Vincent Price signed letter & gold embossed Palace Hotel stationary cast-offs. Trash or Treasure?

You know what they say?

Early bird gets the worm!

At the crack of dawn this morning, I was strolling up a side street in picturesque WeHo, when I spied a couple of cardboard boxes brimming with cast-off books that a resident tossed out at the curb for pick-up on trash day.

When an intriguing object or two caught my eye, I was in there like Flynn.

Until I resided in New York City, such a trashy adventure would not have been thinkable!

You see, when I first became a transplant of the big apple way back in the seventies, I was hindered by the fact that I was a naive innocent from the suburbs of conservative Canada with a tendency to faint dead-away if a stranger were even to up-and-utter boo.

Indeed, liberated New Yorkers - and their ballsy approach to life - stirred up an emotion or two.

For example, one day I was simply aghast when I observed a very well-heeled gentleman stoop over and sift through a pile of trash at the curb, like he was feasting down on a hearty meal.

In the months that followed, it became abundantly clear that a multitude of New Yorkers were a practical lot, simply motivated by laziness or budget-constraints.

Why hire a truck to haul off unwanted furniture when every Sainted tenant in Manhattan was wise to an old-familiar truism?

"One man's trash is another man's treasure"

One day, I was strolling down a bustling busy street in ultra-trendy East Village, when a curio in the trash caught my eagle eye.

As my hand reached for the object, I suddenly realized in horror:

I'd become a bona fide New Yorker!

And, there's been no looking back since, you betcha.

Today, for instance, I was sifting through a handful of the finely-bound books in the cheap carton, when - lo & behold - an envelope slipped out from in-between the dog-eared pages of a pristine copy of a Dominique Dunne best-seller - Justice - and landed ceremoniously in my lap.

Upon close scrutiny, the slip of paper turned out to be a two-page type-written piece of correspondence (which originated from up the coast in San Francisco) signed with a flourish by the master of the macabre himself, Vincent Price!

Then, I happened across a second scrap of paper tucked away in a pamphlet, out-of-sight at first glance.

The aged cutting turned out to be a news clip of a society page penned by George Cristy for one of the Hollywood trade papers.

Curiously, I recall perusing that particular article published in 1986!

My memory didn't fail me on this occasion for a very special reason.

One of the publicity stills featured Elizabeth Taylor (my fave star), Carol Bayer Sager, and crooner Barry Manilow.

Ureka!

A hand-written note from George - to an unknown correspondent - actually bore his signature.

But, it was an eye-catching brochure dating back to the late-fifties or early sixties (judging by the style and presentation) that sheltered a few sheets of pristine writing paper and an envelope (embossed in gold with the name of The Palace Hotel in Beijing on its face) that caused me to jump with joy.


Gosh, what a collector's find.

Inside, there was a quaint inscription which read:

The Legend of Wangfujing

"On this site at Wangfujing a thousand years ago a spring bubbled forth its waters so sacred so tranquil that the Emperor guarded it as he guarded his most sacred treasures."

"When tired from the pressures of office, he and his chosen Mandarin came here to rest for it seemed the flowers were more sweetly scented and the birds sang more joyfully at the well of Wangfujing."

"At the Palace Hotel, we like to believe that we are continuing the tradition of the legend of Wangfujing."

Indeed!

In addition to these surprise treasures, there were a few quality guide books touting exotic locales such as Morocco and Singapore.

Ironic, since I just noted in a post last week that my blog stats indicated a soar in overseas hits, including far-off locations such Singapore!

An omen, perchance?

A few texts on fluency in foreign languages hinted that the owner had been expanding their skills in the romantic languages on a whim or - in the alternative - prepping for a little jaunt overseas to Italy, and France, and parts unknown.

From other books in the lot, I determined a few other interesting facts.

Three beautifully-crafted catalogues for prestigious auction houses in Europe suggested that the well-read individual (with a flair for languages) was a collector of objects of fine art, antiques, and items of historical interest or value.

By the way, there wasn't one sleazy dime-store-novel in the whole batch of books.

I laughed out loud when I stumbled on Blackwell's autobiography:

"From Rags to Bitches"

Shortly after his death last year - and on the heels of a post on Fashion Tips for men - a reader was inclined to refer to me as the new Mr. Blackwell at his blog site.

So, in homage to Blackwell, I tossed together a Worst-dressed list at the end of last year.

Post: 12/29/2008

http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2008/12/10-worst-dressed-listcher-oprah-and.html

Expensive gardening books studded with high-quality color plates indicated that the owner was fond of house plants, lush outdoor garden settings, and exotic flowers.

Books on Edward III (the Pleasure Prince) and a celebrated Russian actress (who lived around the turn-of-the century) signaled a romantic day-dreaming side fascinated by fantasy, celebrity, and the high-life.

In sum, a box of trash with a heap-load of personality, n'est-ce pas?

http://www.julianayrs.com/

Michael Phelps...swimmer's pubes sexy! Scores 2 wins with little fanfare @ U.S. Competitions...

Studly Olympic Gold Medalist Michael Phelps - the "Submarine Dude" - scored two hits at the U.S. Competitions Wednesday with little fanfare or much ado.

In fact, Phelps appeared to be a bit put-off by his performance in the overall swim of things, as he gingerly stepped from chilly waters he's not quite used to.

Yup!

Although the naughty party boy hit the wall in the 200 meter freestyle in 1 minute 44.23 seconds, the young Adonis didn't appear to be thrilled with that snail's-pace performance, one iota.

In fact, even though he beat out the competition in the 200-meter butterfly (1:52.76), Phelps was inclined to shake his head a tad - at which point he openly hinted to sports writers on the sidelines - that the golden boy was in a tizzy 'bout something.

Maybe, it's suddenly dawning on the kid, that he can't fight gravity forever.

After all, there's a bumper crop of leaner, stronger, more focused swimmers (Aaron Peirol?) breathing down his tanned toned back.

Is the hooch slowing the stud muffin down?

Me-thinks!

It's doubtful Phelps will ever go down in a humiliating fashion like Tiger Woods.

But, without focus, what good is pure speed?

The obvious display of dissatisfaction poolside may be a subtle sign that America's Olympic Hero, may be losing his grip.

News at 11!

Poetry in Motion

http://www.julianayrs.com

Michael Phelps...pushes footlongs! Shrugs off old habits...

Ordering a footlong at SUBWAY conjures up naughty images now that Olympic trophy-winner Michael Phelps has signed on to promote the fast-food take-out joint - um - sandwich shop.

Moi?

I generally spring for the veggie lite on delicious Honey Oat bread, thank you very much, with a splash of tomatoes, cucumber, a slab or two of American Cheese , green pepper, and a dollop of alvacado thrown in for good measure.

For $3 bucks, 'ya can't beat it.

If Phelps has his druthers, I predict he'll dive in for the footlong cold-cut combo (maybe two, in view of the man-size proportions he was known to gobble down without hesitation during his halcyon days at the Olympics in Beijing.

Yup, a healthy snack sure to prime the studly athlete for the upcoming round of U.S. competitions on the horizon.

But, what of the ubiquitous bong that triggered his fall from grace, a scant few months ago?

By chance, is it lurking in the shadows - at-the-ready to saturate his senses with primo weed - and in the throes of a heady stupor likewise seduce the eligible bachelor with all-manner of sensual delights?

Oh, to be a fly on the wall!

http://www.julianayrs.com

Michael Phelps...getting pu**y galore! The dating game...

In addition to swimming laps, it appears from the dish zig-zagging at lightning speed around the Internet, that Michael Phelps is inclined to take a splashy romantic dive down south, too.

The Hollywood gossip site is reporting that Carrie Underwood and Stephanie Rice are in the running for the Olympic champ's chump change - but like insightful moi - have given kudos to Nicole Johnson for coming out on top - of Michael Phelps!

However, another blogger is reporting that Phelps has fallen hard for a stripper by the name of Caroline "Caz" Pal.

On that site, photos of Ms. Pal are pretty - um - in-your-face!

In fact, the blogger was forced to "black-out" her bare ti**ies.

A little too risque for couch potatoes around the country to digest?

Shots of "Caz" in-between two females - creating a human snatch (um) snack effect - leave little to the imagination, too.

Does Michael's gal "Pal" swing both ways???

Or, does the sizzling sexy siren just figure herself to be a water nymph ripe for riding by the ubiquitous water stud?

News at 11!

Beijing...renews attacks on Dalai Lama! Denounces call for limited sovereignty...

Despite assurances - leading-up-to and during the course of the 2008 Olympics in Beijing - that Chinese Officials would make a good-faith effort to resolve pressing issues regarding sovereignty and Tibetan exiles, it appears that the negotiations have failed.

At the heart of the matter is the question of sovereignty.

In view of the ever- diminishing prospects for a total sovereignty, His Holiness - the Dalai Lama - recommended a "middle way" (limited sovereignty) approach as a quick-fix to a thorny dilemma.

As usual, Beijing officials accused the Dalai Lama of colluding with their staunchest enemies.

In a strident statement released to the media, Mr. Zhu Weiqun - Executive Vice Minister of Front Work Department and the Communist Party arm that is overseeing the talks - announced the Government's decision to reject the Dalai Lama's solution.

Zhu accused Tibetan exiles of conspiring with democracy activists, an outlawed spiritual group known as the Falun Gong, and Militant Muslim separatists.

In the final analysis, Zhu argued that the "middle way" solution would only lead to an "ethnic cleansing" of Han Chinese from the region.

Some argue that a rejection of the implementation of a "middle way" may actually strengthen the position of younger radical Tibetan leaders who favor a full-fledged push for freedom.

China holds fast to their position - that all officially recognized religions in China should be controlled by by the Government - including the appointment of its spiritual leaders.

This is a troubling stance for Tibetan Buddhists who believe that their holiest of spiritual leaders are reincarnated from a distinctive lineage traced back throughout the ages.

Beijing...fudged on smog data! Faces scorn of world...

A week ago - I reported on Beijing's last-ditch efforts to curb smog in anticipation of the upcoming Olympics - by shutting-down factories, limiting the number of vehicles on the road, and so forth and so on.

But, the surge forward to clean up the environment has been to no avail, according to reports out of Beijing over the past forty-eight hours.

A huge cloud of smog still hangs thick and ominous over the horizon - obscuring the dazzling new superstructures built to impress the world - and posing a potential threat to Athletes due next week to participate in the games.

In fact, Olympic Officials have expressed their concerns that the quality of air is less than standard and may be a hazard to the health.

A Greenpeace Campaign Director - Lo Sze Ping - blamed the bad air on what he characterized as a - "develop first, clean up later" - approach by the Chinese Government which has obviously backfired.

Meanwhile, over the weekend, it was reported that smog around the Stadium is "unhealthful for sensitive groups".

The Chinese Government - which won the games on the provisio the environment would be "cleaned up" for the Olympic Festivities - has issued a statement in which they flatly allege they have reached their commitment to make sure the air quality is satisfactory for the Games.

Beijing Environmental protection official (Du Shaozhong) asserted to the press in recent days that seventy-percent of the days were able to boast acceptable levels of pollution or an improvement over last year's figures by twenty percent.

However, some are pointing fingers at the data, and accusing Chinese Officials of fudging the figures.

For instance, Steve Q. Andrews - a U.S. Environmental Consultant (who analyzed Beijing's figures) - alleges that two air monitoring stations in congested parts of the downtown sector were dropped from the Government's calculations for the air pollution index and substituted for monitors in the outskirts of the city.

Notwithstanding this kind of obvious skullduggery, those in-the-know claim that China does not even measure ground-level ozone levels which are a major component of smog, according to scientists in the field.

Andrews got a little ballsy and griped,

"They are manipulating the way they measure and what they measure so much that you cannot say the air quality is improving."

As athletes vow to wear masks during the games, China has been forced to look into novel ways to clear the air. For one, they are exploring the idea of artificially inducing rainstorms to dissipate the smog.

In the final analysis, it all appears to boil down to Karma, in my estimation.

Until China stops violating "Human Rights" and denying Monks "Freedom of Speech", and being "negligent" about the environment, their country will continue to face the wrath of God by virtue of floods, famine, earthquakes, poison air, and the like.

China must commence with a spiritual cleansing now - and pray, ultimately, for forgiveness - or face continued ongoing hardships to her detriment and well-being as a Nation.

What do they say?

Confession is good for the soul!

Beijing Olympics...China ignorant about Global Warming. "Dog meat" consumption revolting notion!

China's last gleaming...

Protests in San Francisco...

In anticipation of a host of swarming masses descending on the Olympics in the next few weeks, China has issued some ultimatums to create a "greener" setting for the games.

For example, Officials have restricted the use of private automobiles on the streets over the next few weeks to reduce smog.

And, have increased mass transit in a bold-faced effort to alleviate the problem as well.

What a joke!

According to recent statistics, at least sixteen of the twenty most polluted cities are in China.

And - in spite of the fact the Chinese government has recently begun to relocate factories, haul old clunkers off the street, and plant trees to get a jump on global warming - it's all a little too late, isn't it?

The 11th hour actions should have been prompted by concerns about the environment, not by a deceitful attempt to gloss over the obvious - and in the process - conjure up a superficial image to the Nations of the world!

In essence, the whole bold-faced ploy is a white-wash.

In fact, China's efforts are akin to slapping a band-aid on a deep wound that has been hemorrhaging for years.

Indeed - some of the damage caused to the environment - is undoubtedly permanent.

The idea that restricting vehicle traffic for the next three weeks will rid the skies of green house gases is a ludicrous notion!

What really turned my stomach, though, was the announcement that a popular entree - "dog meat" - would be taken off the menu during the duration of the games to ensure foreign visitors were not offended during the course of the athletic celebration.

Are they going to allow a few stray dogs to wander the streets for appearances sake, too, before they herd them back to the chopping block at the close of the Olympics?

Talk about inhumane conduct!

This is a country populated by savages, in my estimation.

The arguments for "Boycott" are ripe!

Olympic Torch...San Franciscans, to protest!

A bridge to oppression?

Next Wednesday, the Olympic Torch touches down in San Francisco for a quick sojourn around the Bay area.

But, crowds lining the streets may be less than welcoming.

Thousands of activists critical of the Olympic host are expected to protest in the wake of the recent outbreak of violence in Tibet, for instance.

The Chinese Government has shrugged off the implications, asserting that the demonstrations are merely the actions of a few who are trying to hijack a historical event, to meet their own agendas.

Mayor Gavin Newsom was initially inclined to conceal the route the Eternal Torch would traverse to thwart the protesters' efforts - and ultimately - avoid embarrassment to San Francisco residents.

But, amid an outcry, he finally relented.

The second-term Mayor has called the opportunity to host the relay an extraordinary honor, adding with emphasis that,

"The flame is about sports, not politics."

However, Mr. Newsom is missing the point.

If China hankers to participate in the Global Community, she must observe the rules of polite society.

Until the Human Rights Violations stop in Tibet, protesters should rise up and take every available opportunity to throw a spotlight on the atrocities, until they cease.

Desiderius Erasmus once opined,

"He who allows oppression shares the crime."

Beijing Olympics...boycott by Animal Activists, based on cruelty!

On a pleasant sunny Sunday afternoon a handful of members of "In Defense of Animals" were plunked out in front of Neiman Marcus corralling passers-by and lecturing them on the ongoing atrocities which are occurring every day in China in the "fur industry".

"In Defense of Animals" is an animal activist group and they are urging a Boycott of the Olympics in Beijing (China) because of the continued cruelty to animals in that Asian country overseas.

According to "Defense", from November through March each year, animals are crushed into barbed wire cages and forced to lay upon each other for days without food or water. Then, the animals are removed with tongs, stabbed in the groin, and bludgeoned or bled to death. They squeal out in pain as they're skinned alive and others are forced to watch and listen to their fate.

Shocking!

The animal activists allege that they have actual videotape footage which reveals in disturbing detail that some animals continue to live after their skin has been stripped and their bodies thrown into a heap with the dead and dying. In fact, the animal activists allege the animals continue to breath and live for as long as thirty minutes after the initial skinning.

Part of the problem of cruelty to dogs and cats stems from the fact here are no laws enacted in China to protect animals from this horrific treatment.

Because of loopholes in the labeling laws the Chinese are able to sneak fur trim into coats and garments without any mention of origins of the fur on the label.

To frustrate matters the fur industry often disguises its product through dyeing and other methods so that the buyer is unaware that they are actually purchasing a retail item which uses dog and cat fur.

Did you know that budget fur on collars, toys, and other accessories usually originates from China where the atrocities against animals are occurring?

It is calculated that over 5400 dogs and cats are skinned alive in China each day.

Because U.S. Laws only require labeling of fur garments over $150.00 in value, illegal dog and cat fur is exported into the U.S. without the consumer being the wiser about what they are purchasing.

Now, there is now a call to action to end this cruelty to animals.

First, and foremost, consumers are urged to Boycott the Olympics in Beijing until the heinous acts stop.

Secondly, Americans are asked to Boycott all pet products made in China.

In addition, fashionistas are asked to resist the inclination to buy fur or items crafted with fur trim.

To get involved personally, contact antifur@idausa.org for copies of brochures and cards to distribute in the community to get the word out and further the cause.

Finally, concerned animal-lovers are invited to get "vocal" by protesting to Chinese officials, directly.

Complaints may be forwarded to:

His Excellency Zhou Wenzhong
Ambassador of the People's Republic of China
2300 Connecticut Avenue, N.W.
Washington, D.C.
20008
Fax: 202.328.2582
Cell: 202.328.2574

As Rue McClanahan noted,

"Cruelty is one fashion statement we can all do without"