UK ROYAL WATCH/CELEB SIGHTINGS...

On the 31st of August, I "attended" the memorial service to mark the 10th year since Princess Diana's death. The ceremony was held at the Wellington Barracks Chapel, just a stone's throw from Buckingham Palace. There was some controversy prior -- as this site was where Camilla had been married (the 1st time). A week prior to the service, the public protested Camilla's intent to attend the memorial. Just a day or two prior, Camilla decided to jet off on a solo vacation. Even though Charles and the boys had asked her to come. (The morning of the service, Charles made his way up the chapel entrance steps and was harassed by a single onlooker who yelled "Hypocrite!". He didn't flinch.)

Controversy aside, the venue stuck -- most likely because of its privacy and security factors. Many bobbies and armed soldiers were present. The one entrance to allow cars through was fully manned. Every few minutes a jaguar, Bentley or rolles would pass through the gates. Each car was fully outfitted with passengers wearing fabulous headdresses -- frilly and feathered hats. Only the Queen's posh ride was clearly identifiable. Once Queen Elizabeth and Phillip had arrived, we ran down to face opposite the chapel's entrance -- just a short distance -- and found ourselves the best vantage point, although obstructed through the gate bars.
The service, which was quite touching, lasted about an hour. It was broadcast over loud speakers to the several hundred making up the crowd of royal watchers. The weather had been chilly and overcast during the entire service -- until just at the end, when the Lord's Prayer was recited, the clouds parted and the sun shone warm and brilliantly bright. Coincidence? I think not.

The Queen and Prince Regent exited the chapel first. The princes stayed on, greeting each guest. Lovely boys, Harry and Wills, so adorable and respectful -- impeccably attired in their smart suits. The entire royal family was in attendance: Edward and Sophie (wearing a tan tweed number with a matching hat), Princess Anne and hubby, Fergie's and Andrew's two daughters. No Fergie though, as far as I could tell. And no Kate Middleton either. Not certain also if Harry's gf was there either.

Gordon Brown, the new PM, and Tony Blair, the old one, exited -- wives in tow. Followed shortly thereafter by Bryan Adams, Elton John & David Furnish. Not long after, the Princes departed -- waving to the crowd of onlookers. We strolled down the Mall a bit, taking a left at Buckingham Palace and encountered Richard Branson and wife along the way, as well as a solo Bryan Adams, whom no one made a fuss over -- thought he was looking for attention. Tragic really. Branson on the other hand was getting the rock star treatment -- signing autographs and taking pictures. One fan shook his hand, to which a passerby remarked: You might want to scrub up. LOL. Guess in some circles Branson is not well liked.

The day progressed with little fanfare. The service was rebroadcast on TV and all anyone could talk about was Harry's heartfelt speech. Overall, a fitting, low-key and respectful tribute to a woman we lost far too soon.

WHAT PASSES FOR NEWS IN BRITAIN

Have to share this observation:

The Brits love HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL. Why?
Was outside the Disney store across the street
from Bond Street tube today when we heard screaming
and a rush to the blocked doors. apparently,
The cast was inside doing a promotion.
Gary said: Look, it's george michael. And I almost
trampled every teen in sight to get a gander.
He as wrong. No george michael.

also, and this is weird...
the brits are calling on a ban of amy winehouse's album because
she's in rehab now.
um... don't they know that rehab builds careers in the US????
am very confused... they seem to love to report the various
mishaps of our silly little paris' and lindsays' --
but the minute amy does something just a little bit rock n roll,
they're boycotting her? i mean, would this have worked for keith richards?
no. he still needs a yearly blood transfusion to thin his circulatory
system of cocaine.

that's all for now. i'm sure i'll notice something else.

Ello, Ello....

Long time since I posty... have had puter issues. Sue me. Anyways, I'm in London and have found myself battling a nasty case of food poisoning. Taking it easy and staying in the hotel, which provides Internet access. Only good thing about being cooped up inside on a Saturday night is that I got t sample a bit of the tele...and got lucky. Here's my review of two popular shows, which you'll find bear a striking resemblance to two shows Melissa and I blog on about endlessly.

THE X FACTOR
A quasi-Idol show, where would-be singers (aged 15 to like 80) can tryout in front of 4 judges: Simon Cowell, Sharon Osbourne, Danni Minogue and some man whose nae escapes me. It's set up exactly like Idol, but the host is featured tons less. I guess this Brit has a lot less appeal than our Ryan. After the tryouts are finished, the contestants go to something called BOOTCAMP -- I have no idea what this entails... They've apparently been doing this for 4 years. I guess they like it. Overall, 2 thumbs up. Entertaining and just as cringe-worthy as the stateside version.

DANCE X
A psuedo-So You Think You Can Dance with a judge borrowed from Dancing with the Stars (Bruno). Really dreadful. I had to turn it off. I watched a 1/2 hour and it was all I could stand. The contestants are grouped in 2 groups of 5. They perform routines, choreographed by the two judges' teams of 3 professionals. With all that help, you think they'd have some talent. Nope. Awful. There's one host and after the groups dance and sing (yes, they sing, too) the judges rip them new assholes. I seriously hope we don't Americanize this show - it's one I can do without.

Lastly, the news here reports on Lindsay's and Nicole's comings and goings, too. Silly me, I thought those dopey broads and their ilk were mindless American obsessions. Oh, how wrong I was....

Ta for now. Cheers, yeah. See ya.