanked all the “voices” and “honored guests” who helped make the night such a success.

With a nod to the "Medal of Honor" fraternity in attendance he summed up.

“Heroism, that is what this Nation is all about.”

Right on cue, he closed out the hour show with a heartfelt message.

“God Bless you and America.”

Amen!

http://www.julianayrs.com/

Shaq vs. Michael Phelps...swim challenge! Mangione Aquatic Center (September 15th)...

Phelps has his sights on winning!

Is the brute too chunky to slice through to the finish with ease?

 

Golden boy Michael Phelps has challenged Shaq O'Neal to an invigorating round of swim heats to take place before - what will undoubtedly turn out to be - a standing-room-only posse of Shaq and Phelps die-hard fans cheering both competitors on from the sidelines.

The two high-profile rivals are slated to take the big splash September 15th in a much-anticipated event to be broadcast live! on ABC Television Network.

The Mangione Aquatic Center at Loyola University will play host for the last installment of the highly-rated "Shaq VS" competition series.

The mighty "Shaq-mu" - a moniker he rustled up in the spirit of the tongue-in-cheek entertainment games - intends to win.

Just betcha!

How could he fail?

After all, Olympic Gold Medalist Michael Phelps - otherwise known as "The Bomb" - has also signed on to coach Shaq about the basics of stroking, selecting a stylish (but-oh-so practical) slinky suit designed to slice through cool waters with an edge, hitting the wall, and how to snap up a bevy of  bodacious babes in Las Vegas.

A relay race squaring off Phelps and O'Neal (with handicaps whimsically tossed in and guaranteed to bolster the competitive spirit between the two high-profile athletes) appears to be the highlight of  the three races scheduled.

Off-the-cuff teasers about each competitor's ubiquitous style and entertaining clips zeroing in on the rigorous training endured by each leading up to the swim match of the decade (debacle?) are sure to spice up the Television Special which is being produced by producer Media Rights Capital in association with Dick Clark Productions

Will Shaq's gargantuan 7' 1" man-frame prove to be too formidable for the Golden Champ, Phelps?

Inquiring minds want to know!

The "bomb" prepares for the big splash!

http://www.julianayrs.com/

Oscars...red carpet coverage tastier than the main entree!

Last week, industry insiders were speculating that red carpet arrivals would be relatively low-key this year -and inclined to tone down the glitz and the glamour - because of the troubled economy.

The theory?

Since common folks around the country have been struggling to make ends meet, many thought it might be prudent for Hollywwood's elite to refrain from traipsing down the red carpet in a vulgar display of jewels and expensive couture gowns, while the rest of the country was hurting.

But, when the carpet was rolled out at the Kodak, and sleek limos purred up to the curb, it was obvious the celebration would be big and splashy.

At this juncture, the experts did an about-face.

"This is what people want to see. The glitz and glamour of Hollywood," chirped Randolph Duke, a fashionista reporting from the wings.

Personally, I found the red carpet coverage more entertaining than the main event.

Stars fluttered in front of the camera for a second or two, offered up a few insightful comments, then moved on.

The Oscar show needed more of that!

The overly-long boring telecast amounted to nothing but talk! talk! talk!

In spite of the fact producers tried to keep the names of presenters and performers under wraps, one anonymous insider revealed that actor - Robert Pattinson - would be doing the honors.

The Vampire heart-throb laughed when it was pointed out that he was the only one who got special advance warning.

"I don't know if that's a good thing or a bad thing," he chuckled in a sexy accent.

Mickey Rourke, who many were pulling for to win the little gold statutette (Wrestler), had a poignant moment or two.

"I'm happy to be invited back to the dance."

After the interviewer threw some comments his way about his wardrobe choices (last night he sauntered down the the carpet in a white dinner jacket with matching dress slacks and a flourish of black underneath) he insightfully noted that Rourke tended to do things his own way.

Quick on the uptake, Rourke quipped:

"You pay a price when you do things your way."

Valentino - the celebrated fashion designer who has dressed the great beauties of the world (in fact, over the years many Oscar-winners have dashed up to the podium in one of his delicious couture pieces which flatter the female form) - was also trotted out.

He is retired now, and looks a bit mumified, but still has irons in the fire.

As usual, there were many fashion disasters.

On a morning radio show, one woman joked that Myley Cyrus appeared to be wearing a tacky chandelier.

What grated on my nerves was that high-pitched squeaky speaking voice of hers.

She should be playing cartoon characters on Saturday morning kid shows.

Robert Downey Junior was calm and in control as his pretty wife stood by his side.

"Your wife produced your next movie, Sherlock Holmes," noted the entertainment host.

"How was that?"

"It has its fine points," he smirked.

Anne Hathaway looked stunning in an elegant gown which accented her lithe pretty figure.

"Are you wearing anything that is yours," the interviewer probed.

"I can't tell you," she giggled.

I didnt' see any VPL (Visible Panty Line) so I have to wonder if she ran the gauntlet sans panties.

Viola Davis, who played opposite Meryl Streep in "Doubt", was asked how it was working with the seasoned pro.

"I had to take stress tabs," she laughed.

She seemed to double-think that comment for a moment, then hastily added - "homeopathic" - as she spoke directly into the camera.

Queen Latifa was a fashion disaster!

She struck me as ceremonial barge floating down the carpet.

Mr. Duke was a tad critical of Melissa Tomei's - um - gown.

"It looks like a bunch of serviettes tacked on here and there," he snidely remarked.

"A napkin should be in your lap at the dinner table," he noted with an acid tongue.

Ouch!

There was odd moments, too.

When Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie (who looked stunning) stopped to chat with George Pedacio from ABC TV, Pitt gave the entertainment reporter strange furtive looks.

Surely, in view of the fact Brad is an actor, he is keenly aware that a thought transmits openly across the face.

In this instant case, I got the impression the studly star thought George was a silly goose!

Or, just maybe, George gazed too deeply into Pitt's baby blue eyes, and it was a turn off for the Oscar-nominated star?

By the way, did anyone see Jerry Lewis on the red carpet?

I understand that he was keeping a low profile (gee, I wonder why).

After he received the Jean Hersholt Award, he slunk back stage and wouldn't talk to reporters.

After his little stunt last night - not addressing the big "issue" that has been in the news of late - I am inclined to take the position that Mr. Lewis did not deserve the award.

Maybe that's why his appearance on stage was so awkward when he accepted the trinket.

Mr. Lewis was probably painfully aware of that!

Albert Schweitzer said it best:

"Humanitarianism consists in never sacrificing a human being to a purpose."

http://www.julianayrs.com

The KMc and JT Chat Forum...soap talk! Sudsy! Scintillating! Surreal!

When you least expect it, doors open into new dimensions.

Especially on the Internet!

Yesterday, I posted a report on the "A.I.D.S. Walk" here in Los Angeles, and casually made mention of the fact Kimberly McCullough and Jason Thompson (two stars on General Hospital) appeared at the opening ceremonies much to the delight of the 30,000 strong in attendance to raise funds for the A.I.D.S. cause.

Shortly after the post, my blog stats zoomed right up into the blogosphere.

So, I clicked on the stats link to check out what was revving up my site.

I spied a referral link to:

http://z4.invisionfree.com/KMc_and_JT_chat/index.php?showtopic=42&st=1700

Ah, so that was it.

My post noted that sexy Kimberly and oh-so-studly Jason were at the opening ceremonies to discuss their characters on General Hospital - and report in to APLA - that they raised $73,000 for the cause.


Kimberly plays a character on the popular daytime soap who is inflicted with A.I.D.S. - and in a bold plot twist for a daily serial - has become romantically involved with Jason's character who is HIV Negative.

Perplexing dilemma!

The site is where fans of Jason Thompson and Kimberly McCullough offer up juicy tidbits on their fave daytime soap stars.

I LOL (laughed out loud, newbies) at a handful of the zesty comments at the site!

One comment about Jason's wardrobe, for instance, was a laugh riot.

"My god I hate his sunglasses. Did he buy them at WalMart?"

Yeah, it's those goofy rims, that are the tip off.

But, the fan was quick to note that Jason looked FABULOUS in blue!

Here's the part I howled over:

"He looks like he styled his hair to have that messy look, is that in or is it just messy? Hot either way The man is just a whole plate of yum."

Yup.

Just want to - um - eat 'em up!

The next fan was a real expert on shades, for some inexplicable reason.

"I hate the shades too. The best shades on him were the ones he wore at FITS SD in 2006 (?). Those fit his face just right. They didn't sit high on his nose like these appear to. I hate when he wears these kinds of shades. I like the close to the face ones for him. I hate the ones that have the shiney frames. Just keep it simple JT. Those shades on Kimberly, I don't like either, but those appear to be the ones she had resting on her head at FCW at the Scrubs event this year. They were the red ones, right? She wasn't seen wearing them at the event, but I recognized the sides of them."

You know what they say, it's all in the details!

I also loved the humor and the creative visuals tossed into the mix.

"You guys are quick Thank you for posting. 73 thousand dollars was raised? Wow!!! Great job everyone "

Then, as I scrolled down out-of-left field a real zinger hit my funny - um - bone.

"I like their sunglasses. "

You can come out from under the chair now.

Opinions are graciously accepted, 'ya know?

"It's funny because I think both Kimberly and Jason have a great sense of style. They aren't main stream, but they both have a unique and comfortable yet edgy fashion sense."

"I'm impressed with what they wear 90% of the time."

In view of all that was unfolding at the KMc and JT Chat Forum, I expect that if I were Jason or Kimberly, I'd really pay attention to what I casually tossed on in the morning.

Whether they know it or not, they're sending shock waves around the planet, at whim!

Whew!

I am exhausted keepin' up.

Will keep ya posted on all the goings-on.

There will be a shades alert in the future, fer sure!