Milorad Cavic...cocky contender. And, Monday-morning Quarterbacking!

Superman didn't get off the ground...


If he had to challenge Michael Phelps to a repeat of the controversial Butterfly competition in the "cube" at the Beijing Olympics again, cocky Milorad Cavic swears that Phelps would go down.

Yeah, sounds like a lot of "Monday" morning quarterbacking to moi!

He's not only a spoil sport - but a sneak - too.

According to his team mates, they learned this weekend that Cavic was logging extra practice runs - and surreptitiously pursuing strenuous work-outs on the sly - without their knowledge.

Yeah, the Serbian upstart - a serious contender, mind you - was bent on besting Phelps, and likewise, snatching away the Baltimore kid's golden moment in the sun.

If had his druthers - the win he fantasized about inside his calculating head - wouldn't be based on a stroke of luck, either.

Oh no - he'd prefer to be recognized for nabbing the coveted prize - based on smarts, tenacity, and top-notch competitive skills.

But, along the way, there was a hefty price tag for the notion.

The Olympic hopeful - for one - was allegedly tormented from fellow swimmers who correctly accused,

"He was just too overjealous".

'Ya know what happens when you get over-excited in a clinch, right?

Yeah, you blow your load!

Clearly, Cavic had the capacity to seize the day, but there was a serious oversight on his part in one regard.

The scenario the young gun did not figure on?

The Serbian wasn't favored by the Gods.

What's a boy to do?

Grin, and bear it.

After all, there will be other competitions in the future, and ample opportunity to etch his name in the annals of Sports History.

Haywood Hale Broun once said,

"Sports do not build character. They reveal it."

Beijing Olympics...lesbian trysts at games?

Dykes on Bikes put McCain's Hell's Angels to shame...


Last night I was checking blot stats at the Word Press site and was startled to encounter a curious - but amusing - "search" engine term - "sexual trysts of female swimmers at Olympics" - that a web surfer inputted to apparently locate an article on my blog.

Well, now.

In recent days I penned a post about Amanda Palmer's penchant for Lipstick Lesbians.

And, I reported on the controversial news report about LAPD Chief William Bratton landing in hot water for speculating that Lindsay Lohan was now pitch-hitting for the Isle of Lesbos.

Yup - "Dykes on Bikes" - were also featured in all their raunchy bravado a scant few weeks ago when the festive Gay Pride Parade rolled into gay gulch in West Hollywood.

I even contemplated an insider look at the secret passions of Lesbian Sumo wrestlers in the far East.

Just tugging on your bra straps on that one, folks!

There haven't been any salacious tales about bulked-up lesbo water nymphets splashing about in the "cube" nude at midnight under a romantic Chinese night sky rife with intoxicating perfumed smog, though.

In fact, there hasn't been a hint of such a scandal, to my knowledge.

But, now that I am keen on the fact "Enquiring" minds are intrigued at the possibility, I'll get on it.

Later!

Rainbow colors hint at sexual persuasion...

Michael Phelps...LA TIMES' Bill Plaschke calls Olympic swimmer "Dork". A**hole!

Studly swimmer causes hearts to flutter...


I was taken aback bright and early this morning when I was perusing the morning daily - the Los Angeles Times - and came across a snotty remark writer Bill Plaschke made about Olympic Gold Medalist, Michael Phelps.

In his report on Phelps' near-miss for the "gold" last night at the Beijing Olympic games, he snarked:

"When America remembers how a dorky Baltimore kid once devoured the Olympics, this is what they will remember."

Dorky?

Get real, Plaschke.

A cashier at Gelson's said it succinctly this morning when she excitedly gushed,

"He's the man."

In contrast, when historians sift through old news clips of the Olympic competitions in Beijing, they'll recall that Bill Plaschke was a hack writer with a jaundiced view on life.

A**hole!

Michael Phelps...lucky No. 7. Gold Strikes again for Olympic Hero!

Through the eyes of the cube...


Although Serbian swimmer Milorad Cavic was gliding to the finish, just inches from the gold, Michael Phelps turned out to be the little engine that could.

One more powerful stroke thrust him forward and on to victory.

But up-close onlookers couldn't help but crack a smile or two. It was a bit of a crash landing, after all.

Although his hand smacked into the wall of the pristine "cube" - a last surge of athletic prowess splashed Phelps into Olympic history - to tie Mark Spitz' long-standing record.

But, the grasp for the Gold trinket did not come easy, after-the-fact.

In the wake of a win that was literally snatched out of the clutches of his fierce competitor, the Serbians were so fired up by the biting scenario, that they filed a protest with Olympic Officials so that the governing body could review the video-tape down to the 10-thousandth of a second.

Spoil sports!

And, even as Phelps powered his way to a dramatic finish, a stream of anxious thoughts continued to swim inside his pretty little head.

"I was starting to hurt a little bit with probably the last 10 meters, Phelps said. "That was my last individual race, so I was just trying to finish as strong as I could.”

Phelps’ time was 50.58 seconds - not a world record - but a glorious win nonetheless in view of all the theatrics.

The Baltimore lad has now matched Spitz’s performance in the 1972 Olympic Games (Munich).

Spitz remained quite sports-man-like about the whole turn-of-events.

In fact, he sang the praises of the young Olympic swimmer, earlier this evening.

Without hesitation, Spitz asserted that Phelps was not only the greatest swimmer of all time, but the greatest Olympian of all time, too.

Phelps will return on Sunday to swim in the final event which is a butterfly leg on the 400 medley relay.

If the number eight is as auspicious as the Chinese allege it to be - hopefully - the eighth race on Beijing's home turf will prove to be a lucky experience for Phelps, too.

The world will be tuned in (on the edge of their wide-screen seats) and - just maybe - pi**ing their pants in anticipation of a glorious crowning finale to a week that has been awesome, to say the least!

Donna Summer...has gay community forgiven her?

Well, I was window-shopping at the French Market Place the other night, when the distinctive catchy beat of a hit from the past - "Love to Love You Baby" - began to float through the bustling cafe.

Ah - a myriad of scintillating images of erotic-filled Disco Nights at Studio 1 - came flooding back!

The week-end at the trendy watering hole attracted the biggest turn-out. By midnight on Friday or Saturday - a muscled pack of studly young hunks descended on the trendy watering hole - originally owned by the infamous Scott Forbes.

Once a toy-boy managed to maneuver his shapely a** through a long queue that usually snaked down La Peer Street - he often encountered "Rose" on the upstairs landing - who photographed all the young studs as they came through the "revolving" door that was known as gay gulch.

Who knows, the young hottie might be featured on the wide screen hanging over the dance floor, the following week!

The ubiquitous bar was always a hotbed of activity - manned by the most flawless bartenders in town - who served up seemingly endless rounds of exotic cocktails, shooters, and expensive splits of champagne.

Then - when the sensual pulsating beat of a Donna Summer vinyl started up - a roar would surge up from the dance floor as hundreds of writhing slithering sweat-soaked bodies tossed off their shirts, sniffed a little poppers, and began to rock away the night in a sort-of tribal dance.

Ah, those were wild uninhibited days, and - in a way - such innocent times. With a fistful of surplus dollars, gays snapped up her records, and Ms. Summer rose to the top of the charts.

It was truly a "summer" of love that year.

Then, suddenly, shock waves shot throughout the gay and lesbian community.

One day out-of-the-blue - Donna Summer suddenly found "God" - and became a devout Christian. On the heels of this dramatic turn in her life, the nervy chanteuse proceeded to publicly denounce the gay lifestyle - and in the wake of the disastrous public relations move - lost her million-dollar fan base during the course of the fiasco.

Faster than you could say - "Brutus" or traitor - Summer's hit records not only ended up in trash bins in a zillion bits of distressed plastic all over the country - but vanished from the airwaves, as well.

Guess a lot of those closeted "fags" or the "Velvet Mafia" manipulated behind the scenes to ensure she - as the old saying goes - would never take lunch in this town again.

Ms. "holier-than-thou" slunk away in disgrace. Though she tried a couple of comebacks in recent years - after apologizing profusely to the gay community - nada!

Now, it appears Ms. Summer and her record company are trying to resurrect the dead.

Well, one Christian ethic is to "forgive".

Will the rainbow community turn the cheek and give her a second chance?

Michael Phelps...Hate him! I cut ice cream...

Phelps lean mean killing machine...


Day before yesterday - I noted in passing on a blog post - that Olympic Medalist Michael Phelps appeared to have very little body "fat" on his trim muscular frame.

A day later, the Phelps' camp revealed to the press that the athlete actually gobbles down about 12,000 calories a day!

Because of all the strenuous work-outs and practice runs, the handsome swimmer laughingly jibed that the carbs just melt off his swimmer's bod.

"I can eat anything," he boasted.

I knew there would be something I hated about the guy!

I just cut Häagen-Dazs ice cream and mouth-watering pastries from my diet to stop a spare tire from buoying me up.

But, Phelps - astoundingly - manages to wolf down a five-egg omelet, three chocolate chip pancakes (this boy knows how to live!), a bowl of grits (always hated 'em), and an order of French Toast slathered with a sugary white-powder topping.

Swimming in Maple Syrup, I expect!

That's just breakfast, fellas.

Come dinnertime, Phelps sets his sights on a whole pizza, which he teams with a tasty packet of delicious pasta. With Lots of high-calorie Italian sauce, no doubt!

But, let's face it, age has a bit to do with it.

Twenty-somethin' guys (Phelps is 23) generally burn off calories in a nano-second. In fact - young guns can demolish two-for one pizzas with double cheese and sausage, a thirty-two ounce big gulp, and top it off with garlic bread and wings - without packing a paltry pound.

But, when a male hits thirty, watch out.

Chances are - most men will need to start up a health regimen at that ripe old age - that may include a jog around the park two or three times a week, some lap-time at the pool, and a bit of judicious food selection at the nightly dinner table.

In fact - every ten years - the body metabolism slows down.

So, "forty" and "fifty" are markers that will pack a whollop to the stud who was used to breezing through life lean and mean.

People are constantly amazed when they learn how old I am.

But, honestly, I work hard at it.

If I am going to whip down to my Calvins and hop in the sack, I don't want to be embarrassed, 'ya know?

So - whenever possible - I fast-walk instead of driving to a location. And, if time and access permit, I spring for a leap up or down the stairs instead of zoning out on the elevator.

And, there are at least three rigorous trips to the gym each week.

I also gave up chomping on three square meals a day, too.

In the alternative, I "graze".

I snack on small morsels of nutritious food throughout the day - and this is the key - only when I am hungry.

For the most part, I am in tip-top shape.

And, the benefits are great.

Occasionally - I am flattered when I am asked to show I.D. at the liquor store - or a trendy nightclub in West Hollywood.

And, attractive young cuties are constantly hitting me up for a date.

Now, let's hope a particular body part keeps functioning well.

I'm a little young for Viagra yet!

My man-tool has a little pride, 'ya know?

Michael Phelps...News Flash! Nabs 6th Gold Medal minutes ago!

TIME didn't jinx Michael Phelps...


Michael Phelps roared to his sixth gold medal in Beijing just moments ago.

With 12 Olympic gold trinkets snatched from the cool waters of the Olympic "cube", the irresistible jock is now chasing down hunky Mark Spitz’s 1972 record of seven golden wins in a single shot at an Olympic event.

Phelps (23) shot up from the pool with a quick "shake of the fist" to acknowledge his victory. Later, there were broad smiles all-around on the podium as he accepted the coveted prize.

As to the race itself, Phelps noted with unusual aplomb,

"I just wanted to step on it in the first fifty a little bit and try and get out to an early lead," said Phelps. "I knew in the first half if I got a big enough lead I thought I could hang on and that’s all I wanted to do."

Confident dude!

The next jaunt in the heady Olympic realms will be on Saturday when the Super Star Athlete takes a shot at the 100 butterfly final around 10 a.m.

If all goes well, the Olympian could be on his way to breaking Spitz’s record in the 4 x 100 medley relay final which is scheduled for approximately 11 a.m. in the "Water Cube" on Sunday.

Olympic enthusiasts will be glued to the wide screen in anticipation of another breathtaking win!

See 'ya there!


No sweat, man!

U.S. Trivia...3 biggest-told lies!

According to Julian’s Statistical report, three of the biggest-told lies in the U.S are:

1. The check is in the mail.
2. I promise I won’t c** in your mouth.
3. Voters won't be influenced by race in the upcoming election.

Barack Obama...Penn "papers" painted Barack as "Foreign" at Clinton's behest!

Hillary gets busted...


They're known as the "Penn Papers".

Essentially - they are a sheaf of e-mails and documents that purportedly expose a handful of "dirty tricks" - conjured up by Pollster Mark Penn to cast a shadow of uncertainty over Barack Obama's "roots" and dissuade American voters from supporting the young political upstart in the 2000 Presidential Race.

Although newspaper reports note that Hillary Clinton passed on a handful of the calculated plots to derail the Senator from Illinois, one "plum" idea appealed to the Senator. So, she plucked it up - polished if off - and offered it up to the public as her own.

Based on the memo Penn submitted to her office - Hillary made it a point to emphasize in her speeches on the campaign trail that she was born in - "the middle of America, to the middle class, in the middle of the last century.

For good reason.

In a March 2007 memo, Penn theorized that it would be smart strategy to make an issue of the - "diverse multicultural upbringing" - of Obama.

Because Obama spent part of his childhood in Indonesia before returning to Hawaii, Penn conjectured,

"It is not possible to imagine America electing a president during a time of war who is not at his center fundamentally American in his thinking and his values."

Without a scrap of shame he argued,

"Obama's roots to basic American values and culture are at best limited."

So, Clinton deftly weaved the theme into her speeches.

For the most part, Americans were unaware they were being cleverly seduced.

Penn went so far as to urge Hillary to use - "fiery language" - that Reverend Jeremiah A. Wright Jr. was inclined to facilitate in his sermons to rile the congregation up.

And, he stridently recommended Hillary use the term "American" a lot to subtly infer a contrast with Obama.

"Let's explicitly own American in our programs, speeches, and values. He doesn't."

Imagine, the gall of the man!

Fortunately, Penn's over-the-top suggestions were rejected.

Now that the startling machinations of a campaign team have been revealed, can any American truly believe a politician in the future when they allege shame-faced that an inappropriate remark just "slipped out" or was simply a silly "misspeak" without mean-spirited intention?

Hillary, 'ya made a big boo-boo. You should have "shredded" the documents.

Although Clinton is essentially out of the race, political analysts note the information is particularly damaging to Hillary and Bill, at this juncture.

After all, slick Willy and wily Hillary are both slated to speak at the Democratic National Convention in Denver this month.

The "Penn Papers" are a sore reminder of hard-ball tactics - and gross errors-in-judgement (and slip-ups) - that cost Senator Clinton the ticket in the upcoming November election.

Hillary should have paid attention to an old proverb,

"The pen(n) is mightier than the sword."

Gay Marriage...Archbishop Rowan Williams says Gay Unions OK to God!

When the whole issue of "gay marriage" hit the fan weeks ago (after a bill passed approving the "unions" in California) I noted in a post on the heels of the brouhaha - that based on my own familiarity with the scriptures - a relationship with a same-sex partner was not wrong in the eyes of God.

In newly-disclosed correspondence, it has been revealed that the Archbishop of Canterbury - Rowan Williams - penned his thoughts on the controversial subject.

In sum, he asserted that the Bible doesn't forbid sax-sex relationships when there is a commitment similar to those in traditional marriages.

In the news report - the English journalists outlined all the Archbishop's views - based on communications he wrote between the years 2000-2001 to an associate, Deborah Pitt.

Ms. Pitt is an Evangelical who asked the Archbishop for his opinion on the issues.

The newspaper quoted Williams verbatim,

"I concluded that an active sexual relationship between two people of the same sex might therefore reflect the love of God in a way comparable to marriage, if and only if it had about it the same character of absolute covenanted faithfulness."

In my own post weeks ago, I noted it was essential the relationship be nurturing, loving - and most of all - monogamous.

In the final analysis, for those in doubt, I urge prayer for guidance on the subject.

God may answer in mysterious ways!

Michael Phelps...Blog stats go thru roof! Olympic fans hungry for pics!

Well, when I posted a blurb on Michael Phelps yesterday, I didn't anticipate that his remarkable performance at the Olympics in recent days would boost the hunky swimmer into such celebrated International Sports-Star Status!

The truth confronted me this morning when I checked my blog stats.

There were so many hits that he garnered top slot and left all the other popular posts in his wake.

Olympic enthusiasts appear to be hungry for anything that is "Michael Phelps".

I expect there will be million-dollar product endorsements, TV commercials, a line of sportswear.

You name it, Michael. The sky - er - "cube" - is no limit!

Tonight, the world will be buzzing as Phelps strives for his sixth gold win.

Tune in. Be a part of History.

Amerika

Michael Phelps...Wows World With Wins! Photos, a bit of a concern!

As the Olympics competitions head into the main stretch, the remarkable performance of Michael Phelps in the "cube" at Beijing, continues to captivate the world.

Yesterday, for instance, there were two stunning 1st-prize wins!

Despite a moment of crisis when water seeped into his goggles and flooded his unprotected eyes with chlorine - Phelps struck pay dirt with his signature stroke - the Butterfly.

Then - there was no holding him back an hour later - when he swam on to glory in tandem with his hyped-up swim mates in the U.S. 800 freestyle event.

Now - the aw-shucks down-to-earth stud - stands alone.

Yup, the winningest Olympic athlete ever.

And, don't forget about those five world records over the course of five events at Beijing, either.

The lad is a human dynamo, poetry in motion, and a golden boy unsurpassed - all rolled into one tidy muscled bod - comprised of flesh, muscle, and bone.

Which raises my concern.

In all the photos that have flooded across a myriad of multi-media screens - it appears that while Michael is mighty ripped - his stellar body appears to be very lean on actual "fat".

I understand that the extra body weight might slice a second or two off of his record.

In view of that - I say - okey-dokey.

Go get 'em, boy!

But, I trust that when the Olympics call it a wrap - and the world-class swimmer packs up all his gold trinkets - that he'll dash out and gobble down a juicy hamburger or thick protein-filled steak.

After all - all muscle and no beef - does not a healthy young man make.

The Mask...quote!

The mask I wear to the world
melts away
when a moment of compassion fills my heart

Julian Ayrs
Chocolate Buddha
Collection of Poems

California "stop"...definition!

A California "stop" is successfully maneuvered when a driver manages to slow down, glance at the stop sign for a second or two, then cruise on down the highway without catching the eye of old smokey.

Barack Obama...tit for tat. Buy American, McCain!

McCain's sweet ride just hit bump in road...


When Barack Obama was off in Germany wowing European trash, McCain was thick in redneck country in hot pursuit of meat and potato votes.

In fact, the Republican candidate's impromptu stop-over at a rally for a Hell's Angels motorcycle convention in Sturgis (South Dakota) was considered a roadhouse hit.

"I'll take the roar of 50,000 Harleys any day," McCain quipped.

Quick on the uptake, and not to be left in the dust, Barack's team launched a radio blitz this past week in Wisconsin to set the record straight.

McCain, the insightful blurb points out, opposed a requirement that the Government buy American-made motorcycles.

Bottom line, the spot accuses McCain of hypocrisy and concludes bitingly,

"It's time to hear the roar of the strong economy again - and stop John McCain from shipping our jobs overseas."

Ouch!

Bill Plaschke...LA TIMES writer takes potshots at Michael Phelps. A**hole!

Winners all...



As the world celebrates a remarkable victory by Michael Phelps at the Beijing Olympics yesterday, LA TIMES' writer - Bill Plaschke - continues to take negative potshots at the Olympic Champion.

As I noted in a post yesterday, Plaschke called Phelps a "dork".

Today, he continued with his negative jabs at America's darling.

First, for some inexplicable reason, he found it necessary to knock the swimmer by noting that he was busted for a DUI once.

If that wasn't disagreeable enough, he proceeded to not only make reference to a "broken" wrist in the past but - inferred somehow - that behind the incident some dark secrets hid in the shadows yet to be revealed.

To top it off, he made fun of a moustache that Phelps once sported.

Then, he summed up by asserting that Phelps was "still a dork."

Obviously, Plaschke is jealous of Michael Phelps!

Notwithstanding, Plaschke is undoubtedly one of those demented individuals who has to tear other people down in order to raise himself up.

When the hack writer at the daily looks in the mirror in the morning, though, he is faced with an ugly sight.

Staring back at him is the face of a man who never wrote the great American novel or received any accolades (or respect) from his peers.

He also has to reconcile the fact that he has stolen ideas from other writers in order to keep his own creative juices flowing.

Yes, I have proof!

As to Phelps, he has the grace to turn the other way.

That's the difference between a good sport and a bad one.

As the world honors a great athlete today, in social circles around the country, Americans are talking in disgust about Bill Plaschke.

Loser!

Blog...published in foreign languages. How does "Tattler" translate?

Just recently it came to my attention that "The Tattler" is being read in German, Italian, French, Spanish - and possibly - Japanese.

And - who knows - perhaps in a smidgen of computer-speak, too.


So, I have paused to consider whether the blog musings translate well.

Because I am inclined to use a lot of slang in my posts - I wonder - does the stilted prose cause some consternation to newbies overseas?

Then, there are those fu**king fleeting expletives. Is it just an American phenomenon, or do censors across the pond have to deal with naughty words in far-a-way mystical lands like they do in the puritanical States?

I tend towards self-censorship out-of-courtesy to my Christian readers. But, I am curious to know if foreign readers find the asterisks dotting the literary landscape humorous like readers on these shores do. Or, just plain baffling?

As to the windbag material on my blog!

Well, I endeavour to avoid being too local.

As George Bush would say, "I try to be Universal". In appeal, at least.

So, I tend to toss in a few candid shots of celebrities here and there to amuse, then guide the unsuspecting down the garden path as best I know how.

Occasionally, I'll feature a foreign film like - "The Live of Others" - to reveal my strident West Coast intellectual side. Or, report on the celebrity sighting of a respected European actress - like Nastassja Kinski - to butter 'em up a little.

And, if a hearty few manage to maneuver through all the landmines in my prose, there is a definite upside. They'll be privy to a bird's-eye view of the topsy-turvy 2008 Presidential Election Race. A bit skewered, I confess.

But, what good is a blog, if you can't wield your elusive power now and then?

However, now I am facing a new dilemma.

Some posts are garnering "comments" from my fast friends on far shores.

But, frankly my dears, it's all Greek to me.

I am inclined to just "publish" the scribbles without deciphering as a courtesy to web surfers who diligently traversed miles of data from beyond to peruse me.

But, what if the message - unbeknowst to me - flippantly laments:

"Fu** you!"

Is there a universal response that says "same to you" succinctly?

Barack Obama...smarter than a fifth grader?

Ah, I see that McCain has igored Barack's criticism about the ad campaign that poked fun at the the democratic hopeful's celebrity, and thrown together another splashy barb to broadcast over the airwaves.

Wait a minute, what say?

The new blitz on Television - featuring the chatty gals from "The View" and Steve Carell on "Saturday Night Live" - was tossed into the "McCain-O-Sphere" by Barack's upright ethical team?

Oh, right. There's the imfamous hug!

You mean to say that in spite of the fact Barack chastised McCain for poking fun at his "oneness" - and scolded that such antics amounted to grade school tactics - that Barack's campaign team went copycat anyway?

Talk about hypocrisy.

Barack, "Aren't you smarter than a fifth grader?"


Catchy Madison Avenue slogans push Obama's celebrity to the fore...

Chapters of my life...quote!

My life is an open book
except for the end
which hasn't been written yet!

Julian Ayrs
Chocolate Buddha
Collection of Poems

Barack Obama...White Supremacist twisted logic!

White supremacists are arguing that if Obama gets elected in November, it may be a plus for their movement.

For instance - one higher-up in the Ku Klux Klan recently asserted that if elected - Barack Obama would trigger a backlash.

At that juncture, whites would be inspired to rise up and revolt in the streets.

Another Civil War in America?

After all, in his estimation, whites have lost control of America.

Bottom line?

A win for Barack Obama would jar the Caucasian race into action, stir 'em up off their fannies, and out of their sleepy complacency.

Richard Barrett - a sixty-five year-old lawyer who has been traveling the country supporting white-related issues - is convinced that Barack will win in November.

And, that there will be an upheaval, on the heels of his election victory.

In particular, Barrett notes that Civil Rights issues will be of concern.

"Instead of a so-called civil-rights bill, for example, that says you have to give preference to minorities, I think American people are going - once they see the "Obamanization" - they're going to demand a tweaking of that and say, "You have to put the majority in office."

Talk about twisted logic.

Fortunately, the majority of white Americans are not racist.

In fact, about 200,000 Americans involved with the Anti-Defamation League and the Southern Poverty Law Center (who monitor white supremacist organizations) assert that a white "revolution" is pure fantasy.

In my own estimation, the wild scenario the White Supremacists envision will never see the light of day.

God Bless America!

George Bush...Quote! He said what?

Bush's cosmic dance...


George and Laura Bush attended service at a local Protestant Church in Beijing yesterday.

Later in the day, the President met with three top Chinese Officials and was inclined to expound on the joy and privilege of worship in China.

I expect a few people were a little dumbfounded when Bush blurted out,

"You know, it goes to show you that God is Universal."

Duh!

George - did you just figure that one out - or was it a Divine revelation heaven sent?

John Edwards...scandal. LA TIMES writer claims Rielle Hunter a plotting wacko!

Rielle scans room for rich and famous men...


The tale gets curiouser.

According to a writer who crossed paths with Rielle Hunter - the woman is a bit of a wacko - who plotted feverishly to land herself a "rich powerful man".

Of course - Ms. Hunter is the femme fatale at the center of the John Edwards' scorcher - which has titillated the Nation all week.

In an article in the LA Times today, Sarah Miller reports that in October (2001), she rented a room in a trendy Benedict Canyon home owned by a good friend.

As the report unfolds, there are couple of amusing asides about Harrison Ford - and conjectures that his virile hands crafted some of the woodwork in the house - but that ends up being mindless fodder in the grand scheme of things as Miller moves along.

Allegedly, when Miller relinquished the cozy nest - the now-infamous Rielle Hunter not only moved into her old digs - but became somewhat obsessed with the fact she was firmly ensconced in a lair once inhabited by a "famous writer".

For example, when Ms. Miller returned to the canyon home for a party one night, Reille bounced out-of-the-blue - called her "sweetie" - and lamented,

"It's soooo amazing to me that I am living in your room!"

Understandably, Miller was taken aback.

Why pray tell?

Because, Miller was one of the rarefied breed - a published writer - after all.

"You wrote that article that was published in an actual book in the stores (!) in the room I sleep in. In the bed I sleep in," she gushed incredulously.

Then, in response to Miller's blank look, she ironically exclaimed,

"Didn't you write - 'The Bitch in the House?'"

And, if the revelations weren't bizarre enough, she asserted bold-faced,

"I can feel your energy in there!"

Miller laughingly conjectured that since she was long gone, surely her energy had decamped, as well.

But, Hunter was not convinced.

"You have really strong energy. And I can feel it in there. And it's telling me what I want to be."

Quick on the uptake, Miller asked, "What is that?"

"I am going to be famous," Rielle said. "Rich and famous. I am going to meet a rich, powerful man."

And, she planned to do it the new-fangled way. I mean, forget about courting and petting in dingy movie houses in a sleazy part of town.

"I'm going to manifest it."

Yup, the lady is a space cadet, alright.

Now we know why she refuses to take a paternity test.

The DNA results will probably reveal her child is an alien from outer space!


Got my eye on 'ya, babe!

Michael Phelps...wins gold! Tries to best Spitz record.

Golden Boy Phelps slices through the water a powerhouse...

With President Bush cheering on from the stands - U.S. swimmer Michael Phelps best his own previous world mark of 1.41 seconds for the 400 individual medley in swimming - and subsequently swam on to win his first Gold Medal in Beijing.

In 2004, the handsome jock won six gold medals and two bronze honors in the Athens competitions.

Now, at the start of the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, Michael Phelps has snatched up a golden opportunity to top a 7 Gold Medal Record set by Mark Spitz (Munich 1972).

Early on - Phelps confessed the medley was his biggest challenge in an individual event - but that hurdle is behind him now.

The likable athlete didn't feel so confident in the first 200 - especially in view of the fact - a handful of the swimmers were all bunched up. So, at that juncture, the celebrated swimmer threw himself into high gear.

Eyewitnesses marvelled at what a powerhouse he was as he blew the last 200 meters away.

When he nabbed the Gold, and popped out of the water, the crowd roared.

Phelps pointed both index fingers sky high, then pumped up his fist.

A blur of red white and blue screamed back at him as fans ecstatically waved the American Flag from the stands.

Although the American Anthem started up a bit garbled at first, the message was loud and clear.

It was a great moment for the Golden Boy - Michael Phelps - and the United States Olympic Team.