Nobel Peace Prize...Leymah Gbowee, Tawakkul Karman & Ellen Johnson losers in fashion circles!

It is highly doubtful that the three Nobel Peace Prize winners are apt to land on my upcoming annual Women's 10 Best-Dressed List due to be published on December 31st.

 Uh-huh - no matter what their lofty or altruistic contributions - to the human cause.

The jarring images of the winsome winners in publicity stills zipping around the face of the globe in recent days underscored that the hapless trio need to make peace with (and overhaul) their fashion get-ups and address their lack of sense of style.

Indeed, two of the hefty "big-fit" gals ended up a total spectacle when they were spied tightly squeezed into outfits that screamed out (loud & shamefully proud?) in a riot of clashing colors and bizarre fabric choices (was every gaudy left-over curtain and flowery tablecloth snatched up last-minute to clothe these fashion disasters?) that twisted this way 'n that - and thus - called attention to the fact (with every embarrassing bump & grind) that the ladies in question are currently:

"Three of the worst-dressed women of 2011"

The third honoree - Tawakkul Karman - comes up the rear with a "look" at the other end of the scale that is so ho-hum that it sets women back fashion-wise a hundred years.

A DVD collection of "Sex in the City" may be just what these drab role models (?) are in dire need of to trigger a fresh fashion flourish or two for their spotlighted personas!

An Empty Bottle...quote by Julian Ayrs!

The life

of a bottle

that is empty

is

sad!


Julian Ayrs
The Daily Planet
Collection of Poems

San Francisco...Mayor Lee proclaims "Grants for the Arts Day"! Hotel tax sponsors live performances!

Wedding parties were politely shooed off the steps of the exquisite Rotunda at City Hall temporarily, Mayor Lee strode into the foyer beaming, and - with a smidgen of pomp and circumstance - October 7th was officially declared "Grants for the Arts Day" by proclamation!

For good reason!

The big brass at City Hall were celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the "Grants for the Arts/San Francisco Hotel Fund".

To mark the occasion, Officials tossed a soiree which featured live performances from a handful of dance troupes participating in the altruistic program.

Theatre Flamenco, Patrick Makuakane's Hawaiian Dance Company Na Lei Hulu I Ka Wekiu - and a special appearance by cast member of "Beach Blanket Babylon" - dazzled the audience and also underscored how far-reaching and diverse the arts grants program has been.

In fact, Mayor Lee was also inclined to boast that the Hotel "Tax" Fund was actually first established fifty years ago - at least two full years before Washington got wise about the need for arts funding (or bothered to and institute agencies such as the National Endowment for the Arts).

"San Francisco has always been a pioneer," the Mayor underscored in so many words.

In addition to benefiting a myriad of fledgling groups in all areas of artistic expression, Lee also noted that the funds benefits extended to the business arena as well.

In sum, he noted that when a organization got the nod - and the coffers were filled - that the administrators often ended up hiring workers from the community.

"So, the hotel tax fund promotes jobs, too. It is an anchor in the community."

After the entertaining upbeat performances, guests were treated to finger foods (the crush at the serving tables signalled just how delectable the mouth-watering treats were!) and a nutritious selection of juices, soft drinks, and other bottled products (graciously sponsored by Hotels in the Bay area).

After today, I doubt I will grumble about my Hotel tax ever again, especially now that I have witnessed first-hand how the monies are spent.

"The Hotel industry had better wake up to the fact that San Francisco, without the rich flavoring of its cultural institutions, would only be a lovelier Des Moines," one astute observer quipped at a recent press junket.

Kary Schulman, director of the fund also noted for the record how far-reaching and worthwhile the grants are.

San Francisco's program is special because it funds not just large nonprofit arts institutions like the San Francisco Symphony, but mid-size, small and emerging ones as well, added Schulman.

Since its inception, the "Grants for the Arts Tax Fund" has distributed more than $300 million to hundreds of cultural organizations, in fact.

Kudos!

Litquake...Chelsea Handler to emcee San Francisco Literary Festival event! "Lit Crawl" a highlight for authors!

Authors from around the country will descend on romantic San Francisco to participate in the annual San Francisco Literary Festival October 7th - October 15th.

Chelsea Handler, for one - of cable-comedy fame - is slated to hold court at what is affectionately known as Litquake!

The effervescent comedian with the quick tongue emcees a sundown shindig in Buena Vista Park on Sunday, in fact, to celebrate Chris Adrian's new novel "The Great Night".

The upbeat event (free) is scheduled for 4 - 7 pm.

A highlight of the week-long literary blow-out is the "Lit Crawl" which has been described as a "wacky, whirlwind night of 450 author readings across the Mission."

The exhausting finale kicks-off on October 15th!

Organizers boasted at a press junket recently that (although real books are obsolete in the digital era) Litquake has not only taken off since it first started up in 1999 - but also  has managed to - engage readers and nourished relationships with writers and publishers.

"The San Francisco Literary Festival allows audiences to invest in an experience of live literature."

Catch the scintillating bill-of-fare if 'ya can, eh?

Contact

415.863.8688

www.litquake.com

San Francisco...Women's Expo! Jane Fonda & Dyan Cannon keynote speakers!

The ultimate women's EXPO kicks off tomorrow at the San Francisco Concourse.

Jane Fonda & Dyan Cannon are slated to appear as keynote speakers at the much-anticipated event.

In addition to getting up-close-and-personal with the two glamorous celebs, attendees may participate in a bit of Martini (stirred not shaken!) and Wine tasting.

A real mood elevator if 'ya ask moi!

In addition, ladies who like to be pampered, may take the occasion to spring for a hair makeover, soothing massage, manicure, or facial.

And, of course, there will be a myriad of vendors anxious to sign up guests for seminars, informative self-help "Do it Yourself" workshops, you name it.

INFO

Hours of Operation

10 am - 5 pm.

Venue

San Francisco Concourse

WWW.SFWOMENSEXPO.COM

Steve Jobs...hailed as visionary! Innovations transformed! Shrines honor genius!

On the heels of the announcement that Steve Jobs passed to spirit yesterday afternoon, the sad news spread with lightning speed around the face of the globe.

And, within minutes, the plaudits were forthcoming from the Captains of Industry, proud users of a myriad of apple products, and even world leaders (President Barack Obama, for instance).

Jobs was quickly being hailed as a visionary, for good reason.

Then, a curious phenomenon unfolded at apple retail outlets everywhere, impromptu.

Steve Jobs fans, business associates - and users of his state-of-the-art "sexy" products - turned up on the street and began to build shrines out of exotic flagrant flowers and spirit-lifting candles - to honor the memory of the man.

It came as no surprise, really.

Jobs' leading-edge innovations transformed the realm of communications - and propelled the human race from the dark ages - into one ripe with endless possibilities.

"My e-mail, my bank account information - everything - is in the iphone he designed," one News Anchor marvelled as he reflected on the marketing whiz's accomplishments.

Personally, I always remained cautious about such products (always mindful of the downside); after all, my generation was raised on the "Bible" - George Orwell's novel 1984 - which preached about the potential woes of strangleholds on data in the information age.

It was always hammered into us about the potential threat of "Big Brother"and a controlled-society that lurked around every corner, thus requiring, that we be ever vigilante.

Though computerized gadgets have a potential to make life easier for mankind, the flip side is an ominous one, to be every wary of.

In recent days that reality has rung true in the wake of vicious hacker attacks, assaults on the privacy of individuals, and identity theft.

Even so, that is not a great enough reason for the likes of wizards like Steve Jobs (and others) to abandon their niggling ideas - which, when developed to their full potential - have the capacity to change forever the way we think about ourselves and how we ultimately communicate with others on the planet.

Amen!





The young entrepreneur of yesteryear!

San Francisco...Fleet Week! Blue Angels Air Show & Parade of Ships!

If San Franciscans - and tourists alike - are startled by a thunderous roar in the heavens above in the next day or two - there is no need to scurry for shelter for fear there is a wild stormy downpour on the horizon.

Uh-huh!

The Blue Angels - in town for dazzling Fleet Week - are probably responsible for the shake-up in the normally-friendly skies!

The annual event launches on Friday October 7th at Pier 39 in San Francisco.

Highlights include a Navy Band Southwest Concert (4-7pm) on Friday afternoon, an Air Show featuring the Blue Angeles on Saturday (12:30-4pm) on Saturday (October 8th), LoveFool Concert (4-7pm) on Saturday evening, and a Blue Angels meet-and-greet on Sunday October 9th (7-7:45pm).

Other highly popular festivities include:

Parade of Ships

Saturday 11 a.m.
Under Golden Gate Bridge
(Northern San Francisco waterfront)

Ships

USS Carl Vinson, USS Bonhomme Richard, USS Antietam, USS Milius, USS Chief, USS Guadalupe, USCGC Bertholt, USCGC Alert, HMCS Ottawa, HMCS Saskatoon, HMCS Nanaimo, HMCS Brandon, SS Jeremiah O'Brien. 

Ship Tours

USS Bonhomme Richard
Saturday through Monday
8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Pier 30-32

USS Milius, USS Antietam, USS Chief
Sunday and Monday
8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Pier 27

USCGC Bertholt, USCGC Alert, HMCS Ottawa
Sunday and Monday
8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Pier 35

W Foundation's Navy in Space Exhibit

Saturday and Sunday
9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Marina Green
Meet 4 astronauts on hand including John Herrington, Dan Bursch, Rick Searfoss & Dick Gordon

Please Note

Thursday October 6th (2011)
U.S. Navy Blue Angels circle and arrival maneuvers
1 to 3 p.m.
U.S. Navy Blue Angels practice
4 to 5 p.m.

See 'ya there!

Man of Style...Do's & Don'ts! Fashion tips to impress boss and polite society!

If you want to turn heads when you walk into a room - or impress a potential employer at a job interview - it is style - not just the clothes - that is sure to tip the scales in your favor!

Here are a few tips to observe to become a true "Man of Style" worth your weight!

1.

Don't dry clean your dress slacks and suit coat separately - otherwise - you'll end up with a two-tone colored suit that looks downright tacky.

2.

Unless you're an arrogant talk-show host (with a lot of clout in the TV industry) pass on sporting white athletic socks with dress shoes and business attire (even if they are hidden under a desk for the most part).

3.

Always avoid teaming a smartly-tailored sport coat or pricey dress suit with worn jeans.

4.

A jazzy tie is best when it is correctly knotted (no snap-ons, please!), complements the wardrobe ensemble, and falls at the belt line (not a smidgen above or below it).

5.

If the fabric "puckers" at the buttons when you fasten it up, the jacket is too small.

6.

The cuff of dress slacks should break on the shoe (and never hang over the heels or trail on the floor).  When in doubt, consult a fashion stylist for expert guidance.

7.

The cuff of a dress shirt should extend beyond the sleeve of the suit about 1/4 - 1/2 inch (according to personal taste).

8.

Avoid smelling like soap when you venture into the world.  Noses will wrinkle up in disgust all around you!

You just might be shown the door, too.

Good luck at the job fair, eh?

"Dancing with the Stars"...Cher to plunk down in studio audience to catch Chaz's next two-step!

Was it a calculated move (politically motivated?) on the part of a Pop Diva to ensure her child got the nod to carry on as a contestant on next week's segment of "Dancing with the Stars"?

Only gutsy outspoken Cher knows for sure!

For those of you who are in the dark about such juicy titillating matters, insiders confirmed yesterday afternoon that the celebrated Chanteuse made a promise to her son - Chaz Bono -  that if he made the cut next week on the popular night-time entertainment show that she'd plunk herself down in the studio audience to catch her son's performance live!

Th ploy (dangling an organic carrot) went off without a hitch.

In fact, fans of the celebrated cchanteuse were gushing last night on the sidelines at ABC studios, that they couldn't wait to get up-close-and-personal and mingle with the mega pop star on the next installment of "Dancing with the Stars"!

Which begs the question.

Will Cher dress like a dotting mother or go all out and dazzle the grovelling little people?

News at 11!

San Francisco...Action in Solidarity rally @ Federal Building on anniversary of Afghani War! Government demands!

A rag-tag band up anti-Government up-starts are planning an "Action in Solidarity" rally slated to kick-off on October 6th at San Francisco's downtown Federal Building at 7th and Mission Streets.

The organizers for the much-anticipated rally (scheduled for 3 p.m. - 6 p.m) - expected to attract thousands - have announced that speakers from the Global Exchange, US Labor Against the War, CODEPINK, an Afghan War Vet Group, Military Families Speak Out (and a handful of others)  will be demanding that the government:

*End the War
*Tax the Rich
*Care for People
*Protect the Government

In addition, there will be a -  OPEN MIC: "mini-assemblies" - so that people may present action proposals at the rally to consider for future undertaking.

Interested parties are urged to join the 99% Coalition RESIST AUSTERITY on Facebook!

Facebook link:

http://tinyurl.com/3uv7sx4

San Francisco...Clipper cards may be used on Cable Cars now! Romantic way to go!

I was thrilled when it was announced a few days ago that Clipper Cardholders (using public transportation passes) may "tap" their card on San Francisco's quaint Cable Cars.

Personally, I prefer the idea of travelling picturesque routes through Nob Hill and the Haight on that kind of open-air mode of travel, to the stifling ones that zig-zag solemnly in the cavernous underground maze below in the bowels of the city core.

Especially with all the Bart shenanigans underfoot in recent days!

Cable Cars a more romantic way to meet a handsome stranger (or femme fatale), too!

After all, like foreplay, it's important to set the mood!

Happy hunting!

"We Were Here"...rivetting documentary on San Francisco's A.I.D.S. crisis screens at Castro Theatre!

A few months ago, I raved about an insightful thought-provoking documentary - "We Were Here" - which tosses a searing spotlight on San Francisco's Castro District at the height of the A.I.D.S. epidemic way back in the 1980's.

Post:: 04/23/2011

http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2011/04/we-were-heredocumentary-on-aids-crisis.html

The well-crafted doc is a must-see tribute (among other things) to the selfless individuals who bravely attempted to bring comfort to (and healing) to the dying - and ultimately - and raise much-needed funds in order to find a cure for the dreaded killer disease.

If you missed the powerful offering from Director David Weissman first-time-out, catch it the second time around at the Castro Theatre where it is screening now for the next couple of nights.

See 'ya there!

Gene Simmons & Shannon Tweed...get hitched after proposal on bended knee! Dazzling diamonds wow guests!

Gene Simmons and Shannon Tweed - at-long-last - (and on-the-heels of a soap-opera-style cliff-hanger on "Family Jewels") - got hitched after decades of living in sin.

The high-profile celebrity couple - stars of their own popular reality-show on cable (which traced their relationship along a rocky path into therapy in recent days) - were toasted by 400 thrilled well-wishers at a chic wedding ceremony at the tony Beverly Hills Hotel over the weekend.

Tongues wagged over the dazzling diamonds Ms. Tweed was decked out in (worth an estimated 2.5 million smackeroos).

Patience is a virtue - and in this instant scenario - was well-rewarded, eh?

Best wishes to Gene & Shannon (a twitter pal).

Halloween...San Franciscans ready to kick up high heels! Trick or treat!

As if by magic, entrances to local shops have been transformed overnight into Fright-Night fun houses and a smattering of debauched chambers of horror.

Inside, the shelves are overflowing with delightfully wicked costumes at-the-ready for trick-or-treaters to breathe ghoulish life into.

Of course - die-hard revellers in the Castro District will probably don high drag - a popular mainstay over the years at the witching hour on the glittering Halloween circuit prowl.

Down south, at WeHo's annual Carnival, a gang of naughty (fun-loving) cheerleaders - big-boobed and crowned with fabulously-coiffed big hair - will probably take to the festive streets, too.

Celebs - and infamous baby-killers - will be easy targets for clever merrymakers who ape 'em!

If it's difficult to fathom up a "look" - or the closet is bare - seek out professional help.

At "Costumes on Haight" there are 3000 dazzling selections to choose from.

Rentals may be snapped up for two nights and three days and include a smattering of togas, exotic masks, military uniforms, Harry Potter invisible capes, you name it.

A full-line of eye-catching make-up  is on tap, too.

"Fantasy Clothing" is flogging (!) classic costumes that run the gamut from wild and woolly animals to vintage, political, and traditional scary themes.

"Costume Party" gives a nod to rhinestones (what self-respecting Queen would trip-the-light fantastic without 'em?) and beaded frocks.

Insides whisper that flappers and beatniks are still in vogue for the individualist who wants to stand out in the spooky crowd.

"Foxy Lady" focuses the spotlight on "Drag Dream" outfits and ready-to-wear cross-dresser get-ups.

"Lady" is one of the few retail outlets with "large-size" heels for the big he-man who is itching to slip into a silky pair and show off his feminine side.

Once you're all glammed up, hit the Castro and/or take in one of the theme parties at a local watering hole or trendy exclusive night club in the hood.

"Zombie Nightlife
 October 27th

*Masquerotica
 (featuring 9 exotic playgrounds of titillating indulgence & decadence)
 Oct 22nd

*Phantom of the Opera
 (with Cameron Carpenter)
 October 30th

*Unmasked
(GLBT Historical Society soiree & silent auction)

Me?

I'll probably be howling at the moon on Nob Hill!

Trick or Treat!

Pablo Picasso...last call to catch Art Masterpieces from Musee National Picasso! de Yeung Museum in San Francisco!

The extraordinary exhibition of works by Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) packs up on October 20th at the de Young Museum where the dazzling installation has been wowing art-connoisseurs for weeks.

The rare and prestigious collection - which traces Picasso's visionary foyers into Expressionism, Cubism, and Surrealism - was hand-picked from the permanent archives at the Musee National Picasso in Paris.

The Museum, situated at the historical 17th Century Hotel Sale in the Marais District, houses approximately 3600 remarkable works of art from Picasso's own personal collection that were turned over to the French Government when the brilliant artist passed to spirit.

The exhibition is a comprehensive assortment of originals that range from preliminary sketches to finished masterpieces.

Picasso is widely acclaimed as the most important artist of the 20th Century; subsequently, every phase of his long distinguished career is represented here through paintings, sculptures, line drawings, and prints.

The "Blue" and "Rose" periods are two of my own personal favorites.

Ultimately, the staggering body of art work provides insight into Picasso's creative process and establishes his heady contributions to numerous new art forms, expressions, and movements.

In sum, the Picasso exhibition is truly a revelation which opens the door into his psyche on social, political, and all artistic fronts.

Venue

de Young Museum
50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive
San Francisco, CA
94118

Hair...Rock Musical Revival touches down at Golden Gate Theatre in San Francisco!

Hair - the critically-acclaimed "Rock Musical Revival" that has been taking the country by storm - is slated to touch down in San Francisco at the Golden Gate Theatre on October 25th and entertain locals through November 20th (2011).

Back in the "heady" sixties, a good friend of mine - Gerome Ragni - drummed up the book idea for the original musical with his writing pal James Rado.

A few months ago, I caught the production in Los Angeles for nostalgia's sake..

Post:  01/11/2011

http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2011/01/haira-celebration-life-horrors-of-war.html

The dazzling high-energy production is a must-see!

Don't forget to toss on a tie-dyed t-shirt and torn jeans (with the ass hanging out) so you'll feel right at home with the exuberant performers in the tribe trot into the pit below the floodlights to interact with all the surprised ticket-holders!

Let the sun shine in, eh?

Hardly Strictly Bluegrass...half-naked music buffs perform ritual tribal dance! Emmylou Harris headlines today!

Half-naked tattoed music-lovers joyously danced up a storm and got down 'n dirty, vendors conjured up mouth-watering munchies and finger-licking snacks, and an eclectic roster of talented bands inspired all to party-hearty 'til the sun was but a faint golden orb in the western sky.

The 2nd day into the "Hardly Strictly Bluegrass" festival a record number of music fans continued to swarm into the picturesque "slice of heaven" that is Golden Gate Park.

At one point, I gazed skyward and was awestruck by a grove of grand old shade trees which framed fluffy whimsical clouds that playfully beckoned from above.

In fact, the setting was perfect for the annual Bluegrass outing just a hop-and-a-skip away from the hustle-and-bustle of the city by the Bay.

Some revellers streamed into the park on foot after gingerly alighting from packed Muni trains, while others elected to throw caution to the wind and park their cars haphazardly at the entrance -at which point - they embarked on an invigorating nature walk to the concert grounds deep in the pulsating heart of the park.

Occasionally, I spied adventurous folks slipping into the bushes at the side of the trail to take a whiz when nature called.

Independent "businessmen" flogged cold beer at $4 a pop, while other enterprising opportunists offered up "weed" in tidly little stow-a-way packages for a song.

Warren Hellman, the Bluegrass Festival's benefactor, also put in a much-ballyhooed appearance on stage with his band of note "The Wronglers".

Despite the throngs, the mood remained harmonious, upbeat, fun-loving, and downright joyous throughout the day and into the long romantic night!

Today (Sunday October 2nd) the exciting musical lineup includes the Jayhawks, Hot Buttered Rum, Dr. John, Dark Star Orchestra, Mother Hips, Bela Fleck, to name a few.

Emmylou Harris - who headlines later this afternoon - is expected to be a big draw on (closing) Day 3.

See 'ya there!