Efron draws 7,000 screaming fans at MOA

If Zac Efron had a cold on Monday, as opposed to allergies, he probably passed it along to some fans at Bloomington's Mall of America.

The way that mostly female crowd, estimated at 7,000, screamed, they'd gladly share germs from Efron, who was here to promote his movie "Charlie St. Cloud."

Only 100 to 200 fans actually got to meet Efron at the event sponsored by KDWB-FM. The chosen few got autographs plus a handshake or a hug, depending on their druthers.

Fans of the "High School Musical" heartthrob, who kept wiping his nose and eyes with his hand, were on all levels, down main corridors (roped off in places where they could not possibly have gotten a glimpse of Efron) and in new areas where there is usually no need to pool crowds.

Efron seemed awed by the scene. And he should have been. MOA spokeswoman Erica Dao checked the records and reported that Efron's "High School Musical" co-star and girlfriend Vanessa Hudgens attracted an estimated 4,000 while former Gov. Sarah Palin's crowd was estimated at 3,000.

Efron was late to the signing. According to a KDWB staffer, who may have been joking, Efron stopped at a convenience store to eat a hot dog.

If you don't see yourself at startribune.com/video, you probably will hear yourself, in video during which I endangered my safety and that of my camera to capture Efron's exit.

A reality show shooting a pilot that revolves around the locals partying on Lake Minnetonka's "Big Island" was shooting Saturday near Sunsets on Wayzata Bay restaurant. From the looks of one local character, this reality is getting a Paris Hilton wannabe instead of a bumped-out Snooki.

According to the "Big Island TV" Facebook.com page, the show's creator is "an Emmy award winning writer/producer currently writing 'Saturday Night Live' and now living in Minneapolis." Although the web page states that the network on which this pilot would air is "TBD," as in, to be determined, my tipster tells me that crew members, when asked, said it was for MTV. I await official info from Pixel Farm, the Minnesota outfit doing the post-production work. A Pixelfarmer, who would not ID himself, claimed the Facebook page writer referenced is Bo Kaprall. But my Pixelfarmer also said "It's a group" when asked who was writing the show.

A tipster known to me, who happened to be out for a sail, said one "straight, long and over-dyed blonde, very Paris Hilton"-type, was driving a UK-made luxury convertible with personalized plates.

Another source, who admitted to partying on the island in younger days, said young people and foolish elders who boat out to the island there will know that "Big" is a misnomer. When my source hung out there, all the accommodations there were to enjoy were a couple of cabin-like structures, which sounds like a playground for rich young people seeking alcohol-related and other mischief.

And, of course, Big Island is perhaps best known for its July 4th excesses. Every Independence Day, hundreds of boaters crowd into the island's Cruiser's Cove to watch the fireworks and drink. And drink. And drink.

"'What's most annoying?' 1) Running out of Booze 2) The Water Police 3) Pukers."

Enchanting.

A comment on the "Big Island TV" Facebook page by someone identifying herself as Jessica Campbell Shapiro read: "Please do not resemble Jersey Shore!!! Such a horrible show!"

Amen, but that plea may be futile.

Other questions tossed out from the producers of the "Big Island TV" Facebook page seem to lean heavily toward matters of intoxication.

Catches or Stooges? Vikings wide-receiver Bernard Berrian is playing one of Chad Ochocinco's sidekicks on his eponymous VH1 dating show.

Terrell Owens, who already has a VH1 reality show, "The T.O. Show," is playing the other sidekick.

"No, the show is not called 'The Three Stooges'," wrote thevikingage.com. It's called "Ochocinco: The Ultimate Catch."

In the few minutes of the show I could tolerate Sunday night, I did not see Berrian engage in any questionable behavior. T.O., however, seemed to misrepresent his interaction with Candice in order to get her in trouble. Typical T.O.

Were this a remake of "The Three Stooges," Berrian would be Moe, if he's considered the smartest member of the trio. Nyuck, nyuck, nyuck.