Michael Phelps...nabs "Gold" in the 100-meter butterfly at London Olympics!

Just a couple of days ago I wondered if Michael Phelps would go on with a whimper or a bang at the London Olympics.

Well, today, the answer was crystal clear when the celebrated Gold Medalist flew to the wall with butterfly "wings".

Uh-huh!

In spite of stellar competition nipping at his fins - um - feet, Phelps took the 100-meter butterfly (in a flat 51.2) to beat out Chad le Close (South Africa) and Evgeny Korotyshkin (Russia) who tied for second place (silver).

When Michael took his place at the podium, it was evident that he was probably going to be hailed as the greatest athlete ever in the history of the Olympian games!

Count 'em!

21 medals to date.

It was quite an exciting on-the-edge-of-your-seat kind-of race!

Phelps suffered a slow start, but powered forward - and took charge - at about the halfway point.

By the way, yesterday Phelps was the first swimmer to win an individual event - the 200 medley - at three successive games.

Oops!

Folks may have noticed that I inadvertently referred to the race as the 400 individual medley when I published a post on the win.

Just like the athletes this past week, sometimes us journalists get a little sloppy, too.

Luckily for me, I am able to "go-back" and correct the errors on the Tattler site (unlike the swimmers who can only Monday-morning quarterback!).

Phelps' final swimming event is the men's 4x100 medley relay later this week which is a must-see!

I'm betting on the Golden Boy and TEAM USA, how 'bout you?

Pavilions...demented man stalks customers at grocery in WeHo!

A few weeks ago, I reported on a mentally-ill man who was harassing patrons in front of the Beverly Hills Library.

At one point, he hissed under his breath some startling comments which upset a few residents waiting in line to get inside the doors at 10:00 a.m.

For example, he called them “cockroaches”.

Then, he turned to one man and noted that he’d allegedly spotted the individual at Pavilions in West Hollywood with all those “other cockroaches”.

“A big truck is going to come down here and haul you all away,” he threatened.

At the time, I speculated that he was the type of deranged person who would show up one day with an automatic rifle and shoot everyone in sight.

Post: 07/19/2012

http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2012/07/beverly-hills-public-librarymentally.html

Sadly, a few hours later, the Colorado tragedy unfolded before a shocked Nation.

Whenever I have a mental impression – a psychic feeling that is strong – it usually comes to pass in some capacity.

Today, I spied the outcast in Pavilions leaning up against the wall in the Starbucks café (wearing dark sunglasses with a hat pulled down over his face) mumbling under his breath and glowering at customers there to relax and take a sip of steaming hot java.

At one point, a patron was so disturbed by his presence that they turned their back on him at their table.

Without hesitation, he scurried across and plunked himself down in a chair, where he jockeyed into a position where he could stare them down in the face.

I hope security is on their toes at Pavilions.

I hate to say it, but something bad is going to happen with that mentally-ill young man.

Personally, I don’t intend to pop in there for a bite to eat in the morning anymore.

I value my life too much to lose it over a $1.99 breakfast sandwich!

London Olympics...swimmer argues with Official over disqualification!

Over the past few days, sports enthusiasts have gotten more than they bargained for, in view of all the unexpected upsets, scandals brewing behind-the-scenes, you name it!

Last night, viewers were obviously titillated by one scenario that went down over a swimmer's form in the pool - which ended up in a subsequent disqualification. As it turned out, it was much ado about nothing, since the swimmer did not qualify when the numbers sprang up on the screen overhead in the Olympic Stadium.

The tense moment was captured on video (see below).

As the second week unfolds, there are bound to be many new twists and turns, as the athletes make a grab for the celebrated "Gold".

Stay posted for updates!

Michael Phelps...nabs "gold" in 200 individual medley! 20 Medals in total!

Michael Phelps dove confidently into the pool a scant thirty minutes ago, then roared through the 200 individual medley with a vengeance in a head-to-head battle with top swim rival (and good pal) Ryan Lochte that nabbed him pure gold!

Phelps snatched up the coveted prize in a flat 1:54.27.

For the first time at the Olympics this past week, Phelps - not only took the lead - but didn't let up 'til he hit the wall.

The time for dilly-dallying was over.

Or, did the studly swimmer's Coach - Bob Bowman - read him the riot act after he lost the gold in a stinky race because of sheer stupidity and a lack of focus?

To date, Phelps has snapped up four medals at the Games thus far across the big pond (two golds and two silvers).

At this juncture, Phelps remains the top medal-getter (with 20 coveted prizes) in the history of the historic games.

Lochte, meanwhile, has racked up five medals in London Town.

Sports historians (and chart-keepers) are hailing Phelps and Lochte as the greatest swimmers on the face of the globe. Of course, they've earned the distinction (in spite a couple of sloppy shows over the past few days overseas).

Stay posted for updates!

London Olympics...lack of honor & sportsmanship trigger outcry at games! Scandalous lack of moral & ethical standards at issue!

A scandal has been brewing the past twenty-four hours overseas at the Olympics in London.

For example, it’s been alleged that a coach for the Japanese Women’s soccer team instructed players not to score in a final group game against South Africa, with the deceitful aim of guranteeing the team an upper hand in the next round of competition.

Many cried foul on that one, even though the International Federation for soccer nixed a call for disciplinary action after reviewing the controversial issue.

Badminton players competing at the historic games weren’t so lucky, however.

That ruckus - not only blew the lid off the sport – but also raised serious questions about whether ethical and moral standards were being observed by team players.

In that scenario, players appeared to be deliberately “throwing” the game (by dumping serves and willfully fumbling simple shots like amateurs) so they’d gain a sort-of handicap advantage which might result in pay dirt later on in the competitions.

Officials expressed their concerns (rightly so) that the sly athletes were engaging in conduct that abused the rules and was detrimental to the sport.

Shameful (in a nutshell).

Consequently, the Badminton players involved in the incident were given the “boot”.

And, one of the "stars" on the Japanese team quit in the aftermath.

For good reason.

History buffs may recall that the Olympic Games were originally launched to create good will (and peace) among all Nations.

Athletes in the arena play a vital role in accomplishing that end.

By competing fair and square, the Olympic hopefuls also set an example to our vulnerable youth about the value and importance of sportsmanship - especially in the troubled corrupt world of today - where anything goes.

Nip the “cancer” in the bud, I say!

Kudos to the Officials who bravely went where few men would dare to go to preserve the integrity of the games.


The Olympics are better for it, today.

Julian Tepper...attends signing of "BALLS" @ Book Soup! Musician in "The Natural History"!

Last night fans of Julian Tepper crammed into the cozy BOOK SOUP up on Sunset (just across-the-way from Dukes restaurant) to catch a reading of an excerpt from his 1st Novel "Balls".

Tepper is best-known as the bass player for the indie rock band "The Natural History".

But, he tends to stretch his artistic muscle in a myriad of fields of creative endeavour.

For example, Tepper co-wrote the Spoon's hit "Don't You Evah" and helped produce the band's two studio albums "Beatbeatheartbeat" and "the People That I Meet".

Stephen Daldry, a reputable film director, also cast Tepper in a featured role in "Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close" (2011).

Julian is the co-founder of the The Oracle Club (which is a salon and workspace for artists and writers in New York).

Betcha he flogs a lot of books!

Starbucks...foreign object in Oatmeal! Consumer alert!

Tattle readers may recall that a few weeks ago, I published a post about a foreign object I nearly choked on which was inside my Oatmeal at Starbucks (San Francisco outlet).

Today, I suddenly thought I might be a good idea to post a video clip of the nasty intruder, along with a consumer alert.

Take a gander at what you're about to scoop in your mouth - or - you may be in for a nasty stomach-turning surprise courtesy Starbucks, Pepsico, and Quaker Oats.

Chow - um - Ciao!

Metro Line...staff & driver rescue lost guitar! Kudos!

Now and then I tend to take a jab at Metro Line – the service, rude drivers, stinky passengers - you name it.

But, when the service has been outstanding – and merits attention – I am also quick to give kudos where they are due. For example, this morning I hopped on board an express bus to avoid driving in hectic nerve-racking rush-hour traffic.

But, wouldn’t ‘ya know it, I ended up in a dilemma.

Shortly after I alighted off the Metro Bus, I suddenly realized that I left my prized guitar (and carrying case) behind.

OMG!

What was a boy to do?

I thought of flagging down a cab and barking out to the driver.

“Follow that bus. There’s a fiver in it for ‘ya, bud!”

Yeah, I watch a lot of classic flicks!

Naw.

The driver was long gone.

Another bus pulled up a few seconds later, though, going in the opposite direction.

I rushed up to the uniformed female behind the wheel.

“Can you call that bus and ask the driver to secure my guitar,” I excitedly quizzed her half out-of-breath.

“No. But, you can stop into the station just down the road and ask them to radio the vehicle.”

After I thanked the pleasant gal, I quickly trode off to Division 7 in West Hollywood to put in the request.

The clerk at the window was quite sympathetic. Once she tracked down the driver, I was given instructions on how to retrieve the guitar (provide it wasn't stolen!).

One hour later the beautiful instrument was once again safely in my hands, thanks to the quick-thinking, honest, professional assistance I received from Metro Line staff and drivers.


Thanks Metro, eh?

Percentages...quote by Julian Ayrs!

A

percentage

of

something

is

better

than

a

percentage

of

nothing!

Julian Ayrs

The Daily Planet

A Collection of Poems

(and truisms)

Michael Phelps...doctor accuses Gold Medalist of doping up for performance!

Yesterday, the sports arena at the Olympics was all a-buzz with whispers (and allegations) that a young Chinese swimmer (Ye Shiwen) was just too much of a powerhouse in the pool for her age to be stroking to victory at the wall without “something” to give her – not only extra stamina – but an edge on the other hopefuls at the games.

When the nasty rumors fell on the ears of one Asian doctor – his knee-jerk reaction (and subsequent finger-pointing at Michael Phelps) - erupted into a nasty controversy on the issue

In a nutshell, the good doctor (!) accused Phelps of relying on “doping” - of some suspicious or illegal (undetectable?) sort - to boost his performance in the pool.

The irate sports enthusiast based his argument on the Gold Medalist's track-record over the past few years.

For example, just yesterday, Phelps became the most highly-decorated athlete in the history of the Olympic Games when he nabbed his 19th medal at the Olympics in London.

In a nutshell?

The physician inferred that it was not humanly possible to achieve those kudos without some “help”.

“I can’t prove it, though,” he fessed up quickly on the heels of the accusation.

Obviously, the gent wasn’t too familiar with the swimmer’s personal life.

Quite a few folks in the U.S. are keen on the fact – in part due to screaming headlines in the tabloids weekly – that Phelps is a “pot head” who is prone to suck on his “bong”.

If anything, I've found that marijuana makes people more fuzzy-headed than focused. That truism probably accounts for why Phelps failed to rigorously train - or prepare properly - for the 2012 games this past year.

Grass has the opposite effect, fool!

One has only to review Michael’s performance over the past few days to figure that one out.

Last night when he should have nabbed the gold in his signature race, he lost out to a newcomer because his turns were sloppy and he neglected to put in his "all" at the finish line.

“He should have punched that wall,” one sportscaster barked at the screen in disgust.

That was why the kid-from-nowhere managed to snatch the coveted prize (which Phelps took for granted was his) right out from under "the former champ" in the last five-hundredths of a second!

When Phelps placed fourth last week in another race, his coach didn’t pull any punches.


“It was all about fitness and being prepared (which he wasn’t),” he lamented.

Well, ‘ya live and ‘ya learn.

Hopefully, Phelps keep his eye on the ball in the remaining races, 'cause it would be a shame to see the celebrated athlete go out in a whimper and not with a bang.

Kristen Stewart...trades in steak for hamburger helper!

When the news hit the airwaves that Kristen Stewart cheated on her yummy long-time beau – Robert Pattinson – it came as quite a blow to star-struck Twilight fans and industry-insiders alike.

Kristen appeared to be such a terribly sensible down-to-earth kind of gal.

The biggest shocker?

The strange (balding) bedfellow the ultra-sexy sultry starlet sashayed in-between-the-sheets with.

The aging Lothario – 41-year old Rupert Sanders (who helmed her last flick “Snow White and the Huntsman”) seemed such an unlikely lover!

The whispers abounded.

Did he seduce her - or - was Kristen as hornie and vulnerable as everyone tends to be when they get the seven-year itch in a stale relationship?

The scandalous tryst sure boosted the morale of middle-aged men around the country.

Obviously, it’s not necessary to splurge big bucks on a snazzy sports car to lure pretty young sex-craved beauties into their bachelor pads (!) and waiting beds.

Sanders must have had something Kristen liked (hint hint).

Just maybe, Kristen was tired of "puppy love"?

If the rumors are true , studly Pattinson is sure pining to find out.

According to one popular gossip site, the handsome young hunk has his heart set on having a one-to-one with Sanders.

To compare notes or – just maybe – get some lovemaking tips?

News at 11!





Kristen and Rupert obviously love "playing" dress up!

Michael Phelps...smiles poolside after qualifying for signature race at London Olympics!

After an embarrassing two days thrashing about in the pool at the London Olympics – almost failing to qualify in one trial, hitting the wall in “crappy” fourth place in one high-profile race, and snapping up a lowly silver (with Team USA in a relay) – the celebrated Gold Medalist had something to smile about poolside last night.

Studly Phelps qualified for his signature race!

All eyes will be glued to the old boob tube tonight on NBC (no doubt) as Phelps tries to cap his career with another “Gold” before he retires from the sport at the end of the celebrated games overseas.

Go! Michael! Go!

The Tattler..rich media fashion ads for my female readers! Shop 'til you drop in comfort of home!

Tattler readers may have noticed that I jazzed up the site with a smattering of rich media advertisements in recent days.

For good reason!

A quick review of traffic stats indicated that a large percentage of my visitors are young working women between the ages of 24-34 who are single.

So, what does that tell ‘ya?

These discerning gals are not only inclined to shop for suitable ensemble pieces to wear to work (and likewise dress to impress the boss) – but - are also on the look-out for sexy fashionable outfits to don when they’re out on-the-prowl clubbing on the weekends!

With that in mind, I decided to pick up the slack, and tailor a handful of ads for that highly-specialized market. In fact, now my readers can put in an order at Nordstroms, Sacs Fifth Avenue – even Harrods in London (England) - without having to dash out the front door or waste a fistful of cash on costly gas!

But, gals, a word of caution. I couldn't help but notice that - according to the data - you're inclined to cruise on by the Tattler surreptitiously while on duty at the office. If that's the case, I trust you'll be cautious (do it on a coffee or lunch break, eh?); after all, I wouldn't want to see you get sacked for wasting man (woman?) hours.

Mum's the word this end.

Wink! Wink!

By the way, I haven’t forgotten the men, either.

There are a few quality haberdasheries ready to outfit them, too.

And, as Columbo would say, "just one more thing".

It's style - not the clothes - that make the man (or woman)!

Keep those hits coming, eh?

Michael Phelps...Ryan Lochte splish-splash sloppily to wall! Phelps nabs a first!

The week started out baaad for U.S. "Golden Boys" Michael Phelps and Ryan Lochte!

For example, at the top of the Olympic games last week fans were literally aghast when Phelps barely thrashed his way to qualify in one trial.

Golly!

But, the worst was yet to come for the unprepared Gold Medalist, you betcha.

For the first time in eight years, Phelps failed to even place in a race the following day.

The high-profile athlete - prone to toking on a little bit of bud in his kick-back leisure time now-and-then (he's human, after all) - struggled to hit the wall.

Yikes!

The studly swimmer ended up in crappy fourth place - four seconds behind Lochte, by the way - who ended up nabbing the coveted "Gold".

But, shortly after basking in the glow of his success - and after checking to ensure the medal wasn't fool's gold - Lochte (now being touted as the new "King" across the big pond) ended up going through the wringer himself.

Uh-huh!

In yesterday's team effort in jolly old London-town - the little engine that once could - blew a gasket and the team's once surefire lead in the 400-meter freestyle relay.

The U.S. ended up with a lousy silver medal!

Consequently, sportswriters are wondering aloud today - and for good reason - is the kid just a flash in the pan?

By the way, Phelps celebrated (!) a novel landmark in the swim of things.

For the first time in his remarkable high-profile swim career he actually won a - um - silver!

Ouch!

A sign of things to come?

Stay posted for updates.

Michelle Obama...bad example for youth at London Olympics!

The news alert flashed across the TV screen.

The 1st Lady – amidst a lot of pomp and circumstance – jetted off to the London Olympics where she immediately proceeded to engage in a pep talk to boost the morale of TEAM USA.

My jaw dropped when she uttered up her first words at the podium.

“Hi y’all!”

Say what?

Addressing the Olympic hopefuls in this manner was just as bad as referring to ‘em as “yous guys” (in my estimation).

Mrs. Obama came across as an uneducated Southern hick who lacked English skills.

I felt embarrassed for her!

In a nutshell?

Maybe Michelle should take a few night courses in public speaking, English and Grammar, and what-have-you. Or, in the alternative, hire a speech writer.

Obama’s “better half” set a poor example for the youth of today, don’t ‘ya think?

"Vito"...not a "Saint" but depicted as a hero in insightful documentary!

Many in the LGBT community – and in mainstream America, too – are familiar with Harvey Milk - in large part due - to his high-profile career in politics in San Francisco and his tireless efforts fighting for gay rights.

In contrast, Vito Russo (a feisty visionary) has remained a relatively unknown activist, in spite of the fact he played an integral role in launching two well-respected organizations (GLAAD and Act Up) largely responsible for furthering the rights of gays in this country and beyond.

In addition to his hands-on spirited efforts on the liberation front, Mr. Russo was also a major player in the Arts, keen on chronicling and transforming the negative images of gays in the rich medium of film to that of more realistic “fleshed out” appealing ones.

His best-seller – “The Celluloid Closet” – was the end result.

Now, director Jeffrey Schwarz (Spine Tingler!, The William Castle Story) has crafted a spellbinding insightful documentary on Russo that ultimately ends up resonating profoundly in the gay psyche (for starters).

The reason?

Schwarz hasn't whitewashed Russo's persona (made him out to be a Saint) or even tried to exalt the LGBT Community along the way.

“Vito was a male slut,” one friend joked into camera during the course of an informative one-on-one interview.

“He loved sex. It was a form of liberation.”

There are a number of poignant moments in the film, too.

At one rally – when warring factions in the LGBT community threatened to disrupt the business-at-hand – Vito quickly put a call into his good pal Bette Midler (a contact made at the legendary Continental Baths).

The Divine Miss “M” proceeded to trot up on stage like a trooper and belt out an appropriate tune for the highlyvolatie occasion.

“You’ve got to have friends!”

Somehow, that touching moment reminded me of Rodney King’s lament after the Los Angeles riots went down.

“Can’t we get along?”

Vito was a big fan of classic films – screw-ball comedies, musicals, and high-drama.

And, he was bent on sharing the delights of celluloid with the LGBT community at large.

Each week he often invited friends and film buffs to screenings where the legends of show business paraded across the silver screen.

One friend recalled that Vito was struck by the fact that on those nights, gay patrons tended to respond spontaneously in unison to the one-liners and sight gags.

“There was such a camaraderie.”

It didn’t escape Russo’s attention that filmmakers in the golden heyday of Hollywood – right back to the silent shorts – were inclined to slip in subliminal messages about gay life in those dark ages.

For example, in one scene Cary Grant jumps up-and-down in a pink costume excitedly flapping his hands amidst a lot of screaming:

“I’m gay as a goose!”

The audience roars.

Maybe those rumors about Cary Grant and Randolph Scott are true, eh?

In another rare moment, Marlene Dietrich is spied in a man’s suit kissing a female companion.

A turn-of-the-century classic also subtly focuses on two men dancing in the background.

On the night of the premiere gala screening at the Orpheum Theatre, the host noted that Vito would be proud of the fact that the documentary screened at the historic venue.

"Vito was a big fan of Judy Garland. She performed here on stage live with her two siblings who were known as the Gumm Sisters."

“Vito” is well-crafted and vastly entertaining and slice of gay life that is thought-provoking.

Highlights include touching interviews with a posse of Russo's personal friends such as Armistead Maupin (Tales of the City), Lily Tomlin (no introduction needed!, Bruce Vilanch (articulate funnyman), and Larry Kramer (to name a few).

One quote says it all:

“We’ll get our rights when we take them. We’ll get our movies when we make them.”

His prediction is coming true (oh, I'm getting shivers up my spine as I write this) after long hard-fought battles in courthouses, on panel discussions on explosive talk TV, and in the mean streets of mainstream America.

Catch "Vito" if you can!

HBO is expected to broadcast the stirring documentary throughout August if I am not mistaken.

The Truth...quote by Julian Ayrs!

The truth hurts

That

is

why

People
avoid
it!

Julian Ayrs

Divine Grace

A Collection of Poems

Michael Phelps...goes down in flames! Too much dope?

“He gave it everything he had, he gave 100%,” Ryan Lochte stated matter-of-fact to an attentive reporter on the heels of powerfully stroking his way to “gold” in the 400 meter Individual Medley yesterday at the Olympics in London.

Ouch!

With "friends like that", who needs enemies!

According to Phelps?

“Just a crappy race,” he shrugged, though visibly rattled by his dismal performance.

What an understatement!

In the past eight years, Phelps hasn’t failed to place once.

It’s an astounding stumble that sports enthusiasts (and fans) won’t soon forget, either.

Perhaps folks saw it coming; after all, Phelps’ initial start-up this past week in London didn’t bode well for one of the “winningest” Olympic swimmers in the history of the games.

Uh-huh!

In his first trial run, the “Golden Boy” came within a hair’s breath of not qualifying for a race.

Imagine that!

But, it was a sloppy performance in the pool yesterday that said it all.

Phelps is either over-the-hill – or – definitely out-of-shape (and thus, ill-prepared for the Olympic competitions, you betcha).

“It’s ultimately a fitness issue,” quipped trainer Bob Bowman poolside.

Not surprising, when you consider that Phelps began rigorous (?) training just a scant six months ago.

In contrast, go-getter Ryan Lochte busted his butt working out daily for the past four years (the day after he stepped off the podium clutching his medals in Beijing).

“It’s my year. There is no better way to start the Olympics,” Lochte gushed after nabbing the coveted prize out from under Phelps by an amazing four seconds!

Phelps, on the other hand, was so shaken that his “sportsmanship” temporarily lapsed.

Fans in the stands witnessed Phelps stride right by Ryan Lochte without even congratulating the Olympic upstart for snatching up the "gold".

To his credit, he did so later in the warm-up room, though.

In the end, Phelps fessed up.

“They swam a better race than me, a smarter race than me. They were more prepared, that’s why they’re on the medal stand,” he tweeted to followers in the aftermath.

Eating crow is good for the soul.

Though the sexy swimmer went down in flames on Saturday, ‘ya never know, he may rise up from the ashes like a Phoenix in races slated against his rival Lochte later this week.

The world will be watching!

Go! Michael! Go!