All Saints' Church...announces new Rector at Beverly Hills house of prayer!

Who knows!

(I may be featured in this choir photo)

The Vestry has announced that the Reverend Canon Stephen Huber (National Cathedral in Washington) has accepted the unanimous call to be the 7th Rector of All Saints' Church in Beverly Hills.


A couple of years ago, I was fortunate to realize a dream to sing in a choir, when I attended service at All Saints'.

During that time frame, Carol Anderson was in service to the Episcopal Church in the role that Huber has stepped into.

The Reverend grew up in a large Catholic family in Ohio and attended Catholic schools from first grade all the way through graduate school at Loyola University in New Orleans.

The dedicated Church-goer spent ten years teaching theology and working in development at private schools before transitioning into inspiring full-time development work as an A.I.D.S. fundraiser for such organizations as the Fenway Community Health Center (Boston) and the Human Rights Campaign Fund in Washington (D.C.).

Huber attended seminary at Yale University and obtained his Master of Divinity (!) in 1998.

For a short duration Steve filled the role of Development & Communications Director at Yale's Berkley Divinity School.

There were many other career developments under the auspices of the fold in the years that followed.

But, it was a post at the Washington National Cathedral (to build a Cathedral Congregation) that was probably the most challenging and rewarding for the Priest.

Using his impressive leadership skills, Huber proceeded to focus on education, pastoral care, stewardship, communications, and hospitality ministries for the congregation which now numbers 700.

Church officials describe Huber as a "spirit-filled" preacher and loving pastor with an open heart and wonderful manner who is  ready to lead All Saints' Church in the work of the Kingdom of God.

In an essay he wrote in respect to his calling, Rev. Huber eloquently wrote:

"I understand my primary vocation as inviting people into a new or deepened relationship with Jesus Christ."

"All Saints' Church is a model to the whole Church of an intellectually coherent expansive Christian faith that is unabashedly grounded in discipleship of Jesus Christ. I find that enormously exciting."

In accepting the post he closed an open letter to the parish by quoting mystic Meister Eckhart:

"If the only prayer you say in your whole life is thank you, that would suffice."

Amen!

http://www.thetattler.biz

Barack Obama...heckled by Congressman during Healthcare speech. Insurance for Illegal immigrants? Not...

Barack is no Martin Luther King Junior, Sir!

In the wake of a rude outburst by a Congressman during Barack Obama's much-anticipated speech to the Nation last night on the Healthcare issue - today, in the cold light of day - Republicans and Democrats alike are denouncing the impromptu rebellion as an "extraordinary breach of decorum".

In the midst of asserting to critics that under his intended plan, insurance would not be available to illegal immigrants, the President was cut-short by Representative Joe Wilson who taunted from the bleachers below:

"You lie!"

For Obama-haters, it was a precious moment.

Caught off-guard - and in the obvious throes of mixed emotions - the President had no other recourse but to react with a hilarious "classic" double-take.

Nope, it wasn't a "say what?" moment, at all.

Imagine that, Barack Obama - "old diarrhea mouth" - at a loss for words!

Not a problem for Joe Biden, though, who issued a statement on the heels of the controversy.

"I was embarrassed for the chamber and a Congress I love," Vice President Joe Biden said Thursday on ABC's "Good Morning America."

"It demeaned the institution."

Meanwhile, House Minority Whip (Eric Cantor R-Va)  was quick to stress that the rude interruption was inappropriate and did not reflect the sentiments of the party.

"Obviously, the President of the United States is always welcome on Capitol Hill. He deserves respect and decorum."

Rep. Joe Wilson contacted the White House in a bold-faced effort to apologize to the President personally.

When Obama failed to take the call (for reasons undetermined at press time) Wilson managed to get a word or two in edgewise with the White House Chief of Staff, Rahm Emanue.

According to sources, he apologized.

When asked about the mea culpa, Biden said Thursday, that he hadn't spoken with Obama

"Knowing the president, I'm sure he accepted the apology."

The Republican rebel released the following terse statement to the media.

"This evening I let my emotions get the best of me."

"While I disagree with the president's statement, my comments were inappropriate and regrettable. I extend sincere apologies to the president for this lack of civility."

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, a California Democrat, appeared to be the only sensible politician with her wits about her in the aftermath

"It's time for us to talk about health care, not Mr. Wilson," she quipped to anyone within earshot.

On a nightly news show, an English pundit from across the pond - not only laughed about the incident - but shook her head over the way politicians, the media, and Joe Public alike reacted to the alleged controversy.

"They're always heckling the Prime Minister in England," she giggled.

Hear! Hear!

Well, at least Wilson didn't toss a shoe!

The ultimate insult, eh?

http://www.julianayrs.com

Leonardo DiCaprio...appears @ Tao incognito in Las Vegas! Business or pleasure...

Jaws dropped at Tao the other evening when a somewhat elusive Leonardo DiCaprio allegedly slipped into the trendy hang-out.

The gossip mongers tongues began to wag, too.

In town for a clandestine love tryst?

Or, just maybe, the sexy screen idol was checking out locales for an upcoming movie shoot, a posse of excited guests speculated on the down-low out-of-earshot.

News at 11!

http://www.julianayrs.com

Abercrombie & Fitch...Ross sales pull ahead of trendy retailer! Almighty dollar - not style - counts...

If you scanned a recent sales report in the business section of the newspaper, it may have not not escaped your attention (especially if you're a keen analyst whe it comes to numbers) that top dogs in the retail fashion market - such as Abercrombie & Fitch - slid to the bottom of the sales performance pile in recent months.

In contrast, discount houses such as Ross, climbed the ranks and landed in the profit margin (albeit, just by a few percentage points).

Several months ago when the economy started to spiral down and retailers were starting to cry the blues over a loss of revenue, one of the Executives at Abercrombie & Fitch boasted that the trendy fashion outlet for young men and women was surefire and "recession-proof".

For this reason, product at A&F would never be marked down or on "sale", he asserted.

A short while later, I chuckled when I cruised through one retail outlet and spied items that were obviously "on sale".

However, management wasn't inclined to cry "uncle", not just yet.

The signs were cleverly worded to give the impression that the reduced items were actually specially-priced wardrobe pieces available short term for good value at the cash register.

The deceitful ploy to "save face" smacked of the bold-faced efforts years ago by used-car dealers to enhance the image of trade-in cars on the lot by referring to the vehicles as pre-owned.

In the final analysis, Abercrombie & Fitch need not worry about losing a huge chunk of the normally-lucrative youth fashion market long term.

The taste for the style-setter's trendy provocative fashions (and seductive ads) has not diminished one iota with the teen and twenty-something crowd in any respect.

It all boils down to the almighty buck.

Right now, Americans are penny pinching (not straying from their budgets) in order to make ends meet.

Once the economy turns around and there is expendable cash in hand once again, style-conscious dudes and babes will be revving up the cash registers at Abercrombie & Fitch once again.

In the meantime, a column I penned on how to save $$$ by shopping at second-hand stores like Goodwill and Out-of-the-Closet (with tips on how to pick 'n chose wisely in the used-clothing arena) may be a life-saver for students out to piece together a snappy wardrobe to sport around campus this fall.

Post: 01/05/2009

http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2009/01/mens-fashion-tipsthrift-shop-bargains.html

Happy rummaging, eh?


http://www.julianayrs.com

AFI Dallas...Jeremy Renner appears for screening of "Hurt Locker"; Director Kathryn Bigelow honored with Texas Star Award; Tattler stand on Iraq!

The "Hurt Locker" is a drama about an elite bomb squad playing a game of life and death in Iraq - which was set as a centerpiece film amid a dizzying array of offerings at AFI Dallas 2009.

According to AFI, a centerpiece film is one that "inspires conversation, sparks imagination, and encourages contemplation."

For some, the Mark Boals material may fit that bill.

In a nutshell, the war flick takes an intense peak into the dangerous world of elite soldiers who disarm bombs in the heat of combat.

Jeremy Renner, one of the stars of the "Hurt", noted for the record that the material is highly complex.

"The lean, good-looking actor subsequently added:

"You have to see it for yourself to figure what it is about."

Curiously, when I asked Renner about the meaning of "Hurt Locker", he was inclined to hand me off to the creative team down the red carpet heading our way.

But, he hazarded a guess, nonetheless.

"I thought it might be a body box or a latrine."

When the question was raised down the line, I was bounced back to Renner.

"That's a question for Jeremy."

When I relayed his initial response, it was suggested that perhaps he meant it in the sports vernacular.

No straightforward answer was forthcoming.

"It's obviously a bad thing."

Was the answer too explosive?

Perhaps, there wasn't one.

A title of a film is usually chosen to reflect or shed light on the heartbeat or underlying theme of a project.

It may even be a catch phrase.

The dilemma struck me as one that an art connoisseur might encounter when viewing an abstract painting.

By not providing a title, or explanation, the artist opens the door for the "observer" to "read into it."

Hence, a more profound meaning may end up being credited than originally intended.

The vague responses were terribly revealing so I moved on to a new line of questioning.

When I asked Renner his marital status, he noted that he had a girlfriend.

"Any plans to marry?"

"That's pushing it," a gruff handler without any manners (not an AFI employee) barked out.

Since fan appeal may rest in "availability", my question was not out-of-place or irrelevant or un-called-for under the circumstances.

A query about his wardrobe made the rough-around-the-edges rep bristle, too.

since I put together a best-dressed list each year, the info I was seeking was within my realm.

Fashion questions were off-putting to Kathryn Bigelow.

Bigelow, the director of Point Break, K-19, and Near Dark, hesitated before divulging the name of her designer.

Was the chic dark suit something she threw together herself, I probed further?

After almost biting her tongue, she quietly responded.

"Dolce Gabbana."

Not too shoddy, Kathryn!

As she strode off and I started to jot down the name on my pad, she half-turned and - ever-the-director - informed me that I did not have to write that info down.

"Yes, I do." I answered politely.

This triggered a reaction from her male escort.

"Do you really write for the Tattler?"

I smiled slightly.

"I am the Tattler."

At this juncture, he strode back towards me and asked if I was with the Tattler published in England.

"There is a Tattler in England and one based in America."

Asking me if I "really wrote for the Tattler" was such a silly question to ask!

Did he honestly think that AFI would allow an individual pass themselves off as someone they weren't on the red carpet?

The truth of the matter is that AFI makes every good-faith effort to court legitimate members of the press to ensure there is a ample, widespread professional coverage for the filmmakers and their projects, and events at the Festival.

Likewise, AFI ensure those appearing on the carpet are key-players, and professionals worthy of press coverage based on set industry standards.

For the former reason, I am giving "Hurt Locker" publicity for their project and their actors and reporting on the Texas Star Award bestowed upon Kathryn Bigelow for her contribution to film.

Personally, I don't intend to take in the film.

Since I am a peacemaker, opposed to War and Imperalist occupations of Foreign Nations, films such as "Hurt Locker" only fuel the fire and exalt the horrors of battle and conflict, in my estimation.

In the final analysis, my readers have to decide for themselves if "Hurt" is a film they'll spring a few bucks (and a couple of leisure hours) on.

To each his own.

Jeremy Renner

www..julianayrs.com

Barack Obama...& Bill Cosby racking up hits today! Election prompts, eh?

Today, I started to notice that three of my posts - penned over the last couple of months - appear to be racking up hits.

Gee, I wonder why?

Two posts on Barack Obama - appear to be of particular interest to "some" net surfers - according to blog statistics.

My article on "Barack's whitewater-style scandal" is leading the pack.

The report takes an in-depth look at the unusual financing on Barack's Mansion in Chicago, Illinois. (Post Date: 07/09/08)

Another classic Obama post deals with the issue of gay marriage in California.

Will Barack encourage all his supporters to vote "No" on Proposition 8? (Post date: 10/10/08)

Surprisingly, the third post that intrigues a number of people on the Internet this afternoon - is one penned on the heels of an e-mail I received a few weeks ago - in which it was alleged that Bill Cosby intended to be a "sign-in" candidate in the Nov. 4th election.
(Post Date: 09/08/08)

So, are voters mulling over these posts - to fathom which way to vote, influence friends and family members in the polling booth today - or what?

Who knows!

Have a great day at the polls.


Sure, I'll vote for 'ya Bill...

Kevin Costner...fool's gold! "Swing vote" stinker.

Handsome actor broke into biz as non-union extra...


Kevin Costner must have been elated this past week when a couple of journalists requested interviews on the eve of the release of his new feature - "Swing Vote".

After all, no one has been much interested in the faded star in recent years.

A couple of clunkers - "Waterworld" in particular - just about sank his career. However - "Dances With Wolves" - proved he either has real talent or was just a flash in the pan.

Hankering for some of that old magic, Costner was inclined to forgo on rustling up outside backing for the political yarn; instead, he opted to fund the project himself to the tune of $21 mil.

"I'm no fool," he smugly remarked to one local reporter.

On the contrary.

Judging by the lukewarm reviews, it appears Costner may be left with a heap load of fool's gold!

Maybe the likable thespian should just focus on acting. If, he can find a vehicle like - "The Tin Cup" or "No Way Out" - to skyrocket his career back into the stratosphere, that is.

Otherwise, he may end up a B-list actor (God forbid) with ongoing guest appearances on mediocre cable shows.

Seasoned stage actors co-starring in "Robin Hood" put Costner's acting skills to shame...

Beijing...fudged on smog data! Faces scorn of world...

A week ago - I reported on Beijing's last-ditch efforts to curb smog in anticipation of the upcoming Olympics - by shutting-down factories, limiting the number of vehicles on the road, and so forth and so on.

But, the surge forward to clean up the environment has been to no avail, according to reports out of Beijing over the past forty-eight hours.

A huge cloud of smog still hangs thick and ominous over the horizon - obscuring the dazzling new superstructures built to impress the world - and posing a potential threat to Athletes due next week to participate in the games.

In fact, Olympic Officials have expressed their concerns that the quality of air is less than standard and may be a hazard to the health.

A Greenpeace Campaign Director - Lo Sze Ping - blamed the bad air on what he characterized as a - "develop first, clean up later" - approach by the Chinese Government which has obviously backfired.

Meanwhile, over the weekend, it was reported that smog around the Stadium is "unhealthful for sensitive groups".

The Chinese Government - which won the games on the provisio the environment would be "cleaned up" for the Olympic Festivities - has issued a statement in which they flatly allege they have reached their commitment to make sure the air quality is satisfactory for the Games.

Beijing Environmental protection official (Du Shaozhong) asserted to the press in recent days that seventy-percent of the days were able to boast acceptable levels of pollution or an improvement over last year's figures by twenty percent.

However, some are pointing fingers at the data, and accusing Chinese Officials of fudging the figures.

For instance, Steve Q. Andrews - a U.S. Environmental Consultant (who analyzed Beijing's figures) - alleges that two air monitoring stations in congested parts of the downtown sector were dropped from the Government's calculations for the air pollution index and substituted for monitors in the outskirts of the city.

Notwithstanding this kind of obvious skullduggery, those in-the-know claim that China does not even measure ground-level ozone levels which are a major component of smog, according to scientists in the field.

Andrews got a little ballsy and griped,

"They are manipulating the way they measure and what they measure so much that you cannot say the air quality is improving."

As athletes vow to wear masks during the games, China has been forced to look into novel ways to clear the air. For one, they are exploring the idea of artificially inducing rainstorms to dissipate the smog.

In the final analysis, it all appears to boil down to Karma, in my estimation.

Until China stops violating "Human Rights" and denying Monks "Freedom of Speech", and being "negligent" about the environment, their country will continue to face the wrath of God by virtue of floods, famine, earthquakes, poison air, and the like.

China must commence with a spiritual cleansing now - and pray, ultimately, for forgiveness - or face continued ongoing hardships to her detriment and well-being as a Nation.

What do they say?

Confession is good for the soul!

Earthquake update...5.8 magnitude shaker centered near Chino Hills!

Devastating effects of Northridge Earthquake!

News reports are now filtering in.

The earthquake that struck at approximately 11:43 a.m. has been determined to be a preliminary magnitude of 5.8.

At my location in Beverly Hills, the shaking was quite violent.

When the tumbler hit, I was in the public library surrounded by a number of frightened patrons at the public facility.

I guess people were perplexed about what to do, at first.

When the shaking did not subside in a second or two (but grew in magnitude instead) and persisted in jolting the building violently - many let out little cries - then darted out the front door with the assistance of the capable library staff.

I struggled to pop off a news flash onto the Internet, but within seconds, my hands were shaking so much that I was having trouble typing on the keyboard.

According to online news reports, the quake shook buildings in downtown Los Angeles and was felt as far south as San Diego and as far east as Palm Desert.

"The quake was centered near Chino Hills," noted one spokesperson at the United States Geological Survey.

In spite of that, Los Angeles was seriously impacted.

Construction workers walked off a site concerned about safety and their well-being.

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger was inclined to activated the "Office of Emergency Services" when he learned about the width and breadth of it.

As of 12:45 p.m, there have not been any reports of injuries.

But, the Stanley Mosk Courthouse on Grand Avenue was evacuated as a precautionary measure. Security officials said they expect the building to reopen early this afternoon.

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors were in a closed session at the time of the earthquake but did not suspend their meeting apparently. Hopefully, they were all under their desks out of harm's way.

The quake interrupted a City Council meeting. Undoubtedly, when the 27-story City Hall building began to sway, officials realized the urgency of taking cover.

Apparently Councilman Zine cried out, "Earthquake! Earthquake".

Another quipped, "It's still happening".

I know the feeling.

At the library, where I was returning books, people were paralyzed with fear - unable to take action - so shocked were they by the powerful momentum of it.

Believe it or not, Orange County also rocked 'n rolled.

"It's the first time in my life I actually got under my desk," said Anaheim Police Sgt. Ken Seymour, who has lived in Southern California his whole life.

"It's too early to tell if there's any major damage but all units are checking overpasses, bridges and tall buildings," he said.

The last occasion I felt so awestruck by the force of an Earthquake was when the Northridge Earthquake struck in 1994.

At about four o'clock in the morning, I suddenly felt a large jolt against the side of the building.

What was that?

Then, the bed shook violently, as dishes rattled and floorboards creaked.

Earthquake!

Normally, we're such a jaded lot here on the West Coast. After all, a new year barely flutters by without a little earth rattling now and then. Normally, Californians just roll over and slip back into dreamland.

But, on the Richter scale, this one was a staggering 6.8.

I was renting an apartment in a New-York-style walk up fashioned in old rugged bricks.

No retrofit, of course.

So, of course, when the tumbler "hit", it felt like an airplane had smashed into the five-storey building. Yes, there was a lot of creaking and groaning goin' on, as the foundations seemed to give way.

As I peered out the window, the lights around Los Angeles systematically shut down - in what amounted to a domino effect - as far as the eye could see.

I scrambled out of bed naked - yes I slumber in the nude - but had difficulty getting my bearings in the pitch black that had fallen all around. As I searched for my pants and my keys and a flashlight - it suddenly dawned on me why it is often hammered into residents to be earthquake prepared.

The next time (!) I'll have a handy little kit packed away in a safe place primed and ready-to-go - with candles, matches, flashlight, and emergency water - you name it!

When I managed to locate a few stitches of clothing, I stumbled to the door - but a sturdy oak bookcase and a number of leafy plants which had smashed to the floor - were blocking the exit. After a few minutes, I managed to squeeze my way through into the pitch black hallway.

Not a soul in site.

To make matters worse, the emergency doors had sprung shut and the elevators had automatically shut down.

I headed for the back stairwell barefoot and cried out in pain when sharp edges of broken plaster bit into my flesh.

Throughout the ordeal, I did not encounter anyone.

When I stepped out into the street - people were huddled in near hysteria on the sidewalk - scantily-clad in skimpy nighties, boxers, and the like. A couple of neighbors were frantically listening to the radio for an update on the quake.

The newscasters were reporting that Los Angeles was hit by a devastating quake centered in Northridge.

At this point, I realized my "lovebirds" had been left behind upstairs. Against protests from acquaintances, I dashed back into the crumbling building to rescue them from their perch in the kitchen.

Later that morning - we were notified by the Manager that the dwelling was red-tagged - unsafe to inhabit. All the tenants were forced to seek emergency shelter or turn to family and friends for assistance.

Northridge itself was shattered by the event.

Three-story buildings were turned into pancakes, freeway bridges were downed, and there were - of course - a number of deaths.


Down the street in Hollywood proper, as I sauntered into a local cafe for a coffee, ubiquitous armed guards stood at the entrance to retail stores to prevent further looting which had been earlier curbed.

I felt like I was in Beirut or some war-torn place like that.

In the final analysis, Earthquakes are part 'n parcel of life in California.

Is the "big one" on the way?

You bet your sweet bippy...

'Til then, we continue on our merry way.

Shaken, but not stirred!

Note

The Federal Emergency Agency recommends that if you're indoors when a quake hits, you should take cover under a sturdy piece of furniture, cover your face, and stay away from glass and walls. If outdoors when the earth shifts, move away from buildings and streetlights and stay in an open space until the shaking stops. And, don't forget about potential aftershocks!

http://www.julianayrs.com