Kim Devore/Entertainment Writer
WATT ME WORRY?
Barbra Streisand is doing her part to diffuse California’s energy crisis. The legendary local diva is using her star power to cut the power by making a call to arms. “California is the best conserving state in the nation,” notes Ms. B. “But we can do even better.”
On her celebrity Web site, Barbra suggests some not particularly glamorous, but necessary, energy-saving tasks like turning air conditioning thermostats to 78 degrees, replacing air condition filters, sealing and caulking doors, and turning off appliances when they are not in use. You can bet that Streisand’s legions of dedicated fans will take note and follow her advice to the stony end.
POLITICAL PLAYER
Actor and activist Tim Robbins didn’t mince words as he addressed this year’s Liberty Hill Foundation Gala. Robbins and longtime love Susan Sarandon were both honored with the foundation’s Upton Sinclair Award for their long-standing commitment to social change.
The actor began by defending his support of Green Party candidate Ralph Nader during last year’s presidential election.
“I was attacked by irate liberals who saw my support of Nader as a betrayal,” he recalled. “But I have come to the realization that I would rather vote my conscience than vote strategically.”
He cited causes ranging from sweatshops, to environmental destruction to the death penalty, saying, “It was not easy to support Nader, but he was the only candidate to talk about these issues and embrace this new movement as his own.”
Robbins blasted the campaign, which gave us hanging chads, a lock box and “strategury” as “corrupt, manipulative and illegal,” but not without levity. “The most surreal and humorous moment in this election year,” he noted, “was when Fidel Castro offered to send observers to monitor our election.” Nuff said.
TO THE MAXIM
The Moomba room continues to enjoy its reputation as the place for Hollywood hipsters. It was surely the place to see and be seen at Maxim magazine’s “Hot 100” happening. The lively affair drew the likes of Tommy Lee in addition to A-listers like Leonardo DiCaprio and Toby McGuire (both arriving with their entourages in tow).
Living up to its billing, the party was hot, but not as hot as last year’s bash at the Farmer’s Daughter Motel, which was unceremoniously shut down by local fire marshals as drag queens spilled into the streets and superstars fumed in bumper-to-bumper limo lines.
The Moomba gathering was a vodka and sushi-filled affair toasting today’s newest “It Girls”–a roster that includes Mandy Moore and “Dark Angel” Jessica Alba as well as the totally fabulous and absolutely famous Kate Hudson.