Convention of the Tattoo Arts...My heart beata tattoo on my ribs! Oct. 21st - Oct. 23rd!

The 7th Annual Bay Area "Convention for the Tattoo Arts" kicked-off last night at the Hyatt Regency at SRO in Burlingame.

Intrigued by the thought of transforming into a living illustration?

Maybe one dictionary definition I rifled up a few moments ago will inspire tat visionaries to conjure up an alter-ego worth crowing about!

Tattoo

"A knocking or strong pulsation: My heart beata tattoo on my ribs"

And, for those who hot-foot it down to the Convention Hall over the weekend, there will be a posse of ultra-talented craftsmen (and women) to etch the magical ink - and ultimately - dazzle even the toughest biker critic.

Special Appearances

Living Legends

*Thom DeVita and Don Ed Hardy will be selling art work IN PERSON

*Bloodwork

*Bodies

The official release of the epic new must-have book from ADRIAN LEE and MAX DOLBERG

Immovable

The official release of HORITOMO's first book
(Seminar in tandem with release)

Venue

SFO Hyatt Regency
1333 Bayshore Highway
Burlingame, CA 94010

Hours

Friday 5pm-11pm
Saturday 11am-11pm
Sunday 11am-6pm

See 'ya there!

$20 (door)

www.bayareatattooconvention.com

San Francisco...be sure to pack a pistol! 4th meanest city in America!

Today, some disgruntled folks are pointing accusing fingers at the "Occupy Wall Street" movement as they try to fathom how a recent poll ended up labelling San Francisco as the 4th meanest city in the U.S.

What ever happened to those carefree innocent days of the sixties in the picturesque City by the Bay when peace and love were the mantras of the day?

How do those lyrics go?

If you're going to San Francisco
Be sure to pack a pistol in your belt
If you're going to San Francisco!

Chinese Hospital...San Francisco HIV patients encounter discrimination! Sick patients turned away!

If you cruise up Jackson Street in Chinatown - and blink - you may miss the Chinese Hospital tucked away amidst a row of ramshackle store stalls that run curbside from Stockton to Powell.

And, administration at the hospital takes solace in that.

After all, the staff here would prefer to provide medical care for their "own"(a member of the Chinese Community).

What of the "outsiders" or those inflicted with "dreaded diseases" such as HIV and Hepatitis?

Shortly after these hapless souls wander in - and are registered - the hospital staff rustle up excuses to usher them out the door (before the patients have been properly treated and after a huge bill has been rung up).

For instance, one patient was rushed to emergency suffering from a debilitating ailment which required immediate medical treatment.

In fact, a female Doctor on duty admitted just as much to the patient at bedside.

After taking a battery of tests - a CT Scan, X-rays - and blood draws - the doctor proceeded to inform her charge that he required treatment and at least two days of bed rest in the hospital to resolve the medical issues.

The patient was thankful that the troubling sickness had been diagnosed, but was later shocked, when the doctor announced that the Nurses and Interns on duty felt "uncomfortable" caring for an HIV patient!

In San Francisco,the revelation was a quite disturbing for obvious reasons!

Meanwhile, other patients have complained about comments that have been made out-of-the-blue that hint that racism is prevalent at the hospital, too.

"We don't get many Caucasians here, 'ya know," one employee quipped.

Was the individual imagining it, or did he hear a bit of disdain in the Nurse's voice?

Another employee explained her staff's reluctance to provide care for a middle-aged white individual in the following mind-boggling way:

"We treat a lot of elderly Asian patients who tend to suffer from ailments related to age," she argued in their defense.

In one scenario, a Doctor discharged the patient without treatment on the grounds that her staff lacked the skills to carry out simple medical procedures.

If that's the case, shouldn't these incompetent employees be cut loose, and qualified medical staff installed in their posts?

Bottom line?

If the Chinese Hospital is receiving grants and/or funding from the Government to run their medical facility, then there should be a review (and/or revocation of their financial backing) since they don't operate with an "open door" policy.

Amen!

San Francisco...Earthquake! Residents shaken but not stirred! No Northridge!

Northridge quake (above)

1906 San Francisco quake (below)






Residents - and tourists alike - were all a-twitter over two earthquakes (one was an aftershock) which struck the San Francisco Bay area out-of-the-blue yesterday.


The first jolt erupted at approximately 2:41 pm, was centered about two miles from Berkeley, and was six miles deep.

I was in the midst of a "power" nap, so I nearly missed the entire first temblor.

At one point, though, I was roused from my slumber because the bed was shaking and gently tossing to-and-fro.

When I switched on the old boob tube, the airwaves were a-buzz with news of the quake, which was - not only quite a jolt for many - but pretty far-reaching around these parts as well.

The second quake struck in the evening at 8:17 pm.

I had just returned from the grocery store, when the floor beneath my feet began to shift, and the door frame and plaster work began to twist and make an eerie creaking sound.

The foundations of the old Hotel in downtown San Francisco appeared to groan a tad, too.

The quake was so persistent - it lasted over a minute at my location - that I was temped to exit the building (since there was no table to hide under!).

Now, excited residents were lighting up the switchboards at media outlets around the mainland, anxious to share their unsettling experiences.

Like myself, many thought that the both quakes were larger in scale that originally reported by the geologists.

And, when both were summarily downgraded, folks were downright baffled.

The general consensus?

The second shaker was no three-point-eighter!

The quakes didn't phase me.

After all, I survived the Northridge Earthquake.

Not unscathed, though.

The 5th storey "New York Style" walk-up where I was residing was so badly damaged that City Officials red-tagged it.

Uh-huh!

I was forced to grab a few possessions and exit the building within two hours!

It was a harrowing experience.

Tattler readers may recall my post:

Post: 04/19/2008

http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2008/04/northridge-earthquakea-lesson-to-all.html

What can we expect if the "big one" that's been predicted for San Francisco hits?

Let's hope we never find out!





Northridge home crumbled!

Lindsay Lohan...DOA at Community Service! City Morgue or bust!

In spite of being scolded by a Judge in court for an alleged probation violation - which triggered a mandatory imposition of 16 hours a week community service at the City Morgue before a hearing date set for November 2nd - bad girl Lindsay Lohan continued to thumb her nose at the court.

For example, Ms. Lohan was spied tooling down the road in a pricey pristine Porsche towards the Coroner's office to meet her obligation in a lackadaisical fashion without much urgency to her mission as precious minutes ticked away.

You got it!

When the troubled party-girl attempted to check into the City Morgue, the hapless beauty was turned away from the facility DOA.

Uh-huh.

Because Lindsay was twenty minutes late - it was no-way Jose - as far as the administrators were concerned.

"Sorry, I was late," she meekly uttered up.

""I didn't know where the Coroner's office was located."

Duh!

Most folks would - not only have conducted a search on the Internet to get their bearings right before heading out on the trek (never heard of mapquest, Lindsay?) - but left a little early to account for parking delays, the stroll up the walk, signing in, and so-forth-and-so-on.

Not the blond bimbo babe!

When God was handing out "common sense", Ms. Lohan must have been partying under a rock!

Stay posted, eh?





Lindsay's new acquaintances!

Occupy Wall Street...Mayor Quan quote of the day!

In recent days, Oakland's Mayor Quan has come under fire because of the way she has been responding to (mishandling?) the "Occupy Wall Street" dilemma the City is currently faced with.

Although the Mayor has - rightfully so - promised to ensure that the protester's right to "free speech" and peaceable assembly are honored, her critics are quick to assert that the wishy-washy politician has been derelict in her duty to enforce city ordinances to ensure the rights, safety and well-being of the remainder of Oakland's residents are protected, too.

When confronted by the media yesterday on the issues, Mayor Quan uttered up the quote of the day.

"Democracy is messy."

My response?

Mayor Quan is a mess!

And, her shortcomings may cost in the next election.

Unless, she gets the boot from office before then!

Occupy Wall Street...Freedom of Press denied! Reporter shouted down by angry mob!

According to a news anchor at KRON 4 News in San Francisco, irate protestors at Oakland's "Occupy Wall Street" camp caused such a loud ruckus when a reporter she attempted to film a live news update last night, that the news station was unable to broadcast the clip.

Tattler readers may recall that I published a post just day-before-yesterday in which I reported that another male newsie was - was not only verbally abused by an angry protestor - but mauled and bitten viciously by his unleashed dog when he attempted to conduct an on-the-spot interview.

Post: 10/18/2011

http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2011/10/occupy-walk-streetreporter-attacked.html

The ugly incidents underscore that a posse of the protestors are hypocrites, for starters.

After all, The 1st Amendment entitles the right to free speech to all citizens - including the press - and not to just a disgruntled few!

Amen!

Lindsay Lohan..."Mean Girls" star cuffed at courthouse! Laments community service!

Lindsay Lohan made a stylish entrance into court yesterday morning for a probation hearing, but ended up with her nose out-of-whack at the end of the legal wrangling when the hanging-judge presiding over the proceeding found fault with the troubled starlet's flimsy excuses.

After ruling that Ms. Lohan was in violation of her probation, the Sheriff's were instructed to cuff the defendant, and lead her back to a holding area where she stewed for a few hours before bail was posted ($100,000).

At one point in the intense hearing it was obvious that proceeding may have been premature, though, go figure!

After all, as Ms. Lohan's lawyer pointed out to the Judge, her client was ordered to carry out her obligation within a year (the time limitation has yet to expire).

However, in view of the facts presented yesterday - and the mind-boggling comments uttered up by the dolled-up actress - perhaps a hearing was needed to clarify the issues.

For example, at one point Lindsay quipped that she did not find community service at the women's shelter very "fulfilling".

At this juncture, jaws must have been dropping inside the courtroom, I dare say!

Obviously, the troubled starlet didn't have a clue about the purpose behind a court-ordered community service directive.

Nor, did Lohan appear to appreciate how lucky she was to be granted probation from the get-go.

For good reason the judge was inclined to enlighten the bimbo babe about the reality of the situation.

"Probation is a gift," she stressed in no uncertain terms.

In view of the foregoing, I - like so many others - have begun to wonder.

Does Lindsay Lohan have a few screws loose or what?

Why is she having such a difficult time comprehending the obvious?

Which begs the question.

Will the Judge lower the boom and send Lindsay back to the slammer on November 2nd?

Stay posted!

San Francisco...free cups of java from makers of Keurig coffee-makers! Nifty product!

For the past couple of days, tourists and locals alike have been ecstatic over the free cups of java - light roast, dark roast - even green tea samples - being offered up by employees from Keurig at Powell and Market Streets (at the cable-car turn-around).

Of course, there has been a catch!

The coffee-lovers have been invited to step up and try their hand at brewing their own cup first-hand at one of their nifty sleek-looking coffee-makers.

Boy, are they cool!

And, the simplified process (just pop in a mini canister and hit the brew button) is a snap for any fool stumbling around in the dark with the cobwebs of sleep in their eyes at the crack-of-dawn.

I'm sold, for starters!

Now, if Keurig could find a few workers capable of waiting on folks with a smile.

After all, the staff on duty at the special promotion were a stone-faced grumbling lot.

What a turn-off!

Does everyone hate working for a living these days?

Frank Gehry...designs expansion of Frederick R. Weisman Art Museum! Futuristic showcase?

Visitors to the Frederick R. Weisman Art Museum (University of Minnesota) have been agog over the $14 million-dollar expansion designed by renowned architect Frank Gehry.

Gehry created the original stainless steel structure in 1993.

The Weisman - which attracts 15,000 art-lovers a year, is viewed by many as a gigantic work of art itself!

Gehry, one of my favorite visionary architects, designed the much-ballyhooed Disney Hall in downtown Los Angeles.

The 8,100 square foot addition has doubled the size of the gallery space which houses a collection of approximately  20,000 pieces of precious artworks (including paintings by Georgia O'Keefe and Andy Warhol).

In the early days of his illustrious career, Mr. Gehry custom-built homes for his wealthy clients before he landed major commissions which landed him on the world stage.

Unfortunately, the residences tended to be junky-looking and over designed.

Gehry really came into his own as an architect when he was afforded to work on a grand scale more conducive to his futuristic eclectic designs.

The Frederick R. Weisman Art Museum, by the way, is open Tuesday thru Sunday.

Admission is free to the public.




Disney Hall in downtown Los Angeles




"Junky" Gehry-designed home for wealthy client

Thoughts...quote by Julian Ayrs!

My thoughts are up

and,

My thoughts are down

The thoughts

in my head

they go

 'round and 'round

Where am I going to

Where can I run?

Am I loved by many

Am I loved by one?

Julian Ayrs

Collection of Poems

(Vancouver)
1972



Patti Smith..."Camera Solo" photo exhibit! New album in the works!

Noted musician Patti Smith's upcoming installation of photographs titled - "Camera Solo" - is causing quite a buzz in gallery circles.

The exhibit features a jazzy collection of Black & White Polaroid prints probably inspired by ex-lover Richard Mapplethorpe - who, like pop artist Andy Warhol - was noted for his creative musings in that offbeat but rich and quirky revealing medium.

The much-anticipated unveiling is slated to open at the prestigious Wadsworth Atheneum Museum on October 21st.

Ms. Smith , by the way, has a new album in the works.

But, like any clever artist, the down-to-earth chanteuse is keeping mum about the details.

Oh, the anticipation!

Smith has never confined herself to one single art form.

In addition to being a talented musician, she is also a prolific poet and an insightful visual artist.

Rock on, Patti!







Wadsworth Atheneum Museum

Occupy Wall Street...reporter attacked! Some have more rights than others!

As the "Occupy Wall Street" protests escalated into a fever pitch late yesterday afternoon, reporters on the scene and "out of the loop", found themselves under siege!

For example, when one male newsman attempted to roll a camera and pursue an interview, he was - not only confronted by an angry protestor - but mauled and bitten by the owner's vicious dog.

A tear in the shocked man's suit jacket sleeve underscored the severity of the attack.

Elsewhere, a female spokesperson for the "Occupy Wall Street" across the park, commanded the press to restrict their coverage to shots of City buildings and to refrain from focusing their searing lenses on the tent encampment which has been aggravating Law Enforcement and City Officials in recent days.

Reporters and cameramen from a handful of local news outlets were flabberghasted at the notion.

The general consensus?

Protestors argued that they had the right to to peaceful assembly according to the 1st Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.

But, protestors were reluctant to recognize that reporters were so situated, too.

"We also have rights (i.e. to cover a news event held on public property) by virtue of freedom of the press," the wounded reporter lamented to the young lady who tried to restrict access to the media.

Her response?

She didn't have a clue, folks, judging by her inability to offer up a legitimate defense (and in view of the dumb look on her face).

The whole scene reminded me of the book "Animal Farm" by George Orwell.

Readers may recall that Animal Farm was a cautionary tale about a few disgruntled animals who take over the farm in a bold-faced effort to free themselves of the tyranny of the farmers.

Once their mission was accomplished - and an animal community had been set up - a sign was posted on the property to remind all the animals of one truism:

All Animals are Equal!

Howver, down the road - when the "pigs" begin to take control of the farm - one of the animals became confused about the turn-of-events, so he returned to the sign to clarify the issues.

Curiously, the sign now read:

All Animals are Equal
Except some are more Equal than others

Nuff said!

Occupy Wall Street...protest issues crystal clear! Solutions vague!

It has been heartening to watch the overwhelming support for the "Occupy Wall Street" movement which has been sweeping around the face of the globe in recent days.

Unfortunately, although the protest issues are crystal clear, the solutions to the alleged problems have remained vague!

Today, I was wondering to myself what would have to transpire before the protestors were inclined to let out a wild yelp, pack up their kit-'n- kaboodle and saunter home with a smug smile of satisfaction on their mugs.

For example, if Bank of America announced bright-and-early tomorrow morning that they have cancelled their plans to charge a debit fee of $5.00 on checking accounts, would that appease the angry masses?

If legislation was passed to end bail-outs for Banks and Financial Institutions - would a roar go up in the crowd - do 'ya think?

What if all the City Councils around the country passed a bill to allow the homeless to squat in properties where landlords were derelict in their duties or the real estate was abandoned?

If the Government approved a higher tax for wealthy citizens in the top 1%, - would that answer turn things around - so that life in America was fair, just, and equitable?

How about an overhaul of the current foreclosure procedures in favor of one that is more flexible and compassionate (to prevent folks from becoming homeless)j.

Surely, that is a bargaining chip worth haggling over?

Perhaps, it is time for the protestors to hunker down with Bank CEO's, the heads of political parties, landlords - City Council members, too - to hash out the nitty-gritty.

In doing so, I wonder.

Would the dialogue trigger the formation of an Independent party run by the working class - capable of changing the course of this great Nation - and satisfying the disgruntled masses?

News at 11!

Fashion Accessories...spark an outfit! Signal signature style!

Accessories underscore the signature style of an individual.

And, with fall upon us, may be a practical addition to a wardrobe ensemble as well!

For example, an elegant scarf is capable of sparking a flourish of much-needed color on a sober dark silhouette.

But, the eye-catching apparel also doubles as a great wind-blocker on frosty mornings, too.

Fashionistas - who want to turn heads in the bustling streets - are sure to grab for a chic one from the Ascher British Textile line.

Zika Ascher first introduced a scarf in the 50's boasting original creations by legendary artists Henry Moore (pictured above) and Matisse.

Now, in the grand tradition of his grandfather, Sam Ascher has revived the pricey silk scarf with the unveiling of a printed twill square by Chinese Artist Zao Wou-ki.

To get an up-close gander, browse over to their web site!

www.aschersquares.com

Occupy Wall Street...Make Music Not War! Julian Ayrs urges performers to sing in streets!

Last week, support for the "Occupy Wall Street" movement swept around the globe.

Unfortunately - skirmishes with law enforcement, property damage, and violence erupted at some of the demonstrations - which has prompted me to urge performers to take to the streets to:

Make Music

(& Art)

Not War!

I plan to go into the Bart transportation tunnel (Civic Center/Main Public Library Station) this week to perform a set or two a-la-sixties.

If Bart coppers don't shoosh me away!

I'll definitely be trying my hand at "Blowin' in the Wind" for starters!

See 'ya there!

CVS...Corporate Greed! False advertising! Thumbs nose at Federal Trade Commission!

A few months ago, I penned a post on the tendency of CVS to falsely advertise and engage in deceptive business practices at their outlets in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Las Vegas.

The report tossed a searing spotlight on the pharmacy's failure to "honor" sale offers, their flagrant disregard for expiration dates on products stocking the shelves, and a piss-poor attitude on the behalf of the sales staff whenever the issues were brought to their attention by concerned shoppers.

Post: 08/31/2010

http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2009/08/cvsretailer-dishonest-about-sale-offers.html

Shortly thereafter, the Federal Trade Commission launched an investigation into CVS's disreputable practices - at which point - a lawsuit was filed against the corporate entity in Los Angeles Superior Court.

CVS settled out-of-court (after being fined upwards of 2 million dollars) without admitting guilt.

Post: 08/22/2011

http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2011/08/cvsfined-2-million-dollars-for.html

In spite of the foregoing, CVS management is still advertising sale prices which they do not intend to "make good" on, and they are also inclined to still offer up coupon deals that are not worth the paper they're printed on.

For example, this past week I spied a beverage on sale priced at a $1.00 for a 12 ounce bottle.

Since I was not familiar with the "product", I decided to give it the old college try!

I plucked one up out of the cooler, then headed for the self check-out counter.

Just as I started to scan the bottle, a CVS employee dashed over to ask me if I'd like a 2nd bottle for free!

Apparently, I had overlooked a neatly-folded coupon tied to the neck of the container, which contained a two-for-one coupon inside.

"Sure," I eagerly responded, as I trotted over to the cooler and snatched up a second bottle in a different flavor.

However, when the woman deftly keyed codes into the cash register, I immediately noticed that the screen reflected a charge of $2.36!

I expressed my indignation right off-the-bat.

"Heh, I wanted the $1.00 deal, Miss," I lamented as politely as I could, as a long line of customers began to snake behind me angrily in the busy store.

Her face flushed for a sec.

Then, after a very pregnant pause, the CVS cashier proceeded to input new data into the cash register to reflect an adjustment.

Bingo!

I strolled away happy with my beverages in hand (the product was labelled "Honest Tea" ironically enough!) but wondered to myself how many shoppers got ripped-off that day at CVS because they didn't notice the overcharge on their receipt?

If 'ya ask me, and in view of what went down, CVS is thumbing their nose at the Federal Trade Commission (and consumers, too).

I guess that the fines they get dinged for breaking the law amounts to mere peanuts when compared to all the cash that flows into the till daily on the heels of their dishonest business maneuvers.

Only in America!

No wonder citizens have taken to the streets in recent days to protest "Corporate Greed".