Karen Capili...star designer at Los Angeles Fashion Weekend! Inspirations from Victorian era!

One of the highlights for me at the Los Angeles Fashion Weekend unfolded when I spontaneously plunked myself down in the front row at the runway tent and innocently chatted up a charming young lady and her attentive husband.

In passing, the tastefully-dressed Filipino designer - who appeared to be a tad shy and prone to carefully choose her words - casually mentioned that a handful of her gowns had been featured previously at annual LA Fashion Weekend events, but I was so busy soaking up the atmosphere that evening - and playing catch-up on all the distracting goings-on - that I didn't pay much mind.

Later, at the Sky Bar after-party, Ms. Capili and I crossed paths once again - at which point - she fessed up.

"I was a little hesitant about opening up and talking to you earlier at the fashion show because you're a writer. After all, my grammar is so bad," she apologized profusely, as fashionistas partied-hearty all-around us and danced up a storm on the crowded frenetic dance floor.

"My husband is always correcting me," she giggled nervously, as she sipped on one of the exotic cocktails flowing freely from the open bar.

Shortly after that brief conversation, I was leafing through the newly-minted local LA FASHION MAGAZINE handed out at the event on Friday night, and happened across a handful of her creations in print.

Wow!

I was completely taken by Ms. Capili's far-reaching talent!

What she lacked in English "skills", Capili surely makes up for with her creativity and vision, that's for sure.

I found her elegant gowns to be uncluttered (unlike a few of the lesser-talented designers in the show this past week), elegant, sophisticated, exhuberant, terribly feminine, and downright fresh in appeal!

Her collection is -at times - inspired by the Victorian era (by her own admission).

And, her stock in trade, is the bubble mini.

But, she is also known for lavish gowns that highlight intricate embroidery, and party frocks that are enhanced with exquisitely delicate flowers, frothy frivolous feathers, eye-catching sparkling sequins, you name it.

Her bold palette dabbles in brilliant reds, warm yellows, and pinks that scream out for attention.

A star on-the-rise in the International fashion scene, you betcha!

Los Angeles Fashion Weekend...Fashionistas pack dazzling runway shows! Betsey Johnson steals limelight at KTLA sponsored event!

As expected, LA LA LAND'S elite A-list party-crashers turned out in full force last night for the electrically-charged kick-off of the annual Los Angeles Fashion Weekend at Sunset Gower Studios sponsored - in part - by KTLA.

In fact, show producer Mikey Koffman - who was quite the fashion plate herself (sporting a spikey "do", ultra-cool shades, and chic black ensemble) - was temporarily faced with a dilemma at the top of the show when Fire Marshals stepped in to ensure that the exits were free-and-clear at the standing-room-only event.

Meanwhile, the frantic paparazzi jockeyed for position in the gallery at the end of the runway, anxious to "shoot" the night's glitzy festivities.

And, there was a lot to capture on film, folks!

The guests, who swarmed in from all corners of the bustling Metropolis, provided an avalanche of local color!

I scrambled to soak it all up!

For the most part, the ladies took the precious opportunity to show-off their own signature style at the high-profile event (I spied chic dinner jackets cut-short at the waist in eye-catching metal fabrics, elegant cocktail dresses in bright pastel colors, floor-length designer gowns that turned heads, and a smattering of exquisite hats sparked up with tasteful bows, lacy frills, and other whimsical fashion flourishes) where an eclectic mix of celebrities, fashion designers, and Hollywood wannabees rubbed shoulders as they sipped on exotic cocktails and chatted each other up.

The buzz in the main tent was so loud at one point that it was deafening.

At that juncture, I just sat back - took in the terrain - and marvelled at the passing parade.

In one corner, the local press traversed the red carpet, where they excitedly conducted in-depth interviews with the obvious "stars" of the evening festivities - namely - the three designers featured on the runway last evening (Betsey Johnson, effervescent Jelena Vujanovic for Vilorija, and Dina Bar-el).

"Marina"  - a celebrity Fashion Stylist - garnered a lot of attention with a delicious designer hat that was obviously a nod to the Duchess Kate Middleton.

The "Royals" would pay a King's ransom for that one, just betcha!

The gracious young lady got a lot of mileage out of her creation, too.

For example, every few minutes or so, appreciative fashionistas strolled up and asked her to pose for their cameras ever-ready.

On occasion, meeting up with a few individuals involved with the actual show proved to be quite informative, too.

One model - Elle Drane - was able to provide a bit of backstage scuttlebutt that answered a question-or-two about the runway presentations that puzzled me.

For example, apparently a couple of the models who glided down the runway in ill-fitting shoes - did so - because the stylists pulled a switcheroo on footwear last-minute before the curtain went up on the Fashion Weekend Event.

The minor styling glitch was of little consequence, though.

From where I sat at my perch front-row center, the runway shows were dazzling, that's for sure.

Betsey Johnson - who was billed as a "Rock Star Couture Designer" by the organizers - literally stole the event with her latest collection.

Johnson is best known for her wild fashion sense and funky fusion of fabrics and styles. 

And, last evening, she did not disappoint in that respect.

In a nutshell, her designer gems were all glam - and Hollywood-style - all the way!

The crowd was literally wowed!

Dina Bar-el also made quite a splash with all in attendance.

At the top of the runway show (when one long-flowing gown crafted in lustrous gold was unveiled) all the fashionistas in the room (the paparazzi, too) whooped and hollered up a storm - at which point - the gorgeous model was forced to stop and catch her breath (so overwhelming was the spontaneous outburst).

Unfortunately, Vilorija - by one celebrated designer (Jelena Vujanovic) - disappointed a tad.

Frankly, I thought that her eye-catching outfits - which at times featured odd-ball stitching and strange fabric in-lays - didn't make stylish sense at all (and, subsequently, tended to be a bit too fussy for my fashion sensibilities).

A minimalist approach to her work might alleviate the problem in the future.

One of her better creations is pictured below that I whole-heartedly give the nod to.

By the way, attendees were thrilled with their nifty "gift bags", too (which included pricey lip gloss, miniature bottles of Betsey Johnson Eau De Parfum, tasty think thin nutrition bars, Liquid "shampoo" and "hair conditioner" samples, a "bling" purse, a copy of the newly-minted LA FASHION MAGAZINE, and an assortment of coupons for discounts at local retailers).

And, the after-party - at the ever-popular Sky Bar (at the Mondrian Hotel on Sunset) - was quite the blast, as well!

The "open bar" nurtured the schmoozing along considerably, I dare say!

When I finally slipped out the front door in the wee hours of the morning, I was ready to tuck in.

A good time was had by all!

Tonight, I expect the locals will be all geared up to party-hearty once again at night two of the ongoing fashion extravaganza this weekend.

See 'ya there!




Dina Bar-el design (above)




Vilorija by Jelena Vujanovic (above)

"The Voice"...Julian Ayrs to audition! Stage jitters, folks???

Well, I ate a little crow this past week, and kow-towed to peer pressure.

Uh-huh!

I'm going to put my "music critic's" mouth where my money is and audition for NBC's hit talent show:

"The Voice"

I'm slated to warble on stage in Burbank at the end of the month, in fact.

A piece of cake?

Although, my rendition of "People" would put Barbra Streisand to shame (sorry, babs!) I'm still toying with audition pieces that may be right for a shot at the brass ring!

Of course, there are a couple of dilemmas to overcome.

For starters, locating a pop tune that best showcases my golden pipes in one fell swoop, may be a toughie!

But, I have narrowed down the selections to about five in number, God willing.

Is there a "fear factor" to consider?

Well, yes.

I worry that I'll bow out last-minute and come down with a severe case of the jitters.

That happened once years ago at the comedy club on Sunset Boulevard when I first sauntered into Tinseltown by the way.

On that starry night, I surmised that a few clever quips about being a "cut-up" in school, would surely hit the audiences' funny-bones "just right" and catapult me to fortune and untold fame.

But, just before the MC was about to call me to trot up on stage, I dashed out the back door with a look of sheer terror on my face.

This time around, I plan to hold my ground, though I've never been very good at auditions as a rule.

Did you know that James Dean was allegedly a lousy "cold reader", too?

It's helpful if the judges appear to be in your corner from the get-go - once the stage manager pushes 'ya out from behind the curtain - that's for sure.

Actors and singers often forget one truism during the ordeal.

Casting directors are generally "pulling for you" at the audition.

That's why they brought you in to perform.

At this juncture, I recall a former Oscar-winner's acceptance speech from many moons ago.

"You like me! You really like me!"

Let's hope it pans out that way for me on March 31st, eh?

Dave Letterman..."Don Ho" jokes triggered old memories!

Dave Letterman has been running with a gag about Hawaiian crooner "Don Ho" this past week which triggered old memories for me.

When I was a kid, I used to tell a joke that usually got a guffaw or two, you betcha!

It went something like this...

"My mother's name is Ida. If she married Don Ho, she'd be Idaho"

Ba-dump!

And, how was your day?

St. Patrick's Day...celebrate the luck of the Irish @ Casey's Pub in downtown Los Angeles!

My father was an Irish fiddler (who played with his band in "Hogs Hollow" in North Toronto decades ago) so I am inclined to down a glass of green ale and kick-up my heels in his memory this weekend!

Quite a few of the locals will be trotting down to Casey's Irish Pub tomorrow for the 2nd Annual street festival, too.

Live tribute bands and house specials - such as pickle back shots, Guinness, and scrumptious corned beef sandwiches - will attract huge crowds anxious to par-tay hearty!

Attendees may be wise to park early or take the metro to avoid the glut of traffic!

See 'ya there!

Casey's Irish Pub
613 South Grand
Los Angeles, CA

Info:

http://www.213nightlife.com/caseysirishpub

Human sum totals...quote by Julian Ayrs!

All

humans

are

the

sum total

of their

daily

experiences!

Julian Ayrs

Divine Grace

A Collection of Poems

FastER...UCLA clinic introduces fast ER services for minor injuries & illnesses!

Have you ever languished in the "emergency department" at a major metropolitan hospital - writhing in pain for hours on end - as you waited to be examined by an overworked Doctor on duty?

The Santa Monica UCLA Medical Center and the Orthopaedic Hospital have come up with a "FastER" solution to the dilemma.

The Nethercutt Emergency Center has thrown open its doors to provide a "fast lane" for minor cuts and bruises and ailments such as earaches, ankle sprains, and small wounds.

According to Hospital management, patients will clock in and out of the facility in ninety minutes or less!

Unfortunately, the center is only open between 11 a.m. and 11 p.m.

But, it's a start in the right direction, eh?

By the way, the center has heart and stroke specialists on hand and is the only ER approved locally for pediatrics.

The high-tech facility is also equipped with an advanced CT scanner.

Kudos to UCLA!

Clint Eastwood...say it isn't so! Reality show for Dina & the kiddies!

Dirty Money for "Dirty Harry"?





Is Clint Eastwood being seduced by Hollywood at long last?

Or, is the squinty-eyed actor just anxious to rustle up some moolah for his wife's retirement fund, in the event he kicks off sooner than expected?

No matter how 'ya skin it, it sure looks like Eastwood is selling out, in the event the rumors are true.

Uh-huh!

The "Eastwoods" have allegedly signed on for a TV reality-show to focus on wife Dina and their two daughters (Francesca & Morgan).

Will the rugged star end up with a "Fistful of Dollars", too?

News at 11!

Channing Tatum...rustles up fan hysteria on Jay Leno! "21 Jump Street" new release Friday!

Heartthrob flavor of the month - Channing Tatum - delighted female fans last  night when he trotted out onto the Tonight Show stage to chat about his new flick.

In fact, at every opportunity, ecstatic fans whooped and hollered from below the footlights at the NBC sound studio where the Leno show is taped daily before a live audience.

For example, when a publicity still of Channing as a cute toddler splashed across the screen, deafening screams erupted from beyond and continued for minutes non-stop.

The sexy hunk has been savoring a wave of popularity since "The Vow" catapulted him into the spotlight in recent weeks.

Filmgoers may recall that the handsome up-and-coming star also starred in the tear-jerker "Dear John" in the recent past

Channing's latest flick - "21 Jump Street" (a spoof on the old TV Show which starred Johnny Depp) is expected to fare well when it is released on the wide screen at the end of the week.

Dressed conservatively in a sportcoat and tie, the actor appeared to be pretty down-to-earth, and unaffected by all the clamoring attention in recent days.

On set, allegedly Mr. Channing was quite the prankster, too.

In one set-up, he allegedly he strolled out with a gargantuan penis strapped to his sexy bod, to take his female co-star by surprise.

That, he did!

"According to the script, she'd never seen a penis before. So, I wanted to make sure it was a big one," he joked to Jay Leno, who was all - um - ears!

Needless to say, he elicited the appropriate response, and to the director's satisfaction.

Judging by Tatum's recent success, and his easy-going manner, I expect the up-and-coming star is in for the long haul.

See 'ya at the movies, Tatum!

Barbra Streisand...to lens "GYPSY" officially! Julian Fellowes adapts stage musical!

The on-again off-again big screen production of "GYPSY" - an adaptation of the hit Broadway Musical - is slated for the silver screen at long last.

According to Ms. Streisand's handlers, the celebrated songbird will inhabit the role of "Mama Rose", the tough-as-nails stage mother.

The original classic features a lush score and lyrics by Jule Styne and Stephen Sondheim respectively ( and a well-crafted book by Arthur Laurents).

Let's hope LA STREISAND - who is producing with Joel Silver - doesn't tinker too much with the original stage material.

You know what they say!

If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

Hopefully, Streisand (who turns seventy in a few weeks) is up to the warbling.

News at 11!

The indignities of life...quote by Julian Ayrs!

Once an individual

has

suffered

a few

of the

indignities

of life

They may be

inclined

to think twice

about the consequence

of their actions

in the future

Julian Ayrs

The Daily Planet

A Collection of Poems
(& Truisms)

Fashion Star...Jessica Simpson "bang on" about sequined cocktail dress! Retail losers kill NBC show!

One of the highlights for me last night on "Fashion Star" unfolded when a designer's chic black sequined cocktail dress was trotted out on stage and sparked a thousand dazzling little rainbows here-and-there during the course of NBC's glitzy premiere.

The fools at Macy's, Saks Fifth Avenue, and H & M department stores screwed up - though - in spite of the fact Jessica Simpson touted the par-tay frock loud and proud.


A gushing endorsement, I dare say.

"I'd wear it right now," the pretty blond excitedly blurted out from her perch on stage, as I cheered her on from the sidelines in my comfy critic's armchair at home, you betcha.

"I bet there are quite a few ladies who would toss that cocktail dress on in about two-seconds flat in New York, Las Vegas, or Los Angeles," she enthused in so many words.

Gosh, that buyer from Saks Fifth Avenue - who put the designer down (his name was Oscar) for being too "flamboyant" and not business-like enough - was such a tired old fart (when it came to his fashion taste buds, at least).

He's ready for the pasture, if 'ya ask me!

Notwithstanding that gaffe on the part of the producers at NBC, I found the nasty critique of one of the male designer's menswear way off-base too!

His clothes were too edgy?

Yes, but ripe for the marketplace, when it comes to confident dudes.

When one silly rep from one of the retail outlets uttered up a couple of nasty comments about the way he paired (and styled) the leather jackets, shorts, and boots on the runway - it was quite evident to moi that she didn't have a fashion clue!

World-class designers such as Chanel, Givenchy, and Louis Vuitton often  go way "over-the-top" when they unveil their spanking new collections under the glare of the spotlight come fashion week each year.

In the final analysis, the visionary few do so, to demonstrate how the ensembles may actually be "dressed-up" (to the hilt for nights out on-the-town) or "down" when worn as simple streetwear or business apparel to work.


It's called versatility, folks!


It's rare that the daring mixing-and-matching often exalted on stage ever sees the light of day outside of the fashion house, my dears, believe me!


Notwithstanding the foregoing, I can only predict at this juncture - that if "Fashion Star" continues down the road travelled last evening - it will fade into oblivion before the next wash.


Like the reality-show "On the Lot" (which focused on struggling filmmakers) Fashion Star is novelty bill-of-fare outside the mainstream that will lose its novelty fast!


It's a rags-to-riches "to rags" story in this instant scenario!


Stay posted for upcoming TV reviews, eh?

Val Kilmer...workshops "Citizen Twain" @ historic Hollywood Forever Cemetery! Limited Engagement!

You've probably heard whispers in the press.

Val Kilmer has been feverishly preparing for a stage performance on the life and times of adored humorist Mark Twain.

Now word from management at the historic Forever Hollywood cemetery is that Kilmer has been slated to workshop the production for a limited engagement only at the Masonic Lodge on the premises.

There will be two weekend performances of the "one-man" show only!

"Citizen Twain" was written and directed by Kilmer and is his "baby" all the way!

According to Mr. Kilmer's handlers, the production delves into the heart and soul of Samuel Clemens and conjures forth the great spirit of Mark Twain (America’s greatest storyteller).

"Storytelling was a lifeline for Twain, and in Kilmer’s Citizen Twain, this lifeline continues into and after Twain’s death, making it an appropriate choice to perform the show in The Masonic Lodge at Hollywood Forever Cemetery."

Amen!

See 'ya there, eh?

Performances:

Friday, 03.23.2012
March 23rd (2012)
Saturday
March 24th (2012)
Sunday
March 25th (2012)
03.25.2012

Friday
March 30th (2012)
Saturday
March 31st (2012)
Sunday
April 1st (2012)

TICKETS:

hollywoodforever.ticketfly.com

Contact:

events@hollywoodforever.com

Fairfax Theatre...there goes the neighborhood! City gives nod to Condo units!

 Proposed Condo Development for Fairfax District




There goes the neighborhood!

For film buffs, the closure of the historic "Fairfax Theatre" (formerly at Fairfax and Beverly in Hollywood)- a popular movie revival house - is a great loss to the community.

But, to newly transplanted residents, it's just a case of the old making way for the new.

Tattler readers may recall that I reported last year that the theatre in question closed its doors unexpectedly one fine day shrouded in mystery and intrigue.

Rumors persisted!

And, some folks from the Art Deco Society were mad as hell.

Post: 04/25/2010

http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2010/04/fairfax-theaterfuture-in-jeopardy-art.html

"Flood damage forced the owner to shut down," some whispered.

"They're probably making way for progress and installing a parking lot," others scoffed to all within earshot.

This past week the news was finally forthcoming and it didn't bode well for fans of the quaint little theatre who trekked up to the revival house weekly to take in a smattering of screenings at bargain-basement prices.

Personally, I spent a dozen-or-so hours during the witching hour below the floodlights, catching an umpteen number of classic films (and B-list contenders) under the auspices of the "Insomniac Cinema" (which threw open its doors at midnight without fail on Friday and Saturday nights for about two years before the celluloid "died").

The Big Lebowski

Post: 01/29/2009
http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2009/01/big-lebowskiscreens-at-insomniac-cinema.html

Plan 9 From Outer Space (Ed Wood)

Post: 05/08/08
http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2008/05/insomniac-cinemaplan-9-from-outer-space.html

Dazed & Confused

Post: 03/05/08
http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2008/03/insomniac-cinemadazed-and-confused.html

The houses were usually packed, raucous, and provided a truckload of laughs for all in attendance into the wee hours of the early dawn.

According to the developer (owner Alex Gorby) the Fairfax Theatre (operated by "The Regency" in its final days as a boutique revival house) site will be replaced by a modern development which will include housing and a rooftop pool (not visible from the street level).

Gorby boasts, in fact, that the corner will feature at least 71 classy CONDO UNITS staggered over five stories (from a height of between 37 and 62 feet) and that an existing Art Deco facade will be incorporated into the design.

Nostalgic folks will be happy to hear that the existing spire - a landmark for years - will continue to beckon from afar to passers-by (a remembrance of days gone by in the old Fairfax District).

Personally, I'll miss the period stand-alone ticket booth which was a real beauty!

Hopefully, it will escape the wrecker's ball, too.

The Human condition...quote by Julian Ayrs!

After reflecting

on my life

It suddenly

dawned on me
one day

that

God

brought me

into

this world

to

experience

the

human condition!

Julian Ayrs

Divine Grace

A Collection of Poems

Jessica Simpson...Slutty Brownies are yummy! Fashion Star host waddles onto Tonight Show Stage!

A very pregnant Jessica Simpson waddled out from behind the curtain last night on the tonight show to chat up an effervescent Jay Leno who was grinning like a Cheshire cat.

Normally, I chastise oversized gals whenever they slip into wild "jungle prints", especially when the bold patterns draw attention to their sloppy less-than tip-top shapes.

But, under the circumstances - since Simpson is "with child" - I am inclined to look the other way.

Even still, I wondered aloud about her decision to wobble around the city earlier in the day in six-inch heels.

Was she hoping she'd break her "water" and force an early birth?

Meanwhile, her ubiquitous "naked" spread on the cover of a National Magazine (Elle) on newsstands everywhere, has left a lot to be desired folks.

So, Demi Moore, don't 'ya think?

I expect that Ms. Simpson's handlers were in a panic backstage, too, when Jessie spouted off on a number of touchy subjects live without benefit of prerecorded taping (to safeguard).

For example, when Leno - grinning from ear-to-ear (as usual) - quizzed her about a nickname she was christened with recently on the "Fashion Star" set (she's hosting the new reality style-show currently being panned by most legit critics around the country) she uttered up a few choice quips that would make a truck driver blush.

Uh-huh!

Allegedly, one of the designers (John Varvatos) referred to her as "swamp ass".

Why, pray tell?

"It was like the Bayou up there," Simpson quipped, without blinking a pretty eyelash, as she referred to her "crotch" below a large protruding belly.

"Very humid," she blurted out to an embarrassed Jay (who was taken aback somewhat).

"Ah, that's a little more information that I need," he managed to mustered up in response, as his face went beet red for a second or two.

But, old potty-mouth didn't quit there.

When asked if she had any unusual cravings - because of her pregnancy - she was quick on the uptake (natch).

"Slutty Brownies," she belted out, without a hint of decorum.

Talk about "pregnant pauses"!

Folks in the audience hooted and hollered, though.

Once Jay regained his composure, he pressed on, to determine how it was that Simpson came up with the "delightful" name for the curious dessert.

"Well, a lot goes into it," she giggled suggestively.

About 9 inches, I expect!

Anyhoo, according to Ms. Simpson, a slutty brownie is packed chock-full of three main ingredients:

*Cookie Dough
*Brownie Dough
*Orioles

Yummy!

The segment went downhill from there.

It was time to tuck in for the night.

I managed to conjure up a slew of pleasant dreams, nonetheless.

Donald Trump...Adam Carolla's comb-over quote of the day (reported by Julian Ayrs)!

After being booted off of "Celebrity Apprentice" this past week, Adam Carolla sauntered out onto the stage of the Tonight Show last night to chat up Jay Leno about his frothy experience with "The Donald" on the top-rated celebrity-studded show.

During the titillating segment on the "hot seat", Carolla ended up uttering the "comb-over" quote of the day.

"It's like Yosemite (Trump's "do"). The black and white photographs don't do it any justice. You have to experience it in person," he chortled in so many words, as the audience roared below the footlights.

Ba-dump!

Healing Wounds...quote by Julian Ayrs!

It is far better

that 

a

Man

 allow

a

wound

to

heal

than

pick at it

so

that it may

fester

and

infect

 again!

Julian Ayrs

The Daily Planet

A Collection of Poems

(& Truisms)

Alexis by Tal Sheyn...opens L.A. Fashion Weekend Finale on KTLA! Live on March 18th!

What is the "word" from the handlers for "Alexis by Tal Sheyn"?

The L.A. Fashion Weekend Finale @ Sunset-Gower Studios is slated to be broadcast live! on KTLA 5 on March 18th @ 8 p.m.

Personally, I am particularly looking forward to the fashions inspired by a bevy of femme fatales (and studs) from the top-rated popular nighttime TV shows such as the "Gossip Girl", the "Real Housewives of Orange County", and NBC's spanking-new reality show "Fashion Star".


Mark your calendar and tune in to KTLA, if you can't make the scintillating runway shows in person, eh?








http://www.alexisbytalsheyn.com/

Perez Hilton...I have alot in common with MySpace "friend"! Where did 'ya get those blue peepers?

Today, I was pleasantly surprised when I popped open an e-mail communication from "MySpace" and caught sight of the following message tucked neatly inside:

"Perez Hilton wants to be your friend!"

OMG!

The "Gods" of the Internet had descended on little old moi!

Right off the bat, I wondered aloud to myself, if becoming friends with Perez (I can refer to you by your first name now that we're "friends', can't I, Mr. Hilton?) might have a few special privileges worth pursuing.

Uh-huh!

Just maybe, a pact with Mr. Hilton, might guarantee a little "immunity" from any salacious (or juicy) gossip coming my way about me - do 'ya think?

Not that I have any skeletons in my closet to hide, folks!

Actually, Perez Hilton and I have quite a few "things" in common.

For starters, we're both celebrity news "enthusiasts" of the 1st degree (that's putting it politely!) who report on all the seemingly never-ending goings-on of naughty celebrities from our respective perches in Tinseltown each day.

Granted, Hilton - "the" Gossip Queen of all time - is vastly more successful than me.

But, to be fair, Perez had a head start because he started blogging a few years before I took a leap into the fascinating intrigues of the great world-wide-web .

Even still, some of the similarities in our style - well - they are uncanny.

For example, in one interview Perez fessed up that he used to park in front of a popular coffee shop, and "tap" into their WiFi Internet access for free.

Yep!

I am guilty of that kind of tom-foolery, too.

A boy has to cut some corners now-and-then to make ends meet after all, folks.

And yes - just like Perez - I toil tirelessly throughout the day to get "it" just right in posts published endlessly on The Tattler (as I expect they do over at TMZ, too).

In fact, I am constantly making corrections and changes and updates - ad nauseam - throughout the day.

Uh-huh!

Hilton was inclined to note to one probing reporter at a major daily last year, that he often logged on several times a day, to update his web site at a feverish pitch (such a "perfectionist" is he).

News never sleeps, after all!

And, who wants to read old gossip, anyhoo?

When it comes to blogs, at times it appears that I am actually psychically linked to mine, believe it or not.

How 'bout you, Perez?

For instance, on more than one occasion after I've published a post - I'll be strolling down the street somewhere in town - when a tiny "voice" inside my little noggin starts nagging me about a potential slip-up at the blog site.

Sure enough, when I log back on, I discover that I inadvertently inputted an incorrect date or spelled an actor's name incorrectly, you name it!

Just recently, for example, I mistakenly mentioned "Jackie Collins", when I was actually referring to "Joan".

Duh!

Do you suppose anyone noticed?

By the way, Perez and I nearly ran smack dab into each other one night at The oh-so-trendy Abbey in WeHo.

I was cruising through the bar when a posse of studs half-turned to gaze in my direction - at which point - I noticed that Mr. Hilton holding court with a Cheshire grin on his face!

I expect all the pretty young dudes present were wondering to themselves:

"Are two stars going to collide or will two ships just pass quietly in the night?"

As I sauntered by, I couldn't help but notice that Perez has been blessed with such beautiful blue peepers as he looked in my direction, lucky stiff!

Finally, it should be noted that both Perez and I have both mellowed "with age" a tad.

After all, who wants to unexpectedly get caught up in an ugly round of nasty fisticuffs, at the witching hour over a snipped of gossip that slipped out?

Both our writing styles have greatly improved (progressed?) as well (even if I do say so myself).

Who knows, maybe there is a great American Novel in at least one - or both - of us!

Stay posted, eh?