Drivers on La Cienega were treated to an amusing scenario this afternoon. Russell Brand was on the street dressed in black with his crazy hair flying - he was doing some kind of photoshoot in front of Trashy Lingerie. He was posing with a mannequin that looked like it hopped right out of the Trashy window - barely dressed in sexy pink plaid lingerie. Brand and his "companion" even sat down on a nearby bus bench while a photographer snapped his every move. Before anyone could say "Have you got a permit to shoot here?" Brand leaped into a limo and was gone. They were probably shooting something for the MTV Video Music Awards, which Russell is hosting.

Photo Credit: Buzz Foto

It appears that Paris Hilton is having a happy shopping day with her sister and mother at the Nanette Lepore shop on Robertson. But looks are deceiving because she is actually fliming footage for her new MTV reality show, possibly titled "My New BFF." As usual, Paris is in the company of her mother and sister because she has no female friends. Girls that Paris would LIKE to pal around with, want nothing to do with the boyfriend-stealing prevaricator. So maybe she'll find one on this TV show.

We're still reeling from Britney Spears' performance at the VMA's. From here she looked like she was in a daze, barely connecting with the other dancers or audience. (Too many lollipops?) Her plain outfit looked two sizes too small and gave her a stuffed sausage look. When male dancers lifted her she seemed like dead weight. Did she bother to sing AT ALL? We never saw her lips move with the music. Even more embarrassing than her awkward dancing were the looks on the faces of celebrities in the audience. They could barely contain their shock and pity. We wonder if Criss Angel backed out at the last minute.

Las Vegas Illusionist Criss Angel is milking his MTV collaboration with Britney Spears to the absolute max. He inserts himself in every possible photo op with her. Criss, 39, and Brit, 25, both have the same manager, Jeff Kwatinetz of The Firm and Jeff masterminded their working together (and stirring up PR together.) There is NO romance, but Criss is enjoying the camera flashes and Britney might benefit from his magic at the MTV show - IF she shows up. Whether she's "ready" won't be decided until the LAST minute. By WHOM, we don't know.