Justin Bieber...Mom says Pop Idol's talents a gift from God!

 

According to Justin Bieber's Mother, the Pop sensation's meteoric rise to superstardom was no accident.

In this month's issue of Vanity Fair - Justin graces the front cover - the dotting parent attributes the phenomenal success (and launch of the kid's talent into the stratosphere) to Divine Intervention.

Allegedly, Bieb's Mother was floundering around (buoyed down) at one point in her life because of a nasty problem with alcohol and drug addiction.

"One day I met God," she confided to the reporter who penned the insightful feature for the trendy magazine which hit the stands at supermarkets at the tail-end of this week.

It is her sincere belief that the Lord blessed her son with his gifts to share with the world.

Personally, I don't find the notion particularly startling.

A couple of years ago, I experienced a visitation from the Holy Spirit, so I am inclined to believe the woman.

In what amounts to a tell-all interview the Pop Star's Mother fessed up - that from the beginning - she was wary of hiring "yes" men when her son was first began to pursue his music career on YouTube and other high profile social hubs on the Internet.

"I was afraid he'd become a bit of a Diva," she stated matter-of-fact.

Ma'am the kid turned out alright, you betcha!

The publicity still on the first page of the Vanity Fair in-depth chat is a real hoot.

Justin is covered with smooch marks on his face, as a gaggle of girls press up against the window outside, and pine for his undying love (or at least a glance their way, for starters).

The spread is an ultra-slick promotion at its tippy-top best when it comes to the magazine trade!

What's next?

A coveted feature in Fortune 500?

Just maybe, when you consider that the sexy heartthrob was one of the biggest money-makers in the music business this past year. 

In fact, the numbers are staggering!

News at 11!

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A little flesh tease is titillating!

Pinot Days in Southern California...taste 90 Pinot Noirs! Thursday thru Saturday! Santa Monica!

 

Pinot days in Southern California is back with a vengeance!

Wine companies will be offering up Pinot samples during a three-day period at the Santa Monica Airport Barker Hangar this weekend (Thursday thru Saturday) alongside a handful of local restaurants on-the-ready to serve up a smorgasboard of delectable treats to pair with the stellar bill-of-fare.

You won't want to miss out on Saturday's Grand Tasting which will showcase over 90 phenomenal producers of pinot noir.

Consumers will be able to swill up to 300 pinots from all the important domestic pinot noir regions surrounding Southern California - for example - from the Russian River Valley to Oregon, Carneros to the Santa Lucia Highlands, and the Anderson Valley to the Sonoma Coast.

Hurry and snap up tickets now 'cause they're going fast!

See 'ya there!

Tickets & Info

http://www.pinotdays.com

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Britney Spears..."Hold it against me" soars in spins! Allegations of plagerism!

Britney Spears was walking on air when her single - "Hold it against me" - was released to media outlets around the country this past week.

According to Jive Records (her label) Ms. Spears broke all records for single-day spins in recent years on the radio!

If anything, the once-troubled pop star - who nearly slid into oblivion because of a monkey or two on her back a scant year or so ago - has proved one thing.

Uh-huh!

The blond bimbo bombshell is still a force to reckon with in the music industry.

Her handlers knew that when the Diva's star-turn on GLEE scored high in the overnight ratings race.

Fans are hungry for "anything Britney".

One act is crying foul, though!

The country pop duo - the Bellamy Brothers - couldn't believe their ears when a DJ flipped the platter and they heard what they thought were familiar strains of music on the single as it blasted over the airwaves.

"Didn't we already do that," they wondered aloud to all within earshot.

Indeed!

In 1979, the Country & Western dudes scored big on the charts with a catchy lyric that went something like this:

"If I said You had a Beautiful Body, Would you hold it Against me?"

Ooops!

Just a case of deja vu?

David Bellamy shook his head in disbelief.

"If you listen to the lyrics of Spears' single "Hold it Against  me?" you'll find some major similarities.

"Our little song went No. 1 and has since become one of the defining songs of our career," he groused.

But, he stopped short of accusing the Pop Princess of plagiarising their hit.

Of course, folks familiar with show-biz legends, are keen to the fact that Groucho Marx once used a similar phrase for the punch line of a joke on the highly-rated TV quiz show "You Bet Your Life".

I guess, it is always "open season" on material that is in the public domain, eh?

Britney, you go girl!

And, how was your day?

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Tap...fraud @ Metro Line's transit carrier! Rude insulting staff ignore problem!

 

Chances are that if you held a reduced fare card (pass for Disabled passengers & Seniors) for METRO Transit in Los Angeles, there was a bit of arm-twisting to get you signed up for the new-introduced TAP card.

In fact, any individual who was on record with Metro Transit Authority with a "special-rate" monthly pass, was automatically issued a TAP card, which was summarily mailed out to their address on file.

Was that a breach of privacy?

That's only the beginning of the shocking practises that are going down at TAP in a bold-faced effort to scoop up business for the dishonest corporate entity that is contracted to provide the TAP card (which is loaded and used to gain access throughout the month to access Metro Line, busses, and so-forth-and-so-on).

Now, TAP has set up a web site to encourage commuters to log on and load their TAP cards on the Internet with a credit card, direct debit account, you name it.

There is one problem, though.

City travellers have complained to Metro line employees (at the La Brea &  Wilshire outlet) that not only were their cards billed the applicable fee - but on more than one occasion - their accounts were dinged twice for the monthly charge.

Uh-huh!

Tap is "double-dipping".

In addition to that fraudulent conduct, it should be noted that when a client inputs their account number and attempts to add credit to their Metro Line tap card, oftentimes the fee is applied to the Antelope Valley Line or some other transportation service around the Southern California area.

If the individual attempts to use their card at the turnstile on the Metro line in Los Angeles, it is rejected - at which point - they must deposit a one-way fare with a cash payment until the issue is resolved.

When one customer contacted Tap employees at the in-house phone line at the La Brea Street Metro outlet (Los Angeles) and attempted to have the credit switched from Antelope Valley to the Metro Line service - he encountered rude insulting conduct from the employees - who just didn't give a damn.

Although one individual noted that they were disabled and on a limited budget, and that they needed to the credit back right away, the incompetent impolite worker showed no compassion or understanding.

"You have to call your credit card carrier and ask for a credit back.  I can't do that for you," she barked at the astounded local resident.

A call was put in to the credit card carrier and the operator promptly informed the individual that Metro Line would have to issue the credit back since the charge was posted from their web site.

Talk about a run-a-round!

Bottom line?

TAP is a useless Metro Line Service that is actively defrauding the general public (in particular the disabled and seniors unable to fend for themselves) and promoting a business venture that is not only useless contribution to the City of Los Angeles but a fraudulent one that should be stopped in its greedy tracks.

Mr. Mayor, what do you intend to do about it?

News at 11!

http://www.thetattler.biz/

Justin Bieber...CSI role reprised! 3-D biopic released in February!

It appears that Justin Bieber is intent on proving his "acting chops"!

Perhaps the teen pop flavor of-the-month can see the writing on the wall?

At Facebook, or wherever!

A teenie-bopper's crush can be fickle, after all, in the topsy-turvy world of sexy young Pop Stars.

Just maybe, Bieber is seeking to make a star turn - and thus - gain a solid foothold in show biz as a respected actor?

Can some coaching, or a stage production in New York, be far behind for the Kid wonder?

Inquiring minds want to know - as Justin returns to CSI this week in an episode - to reprise his role as a troubled teen on the celebrated crime show.

The "Bieb" with the bob made his acting debut on the hit night-time drama originally in the role of Jason McCann.

The pop singer's scenes (being shot this week) are slated for broadcast on February 17th.

By the way, the sensual young heart-throb's 3-D biopic (replete with concert footage) - "Never Say Never" - is due out next month as well.

Bieber will undoubtedly be quite the high-profile Valentine (can 'ya hear the hearts go pitter-patter?) up for grabs in February, eh?

Unless that new sweetie in his life has anything to say about it!

News at 11!

http://www.thetattler.biz

Actor's looks!

Dr. Conrad Murray...Jackson's Doctor must face trial for murder! Stripped of license!

After a week of testimony and strenuous court theatrics - a Judge presiding over a preliminary hearing pertaining to the mysterious death of Michael Jackson - has ruled that Dr. Conrad Murray must face manslaughter charges for his complicity in the sudden demise of the King of Pop.

When Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Michael Pastor handed down his verdict yesterday, he also stripped the doctor of his medical license, on the grounds that Murray was a threat to the community-at-large.

Specifically, the Jurist noted for the public record - that to allow Murray to continue to practice medicine - "would constitute an imminent danger to public safety."

During the course of the six-day preliminary hearing - a media frenzy prevailed outside on the courthouse steps - as a posse of witnesses (upwards of twenty in number) paraded through a gauntlet flanked with media hounds and into the courtroom to give testimony which kept rapt onlookers in the gallery on the edge of their seats.

Members of the Michael Jackson's family were in attendance throughout most of the hearing, but tended to remain silent during the course of the proceedings or when approached my overjealous reporters.

According to the Judge, evidence presented at hearing by prosecutors showed "a direct nexus in connection between the acts and omissions of Dr. Murray and the homicide in the case".

Subsequently, it was the order of the Superior Court that Dr. Conrad Muray stand trial on charges of manslaughter.

No doubt, the trial will turn into a media circus, too.

Stay posted, eh?

http://www.thetattler.biz

Julian Ayrs 5 Top Picks...Best Screenwriter! Oscar Race 2010!

If it isn't in the script, it probably won't end up on the silver screen.

And, even if it is - not matter how eloquently or succinctly expressed on the page - it might not either.

Of course, I am referring  to the written word!

If an actor or a director attempts to rewrite 'em - on the set, in their trailer, in the toilet room, wherever  - a lament from the author will undoubtedly ring out crystal clear from the edge of the great abyss - and harshly fall on all ears within earshot.

"Over my dead body!"

Even so, the almighty word is not always written in stone, once the artful turn-of-a-phrase has been rustled up out-of-the-blue.

I adhere to the old addage that words have power.

Words have the ability to - uplift, instill fear, inspire, cause hurt - you name it.

A wordsmith - with the magical gift to touch or utter up thoughts that resonate to the very core of a sentient being - is a rare and wonderful individual.

In the realm of screenwriting, in particular.

In the hands of a lesser talent - dialogue may end up stilted, a plot line inplausible, the ability to move one greatly lacking in emotion or righteous joy- you betcha!

As a former Literature Agent (who represented screenwriters) I can wholeheartedly attest to that fact!

With that in mind, I offer up my five (5) Top Picks for Screenplay for a feature film (Oscar Race 2010).

Here are the nominees not in any particular order:

Aaron Sorkin
The Social Network

David Seidler
The King's Speech

Joel & Ethan Cohen
True Grit

Michael Arndt
Toy Story

Billy Ivory
Made in Dagenham

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American Idol...Jennifer Lopez, Steve Tyler & Ryan Seacrest appear on Jay Leno show!

 

When Jay Leno threw down the red carpet tonight for American Idol's Judges - Jennifer Lopez, Steven Tyler, and Randy Jackson trotted out (with Ryan Seacrest in tow) - the audience went wild as a ripple of electricity zig-zagged throughout the theatre.

"It's a day job," joked Steve Tyler when affable Leno probed the legendary rocker about the rigors of committing to Fox's highly-rated talent show and the strenuous daily schedules involved.

It was a struggle to crawl out of bed at 6:30 a.m. - though - the aging Lothario admitted in so many words.

In unison, the trio of males were quick to underscore that when it came to Lopez, however, stepping out of the trailer (a floating palace on wheels) all sweetness-and-light at the crack-of-dawn was no problem.

"But, 'ya never know. It may have taken the make-up man five hours. We don't know."

"And, you never will," the pop chanteuse shot back with an infectious grin on her face.

As usual, Leno was anxious to get down to the nitty-gritty, with the specific aim of dredging up the scandalous scuttlebutt.

"It must be difficult for you to be mean, Jennifer," he innocently quizzed from behind the desk.

"Well, you can't say - 'you suck' - ," she giggled. 

"You try to find a way to be honest. But, sometimes telling the truth can be just as brutal," she noted almost in an afterthought.

Jennifer swears up-and-down that during the time frame when industry players thought she was initially holding out for more money (and perks) before signing on the dotted line - that, in all truth - she wasn't sure she wanted to take on the daunting weekly task.

Tyler - on the other hand - was approached impromptu and warmed up to the idea right away.

"I was in-between tours and had a lot of spare time on my hands. I thought it might keep me out of trouble," he quipped with a sly suggestive glance in the talk-show host's direction.

In contrast, his musician pals were not in accord, at all.

"They laughed at me," he recalled with a tinge of embarrassment.

Ryan Seacrest was upbeat and outgoing - Mr. Personality - as usual.

For the record, he announced that the Fox's ballot procedure (for casting votes) was overhauled to keep the process honest and fair.

Free of Bristol Palin-style controversies in the future???

The audience roared their approval when Tyler plugged an upcoming Tour planned for later in the year.

An album is in the works, too.

The Judges stressed that when the show kicks off on January 19th (2011) that the panel and show producers will be keeping a keen eye out for contestants who bring the "whole package" to the table.

No flashes in the pan - or one-hit wonders - please!

"We're on the look-out to uncover performers who have the potential to contribute to the music industry for decades to come," Jennifer confided in no uncertain terms.

So, contestants should keep that in the forefront of their mind, when preparing to audition for the top-rated Fox variety hit, which doesn't appear to be on its last legs just yet.

As Bugs Bunny would say:

That's all folks!

http://www.thetattler.biz

Dave Letterman Late Show...Snooki recites Top 10 list! Tonight in NYC!



That tarted-up trollop Snooki - infamous fifteen-minute hall-of-famer - is slated to saunter on stage live! at the Dave Letterman Late Show tonight - to wax poetic over a special Top Ten list.

Betcha a fiver - that the little spitfire will not only strut her stuff for toothy Dave's command performance - but also slip in a plug for her just-released tome which has been flying off bookshelves in recent days around the country.

Let's hope that the candid talk-show host doesn't get snookered along the way.

Pocket pool has never been the "Sport of Kings" after all.

By the way - funny-man Bill Cosby and the ever-popular "Black Keys" - will also appear on the late night bill-of-fare.

I plan to set the snooze alarm, how 'bout you?

http://www.thetattler.biz

Lindsay Lohan...crash lands SUV! Life's a beach!

The door became unhinged, I guess!

Though Lindsay Lohan has escaped the mean streets of LA LA LAND to tony climbs at a picturesque beach temporarily - it doesn't appear that the infamous recovering bimbo babe isn't out of harm's way - by a long shot! 

Go figure!

Taken aback by a posse of paparazz lolling about (LOL) on the well-manicured walkwayy outside her spanking-new digs - the dizzy starlet was inclined to shift into drive-by mode - to effect a mad dash for the open door of the garage on the lower level of the upscale condo unit.

What was intended to be a smooth maneuver - to avoid the prying press - ended up a comedy of errors.

Within minutes of cruising inside the garage (while the wheels were still smoking, dudes) the door tumbled down out-of-control (much like Ms. Lohan on a starry drug-laced Hollywood night) and smashed into the roof of the $130,000.00 SUV just "gifted" her.

Then - Eureka! - the door bounced up-and down-again without any rhyme or reason.

Uh-huh!

The loopy landing was all caught on camera- natch- by a TMZ photog who was on-the-ball.

Golly, those roving gossip mongers over at Harv's must have horseshoes up the a**, eh?

Talk about a scoop!

If it's any consolation to Lindsay, there wasn't one ghastly cactus bush in the vicinity to fall into!

But, the whole hilarious scenario begs the question.

Did the "Mean Girls" star fall off-the-wagon or is she just a lousy driver?

News at 11.

Or, on TMZ live at the dinner hour, tonight.

Later!

http://www.thetattler.biz



Victoria Beckham...mystery of implants solved! Baby makes four!



The tongues started to wag wildly when Victoria Beckham's handlers announced that the Pop Diva - the soccer stud's wife - was having her breast implants removed.

Were the body-building bust enhancers leaking or posing a potential health hazzard?

In the midst of a wave of frenzied speculation - Beck's better-half finally spilled the beans to all within earshot - over what must have been a very long weekend.

The pretty couple are expecting their fourth child.

A bundle of joy isn't so foreboding now, is it?

More like a welcome gaggle of giggles.

Congrats to Posh Spice and Becks!

http://www.thetattler.biz

Making Babies
(he shootsl! he scores!)

Cher...Pop Diva's final shows at Caesar's Palace! January 11th - February 5th!

 

Cher - the unsinkable legendary Pop Diva - is gearing up for a round of "Final Shows" to kick-off at the Colosseum on January 11th.

If 'ya missed the last couple of sell-out gigs in the desert oasis - listen up

This may be the Pop Diva's last bodacious bow.

Rumor has it that the old trooper - still able to trip-the-light-fantastic with a modicum of flair & ease - is about to hang up a drawer-full of soiled silky g-strings - and bevy of bejewelled feathers and billowing boas - for a life in the slow lane (if she has her druthers).

You go, girl!

News at 11!

Information:

*Ticketmaster.com
*Cher.com
*866.510.Cher

http://www.thetattler.biz

Downton Abbey...period drama a gem! Lord's gay dalliance titillating!

With a lot of pomp and circumstance "Downton Abbey" premiered tonight on PBS on U.S. shores.

The 4-episode period piece - starring Maggie Smith, Hugh Bonneville, and Elizabeth McGovern - scored big when it was first broadcast in the U.K. last year.

In fact, the entertaining upstairs/downstairs tale of the class struggle snagged the highest ratings since the classic hit - "Brideshead Revisited" - first stirred up the imagination of fans of the genre a scant few moons ago.

The fussy sophisticated melodrama - written by insightful Julian Fellowes - is trussed up with all the trappings of a surefire winner - a cast of intriguing (but lovable) characters, surprise plot twists, and a titillating scandal or two lurking in the wings waiting to topple the once-glorious Empire.

I expect that when the word gets "out" about one Lord and his strictly taboo dalliance with a handsome studly footman - that ratings for the "night-time" soaper - will soar in gay ghettos around the country.

Catty Queens aside, mainstream America may have a bit of a struggle keeping up with the fast pace, witty patter, and sight gags, though.

Even so, the mini-series - a gem, really - is bound to be a hit on this side of the pond because the well-produced offering appeals on a multitude of different levels

Panoramic views of the picturesque English countryside, lush captivating sets, and exquisitely-tailored costumes - are worth taking a gander at - for starters.

But, in the final analysis, it is Fellowe's captivating glimpse into a bygone era (and its staunch - but fascinating - stuffy traditions) that stirs up a host of emotions - and ultimately - manages to charm and mesmerize.

4 stars!

http://www.thetattler.biz

Julian Ayrs Top 5 Picks for Director! Oscar Race 2010!

Just like a gleaming speeding roadster, a feature film won't cruise along at a picturesque adventurous clip, without a competent driver at the wheel.

Notwithstanding - without the style, vision, artistic sensibility (and what-have-you) of a skilled director at the helm - a filmmaker would be left behind in a lurch at the back of the pack eating dust come awards day.

Such is the case with all the Oscar-nominated flicks on review by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for the calendar year of 2010.

With that foremost in mind, here are my 5 top picks for Best Director:

Ben Affleck

The Town

Darren Aronofsky

The Black Swan

Tom Hooper

The King's Speech

Ethan & Joel Coen

True Grit

David Fincher

The Social Network

May the best auteur nab the coveted prize!

http://www.thetattler.biz

Cosmopolitan Hotel...Beyonce, Gwyneth Paltrow, Kanye West attend Grand Opening!

In December I reported on the dazzling two-storey Cosmopolitan Hotel which threw open its doors amidst a lot of hoopla and on the edge of tough economic times still holding strong around the country.

In spite of a lot of tourist belt-tightening this past year - and the inclination of many to book into accommodations where bargain prices currently prevail - the Cosmopolitan managed to lure in a posse of show-biz luminaries for the Grand Opening which proved to be quite a shot in the arm for the non-Vegas-style establishment (backed by German financiers) out to carve a special niche in the ever-popular desert oasis

Regular Hotel guests rubbed shoulders with high-profile celebs like bodacious babe Beyonce, bad girl Rihanna, TV Idol Judge Jennifer Lopez (with low-key hubby Marc Anthony in tow), Markie Mark (oooops! Mark Wahlberg rather), charismatic actress Cameron Diaz, and Ashley Owen (to name a trendy few).

Oh, it almost slipped my mind!

Gwyneth Paltrow floated in (Country Strong) with kiddies Apple and Moses (!) in tow.

Jet-setters - with an ear for eclectic music - also flew in to catch Kanye West in concert at the hot spot revving up on the main strip these days.

Coldplay (Gwyneth's main squeeze is the lead singer) was also booked in to the visually-stunning environs to the delight of fans!

I predict the Cosmopolitan is going to take off in a big way in 2011.

By the way, the Marriot Rewards card may be used at the Cosmopolitan.

So, go rack up a few points, eh?

http://www.thetattler.biz

Eclectic Boy Bands are a lure!

Lady Gaga...has her eye on you! Paparazzi beware!

Heh, Paparazzi dudes, watch out!

You may end up on Lady Gaga's candid camera show.

Uh-huh!
Lady Gaga has her insightful "eye" on you!

And, her searing take on the terrain around her - um - perimeter - is backed up with a miniature camera installed in the most unlikely of places.

Why - in the designer frame of her ubiquitous signature sunglasses - of course!

Amidst a lot of hoopla at a glitzy state-of-the-art techie convention this past weekend, Lady Gaga unveiled a Polaroid Grey Label product she co-designed.

Initially, it appeared that the Billboard Music ratings-topper - and undisputed Queen of the monster crowd -  was going to be a no-show at the International Electronics Show at the Las Vegas Convention Center on January 6th.

According to an MTV  spokesperson, Lady Gaga did not saunter out onto the stage on the dot, for some inexplicable reason.

Fashionably late?

"We were supposed to go live at 3:30, but she didn't come out until 4:05. She pulled an Axl Rose," Victor Borachuk, director of the Ustream webcast that covered the event blurted to MTV News.

"There was a huge crowd. Everyone was waiting and waiting and waiting. Nobody really got upset that she was late. Everybody sat patiently and waited, which was interesting."

Natch!

When the dazzling chanteuse is about to hold court the world is her oyster!

One of the handlers at the frenzied event was wowed by Gaga's extensive knowledge about the product, though.

"She was actually into the technology. I remember thinking, 'Lady Gaga's into the Polaroid cameras,' " Borachuk said.

The  Pop Music phenomena gushed to an Associated Press reporter that she burnt some midnight oil developing (no pun intended) the sunglasses that boast a camera in the bridge of the nose.

"It's been a really long and exciting and grueling and inspiring process with Polaroid, and we've really done everything we can to improve the instant camera to make it new and make it compatible with digital era," she explained.

"I wanted to create products that I knew they would love to use."

Accessories include a miniature printer capable of rustling up copies on the spur of every delightful festive moment captured on celluloid.

The intriguing camera may turn out to be a practical tool for show-biz tarts like Lindsay Lohan prone to find themselves in awkward altercations with the paparazzi or overzealous rehab center staff.

Social climbers anxious to be caught up in the tail of the comet - with the specific aim of snatching up a glorious moment in the Sun - may think twice about venturing too close (like moth to the flame) to high-profile starlets like Lohan if they're sporting a pair of these stylish-looking shades.

What do they say?

A picture is worth a thousand words - especially where there is potental scandal involved - in the eye of the storm!

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