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Stabroek News

Hanging with the stars
published: Tuesday | March 27, 2007

Nashauna Drummond, Acting Lifestyle Coordinator


Left: Eye candy, Johnny Depp is sexy no matter what he wears!Right: Samuel L. Jackson sure looks mad at someone.

A sunny afternoon is rare in London. But when it hit 15 degrees a week ago, I was not jumping for joy nor was I outside soaking in the sunshine (there would be plenty of that when I return home). Instead, I found myself indoors hanging with the stars.

As soon as the doors swing open, the paparazzi's cameras start flashing and there are shouts from all directions. My head spins with the noise and flashing lights as I duck into the crowded room. Now I know why so many celebrities go crazy.

THE STARS CAME OUT


Word of advice: Never try to give this guy a handshake.

Though the media make them out to be larger than life, in this crowded room no one immediately stands out. Eventually, over the sea of heads I spot Julia Roberts. Her Mona Lisa smile lights up the room as she leans over my chair as if she's about to share some deep, dark secret. Beyonc is also here, sporting her outfit from the 'Crazy in Love' video.

Will Smith does not look like his old self, Morgan Freeman looks spaced out and Samuel L Jackson is mad at someone. If looks could kill, the paparazzi would have a real story on their hands.

Across the room, I spot Brad Pitt and Anglina Jolie minus their expanding multi-racial family. Inching closer, I take Brad's arms and get a feel of his skin which is as smooth as butter.

Christina Aguillera is in a world of her own. Her dressing room is a bit of a mess with lingerie hanging from drawers as she checks out her reflection in the mirror. Jennifer Lopez is present minus Marc Anthony. She looks a bit thin though, maybe he's rubbing off on her.

Patrick Stewart of Star Trek stands behind a column as if he's trying to be invisible while The Rock's shirt is pulled tight across the rippling muscles of his chest. Kate Moss is in a photo shoot and Tom Cruise looks very sharp having left Katie Holmes and Suri at home.

HUNKS AND HULKS


Left: Come on Morgan Freeman let's see who's the first to smile. Right: Fidel looks much better than I've seen him in recent months.

In the adjoining room, my eyes are graced by ultimate beauty. Orlando Bloom and Johnny Depp are sporting pirate garb. I steal a smooch from Mr. Bloom but Mr. Depp is stone cold. I am scared out of my wits as, approaching the door, some bloke whom I thought was a mannequin suddenly moves. I run into the next room to be among more civilised company (or so I thought).

A very slim and much younger looking Oprah is conducting an interview. Seems Michael Jackson has gone under the knife again because it's a much younger looking version who graces my eyes, leathered up microphone in hand.

I have a chat with Steven Spielberg about his upcoming project and greets a very warm and inviting Whoopi Goldberg. Funny man Robin Williams is dressed in a striped suit that only needs the red nose and floppy shoes. Then I run into the Hulk who almost squashes me with his giant hands. Word of caution, never try to give him a handshake.

LEADERS OF THE PACK


Left: Jennifer Lopez minus Marc Anthony is looking like he has her on a diet. Right: Guy Fawkers hanged, drawn and quartered at the Old Palace Yard, Westminister, January 1606. He was convicted of conspiring to blow up King James I and Parliament. If you don't have a strong stomach don't visit the dungeon.

On the corridor above, the royal family takes a stroll. The young princes are all smiles. Prince Harry probably glad to get a break from Iraq while Prince William seems to be thinking ahead to the concert that will commemorate the 10th anniversary of their mother's death later this year. Nearby, his grandmother keeps a close eye over the future King of England.

Everyone is out at this party. Some of the great leaders of the world congregate here. Fidel Castro looks very healthy and Mugabe sits looking very confident and self-assured. Neslon Mandela is in conversation with Martin Luther King Jr. and I just have to say hello to these two men whom I respect immensely.

Around the corner President George W. Bush and Prime Minister Tony Blair sit in at a United Nations session.

However, below is the dungeon that houses much human cruelty. Mangled body parts are strewn about mutilated and bruised. Bodies dripping with blood hang from the noose, their everlasting necklace. I immediately make a U-turn, my stomach not strong enough for such savagery.

RIDE THROUGH TIME


Left: Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt minus their expanding multiracial family. Right: Madam Tussaud's Wax Museum in London.

Leaving the dungeons, I have a quick chat with Desmond TuTu whom I haven't seen in quite a while. Next, I knock heads with Einstein before hopping a cab for a tour during the time of Queen Elizabeth I. Her jesters try their best to keep all guests entertained while William Shakespeare, oblivious to all the revelry, is busy at work on his next masterpiece. I pass unscathed through the great plague and the great fire of London and I watch as they rebuild St. Peter's Cathedral then pop into Napoleon's one-eye celebration.

There is a party everywhere and a guy who asks if he can take my photo snaps away before I can respond.

INVASION


Mugabe does not appear concerned by all the controversy in Zimbabwe, on the other hand, he could be looking at the writing on the wall.

After that ride through London, it is time for my premiere in the auditorium. The building's large dome-shaped roof is used as the screen that outlines the research that has been done over the years (by aliens) on the unique qualities of earth's stars (Bob Marley included).

Suddenly the lights go out and panic reigned. No one pays any attention to the ushers trying to reassure everyone to stay calm. The roof sparkled, lifts from its hinges and suddenly we were surrounded by the curious faces of aliens snapping our pictures.

The lights return; they realise it's only an illusion, there's actually no invasion. Never one to admit ever being fooled by such pranks, I exited Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum into the streets bathed in glorious sunshine.

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