AIDS WALK LOS ANGELES...October 19th! Battle not over!

Over the years, events have come and gone.

But, the AIDS walk has been a mainstay.

In fact, in these parts - the Annual AIDS walk, West Hollywood's Halloween Carnival (go figure!) and the Gay Pride Parade have always been the three largest "must-attend" celebrations of the year.

When the epidemic first broke out a couple of decades ago - virtually nothing was known about the disease - except that once a patient displayed symptoms he probably would not survive.

Troubled by inaction on the part of the government - and the frustrations which hindered the medical community - a group of compassionate, dedicated, and capable San Franciscans founded the San Francisco AIDS Foundation in 1982. (SFAF).

It was in this climate of paranoia and uncertainty that SFAF held its first AIDS Walk (originated by 26-year-old Craig Miller) and his newly formed organization of activists in 1985. (MZA Events)

Miller's crusade launched the world’s first successful AIDS Walk in Los Angeles which was followed by another on the eastern seaboard in New York in 1986.

The money raised at that event - and the annual AIDS Walks that have followed - enabled SFAF to engage in critical work and provide services to more than 100,000 men, women, and children living with HIV/AIDS and their families.

A portion of the AIDS Walk proceeds have also been distributed to important AIDS organizations within the Bay Area.

There was a breakthrough in 1986 when scientists isolated the virus that causes AIDS and named it the Human Immune-Deficiency Virus (HIV).

Researchers determined that HIV was transmitted sexually or intravenously from one individual to another - man or woman - gay or straight.

In spite of the urgency for action, HIV remained shrouded in ignorance and bigotry.

Shockingly, the Federal government turned a blind eye and was slow to respond to the crisis!

In the early days, the AIDS walk was mainly comprised of gay men afflicted with the disease, their loved ones, family members, researchers, support groups, and concerned health-care workers.

Over the years, I was personally heartened to witness many jump on the bandwagon - young children from schools learning about compassion and understanding and the need to give a selfless helping hand to others - walkers en masse from the "straight community" - and a host of commercial sponsors.

Biggie corporate supporters today include: Bank of America, Target, Toyota, Disney, and 20th Century Fox.

Today, the AIDS walk is hosted by the Hilton Family.

Seems like a scant few years ago the hint of an HIV infection might result in loss of employment, a shunning by society - and worse - a productive useful life to end in despair and misery without hope!

Today, everyone stands in unison, walking tall and proud.

Thanks to people like Elizabeth Taylor, Craig Miller, and SFAF, who have worked tirelessly over the years to raise funds and end discrimination against the infected.

The stigma is on the way out.

Can the cure be far behind?

I have fond memories of the events.

I've "walked the walk" in Los Angeles on numerous occasions - and in San Francisco, Toronto, and on the West Coast of Vancouver - as well.

In spite of the seriousness of the occasion, there's usually a throng of festive walkers in tow, all in good spirits.

Along the route, there are usually a handful of pit-stops, with plenty to snack on to sustain energy levels.

If you attend this year's walk (October 19th) be sure to snap up the - yogurt, fruit, and thirst-quenching water - to buoy yourself up on the energy-sapping journey to raise consciousness and funds for the sick and needy.

And, take a moment to splash in the "water-misters" scattered along the stretch of the "AIDS HIGHWAY" to stay hydrated and fresh for the joyous celebration at the end of the journey.

And, don't forget your cash, checkbooks, and donations!

After all, funding is still needed for research so that a cure may be found to end the deadly reach of this insidious disease.

I have a dream...

Registration info: http://www.aidswalk.net

Michael Phelps...hits tenfold! Stylish Mom in on action, too!

Michael Phelps splashes onto world stage...


As I reported a few days ago - during a span of one week when Michael Phelps was blasting his way into Olympic history at the Beijing games - my blog site revved up and soared in popularity around the globe because of a staggering number of frenzied fans seeking out tidbits of news about America's instant "golden boy".

After a couple of follow-up features, I expected the hysteria to drop off, though.

I was quite delirious - to say the least - when I logged on yesterday morning to discover that my blog stats reflected that due to the Michael Phelps posts - hits were boosted tenfold overnight.

Today, the trend has continued!

Just goes to show 'ya what happens when you hitch a ride with a superstar.

You get catapulted into the stratosphere - and there is no looking back - I guess.

In recent days, the phenomenon that is "Michael Phelps" has continued to surge forward full-steam ahead.

Facebook reported, for instance, that the Olympic Gold Medalist had a million requests for "friend" status at the most popular social hub on the Internet.

And, on the heels of his historic wins, the studly swimmer was signed to grace the package of a popular morning breakfast cereal.

"Breakfast-of-Champions-style"

Even humble "Mom" managed to snatch up a little of the limelight, too.

USA Today reported that fans not only took note of the outfits she was inclined to sport in the stands each day - but later dashed into Chico's to pull the attractive outfits off the racks - to emulate the stylish woman.

Can a signature line be in the offing?

And, all the hoopla will be recorded for posterity in a published tome.

According to news flashes this weekend - it was revealed that Michael Phelps has signed a pact with a publisher to write a book about all the behind-the-scenes events at the Beijing Olympics - which is sure to excite his enthusiastic fan base.

"Built to Succeed" will focus on his philosophy on training and competition.

He has one, at such a young age?

I guess so, to score so big at the Olympics, eh?

But, the page-turning will not be just a piece of fluff.

The editor has noted that the bio will not only take a foray into normal aspects of his childhood, but also take an insightful glimpse into the heart-wrenching experience of being raised by a single mother.

Phelps will also discuss what it was like to cope with an attention deficit disorder.

Where do I order a copy?

Michael Phelps in Vogue...

Barack Obama...Joe Biden. Salt & Pepper team to appear at rally!

Did you want honey on those grits?


The dailies are now on the uptake and reporting that Joe Biden has been selected as the Vice Presidential hopeful for the Democrats in the upcoming fall election.

In my own post last night, I gave my own nod of approval.

Excellent choice, considering the meager offerings, eh?

Voters can catch the "Salt & Pepper" team in action later today when the dynamic duo make a first-time appearance together at an upbeat rally in Springfield (Illinois) at the Old State Capitol.

Shortly after the formalities, it is expected the top dems will make a handful of strident appearances in key states, before the running mates descend on the Democratic throngs in Denver on Wednesday.

Pundits will be watching to see how the two personalities gel.

I anticipate that at some point on the campaign trail - as each candidate has splintered off to glad-hand prior to the big day - a few delightfully entertaining - "Good Cop" "Bad Cop" - scenarios may go down.

Can't be avoided, given the character traits of each hopeful.

In fact, as Americans head into the final stretch of the presidential elections, I predict that the landscape will get downright intriguing.

May you live in interesting times, Barack!

Barack Obama...chooses Joe Biden as VP. No, not a yes man!

Yeah, I'm a backdoor man...

If anything, I was surprised that Barack Obama elected to reveal his choice for Vice President before the National Democratic Convention rang up the curtain next week.

This week's controversial mud-slinging with John McCain may have played a part in it!

No matter.

Biden comes as a welcome choice to moi.

But, when the mainstream press made mention of his name about two days ago as possible running mate, I was surprised as heck. After all, I didn't realize the Obama team was even considering the old windbag.

But, when it was announced on the sly today that the choice was made - and that the candidate was not a "yes man" - I figured right off the bat it was going to be Biden!

Some have been theorizing that Barack needed a solid candidate on the ticket that had a proven record of "good works" and one that Americans trusted and respected in a myriad of voting sectors around the country.

Yeah, Biden's the man, alright.

After all, he's well-versed in foreign policy and on defense issues.

At sixty-five years of age, he's also a seasoned pro.

For the record, it should be noted that "Joe" has twice-sought a slot at the White House during the course of his long, distinguished, and illustrious career.

In his roles as Chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee and head of the Judiciary Committee, Biden was able to build a solid reputation for himself in American political and social circles over the past couple of decades.

The Obama campaign is expected to release a text message on Saturday morning with all the specifics.

Biden dropped out of the 2008 race for the Democratic presidential nomination after fair poorly in the Iowa caucuses. At that time, he talked dismissed the notion of joining a ticket by virtue of another candidates bid for the Oval Office.

"I am not running for vice president," he said in a Fox interview.

"I would not accept it if anyone offered it to me. The fact of the matter is I'd rather stay as chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee than be vice president."

Well, that was yesterday, and this is today.

At long last, the cat is out of the bag.

And, in spite of the fact savvy voters knew it all along, Hillary Clinton is now finally out of picture.

Ding Dong!

The Witch is Dead.

With Biden in the White House, I'll have more time in the field...

Vizeau...risque swimwear & bold work-out trappings for the liberated man! Visionary German Design...

If you're a stud with scads of confidence, and a ripped bod to back it up, then German Fashion House - Vizeau - has designs on you!

The scintillating, eye-popping collection of swimwear, work-out clothes, and casual wear is stunning.

If you have the style to pull it off, I dare 'ya.

Where's David Beckham when you need him?

McCain...Condo Ho. Barack not off hook, either!

Presumptive candidate's new home...

Well, it was expected.

At some point, McCain was bound to make a serious misstep and send his campaign into a tailspin.

It occurred with the infamous - can't count past three - scenario which unfolded this past week on the campaign trail.

When asked how many homes the family held in their name - he was inclined to advise pundits at politico.com - that he would get back to 'em cause,

He "didn't know".

Of course, the startling response did not bode well, no matter how a voter fathomed it.

Was the Republican party's top pit bull having a senior moment?

On the one hand, perhaps McCain was inferring that he has so many assets he can't keep track of 'em!

In the alternative - the nasty bit of business underscored that when McCain is flapping in the breeze (without a net to catch him) - he has trouble "winging" it.

No matter how you haggle it - American voters must be asking themselves right about now - is this the kind of clueless president they want running the country?

Barack didn't fair too well on the uptake, either.

He went for the jugular!

Barack seized on the issue of McCain's wealth to underscore that the presidential hopeful was out-of-touch with the needs of voters struggling in a difficult economy.

"If you're like me and you've got one house, or if you were like the millions of people who are struggling right now to keep up with their mortgage so they don't lose their home, you might have a different perspective."

First, I thought it intriguing that Barack referred to his residence as a "house". Most people call their abode a "home".

So, maybe in his instant case, the dwelling is actually an investment?

And, what a prize asset it is!

A million-dollar Manse in an upscale part of town.

And, don't think Barack's poke at the old windbag McCain didn't have repercussions.

If you ask me, the presumptive candidate, should have let "sleeping dogs lie".

Yeah, a McCain spokesperson jumped right on that one.

"Does a guy who made more than $4 million last year, just got back from a vacation on a private beach in Hawaii, and bought his own million-dollar mansion with help from a convicted felon really want to get into a debate about houses?"

Ah!

Barack, time to retreat.

The scriptures provide a clue at John 8:7

"Let he who has not sinned cast the first stone."

Jody Foster...to pay palimony? Lesbo circles incestuous!

Foster a lipstick lesbian?

Gossip mongers are hinting that Jody Foster may have to face a palimony suit.

Allegedly, Ms. Foster has been in a long-term relationship with another woman. But, now that the two-some have gone kaput - and Jody is nurturing a cozy romance with a sexy new partner - some are speculating that a court battle over assets may be in the offing.

The respected actress racked up at least 100 mil (according to informed sources) during the former union which - according to easy math - signals that the cutie may have to part with $25 big ones at a minimum.

Some people in-the-know (and close to the principals) have whispered that in a bold-faced effort to avoid any nasty legal battles - or tawdry displays of soiled linen in public - Ms. Foster elected to introduce her new gal pal to her ex.

The reasoning?

Foster figures in that pretty little noggin' of hers - that if the dynamic trio all get along - there may not be any need for any ugly tustling in the courts.

But, Jody may have overlooked one important factor.

Lesbians tend to be an incestuous lot.

Once a love affair doesn't pan out - jilted partners tend to split off into their "circle" - and recycle each other!

Watch out, Jody!

You may be left out in the cold at night and finding yourself short of cash at the local ATM.

Michael Phelps...gay gossip inspires quote. It's a guy thing!

Rumor and speculation abound...


A couple of days ago I penned a post noting that a sports writer at the TIMES was hinting that Olympic Swimmer - Michael Phelps - might be gay.

Shortly thereafter, the Internet was all a-buzz with speculation.

Today, Kevin Van Valkenburg (a sports writer) asserted for the record that - not only is Phelps straight - but that he has a girlfiend.

However, Kevin poohed poohed suggestions by TMZ that the woman in question was a fellow swimmer.

After a clever cat 'n mouse game, the columnist finally concluded by espousing a philosophical message which I perceive as the quote of the day:

"Some things in a guy's life deserve to be kept private."

He got that right.

Like, what kind of condoms he uses. And - in particular - whether he springs for premium-size latex or "one size fits all".

Yeah, quite a few guys hang in the humbler category.

Then, there's the issue of lovemaking. A woman should never disclose that he likes it doggie-style or missionary-style - or even if he likes to talk dirty - when he gets down 'n nasty.

And, it's a definite no-no to talk about the size - um - grandeur (or lack thereof) of his man tool.

Don't want to give him a Napoleon complex, do 'ya?

By the way, guys - if you ever decide to check out your best buddy (at the urinal, in the locker room, or while showering) to fathom what he's got hanging between his muscular limbs that turns the women (or guys) on - just remember one thing.

Not all studs are "showers".

Uh-huh. Some dudes are "growers".

While flaccid, a regular Joe may look like his co** is the size of a church mouse's.

But, once aroused, his "Johnson" may turn into a roaring monster.

Yup.

That's how legends are born!

If it doesn't fit, you can't convict...

Medical Marijuana...Senate passes AB 2279.

Just a few moments ago, I received word from Don Duncan at the headquarters of Americans for Safe Access that the California Senate approved ASA’s bill (AB 2279) to protect medical cannabis patients from discrimination in the workplace.

There was a groundswell of grassroots support from thousands of ASA members and concerned residents of California once the issue made news around the State.

In addition - three labor unions representing nearly one million workers in California - backed the important initiative, too.

The win constitutes a great victory in the defense and expansion of the rights of medical cannabis patients.

AB 2279 is now on its way to the Governor’s desk.

Assembly member - Mark Leno - introduced AB 2279 after the California Supreme Court ruled that workers could be fired simply because of their status as medical cannabis patients.

Since AB 2279 was first presentated to the Senate, reps at ASA have worked tirelessly to muster up support for the well-crafted bill.

Senate Majority Leader - Gloria Romero - brought AB 2279 to the Senate floor earlier this afternoon and it was summarily passed.

Info: www.AmericansForSafeAccess.org/AB2279.

Dhani Harrison...Sasha Pivovarova. Fashion shoot featuring slaughtered Lynx & Fox a no-no!!!

In a fall issue of a trendy magazine, Dhani Harrison and Sasha Pivovarova are center-stage in a stylish spread which can only be described - at best - as naughty excess.

At a time when the economy is struggling and Americans are worrying about losing their homes - a fashion feature focusing on such vulgar fashion trends - must have regular folks around the country shaking their heads.

Personally, I was surprised that Dhani was so clueless about the shocking inappropriate use of animal fur - in this instance Lynx and Fox - for such a senseless wasteful human whim.


Ironic, too, when you consider that his celebrated father - George Harrison - was so sensitive about the enviroment, wise to the need to protect all creatures great and small, and keenly aware of man's earthly place in the overall scheme of things.

These two young adults are poor role models for their contemporaries.


How would Dhani or Sasha like having their own pretty little heads scalped of their luscious locks so that the human strands could be crafted into a clutch purse for some upscale boutique on Rodeo Drive?

The sooner these two dim-witted fashionionistas get wise about the useless slaughter of animals, the quicker they'll be on their way to becoming responsible caring citizens of the world.

George Harrison must be turning over in his grave!

Colin Farrell...porn footage on web site incites actor's ire!

Colin wears flesh tone and tats well...


According to a writer who pens a "tell-all" society column for one of the local gay publications (IN Magazine), Colin Farrell's attorney demanded that a video featuring titillating porn footage of the superstar actor be removed from the site.

Pronto!

In response, the journalist wondered aloud if the legal eagle's request wasn't a little off-base.

After all, he quipped, Farrell's performance on-camera was his best yet!

Apparently, the sexy thespian does a bang-up job between the sheets.

I've never known the columnist to be untruthful, so I expect his account of the events is correct.

From a legal standpoint - in my estimation - the scenario would hinge on the origins of the video, who owned the rights, how the webmaster got his little hands on it, and so forth and so on.

Stay tuned for updates, if any!

Sexy actor wears clothes well, too...

Bill Clinton...e-mails an invite to moi to attend the Democratic National Convention...for 5 bucks!

I'll be third on the left behind Bill...



Gosh - I thought I put a block on e-mails from wily Hillary and slick Willy after they went down with the good ship lollipop - with the express intent of zapping all future communications into the spam mail box.

Well, maybe it slipped my mind. Or - just maybe the Clinton's have powerful Voo-Doo powers way beyond Yahoo's protective arm - that I am unfamiliar with.

You guessed it.

The persistent duo landed in my Yahoo mail box later this afternoon with an invitation for me to put in my face at the Democratic National Convention next week in Denver.

Get this! All I have to do is pay a paltry five bucks.

Is Barack aware of the cheapie party the Clinton's are tossing beneath his presumptive nose?

In the communication - addressed quite simply to "Dear Julian" - Bill starts off methodically by noting that he has done a lot of role-playing - um - played so many roles at so many of the Dem Conventions over the years.

Yeah, he's been a puppet, a pauper, a pirate and - oh, that was Frank Sinatra - wasn't it?

I'll let him use his own choice words,

"I've been there as a campaign worker, a governor, a keynote speaker, a nominee, a president, and a former president."

Then, he goes on to tease me a little,

"But no convention is quite like your first. There is nothing like seeing for the first time so many people in one place working toward one common purpose: electing the next Democratic president. It's an inspiration and you don't want to miss it if you have a chance."

I'll hop right to it, Bill.

So, what's the catch?

For starters, Bill urges that I act right away.

"Take Hillary up on her offer and contribute by midnight tonight for a chance to attend the Denver convention in person. You'll get to see Hillary speak on Tuesday, and Barack Obama - the next president (?) of the United States - on Thursday."

But, what about that McCain guy? 'Ya know, the wrinkly old dude that Paris Hilton is always fussing over?

He's of no consequence, I guess.

Besides, there's a bonus for me if I jump on the bandwagon tonight.

Bill notes Hillary will take time out of her busy schedule (!) to have a one-on-one chat with moi.

Fireside, I wonder?

Guess what? Bill also assures me he'll saunter by to say hello, too.

I must jot down a reminder on my "to do" list not to forget my miniature video cam.

But, I have to act fast; after all, the instructions - er - invitation is quite specific:

"Enter (?) before midnight tonight for a chance to see me, Hillary, and Barack Obama at the convention in Denver next week!"

If I don't respond by twelve on the dot, what will happen?

Will I turn into a pumpkin or - eghads - a full-fledged republican, do 'ya think?

Do you take pay pal?

Eddy Hartenstein...new Publisher at LA TIMES steps in sh** first day on job!

The carnival that is Sam Zell's empire...

Amid declining sales revenue and lack of readership interest in the LA TIMES, the Southern California daily has struggled to stay fiscally healthy in recent months.

To combat the growing problem - heads have not only rolled - but there have been massive cuts in the editorial department which seriously undermine the paper's ability to compete in the ever-changing print and multi-media landscape.

On Monday, the new publisher - Eddy Hartenstein - stood before stalwart staffers with the specific intent of assuring the disgruntled, the disillusioned - and the plain old tired and weary - that with his hand at the helm the paper's woes may turn around.

He's basing that assumption on the fact that he was a local boy who knows the marketplace.

That may be true.

But, he obviously knows nothing about office politics.

After all - in his speech to staff members yesterday - he asserted bold-faced that he was not going to let Sam Zell (Tribune Publishing ) micro-manage his new star.

Ooops!

Hartenstein made his first big mistake.

Never cast aspersions on your "boss" - not in public - at least!

I give him twelve months.

Nice knowin' 'ya, Eddy!

Mayor Villaraigosa...LA TIMES quote of the day!

I never even read the book on Obama...


When Mayor Villaraigosa was passed over to speak next week at the Democratic National Convention, many shook their head in puzzlement at the apparent snub.

A few political pundits have since theorized that because Barack is under the impression that he has "California" in his back pack, that a gracious walk-on by the Los Angeles Mayor is not necessary.

But a writer at the LA TIMES - Phil Willon - uttered up the quote of the day when he speculated as to why the Big Orange's top politico was not invited.

"Maybe they thought it was easier to pronounce "Richardson" than "Villaraigosa".

Ouch!

Life's a beach...

Michael Phelps...popular sex partner! TMZ's Levin "outed" on radio show.

Harvey Levin friend of "Dorothy"...



I was flipping the radio dial in traffic when I stumbled on a chat a disc jockey was having with Harvey Levin - the gossip maven - at TMZ.

In a recent poll over the weekend - viewers were asked who they would prefer to hop into the sack with - actor George Clooney or Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps.

The Gold Medalist scored the highest with pollsters at 57%.

Curiously, the disc flipper at the popular radio station, sort-of outed Harvey Levin on the air!

When Levin made a comment about "Dorothy", the host slyly chortled,

"Yeah, we've heard you're a friend of Dorothy, alright."

In the early days of Hollywood, gay actors were subtly referred to as "musical" among industry insiders.

Producers were a little less kind and were often inclined to hiss behind a homosexual's back,

"He's light in the loafers."

The "Dorothy" quip sprang from the fact Judy Garland was blessed with a number of devoted fans who were "flaming fags".

Meanwhile, near the end of the report, Levin reported on the fact that an actor starring on the "Office" got busted recently for "Methedrine".

I was quite surprised to hear Levin - and the disc jockey - whine about how mystified they were that so many rich celebrities wasted their high on a cheap drug like "speed".

Heh, guys!

To many, Meth is the best sex stimulant around.

Once your party pal can get it up, of course.


Phelps beats out Clooney in sex poll...

Bill Plaschke...stolen ideas an embarassment to News Organization!

Plaschke inspired by intellectual property of others?


Today, one of the top news organizations in the country, brought attention to a notice posted on April 1st (2008) which announced that Bill Plaschke - a journalist at the Los Angeles Times - got the nod for sports-column writing.

Apparently, Plaschke finished ahead of "The Oregonian's" John Canzano, the "Boston Globe's" Dan Shaughnessy, the "Kansas City Star's" Jason Whitlock and the "Washington Post's" Mike Wise.

On the heels of the acknowledgement, Mr. Plaschke blushed that he was humbled by the "honor".

He should be.

After all - as I reported in a post a couple of days ago - he has a propensity to steal ideas from other writers to fuel his creative engine!

Talk about an embarrassment to the field of sports journalism!

Ralph Waldo Emerson once said,

It has come to be practically a sort of rule in literature, that a man, having once shown himself capable of original writing, is entitled thenceforth to steal from the writings of others at discretion."

Ellen DeGeneres...Portia de Rossi...marry! No tinsel, but lots of style!

A couple of days ago when I penned a post on comments made by the respected Archbishop of Canterbury that "gay unions" were OK with God, I featured a publicity still of effervescent Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi with a caption that read,

"Poster Girls for gay marriage"


Since the duo had not tied the knot at that juncture, I suppose a few folks shook their heads, and were a little puzzled by the notion.

But - you see - occasionally I get these "psychic" feelings about upcoming events!

Thank you Ellen and Portia for confirming my intuitions were correct.

Yes, the handsome - er - pretty couple were wed in a private ceremony at their home in Los Angeles this past weekend.

By foregoing on a big blow-out at a local Church, the lovebirds avoided a carnival-like atmosphere, which would have turned the blessed celebration into a wild circus.

Portia's mother - Margaret Rogers - flew in for the sacred ceremony.

And, Ellen's ma was in tow, too.

The glowing couple exchanged handwritten vows and later posed for photographs for posterity.

Portia was pretty in pink in an elegant Zac Posen designer dress she slipped on for the life-changing event, while her better half - the likable talk-show hostess with the mostest - stuck with an all-white trouser suit which has become her signature look.

Insiders say the newlyweds hugged and kissed and held hands throughout the night.

Ah, young love!

No word on who carried whom over the threshold.

Or, where they'll honeymoon.

Congrats!

Michael Phelps...gay? Writer Bill Plaschke at LA TIMES as subtle as Elephant!

Plaschke probes Phelps...


Well, at least LA TIMES writer - Bill Plaschke - didn't lament that Michael Phelps was a "dork" again in today's edition of the morning daily.

But, he continued with his bashing, nonetheless.

Paschke also appeared to be on a "fishing" expedition with a secret agenda in mind.

For instance - he made a point of noting that the Olympic Gold Medalist was close to his "mom" - but estranged from his father.

At this juncture, he wondered if Phelps had a girlfriend. And, if so, who she was.

Plaschke, you have all the subtlety of an elephant stampeding through daisies.

Are you hinting that Michael may be gay?

Is that it? Do you have the hots for the Olympic champion?

Obviously - when they hired Plaschke at the LA TIMES - they were scraping the bottom of the barrel.

In the future, I'll turn to more discerning news outlets for sports updates.

The sports section at the TIMES does make for a good lining for the kitty litter box, however.

Meow!!!

Phelps photo stirs up Plaschke's erotic funny bone...

Michael Phelps...TIMES writer Bill Plaschke takes jabs at Olympic Swimmer!

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.

Of course, when I talk about recognition - I mean from serious literary critics - not from incestuous clubby organizations who think they know what writing is all about.

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!