Prince Wills & Kate...proud parents of baby! Penguin?

Well, the wedding gift was unique, alright.

But, I'd love to have been a fly on the wall in the Royal couple's bedroom the night they first learned of the surprise addition to their "family", courtesy of the Chester Zoo!

For those who've been out-of-the-loop, Handsome Wills and pretty Kate became the proud adopted parents of a baby penguin by the name of Acom.
The Humboldt penguin, which is on the endangered species list, will be fostered by the Royal couple for the next twelve months.

The newlyweds aren't required to take hands-on nurturing when it comes to the upkeep of the new addition to the fold.

Acom will remain at the zoo where he'll continue to splash around with his winged friends.

The Royals will have visitation rights, though.

"We thought that as they're both fairly nearby now on Anglesey, then William and Kate might like to take advantage of the free tickets in the adoption pack and spend a day here," a Chester Zoo spokesperson told the BBC.

No word from the Cambridge Manor at press time.

But, I expect the young one, may trigger thoughts of starting a family of their own.

Don't 'ya think?

In that event, Kate will no doubt found a myriad of fashionable ways to dress her "baby bump" in style.

News at 11!

http://www.thetattler.biz

President Obama...State Dinner for President Hu! Barbra Streisand comment offensive to Chinese?

Handshakes across the water!

President Obama toasted Chinese President Hu, the 1st Lady looked stunning in a red silk organza gown with delicate black flourishes, and the tony elite nibbled on a five-course dinner (before saunering off for an evening of live entertainment) under a distinguished-looking three-quarter-length portrait of President Lincoln who stared down on the goings-on from a far wall.

The occasion?

Why - a State dinner at the White House in honor of Chinese President Hu who is currently visiting these shores - of course!

There was a lot of pomp and circumstance throughout the course of the heady evening, too!

President Obama saluted the people of both Nations on the auspicious occasion, for starters.

"May they (the Chinese & the Americans) grow together in friendship. May they prosper together in peace. And may they realize their dream of the future for themselves, for their children and for their grandchildren," he stressed with great poignancy.

The glittering affair was attended by the "Who's Who" of American Society.

Well, supporters of the Democrats, to be sure!

Former Presidents Clinton and Carter were spied mingling among a host of celebrated luminaries who dressed-to-the-nines for the dazzling don't-miss event.

Mainstays on the political scene - Henry Kissinger and Madelaine Albright, for instance - put in appearances, too.

Not to be outdone, the Hollywood red-carpet-crowd turned out in full force to get up-close-and-personal with power brokers on Washington Hill.

The guest list included - Barbra Streisand, Vogue Editor Anna Wintour, Cellist Yo-You Ma, film star Jackie Chan, Fashion Designer Vera Wang, and Walt Disney Chief Executive Robert Iger  - to name a few.

The rarefied uppercrust who attended supped on a menu featuring mouth-watering entrees such as Maine Lobster and dry-aged rib-eye.

"Typically American," according to White House officials.

In spite of growing controversy in recent years over China's use of dangerous lead in children's toy exports, the shameful shunning of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, a tendency to use real animal fur in fashion offerings to the dismay of animal activists, and allegations of unfair competition by U.S. Lawmakers - most scrambled at the opportunity to sashay into the tony affair.

When Barbra Streisand was asked how she wangled an invite, she allegedly quipped to a reporter:

"I used to work at a Chinese restaurant."

Ooops!

I wonder how the Chinese feel about the stereo-type and being slighted by big-bucks-bab?

I expect there will also be an outcry later in the week when an investigative journalist turns in on a report on the cost of the Hu dinner during  these tough economic times.

News at 11!

http://www.thetattler.biz/



Rodeo Drive...PETA protestors in Santa outfits picket fur retailers!

 

'Tis the season to be wary, if you're decked out in top-of-the-line designer duds trimmed or fashioned totally in animal fur (endangered species or not).

No Sir, the argument that minks were raised specifically for the fur trade, doen't hold up with die-hard animal activists.

Today, a Merry band of dedicated protestors from PETA - adorned in Santa outfits - paraded across the street from the oh-so-trendy Fendi retail outlet waving acccusing placards and pointing fingers.

Years ago, during an actor's Union strike, I accepted an assignment as a model for Fendi cologne.

But, in today's political and social-savvy climate, it is doubtful I would sign on for the job.

The gang on Rodeo Drive was quite adamant that the use of fur from slaughtered animals was a definite fashion no-no.

They chanted HO HO FAUX and handed out flyers to passers-by with an urgent query emblazoned on its face.

"Do you have skeletons in your closet?"

The informative pamphlets ranted about the ugly truth of the fur industry and included timely quotes from a handful of high-profile celebrities in support of the cause.

"I don't wear any leather or fur or feathers or any animal products," Natalie Portman - currently starrring in "The Black Swan" - boasted.

Pink was quick to criticize the industry outright with no bones about it.

"Sadly, like any other industry that uses animals, the wool trade uses methods so sadistic that it makes you consider clearing your closet of any animal products. There are lots of clothes to buy for a look that kills without killing anything," she quipped.

Eva Mendes inferred that any fashionista who wore fur products lacked intelligence.

"Personally, I think wearing a baby chinchilla says, 'I'm ignorant'," she concluded.

It was difficult to read the literature on the issue, too, so disturbing were the images!

"Animals on animal farms spend their entire lives confined to crowded filthy wire cages."

"Killing methods include suffocation, gassing, electrocution, and poisoning."

"Animals caught in the wild sometimes remain in traps for days before the trappers return to stomp on their chests or beat them to death."

"Most furs come from China, where millions of animals - including cats and dogs - are skinned alive."

Heard enough?

Shortly after I arrived on the scene in chic Beverly Hills, a small crowd gathered, egging the protestors on.

Bless those upstarts for they know what they do in the name of Nature's defenseless creatures.

Amen!

http://www.thetattler.biz/

Octomom...PETA Ad Campaign! $5,000 feeds many mouths...

Nadya Suleman  - of Octomom fame - posted a festive banner outside her Southern California home this week with a headline caption which screamed out:

"Don't Let Your Dog or Cat Become an Octomom."

How to accompish that end?

Always spay or neuter when you adopt a pet!

PETA  (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) is paying Suleman a fistfull of greenbacks to display the novel sign in her front yard in La Hambra (CA).

Ever-vigilent non-profit organization  also boosted the morale of Octomom when they threw in one month's supply of veggie burgers and hot dogs for Suleman and her 14 children.

The ubiquitous sign has the potential to heighten awareness about homeless cats and dogs.

According to a PETA spokesperson, seven million dogs and cats are turned over to animal shelters each year and nearly half of those animals are euthanized.

“All my children have a loving home, but the sad fact is that there are not nearly enough good homes for the eight million dogs and cats who enter animal shelters every year - half of whom have to be euthanised due to the lack of good homes,” Suleman noted on her front stoop as a posse of ravinous paparazzi blitzed away.

A handful of sober individuals wondered aloud if "Octomom" believed in the cause (actions speak louder than words).

"Were you motivated by the cash," one reporter asked point-blank.

"Both."

http://www.thetattler.biz

Luxury Furs... Lindsay Lohan listen up! Donate furs to Wildlife Shelters...

Fashion "no no"

Last year, Lindsay Lohan was doused with flour when she trotted the red carpet at a high-profile event overseas in a full-length fur.

PETA's sneak attack was swift and right on target!

The startled actress was  humiliated and made a public spectacle of while the world watched on.

Fashion savvy gals are clued in.

Tossing on furs slaughtered off of wild (and possibly endangered) species  is not stylish!

For this reason, Lindsay may want to consider donating her furs (she can still wear the faux with pride) to a wild life shelter.

Right now, there is an ongoing program to use donated furs as bedding for wild animals left orphaned or homeless for whatever reason.

"This is a creative way to help animals in need," said Danielle Bays, a Humane Society wildlife issues associate.

Wildlife rehabilitators cut the fur into an appropriate size for the animal (whether a chipmunk, raccoon, squirrel or opossum) and put it inside the animal's enclosure. The furry blanket becomes a "surrogate mother" to the orphaned or injured animal reducing stress and giving comfort.

The Humane Society of the United States Cape Wildlife Center on Cape Cod is one of many wildlife rehab centers that make good use of old furs.

 "Orphaned baby animals generally do quite well when raised by a licensed wildlife rehabilitator," said Dr. Rachel Blackmer, DVM, director of the Cape Wildlife Center.

"At the Center, we often give orphaned baby squirrels and rabbits a small piece of a donated fur coat and they snuggle against it readily. It is very important to minimize human contact with orphaned mammals while still providing comfort and a safe environment," she said.

The HSUS accepts all fur and fur-trimmed apparel, including shearling. Fur accessories including hats, gloves, scarves and muffs are also accepted.

"Ideally, we wish no animals were killed for their fur," Bays said.

 "Killing animals for their fur is cruel and unnecessary. Unfortunately, that doesn't change the fact that there are many fur coats and accessories languishing in closets and attics everywhere. Donating furs to wildlife rehabilitation is one way to give back to the animals," she said.

Donating is easy.

Package your fur in a sturdy box or padded envelope for small items and mail it to

Fur-Free Century
The HSUS
2100 L Street NW
Washington, DC
20037.

The HSUS will send a letter thanking you for your donation.

When received, file it with your tax documents for future reference.

If you plan to itemize tax deductions, you can claim the fair market value, the amount you could sell the fur for today.

Furs valued at $5,000 or more must have a "qualified appraisal", according to the IRS.

You must have this appraisal done before sending The HSUS your donation.

Lindsay Lohan...PETA douses surprised starlet with flour at Red Carpet event!

Tsk! Tsk!

Just when you thought it was safe to skin a wild animal - and toss the luxurious pelts over your luscious bod in honor of a Red Carpet Event - WHAM!

Mother Nature's high-profile protectors (on-the-prowl everywhere) deliver up a lethal does of humble pie!

The target this week was wide-eyed beauty Lindsay Lohan.

When Ms. Lohan and a female confident glided up to the VIP Room in Paris this weekend, an anti-fur activist doused the startled starlet in flour, head-to-glamorous-toe!

I guess, Lindsay's won what you call a "Pasty Award" for supporting cruelty to animals.

Golly, Lindsay!

How do you expect to land a spot on my 10 Best-Dressed list with a misguided fashion flourish like that?

Pamela Anderson...reporter at Review-Journal takes unwarranted swipe at VIP star!

On Saturday, Pamela Anderson delighted fans when she turned up at Planet Hollywood for a much-publicized celebrity auction.

To rev up a bit of excitement in the crowd, the former VIP star tossed off her top, then sidled up to the auctioneer to participate in the proceeding with a lot of sensual vim and vigor!

By the time the hammer smacked down and the auctioneer barked out sold, Ms. Anderson helped raise $65,000.00 for her favorite charity, PETA.

Instead of applauding the sexy siren for her compassionate act, a reporter at the Review-Journal (who was penning a blase piece on celluloid artists at the CineVegas Film Festival) chose to take a swipe at the pop icon instead.

Mr. Elfman (who looks like an elf, by the way) used the occasion to help build a foundation for some piffle he was penning for the daily.

On the premise that her "excited flutter of a pep talk" and willingness to "roll around on the car" to pump up sales (her 2000 Viper was being offered at auction) lacked class, he proceeded to compare her to the filmmakers who attended the CineVegas Film Festival this year.

In sum, he quipped that the art house film fest enriched by virtue of the alleged intellectual tastes of the fimmmakers who - "unlike certain people named Pamela Anderson" - were actually talented.



What a load of hogwash!

For starters, Ms. Anderson was not part of a CineVegas event.


Notwithstanding, the boisterous antics she engaged in were all part of her "act".

I worked with Ms. Anderson several years ago on the first season of the popular TV Sitcom "Home Improvement". During the kick off episodes, I had a bit part as a producer in the show within-a-show ("Tool Time") and Pamela played the bodacious "Tool Time" girl.

In private, Pamela is actually quite shy, intelligent, and every bit a class act.

Not unlike Marilyn Monroe (or Mae West before her) the persona one encounters in the public eye is one she cleverly crafted. Over the past couple of decades, the Pamela Anderson "brand" has not only withstood the fickle finger of fate in Tinsel town, but turned the voluptuous actress into a bona fide "star".

Contrary to Elf's empty opinion, Pamela is a smart cookie, too!

In fact, Elfman went way out on a limb with his pap, because - in essence - he was trying to compare oranges with apples. No can do!

The low-brow writer was under the mistaken impression that he was writing an in-depth insightful essay of importance. What the feature amounted to was a lot of misguided tabloid fodder.

Surely, the Review-Journal is not so strapped when it comes to worthwhile news, that they're forced to print Elfman's crap?

In another section of the article, the columnist matter-of-fact states that artist Takashi Murakami (who appeared at CineVegas Festivities at an elitist affair last week which caused quite a scandal in some quarters) is an important twentieth century figure in art circles.

Why, pray tell?

According to Elf, Murakami is being compared to Andy Warhol for "having fused fine art with pop art."

What nonsense!

I was an Art Major and I began my career as an abstract-expressionist painter.

For starters, Mr. Murakami's out-of-whack smiley faces amount to nothing more than silly doodles, worthless "junk".

Whenever his name pops up in a serious art discussion at a gallery opening, qualified experts roll their eyes. Then, an old expression flashes to mind.

"I don't know much about art, but I know what I like."

People who "like" Murakami have taste up the wazoo.

I didn't conjure up the nick-name - "tacky" - for no good reason. In fact, I wouldn't even line the kitty litter box with one of his prints. After all, I wouldn't want to insult my cat.

In conclusion, the whole article on CineVegas reeked of behind-the-scenes maneuvering to me.

The way Elf gushed about this 'n that, for example, inferred to me - at least - that he's either on someone's payroll over there at CineVegas or too fond of the free passes (and perks that go with 'em) to dare cross the powers-that-be.

I prefer to read articles that are written by ethical journalists who endeavour to log in a balanced account of the events.

At a small-town newspaper like the Review-Journal, I guess management can't take the risk of offending potential advertisers with clout, by reporting the truth.

Until they do, their credibility is a big fat zero.


Review-Journal is the best? By whose standard?