President Barack Obama...Patriot Act extension signed at witching hour!

With a deadline ticking away, President Barack Obama gave the nod to lawmakers last night, when he signed a 4-year extension for the Patriot Act just before the stroke of midnight.

In essence, the Government's power to search records - and conduct wiretaps at whim in pursuit of terrorists - has been renewed with vigor.

"It's an important tool for us to continue dealing with an ongoing terrorist threat," Obama stressed, on the heels of affixing his John Henry with a flourish to the documents.

Presumably, the President dotted his i's and crossed his t's  when he signed the binding legal documents.

Because Mr. Obama was in France when the deadline for signing the document into law was looming on the horizon, the President facilitated - what is referred as an autopen machine - to carry out the administrative task.

The instrument is rarely used and requires proper authorization by the sitting President.

Americans are still reeling over revelations that Barack Obama entered an incorrect date next to his signature in the Official Registry at Westminster Abbey a few days ago. For some inexplicable reason, the President was under the impression the year was 2008!

How time flies when you're having fun.

Or, was Mr. Obama having a Senior moment?

The Senate - dispute a few hot debates on the issues - voted 72 - 23 for the legislation to renew three terrorism-fighting measures.

The House later passed the controversial authorities 250 - 153 on a vote that stretched into the night.

Without the three authorities, the Obama administration argued successfully, that the FBI might not be able to obtain information on terrorist plotting inside the U.S.

Even still, the vote was held up for several days because one hold-out Senator - Rand Paul (Kentucky) - was concerned that the tools Law Enforcement sought would result in an abuse of privacy rights.

In essence, Paul demanded changes to the bill to restrict the government's ability to monitor individual actions without proper checks and the balancing of applicable rights laws.

The  renewal action extends the Government's authority over the next four years, and allows for roving wiretaps for non-American suspects who may be "lone wolfs" working independently without any known ties to organized terrorist groups.

The wiretaps and Government authorized access to business records are small parts of the USA Patriot Act enacted after the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks.

But, unlike most of the act - which is permanent law - those provisions require periodic review because of concerns that they could be used to violate privacy rights.

The same set of principles apply to the "lone wolf" provision which was part of a 2004 intelligence law (some have accused was "rushed into" prematurely in the hysterical aftermath of the terrorist attack of 9/11 in New York.

Paul expressed his concerns that the some aspects of the Patriot Act trampled on individual liberties.

Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Illinois) fessed up that he voted for the act in 2001 "while ground zero was still burning."

"But, I soon realized it gave too much power to government without enough judicial and congressional oversight."

Mark Udall of Colorado was afraid that law-abiding citizens would be subject to unjust Government scrutiny.

"If we cannot limit investigations to terrorism or other nefarious activities, where do they end?"

"The Patriot Act has been used improperly again and again by law enforcement to invade Americans' privacy and violate their constitutional rights," added Laura W. Murphy, the director of the ACLU Washington legislative office, at one point during the heated debates on the controversial - but solemn - issues raised.

The provisions of the Patriot Act have kept us safe for nearly a decade and Americans today should be relieved and reassured to know that these programs will continue, added Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky.

Intelligence officials at major U.S. Government agencies have denied improper use of surveillance tools, by the way.

FBI Director Robert Mueller warned in a letter to Congressional Leaders recently that there would be serious security consequences if the Patriot Act was not renewed.

"When the clock strikes midnight tomorrow, we would be giving terrorists the opportunity to plot attacks against our country, undetected," Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said on the Senate floor Wednesday.

When President Obama signed the appropriate documents last night he sealed their fate in the final analysis.
.
Paul agreed to let the bill go forward after he was given a vote on two amendments to rein in government surveillance powers.

Both were defeated, however.

Amen!

http://www.thetattler.biz


ht

American Idol...Scotty McCreery avoids blogs! Steve Tyler wowed fans!

In the aftermath of his astounding big win last night, Scotty McCreery found himself trotted around the show-biz-circuit today.

Ah, the toast of LA LA LAND!

The country-western star wannabee was everywhere! everywhere! everywhere!

But, don't expect Scotty to cruise the Internet soon, or check out what any bloggers have to say about his appearances on American Idol.

The kid with a twang in his voice has sworn off the blogosphere for his own reasons.

"On the Internet, they love you or they hate you," he solemnly quipped to one interviewer this morning, with a bit of a bad taste in his mouth.

So, he's putting his blinders on, and focusing on the kudos and crush of loving die-hard fans!

Meanwhile, last night's closing segment of American Idol generated a big buzz on major sites - and local news programs - bright-and-early this morning.

Some quipped that nobody but God could hit that high note that Steve Tyler managed to pull off - with little aplomb - to the stunned amazement of everyone in attendance and tuning in from the comfort of their homes.

Just how tight did his pants have to be to accomplish that feat, I wonder?

One anchor on Fox News in Vegas joked that when Jennifer Lopez was gracing the stage with her "ass" shimmy - that the foundations of the sound stage must have been rocking back-and-forth.

Just betcha that little maneuver - which she had obviously been practicing at home in front of a mirror - kept the pounds from taking their toll on her best ass-et in recent weeks.

Jennifer put slutty pole-dancers to shame!

Shake that booty, honey!

Lady GaGa was a knock-out when she - not only rocked on the stage - but engaged in sensual hanky-panky with a sexy young stud.

When they took the splash, well, it was symbolic - wasn't it?

Meanwhile, I can't fathom all the interest in what's-her-name, that came second.

She sure looks chunky to moi!

In spite of a smattering of juicy kisses planted on Scott McCreery'x face last night, the winsome twosome swear that they have no inclination to jump in-between-the-sheets.

Seems that Scotty has his mom on his mind a lot, so you figure it out!

Needless to say, the final episode was a smash success from a ratings point out view.

Uh-huh.

Viewer turn-out went through the roof.

Now, as the kids go out on tour, the producers gear up for season 11 (!) which starts up in about-a-month.

Break a leg, kids!

http://www.thetattler.biz



 

Lady GaGa...pool party @ Cosmopolitan Hotel in Vegas! Go Go's at Mandalay Bay!

 

Lady GaGa has been swept up in a whirlwind of activity!

The other night she alighted in the hot seat next to Dave Letterman appearing for all-the-world like an exotic black-plummaged bird from some intriguing nether-world.beyond this dimension.

And, a stint on Saturday Night Live, revealed her humorous side with comic sidekick Justin Timberlake.

Who knew?

Last night, the Pop Diva also did an erotic turn with a male dancer in a captivating live performance on the final segment of American Idol, which literally stole the show out from under all the mega-talent who appeared on stage.

The Internet has been awash with every delicious sensual tidbit - and it's been enough to give rise to a boner - or two!

Now, the high-profile musical phenomenon is about to fly into Vegas and hold court at a pool party at the oh-so-chic Cosmopolitan Hotel tomorrow night in Las Vegas.

Fans may be thrilled to hear that a copy of her eclectic new album - Born this Way - will open the magic doors to the sizzling hot event  - so they can get an up-close gander at the object of their pop sensation desires!

Purchase of an album at the door will also get a nod from the doorman!

I expect there will be a lot of little monsters descending on the elegant new Hotel on the strip, which has been causing quite a stir with tourists and world travellers alike.

Personally, I love the trendy upscale hangout!

Meanwhile, with memorial day weekend about to kick off, a few of the other Hotels are trying to get in on all-the-action, too.

After all, it's been predicted that approximately 113,000 visitors are about to flock into the desert oasis - and hopefully - spend with gay abandon to the thrill of local businesses hungry for a surge in sales.

So, if Lady GaGa is not your idea of an night on-the-town, other popular acts are hankering for your attention.

The Go Go's,  for instance, will be taking the stage at Mandalay Bay tomorrow night.

And, Berlin will be appearing at the Freemont Experience, for free!

Needless to say, there may be a Hangover or 2 come Saturday morning.

By the way, the sequel has opened locally, so you may want to catch that flick this weekend if you're not into playing the slots, or rubbing elbows with celebrities at ultra chic Night Clubs along the Las Vegas strip.

The word from most movie-goers appears to be that Hangover 2 is not as good as the first, but, entertaining none-the-less.

This time out the storyline was set in Bangkok.

Even still, tourists have been calling Caesar's Hotel in Vegas to try and book the Hangover 2 suite, which doesn't actually exist (except n the minds of filmgoers who pine for a bit of real-time movie magic in their lives, too).

Catch 'ya around town this weekend, eh?

http://www.thetattler.biz

American Idol...Scotty McCreery edges out Lauren Alaina! Viewers pick snubbed by Country!

After all the stops were pulled out, Scotty McCreery - the western-style contestant - finally inched ahead of his competition (songbird Lauren Alaina) in a competition that was the most nerve-wracking yet on American Idol since its inception.

But, the spoils are a bit bittersweet for the hick from the sticks.

As Mr. McCreery looks toward future career prospects, one in the realm of the coveted Country-Western scene may be elusive, if the reports are true.

On the heels of his win, for example, scuttlebutt has been circulating in some circles that Scotty - likable down-to-earth aw-shucks kid that he is - may get a royal snub from die-hard Country-Western aficionados who view the Idol-winner with a bit of a squinty -eye.

In fact, Stark Radio just broadcast a report alleging that country radio programmers have already written the American Idol winner off.

Copycat versions of other folk's songs - karaoke-style - may not cut it with dudes and dudettes who are dead-serious about their roots, their music influences, and an ethic that they live by.

The competition was a close-call, needless to say.

When Lauren suffered a vocal discord (!) this week, it looked like the young hopefuls final bid was kaput, or paving the way for a contestant to step in from-the-wings to take up the task of beating the popular home boy.

But, Lauren managed to pull up her stockings - and in true show-biz style -  followed a golden Hollywood tradition that the show must go on.

In spite of the setback, many viewers thought her final performance this week, beat Scotty hands-down.

Though not a great singer, some have conceded - especially in the wake of Lauren's bouts of nervousness when it came time to perform live in front of an audience - that Scotty was the best all-round performer.

He nabbed it, not because of his voice per se, but for his showmanship in the final analysis.

Many fans actually thought Lauren fared better than Scotty on Tuesday's final showdown.

Go figure!
It will be intriguing to see what is ahead for both young talents.

News at 11!

http://www.thetattler.biz

President Barack Obama...speech cut off by Orchestra! Life's embarrassing moments!

What is just me?

When one of the major networks broadcast a clip of the President at a formal dinner with Queen Elizabeth II last night, the President looked for all-the-world like a youngster swimming in his Dad's formal clothes as he stood up to address the luminaries at the celebrated event.

As to his demeanor, well, he appeared meek and slack-jawed.

Indeed, he looked more like some gawky young kid giving his first speech at a Graduation dinner, than in the glare of the spotlight on the World Stage.

Maybe that is why his speech got rudely cut off?

Oh, you didn't hear about that, eh?

Well, let's get 'ya up to speed!

When President Obama stood up and held his glass high and said - "To Her Majesty the Queen" - the music started up right away - and ended up - cutting off Mr. Obama's carefully-crafted speech!

Talk about embarrassing.

Was it my imagination, or did Queen E 2 appeared to be slightly amused by it all?

Apparently, when the Queen is toasted, protocol calls for the Royal Anthem to play.

Obviously, nobody informed Obama, so he ended up with egg on his face.

But, in the final analysis - the President simply joins a host of Hollywood Stars -  who often get cut-off unexpectedly (and rudely) when they go overboard with their acceptance speeches.

In this instant case, Mr. Obama never did get the chance to thank all the little people!

Oh well, next trip across the big pond, eh?

God Save the Queen (Elizabeth, not Barack silly!).

Yes, those gay rumors are still floating around the blogosphere (along with the questions about his Birth Certificate).

You know what they say, where there is smoke, there is - well - you figure it out!

http://www.thetattler.biz

Jack Black...ecstatic over Kung Fu Panda! Deep family storyline appealed to actor!

Ever since Jack Black became a friend on MySpace, I haven't had much of an opportunity to give the comic a plug.

What are friends for, after all?

That all changed when it was announced that Kung Fu Panda 2 was slated for release in theatres countrywide this week.

With Jack making the rounds of the talk-show circuit there is much to gab about.

For starters, Mr. Black is thrilled with the outcome of the much-anticipated big-budget studio flick.

"I am so proud of this Kung Fu Panda. After all, long after I am gone, it will still be entertaining people," he proudly noted to one interviewer on a morning talk show.

How much of Jack is in the Panda character he plays?

"About ninety-percent. I left about ten percent to use for other roles."

At one point, Meredith Viera tried to stir up a bit of controversy in one interview when she posed a question which caused a little tension on the studio set when it first zinged off her lips.

"I interviewed Angelie in Cannes. She said that she had to go back into the studio to redo lines because you changed a lot of them in your studio session."

The camera panned over to Jack in time to catch an awkward look which flickered across his face for a second or two.

Say what?

"Is that okay?" Viera probed further in - what appeared to be - a shame-faced effort to seize the moment and make an issue of his acting "style".

"Well, yeah. I think so," Jack responded, as a polite look of astonishment visibly crossed his lovable mug.

Of course it is, Meredith!

When a director hires on a talent to work on a project, he or she has to be mindful of the fact that every actor approaches his craft differently.

It is a given that they - not only be ready to accommodate the "gift" - but be prepared to work with it in a unique straightforward hands-on way to flesh the talent out.

It is one of the quirks of "creativity".

In some cases, performers get a handle on their work by extraordinary methods, but that is the nature of the beast (in this case, the Panda).

Jack went on to point out that because the studio work was all "voice-over", it was a golden opportunity to focus on the true essence of the character, play up the nuances - and ultimately - find the heart of it.

"So, you try things in many different ways, take some risks."

A good director gives an actor a lot of leeway in that respect and only reins in "the talent" when necessary for the overall project's sake.

Jack pointed out that part of the reason he signed on for the sequel is because the storyline deals with deeper issues in respect to parenting and family.

Apparently, the film has an underlying message, and is not all comical fluff with slick special effects geared towards dazzling the filmgoers.

The children at the school where Black's kids attend were all treated to a sneak preview.

"They loved it," he gushed enthusiastically.

Now, let's wait and see what the critics have so say, eh?

I plan to catch it over the weekend.

See 'ya there!

http://www.thetattler.biz

 

 

Pet Peeves...Nurses who don't speak English! Hiring practice dumb!

Any U.S. citizen facing hospitalization for a quick medical procedure, or for the treatment of a terminal illness, agrees to be admitted with the understanding that Hospital staff - nurses, doctors, technicians, etc. - will at least have the ability to communicate effectively with the patient at the hospital.

A great bedside manner may go a long way to cheering up the ill, but unfortunately, few of the local hospitals appear to put much stock in that ideology.

Instead, through my own experience - and judging from the dozens of complaints I have received in response to my revealing exposes on Medical Care Facilities in the Los Angeles area,  it appears that administration is inclined to hire cheap labor - which means, of course - individuals with little education, care-giving skills, or the ability to communicate effectively in English are hired to babysit hapless charges.

Uh-huh!

That's my pet peeve this week!

It's time that the powers-that-be stop hiring on medical personnel who can't speak English fluently - or, at a minimum - are capable of communicating without difficulty with their limit knowledge of the language of the land.

Does someone have to die before anyone in the medical profession will sit up and take notice of this critical issue that needs addressing?

News at 11!

http://www.thetattler.biz

San Francisco...No Peace & Love in Haight-Ashbury! Police shuffle homeless along!

Later this month, San Francisco's finest will be enforcing a spanking-new ordinance that bans loitering (camping out) in the bustling city streets.

In particular, the men-in-blue intend to focus on a posse of homeless down-and-out beggars who hang out at the curb panhandling (and what-have-you) in the Haight-Ashbury district.

"They disrupt our businesses," one shopkeeper lamented to one eager reporter bent on nabbing up a scoop.

"I've seen them selling drugs on-the-sly," another hissed to all within earshot in disgust, in so many words.

In response, one irate transient was quite vocal about the upcoming purge about to descend in the trendy city by the Bay.

"They can't do that. This is Haight-Ashbury! Peace and Love, and all that, man!"

City dwellers may recall that the once-colorful bohemian neighborhood was a mecca for a gang of free-spirited hippies who flocked to the West Coast way back in the sixties (in the era of the anti-war "flower" movement).

Like Yorkville in Toronto (my hometown), the quaint pocket of - "a free society" - went by way of the dinosaur decades ago, and was transformed - OMG - into an upscale shopping attraction.

And, Haight-Ashbury is now a dynamic hub for enterprising businessmen, out-to-make a quick buck on the ghosts of the celebrated past.

The police have noted that they have been slow to enforce the ordinance because they are waiting for fliers to be printed up in English and Spanish which will provide information on local shelters and outreach programs where the "displaced" may take refuge when they are pushed out.

Bottom line?

City officials are anxious to sweep the nasty eyesore out-of-sight - as spring awakens - and tourists start flowing into San Francisco once again as the economy builds steam.

Once the ordinance is ripe for enforcement, where will the homeless go?

In the words of immortal Bob Dylan:

"The answer is blowing in the wind!

Or, may be in the hands of Civil Rights Advocates, anxious to take a stand in the local courts.

After all, it's a sad state of affairs, when individuals can't be free in the streets.

Is a police state (or a George Orwellian society) just around the corner?

News at 11!




http://www.thetattler.biz

Internet...intriguing ghosts from the past! Touching someone!



Heady days at Rochdale College!

Today, I am once again swept away by the remarkable mysteries of life, and - most certainly - the potent reach of the Internet!

For instance, earlier today, a curious e-mail arrived from across the miles from an individual I met by chance over forty years ago in Toronto (my hometown).

A young woman - by the name of Jennifer - zipped off the communication to determine if I was "Don" - who used to reside in an ashram suite at Rochdale College in 1968 (an experimental communal-living unit at the free school) - which was all decorated in black (and featured in TIME magazine that year).

In a previous post, I mentioned my heady days at the free college, in the turbulent sixties!

Post: 10/26/2008

http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2008/10/blogginginternet-opens-door-to-past.html

So, I expect that by way of a precise search on GOOGLE, the lass was able to locate me years later, as I vacation here in San Francisco (and work on a new series of paintings).

In response, I composed a quick note to inform the acquaintance from the past  - that yes, indeed - I was the individual she was seeking from the ghostly (but memorable) days of her youth.

My birth name was "Donald", but years later - after I was separated from my family - I legally changed my name to Julian Ayrs (and - subsequently - my destiny was set on another path, too!).

Just now, I received a delightful e-mail back, in which Jennifer fondly recalled that I was kind-of-like a Pied-Piper who delighted folks way back then (when I was a free spirit and danced in the streets of downtown Toronto).

Whew!

That's over four decades ago!

But, what touched me most, were the kind sentiments expressed therein.

Gosh, it's such a compliment to remembered so fondly over the years, and still be in the heart and mind of a innocent young girl, who was a mere eight years old when our paths originally first crossed!

Life is sweet, eh?

And, I count my blessings, for that!

http://www.thetattler.biz

Unknown Student

(Rochdale College on Bloor St. in Toronto)

Oscars...Gwyneth Paltrow, Mandy Moore & Randy Newman slated to perform!

 

Ads for upcoming Oscars a bit flat!

Ever since the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts & Sciences nabbed sizzling hot James Franco & sexy Anne Hathaway to host the upcoming Oscar celebrations in Tinsel Town, the power-brokers behind-the-scenes (Producers Bruce Cohen and Don Mischer) have been scrambling to round up a roster of heavy-weights to bolster their dazzling heady show-biz assignment on stage February 27th.

Gwyneth Paltrow has been lined up to warble "Coming Home" - for instance - a headlining tune she performed in the recently-released Country & Western gut-wrencher - "Country Strong" - which made a big splash in recent days at theatres around the country.

Randy Newman, Mandy Moore, and Zachery Levi and Florence Welch (The Machine) will also perform Oscar-nominated tunes when the curtain rings up in front of the glam-packed house at the Kodak Theatre on Hollywood Boulevard just before springs roars in at the end of the month.

Newman will also warble a tune from "Toy Story 3" - while Mandy Moore & Levi and Menchen - were hand-picked to harmonize "I see the Light" from the animated hit "Tangled".

Stay posted for the latest news Oscar buzz, eh?

Still waiting for my invite.

Oh well, 'ya know how it is with snail mail these days!

http://www.thetattler.biz/



You've got to have friends...Jack Black takes over MySpace!

King of MySpace?

It's been uncanny!

For several weeks - whenever I signed in to my Facebook page - right off-the-bat I couldn't help but notice that the Dalai Lama (Buddhist Spiritual leader) - just posted to the Internet seconds earlier!

Then, the curious phenomenon started to unfold in respect to Ryan Seacrest, too.

The contributions of the winsome twosome are quite different in substance, however.

For instance, whenever his "Holiness" posts a message, it tends to be of a philosophical nature, so I tend to mull over the nuggets of wisdom before heading out for the day to undertake chores and what-have-you.

Ryan Seacrest - on the other hand - tends to utter up short sweet ditties about the curiousities of "Yogurt" or the tantalizing aroma of catering-truck fast-foods that assail his sensitive nostrils as he speeds onto the lot over at E News!

Like myself, Ryan tends to be an observer, who takes note of trends and the quirks that move - and ultimately inspire - the human animal during the course of the routine work day (and the party-hearty sizzling' hot nights that rev up under an intense golden orb setting sun on the West Coast shores).

Just the other day, I was quite surprised (and flattered) to receive a friend request from comic Jack Black.

Although I am fond of his wild antics - on-camera-and-off - I have yet to review one of his flicks.

But, he's on my radar now, you betcha!

Shortly after I shuffled Mr. Black to the top of my "friends" list on MySpace, the multi-talented dude fired off a post which caused me to ceremoniously whoop-and-holler a tad.

Jack announced that he's taking over MySpace.

Well, the site could do with a zany character at the helm, if only to spice things up a tad!

After promoting Eminem's record these past few months at The Tattler, the intriguing rapper has come on board as a friend, too.

Hmmm!

Wonder what the reclusive Pop Icon's really like when you get him along in a corner somewhere out of the glare of the spotlight?

Just a normal dude, I expect.

Bottom line, as Bette Midler would say:

"You've got to have friends"

Amen, baby!

http://www.thetattler.biz/

You've got to have friends!