http://www.dailypress.com/news/local/virginia/dp-va--brf-bush-chickenl0724jul24,0,5255718.story?coll=dp-headlines-virginia

Musician banned from bookstore after criticizing Bush's legs

By the Associated Press

Published July 24, 2003

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. -- A Borders Books & Music store has banned a Baltimore singer-songwriter from performing there after she made an unflattering comment about President Bush's physique during a concert at the store last week.

Julia Rose, who is also a fitness advocate, told the audience, "George Bush has chicken legs. He needs to pump some iron."

Rose said she has made the same comment at other Borders stores.

"In fact, the audience in Fredericksburg laughed when I said this," she told The Free Lance-Star newspaper. "The reaction was nothing different than typical crowds I've had."

Amy Korsun, area marketing manager for the Michigan-based bookstore chain, confirmed Wednesday that Rose has been banned from performing at the Fredericksburg store. She said Rose will be allowed to continue playing at other Borders stores in Virginia. She declined to say why Rose was banned from the Fredericksburg store.

Rose said she's mystified by the reaction.

"I never said anything about Bush being a bad president or anything," she said. "I was just poking fun at his scrawny frame."