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Behold: the Bra-llelujahPhoto: Courtesy of Spanx
So what's so special about the Bra-llelujah? It's made of the same nylon stretch fabric as the control-top panty hose but has special straps to flatten back fat. Yes, that's right: no more muffin back. The bras come in two styles and retail for $62. So they're not the sexiest-looking bust supports, but if it puts our lumps in the right places, we'll take it.
Now if only Spanx made jeans…
Spanx Shouts Bra-llelujah With New Launch [WWD]
Courtesy of NBC
By making Kristen Wiig do all the work! Of Saturday night's nine live skits, Wiig was in six, plus two pretaped MacGruber shorts. She played Silda Spitzer, a game-show contestant, Suze Orman, a customer at Benihana, a country singer, and the Target lady. (It's also just occurred to us that Mariah Carey's second musical performance could've actually been a parody of her first, with Wiig playing Mariah Carey, though this is probably unlikely.) It's a testament to Wiig's talent and stamina that this weekend's episode wasn't a total disaster or even any less funny than the three previous ones. But where were the other cast members? Dead from exhaustion? Acting in Judd Apatow movies? In any case, poor Kristen Wiig is probably owed a "thank-you" and a vacation.
'SNL' Is Ready to Make Up for Lost Time [NYT]
This is the closest these two will be ever again.Photo: AP
The good news for Barack Obama: The latest Democratic race-based scandal comes during a five-week lull between primaries, so it may not actually result in any tangible loss until the April 22 Pennsylvania contest. The bad news: It might be something people still remember on April 22. Obama is feeling the heat right now for several particularly inflammatory statements made by his former pastor, the Reverend Jeremiah Wright, which have recently received renewed scrutiny in the media. Obama has come out against Wright's remarks and dropped him from the campaign, but questions surrounding the closeness of their relationship and Obama's knowledge of Wright's more provocative statements continue unabated. How damaging to Obama will this controversy become? And are we committing guilt by association, or guilt by … guilt?
• Andrew Sullivan writes that while exploring Wright's controversial statements is long overdue, it ultimately shouldn't change our view of Barack Obama, since all the evidence shows that Obama does not adhere to Wright's beliefs. [Atlantic]
• William Kristol doesn't think Obama shares Wright's beliefs either. He simply joined a historically black church for the benefit of his own political career. [NYT]
• Mark Ambinder points out that one of Kristol's facts is false: Obama was not in attendance at Wright's church on July 22. [Atlantic]
• Ana Marie Cox looks at Kristol's blunder and wonders whether media's "mangled coverage" of Wright will allow Obama to escape relatively unharmed. [Swampland/Time]
• Michael Crowley doesn't think Wright's statements are isolated outbursts, but part of a belief system that Obama must have been aware of. They're reflective of black middle-class alienation still strong enough that even a "post-racial" candidate can't escape from it, he writes. [Stump/New Republic]
• Minister Harry R. Jackson Jr. holds Obama accountable for his pastor's words, saying that some of Wright's teachings must have rubbed off on Obama over the years. [Town Hall]
• Thomas Edsall relays Democratic concerns of evidence emerging that will show Obama did attend one of Wright's controversial sermons, and their advice that Obama give a high-profile speech about his church and his faith. [HuffPo]
• Lisa Miller looks at the history of Trinity United Church of Christ and writes that the Wright discussion is forcing voters to view Obama through the lens of their racial and cultural identity. [Newsweek]
• Peter Wehner doesn't buy that Obama only recently became aware of Wright's incendiary beliefs and finds Obama's explanations insufficiently reassuring. [National Review] —Dan Amira
For a complete guide to presidential candidates Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama, and John McCain — from First Love to Most Embarrassing Gaffe — read the 2008 Electopedia.
Look deep into my eyes.Photo: Getty
Photo: Getty Images
Jamal WoolardCourtesy of Fox Searchlight
Remember that huge open casting call last October to find the star of Notorious, the upcoming Fox Searchlight Notorious B.I.G. biopic? The one reported on in such illustrious media outlets as the New York Times and Vulture? In this morning's Times, director George Tillman admits that Jamal Woolard, the actor who eventually won the part — and was not part of the casting call — was "under consideration" for the role in November and "quietly being groomed" before he was officially picked ("We set up a boot camp for three months just for him," says Tillman). Like Nah Right pointed out recently, though, Woolard was actually rumored to playing Biggie as far back as two years ago. In May of 2006, he told MTV News he'd "talked to the Wallace family" and "was a virtual lock for the role." Does this mean the casting call was just a publicity stunt? It sure looks like it!
Also, in slightly more encouraging news, the Times say the script (originally penned by journalist Cheo Hodari Coker), which we reviewed last month, is still undergoing revisions by screenwriter Reggie Rock Bythewood. We weren't in love with his earlier draft, so here's hoping the next one will be better!
Film Skirts Loose Ends in Death of a Rapper [NYT]
Earlier: The Role of Notorious B.I.G. to Be Played by That Guy Who Got Shot in the Ass
We've Read the Screenplay for the Notorious B.I.G. Biopic
Vulture Helps Cast the Notorious B.I.G. Biopic
Photo: WireImage
Judge Awards Heather Mills £24.3 Million in Divorce Ruling [Times UK]
Related: Intel's Weird Obsession With Crazy Heather Mills
As the above spoiler-filled and totally obscene video demonstrates, there's not a lot left unsaid in Harold & Kumar Escape From Guantanamo Bay. (You might want to listen through headphones, by the way.) But there could be more! In an interview with Ain't it Cool News, Neil Patrick Harris discusses the possibility of an NPH spinoff, an idea broached as well by Harold & Kumar creators Jon Hurwitz and Hayden Schlossberg. "Part of me thinks that would be really hilarious just to make up this fictitious back story of my family," Harris replies, "and that makes me think of Steve Martin in The Jerk, just going really outlandish, and then part of me thinks that is just truly jumping the shark, so I don’t know." We think we speak for America when we say this: That would not be jumping the shark! (America agrees, we're sure; we love the part of the interview where Kal Penn admits that people approach him just to ask if Harris is in the new movie, then go back to their groups of friends and high-five each other, saying "Yo, he said yes!")
And we repeat: If any New Line employees are still at their desks, just frigging release Harold & Kumar Escape From Guantanamo Bay early. Release it tomorrow! It would do great! At the very least, it's indefensible — as blogger Matt Zeitlin points out — that this future stoner classic will not yet be in theaters on April 20.
Quint chats with Kal Penn, John Cho and Neil Patrick Harris! [Ain't It Cool]
Earlier: C'mon, New Line, Just Release ‘Harold & Kumar’ Early
I'm writing this to a group of bloggers. Some of you are Hillary supporters, some not, some neutral.I want to address a pervasive misconception, namely, that Senator Obama hasn't run a negative campaign against Hillary. I think it's time to put that misconception to rest.
The truth is that for months, the Obama campaign has been attacking Hillary, impugning her character and calling into question her lifetime of public service. And now the Chicago Tribune reports that Senator Obama is preparing a "full assault" on her "over ethics and transparency." To those who contend that Senator Obama is the clear frontrunner, I ask, to what end this "full assault" on Hillary?
On CNN last Tuesday, Senator Obama said, "Well, look, Wolf, I think if you watch how we have conducted our campaign, we've been very measured in terms of how we talk about Senator Clinton. ... I have been careful to say, that I think that Senator Clinton is a capable person and that should she win the nomination, obviously, I would support her. You know, I'm not sure that we have been getting that same approach from the Clinton campaign."
The facts of this election stand in stark contrast to that statement. Senator Obama and his senior campaign officials have engaged in a systematic effort to question Hillary's integrity, credibility, and character. They have portrayed her as someone who would put her personal gain ahead of the lives of our troops, someone who would say or do anything to win an election, someone who is dishonest, divisive and disingenuous. They have adopted shop-worn anti-Clinton talking points, dusted them off and unleashed a torrent of unfounded character attacks against her. Among other things, they have described Hillary - and her campaign - as:
"Saying and doing whatever it takes to win"
"Attempting to deceive the American people"
"One of the most secretive politicians in America"
Literally willing to do anything to win"
To top it off, they have blanketed big states with false radio ads and negative mailers -- ads and mailers that experts have debunked time and time again. They have distributed health care brochures using Republican framing. They have tried to draw a nexus between Hillary's votes and the death of her friend Benazir Bhutto. And one of Senator Obama's top advisers (who has since left the campaign) recently called Hillary "a monster."
This "full assault" on Hillary comes from the very top of the Obama campaign, not surrogates and supporters.
This "full assault" is being directed at someone I personally know to be a thoughtful, brilliant, principled, compassionate person, someone the world knows as a good Democrat, a trailblazer, a lifelong champion for children and families, a respected former first lady, a senator, a presidential candidate.
This "full assault" is targeting a staff of hundreds of hard-working, dedicated Democrats, who I've had the privilege of working with for the past 14 months.
This is a hard-fought campaign - as it should be. Like any candidate for elected office, Hillary has made clear why she thinks she would do a better job than her opponent. She has laid out comprehensive policy proposals, put forth her 35-year record of accomplishment, and spent countless days introducing herself to voters across the country. She has said that she is far better prepared to take on John McCain on national security. She has contended that she is the candidate with the experience to confront the GOP attack machine. She has argued that she is more electable. She has said that Senator Obama's words are not matched by actions. And she has challenged him to live up to core Democratic values and goals such as universal health care.
I recall indignation online at the suggestion that Senator Obama has not made the case that he is ready to be Commander in Chief -- the concern being that this would be terribly detrimental to him in a general election. As I blogged recently, and as many of you know, I spent 2004 in the Kerry-Edwards war room, and I understand full well that national security will be front and center in the general election. It's not a matter of choice. And the reality is that the public views Hillary as better prepared to take on Senator McCain when it comes to national security. Democrats must factor that in as they nominate a candidate to win in November.
If that suggestion is potentially harmful to Senator Obama in a general election, how exactly do the personal attacks against Hillary (which echo and reinforce rightwing talking points) help her in the event she wins the nomination? I recall no similar outrage at those harsh attacks on her character, many of which were directed at her when she was the clear frontrunner and seen as the likely nominee.
Both candidates are running a vigorous campaign. Both have had surrogates or supporters who have crossed the line and made offensive statements that they rejected. And these offensive statements are an unfortunate part of a long and close campaign. Those who make a habit of automatically assuming and ascribing to only one candidate the worst motives, ignoring more reasonable and benign explanations, who substitute conjecture for fact and then use those assumed `facts' as a foundation on which to pile more conjecture about only one candidate's intentions, who express anger at negative campaigning and perceived dirty tricks but focus on only one candidate's words and actions, risk losing credibility. And those who conclude from that one-sided reasoning that Hillary ought to stop seeking victory, should ask themselves if quitting in the middle of a hard-fought - and winnable - contest is a desirable attribute in a future president.
Hillary has rightfully stated that as Democrats we should be proud of our field of candidates. And it is truly inspiring to see the level of enthusiasm among voters this cycle. We should encourage as many people as possible to become part of this process and to forcefully advocate for their candidate of choice. But there is a sharp line between supporting a candidate (and excusing their faults, which all supporters do to some degree) and conducting a "full assault" on an opponent's integrity and character. The Obama campaign's unabashed attacks on Hillary's honesty and trustworthiness should give every Democrat pause.
We are all entitled to support and oppose whomever we choose, but I challenge my online friends to call this "full assault" on Hillary's character for what it is.
"They fought nonstop screaming matches. The usual," said a spy. The fighting apparently got so bad that the couple took some time apart and flew home separately on private jets back to New York. Neither Preston's nor Jacob's reps returned e-mails for comment.
At least they didn't have to sit together on the plane ride back like civilian couples! But seriously: Marc, darling, we love you for you, not just your fame, riches, talent, or earlobe bling. Please find someone else who feels the same way. But, you know, as a gay man.
Also: Preston has a rep? The boy's only claim to fame is dating Marc Jacobs. We're getting used to — sometimes even embracing — the randoms who capitalize on reality-TV fame (cough, Hills, cough), but we don't care for capitalizing on fame by association, particularly when you're not even doing anything else. At least George Clooney's girlfriend, Sarah Larson, models bathing suits. Preston doesn't even look good in a maillot.
Now, Boys... [NYP]
Related: Sarah Larson: Clooney Girlfriend and Bikini Model?
Photo: Getty Images
Cindy Adams says Lindsay Lohan "did Red Bulls with bottled water" at the Plumm with Samantha Ronson. David Caruso has become totally impossible to work with on the set of CSI: Miami in that he insists on rewriting all of his lines and curses a lot. Diane Sawyer shot a segment for Prime Time Live on prostitution two years ago, and ABC News is finally deciding to air it in light of the Spitzer fiasco. Derek Jeter thinks he's turning into his parents because he goes to bed after watching 60 Minutes. Brandon Davis stole a $100,000 watch from friend Scott Storch's house but broke down and returned it after Storch said he caught the incident on tape. Snoop Dogg shot a guest appearance on ABC soap One Life to Live. A waitress at Brother Jimmy's asked New York Giant receiver David Tyree if he would catch his takeout order with his head. John Lennon's former mistress May Pang has a picture book out about her time with the Beatles' front man.
Related: When Cool Turns Cold [NYM]
Earlier: Opening Night at the Whitney Biennial: The Art Crowd Is Not Impressed
 Ultimate-Guitar.Com | Nine Inch Nails album earns $1.6M on Web MSNBC - DENVER - The online release of the new Nine Inch Nails album, “Ghosts I-IV,” resulted in just under 800000 transactions in its first week, totaling $1.6 million in revenue, the industrial-rock band has revealed. Nine Inch Nails scares up sales with 'Ghosts' More bands embrace the option of giving away music |
 Los Angeles Times | HBO to Replace Entertainment Chief The Associated Press - NEW YORK (AP) - The head of entertainment programming at HBO, Carolyn Strauss, is leaving that role, the cable channel said Monday. HBO Entertainment Chief Leaving Post HBO entertainment chief to exit post |
 amNewYork | Tupac Shakur and the start of a rap war Los Angeles Times - Tupac Shakur insisted that associates of Sean "Diddy" Combs were behind a 1994 assault on him at the Quad Recording Studios in New York City, two years before he was shot to death in Las Vegas. Sean 'Diddy' Combs linked to Tupac Shakur shooting Diddy, Notorious BIG Knew of Plans to Ambush Tupak Shakur |
Photo: Getty Images
• Federal investigators are looking into payment records to a Spitzer consultant named Kristian Stiles, who used to put a lot of travel, lodging, and entertainment expenses for the governor onto her own credit card and ask for reimbursement later. [NYT]
• The Times took this opportunity to chat with three high-end prostitutes about their jobs, and they wrote a story that included this gem: "Undoubtedly, their willingness to speak publicly came with unusually upbeat perspectives on prostitution, which for many women is devastatingly exploitative." As they say, no one beats a happy hooker. [NYT]
• A jailed Brazilian madam who expected to be deported this weekend is being held in a Bergen County jail because FBI investigators allegedly want to ask her about Eliot Spitzer's involvement in another prostitution ring. [NYDN]
• "Kristen," a.k.a. Ashley Dupré, used to be a close friend and Hamptons guest of Spitzer's powerful fund-raiser James Chanos. [NYP]
• Some legal experts are arguing that federal prosecutors, by including more detail about Client 9 than others mentioned in the Emperors Club affidavit, were trying to "humiliate" the governor. [NYS]
• Spitzer will not be in attendance at David Paterson's swearing-in today at 1 p.m. [NYP]
Related: New York's cover story: The Governor and the Darkness
• They're out! Images of Heidi Montag's juniors collection Heidiwood are online. Also out in these images: Montag's ample bosom. [Us Weekly]
• The counterfeit crackdown continues online: Gucci won $4.3 million in a lawsuit against Websites that sell fake handbags. [WWD]
• BagBorroworSteal.com will launch a Sex and the City collection in tandem with the movie's release. Jennifer Hudson's character uses the site in the movie to rent bags so she can dress stylishly to fit her job as Carrie Bradshaw's assistant. [WWD]
• A second Ralph Lauren flagship will open at Madison Avenue and 72nd Street. [WWD]
• Online shoe store Piperlime.com begins selling handbags today. Brands include Marc by Marc Jacobs, Botkier, and Olivia Harris. Watch out for "Rachel Zoe's favorites" — the stylist has a deal with the site to pick her favorite items. Joy! [WWD]
• Inspired by Agyness Deyn's rise from fish-and-chips shopgirl to supermodel, the Daily Mirror launches a search for "the sexiest fish 'n chips shop girl" or the "Fit 'n Chips face of 2008." Entries are due Friday. [Daily Mirror]
• Supermodel Erin O'Connor made a documentary about the fashion industry which will be broadcast on Radio 4 in the U.K. The 30-year-old British Vogue contributor says she wants to continue her focus on writing. [Daily Mail]
• Marc Jacobs waterproofed the soles of his ballet flats in his spring/summer 08 show, paving the way for "Swims." These waterproof shoe coverings fit over any pair of shoes to shield them from the elements. [British Vogue]
• With "It" shoes replacing "It" bags, shoe designers are naming shoes after celebrities, like "Gisele" (for Bündchen), "Amy" (for Winehouse), and "Suri" (for baby Cruise). [Guardian]
Official release date: April 1
The verdict: If you've read any of the early reviews for R.E.M.'s fourteenth album, Accelerate, you're probably aware that this is supposed to be the band's return to form after a decade-long slump (which started with 1998's Up and lasted through 2004's Around the Sun). Is it, then? Well, after listening all weekend (the album leaked Saturday morning), we can unequivocally tell you that the answer is sort of. Sure, lead single "Supernatural Superserious" sounds like it could've fallen off the truck on the way to Reckoning or Out of Time — as do "Man-sized Wreath," "Living Well Is the Best Revenge," and at least three other tracks here — but is this really what we wanted?
Accelerate finds R.E.M. trying (obviously) to recapture the sound of their early albums. Since we love those albums, it's tough for us to complain. But, since we have a blog, we will anyway — isn't it also the sound of their giving up? When they made Monster in 1995, they were pilloried for changing their aesthetic to win back the younger fans they lost by not evolving during the grunge era. Now, though, they're being praised for changing their sound to win back the older fans they lost by evolving. So far, we're really enjoying Accelerate, but it's hard not to feel like records like this one come easy to R.E.M (they did make six of them in the eighties, after all). In the end, you can probably buy the hype — they have made their best album in ten years. Next time, though, it'd be nice if they could do it by trying harder instead of less.
Jamie DimonPhoto composite: Getty Images
JP Morgan Pays $2 a Share For Bear Stearns [NYT]
A Deal For Bear Stearns [WSJ]
Press Release [Federal Reserve]
Paul McCartney's millions can't buy him love, but they can finance his way out of a bad marriage.
The ex-Beatle was ordered Monday to shell out $48.7 million to his estranged wife,... KLEW | Halle Berry’s Baby Girl Is 1 Day Old eFluxMedia - By Jane Ivory Halle Berry gave birth to a healthy baby girl Sunday and “is doing great,” her publicist has told People magazine. Halle Berry gives birth to girl Halle Berry Becomes a Baby Mama |
STARTING TODAY
• It’s time to start thinking about summer swimwear: J. Rosen is stocked with bathing suits from Vix, Lisa Curran, and Hermanny for 40 to 60 percent off for $65 to $125. Also, jewelry like gold bangles and semiprecious gems are now $10 to $45 (originally $85 to $150). Cash only. Through 3/21. 250 W. 39th St., nr. Seventh Ave., Ste. 510; (212-221-2349); 9–8.
ENDING TODAY
• The Denim & Knits sale ends today. You’ll find 50 to 75 percent off women’s and men’s designers like Rock & Republic, Joe's Jeans, True Religion, Splendid, and more. And if you don’t find anything, don’t worry — Century 21 is right around the corner. 2 Cortlandt St., nr. Church St., second fl. (212-571-2600); 10–8.
STARTING TOMORROW
• Lauren Merkin's raffia totes (now $175), silk-lamé clutches (now $80), and other cute bags in every swatch imaginable are marked down by 40 to 70 percent. Through 3/20. 231 W. 29th St., nr. Seventh Ave., Ste. 201 (212-239-2459); 3/18–3/20 (11–7).
ENDING TOMORROW
• Travel goodies from Flight 001 are an extra 20 percent off in their online Final Boarding sale. A Paul Smith wallet is down to $80 from $225, and a Robot Laptop Bag is only $64 (originally $120). Just enter the code DeepSale08 at checkout.
Photo: Getty Images
The funny thing is, the Trenton press corps totally knew about this all along. We remember when the first McGreevey scandal arose, when the New Jersey governor in 2004 admitted to being a "gay American," a Trenton reporter was unsurprised. "Everybody knew he was doing it with the limo driver," she said. At the time, the McGreevey lover who was exposed was Golan Cipel, his security adviser. But if everyone knew that for years the McGreeveys had been sharing hotel rooms with Pedersen while on the gubernatorial campaign trail, why didn't anyone report it? It's so George H.W. Bush and Jennifer Fitzgerald for the LGBT era.
Anyway, the Post has all the tawdry details. Here's our favorite bit:
"We called it the Friday Night Special," Pedersen said. The "intense" escapades, he said, usually began with a "couple of drinks" at a local T.G.I. Friday's and culminated in "a hard-core consensual sex orgy" between the three of them at McGreevey's Woodbridge condo.
Oh, man. As far as tawdry and embarrassing goes, the Mayflower Hotel has nothing on T.G.I. Friday's.
I WAS MCG AND WIFE'S THREE-WAY SEX STUD: EX-DRIVER [NYP]
Related: Daily Intel's complete coverage of the Eliot Spitzer prostitution scandal
 New York Daily News | A Hollywood Family Takes on Medical Mistakes New York Times - You’d expect a Hollywood star like Dennis Quaid to get the best hospital care money can buy. But as he recounted last night on the CBS news program “60 Minutes,” medical mistakes can happen to anyone. Dennis Quaid's Weird Legal Non-Move Dennis Quaid recounts twins' near-death experience |
PricePhoto: Getty Images
Raimi Calls First: Sam Raimi will produce a TV series based on Terry Goodkind's Sword of Truth series of fantasy novels. The syndicated program, Wizard's First Rule, is set on stations in the 50 biggest markets in the country and will begin production in May. If it's half as good/bad as Xena, we're ready to love/hate it forever. [Variety]
Bernie Mac Starting Under Davitian: Ken Davitian has boarded the Bernie Mac train with Fox's upcoming comedy series Starting Under. Davitian is perhaps best known for his massive bunghole's smothering of Sacha Baron Cohen in Borat. If that happens to Bernie Mac, this will be the best show ever. [Variety]
Fox Goes to Court: Fox has green-lit a one-hour "darkly comedic" courtroom drama, enigmatically titled Courtroom K, from House executive producer Paul Attanasio. Series will be set in Milwaukee, where Attanasio's brother, Mark, owns the Milwaukee Brewers; in a unique cross-promotional plan, all supporting roles will be played by racing sausages. [HR]
Betting the Dark Horse: As Hellboy 2 prepares to unspool in July, Universal and indie comics giant Dark Horse Entertainment have signed a three-year production and distribution deal. Deal will allow Universal to use Dark Horse as a promoting platform for its movies, opening the door to Frank Miller's graphic-novel adaptation of Welcome Home, Roscoe Jenkins. [HR]
Birbiglia Has a Secret: Comedian Mike Birbiglia has been keeping a Weblog, or "blog," if you will, and CBS has green-lit a comedy pilot based on his daily experiences. Mike Birbiglia's Secret Public Journal will star Birbiglia as a stand-up comedian living in Brooklyn who "struggles in his efforts to be a grown up, have a relationship, and do the right things." Ah, scripted television, how we've missed you. [HR]
 OverTheLimit.info | Horton Hears Happy Cash Registers eFluxMedia - By Jane Ivory “Horton Hears a Who,” the Dr. Seuss adaptation starring wacky comedian Jim Carrey as Horton the Elephant set a box office record this weekend, opening at No. 'Horton Hears a Who' on 1st at box office "Horton Hears a Who!" a hit at box office |
Looks like Sam Lutfi isn't angling to spend spring break with Britney Spears.
The pop star's ex-manager cum confidante has agreed not to oppose the Spears family's attempt to make...
Oscar winner and model boyfriend, Gabriel Aubry, welcome a daughter
Jim Carrey's elephant ears were not worn for naught.
"Dr. Seuss' Horton Hears a Who!," the CGI-animated tale starring the voices of Carrey, Steve Carell and Carol Burnett,...| World : News Archives | Business | Entertainment | Sports | Technology | Science | Marketplace Audio |
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