A Little of the Old In and Out
In: Jazz at Lincoln Center at The Apollo. Our pal, the wonderful David Patrick Columbia, faithfully continues his running chronicle, in his breezy yet vital tone, of our leading social and artistic luminaries in NY Social Diary. Another day in the life of DPC:
"We were up at the fabled Apollo theatre on 125th Street where Jazz at Lincoln Center was holding its third annual gala concert and dinner, 'Teach Me Tonight.'
"Cedric the Entertainer was host with performances by Bob Dylan, Al Jarreau, Branford Marsalis, Renee Olstead, James Taylor and the Wynton Marsalis Septet. There must have been more than a thousand guests filling the legendary theater, and afterwards 700 of them moved to the tents behind the theatre for an Asian dinner provided by Taste Caterers.
"Bob Dylan in a jazz concert on the stage of the Apollo? Scruffy-looking as ever, accompanied by his harmonica and the Marsalis Septet, he sang a jazz version of 'Don�t Think Twice (it�s all right)' and jazz it was. And Dylan it was too. Same with James Taylor who sang a couple of his own compositions."
Doesn't it appear as if David is having the most fabulous life? Follow your bliss, David, it's all good.
Out: On the La.com blog, this blind item is pungent, punky even (played, so ably, by the way, by Soleil Moon Frye ... thank you, thank you):
"The Smelly Starlet
"If you want to see owners and managers of pricey clothing boutiques freak, just be there whenever this popular international dish comes cruising into their swank establishments trailed by her army of friends, relatives, flunkies and hangers-on. A clotheshorse and big spender, she spends hours and hours trying on only fashion�s costliest threads. Problem is, she�s so careless about her personal hygiene that once she wears something, it reeks so badly of her personal scent that it can�t possibly be sold retail anymore--so her try-ons first get seriously dry-cleaned, then shipped to discount racks. The doll is so stanky that after she completed shooting her recent hit movie, the wardrobe people burned her costumes to a crisp because they were totally unusable. This helps explain why she hooked up with her slightly less famous current squeeze, whose many erotic fetishes include flooding his sniffer with overripe body aromas."
The only comment mentions Penelope Cruz, who certainly fits the "international dish" bill and "slightly less famous current squeeze" thingie (Matthew McConaughey), but when was the last time she had a hit? Blow?
Any other guesses or do go just with Penelope?
In: I see white people! No colorful people in sight for a Silver Springs advance screening of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkhaban doubling as an AFI tribute to MPAA President Jack Valenti. It's either that, or an Emmylou Harris concert. Or ice hockey.
(Ed Note: Warning, before you read further, for some reason The Corsair is on a racial kick today)
Out: Carmen Kass. It looks like the Eastern European hottie will not be Estonia's EU delegate, according to Daily Vogue, in fact, she'll get her Kass kicked:
"CARMEN KASS has almost no chance of being voted into parliament, according to Estonia's opinion polls. The 25-year-old supermodel, who was voted Model of the Year at the VH1/Vogue awards in 2000, was chosen by her country's ruling right wing Res Publica party as one of 12 candidates for the first deputies of the recently enlarged European Union. But the polls show that Kass has less than one per cent of voters on side. Despite calling the experience 'an opportunity which I couldn't miss', Kass has admitted that not being elected will not be the end of the world. 'It will be a pity for me if I will not be elected, but not a catastrophe,' she told AFP. 'It's the people's choice.' If the votes were to swing her way, however, she is prepared to give her modelling second place in her list of priorities to do the job. 'If people elect me to do this job, I don't have any other choice, I have to go,' she went on. 'It will be hard at the beginning for sure. But after 11 years in a modeling career there are few things I have not done, so I will hardly put much effort into it. Mostly I will dedicate myself to parliamentary work.' And she isn't taking the lack of votes personally. 'Estonians have maybe forgotten about me, because I have been abroad for a long time,' she said. 'But I haven't forgotten about Estonia. I remember where my roots are.'"
The Corsair will respectfully refrain from pointing out that Carmen's roots are indeed brown, although the hair is blonde.
In: Michael Musto is one of the few writers who can go totally off on a moral argument, but do it in such an offhand, funny manner, that it disarms the punch but leaves the kick, drawing in even the most skeptical of readers:
"In the wildly nostalgic 2003�4 season on the Great White Way, African Americans were represented by a maid, a slave, street urchins, a downtrodden ghetto family, and an ape. You've come a long way, baby! (Yes, I know these are well-meaning, beautiful portrayals of black roots�except for the ape�but let's vary it up a bit, folks. At least throw in a modern servant once in a while, deal?)"
We heart Musto. (link via Gawker)
More brilliance a la Musto:
"On the show, fab PHYLICIA RASHAD is go-going nuts, giving such a cuckoo grande-dame acceptance speech that her first name, clearly, is God."
and, my personal fave:
"Moving on to a past Tony nominee, I love me some MERYL STREEP because, if anyone could grandiosely intone self-serving stuff like 'As an actor . . . ' it's huh, and she never does! It's only people who were in That's So Raven or CSI: Hoboken that spew such flouncy crapola."
Damn, The Corsair wanted to be the first to make a snarky That's So Raven reference, but the Must beat us to it.
Out: All the Ronald Reagan historical revisionism ignores the fact that his "constructive engagement" with the brutal totalitarian Apartheid regime.
As Richard Knight told the General Assembly in 1984:
"The Reagan administration's policy of constructive engagement has already led to a significant relaxation of the arms embargo. Stressing the goal of regional stability the American government has now adopted a policy which they see as an "even handed" approach to all countries in the region. Thus the Reagan administration seeks to blame all sides equally for the violence in the region, ignoring the fact that the violence stems from apartheid. In reality there is no even handedness in the U.S.'s engagement in southern Africa; policy in the last three years has resulted in an increased South African ability to harass and dominate regionally."
And it all ultimately played out as Usinfo.state.gov says:
"The charismatic Anglican bishop, Desmond Tutu, rallied western support with his call for a boycott of South Africa, primarily through economic sanctions. The administration of Ronald Reagan opposed formal sanctions, preferring to exert quiet pressure to speed up reform. But the demand for sanctions could not be quieted, and in 1986 Congress overrode a presidential veto to ban the importation of South African goods and prohibit American business investments in South Africa.
"While some critics believe the sanctions were more symbolic than anything else, others claim that they did contribute to rapid political change in South Africa. In 1990 President F.W. de Klerk released Nelson Mandela after twenty-seven years of imprisonment, opened negotiations with the ANC and scrapped most of the apartheid laws. In 1992 a strong majority of the country's white population voted to endorse de Klerk's dismantling of apartheid and the extension of political rights to the black majority. When this happened, President Bush lifted the economic sanctions, claiming that the purpose of the bill had been successfully carried out."
Let's review: Reagan coddled the totalitarian regime, A Democratic congress blocked his veto and imposed sanctions against the Apartheid regime, and, four years later, Nelson Mandela is released, and two years after that democratic elections are held. Now, you tell me why Reagan is a hero.
In: Sick of all the Reagan propaganda? Reagan fatigued, yet? I know I am. The cats at Lowculture have prepared a very cute testionial from Reagan's costar and, for all intensive purposes his intellectual peer, Bonzo, the ape. So best.
Tuesday, June 08, 2004
Wrapping up the CFDA Awards: P Diddy and Sarah Jessica Parker are the Stars
Sarah Jessica Parker got the CFDA Fashion Icon Award last night. According to Ananova:
"Parker, wearing a pink and black lace vintage halter dress by the late Hollywood costumer Howard Greer, said she was 'thrilled.'
"'Fashion is my fatal flaw. It's my weakness. Sometimes you see something you want and you can't have it, but in my case ... ' she trailed off to laughter from the crowd.
"'Sarah Jessica Parker represents the fact that high fashion - which had been divorced from reality for a while - is now a little more entwined with what people are wearing,' said Glamour editor in chief Cindi Leive.
"P Diddy was named the top menswear designer of the year for his Sean John collection at the awards; he beat veterans and previous winners Ralph Lauren and Michael Kors.
"'I'm very happy as you can see. I'm living the American dream' he said.
Vogue Daily, also covering the festivities, noted:
"'It's not whether you win or lose,' Sean Combs said last year, 'it's what you wear to the after party.' But priorities were changed last night and the man we used to call Puff Daddy finally got what he wanted - the Menswear Designer of the Year gong at the annual CFDA awards. The four times-nominated style maker trumped previous winners Ralph Lauren and Michael Kors, but he didn't bear a grudge in spite of being open about his disappointment in the past. 'I'm very happy as you can see,' he said, having danced his way to the New York Public Library's podium. Explaining to an audience of 400 designers, models and Hollywood stars that he had once 'saved his pennies' for a Ralph Lauren shirt, he claimed now to be 'living the American dream', before shouting out: 'Ralph, you're still the sexiest man on the planet!' Carolina Herrera, meanwhile, trounced Marc Jacobs, Ralph Rucci and Michael Kors by winning the Womenswear Designer of the Year award, while Coach's Reed Krakoff, who was up against Edmundo Castillo in the Accessories category, also went home triumphant. Combs' new fashion prot�g�, Zac Posen, won the Perry Ellis Award for Emerging talent and went onto co-host the night's most starry after party in Marquee with him. The ceremony, which featured a performance from American Idol winner Fantasia Barrino, also honoured Sarah Jessica Parker as Fashion Icon of the Year, Donna Karan for a lifetime of achievement, Miuccia Prada as International Designer of the Year and Tom Ford in a special tribute to his contribution to international fashion. But it was definitely Puff's night. 'At the end of the day, there's nothing more dreary than menswear,' said Barney's creative director, Simon Doonan. 'But he's brought a huge burst of energy into the industry.'"
Sarah Jessica Parker got the CFDA Fashion Icon Award last night. According to Ananova:
"Parker, wearing a pink and black lace vintage halter dress by the late Hollywood costumer Howard Greer, said she was 'thrilled.'
"'Fashion is my fatal flaw. It's my weakness. Sometimes you see something you want and you can't have it, but in my case ... ' she trailed off to laughter from the crowd.
"'Sarah Jessica Parker represents the fact that high fashion - which had been divorced from reality for a while - is now a little more entwined with what people are wearing,' said Glamour editor in chief Cindi Leive.
"P Diddy was named the top menswear designer of the year for his Sean John collection at the awards; he beat veterans and previous winners Ralph Lauren and Michael Kors.
"'I'm very happy as you can see. I'm living the American dream' he said.
Vogue Daily, also covering the festivities, noted:
"'It's not whether you win or lose,' Sean Combs said last year, 'it's what you wear to the after party.' But priorities were changed last night and the man we used to call Puff Daddy finally got what he wanted - the Menswear Designer of the Year gong at the annual CFDA awards. The four times-nominated style maker trumped previous winners Ralph Lauren and Michael Kors, but he didn't bear a grudge in spite of being open about his disappointment in the past. 'I'm very happy as you can see,' he said, having danced his way to the New York Public Library's podium. Explaining to an audience of 400 designers, models and Hollywood stars that he had once 'saved his pennies' for a Ralph Lauren shirt, he claimed now to be 'living the American dream', before shouting out: 'Ralph, you're still the sexiest man on the planet!' Carolina Herrera, meanwhile, trounced Marc Jacobs, Ralph Rucci and Michael Kors by winning the Womenswear Designer of the Year award, while Coach's Reed Krakoff, who was up against Edmundo Castillo in the Accessories category, also went home triumphant. Combs' new fashion prot�g�, Zac Posen, won the Perry Ellis Award for Emerging talent and went onto co-host the night's most starry after party in Marquee with him. The ceremony, which featured a performance from American Idol winner Fantasia Barrino, also honoured Sarah Jessica Parker as Fashion Icon of the Year, Donna Karan for a lifetime of achievement, Miuccia Prada as International Designer of the Year and Tom Ford in a special tribute to his contribution to international fashion. But it was definitely Puff's night. 'At the end of the day, there's nothing more dreary than menswear,' said Barney's creative director, Simon Doonan. 'But he's brought a huge burst of energy into the industry.'"
X-Tina's Drrty Patents!
Christina Aguilera is on to lingerie, according to British Glamour's Daily Gossip:
"A WORLD OF PANTS
"Move over Damaris, Agent Provocateur and FrostFrench, Christina Aguilera is moving in on the luxury lingerie market. The Stripped singer has asked the US Patent and Trademark Office to approve designs for a range of knickers, due to hit shops next year."
The Corsair immediately lunges up angrily, a look of righteous indignation on his face, then, slowly, he realizes, 'oh, knickers ... I thought the article said ...'
"But that's not all (Christina's) planning to put her name to: with what looks like world domination in her sights, Christina has also registered patents for 451 other items, including crayons, antiperspirant, skiwear, badminton sets, contact lenses and ominously 'electronic multiple activity toys', ropes and handcuffs!"
Cause she is badminton ... no matter what you say ... words can't bring her down.
Christina Aguilera is on to lingerie, according to British Glamour's Daily Gossip:
"A WORLD OF PANTS
"Move over Damaris, Agent Provocateur and FrostFrench, Christina Aguilera is moving in on the luxury lingerie market. The Stripped singer has asked the US Patent and Trademark Office to approve designs for a range of knickers, due to hit shops next year."
The Corsair immediately lunges up angrily, a look of righteous indignation on his face, then, slowly, he realizes, 'oh, knickers ... I thought the article said ...'
"But that's not all (Christina's) planning to put her name to: with what looks like world domination in her sights, Christina has also registered patents for 451 other items, including crayons, antiperspirant, skiwear, badminton sets, contact lenses and ominously 'electronic multiple activity toys', ropes and handcuffs!"
Cause she is badminton ... no matter what you say ... words can't bring her down.
Monday, June 07, 2004
Jay Z's Chicken Wing Chef
The 3AM Girls serve up quite the spicy appetizer today:
"MILLIONAIRE rapper Jay-Z is living proof that money can't buy you taste.
"Instead of spending his dough on eating out at the world's finest restaurants, the plucky star has added a new member to his burgeoning entourage - a dedicated chicken-wing chef."
The Corsair appreciates the "dedication" to that lost art form, but he wonders if this interferes with girlfriend Beyonce's lifetime free supply of Popeye's fried chicken.
"And Jay-Z is so convinced even London's poshest restaurants can't cater for him that he recently insisted his cook step in and take over the kitchens of one of them.
Oh, it's London ... well there you go: boiled food doesn't go over well in the hood; a hood needs the secret soul ingredient, the (makes finger marks in the air) "hot sauce."
"A source close to Beyonce Knowles' other half disclosed: 'Jay-Z had some important meetings in London and one of them took place at Nobu."
"But the ... Japanese cuisine - a favourite of celebs such as Robbie Williams and Pink - wasn't to 34-year-old Jay-Z's taste.
"Our spy continued: 'He was very polite but he made it clear that raw fish wasn't his thing. He had a couple of drinks and then left to go to flash caviar restaurant La Plume, which he'd heard was accommodating to stars' demands.'
"And it's just as well because this time the rapper wasn't taking any chances. We're told: 'A member of his entourage called ahead and said that he'd only come if his chicken-wing chef could take over the kitchen.
"'When the cook arrived he was in a panic as he wasn't sure if he'd brought enough Tabasco sauce for his secret recipe. It was pretty obvious Jay-Z wouldn't have been happy if it wasn't right."
The Corsair nods knowingly at the primacy of hot sauce with the urban palate.
"'He also likes to know where his chicken comes from and there's only one family-run farm in Mexico that he trusts."
Rappers can be eccentric about their food and food supplements.
"'His new cook is responsible for making sure there are 100 wings from this place available for him and his flunkies to eat every night.'
He got 99 problems but the wings aint one.
Post here or on VH1's Best Week Ever blog
The 3AM Girls serve up quite the spicy appetizer today:
"MILLIONAIRE rapper Jay-Z is living proof that money can't buy you taste.
"Instead of spending his dough on eating out at the world's finest restaurants, the plucky star has added a new member to his burgeoning entourage - a dedicated chicken-wing chef."
The Corsair appreciates the "dedication" to that lost art form, but he wonders if this interferes with girlfriend Beyonce's lifetime free supply of Popeye's fried chicken.
"And Jay-Z is so convinced even London's poshest restaurants can't cater for him that he recently insisted his cook step in and take over the kitchens of one of them.
Oh, it's London ... well there you go: boiled food doesn't go over well in the hood; a hood needs the secret soul ingredient, the (makes finger marks in the air) "hot sauce."
"A source close to Beyonce Knowles' other half disclosed: 'Jay-Z had some important meetings in London and one of them took place at Nobu."
"But the ... Japanese cuisine - a favourite of celebs such as Robbie Williams and Pink - wasn't to 34-year-old Jay-Z's taste.
"Our spy continued: 'He was very polite but he made it clear that raw fish wasn't his thing. He had a couple of drinks and then left to go to flash caviar restaurant La Plume, which he'd heard was accommodating to stars' demands.'
"And it's just as well because this time the rapper wasn't taking any chances. We're told: 'A member of his entourage called ahead and said that he'd only come if his chicken-wing chef could take over the kitchen.
"'When the cook arrived he was in a panic as he wasn't sure if he'd brought enough Tabasco sauce for his secret recipe. It was pretty obvious Jay-Z wouldn't have been happy if it wasn't right."
The Corsair nods knowingly at the primacy of hot sauce with the urban palate.
"'He also likes to know where his chicken comes from and there's only one family-run farm in Mexico that he trusts."
Rappers can be eccentric about their food and food supplements.
"'His new cook is responsible for making sure there are 100 wings from this place available for him and his flunkies to eat every night.'
He got 99 problems but the wings aint one.
Post here or on VH1's Best Week Ever blog
A Little of the Old In and Out
In: So very in: Black Table's analysis of just how the race game plays itself out nestled in New York City's hipper circles:
"Okay. So, some white people are down. And some white people are trying to be down.
"To study the difference, we attended the fifth-anniversary party celebrating the Cornerstone Mixtape, a near-legendary promotional CD given to media and radio DJs. The party was at LQLQ in New York City on a Tuesday night and the lineup included live performances from href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/stores/artist/glance/-/72903/102-7340837-0128956">CL Smooth (oddly, Pete Rock was playing up the street), Black Sheep (yes, they're still together) and De La Soul, the pioneering rap group who made rap cool for white college kids. The white people were there. The black people were there. The music was tight.
"We took some pictures.
"You make the call: 'Down' or 'Not Down.'"
Out: Rush and Molloy of the New York Daily News note that Les Moonves' ex wife can not or will not watch CBS:
"CBS chief Les Moonves and his girlfriend, CBS 'Early Show' host Julie Chen, are on top of the world after his promotion at Viacom. Moonves' estranged wife, Nancy, has more mixed emotions.
Last week, when Viacom chairman Sumner Redstone named Moonves and MTV Networks boss Tom Freston as co-presidents of the entertainment giant, Nancy tells us she sent Les an E-mail 'congratulating him. I said, 'You and Tom will make an unbeatable team.'"
"'I certainly hope so,' says Nancy, who is divorcing Les after 24 years of marriage. 'I have stock in the company.'
"At the same time, Nancy, 57, feels so hurt by the 54-year-old Moonves' romance with 34-year-old Chen that she won't even watch CBS.
"'Neither I nor our children have watched it in years,' she says. 'I don't want to see [Chen]. It's not healthy for me or my kids.'"
In: Scott L's Stereogum gives us some MTV Movie Award pictures. Paris Hilton. Halle Berry. Elen Degeneres in a Spiderwoman costume looking at Kirstin Dunst's cleavage. Carmen Electra. The usual suspects, the usual crimes.
Out: The po-po are "Hassling the Hoff." (Link via DLR on BestWeekEver)Ice T should be proud of his little thug in training. Keep it gangsta, Knight Rider; If you were flossing the Knight Industries Two Thousand, you would've been in another county before they even had you on the radar, playboy. Show 'em what calibre of thug you are, D-Hassell.
In: New York Magazine's blow by blow account of the Rye police (can't anyone have any fun?) raiding an upper middle class teenage party. It brings back so many good memories of "wild and innocent youth" (a song, by the way, played, so ably, by Nightranger ... thank you, thank you; although, to be frank, nowadays The Corsair taste lean towards "Got it Twisted," by Mobb Deep)
Anyhoo:
"12:32 A.M.
"(David) MacBride, 19, made his way through the house, quickly, quietly, alerting everyone to the police presence. And who were all these people, anyway? Little grinning clusters of them, everywhere you turned, kids who were bopping to hip-hop one minute, the Grateful Dead the next, sipping Coors Light and Budweiser. At least 50. Maybe more. Guys sporting khaki shorts, crimped baseball caps, creased Oxford shirts, flip-flops; girls in tight jeans, tighter tank tops, tiny flounce skirts. Some didn�t even go to MacBride�s school, Rye High, a regal old Gothic structure in this storied suburb of landscaped lawns and luxury SUVs, a place where popular after-school activities include boating and horseback riding.
"Indeed, it was always the same: Your parents are out of town (in Ireland this weekend), you invite a few people over (no more than fifteen), you stress that it�s to be a small, intimate affair. Seriously. But then someone can�t help but tell their friends, who tell their friends, who tell their friends, and all of a sudden you don�t recognize half the people roaming around your own home.
"MacBride was more than a little annoyed. In fact, just a moment ago he�d grabbed his close buddy, George Ladd, a 19-year-old senior with cloudy blue eyes and a jawline you could use to crack open a walnut, and asked him for a favor.
"'I�m about to lose it,' MacBride said. 'Do me a favor, and start kicking people out.'
"But it was already too late."
The adrenaline rush of quickly quietly getting the hell out of impending police procedures, ah, what memories that conjures. Replace the Coors Light with Old English ("The Burgundy and the Gold") and the SUV's with Nissan Maxima's and suburban lawns with the old Saint club and I'm 16 all over again.
Out: Check out this blind item on LA.com's blog:
"The Loathsome Legend
"Years of great reviews and award recognition prove that this titan of movies, TV, and stage is about as good as it gets. (And she�d be the last one to argue with anyone on that score.) But when it comes to being popular with people she�s worked with, let�s just say girlfriend won�t be taking home any Miss Congeniality trophies anytime soon. Filming her newest movie, she was unusually unpleasant to everyone around her, avoiding conversation by constantly sticking her nose in a book or newspaper, speaking to coworkers only when she absolutely had to (and even then only in hostile grunts), and snarling at anyone who tried to be even moderately friendly. Our Lady of the Rampant Mood Swings gave off such a leave-me-alone vibe that production assistants privately drew straws and paid each other off in an effort to avoid having to deal with her directly. With all that fame and acclaim you�d think she�d be proud of her accomplishments--so what�s her big complaint? She has convinced herself that she is revolting to the opposite sex. Somebody ought to tell her it isn�t her face, figure or brain power that sucks, it�s her twisted 'tude."
The consensus on the board is Bette Midler. But what do I know?
In: So very in: Black Table's analysis of just how the race game plays itself out nestled in New York City's hipper circles:
"Okay. So, some white people are down. And some white people are trying to be down.
"To study the difference, we attended the fifth-anniversary party celebrating the Cornerstone Mixtape, a near-legendary promotional CD given to media and radio DJs. The party was at LQLQ in New York City on a Tuesday night and the lineup included live performances from href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/stores/artist/glance/-/72903/102-7340837-0128956">CL Smooth (oddly, Pete Rock was playing up the street), Black Sheep (yes, they're still together) and De La Soul, the pioneering rap group who made rap cool for white college kids. The white people were there. The black people were there. The music was tight.
"We took some pictures.
"You make the call: 'Down' or 'Not Down.'"
Out: Rush and Molloy of the New York Daily News note that Les Moonves' ex wife can not or will not watch CBS:
"CBS chief Les Moonves and his girlfriend, CBS 'Early Show' host Julie Chen, are on top of the world after his promotion at Viacom. Moonves' estranged wife, Nancy, has more mixed emotions.
Last week, when Viacom chairman Sumner Redstone named Moonves and MTV Networks boss Tom Freston as co-presidents of the entertainment giant, Nancy tells us she sent Les an E-mail 'congratulating him. I said, 'You and Tom will make an unbeatable team.'"
"'I certainly hope so,' says Nancy, who is divorcing Les after 24 years of marriage. 'I have stock in the company.'
"At the same time, Nancy, 57, feels so hurt by the 54-year-old Moonves' romance with 34-year-old Chen that she won't even watch CBS.
"'Neither I nor our children have watched it in years,' she says. 'I don't want to see [Chen]. It's not healthy for me or my kids.'"
In: Scott L's Stereogum gives us some MTV Movie Award pictures. Paris Hilton. Halle Berry. Elen Degeneres in a Spiderwoman costume looking at Kirstin Dunst's cleavage. Carmen Electra. The usual suspects, the usual crimes.
Out: The po-po are "Hassling the Hoff." (Link via DLR on BestWeekEver)Ice T should be proud of his little thug in training. Keep it gangsta, Knight Rider; If you were flossing the Knight Industries Two Thousand, you would've been in another county before they even had you on the radar, playboy. Show 'em what calibre of thug you are, D-Hassell.
In: New York Magazine's blow by blow account of the Rye police (can't anyone have any fun?) raiding an upper middle class teenage party. It brings back so many good memories of "wild and innocent youth" (a song, by the way, played, so ably, by Nightranger ... thank you, thank you; although, to be frank, nowadays The Corsair taste lean towards "Got it Twisted," by Mobb Deep)
Anyhoo:
"12:32 A.M.
"(David) MacBride, 19, made his way through the house, quickly, quietly, alerting everyone to the police presence. And who were all these people, anyway? Little grinning clusters of them, everywhere you turned, kids who were bopping to hip-hop one minute, the Grateful Dead the next, sipping Coors Light and Budweiser. At least 50. Maybe more. Guys sporting khaki shorts, crimped baseball caps, creased Oxford shirts, flip-flops; girls in tight jeans, tighter tank tops, tiny flounce skirts. Some didn�t even go to MacBride�s school, Rye High, a regal old Gothic structure in this storied suburb of landscaped lawns and luxury SUVs, a place where popular after-school activities include boating and horseback riding.
"Indeed, it was always the same: Your parents are out of town (in Ireland this weekend), you invite a few people over (no more than fifteen), you stress that it�s to be a small, intimate affair. Seriously. But then someone can�t help but tell their friends, who tell their friends, who tell their friends, and all of a sudden you don�t recognize half the people roaming around your own home.
"MacBride was more than a little annoyed. In fact, just a moment ago he�d grabbed his close buddy, George Ladd, a 19-year-old senior with cloudy blue eyes and a jawline you could use to crack open a walnut, and asked him for a favor.
"'I�m about to lose it,' MacBride said. 'Do me a favor, and start kicking people out.'
"But it was already too late."
The adrenaline rush of quickly quietly getting the hell out of impending police procedures, ah, what memories that conjures. Replace the Coors Light with Old English ("The Burgundy and the Gold") and the SUV's with Nissan Maxima's and suburban lawns with the old Saint club and I'm 16 all over again.
Out: Check out this blind item on LA.com's blog:
"The Loathsome Legend
"Years of great reviews and award recognition prove that this titan of movies, TV, and stage is about as good as it gets. (And she�d be the last one to argue with anyone on that score.) But when it comes to being popular with people she�s worked with, let�s just say girlfriend won�t be taking home any Miss Congeniality trophies anytime soon. Filming her newest movie, she was unusually unpleasant to everyone around her, avoiding conversation by constantly sticking her nose in a book or newspaper, speaking to coworkers only when she absolutely had to (and even then only in hostile grunts), and snarling at anyone who tried to be even moderately friendly. Our Lady of the Rampant Mood Swings gave off such a leave-me-alone vibe that production assistants privately drew straws and paid each other off in an effort to avoid having to deal with her directly. With all that fame and acclaim you�d think she�d be proud of her accomplishments--so what�s her big complaint? She has convinced herself that she is revolting to the opposite sex. Somebody ought to tell her it isn�t her face, figure or brain power that sucks, it�s her twisted 'tude."
The consensus on the board is Bette Midler. But what do I know?
JLo Gets Married ... Again
J-Lo wed Mark Anthony on Saturday, according to the Daily News (link via Gothamist):
"The third time may be the charm for Bronx Bombshell Jennifer Lopez, who tied the superstar knot with singer Marc Anthony at surprise ceremony yesterday. The duo wed in front of about 40 guests at her Los Angeles estate, Us magazine reported.
"'It was a very lovely low-key intimate affair for the closest friends and family,' a Lopez friend told the magazine. 'Even guests were surprised.'"
The marriage takes place less than six months after breaking up with Ben Affleck.
The Daily News, which has been on this story like Hasselhoff on "urban music," also reported:
"(Ben Affleck), who was released from the hospital on J.Lo's wedding day, reportedly was recuperating from bronchitis at his mother's home in Cambridge, Mass., when the press caught up with him.
"'The world's got a few other problems,' said a spokesman for Affleck, the Boston boy whose high-profile engagement to the Bronx bombshell crumbled less than six months ago. 'Leave him alone.'"
And a Craigslister poetically considers, after the manner of a reverse stalker, a world without Bennifer.
And wedding pics (via Scott L's Stereogum)
And, Defamer notes that Mark Anthony, who just got a quickie divorce last Tuesday, still has his old wedding pictures up on his site. Like school on Saturday, Mark Anthony, no class ...
J-Lo wed Mark Anthony on Saturday, according to the Daily News (link via Gothamist):
"The third time may be the charm for Bronx Bombshell Jennifer Lopez, who tied the superstar knot with singer Marc Anthony at surprise ceremony yesterday. The duo wed in front of about 40 guests at her Los Angeles estate, Us magazine reported.
"'It was a very lovely low-key intimate affair for the closest friends and family,' a Lopez friend told the magazine. 'Even guests were surprised.'"
The marriage takes place less than six months after breaking up with Ben Affleck.
The Daily News, which has been on this story like Hasselhoff on "urban music," also reported:
"(Ben Affleck), who was released from the hospital on J.Lo's wedding day, reportedly was recuperating from bronchitis at his mother's home in Cambridge, Mass., when the press caught up with him.
"'The world's got a few other problems,' said a spokesman for Affleck, the Boston boy whose high-profile engagement to the Bronx bombshell crumbled less than six months ago. 'Leave him alone.'"
And a Craigslister poetically considers, after the manner of a reverse stalker, a world without Bennifer.
And wedding pics (via Scott L's Stereogum)
And, Defamer notes that Mark Anthony, who just got a quickie divorce last Tuesday, still has his old wedding pictures up on his site. Like school on Saturday, Mark Anthony, no class ...
Friday, June 04, 2004
The Corsair vs. AJ Benza
Apparently, The Corsair has a little more juice than he thought he did. Multitudinous is my capacity for making mischief, dear readers (The Corsair rubs his hands together like the cat who licked the cream). The other day I blogged on AJ Benza and the Howard Stern Razor article, blaming him with incendiary language.
Imagine my surprise today when, sifting through the birthday wishes and usual hate e-mail, I recieved a missive from AJ Benza himself!
In the subject line it read, "Note to Ron OogaBooga from AJ Benza"
People get fixated on the name, what can I say? Every hate email The Corsair gets has a Kindergarteny vibe. You get used to it.
It continues (averted gaze, exaggerated cough, feigned detatchment):
"Mr. Corsair...."
Oh, it's on like Gray Poupon.
"Do yourself a favor and report facts. If you were an actual reporter, you'd know that the founder and editor of Razor, Craig Knight, quit over what his publisher Richard Botto did with my Howard Stern piece. Even Howard respects what I wrote and has told his millions of listeners that this is obviously the publisher of Razor trying to drum up sales."
The Corsair throws some punches at the air.
"I clearly state in my piece that my speaking to Stern came about during a personal phone call regarding John Melendez jumping to Jay Leno. Howard and I spoke yesterday morning and I was vindicated. So why dont you report on that? If you don't, you clearly have an ax to grind. And if you do....what can I do?
Second....if you think a $600,000 a year job hosting a reality show this fall is a 'dead career,' then you're dumb as a stump. And if you add in my $200,000 Talk/Miramax book deal on top of that.....that's some decent scratch, no? Does Paper pay you $800,000?"
Yes, that is some, er, "decent scratch," and, no, I do not make $800,000 a year; but I am a thousandaire. I have no axe to grind, AJ, aside from being mildly miffed at the swipe at my name. You are right, you have been vindicated by Howard Stern. But that vindication came after I wrote my piece. So, here I am writing about it now, tough guy.
"I like your writing. I read your stuff. What you don't understand or ever do is actually report on stuff. It's a kick just to be able to scream out your opinion on shit...but it's another to make sure what you say is accurate. And what you wrote about me is incorrect."
It's a "kick"? Who is this really: Frank Sinatra? Conversing with AJ Benza is like going into a 1950s time warp where dames are dames and men were men. Mista we could use a man like Herbert Hoover again.
But, you're right AJ, I was inaccurate. I am not a reporter. Never said I was. I am a blogger, a commentator, and a humorist who, at the moment, is having a fucking good time with you.
"If you hate me...that's your right and I'm cool with that, my man. But just get some facts straight in the process.
"Best
AJ Benza
"PS: Keep stirring up shit. The world needs it."
I don't hate you, AJ, in fact, after this little frisson, I think I understand you a little bit better, man to man. So, apologies on the story and the "dead career" thing. Next time you're around Williamsburg way, I owe you some scotch.
Ron
Apparently, The Corsair has a little more juice than he thought he did. Multitudinous is my capacity for making mischief, dear readers (The Corsair rubs his hands together like the cat who licked the cream). The other day I blogged on AJ Benza and the Howard Stern Razor article, blaming him with incendiary language.
Imagine my surprise today when, sifting through the birthday wishes and usual hate e-mail, I recieved a missive from AJ Benza himself!
In the subject line it read, "Note to Ron OogaBooga from AJ Benza"
People get fixated on the name, what can I say? Every hate email The Corsair gets has a Kindergarteny vibe. You get used to it.
It continues (averted gaze, exaggerated cough, feigned detatchment):
"Mr. Corsair...."
Oh, it's on like Gray Poupon.
"Do yourself a favor and report facts. If you were an actual reporter, you'd know that the founder and editor of Razor, Craig Knight, quit over what his publisher Richard Botto did with my Howard Stern piece. Even Howard respects what I wrote and has told his millions of listeners that this is obviously the publisher of Razor trying to drum up sales."
The Corsair throws some punches at the air.
"I clearly state in my piece that my speaking to Stern came about during a personal phone call regarding John Melendez jumping to Jay Leno. Howard and I spoke yesterday morning and I was vindicated. So why dont you report on that? If you don't, you clearly have an ax to grind. And if you do....what can I do?
Second....if you think a $600,000 a year job hosting a reality show this fall is a 'dead career,' then you're dumb as a stump. And if you add in my $200,000 Talk/Miramax book deal on top of that.....that's some decent scratch, no? Does Paper pay you $800,000?"
Yes, that is some, er, "decent scratch," and, no, I do not make $800,000 a year; but I am a thousandaire. I have no axe to grind, AJ, aside from being mildly miffed at the swipe at my name. You are right, you have been vindicated by Howard Stern. But that vindication came after I wrote my piece. So, here I am writing about it now, tough guy.
"I like your writing. I read your stuff. What you don't understand or ever do is actually report on stuff. It's a kick just to be able to scream out your opinion on shit...but it's another to make sure what you say is accurate. And what you wrote about me is incorrect."
It's a "kick"? Who is this really: Frank Sinatra? Conversing with AJ Benza is like going into a 1950s time warp where dames are dames and men were men. Mista we could use a man like Herbert Hoover again.
But, you're right AJ, I was inaccurate. I am not a reporter. Never said I was. I am a blogger, a commentator, and a humorist who, at the moment, is having a fucking good time with you.
"If you hate me...that's your right and I'm cool with that, my man. But just get some facts straight in the process.
"Best
AJ Benza
"PS: Keep stirring up shit. The world needs it."
I don't hate you, AJ, in fact, after this little frisson, I think I understand you a little bit better, man to man. So, apologies on the story and the "dead career" thing. Next time you're around Williamsburg way, I owe you some scotch.
Ron
Mobb Deep At The Movies
Vibe Magazine has this interesting feature where they show movie trailers to the thuggiest hip hop stars and have them rate it -- two guns up if it is good, and, conversely, two guns down if it sucks. Brilliant. In fact, I want to informally pitch this to all the cable people reading this blog (I know you are lurking out there): Think Siskel and Ebert, but with thugs. Chatting. I'm telling you, this has MTV written all over it.
Anyhoo, Prodigy and Havoc of Mobb Deep reviewed:
Predator vs. Alien
Havoc: Thumbs down! They bitin off Freddy versus Jason.
Prodigy: They took too long to do that. Alien versus Predator? It's too late. I'll wait to see it on DVD.
Havoc: When did Alien and Predator ever come from the same world? Wasn't the Predator in the present and Alien was, like 2050 or something? Now all the sudden they caught up to each other.
Prodigy: It looks weak, man. Thumbs down.
Havoc: It's not gonna fly.
Rating: Two Guns Down
Spiderman 2
Prodigy: Oh, it's on. It's gonna be a smash hit.
Havoc: Spiderman 2 is a must see. The first was off the hook.
Prodigy: Now they got that dude, Dr. Whats his name? Dr. Octagon or some shit?
Havoc: Octapus, I think. Out of all the comic book remakes, Spiderman was by far the best one. So I'll definitely check out 2.
Prodigy: Spidey's ill. He be flying around with the web, that shit is ill. Nigga crawlin on walls and shit.
Rating: Two Guns Up
Anchorman
Prodigy: That nigga retarded, son.
Havoc: Will Ferrell -- that's my dog right there.
Prodigy: Hell, yeah, he's like the new Chevy Chase.
Havoc: Right, exactly, but funnier. I'll definitely check that.
Prodigy: Word. Get doped up and go laugh real quick. Word. Plus, he smacked he in the ass and said 'I like that fatty.'
Havoc: Yeah, he said fattie, son. Thumbs up!
Rating: Two Guns Up
The Village
Prodigy: Looks like Little House on the Prairie, but horror.
Havoc: There's a red slash on everybody's door, so what?
Prodigy: The 'hood would be like, 'Where that monster at? -- Straight up! Where that monster at? You gotta show something. What the fuck? Leprichauns is in the woods or something -- that's that kind of shit that when you finally see what it is, you be like, 'uhh, man.'
Havoc: Do I wanna see this movie. Do I wanna spend $20 on it? I don't think so. Thumbs down.
Rating: Two Guns Down
I, Robot
Prodigy: I don't know about that one, god. I like the song and all they have playing.
Havoc: Nice little rock beat.
Prodigy: But we judging movies here.
Havoc: I, Robot?
Prodigy: I knew someone was gonna do 'I' something cause that 'I' shit is popular. It's i-pod, i-this, i-that.
Havok: Corny title, weak trailer. It's not "'hood friendly."
Prodigy: I wouldn't see it.
Rating: Two Guns Down
The Chronicles of Riddick
Havoc: The special effects was alright, nothing too spectacular, but I love science fiction cause it gets us prepared for what's really about to happen in the future.
Prodigy: Who was that girl in it?
Havoc: That's the girl from Mission: Impossible II that I'm in love with. Tom Cruise aint know what to do with that. Ima see shorty when we get to Hollywood. I give it a thumbs up.
Prodigy: She was the best part of the whole clip, but the movie looks kinda suspect. I give it a diagonal thumbs down.
Rating: Mixed: One Gun Up and one -- er, "Diagonal" (?) Gun Down
Vibe Magazine has this interesting feature where they show movie trailers to the thuggiest hip hop stars and have them rate it -- two guns up if it is good, and, conversely, two guns down if it sucks. Brilliant. In fact, I want to informally pitch this to all the cable people reading this blog (I know you are lurking out there): Think Siskel and Ebert, but with thugs. Chatting. I'm telling you, this has MTV written all over it.
Anyhoo, Prodigy and Havoc of Mobb Deep reviewed:
Predator vs. Alien
Havoc: Thumbs down! They bitin off Freddy versus Jason.
Prodigy: They took too long to do that. Alien versus Predator? It's too late. I'll wait to see it on DVD.
Havoc: When did Alien and Predator ever come from the same world? Wasn't the Predator in the present and Alien was, like 2050 or something? Now all the sudden they caught up to each other.
Prodigy: It looks weak, man. Thumbs down.
Havoc: It's not gonna fly.
Rating: Two Guns Down
Spiderman 2
Prodigy: Oh, it's on. It's gonna be a smash hit.
Havoc: Spiderman 2 is a must see. The first was off the hook.
Prodigy: Now they got that dude, Dr. Whats his name? Dr. Octagon or some shit?
Havoc: Octapus, I think. Out of all the comic book remakes, Spiderman was by far the best one. So I'll definitely check out 2.
Prodigy: Spidey's ill. He be flying around with the web, that shit is ill. Nigga crawlin on walls and shit.
Rating: Two Guns Up
Anchorman
Prodigy: That nigga retarded, son.
Havoc: Will Ferrell -- that's my dog right there.
Prodigy: Hell, yeah, he's like the new Chevy Chase.
Havoc: Right, exactly, but funnier. I'll definitely check that.
Prodigy: Word. Get doped up and go laugh real quick. Word. Plus, he smacked he in the ass and said 'I like that fatty.'
Havoc: Yeah, he said fattie, son. Thumbs up!
Rating: Two Guns Up
The Village
Prodigy: Looks like Little House on the Prairie, but horror.
Havoc: There's a red slash on everybody's door, so what?
Prodigy: The 'hood would be like, 'Where that monster at? -- Straight up! Where that monster at? You gotta show something. What the fuck? Leprichauns is in the woods or something -- that's that kind of shit that when you finally see what it is, you be like, 'uhh, man.'
Havoc: Do I wanna see this movie. Do I wanna spend $20 on it? I don't think so. Thumbs down.
Rating: Two Guns Down
I, Robot
Prodigy: I don't know about that one, god. I like the song and all they have playing.
Havoc: Nice little rock beat.
Prodigy: But we judging movies here.
Havoc: I, Robot?
Prodigy: I knew someone was gonna do 'I' something cause that 'I' shit is popular. It's i-pod, i-this, i-that.
Havok: Corny title, weak trailer. It's not "'hood friendly."
Prodigy: I wouldn't see it.
Rating: Two Guns Down
The Chronicles of Riddick
Havoc: The special effects was alright, nothing too spectacular, but I love science fiction cause it gets us prepared for what's really about to happen in the future.
Prodigy: Who was that girl in it?
Havoc: That's the girl from Mission: Impossible II that I'm in love with. Tom Cruise aint know what to do with that. Ima see shorty when we get to Hollywood. I give it a thumbs up.
Prodigy: She was the best part of the whole clip, but the movie looks kinda suspect. I give it a diagonal thumbs down.
Rating: Mixed: One Gun Up and one -- er, "Diagonal" (?) Gun Down
A Little of the Old In and Out: The Corsair Special Birthday Edition
In: Me. It's my birthday, silly. Obvs.
Out: Apparently, according to Page Six, Terry McCauliffe is on the outs even though, on paper, he is very much on the ins:
"WE weren't totally accurate in predicting three months ago that Sen. John Kerry would dump Terry McAuliffe as chairman of the Democratic National Committee. McAuliffe continues to hold the title. But sources say Kerry has installed John Sasso, a loyalist from Boston, as his key man at the DNC. "No checks are written until Sasso signs off. No decisions are made until Sasso says so," said one Democrat. 'Terry McAuliffe was told to take it, or take a hike. And he's taking it.' McAuliffe, a multimillionaire from Syracuse, was hand-picked by Bill Clinton and has remained under the influence of Sen. Hillary Clinton. Sasso was a top advisor to Michael Dukakis and then a lobbyist in Beantown. 'He is totally loyal to Kerry,' said our source."
Page Six plays serious hardball. Those guys are serious as a heart attack, and we love them for it. McCauliffe was a pussyboy besides. Expect McCauliffe to resign from humiliation Page Six style in the near future.
In: menu=">Kate Beckinsale, a hottie, to be sure. According to Ananova:
"Kate Beckinsale says she was made to feel ugly on the set of Pearl Harbour.
"She says she hated the Pearl Harbor experience because she was made to feel ugly by the movie moguls behind the blockbuster.
"Kate says her insecurities began when director Michael Bay bluntly explained she was picked for the film because she wasn't beautiful.
"The actress says, 'It freaked me out because I was so pleased with myself, having lost the 70 pounds after my pregnancy.
"'I wasn't exactly what they had in mind, and when they publicised the movie, Michael would continue to say, We cast Kate because she wasn't too attractive.
"'I did find that quite upsetting and my self-esteem took a real blow from it... I became quite insecure because I was told a lot that I wasn't pretty enough.'"
(Ed Note: Michael Bay is a typical Hollywood picklehead.)
"However, she says she got support from co-star Ben Affleck.
"She said: 'Ben Affleck was very open about it. This is what goes on, he said, and I really needed somebody to tell me it wasn't just me.'"
Wow, Ben Affleck get his first piece of good press in a while.
Out: Creed has officially broke up, according to the always excellent Scott's Stereogum. Thank God, I will never have to hear the goadawful "with arms wide open ..." again.
In: Miu Von Furstenberg says goodbye to Our Amanda Hesser, the punching bag of the blogopshere, to the tune of "Candle in the Wind":
"Goodbye Amanda H
Though I never knew you at all
You had the audacity to write reviews
While those around you balked
They crawled out of the woodwork
And they whispered that you were lame
They set you on the treadmill
Made you hang your head in shame
"And it seems to me you lived your life
Like a breadstick in the basket
Never knowing who to cling to
When the backlash set in
And I would have liked to have known you
Oh who am I to kid
Your talent burned out long before
Your Masa review ever hit"
More of marvelous Miu here.
Out: Representative Mike Thompson exits the House Agricultural committee to make room for the Democratic Party's newest superstar, Stephanie Herseth, according to TheHill.com:
"Rep. Mike Thompson (D-Calif.) has stepped down from his seat on the House Agriculture Committee to make room for newly elected Rep. Stephanie Herseth (D-S.D.).
"Thompson said he contacted House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi�s (D-Calif.) office Wednesday, letting his party�s leadership know that he would happily volunteer to relinquish his slot.
"Thompson, also a member of the House Budget Committee, had a waiver to serve on Agriculture and was therefore a natural to leave the panel.
"'She�s our newest colleague and she needed a seat,' Thompson told The Hill. 'I volunteered.'"
And, of course, a seat on Agriculture for South Dakota is of infinite importance. This entrenches her, gives her the ability to bring home the bacon for South Dakota, and makes her harder for the Republicans to beat. That, ladies and gentlemen, is hardball.
And, finally In: Ultragrrrl is having a ferocious debate on her site as to who is cooler Lloyd Dobler from Say Anything or Steff McKee, from Pretty in Pink. I say Steff. That man was pure unadulterated, reptilian predatory evil. But in a cool way.
In: Me. It's my birthday, silly. Obvs.
Out: Apparently, according to Page Six, Terry McCauliffe is on the outs even though, on paper, he is very much on the ins:
"WE weren't totally accurate in predicting three months ago that Sen. John Kerry would dump Terry McAuliffe as chairman of the Democratic National Committee. McAuliffe continues to hold the title. But sources say Kerry has installed John Sasso, a loyalist from Boston, as his key man at the DNC. "No checks are written until Sasso signs off. No decisions are made until Sasso says so," said one Democrat. 'Terry McAuliffe was told to take it, or take a hike. And he's taking it.' McAuliffe, a multimillionaire from Syracuse, was hand-picked by Bill Clinton and has remained under the influence of Sen. Hillary Clinton. Sasso was a top advisor to Michael Dukakis and then a lobbyist in Beantown. 'He is totally loyal to Kerry,' said our source."
Page Six plays serious hardball. Those guys are serious as a heart attack, and we love them for it. McCauliffe was a pussyboy besides. Expect McCauliffe to resign from humiliation Page Six style in the near future.
In: menu=">Kate Beckinsale, a hottie, to be sure. According to Ananova:
"Kate Beckinsale says she was made to feel ugly on the set of Pearl Harbour.
"She says she hated the Pearl Harbor experience because she was made to feel ugly by the movie moguls behind the blockbuster.
"Kate says her insecurities began when director Michael Bay bluntly explained she was picked for the film because she wasn't beautiful.
"The actress says, 'It freaked me out because I was so pleased with myself, having lost the 70 pounds after my pregnancy.
"'I wasn't exactly what they had in mind, and when they publicised the movie, Michael would continue to say, We cast Kate because she wasn't too attractive.
"'I did find that quite upsetting and my self-esteem took a real blow from it... I became quite insecure because I was told a lot that I wasn't pretty enough.'"
(Ed Note: Michael Bay is a typical Hollywood picklehead.)
"However, she says she got support from co-star Ben Affleck.
"She said: 'Ben Affleck was very open about it. This is what goes on, he said, and I really needed somebody to tell me it wasn't just me.'"
Wow, Ben Affleck get his first piece of good press in a while.
Out: Creed has officially broke up, according to the always excellent Scott's Stereogum. Thank God, I will never have to hear the goadawful "with arms wide open ..." again.
In: Miu Von Furstenberg says goodbye to Our Amanda Hesser, the punching bag of the blogopshere, to the tune of "Candle in the Wind":
"Goodbye Amanda H
Though I never knew you at all
You had the audacity to write reviews
While those around you balked
They crawled out of the woodwork
And they whispered that you were lame
They set you on the treadmill
Made you hang your head in shame
"And it seems to me you lived your life
Like a breadstick in the basket
Never knowing who to cling to
When the backlash set in
And I would have liked to have known you
Oh who am I to kid
Your talent burned out long before
Your Masa review ever hit"
More of marvelous Miu here.
Out: Representative Mike Thompson exits the House Agricultural committee to make room for the Democratic Party's newest superstar, Stephanie Herseth, according to TheHill.com:
"Rep. Mike Thompson (D-Calif.) has stepped down from his seat on the House Agriculture Committee to make room for newly elected Rep. Stephanie Herseth (D-S.D.).
"Thompson said he contacted House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi�s (D-Calif.) office Wednesday, letting his party�s leadership know that he would happily volunteer to relinquish his slot.
"Thompson, also a member of the House Budget Committee, had a waiver to serve on Agriculture and was therefore a natural to leave the panel.
"'She�s our newest colleague and she needed a seat,' Thompson told The Hill. 'I volunteered.'"
And, of course, a seat on Agriculture for South Dakota is of infinite importance. This entrenches her, gives her the ability to bring home the bacon for South Dakota, and makes her harder for the Republicans to beat. That, ladies and gentlemen, is hardball.
And, finally In: Ultragrrrl is having a ferocious debate on her site as to who is cooler Lloyd Dobler from Say Anything or Steff McKee, from Pretty in Pink. I say Steff. That man was pure unadulterated, reptilian predatory evil. But in a cool way.
Thursday, June 03, 2004
Blondes Have More Funds
According to the 3AM Girls, Blondie's Debbie Harry can still out-diva today's whippersnappers:
"She's been in showbiz for more than 25 years and Debbie Harry still knows how to act the proper rock diva.
"The Blondie superstar, 58, scuppered an up-and-coming indie band's chances of supporting them on their UK tour because - wait for it ... the lead singer is blonde, too."
(The Corsair grabs his trusty bag on unsalted popcorn and, in one elegant sweeping move, leaps onto his chair, which, duly, wheels him to his desk and computer screen, to which he is riveted)
"M.A.S.S, who have drawn comparisons with Blondie, had been chosen to support Debbie and Co. at a one-off gig in Amsterdam.
"But minutes before they were due to go on stage at the Paradiso club, the promoter informed them that they could only perform after Blondie.
"A clause in a contract stipulated that no groups with a blonde singer could go on before them."
What the fuck?!
"M.A.S.S, which is fronted by Justine Berry and features Denise Van Outen's ex, Andy Miller from Dodgy, on lead guitar, were understandably miffed.
"'Maybe she was afraid of the competition,' fumes their manager, Andrew Winters. 'It was literally just before the guys were due on stage in Amsterdam that the promoter came up and told us there was a problem.
"'He said Justine is blonde so we couldn't go on because there is a ban on blonde girls supporting Debbie Harry.
"'I couldn't believe what I was hearing. At first I thought it was a joke but it wasn't. Turns out they didn't realise Justine is blonde because the band is quite punky and heavy metal. I was told there was a clause that stipulates this. Maybe she doesn't want the competition, who knows?'"
This makes the whole (The Corsair makes quotation gestures into thin air) "No Brown M & M's" clause kind of moot in comparison, no?
Comment here on on VH1's Best Week Ever blog
Ed Note: Tomorrow is my birthday and I'm taking the day off from work and haven't decided if I will be too hung over to blog. So, don't take it personal if I'm not on. I'm just getting my Gemini on.
According to the 3AM Girls, Blondie's Debbie Harry can still out-diva today's whippersnappers:
"She's been in showbiz for more than 25 years and Debbie Harry still knows how to act the proper rock diva.
"The Blondie superstar, 58, scuppered an up-and-coming indie band's chances of supporting them on their UK tour because - wait for it ... the lead singer is blonde, too."
(The Corsair grabs his trusty bag on unsalted popcorn and, in one elegant sweeping move, leaps onto his chair, which, duly, wheels him to his desk and computer screen, to which he is riveted)
"M.A.S.S, who have drawn comparisons with Blondie, had been chosen to support Debbie and Co. at a one-off gig in Amsterdam.
"But minutes before they were due to go on stage at the Paradiso club, the promoter informed them that they could only perform after Blondie.
"A clause in a contract stipulated that no groups with a blonde singer could go on before them."
What the fuck?!
"M.A.S.S, which is fronted by Justine Berry and features Denise Van Outen's ex, Andy Miller from Dodgy, on lead guitar, were understandably miffed.
"'Maybe she was afraid of the competition,' fumes their manager, Andrew Winters. 'It was literally just before the guys were due on stage in Amsterdam that the promoter came up and told us there was a problem.
"'He said Justine is blonde so we couldn't go on because there is a ban on blonde girls supporting Debbie Harry.
"'I couldn't believe what I was hearing. At first I thought it was a joke but it wasn't. Turns out they didn't realise Justine is blonde because the band is quite punky and heavy metal. I was told there was a clause that stipulates this. Maybe she doesn't want the competition, who knows?'"
This makes the whole (The Corsair makes quotation gestures into thin air) "No Brown M & M's" clause kind of moot in comparison, no?
Comment here on on VH1's Best Week Ever blog
Ed Note: Tomorrow is my birthday and I'm taking the day off from work and haven't decided if I will be too hung over to blog. So, don't take it personal if I'm not on. I'm just getting my Gemini on.
A Little of the Old In and Out
In: Childhood sexual fantasies. They are very dark indeed, sepia-dark, with wine colored interiors and tangled. So very tangled. Apparently, Janet Jackson (who so ably played "Cleo" on the hit tv series "Fame" ... thank you, thank you; please bring this show back in reruns VH1) -- Our Janet had childhood fantasies of the disgusting kind, according to The Sixers. And, one would imagine, Jackson family childhood desires are considerably darker than the common man's:
"BREAST-barer Janet Jackson had a very active libido at a very young age. The songstress admits to early crushes on both Barry Manilow and R&B lothario Teddy Pendergrass, who starred in her early sexual fantasies. 'My mother would come into my room and say, Janet, why are you being so lazy?' Jackson tells Blender magazine. 'What she didn't know was that I was having a very sexual moment with Teddy, in my mind.'"
The Corsair dry heaves violently, rolled up in the fetal position, mouthing the word: Why. Can you think of two more dodgy characters on the margins of sonic propriety other than Teddy Pendergrass, with the jheri curl, (averted gaze) and, the affable, if very "Poconos" Barry Manilow, what, with the strung out blonde hair and the big shnoz? Oh, sweet Melissa: I mean, why stop there: what about Phil Bailey (who so ably recorded "Easy Lover" with Phil Collins, thank you ... thank you)
And while we are in a confessional mood, dear reader, I want to admit to an indiscretion of the mind, shall we say, committed --with gusto, I might add -- with marginal R a& B talent Evelyn "Champagne" King in the early 80s. She made the song "Ooh You Make My Love Come Down," you know. The fantasy involved my fevered pre-adolescent mind and a sundry half empty bottle of Riunite on ice ... so nice. And I'm not even going to get into my Sheena Easton "Sugar Walls" fantasies. The Corsair won't go there.
Out: According to Page Six, Madonna has instituted a "cursing fine":
"THE times they have a changed! Madonna, once known for her lewd behavior as well as her lewd language, has imposed a 'cursing fine' on everyone in her tour, including dancers and roadies. 'Every time someone curses, they have to pay a fine,' said an insider. Liz Rosenberg, Madonna's rep, said: 'That is correct �? and by the way, she has paid plenty [herself]. I think it is $5 a curse word.' Madonna was caught several weeks ago shrieking at her dancers: 'Get it right or get the [bleep] out!' �? just before she donated to the cursing can.'
What the f@*k?!
(The Corsair quietly deposits a wooden nickel into the cursing can)
Out: Fred Durst. The man is creepy to celebrity women; creepy. First there was that very public wooing of Angelina Jolie, on Access Hollywood, no less; then he told Howard Stern that he had sex with Britney after writing her some fucking poetry (The Corsair shivers). Now, according to Rolling Stone via Ananova:
"Avril Lavigne has revealed how Fred Durst tried to woo her by buying her a huge box of hamburgers and chips after she told him she was hungry.
"The 19-year-old Canadian says the Limp Bizkit frontman seemed 'a little pi**ed' when she rebuffed his romantic advances.
"She told Rolling Stone the pair met backstage at a Metallica concert.
"She said: 'I mentioned to Fred that I was hungry, like, I want an In-N-Out burger.
"'He had someone go out and get me a whole box of them, with fries. I was like, Yeah!.
"'Then he took a private jet out to one of my shows, expecting me to bang him. He was disappointed that I wouldn't even go near him.
"'He was a little pi**ed that I went to my room alone that night.'"
First off: Hey Avril, watch those carbs.
And, Fred, let me explain something to you: Avril wanted an In-N-Out BURGER, not ... uhm, In-N-Out ... I'm going to go on to the next category now, thank you.
In: Mel Karmazin to Disney? Cue to the Survivor song The Search is Over. I speculated this might happen yesterday (The Corsair pats himself on the back). It is a logical fit and the media industry is hugely logical in its calculations. Again, those dazzling Sixers give us the pipin hot scoop:
"... The buzz is that the Disney despot plans to step down at the end of the summer and that he's handpicked former Viacom president Mel Karmazin as his successor. The Post reported yesterday that Karmazin has been eyeing the job.
"'Eisner trusts Mel,' says one of our sources. 'They've been talking about him taking over.'"
Out: George Tenet:
"'I will miss him,' Bush said."
(The Corsair motions for a cadenza of weepy violins)
"Tenet, 51, came to the White House to inform Bush about his decision Wednesday night. 'He told me he was resigning for personal reasons,' Bush said. 'I told him I'm sorry he's leaving. He's done a superb job on behalf of the American people.'"
The Corsair coughs *Chalabi*
"Tenet will serve until mid-July. Bush said that deputy John McLaughlin will temporarily lead America's premier spy agency until a successor is found. Among possible successors is House Intelligence Committee Chairman Porter Goss, R-Fla., a former CIA agent and (John) McLaughlin."
In: Shavar Ross, the kid who played Dudley in that "very special" Diffr'nt Strokes. You know, the kid who was "touched." No word yet on The Gooch or the cast of the late 70s PBS show "High Feather."
Out: The Frist-Daschle feud. According to Geoff Earle of TheHill.com:
"Tensions between Senate Republican and Democratic leaders have surprisingly abated in recent weeks after a series of high-profile compromises.
"The relationship between Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist (R-Tenn.) and Minority Leader Tom Daschle (D-S.D.) soured after Frist committed to attending a campaign rally in South Dakota for former Rep. John Thune (R-S.D.). The race between Daschle and Thune this fall is expected to be tight."
Apparently, the frost is having a thaw; cicadas and the scent of cherry blossoms are in the air on The Hill ... and, most importantly, "l'amour":
"The first breakthrough came last month, when Daschle and Frist reached a deal to move 25 judicial nominees. The powerful lawmakers secured a deal so that President Bush�?s noncontroversial judicial appointments would be confirmed while Democrats retained their right to filibuster a handful of other nominees left out of the agreement.
"A separate leadership pact to clear a batch of executive nominees followed suit."
(The Corsair plays dramatic romantic music, Monteverdi, for Daschle and Frist)
"Senate Democrats also allowed a major highway bill to proceed to a conference committee with the House, after receiving assurances from Frist that they would be included in the negotiations. Democrats had been blocking legislation from reaching conference to protest being shut out, infuriating Republicans."
(The Corsair dims the lights for Frist and Daschle)
"The latest sign of bipartisan cooperation came when Frist decided to cancel a scheduled cloture vote on a controversial class-action-reform bill. Republicans apparently have won over some key Democratic converts, finally reaching the crucial 60-vote threshold on the issue."
That article concludes with the sweet note:
"Frist and Daschle held at least one face-to-face meeting Tuesday, a possible sign that Frist is tempering his habit of communicating through his BlackBerry device.
"Daschle told reporters he holds out hope for action on a stalled asbestos bill and energy legislation, although he said there weren't great prospects for success on the class-action bill."
Love is putting aside the BlackBerry for a face-to-face. The Blacker the Berry the sweeter the juice!
okay, that was not my most inspired line; but I couldn't figure out where I was going at the end.
In: Ass kissing, but, in the world of high fashion, where beauty and backstabbing are the premium, it never goes out of style. Carolina Herrerra, whom I am somewhat embarrassed to say I find oddly attractive, in a jet-set heiress kind of way, even though, she is, like, quite a bit older than me, kisses ass magnificently on Fashionweekdaily:
"Who do you admire in the industry?
"I have a great admiration for John Fairchild and, following in his footsteps, Patrick McCarthy. I admire Suzy Menkes, who I think writes fantastically well. She has a lot of knowledge about fashion and writes about it in a wonderful way. And of course, Anna Wintour. I admire her personal looks, not to mention her abilities as an editor."
How vaguely politic and dreadfully jolting Carolina, that you, a designer, admire fashion writers and editors that are important to your career? I still think she's hot, though, just a touch aristocratically duplicitous.
Out: Hammy actors. Le fucking jambon already, okay? Hello: The folks at the LA.com blog ran this blind item:
"You all know him as a former master thespian who's as famous as he is pretentious. But to your dear Dolly (not to mention to the actor's coworkers) he's an insecure, hammy, royal pain in the butt. Just ask that Oscar-level director what happened when he quietly informed his prickly star that an emotionally juicy scene they had been scheduled to shoot needed to be completely rethought. Saying that Mr. Method Actor went off the deep end would be too gentle. He bellowed, yowled, punched the air, kicked furniture and pitched such a major meltdown that his histrionics spread onto the soundstage, where crew members practically had to restrain him from throttling his director. Too bad cameras weren't turning while the actor gave his greatest performance in ages."
Ka-pow!
The comments on the board after the story are weighted towards Anthony Hopkins, but I'm not so sure. Thoughts?
In: Okay, when I am not working sensible, flexible hours at the job, when I am not blogging, when I am not imbibing The Sark at the local tavern, I have been reading Simon Publications paperback reissue of Carl Van Doren's bio Benjamin Franklin, which is, so choice, I highly recommend it.
I can't put it down. Some of the best lines:
"But the wind abaiting the next day, we made a shift to reach Amboy before night, having been thirty hours on the water, without any victuals or drink but a bottle of filthy rum, and the water we sailed on being salt."
And this chestnut:
"An old woman in the town, of whom I bought gingerbread to eat on the water ... invited me to lodge at her house ... she was very hospitable, gave me a dinner of ox-cheek with great good will, accepting only a pot of ale in return."
And so Franklin, belly full of gingerbread and ox-cheek rambles through American history, mostly drunk, and chronicled, excellently, by Carl Van Doren. Ben Franklin comes off like Encolpius in Petronius' Satyricon. This book is so hott.
In: Childhood sexual fantasies. They are very dark indeed, sepia-dark, with wine colored interiors and tangled. So very tangled. Apparently, Janet Jackson (who so ably played "Cleo" on the hit tv series "Fame" ... thank you, thank you; please bring this show back in reruns VH1) -- Our Janet had childhood fantasies of the disgusting kind, according to The Sixers. And, one would imagine, Jackson family childhood desires are considerably darker than the common man's:
"BREAST-barer Janet Jackson had a very active libido at a very young age. The songstress admits to early crushes on both Barry Manilow and R&B lothario Teddy Pendergrass, who starred in her early sexual fantasies. 'My mother would come into my room and say, Janet, why are you being so lazy?' Jackson tells Blender magazine. 'What she didn't know was that I was having a very sexual moment with Teddy, in my mind.'"
The Corsair dry heaves violently, rolled up in the fetal position, mouthing the word: Why. Can you think of two more dodgy characters on the margins of sonic propriety other than Teddy Pendergrass, with the jheri curl, (averted gaze) and, the affable, if very "Poconos" Barry Manilow, what, with the strung out blonde hair and the big shnoz? Oh, sweet Melissa: I mean, why stop there: what about Phil Bailey (who so ably recorded "Easy Lover" with Phil Collins, thank you ... thank you)
And while we are in a confessional mood, dear reader, I want to admit to an indiscretion of the mind, shall we say, committed --with gusto, I might add -- with marginal R a& B talent Evelyn "Champagne" King in the early 80s. She made the song "Ooh You Make My Love Come Down," you know. The fantasy involved my fevered pre-adolescent mind and a sundry half empty bottle of Riunite on ice ... so nice. And I'm not even going to get into my Sheena Easton "Sugar Walls" fantasies. The Corsair won't go there.
Out: According to Page Six, Madonna has instituted a "cursing fine":
"THE times they have a changed! Madonna, once known for her lewd behavior as well as her lewd language, has imposed a 'cursing fine' on everyone in her tour, including dancers and roadies. 'Every time someone curses, they have to pay a fine,' said an insider. Liz Rosenberg, Madonna's rep, said: 'That is correct �? and by the way, she has paid plenty [herself]. I think it is $5 a curse word.' Madonna was caught several weeks ago shrieking at her dancers: 'Get it right or get the [bleep] out!' �? just before she donated to the cursing can.'
What the f@*k?!
(The Corsair quietly deposits a wooden nickel into the cursing can)
Out: Fred Durst. The man is creepy to celebrity women; creepy. First there was that very public wooing of Angelina Jolie, on Access Hollywood, no less; then he told Howard Stern that he had sex with Britney after writing her some fucking poetry (The Corsair shivers). Now, according to Rolling Stone via Ananova:
"Avril Lavigne has revealed how Fred Durst tried to woo her by buying her a huge box of hamburgers and chips after she told him she was hungry.
"The 19-year-old Canadian says the Limp Bizkit frontman seemed 'a little pi**ed' when she rebuffed his romantic advances.
"She told Rolling Stone the pair met backstage at a Metallica concert.
"She said: 'I mentioned to Fred that I was hungry, like, I want an In-N-Out burger.
"'He had someone go out and get me a whole box of them, with fries. I was like, Yeah!.
"'Then he took a private jet out to one of my shows, expecting me to bang him. He was disappointed that I wouldn't even go near him.
"'He was a little pi**ed that I went to my room alone that night.'"
First off: Hey Avril, watch those carbs.
And, Fred, let me explain something to you: Avril wanted an In-N-Out BURGER, not ... uhm, In-N-Out ... I'm going to go on to the next category now, thank you.
In: Mel Karmazin to Disney? Cue to the Survivor song The Search is Over. I speculated this might happen yesterday (The Corsair pats himself on the back). It is a logical fit and the media industry is hugely logical in its calculations. Again, those dazzling Sixers give us the pipin hot scoop:
"... The buzz is that the Disney despot plans to step down at the end of the summer and that he's handpicked former Viacom president Mel Karmazin as his successor. The Post reported yesterday that Karmazin has been eyeing the job.
"'Eisner trusts Mel,' says one of our sources. 'They've been talking about him taking over.'"
Out: George Tenet:
"'I will miss him,' Bush said."
(The Corsair motions for a cadenza of weepy violins)
"Tenet, 51, came to the White House to inform Bush about his decision Wednesday night. 'He told me he was resigning for personal reasons,' Bush said. 'I told him I'm sorry he's leaving. He's done a superb job on behalf of the American people.'"
The Corsair coughs *Chalabi*
"Tenet will serve until mid-July. Bush said that deputy John McLaughlin will temporarily lead America's premier spy agency until a successor is found. Among possible successors is House Intelligence Committee Chairman Porter Goss, R-Fla., a former CIA agent and (John) McLaughlin."
In: Shavar Ross, the kid who played Dudley in that "very special" Diffr'nt Strokes. You know, the kid who was "touched." No word yet on The Gooch or the cast of the late 70s PBS show "High Feather."
Out: The Frist-Daschle feud. According to Geoff Earle of TheHill.com:
"Tensions between Senate Republican and Democratic leaders have surprisingly abated in recent weeks after a series of high-profile compromises.
"The relationship between Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist (R-Tenn.) and Minority Leader Tom Daschle (D-S.D.) soured after Frist committed to attending a campaign rally in South Dakota for former Rep. John Thune (R-S.D.). The race between Daschle and Thune this fall is expected to be tight."
Apparently, the frost is having a thaw; cicadas and the scent of cherry blossoms are in the air on The Hill ... and, most importantly, "l'amour":
"The first breakthrough came last month, when Daschle and Frist reached a deal to move 25 judicial nominees. The powerful lawmakers secured a deal so that President Bush�?s noncontroversial judicial appointments would be confirmed while Democrats retained their right to filibuster a handful of other nominees left out of the agreement.
"A separate leadership pact to clear a batch of executive nominees followed suit."
(The Corsair plays dramatic romantic music, Monteverdi, for Daschle and Frist)
"Senate Democrats also allowed a major highway bill to proceed to a conference committee with the House, after receiving assurances from Frist that they would be included in the negotiations. Democrats had been blocking legislation from reaching conference to protest being shut out, infuriating Republicans."
(The Corsair dims the lights for Frist and Daschle)
"The latest sign of bipartisan cooperation came when Frist decided to cancel a scheduled cloture vote on a controversial class-action-reform bill. Republicans apparently have won over some key Democratic converts, finally reaching the crucial 60-vote threshold on the issue."
That article concludes with the sweet note:
"Frist and Daschle held at least one face-to-face meeting Tuesday, a possible sign that Frist is tempering his habit of communicating through his BlackBerry device.
"Daschle told reporters he holds out hope for action on a stalled asbestos bill and energy legislation, although he said there weren't great prospects for success on the class-action bill."
Love is putting aside the BlackBerry for a face-to-face. The Blacker the Berry the sweeter the juice!
okay, that was not my most inspired line; but I couldn't figure out where I was going at the end.
In: Ass kissing, but, in the world of high fashion, where beauty and backstabbing are the premium, it never goes out of style. Carolina Herrerra, whom I am somewhat embarrassed to say I find oddly attractive, in a jet-set heiress kind of way, even though, she is, like, quite a bit older than me, kisses ass magnificently on Fashionweekdaily:
"Who do you admire in the industry?
"I have a great admiration for John Fairchild and, following in his footsteps, Patrick McCarthy. I admire Suzy Menkes, who I think writes fantastically well. She has a lot of knowledge about fashion and writes about it in a wonderful way. And of course, Anna Wintour. I admire her personal looks, not to mention her abilities as an editor."
How vaguely politic and dreadfully jolting Carolina, that you, a designer, admire fashion writers and editors that are important to your career? I still think she's hot, though, just a touch aristocratically duplicitous.
Out: Hammy actors. Le fucking jambon already, okay? Hello: The folks at the LA.com blog ran this blind item:
"You all know him as a former master thespian who's as famous as he is pretentious. But to your dear Dolly (not to mention to the actor's coworkers) he's an insecure, hammy, royal pain in the butt. Just ask that Oscar-level director what happened when he quietly informed his prickly star that an emotionally juicy scene they had been scheduled to shoot needed to be completely rethought. Saying that Mr. Method Actor went off the deep end would be too gentle. He bellowed, yowled, punched the air, kicked furniture and pitched such a major meltdown that his histrionics spread onto the soundstage, where crew members practically had to restrain him from throttling his director. Too bad cameras weren't turning while the actor gave his greatest performance in ages."
Ka-pow!
The comments on the board after the story are weighted towards Anthony Hopkins, but I'm not so sure. Thoughts?
In: Okay, when I am not working sensible, flexible hours at the job, when I am not blogging, when I am not imbibing The Sark at the local tavern, I have been reading Simon Publications paperback reissue of Carl Van Doren's bio Benjamin Franklin, which is, so choice, I highly recommend it.
I can't put it down. Some of the best lines:
"But the wind abaiting the next day, we made a shift to reach Amboy before night, having been thirty hours on the water, without any victuals or drink but a bottle of filthy rum, and the water we sailed on being salt."
And this chestnut:
"An old woman in the town, of whom I bought gingerbread to eat on the water ... invited me to lodge at her house ... she was very hospitable, gave me a dinner of ox-cheek with great good will, accepting only a pot of ale in return."
And so Franklin, belly full of gingerbread and ox-cheek rambles through American history, mostly drunk, and chronicled, excellently, by Carl Van Doren. Ben Franklin comes off like Encolpius in Petronius' Satyricon. This book is so hott.
FLYBY: Jake Gyllenhall: The Next Superman
Sure, Tina Brown obsessed about him on Topic A on Sunday, and Entertainment Weekly gushed over him with their cover story this week, but now, as Superman, Jake Gyllenhall will finally get the chance of his star to shine, at least according to Star:
"Although it's his starlet girlfriend Kirsten Dunst who makes him weak -- rather than Kryptonite -- sources say Jake Gyllenhaal is set to soar now that he's landed the coveted role of Superman. Star can exclusively report that Gyllenhaal, 23 -- best-known for his roles in The Good Girl, with Jennifer Aniston, 35, and Donnie Darko -- beat out actors like Ashton Kutcher, 26 and Brendan Fraser, 35, to play the Man of Steel."
The Corsair quietly mouths the words: "Brendan Frasier?!"
"Headshots of potential actors were on a wall under the characters'names in the film's production office, says an insider, adding: 'They used to have all these possibilities under Superman/Clark Kent. Now, there's only one headshot: Jake Gyllenhaal.'"
The Corsair raises his arms in triumph, shouting, for all the world to hear: "Jake Gyllenhall: It Boy!"
"With his all-American good looks and proven acting skills, Gyllenhaal was reportedly once tapped as a backup to play Spider- Man in the sequel last spring, after Tobey Maguire, 28, cited back problems just before the sequel went into production. Now, thanks to all the publicity and attention the potential role brought him, an insider says Warner Bros. has found their Superman. 'It showed them that Gyllenhaal could be thought of as a credible action-hero,' says the insider.
"The insider says many of Hollywood's hottest young actresses are being considered for the role of the brainy beautiful sidekick, Lois Lane, including Beyonce Knowles and Keira Knightley, both 22, according to sources. Meanwhile, That '70s Show star Topher Grace, 25, is up for cub reporter Jimmy Olsen. The insider adds, the film will be directed by McG, 33, whose work includes the two Charlie's Angels movies and the hit TV show, The O.C."
Yes, Lois Lane, the star feature reporter for The Daily Planet must be a 22-year old hottie, dont ask us why. We prefer she be played by a Victoria's Secret model.
"Star can also reveal that the production office is trying to keep the project top secret. 'Instead of the name Superman on the door, there's the code-name Flyby,' says the source. The role of Superman was made famous on the big screen by Christopher Reeve, now 51, who appeared in four Superman films from 1978 to 1987. The movie's revival was reportedly first discussed in 1993, and reports say filming will begin in winter 2005, with a release in 2006. Gyllenhaal's reps would not comment."
Sure, Tina Brown obsessed about him on Topic A on Sunday, and Entertainment Weekly gushed over him with their cover story this week, but now, as Superman, Jake Gyllenhall will finally get the chance of his star to shine, at least according to Star:
"Although it's his starlet girlfriend Kirsten Dunst who makes him weak -- rather than Kryptonite -- sources say Jake Gyllenhaal is set to soar now that he's landed the coveted role of Superman. Star can exclusively report that Gyllenhaal, 23 -- best-known for his roles in The Good Girl, with Jennifer Aniston, 35, and Donnie Darko -- beat out actors like Ashton Kutcher, 26 and Brendan Fraser, 35, to play the Man of Steel."
The Corsair quietly mouths the words: "Brendan Frasier?!"
"Headshots of potential actors were on a wall under the characters'names in the film's production office, says an insider, adding: 'They used to have all these possibilities under Superman/Clark Kent. Now, there's only one headshot: Jake Gyllenhaal.'"
The Corsair raises his arms in triumph, shouting, for all the world to hear: "Jake Gyllenhall: It Boy!"
"With his all-American good looks and proven acting skills, Gyllenhaal was reportedly once tapped as a backup to play Spider- Man in the sequel last spring, after Tobey Maguire, 28, cited back problems just before the sequel went into production. Now, thanks to all the publicity and attention the potential role brought him, an insider says Warner Bros. has found their Superman. 'It showed them that Gyllenhaal could be thought of as a credible action-hero,' says the insider.
"The insider says many of Hollywood's hottest young actresses are being considered for the role of the brainy beautiful sidekick, Lois Lane, including Beyonce Knowles and Keira Knightley, both 22, according to sources. Meanwhile, That '70s Show star Topher Grace, 25, is up for cub reporter Jimmy Olsen. The insider adds, the film will be directed by McG, 33, whose work includes the two Charlie's Angels movies and the hit TV show, The O.C."
Yes, Lois Lane, the star feature reporter for The Daily Planet must be a 22-year old hottie, dont ask us why. We prefer she be played by a Victoria's Secret model.
"Star can also reveal that the production office is trying to keep the project top secret. 'Instead of the name Superman on the door, there's the code-name Flyby,' says the source. The role of Superman was made famous on the big screen by Christopher Reeve, now 51, who appeared in four Superman films from 1978 to 1987. The movie's revival was reportedly first discussed in 1993, and reports say filming will begin in winter 2005, with a release in 2006. Gyllenhaal's reps would not comment."
No Makeover for Tony Soprano
Ah, that significant cultural artifact The National Enquirer, because enquiring minds want to know, gives us some broiling, icy-hot scoop today on James Gandolfini, he who so aggressively breathes as he eats his Gambino-style Veal Chops Milanese (what's with Gandolfini and that aggro breathing? Is that Stanislavsky?):
"FUGGEDABOUDIT! In what's gotta be the dumbest freakin' move ever made by reality TV, those 'Queer Eye for the Straight Guy' queens suddenly invaded 'The Sopranos' set and -- with cameras crankin' -- chirped cheerily at hairybear bossman James Gandolfini: 'HI, there! Ready for your makeover?' That's when all HELL broke loose, say insiders. Turning bright red with anger, Gandolfini snarled, 'Get the f--- away from me!' When his message didn't immediately register in the Queer Ear, Gandolfini exploded! "WHO THE F--- LET YOU IN HERE?" he shouted. 'TURN THOSE F----N' CAMERAS OFF . . . NOW!' Finally reacting to their star's outrage at the on-set ambush, 'Sopranos' producers -- who'd allowed the 'Queer Eye' invasion thinking Gandolfini would be amused -- quickly started shooing The Gay Gang toward the exit. Boss of All Bosses stormed off to his dressing room fuming, and refused to return until he'd been guaranteed there wasn't a Queer Eye in sight!"
What is it about tough guy roles that, when successful, turn the actors into the characters that they play? Is it the fact that actors have a fragile, perhaps nonexistent sense of self and the commercial and critical success gives him/her an option at selfhood? Or, maybe I'm just getting way too thoughtful about an ass.
Ah, that significant cultural artifact The National Enquirer, because enquiring minds want to know, gives us some broiling, icy-hot scoop today on James Gandolfini, he who so aggressively breathes as he eats his Gambino-style Veal Chops Milanese (what's with Gandolfini and that aggro breathing? Is that Stanislavsky?):
"FUGGEDABOUDIT! In what's gotta be the dumbest freakin' move ever made by reality TV, those 'Queer Eye for the Straight Guy' queens suddenly invaded 'The Sopranos' set and -- with cameras crankin' -- chirped cheerily at hairybear bossman James Gandolfini: 'HI, there! Ready for your makeover?' That's when all HELL broke loose, say insiders. Turning bright red with anger, Gandolfini snarled, 'Get the f--- away from me!' When his message didn't immediately register in the Queer Ear, Gandolfini exploded! "WHO THE F--- LET YOU IN HERE?" he shouted. 'TURN THOSE F----N' CAMERAS OFF . . . NOW!' Finally reacting to their star's outrage at the on-set ambush, 'Sopranos' producers -- who'd allowed the 'Queer Eye' invasion thinking Gandolfini would be amused -- quickly started shooing The Gay Gang toward the exit. Boss of All Bosses stormed off to his dressing room fuming, and refused to return until he'd been guaranteed there wasn't a Queer Eye in sight!"
What is it about tough guy roles that, when successful, turn the actors into the characters that they play? Is it the fact that actors have a fragile, perhaps nonexistent sense of self and the commercial and critical success gives him/her an option at selfhood? Or, maybe I'm just getting way too thoughtful about an ass.
Wednesday, June 02, 2004
NY Post's Bruckman: Chris-tuh-fuh Will Sleep with the Fishes
The New York Post's Andy Bruckman has an interesting theory about the last episode of The Sopranos, one that involves The our favorite Associate-wannabe-screenwriter Chris-tuh-fuh Moltisanti, and some concrete footwear, capeesh?
"HERE'S some advice for Christopher Moltisanti:
"* Take a long vacation.
"* Don't accept any rides upstate.
"* Watch your back."
That ominous beginning wrought with impending doom slithers, like the grimy, shower inducing Soprano's opening theme-song, directly into:
"'The Sopranos' ends its fifth season Sunday night at 9 on HBO. The one-hour episode - No. 65 - is titled 'All Due Respect.'
"Here's the tantalizing description that was posted on HBO.com last week: 'Tony's [James Gandolfini] crew circles the wagons as Johnny Sack [Vincent Curatola] turns up the heat; Carmela [Edie Falco] counts her blessings; Christopher [Michael Imperioli] is freaked out by an unexpected visitor; Benny's [Max Casella] connection to the plumbers union comes in handy; A.J. [Robert Iler] demonstrates his business acumen; and Tony ponders whether to execute a 'sacrifice bunt.'"
And what can one glean from that (elaborate hand gesture)? The Carmela angle is pretty straight forward (The Corsair pecks at Veal Piccata), her character has achieved some equilibrium over the past season. Last season, at the end, she had made an abrupt departure; now, at the end of this season, one year later, she has realized things about herself: who she is; and she has accepted the things she cannot change and, in the bargain, got some land. Carm's fine (The Corsair breaks off a magnanimous chunk garlic bread)
AJ probably shakes down some smaller kids (The Corsair munches Marinated Asparagus Wrapped with Prosciutto). He is Tony's past repeating itself. In the picture on the HBO site AJ is on the phone, so I'm guessing, his "business acumen" involves sports betting of some kind. Maybe he becomes an amateur bookie? He's got that thug lite thing going (in real life as well, but let's not go there), and a little loan sharking with a hefty vig for the private school set might be up his alley. I can see season six high comedy as AJ collects his vig from some luckless Preppy, ninja-style.
The Johnny Sacks thing is more difficult to decipher and is probably tied to the "sacrifice bunt." Will Tony sacrifice an associate to win the game, or, at least, gain a stalemate? My guess is that Tony will sacrifice the other Tony, that gavone (munches from a plate of ziti and calzone), in a heartfelt ending, one where Gandolfini can really emote, and show off his acting chops.
But Adam Bruckman of the Post has an intriguing idea:
"Christopher's a screw-up. In the latest example, Tony had to step in and place Paulie Walnuts in charge of a cigarette hijacking operation that Christopher apparently botched.
"Christopher's an out-of-control hothead. He's already threatened Tony at least twice this season - once, when he showed up at the Bada Bing brandishing a pistol, and again just in the last episode, when he raved to Adriana that he ought to kill Tony for favoring the other Tony, Tony Blundetto (Steve Buscemi).
"And what if Christopher begins to question Tony's decision to murder Adriana? How mad might he get then?
"If Tony is contemplating a 'sacrifice bunt,' it's doubtful he's thinking about baseball. Does it mean he has to offer someone up to the New York mob? Might he offer his hotheaded, screwup of a nephew, who's not really his nephew anyway?
"And who's the 'unexpected visitor' who shows up at Christopher's door? That doesn't sound too promising for Christopher's future.
"That's the case so far. And even if Michael Imperioli has made no plans to appear in a network sitcom this fall, I'm sticking to it."
Interesting. There would have to be "h" involved. Perhaps the visitor is the ghost of Adriana? There are as many ghosts undistinguished from the living in The Sopranos as in any Ingmar Bergman film. If Adriana comes back from the dead to psychologically haunt Chris-tuh-fuh, he is more likely to get in the witness protection program, but Bruckman's theory is interesting.
And what about the FBI? What are the odds that at the end everyone gets arrested by the boys in blue? (The Corsair sips some Grappa, then points the glass out, towards you, the readers)
Salut.
The New York Post's Andy Bruckman has an interesting theory about the last episode of The Sopranos, one that involves The our favorite Associate-wannabe-screenwriter Chris-tuh-fuh Moltisanti, and some concrete footwear, capeesh?
"HERE'S some advice for Christopher Moltisanti:
"* Take a long vacation.
"* Don't accept any rides upstate.
"* Watch your back."
That ominous beginning wrought with impending doom slithers, like the grimy, shower inducing Soprano's opening theme-song, directly into:
"'The Sopranos' ends its fifth season Sunday night at 9 on HBO. The one-hour episode - No. 65 - is titled 'All Due Respect.'
"Here's the tantalizing description that was posted on HBO.com last week: 'Tony's [James Gandolfini] crew circles the wagons as Johnny Sack [Vincent Curatola] turns up the heat; Carmela [Edie Falco] counts her blessings; Christopher [Michael Imperioli] is freaked out by an unexpected visitor; Benny's [Max Casella] connection to the plumbers union comes in handy; A.J. [Robert Iler] demonstrates his business acumen; and Tony ponders whether to execute a 'sacrifice bunt.'"
And what can one glean from that (elaborate hand gesture)? The Carmela angle is pretty straight forward (The Corsair pecks at Veal Piccata), her character has achieved some equilibrium over the past season. Last season, at the end, she had made an abrupt departure; now, at the end of this season, one year later, she has realized things about herself: who she is; and she has accepted the things she cannot change and, in the bargain, got some land. Carm's fine (The Corsair breaks off a magnanimous chunk garlic bread)
AJ probably shakes down some smaller kids (The Corsair munches Marinated Asparagus Wrapped with Prosciutto). He is Tony's past repeating itself. In the picture on the HBO site AJ is on the phone, so I'm guessing, his "business acumen" involves sports betting of some kind. Maybe he becomes an amateur bookie? He's got that thug lite thing going (in real life as well, but let's not go there), and a little loan sharking with a hefty vig for the private school set might be up his alley. I can see season six high comedy as AJ collects his vig from some luckless Preppy, ninja-style.
The Johnny Sacks thing is more difficult to decipher and is probably tied to the "sacrifice bunt." Will Tony sacrifice an associate to win the game, or, at least, gain a stalemate? My guess is that Tony will sacrifice the other Tony, that gavone (munches from a plate of ziti and calzone), in a heartfelt ending, one where Gandolfini can really emote, and show off his acting chops.
But Adam Bruckman of the Post has an intriguing idea:
"Christopher's a screw-up. In the latest example, Tony had to step in and place Paulie Walnuts in charge of a cigarette hijacking operation that Christopher apparently botched.
"Christopher's an out-of-control hothead. He's already threatened Tony at least twice this season - once, when he showed up at the Bada Bing brandishing a pistol, and again just in the last episode, when he raved to Adriana that he ought to kill Tony for favoring the other Tony, Tony Blundetto (Steve Buscemi).
"And what if Christopher begins to question Tony's decision to murder Adriana? How mad might he get then?
"If Tony is contemplating a 'sacrifice bunt,' it's doubtful he's thinking about baseball. Does it mean he has to offer someone up to the New York mob? Might he offer his hotheaded, screwup of a nephew, who's not really his nephew anyway?
"And who's the 'unexpected visitor' who shows up at Christopher's door? That doesn't sound too promising for Christopher's future.
"That's the case so far. And even if Michael Imperioli has made no plans to appear in a network sitcom this fall, I'm sticking to it."
Interesting. There would have to be "h" involved. Perhaps the visitor is the ghost of Adriana? There are as many ghosts undistinguished from the living in The Sopranos as in any Ingmar Bergman film. If Adriana comes back from the dead to psychologically haunt Chris-tuh-fuh, he is more likely to get in the witness protection program, but Bruckman's theory is interesting.
And what about the FBI? What are the odds that at the end everyone gets arrested by the boys in blue? (The Corsair sips some Grappa, then points the glass out, towards you, the readers)
Salut.
An Interview with Patrick Swayze
Entertainment Weekly's nubile journo Jessica Shaw did something that The Corsair has been trying to do for quite some time, namely, to interview pop icon Patrick Swayze.
We would ask him about The Outsiders ("Stay gold, Ponyboy ... stay gold"), and the horrible ... horrible Too Wong Foo (the title alone implies ... noxious).
But Our young Jessica Shaw didn't go there ... no, she took it to a whole new level and interrogated The Swayz on his hip pop cultural "edge." Why does The Swayze have juice and, say, Henry Winkler does not? Why can The Swayze strut through The Fort Greene Mall in Brooklyn and not get a cap busted in his ass? Such are the mysteries of The Swayz: he's like the wind.
And, while, yes, Jessica didn't quite give Swayze the respect that a man such as he deserves, a man of such multitudinous mullets; but she got the job done.
And, we like what she did:
Jessica Shaw: Was it your work in Tiger Warsaw or Three Wishes that inspired Ja Rule to cast you in his video for "The Reign"?
The Swayze: There's this term that seems to have caught on throughout the hip hop rap world: 'I'm Swayze.'
Jessica Shaw: --I'm sorry?
S-Bone: If you do something cool or it's time to get down, you say, 'I'm Swayze.' If it's time to kick ass, you say, 'I'm gonna Swayze on your ass.'
Jessica: You're telling me if I walk up to Jah Rule and say, 'I'm gonna Swayze on your ass,' and he'll know what I mean?
P. Sway: Everybody does. LL Cool J. Snoop Dogg.
Entertainment Weekly's nubile journo Jessica Shaw did something that The Corsair has been trying to do for quite some time, namely, to interview pop icon Patrick Swayze.
We would ask him about The Outsiders ("Stay gold, Ponyboy ... stay gold"), and the horrible ... horrible Too Wong Foo (the title alone implies ... noxious).
But Our young Jessica Shaw didn't go there ... no, she took it to a whole new level and interrogated The Swayz on his hip pop cultural "edge." Why does The Swayze have juice and, say, Henry Winkler does not? Why can The Swayze strut through The Fort Greene Mall in Brooklyn and not get a cap busted in his ass? Such are the mysteries of The Swayz: he's like the wind.
And, while, yes, Jessica didn't quite give Swayze the respect that a man such as he deserves, a man of such multitudinous mullets; but she got the job done.
And, we like what she did:
Jessica Shaw: Was it your work in Tiger Warsaw or Three Wishes that inspired Ja Rule to cast you in his video for "The Reign"?
The Swayze: There's this term that seems to have caught on throughout the hip hop rap world: 'I'm Swayze.'
Jessica Shaw: --I'm sorry?
S-Bone: If you do something cool or it's time to get down, you say, 'I'm Swayze.' If it's time to kick ass, you say, 'I'm gonna Swayze on your ass.'
Jessica: You're telling me if I walk up to Jah Rule and say, 'I'm gonna Swayze on your ass,' and he'll know what I mean?
P. Sway: Everybody does. LL Cool J. Snoop Dogg.
A Little of the Old In and Out
In: La.com ran this blind item today that has me guessing:
"A certain ex-teen idol must be seriously jonesing for those brief glory days of screaming fans, magazine covers, paparazzi attention, and her pick of the hottest manflesh in show business. Lately, she�s been doing a few fairly low-key gigs, but even the teensiest taste of success brings out her inner psycho bitch. Suddenly she�s demanding big-time perks from producers and studios who doubt she�s worth the trouble anymore. She�s making her agents yank out their hair because she�s refusing roles she thinks are beneath her. And she�s also back to her old ways in the man department, putting the make on married older dudes, especially non-showbiz spouses of her female friends and costars. We�re doubting she'll get much career bounce from her newest projects, so maybe she should just go ahead with those cosmetic surgeries she�s been discussing with specialists in New York and Europe. If she hopes to stay in the game, the ultracompetitive actress better do something."
Jennifer Love Hewitt? Just a guess.
Out: Henry Kissinger shows up on Wonkette's Celebrity sightings in DC, and, as expected, things get hectic:
"Next mini celeb was the surprisingly hobbit-like Henry Kissinger, who slipped out of a tremendous SUV in front of the Palm while I was dining with other plebes at C.F. Folks. Kissinger had a quick exchange with the limo driver, eyeballed passers-by briefly and disappeared into the swank (and skanky, in my opinion) confines of D.C's favorite long-beat power lunch trough.
"My dining partner said, 'you don't see a war criminal every day.'"
In: Elle McPherson's victory over post partum depression. Accroding to British Vogue, the stunning mannequin suffered after the birth of her child:
"ELLE MACPHERSON has admitted that she was battling with post-natal depression when she checked herself into the Meadows Institute in Arizona last October. The 40-year-old supermodel, who is in Sydney this week to launch her new line of Intimates bedwear, told the Herald Sun that she completed a six-week intensive program because of total exhaustion and depression after the arrival of her second son, Aurelius Cy, in February last year. 'I took the steps I needed to take in order to recover,' she said. 'The truth was, I just did what I needed to do and addressed a lot of issues that needed addressing and had a well-earned break, which I really needed as well. I had never done anything like that in my life and that's about it. I think it was made out to be a lot more dramatic and more insidious that it was.'"
Mcpherson is fully recovered.
Out: Will someone please kill Rod Stewart? You know, just fucking smoke his obnoxious ass and feathered hair in a colosally violent act. He's doing another tour (averted gaze). Of oldies. Charmed, I'm sure.
In: Lowculture's Take on The President's Umbrella problem. It's hard to handle an umbrella in a storm and look Presidential. Very, very hard. Observe the 43rd President of the united States, the most powerful man in the world here (averted gaze).
Out: Admiral Zinni for Vice President. Bad idea, Water Isaacson; the rarified air of Aspen seems to have addled the fine political mind of Walter, biographer/destroyer of Kissinger. There are too many heavyweights in the ring, like John Edwards, Senator Nelson, Bill Richardson, Evan Bayh (softly chuckles), Dick Gephardt, Hillary Clinton and -- quite possibly -- John McCain. Why the fuck would Kerry go for an unproven cruiserweight general, when Wesley Clark, with higher name recognition, actually won the Oklahoma primary and can bring the Southwest into play? Go back to Aspen, Walter, and contemplate Franklin and the discovery of lightning as electricity, and we'll call you when the race is over.
In: Harper's Bazaar and Glamour, because, in the words of honorary African-American Roger Friedman:
"Many congrats to the editors of both Harper's Bazaar and Glamour. They each have black women on their covers this month. Queen Latifah is on the May cover of Glamour (I'm a little late mentioning this) and none other than Beyonce � in triplicate no less � is on the Bazaar cover. These were brave decisions considering that Vanity Fair still refuses to put a black person by him-or-herself on its cover. Both landmark Oscar winners Halle Berry and Denzel Washington have not appeared since their 2003 triumphs."
How is it that Roger Friedman, who is white, thinks of these things, and I, who am black, do not. Enquiring minds want to know.
In: La.com ran this blind item today that has me guessing:
"A certain ex-teen idol must be seriously jonesing for those brief glory days of screaming fans, magazine covers, paparazzi attention, and her pick of the hottest manflesh in show business. Lately, she�s been doing a few fairly low-key gigs, but even the teensiest taste of success brings out her inner psycho bitch. Suddenly she�s demanding big-time perks from producers and studios who doubt she�s worth the trouble anymore. She�s making her agents yank out their hair because she�s refusing roles she thinks are beneath her. And she�s also back to her old ways in the man department, putting the make on married older dudes, especially non-showbiz spouses of her female friends and costars. We�re doubting she'll get much career bounce from her newest projects, so maybe she should just go ahead with those cosmetic surgeries she�s been discussing with specialists in New York and Europe. If she hopes to stay in the game, the ultracompetitive actress better do something."
Jennifer Love Hewitt? Just a guess.
Out: Henry Kissinger shows up on Wonkette's Celebrity sightings in DC, and, as expected, things get hectic:
"Next mini celeb was the surprisingly hobbit-like Henry Kissinger, who slipped out of a tremendous SUV in front of the Palm while I was dining with other plebes at C.F. Folks. Kissinger had a quick exchange with the limo driver, eyeballed passers-by briefly and disappeared into the swank (and skanky, in my opinion) confines of D.C's favorite long-beat power lunch trough.
"My dining partner said, 'you don't see a war criminal every day.'"
In: Elle McPherson's victory over post partum depression. Accroding to British Vogue, the stunning mannequin suffered after the birth of her child:
"ELLE MACPHERSON has admitted that she was battling with post-natal depression when she checked herself into the Meadows Institute in Arizona last October. The 40-year-old supermodel, who is in Sydney this week to launch her new line of Intimates bedwear, told the Herald Sun that she completed a six-week intensive program because of total exhaustion and depression after the arrival of her second son, Aurelius Cy, in February last year. 'I took the steps I needed to take in order to recover,' she said. 'The truth was, I just did what I needed to do and addressed a lot of issues that needed addressing and had a well-earned break, which I really needed as well. I had never done anything like that in my life and that's about it. I think it was made out to be a lot more dramatic and more insidious that it was.'"
Mcpherson is fully recovered.
Out: Will someone please kill Rod Stewart? You know, just fucking smoke his obnoxious ass and feathered hair in a colosally violent act. He's doing another tour (averted gaze). Of oldies. Charmed, I'm sure.
In: Lowculture's Take on The President's Umbrella problem. It's hard to handle an umbrella in a storm and look Presidential. Very, very hard. Observe the 43rd President of the united States, the most powerful man in the world here (averted gaze).
Out: Admiral Zinni for Vice President. Bad idea, Water Isaacson; the rarified air of Aspen seems to have addled the fine political mind of Walter, biographer/destroyer of Kissinger. There are too many heavyweights in the ring, like John Edwards, Senator Nelson, Bill Richardson, Evan Bayh (softly chuckles), Dick Gephardt, Hillary Clinton and -- quite possibly -- John McCain. Why the fuck would Kerry go for an unproven cruiserweight general, when Wesley Clark, with higher name recognition, actually won the Oklahoma primary and can bring the Southwest into play? Go back to Aspen, Walter, and contemplate Franklin and the discovery of lightning as electricity, and we'll call you when the race is over.
In: Harper's Bazaar and Glamour, because, in the words of honorary African-American Roger Friedman:
"Many congrats to the editors of both Harper's Bazaar and Glamour. They each have black women on their covers this month. Queen Latifah is on the May cover of Glamour (I'm a little late mentioning this) and none other than Beyonce � in triplicate no less � is on the Bazaar cover. These were brave decisions considering that Vanity Fair still refuses to put a black person by him-or-herself on its cover. Both landmark Oscar winners Halle Berry and Denzel Washington have not appeared since their 2003 triumphs."
How is it that Roger Friedman, who is white, thinks of these things, and I, who am black, do not. Enquiring minds want to know.
South Dakota Congressional Report: Stephanie Herseth beats Larry Diedrich
In a race that could forshadow things to come, South Dakota Democrat Stephanie Herseth edged past Republican Larry Diedrich in a squeaker. Why is a South Dakota Congressional race so important?
Well, first because it holds portents for the Senate race, the most highly contested race in the United States, a race that could see the Senate Minority Leader broken. I'm talking about the Thune-Daschle race, bruh; keep your eye on this little chestnut. And this is a race in which 100 years of tradition was smashed when the Senate Majority Leader actively campaigned against Daschle, his counterpart from across the aisle. Fucking incredible, and a shining sybol of how civility has left the most aristocratic club in the world (outside of the princes of the Vatican): the United States Senate.
Second, this could be seen as a referendum against George Bush. The first lady campaigned for Diedrich. The Speaker of the goddamned house campaigned for Diedrich. Cheney, a man with so many fucking negatives it boggles the mind, campaigned for Diedrich (hey, Wyoming is important to a Republican victory!) Whiffs of the Thornberg-Wofford Senate race (a fascinating race that figures high in the minds of politics geeks like me, a race which presaged the defeat of a seemingly invincible George Bush the Elder) are in the air. Remember when George, at above 90 percent approval ratings, sent his peasant farmer Attorney General Richard Thornberg to get his ass handed to him by Harris Wofford, an upstart with a health care message, in Pennsylvania? You don't? Okay, so maybe it's just me.
Third, South Dakota should be, by all rights, Bush country, no?
TheHill reports:
"South Dakota Democrat Stephanie Herseth narrowly defeated Republican Larry Diedrich Tuesday to win the House seat that eluded her two years ago.
"Herseth edged out Diedrich 51 percent to 49 percent to win the seat of Rep. Bill Janklow (R-S.D.), the former governor who resigned earlier this year after being convicted of vehicular manslaughter. Janklow defeated Herseth with 53 percent of the vote in 2002.
"Both parties invested heavily in the campaign, spending up to $4 million on the race. Party leaders such as Vice President Dick Cheney and Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist (R-Tenn.) campaigned there.
"Herseth and Diedrich will meet again this fall in the general election. Herseth's win marks the second Democratic pick-up in a special election this year; Ben Chandler won a Kentucky House seat in February."
Tuesday, June 01, 2004
Dan Rather To Interview Bill Clinton on 60 Minutes
According to Romenesko, which obtained a copy of CBS' press release, Bill Clinton will be interviewed on June 22nd for 60 Minutes by Dan Rather:
"CBS News Release
"June 1, 2004
"BILL CLINTON TO APPEAR ON '60 MINUTES' IN AN EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW ABOUT HIS NEW BOOK -- SUNDAY, JUNE 20 ON THE CBS TELEVISION NETWORK
"The Former President Speaks to Dan Rather in His First Interview About His Memoir, My Life, to be Published by Knopf on June 22
"Former President Bill Clinton makes his first appearance to discuss his memoir, My Life, in an exclusive interview with Dan Rather to be broadcast on 60 MINUTES Sunday, June 20 (7:00-8:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network.
"Alfred A. Knopf will publish the much-anticipated 957-page autobiography on June 22 with a first printing of 1.5 million copies.
"CBS News' 60 MINUTES is the number-one news magazine finishing the 2003-04 season with an average of 14.2 million viewers. Jeff Fager is the executive producer of 60 MINUTES."
What would you ask Bill Clinton if you had the chance?
Answer here on on the VH1 Best Week Ever Blog
According to Romenesko, which obtained a copy of CBS' press release, Bill Clinton will be interviewed on June 22nd for 60 Minutes by Dan Rather:
"CBS News Release
"June 1, 2004
"BILL CLINTON TO APPEAR ON '60 MINUTES' IN AN EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW ABOUT HIS NEW BOOK -- SUNDAY, JUNE 20 ON THE CBS TELEVISION NETWORK
"The Former President Speaks to Dan Rather in His First Interview About His Memoir, My Life, to be Published by Knopf on June 22
"Former President Bill Clinton makes his first appearance to discuss his memoir, My Life, in an exclusive interview with Dan Rather to be broadcast on 60 MINUTES Sunday, June 20 (7:00-8:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network.
"Alfred A. Knopf will publish the much-anticipated 957-page autobiography on June 22 with a first printing of 1.5 million copies.
"CBS News' 60 MINUTES is the number-one news magazine finishing the 2003-04 season with an average of 14.2 million viewers. Jeff Fager is the executive producer of 60 MINUTES."
What would you ask Bill Clinton if you had the chance?
Answer here on on the VH1 Best Week Ever Blog
Will Viacom Sell Off Radio assets?!
Or, Karmazin as Eisner Successor at Disney?
The exodus of Mel Kamazin at Viacom has rocked the entertainment media universe harder than Mike Tyson did when punching out Wesley Snipes back in the day (Ka-Pow!). Seth Seutel of AP reports:
"In a conference call with Wall Street analysts, (Viacom CEO Sumner) Redstone said Karmazin left because of 'frustration' with the company's sagging stock price and the lingering troubles at the company's radio division.
"Redstone suggested that Viacom's new management team would consider getting rid of the radio business, saying the company would have a 'hard look' at the radio operation as well as other assets. 'There is no sacred cow,' Redstone said. 'But for the time being we're committed to radio.'"
For the time being: What does this mean precisely for the beleagured Howard Stern? For the time being sounds like Bryant Gumbel's first marriage. Ooof! Marksfriggin.com summarized Howard's on air thoughts:
"Howard hasn't heard from Mel yet and he figures it might have something to do with the company being a publicly traded company. He believes that no one at the company is going to back him up like Mel did so his days are really numbered now. He said that Mel told him that his show really hasn't changed and he was to just keep broadcasting like he was doing it. He talked about that conversation and how Mel convinced him to just go back to work and keep doing his show the way he was doing it. He has to work around the delay hits and stuff like that but he could keep doing the show.
"Howard is in shock this morning because Mel was his backup there at the company. Now he's got Les Moonves, who he has had problems with in the past, running the company. Howard sees a darkness at the end of his tunnel with all of this going on. It can't be good for his show because Mel had his back."
One caller, late in the show, gamely suggested to Stern that he interview Karmazin on his ABC special. Howard said that was a good idea. And, that might be interesting considering Karamzin has been mentioned as a successor to Eisner at Disney.
What this means to the beleagured Stern Show is, as yet, beyond the purview of The Corsair's crystal ball.
But Karmazin would be the perfect Eisner successor, no? You heard it here first, anyhoo; although we will back Viacom over The Collapsing Mouse House and their last place network and cheesy theme parks anyday.
Or, Karmazin as Eisner Successor at Disney?
The exodus of Mel Kamazin at Viacom has rocked the entertainment media universe harder than Mike Tyson did when punching out Wesley Snipes back in the day (Ka-Pow!). Seth Seutel of AP reports:
"In a conference call with Wall Street analysts, (Viacom CEO Sumner) Redstone said Karmazin left because of 'frustration' with the company's sagging stock price and the lingering troubles at the company's radio division.
"Redstone suggested that Viacom's new management team would consider getting rid of the radio business, saying the company would have a 'hard look' at the radio operation as well as other assets. 'There is no sacred cow,' Redstone said. 'But for the time being we're committed to radio.'"
For the time being: What does this mean precisely for the beleagured Howard Stern? For the time being sounds like Bryant Gumbel's first marriage. Ooof! Marksfriggin.com summarized Howard's on air thoughts:
"Howard hasn't heard from Mel yet and he figures it might have something to do with the company being a publicly traded company. He believes that no one at the company is going to back him up like Mel did so his days are really numbered now. He said that Mel told him that his show really hasn't changed and he was to just keep broadcasting like he was doing it. He talked about that conversation and how Mel convinced him to just go back to work and keep doing his show the way he was doing it. He has to work around the delay hits and stuff like that but he could keep doing the show.
"Howard is in shock this morning because Mel was his backup there at the company. Now he's got Les Moonves, who he has had problems with in the past, running the company. Howard sees a darkness at the end of his tunnel with all of this going on. It can't be good for his show because Mel had his back."
One caller, late in the show, gamely suggested to Stern that he interview Karmazin on his ABC special. Howard said that was a good idea. And, that might be interesting considering Karamzin has been mentioned as a successor to Eisner at Disney.
What this means to the beleagured Stern Show is, as yet, beyond the purview of The Corsair's crystal ball.
But Karmazin would be the perfect Eisner successor, no? You heard it here first, anyhoo; although we will back Viacom over The Collapsing Mouse House and their last place network and cheesy theme parks anyday.
Halle Berre Can't Stop Breaking Wind
Or, Halle, Loosing an Isaiah (oh .... phew!)
According to Ananova, via TeenHollywood.com, "Halle Berry has confessed she can't stop breaking wind."
The Corsair rubs his chin in confusion.
"According to Teenhollywood the actress has been on an intense exercise regime to shape up for her role in Catwoman and has been drinking protein shakes to help enhance her muscles.
"But she has discovered the drinks have given her some unwanted side effects.
"Halle confessed: 'It was wicked stuff. I had the worst gas in the world!'
The same, The Corsair would like to relate, could be said of her "performance" in the stinker "Losing Isaiah."
In fact, let it be that whenever Our Halle lets out a "silent but deadly," emission, it should to be referred to correctly as the Oscar Winner "loosing an Isaiah."
Comment here, or on the VH1 Best Week Ever Blog
Or, Halle, Loosing an Isaiah (oh .... phew!)
According to Ananova, via TeenHollywood.com, "Halle Berry has confessed she can't stop breaking wind."
The Corsair rubs his chin in confusion.
"According to Teenhollywood the actress has been on an intense exercise regime to shape up for her role in Catwoman and has been drinking protein shakes to help enhance her muscles.
"But she has discovered the drinks have given her some unwanted side effects.
"Halle confessed: 'It was wicked stuff. I had the worst gas in the world!'
The same, The Corsair would like to relate, could be said of her "performance" in the stinker "Losing Isaiah."
In fact, let it be that whenever Our Halle lets out a "silent but deadly," emission, it should to be referred to correctly as the Oscar Winner "loosing an Isaiah."
Comment here, or on the VH1 Best Week Ever Blog
A Little of the Old In and Out
In: John McCain and George Bush? The Corsair would say, yeah, right, like two people who hate each other running together -- right. But the Village Voice sees it differently, shrewdly:
"June 9 is a key date in American politics. That's the day John McCain has to file if he's going to run for a fourth term as Arizona senator.
So far, all eyes have been focused on whether Kerry can persuade McCain to sign on as his veep on the Dem ticket. McCain has said over and over again he won't do it. But there's another possibility: If George Bush wanted to rescue himself from his current suicide dive, he could dump Cheney�whose negatives are substantial�and select McCain as his veep. If he did that, John Kerry would vanish without a trace."
and rumor has it McCain will not seek relection.
Out: Senfeld's private garage is finally ready; the Porsche's are no longer homeless, thanks be to God (The Corsair crosses himself). The guys at TheSmokinggun write, with the faintest ghost of a smaile:
"One of New York City's longest-running (and problem-plagued) construction projects has finally been completed. That's right, after five long years, Jerry Seinfeld's private Manhattan garage is finally ready to receive a handful of cars from the Porsche-loving comedian's pricey automobile collection.
"Seinfeld's multimillion-dollar renovation of a two-story building on West 83rd Street was completed late last month, according to an April 29 filing with the Department of Buildings. The 50-year-old performer purchased the property in March 1999 for $880,000 and almost immediately applied for demolition permits (the 16' x 52' building previously housed a plumbing & heating contractor). In what must now seem like wishful thinking, Seinfeld originally estimated the renovation at $500,000.
"According to Buildings permits, Seinfeld's garage will hold only five cars (three on the ground floor, two in the basement), though his rides will bunk in style."
Thank you Jerry, thank you for housing those homeless Porsche's.
Out: Pink "I'm Sorry For Fucking Someone Else, Baby" Diamonds. Charmed, I'm sure (The Corsair gives off long, drawn out averted gaze)
Anyhoo: Are Kobi and Vanessa secretly in the throes of splitting up? According to that significant cultural artifact The National Enquirer, the answer is that Vanessa is done with the expensive Kobi beef:
"Kobe Bryant's wife Vanessa is secretly talking to one of Hollywood's most successful divorce lawyers, The ENQUIRER has learned exclusively.
"And as the basketball great prepares to face his rape accuser in court, his wife has already been spending many nights away from home -- even when Kobe is in town!"
If this is the case, and if she is not gaining leverage of any kind, and if she is serious -- three big ifs -- then expect her to do it after the verdict.
In: Adam Moss' New York Magazine is definitely in, if you look, for example, at Matthew Flamm's laudatory article in Crain's:
"The recent food issue of New York magazine provided recipes for grilled mussels and black-pepper shrimp, and an introduction to the West Coast-inspired raw food craze. Typical stuff for the magazine's semiannual staple, which has long been a major draw for advertisers.
"But there was also something unusual about this particular food issue, which was the first under Adam Moss, the former New York Times Magazine editor who became New York's editor in chief in February. Unlike past issues, it carried no gossipy features about the trendiest new restaurants.
"Even more shocking, perhaps, the articles had substance, most notably one detailing the bitter food fight among the city's gourmet retailers.
"In his efforts to revive the faded weekly, Mr. Moss has been making gradual but steady changes. He has phased out mentions of young models canoodling with their boyfriends, and raised the overall tone of the stories, targeting upscale readers in their 30s and 40s who had been turned off by the youth-oriented, tabloid quality of the magazine under his predecessor."
While The Corsair will still studiously detail the canoodlings of the media eliter as well as the gaseous emissions of celebrities as well as the Vice Presidential sweepstakes and complex discussions of art, it is good, it is noble to see an editor try exclusively the route of the sober mind and still garner buzz (god help The Corsair, who would have a dozen hits if not for Ashton Kutscher's canoodles and Janet and Courtney's boob). Bravo, Adam Moss.
Out: The Prada retrial. According to British Vogue Daily:
"PATRIZIA REGGIANI, who was jailed in 1998 for ordering the murder of her estranged husband, Maurizio Gucci, is to be retried. Reggiani, who was nicknamed The Black Widow by the Italian press, was sentenced to 26 years in prison after hiring a hitman to kill her husband in March 1995 after a disagreement over her alimony payment. She has always maintained her innocence. Grandson of the founder of the Gucci empire, Maurizio was gunned down outside his Milan office in March 1995. Reggiani's daughter previously appealed for her mother's release on the grounds that her ability to reason had been affected by an earlier operation to remove a brain tumour. Her lawyer, Danilo Buongiorno, told Reuters that the new hearing would begin on July 6 in Mestre, northern Italy."
I thought this was an open and shut purse, I mean case.
In: A BiPartisan Prescription Drug Reimportation Bill in the Senate?
According to Geoff Earle in TheHill:
"A bipartisan group of lawmakers claims it has lined up the 60 votes needed to get a prescription-drug reimportation bill through the Senate, which some say could lead the White House to change its position on the controversial issue.
"The legislators are leaning on Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist (R-Tenn.) to call up their bill � which would allow for the reimportation of prescription drugs from Canada and selected other countries � before the July 4 recess, as the window for significant legislative activity narrows.
"'We have a very good time frame,' said Sen. Byron Dorgan (D-N.D.), after the group met with Frist in his Capitol office shortly before the Memorial Day recess. 'We would like during the next work period to have the Senate consider' the bill. �We think we have the votes to pass it,' he said.
"The Dorgan legislation has only 21 co-sponsors but has attracted bipartisan support. Sens. Trent Lott (R-Miss.) and John Kerry (D-Mass.) are among the bill�s co-sponsors.
"Asked whether supporters could get 60 votes, Sen. Olympia Snowe (R-Maine) replied, 'In the final analysis, I think we could.'
"Others participating in the meeting with Frist were Sens. John McCain (R-Ariz.), Edward Kennedy (D-Mass.) and Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.). Frist is hoping Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee Chairman Sen. Judd Gregg (R-N.H.) will be able to move a bill through committee that Frist can call up through �regular order.�
"But Snowe warned that supporters were 'looking for a vehicle' that they could attach it to if leaders don�t call up freestanding legislation.
"Those who attended the meeting said Frist still harbors concerns over safety issues related to reimporting drugs from other countries. But Snowe said the bipartisan group has been able to address many of Frist�s concerns by revising the bill. 'We really did a phenomenal job in precluding many of the safety issues,' said Snowe.
"The White House strongly opposed a reimportation bill that passed the House last year. But Snowe said she didn�t believe the president would veto a measure that has picked up broad support. 'It has the dynamic and the momentum to pass this year,' Snowe said. 'It�s the one area of social policy we can really get done.'
"'The question now,' she added, 'is hopefully being able to convince [Frist] and others that this is the year to do it.'"
What's that quiet chuckling sound we hear? Oh, don't worry, it's just born-again moderate Trent Lott laughing at sticking it back to the Bush Administration for, like, the millionth time this Congressional session.
Out: Topic A with Tina Brown. According to Gawker.com's Henry the Intern:
"And finally, the editor's desk roundtable tackled 'The Day After Tomorrow.' Tina mentioned Dennis Quaid's 'furrowed brow,' but her favorite moment was when Jake Gyllenhaal made snowshoes out of a New York library chair: "Everything is about terror now" and can "be resolved with snowshoes." Or Gyllenhaal 'trying to get laid while the world is ending,' said comedienne Jessi Klein, who enjoyed the destruction of Los Angeles. Toure, of Rolling Stone, preferred the scene where Mexicans blocked fleeing Americans: 'Hell yeah, bring it on!' He thought 'this is not an environmental film, it's a 9/11 movie. . . just the chaos of it' was 'quite scary.' New York Times environmental reporter Andrew Revkin said hesitant environmentalists decided to embrace the film when they realized 'it's a $200 million ad' for their cause. Similarly, he said, 'the administration has been very worried about the movie' because 'it is going to bring this issue to people who never think about.' But Toure disagreed: global warming 'is not sexy at all!' Klein observed the irony of throngs of people seeing a film about climate change in air-conditioned theaters.
"Attorney Ed Hayes played the role of Gail Sheehy this week: make the roundtable look younger and more hip by comparison. Toure and Klein showed the benefits of an energetic, vibrant roundtable; they should be regulars with 'Topic A' all-star David Carr.
In: My former boss, Jason Calacanis, who is always in and ahead of the curve, gives a favorable verdict to the new G4 Network (Formerly Tech TV):
"I�m watching the G4 network, which is dedicated to video game, right now and I�m actually impressed.
"Anytime I�ve watched a show about video games before I�ve been bored out of my mind, but they have taken a very insider approach. For example, they are featuring an Alias video game and talking to the writers and directors of the TV show about the games they like and the integration of the story lines in the game and the TV show. It�s pretty slick and I�m getting the urge to go play Command and Conquer."
In: John McCain and George Bush? The Corsair would say, yeah, right, like two people who hate each other running together -- right. But the Village Voice sees it differently, shrewdly:
"June 9 is a key date in American politics. That's the day John McCain has to file if he's going to run for a fourth term as Arizona senator.
So far, all eyes have been focused on whether Kerry can persuade McCain to sign on as his veep on the Dem ticket. McCain has said over and over again he won't do it. But there's another possibility: If George Bush wanted to rescue himself from his current suicide dive, he could dump Cheney�whose negatives are substantial�and select McCain as his veep. If he did that, John Kerry would vanish without a trace."
and rumor has it McCain will not seek relection.
Out: Senfeld's private garage is finally ready; the Porsche's are no longer homeless, thanks be to God (The Corsair crosses himself). The guys at TheSmokinggun write, with the faintest ghost of a smaile:
"One of New York City's longest-running (and problem-plagued) construction projects has finally been completed. That's right, after five long years, Jerry Seinfeld's private Manhattan garage is finally ready to receive a handful of cars from the Porsche-loving comedian's pricey automobile collection.
"Seinfeld's multimillion-dollar renovation of a two-story building on West 83rd Street was completed late last month, according to an April 29 filing with the Department of Buildings. The 50-year-old performer purchased the property in March 1999 for $880,000 and almost immediately applied for demolition permits (the 16' x 52' building previously housed a plumbing & heating contractor). In what must now seem like wishful thinking, Seinfeld originally estimated the renovation at $500,000.
"According to Buildings permits, Seinfeld's garage will hold only five cars (three on the ground floor, two in the basement), though his rides will bunk in style."
Thank you Jerry, thank you for housing those homeless Porsche's.
Out: Pink "I'm Sorry For Fucking Someone Else, Baby" Diamonds. Charmed, I'm sure (The Corsair gives off long, drawn out averted gaze)
Anyhoo: Are Kobi and Vanessa secretly in the throes of splitting up? According to that significant cultural artifact The National Enquirer, the answer is that Vanessa is done with the expensive Kobi beef:
"Kobe Bryant's wife Vanessa is secretly talking to one of Hollywood's most successful divorce lawyers, The ENQUIRER has learned exclusively.
"And as the basketball great prepares to face his rape accuser in court, his wife has already been spending many nights away from home -- even when Kobe is in town!"
If this is the case, and if she is not gaining leverage of any kind, and if she is serious -- three big ifs -- then expect her to do it after the verdict.
In: Adam Moss' New York Magazine is definitely in, if you look, for example, at Matthew Flamm's laudatory article in Crain's:
"The recent food issue of New York magazine provided recipes for grilled mussels and black-pepper shrimp, and an introduction to the West Coast-inspired raw food craze. Typical stuff for the magazine's semiannual staple, which has long been a major draw for advertisers.
"But there was also something unusual about this particular food issue, which was the first under Adam Moss, the former New York Times Magazine editor who became New York's editor in chief in February. Unlike past issues, it carried no gossipy features about the trendiest new restaurants.
"Even more shocking, perhaps, the articles had substance, most notably one detailing the bitter food fight among the city's gourmet retailers.
"In his efforts to revive the faded weekly, Mr. Moss has been making gradual but steady changes. He has phased out mentions of young models canoodling with their boyfriends, and raised the overall tone of the stories, targeting upscale readers in their 30s and 40s who had been turned off by the youth-oriented, tabloid quality of the magazine under his predecessor."
While The Corsair will still studiously detail the canoodlings of the media eliter as well as the gaseous emissions of celebrities as well as the Vice Presidential sweepstakes and complex discussions of art, it is good, it is noble to see an editor try exclusively the route of the sober mind and still garner buzz (god help The Corsair, who would have a dozen hits if not for Ashton Kutscher's canoodles and Janet and Courtney's boob). Bravo, Adam Moss.
Out: The Prada retrial. According to British Vogue Daily:
"PATRIZIA REGGIANI, who was jailed in 1998 for ordering the murder of her estranged husband, Maurizio Gucci, is to be retried. Reggiani, who was nicknamed The Black Widow by the Italian press, was sentenced to 26 years in prison after hiring a hitman to kill her husband in March 1995 after a disagreement over her alimony payment. She has always maintained her innocence. Grandson of the founder of the Gucci empire, Maurizio was gunned down outside his Milan office in March 1995. Reggiani's daughter previously appealed for her mother's release on the grounds that her ability to reason had been affected by an earlier operation to remove a brain tumour. Her lawyer, Danilo Buongiorno, told Reuters that the new hearing would begin on July 6 in Mestre, northern Italy."
I thought this was an open and shut purse, I mean case.
In: A BiPartisan Prescription Drug Reimportation Bill in the Senate?
According to Geoff Earle in TheHill:
"A bipartisan group of lawmakers claims it has lined up the 60 votes needed to get a prescription-drug reimportation bill through the Senate, which some say could lead the White House to change its position on the controversial issue.
"The legislators are leaning on Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist (R-Tenn.) to call up their bill � which would allow for the reimportation of prescription drugs from Canada and selected other countries � before the July 4 recess, as the window for significant legislative activity narrows.
"'We have a very good time frame,' said Sen. Byron Dorgan (D-N.D.), after the group met with Frist in his Capitol office shortly before the Memorial Day recess. 'We would like during the next work period to have the Senate consider' the bill. �We think we have the votes to pass it,' he said.
"The Dorgan legislation has only 21 co-sponsors but has attracted bipartisan support. Sens. Trent Lott (R-Miss.) and John Kerry (D-Mass.) are among the bill�s co-sponsors.
"Asked whether supporters could get 60 votes, Sen. Olympia Snowe (R-Maine) replied, 'In the final analysis, I think we could.'
"Others participating in the meeting with Frist were Sens. John McCain (R-Ariz.), Edward Kennedy (D-Mass.) and Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.). Frist is hoping Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee Chairman Sen. Judd Gregg (R-N.H.) will be able to move a bill through committee that Frist can call up through �regular order.�
"But Snowe warned that supporters were 'looking for a vehicle' that they could attach it to if leaders don�t call up freestanding legislation.
"Those who attended the meeting said Frist still harbors concerns over safety issues related to reimporting drugs from other countries. But Snowe said the bipartisan group has been able to address many of Frist�s concerns by revising the bill. 'We really did a phenomenal job in precluding many of the safety issues,' said Snowe.
"The White House strongly opposed a reimportation bill that passed the House last year. But Snowe said she didn�t believe the president would veto a measure that has picked up broad support. 'It has the dynamic and the momentum to pass this year,' Snowe said. 'It�s the one area of social policy we can really get done.'
"'The question now,' she added, 'is hopefully being able to convince [Frist] and others that this is the year to do it.'"
What's that quiet chuckling sound we hear? Oh, don't worry, it's just born-again moderate Trent Lott laughing at sticking it back to the Bush Administration for, like, the millionth time this Congressional session.
Out: Topic A with Tina Brown. According to Gawker.com's Henry the Intern:
"And finally, the editor's desk roundtable tackled 'The Day After Tomorrow.' Tina mentioned Dennis Quaid's 'furrowed brow,' but her favorite moment was when Jake Gyllenhaal made snowshoes out of a New York library chair: "Everything is about terror now" and can "be resolved with snowshoes." Or Gyllenhaal 'trying to get laid while the world is ending,' said comedienne Jessi Klein, who enjoyed the destruction of Los Angeles. Toure, of Rolling Stone, preferred the scene where Mexicans blocked fleeing Americans: 'Hell yeah, bring it on!' He thought 'this is not an environmental film, it's a 9/11 movie. . . just the chaos of it' was 'quite scary.' New York Times environmental reporter Andrew Revkin said hesitant environmentalists decided to embrace the film when they realized 'it's a $200 million ad' for their cause. Similarly, he said, 'the administration has been very worried about the movie' because 'it is going to bring this issue to people who never think about.' But Toure disagreed: global warming 'is not sexy at all!' Klein observed the irony of throngs of people seeing a film about climate change in air-conditioned theaters.
"Attorney Ed Hayes played the role of Gail Sheehy this week: make the roundtable look younger and more hip by comparison. Toure and Klein showed the benefits of an energetic, vibrant roundtable; they should be regulars with 'Topic A' all-star David Carr.
In: My former boss, Jason Calacanis, who is always in and ahead of the curve, gives a favorable verdict to the new G4 Network (Formerly Tech TV):
"I�m watching the G4 network, which is dedicated to video game, right now and I�m actually impressed.
"Anytime I�ve watched a show about video games before I�ve been bored out of my mind, but they have taken a very insider approach. For example, they are featuring an Alias video game and talking to the writers and directors of the TV show about the games they like and the integration of the story lines in the game and the TV show. It�s pretty slick and I�m getting the urge to go play Command and Conquer."
Julia Roberts is Knocked Up
The Pretty Woman, Julia Roberts, is pregnant with twins according to Page Six, via People Magazine, with a splattering of The Daily News and The Star to boot:
"Actress Julia Roberts and her husband, Danny Moder, are expecting two bundles of joy, her publicist told People magazine (Sunday night).
"The 36-year-old Erin Brockovich Oscar-winner and her husband of two years will celebrate the double births early next year, her spokeswoman, Marcy Engelman, told the mag.
"Roberts is about to start filming 'Ocean's Twelve' in Italy beginning next week.
"'America's Sweetheart' has been the subject of numerous reports about her plans to start a family - both on and off screen.
"One recent item in The Sun newspaper in England said her character in the 'Ocean's Eleven' sequel, which also stars George Clooney and Brad Pitt, was originally going to be eight-months pregnant.
"But after the superstar complained, her character was rewritten to be only three-months pregnant.
"That way, Julia wouldn't have to wear fake padding."
Congratulations to Julia and her husband, Danny Moder. Anyone have any suggestions for names? The Corsair believes she could go the celebrity silly name route, naming the kids after Mystic Pizza's, Anne Chovie and lil' Sausage Peppers ...
Post here or on VH1's Best Week Ever Blog
The Pretty Woman, Julia Roberts, is pregnant with twins according to Page Six, via People Magazine, with a splattering of The Daily News and The Star to boot:
"Actress Julia Roberts and her husband, Danny Moder, are expecting two bundles of joy, her publicist told People magazine (Sunday night).
"The 36-year-old Erin Brockovich Oscar-winner and her husband of two years will celebrate the double births early next year, her spokeswoman, Marcy Engelman, told the mag.
"Roberts is about to start filming 'Ocean's Twelve' in Italy beginning next week.
"'America's Sweetheart' has been the subject of numerous reports about her plans to start a family - both on and off screen.
"One recent item in The Sun newspaper in England said her character in the 'Ocean's Eleven' sequel, which also stars George Clooney and Brad Pitt, was originally going to be eight-months pregnant.
"But after the superstar complained, her character was rewritten to be only three-months pregnant.
"That way, Julia wouldn't have to wear fake padding."
Congratulations to Julia and her husband, Danny Moder. Anyone have any suggestions for names? The Corsair believes she could go the celebrity silly name route, naming the kids after Mystic Pizza's, Anne Chovie and lil' Sausage Peppers ...
Post here or on VH1's Best Week Ever Blog
Razor Magazine's Sleazy Howard Stern "Exclusive"
(Note: AJ has been since been vindicated. The fault was with Razor Magazine, not AJ. I frankly like the guy, after our little contretemps. So, read this piece of history with those facts in mind)
Way out in sleazy la-la land is Razor Magazine. According to their web site, Razor is, "for men who seek quality as a way of life � and in what they read.
"RAZOR is dedicated to capturing the broad spectrum of issues that are important to men and presenting them in an edgy, sophisticated manner with sex appeal and pertinent, thought-provoking journalism.
"RAZOR targets the smart, selective, professional male looking for a magazine that incorporates all aspects of his lifestyle with substance and class.
"Confident, Refined and Provocative � Without Compromising on Intelligence."
Thought provoking journalism? Refined? Quality? Class? Without compromising on intelligence?
Apparently the oily A.J. Benza, he who admits to rarely wearing underwear, cannot be reached by email because all mail bounces, wrote and "exclusive" interview of Howard Stern for their June issue which Howard Stern on air today has denied that the interview ever took place.
Where the fuck are the fact checkers at that sleaze ball operation?
Lloyd Grove writes in the Daily news:
"Did he or didn't he?
"The folks at Razor magazine have been making a big deal about their 'exclusive' Howard Stern interview purportedly conducted by former Daily News gossip A.J. Benza.
"But Stern insists the alleged interview never happened.
"It's part of Razor's June cover story on the blue-tongued radio jock's troubles with the Federal Communications Commission.
"I'm told that Razor's editors got very anxious the other day when Stern went on the air to deny that he ever gave Benza or anyone else an interview.
"'According to MarksFriggin.com, a fan site that summarizes Stern's shows, 'Howard refused [Razor's interview request] and it never happened ... He thinks it's kind of funny that the magazine is putting out a press release saying that they have an exclusive with him when they don't.'
"I hear that the Razor editors' anxiety level increased when E-mails to Benza, who has written for the mag on and off since 2001, were bounced back with the message that the address was invalid."
The Corsair grabs a box of unsalted popcorn and is riveted to the screen.
"'I have a hard time believing that A.J. Benza would make up quotes about somebody as prolific and newsworthy as Howard Stern,' Razor publisher Richard Botto told me. (Ed Note: Richard Botto has since been fingered as the culprit) 'I think it would be career suicide, and I think A.J. knows that.'
"But while Benza told me he didn't make up any quotes for the article, 'I never interviewed Howard. I made some calls to him personally as a friend,' he explained. 'We spent about 30 seconds talking about the FCC, but it wasn't under the guise of an interview. But then the magazine put out a press release about an exclusive interview. It's just stupid. It's ridiculous.'"
"When I relayed Benza's comments to Botto, the publisher wasn't happy.
"'He's clearly flip-flopping his position,' Botto said. 'That wasn't the way he presented it to our editors. It's a shame. I hate to see him take what I think is a terrific piece and turn it into something negative.'
"Benza, for his part, told me: 'They still owe me a check.'"
The Corsair saw the interview, which is just a cut and paste of things stern has said over the air dressed up with pro-Stern rants.
Note to A.J.: Don't look forward to the check, baby.
(Note: AJ has been since been vindicated. The fault was with Razor Magazine, not AJ. I frankly like the guy, after our little contretemps. So, read this piece of history with those facts in mind)
Way out in sleazy la-la land is Razor Magazine. According to their web site, Razor is, "for men who seek quality as a way of life � and in what they read.
"RAZOR is dedicated to capturing the broad spectrum of issues that are important to men and presenting them in an edgy, sophisticated manner with sex appeal and pertinent, thought-provoking journalism.
"RAZOR targets the smart, selective, professional male looking for a magazine that incorporates all aspects of his lifestyle with substance and class.
"Confident, Refined and Provocative � Without Compromising on Intelligence."
Thought provoking journalism? Refined? Quality? Class? Without compromising on intelligence?
Apparently the oily A.J. Benza, he who admits to rarely wearing underwear, cannot be reached by email because all mail bounces, wrote and "exclusive" interview of Howard Stern for their June issue which Howard Stern on air today has denied that the interview ever took place.
Where the fuck are the fact checkers at that sleaze ball operation?
Lloyd Grove writes in the Daily news:
"Did he or didn't he?
"The folks at Razor magazine have been making a big deal about their 'exclusive' Howard Stern interview purportedly conducted by former Daily News gossip A.J. Benza.
"But Stern insists the alleged interview never happened.
"It's part of Razor's June cover story on the blue-tongued radio jock's troubles with the Federal Communications Commission.
"I'm told that Razor's editors got very anxious the other day when Stern went on the air to deny that he ever gave Benza or anyone else an interview.
"'According to MarksFriggin.com, a fan site that summarizes Stern's shows, 'Howard refused [Razor's interview request] and it never happened ... He thinks it's kind of funny that the magazine is putting out a press release saying that they have an exclusive with him when they don't.'
"I hear that the Razor editors' anxiety level increased when E-mails to Benza, who has written for the mag on and off since 2001, were bounced back with the message that the address was invalid."
The Corsair grabs a box of unsalted popcorn and is riveted to the screen.
"'I have a hard time believing that A.J. Benza would make up quotes about somebody as prolific and newsworthy as Howard Stern,' Razor publisher Richard Botto told me. (Ed Note: Richard Botto has since been fingered as the culprit) 'I think it would be career suicide, and I think A.J. knows that.'
"But while Benza told me he didn't make up any quotes for the article, 'I never interviewed Howard. I made some calls to him personally as a friend,' he explained. 'We spent about 30 seconds talking about the FCC, but it wasn't under the guise of an interview. But then the magazine put out a press release about an exclusive interview. It's just stupid. It's ridiculous.'"
"When I relayed Benza's comments to Botto, the publisher wasn't happy.
"'He's clearly flip-flopping his position,' Botto said. 'That wasn't the way he presented it to our editors. It's a shame. I hate to see him take what I think is a terrific piece and turn it into something negative.'
"Benza, for his part, told me: 'They still owe me a check.'"
The Corsair saw the interview, which is just a cut and paste of things stern has said over the air dressed up with pro-Stern rants.
Note to A.J.: Don't look forward to the check, baby.
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