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Is Judd Apatow even busier than we thought he was? The latest movie he's produced, Step Brothers, ambles into theaters this weekend, investigating the perpetual Apatow issues of when a boy turns into a man, and when a man can act like a boy. But we have a sneaking suspicion he's inspired the messages of an entirely different cinematic genre: the superhero move. Regular dudes have filled up theaters this summer to see an unprecedented number of superdudes in a variety of sizes, colors, and levels of sobriety. And it's a safe bet that they were expecting the mindless pyrotechnics, monosyllabic smackdowns, and cleavage shots typical of the genre that for so long was the one of the dumbest bottom-feeders of the pop-culture food chain.

But guess what? Instead of costumed meatheads delivering justice to evildoers, the superhero films of this summer delivered complex characters, nuanced performances, and a singular message targeted directly at their comic-book fanboys: Grow up. Sound familiar? This is exactly what Apatow has done over the past few years with the frat comedy, which used to be filled with nerds becoming party animals, but now is filled with party animals becoming responsible grown-ups.

Just look at what the summer's big five had to say about their supermen (spoilers ahead):

Iron Man: Life isn't all bottle service, blondes, and blowing shit up, McLovin. Time to hit the math books, pick up the welding torch, and make something useful.

The Incredible Hulk: Deal with your anger, dude. Use it to protect the important things in your life. If you don't, you'll end up being a sweatpants-wearing factory worker who beats up his girlfriend.

Hancock: Face it, pal. You are a role model.

Hellboy II: Think it's cool to live in a dump and party with your buds? Not according to your baby mama.

The Dark Knight: Think your responsibilities are someone else's problem? Want to pass the buck? Forget it. You've got work to do, and if it were fun, they wouldn't call it work.

If this summer is any indication, it seems that superhero films have been given the Knocked Up treatment, and are now pregnant with existential meaning. (And just wait until head Apatow minion Seth Rogen finishes bringing his own superhero movie, Green Hornet, to the big screen.) So what's the next previously juvenile genre to get Apatowized? Maybe a couple of years from now we'll all be playing Grand Theft Auto 5: The Race to the Suburbs. —Ehren Gresehover and Tammy Oler

Source: Vulture -- Entertainment, Music, Culture, Theater, Movies, Art -- New York Magazine Blog | 25 Jul 2008 | 9:00 pm

Modest X-pectations

Box-office projections for the new X-Files movie aren't huge. Then, again, neither is the movie. The X-Files: I Want to Believe, the first assignment for agents Mulder and Scully in...

Source: E! Online - Top Stories | 25 Jul 2008 | 8:54 pm

Is a Media Backlash Against Obama Imminent?

It's been fairly obvious that the media has paid a lot more attention to Barack Obama on his rock-star world tour this week than they did John McCain. Of course much of that can be chalked up to an obvious disparity in what was newsworthy: While Obama was talking to presidents and prime ministers and making speeches in front of 200,000 people, McCain was touring supermarket cheese aisles and...well, complaining about the media's coverage. His campaign even put out an awkward video highlighting the media's "love affair" with Obama. "They were second fiddle all week," Chuck Todd and his MSNBC cohorts wrote this morning, "and seemed to almost demand being highlighted in that way." If that seems like an odd strategy for the McCain campaign to take, think back to the Democratic primary, when Hillary Clinton's campaign was making similar complaints.

Back in February, after Saturday Night Live aired a sketch mocking the media's love for Obama, the Clinton campaign picked up on the meme and pushed the idea that the press was biased (even referencing the skit in a debate). It was clear before too long that the SNL and Clinton's shame campaign was having an effect. On March 5 the Times reported that "the tone of the Democratic contest seems to have shifted, with Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton’s campaign more buoyant and Senator Barack Obama’s more defensive." The Project for Excellence in Journalism confirmed it in a study titled "Press Takes a Harder Look at Obama—and Itself." "If Hillary Clinton last week wanted to work the refs … the evidence suggests it worked." Even cool-cat Obama was a bit incredulous at the sudden shift. "I am a little surprised that all the complaining about the refs has worked,” he told his former coddlers in the press corp. Back then, the media demonstrated a willingness to quickly self-correct when its objectivity was questioned. And when you combine McCain's complaints of media bias and the Obama campaign's recent coldness towards reporters, as examined by the New Republic yesterday, is the media ready to repeat itself? They will if McCain has his way. But he probably shouldn't count on any help from SNL this time. —Dan Amira

Source: Daily Intelligencer - New York Magazine | 25 Jul 2008 | 8:45 pm

Mischa Launches Handbag Line Chock-full of Buckles

Today Mischa Barton's line of handbags went on sale exclusively at Asos.com. Yes, it's true, Mischa has a handbag line, confirming yet another celebrity who is cashing in on fashion. We browsed the vintage-inspired line, which includes fourteen pieces ranging from clutches ($44) to hobos ($238) to totes ($325). And it's ... interesting. "I'm inspired by all sorts of things, but I think my real fashion icons are people like Anita Pallenberg and Marianne Faithfull. It's the era I feel most comfortable with and the aesthetic that I like," Barton told Asos magazine. The only aspect that really caught our attention (and not in the best way) is the buckle she incorporated onto every bag — a symmetrical, clover-esque, tarnished-gold embellishment that aims to be like Tory Burch's mirrored T's. Check out photos of the rest of the line after the jump. Would you buy one? —Sharon Clott

Daily Shop – Mischa Barton Bags Exclusive [Asos Today]

Source: The Cut - New York Magazine's Fashion Blog | 25 Jul 2008 | 8:40 pm

‘Step Brothers’ Review Makes Us Worried About Roger Ebert

It's been a rough week for Roger Ebert. First, he left the show he's worked on for 33 years. Now the new Will Ferrell comedy, Step Brothers, seems to have triggered a bout of existential torment for the jovial uncle of American film criticism. In the midst of a miserable review of Step Brothers, Ebert issues a sudden and desperate cri de coeur:

Sometimes I think I am living in a nightmare. All about me, standards are collapsing, manners are evaporating, people show no respect for themselves. I am not a moralistic nut. I'm proud of the X-rated movie I once wrote. I like vulgarity if it's funny or serves a purpose. But what is going on here?

Even sadder is the defeated shrug that follows this outburst: "Back to the movie. I suppose it will be a success." Could someone give poor Roger Ebert a hug?

Step Brothers [Chicago Sun-Times]

Earlier: Ebert and Roeper Leaving 'Ebert & Roeper'

Source: Vulture -- Entertainment, Music, Culture, Theater, Movies, Art -- New York Magazine Blog | 25 Jul 2008 | 8:30 pm

Britney Spears Nabs MTV Nom for "Piece of Me"

Will Britney Spears make a return to MTV's Video Music Awards in September? The music network has just announced that the well-on-her-way-to-a-comeback pop princess is a nominee for...

Source: E! Online - Top Stories | 25 Jul 2008 | 8:30 pm

Jessica Simpson to Design Dresses. Be Afraid

Next year, country music superstar Jessica Simpson will grace us with a dress line, which means now we can finally have an entire outfit—from shoes to handbag to jewelry—made up...

Source: E! Online - Top Stories | 25 Jul 2008 | 8:28 pm

Comic-Con: The Rock's Missing Superhero Tights

Yes, Race to Witch Mountain is a remake of '70s Disney classic Escape to Witch Mountain. And yes, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson stars. I caught him, costar Carla Gugino and director Andy...

Source: E! Online - Top Stories | 25 Jul 2008 | 8:24 pm

How celebs get fired from endorsement gigs

A good pitchman can boost any product's name recognition with some high-quality shilling. A bad one, on the other hand, can quickly ruin the brand images that companies spend years and millions carefully honing.

Source: CNN.com - Entertainment | 25 Jul 2008 | 8:12 pm

Britney, K-Fed Make Peace, Settle Custody Spat (E! Online)

E! Online - Britney Spears is getting more time with her kids. Kevin Federline is getting more money.

Source: Yahoo! News: Entertainment News | 25 Jul 2008 | 8:10 pm

Battle Over the Brooklyn Flea Goes to the Religion Place

Astoria: Some folks are psyched that one of the contestants on the new season of Project Runway, Stella Zotis, is from Astoria. She brings it old-school with that Noo Yawk accent and rock-type duds for Debbie Harry on her résumé, but her defeatist attitude in episode one didn't exactly represent for her hood, either … right? [AstoriaNYC]
Bedford-Stuyvesant: Politically charged stickers abound here, including those calling for Dinkins's reelection. Bring back the gorgeous mosaic-meister! [Newyorkshitty]
Carroll Gardens: No sooner did the hood's long-fought-for new zoning law (which redefines the meaning of a "narrow" street) go into effect than a stop-work order was slapped on the controversial 360 Smith Street project, because it plans to be 70 feet high rather than the new limit, 55 feet. It's like the folks behind the project, which is only 20 percent done, will appeal the stoppage. [Gowanus Lounge]
Fort Greene: It got rowdy last night at the big meeting to discuss the pros and cons of the weekly Sunday Brooklyn Flea here, with some anti-Flea locals playing the faith card (would a flea be allowed near a synagogue on the Jewish Sabbath, huh?) but with the anti-big-box, pro-small-biz tirade of State Senator Velmanette (best name!) Montgomery stealing the show. [Racked]

Roosevelt Island: With Marymount College renting 35 student units here, taking its cue from Rockefeller University and the French Culinary Institute, is Roosevelt Island the new college-dorm mecca? "As long as there aren't any wild parties during the week!" comments one local. "And for the wild parties on the weekend, I better be invited!" Hey, yeah, R.I. guy, we like that Belushi attitude! [Roosevelt Islander]
Williamsburg: There's a new play running written by a nanny here about the other nannies she met in the playgrounds of Park Slope. It's supposedly less harsh than The Nanny Diaries, but you'll still get duos like "the wine-sipping, bathtub soaking Mrs. Johnson and her spunky El Salvadoran nanny, Rosa." [NYDN]

Source: Daily Intelligencer - New York Magazine | 25 Jul 2008 | 8:00 pm

Artist Lisa Ross Takes a Gravely Moving Photo

Lisa Ross's shimmering image captures a pile of ornamented twigs and branches that appear to have landed rather elegantly, like a delicate game of pick-up sticks, in the desert. It's not, as you might think, a neat pile of leftovers from last year's Burning Man. It's actually an adorned burial mound of the Uyghur people from the Xinjiang area of western China, designed to venerate local saints and mystics (scrappy hippies: Do not disturb). The image is part of a group show of images of death and the culture surrounding it at Bellwether, New York, through August 8. —Emma Pearse

Source: Vulture -- Entertainment, Music, Culture, Theater, Movies, Art -- New York Magazine Blog | 25 Jul 2008 | 8:00 pm

Harvey Weinstein Voluntarily Forgoes His ‘Project Runway’ Emmy Nod

Considering how nasty the fight between Harvey Weinstein and Jeff Zucker was getting over Project Runway, we were surprised to read in the New York Post today that Harvey Weinstein is giving up his chance at a Project Runway Emmy. Runway was nominated for Outstanding Reality Competition Program, but according to Emmy rules only fifteen producers can receive the honor and Runway has (gasp) sixteen. Rather than sticking it to the man, Weinstein decided to take his name off the list:

Top producer Barbara Schneeweiss told us: "I called up Harvey and said, 'We have all these people who have worked so hard on the show who should be recognized.' He was great about it and said, 'I'll take one for the team.' " Brother Bob Weinstein is still listed. Harvey told us, "I've gotten plenty of other awards. It's the right thing to do."

That's very noble of him, isn't it? Matter of fact it's basically the opposite of how he acted in the hearing with Zucker about who gets the show. We wonder if he'll bring such chivalry with him to the next hearing and let NBC have the show already so we don't have to watch it go to Lifetime.

MISSING HARVEY [NYP]

Related: Weinstein and Zucker’s Diva Battle for ‘Project Runway’

Source: The Cut - New York Magazine's Fashion Blog | 25 Jul 2008 | 7:55 pm

Wolfgang Bayreuith

Bayreuth festival chief Wolfgang Wagner arrives at the "Festspielhaus" in the southern German city of Bayreuth. The opera "Parsifal" by Richard Wagner is opening the prestigious Bayreuth Festival, the...
Source: Infocious RSS raw feed - channel BNImagesEnter | 25 Jul 2008 | 7:51 pm

Rolling Stones moving to a new label

Read full story for latest details.

Source: CNN.com - Entertainment | 25 Jul 2008 | 7:33 pm

Jets Now Allowed to Hit On Brett Favre

After days of speculation, the Jets (perhaps fearing the wrath of Gary Myers) received permission to talk to Brett Favre today, kicking his un-retirement drama up yet a few more notches. As much as we were looking forward to the quarterback competition between Chad Pennington and Kellen Clemens — a legitimately interesting training-camp story if there ever was one — the correct answer to Eric Mangini’s dilemma has probably been “(C) None of the above” all along. No offense to Pennington and Clemens (well, okay, maybe a little), but neither is really a marquee QB. And with the Jets’ much-improved offensive line, it seems almost a waste to have either of them lining up under center.

Not to get too ahead of ourselves here — they’re just talking at this point, and by this time next week, Favre could have re-retired, re-un-retired, and demanded a trade to the CFL — but the prospect of Favre in a Jets uniform is intriguing. On the field, he’d be an improvement at the position, but he’ll face questions about whether last year’s rejuvenation was a one-time thing. And off the field, he’s an even more fascinating case. He retired with a mountain of goodwill, then threw much of it away, at least temporarily, with his poorly handled decision to return. Plus it’s safe to assume he’d rather still be playing in Green Bay, so wherever he goes will be something of a consolation prize. Then there’s the knowledge that years from now, the sight of Favre in a Jets uniform could join Joe Montana’s Chiefs jersey, Willie Mays’s Mets jersey, and Patrick Ewing’s Sonics jersey in the That’s Just Not Right Hall of Fame. —Joe DeLessio

Sources: Jets can talk to Packers; Favre ready to report [ESPN]

Source: Daily Intelligencer - New York Magazine | 25 Jul 2008 | 7:31 pm

Yep: ‘Cocaine Cowboys II: Hustlin’ With Godmother’

Billy Corben's relentlessly stylish documentary Cocaine Cowboys was a brash, slick celebration of the real crooks behind Florida's Miami Vice era. This sequel focuses on their nemesis: Griselda Blanco isn't just Miami's Godmother, she's so evil she comes off as a South Beach Voldemort. Responsible for the murders of more than 300 people, Blanco was epically vicious, vindictive, and rich. And she was horrible enough to make you believe that all those extreme Hollywood gangster movies are underplaying their material.

Source: Vulture -- Entertainment, Music, Culture, Theater, Movies, Art -- New York Magazine Blog | 25 Jul 2008 | 7:30 pm

PLAYBILL.COM'S THEATRE WEEK IN REVIEW: 'Legally' Bailey (Playbill)

Playbill - Reality television has chosen yet another of our stage stars.
Source: Yahoo! News: Entertainment News | 25 Jul 2008 | 7:18 pm

The Five O’Clock Heroes Are Tired of Agyness Deyn Stealing Their Thunder

The Five O'Clock Heroes are biting the hand that feeds them. And that hand belongs to Agyness Deyn. See, she only sings one song with the band, which, thanks to her, the whole world knows is called "Who." But band members are upset that the media attention is focused entirely on her and not them. When the band talks to reporters, they only ask about Deyn. But it gets worse. Front man Antony Ellis tells Contact Music:

"It can be really frustrating when the questions should be about music, not about who Agy's dating and stuff like that.

"Something I do find quite annoying is when there's a photo with Agy and the band, quite often they'll just focus on her and chop our heads off - even though she's only recorded one song with us."

Well at least your name's on the world's radar, Antony! Keep talking like that and it may not be for long.

AGYNESS DEYN - ROCK BAND 'FRUSTRATED' WITH DEYN [Contact Music]

Source: The Cut - New York Magazine's Fashion Blog | 25 Jul 2008 | 7:10 pm

Why 'Iron Chef America' Reigns Supreme

Little-known facts about a show beloved by foodies across the globe.
Source: ABC News: Entertainment | 25 Jul 2008 | 7:08 pm

'Golden Girl' Estelle Getty Dies at 84

Getty, who played sarcastic Sophia on the hit show, suffered from dementia.
Source: ABC News: Entertainment | 25 Jul 2008 | 6:54 pm

Tricia Walsh-Smith Takes On Kathie Lee Gifford

Okay, Tricia Walsh-Smith, that's enough. We told you our patience was wearing thin with you yesterday when you continued to attack your ex-husband Philip Smith after you lost out in divorce court. And then today, you took your crazy eyes and focused their madness beams on Today host Kathie Lee Gifford. In the above YouTube video, posted this morning, you accuse Kathie Lee of threatening your life on national television. Here's what you claim:

"This morning on the Today show they had an excerpt from my press conference. And Kathie Lee Gifford, a presenter, said that somebody should 'whack Tricia.'"
…

This morning, on national television, Kathie Lee Gifford says that I should be 'whacked.' this from a born-again Christian! This from a woman who is trying to get a crappy musical she wrote produced in a Shubert Theater.

Kathie Lee said no such thing. She said that the professional matchmakers that Today co-host Hoda Kotb used to set up a date should "take a whack" at Tricia — as in, try and find her someone new to love.

Now we recognize that Kathie Lee Gifford is fun to mock. She's funny, she's outspoken, and one time she accidentally said she had crabs on a live broadcast. She's a crazy lady, yes. But she's our crazy lady. And we take responsibility for her. You, Tricia? You're on your own. We're not even sure London will take credit for you now.

Not that Kathie Lee needs anyone to defend her. We'd put a grand on her in a catfight any day. We hear she can kill a man at 30 paces using just one well-aimed patent leather pump.

Related: The YouTube Divorcee [NYM]

Source: Daily Intelligencer - New York Magazine | 25 Jul 2008 | 6:45 pm

End of an era for film critics?

Read full story for latest details.

Source: CNN.com - Entertainment | 25 Jul 2008 | 6:45 pm

Hard to Believe in New 'X-Files' Flick

Review: "X-Files: I Want to Believe" doesn't capture the allure of the TV show.
Source: ABC News: Entertainment | 25 Jul 2008 | 6:31 pm

'Last Lecture' professor dies at 47

Randy Pausch, the professor whose "last lecture" became a runaway phenomenon on the Internet and was turned into a best-selling book, died Friday of pancreatic cancer, Carnegie Mellon University announced on its Web site.

Source: CNN.com - Entertainment | 25 Jul 2008 | 6:06 pm

Matthew Williamson Is Just About Done With Emilio Pucci

Marco Zanini's out at Halston, Peter Som might be out at Bill Blass, and today WWD reports that Matthew Williamson is leaving Emilio Pucci. Designers leave big fashion houses in threes, right? Or something. Williamson wants to focus on his own label, Matthew Williamson, which is opening its first U.S. flagship in the meatpacking district next year. He became creative director at Pucci three years ago when Christian Lacroix left, and now execs are reportedly considering design assistants to take Williamson's place. If that's the case, we hope they let video cameras in and turn it into Project Runway, But, You Know, for Real.

This shake-up just weeks before Fashion Week really shakes us up. How many designer-less collections are we in for this season, hm fashion industry? Let's not forget how badly it worked out for Gianfranco Ferré in February.

Fashion Scoops: New Pattern at Pucci [WWD]

Source: The Cut - New York Magazine's Fashion Blog | 25 Jul 2008 | 5:45 pm

Israeli Paper Publishes Obama’s Western Wall Note, for Real

We had a nice laugh yesterday joking about what the missive Obama placed in the cracks of Jerusalem's Western Wall might have said. Well, now someone, Israeli's Maariv newspaper, really has risked "God's everlasting indignation" by publishing Obama's real note. Really. Maariv says the note was taken out of the wall by a student immediately after Obama left, and the handwriting in the photo seems to be authentic, the Post says (imagine what that could go for on eBay). The rabbi in charge of the Western Wall isn't pleased, telling a radio station, "The notes placed between the stones of the Western Wall are between a person and his maker. It is forbidden to read them or make any use of them." The good news for Obama is that, even though he surely didn't expect anyone to read his note, his prayer turns out to be pretty damn nice, and shows that Obama does indeed have a self-aware, humble side:

"Lord -

Protect my family and me. Forgive me my sins, and help me guard against pride and despair. Give me the wisdom to do what is right and just. And make me an instrument of your will."

Regardless of whether this helps Obama politically (and there's no reason it shouldn't), it's still pretty shocking that someone pulled the note out of the wall. Yesterday we treated the possibility of this happening as so unlikely that we made a joke out of it. How naïve.—Dan Amira

ISRAELI NEWSPAPER PUBLISHES OBAMA'S WESTERN WALL NOTE [NYP]
Earlier: We Have Obama's Western Wall Note

Source: Daily Intelligencer - New York Magazine | 25 Jul 2008 | 5:40 pm

Stones quit EMI for Universal

The Rolling Stones (left - right) Keith Richards, Ronnie Wood, Charlie Watts, and Mick Jagger in April, 2008. The rock legends have signed a long-term recording deal with Universal Music Group (UMG), becoming...
Source: Infocious RSS raw feed - channel BNImagesEnter | 25 Jul 2008 | 5:29 pm

There May Be a Day When Port Authority Is Nice to Look At

REAL ESTATE
•Three architecture firms submitted designs for the on-again, off-again office-tower project being envisioned for above the Port Authority Bus Terminal. Should plans move forward, construction may begin in 2010. But don't worry, rent has already been set at $265 per square foot. [NYT]
• There were 234 foreclosure filings in Manhattan during the second quarter, 796 on Staten Island, and 677 in the Bronx. [NYDN]
• Park Slope's Seventh Avenue Tea Lounge has forever shuttered its doors. Where will stroller gridlock move to now? [Curbed]

FINANCE
• Washington Mutual's stocks have plummeted over the last two days, after a Gimme Credit analyst suggested that creditors have been pulling funds from the bank. This assessment didn't thrill WaMu's treasurer, Robert Williams. He said the researcher's report reflects a "failure to understand basic balance sheet management." [NYP]
•Who should police Wall Street banks, the Fed or the SEC.? Stay tuned as government leaders duke it out in Washington, D.C, trying to decide. [NYP]
• Blackstone is drooling over the toxic subprime market. [DealBook/NYT]

MEDIA
• Sirius and XM Radio are officially married. The government approved the merger yesterday. Meanwhile, Clear Channel Communications shareholders approved a $17.9 billion buyout deal. [NYP, DealBook/NYT]
• Former New York Times reporter Judith Miller wants Congress to enact a federal shield law that would protect journalists from being forced to disclose their sources. "No country that calls itself free should jail journalists for doing their job," she said. [AFP]
• That Barack Obama New Yorker? Yeah, it sold 75,000 copies on the newsstand, which is 80 percent more than usual. [NYP]
• Harvey Weinstein is blogging for Portfolio. [Portfolio]

LAW
• Attorney general Andrew Cuomo accused UBS of fraud. He says the banking giant misrepresented the $330 billion auction-rate securities market by tricking its customers into buying securities that were billed as safe, when it was clear that they were risky. [NYP]
• General Electric is suing one of its former in-house attorneys for allegedly leaking company documents to the press. [Corporate Crime Reporter]
• Are summer associates at law firms bolstering their résumés or just upping their liquor tolerances? [WSJ]

Source: Daily Intelligencer - New York Magazine | 25 Jul 2008 | 5:15 pm

Leonardo DiCaprio eyeing 'Twilight Zone' remake

US Actor Leonardo DiCaprio, seen here in Marhc 2008, is eyeing a big-screen remake of cult television series "The Twilight Zone."
Source: Infocious RSS raw feed - channel BNImagesEnter | 25 Jul 2008 | 5:02 pm

Christian Siriano on ‘ANTM,’ ‘Project Runway,’ and Fashion Week

We weren't sure that Christian Siriano belonged on the list of the world's great creative thinkers, but after talking to him at the opening of Nigel Barker's photography exhibit "A Sealed Fate" last night, we can confirm with 100 percent certainty that he's at least in the top ten. We were chatting, naturally, about America's Next Top Model, when Siriano unleashed his creative thunder. "I don't see everything but I've seen a lot of fashion challenges and I think it would be fun to mix a little Project Runway in there," he said. "I think they should have the girls make their own clothes. They should totally do the runway and they have to put together the whole show by themselves. Like, you know, do everything with like stage set up, everything." You mean— "Project Runway Top Model," he said. Gasp! The thought gave us hot flashes.

But speaking of Runway, what does Siriano think of the current season? "Project Runway? It sucks." He wasn't impressed that the producers pulled the Gristedes card for the first challenge. "I just think it could've been a little more innovative. I actually think that some of the pieces were really creative. But last night's challenge — I thought the clothes were horrific. I think the talent level isn't close to some of the talent and designs we had on my season." Siriano says he's met some of the contestants personally (we're guessing that means he appears in this season) and finds them "interesting," but fears they're more interested in getting famous than showing their designs (coughBlaynecough). "I can't listen to somebody say 'licious' all day long to get it popular. It's not funny to me. I really just can't hear that."

Siriano is also hard at work for Fashion Week! He's showing a full collection on September 11, and has been preparing for it over the past few months (he does his production in midtown, so, you know, keep 'em peeled). "I've been working hard, have a little team together," he said. "It's gonna be a big show!" —Jonna Humphries

Source: The Cut - New York Magazine's Fashion Blog | 25 Jul 2008 | 5:00 pm

Halle Berry Goes After Paps for Backyard Breach (E! Online)

E! Online - Like most new moms, Halle Berry may not be able to take her eyes off her baby. But unlike the spawn of most celebs these days, her daughter is not for the world to see.

Source: Yahoo! News: Entertainment News | 25 Jul 2008 | 4:59 pm

Ex-Publicist Agrees With British Press About Heather Mills

Heather Mills' former publicist has spoken out against her former employer, saying she agrees with the British media's low opinion of Paul McCartney's ex-wife.
Source: FOXNews.com | 25 Jul 2008 | 4:46 pm

flag this one: superga's new kicks

Even if you won't be visiting the Amalfi Coast this summer, you can still get into the spirit of la dolce vita via Superga's limited-edition flag collection, which will be debuting over the coming weeks and on the company's Web site. Think triple-tone designs representing Italy, South Africa, France, the U.K, Spain, and the U.S. Perfect for just kicking around or for any patriotic occasion that might come your way—the stars-and-stripes American version, for example, was sported by Nick Jonas of the Jonas Brothers on a recent visit to the White House.

Source: The Style File | 25 Jul 2008 | 4:43 pm

Spector wants to exclude gory details at retrial

Read full story for latest details.

Source: CNN.com - Entertainment | 25 Jul 2008 | 4:36 pm

‘Real World’ Still Fishing Around Red Hook

View Larger Map

According to a source, MTV is now looking on Beard Street (above — still proximate to Fairway!), which won't have a water view, but is just that much closer to Ikea. Expect the product placement on this season to be particularly painful — though if the cast members get jobs shilling Malm coffee tables and Ektorp couches, we will die of delight.

Source: Daily Intelligencer - New York Magazine | 25 Jul 2008 | 4:30 pm

'Twilight' fans greet film with frenzy

Read full story for latest details.

Source: CNN.com - Entertainment | 25 Jul 2008 | 4:25 pm

Brotherly Love and Otherworldly Oddities

Driver, Duchovny and John C. Reilly are this week's big screen bigwigs.
Source: ABC News: Entertainment | 25 Jul 2008 | 4:24 pm

watching the detectives (via martin margiela)

Since Martin Margiela is too private to inspire any gossip, his fans are free to focus on his clothes. I find myself particularly fixated on this belted trench from his Fall '08 collection. It's the perfect accompaniment to my private eye daydreams.

Source: The Style File | 25 Jul 2008 | 4:20 pm

Workers putting the final touch on the stage for 2007 staging of Puccini's opera 'Tosca'

Workers putting the final touch on the stage for 2007 staging of Puccini's opera 'Tosca' at the 62nd Bregenz Festival. While the opening night of the annual Bregenz Festival was one for the masses with...
Source: Infocious RSS raw feed - channel BNImagesEnter | 25 Jul 2008 | 4:19 pm

Visitors at Budapest's Museum of Fina Arts

Visitors looks at nude pictures at the Hungarian Museum of Fine Arts in Budapest. Photographs have never been allowed in the highbrow Museum of Fine Arts in Budapest before but now they came in abundance...
Source: Infocious RSS raw feed - channel BNImagesEnter | 25 Jul 2008 | 4:06 pm

Visitors look at photographs at the Hungarian Museum of Fine Arts in Budapest

Visitors look at photographs at the Hungarian Museum of Fine Arts in Budapest. Photographs have never been allowed in the highbrow Museum of Fine Arts in Budapest before but now they came in abundance...
Source: Infocious RSS raw feed - channel BNImagesEnter | 25 Jul 2008 | 4:06 pm

A visitor looks at photographs at the Hungarian Museum of Fine Arts in Budapest

A visitor looks at photographs at the Hungarian Museum of Fine Arts in Budapest on July 20, 2008. Photographs have never been allowed in the highbrow Museum of Fine Arts in Budapest before but now they...
Source: Infocious RSS raw feed - channel BNImagesEnter | 25 Jul 2008 | 4:06 pm

John Galliano to Launch Eyewear; Cindy Crawford’s Husband Gets Sued

• John Galliano just signed a licensing deal for eyewear, effective September 2009. The collection will include men's and women's styles, including prescription frames. [WWD]

• Cindy Crawford's restaurateur husband, Rande Gerber, is being sued for $500,000 because he made an in-flight cocktail menu for Delta Airlines called Midnight Sky. He had signed a contract with his former employer Skybar (the L.A. bar he once managed) that he wouldn't use the word "sky" in any of his future ventures. [British Vogue]

• Rachel Zoe will host a booth at Super Saturday in Water Mill this weekend. She'll sell stuff like Jennifer Garner's shoes and a handbag signed by Heidi Klum. [British Vogue]

• Lacoste and Visionaire magazine made polo shirts together, with artwork by Nick Knight, Peter Lindbergh, Inez van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin, and Karl Lagerfeld. One has a giant image of Coco Rocha's face on it. [WWD]

• Project Runway runner-up Jillian Lewis previewed her fall collection this week. [GlaMalan]

• Ports 1961 signed a deal with NBC to dress four of its female Olympics commentators. [WWD]

• Comme des Garçons retrospective in China consists of printed matter from the past 25 years. Not clothes. Boo. [WWD]

• ADAM designer Adam Lippes is going to launch a blog on his Website on Monday. Because a bajillion is never enough. [WWD]

• Rachel Weisz was spotted wearing a crazy outfit with a giant feathered headpiece in her Vogue photo shoot. [Jezebel]

• Leighton Meester's puffy-sleeved Zac Posen dress at the Summer TCAs in L.A. did not have shoulder pads in it, 'mkay? [PopSugar]

Source: The Cut - New York Magazine's Fashion Blog | 25 Jul 2008 | 4:00 pm

Pop Tarts: Katy Perry's Parents Upset She 'Kissed a Girl'?

Katy Perry never expected that "I Kissed a Girl" would be the most scorching song of the summer -- and neither did her folks.
Source: FOXNews.com | 25 Jul 2008 | 3:59 pm

'Watchmen' to Go Against Superhero-Movie Grain

Geeks elated as stars of upcoming movie based on revered, revolutionary comic book come to Comic-Con in San Diego.
Source: FOXNews.com | 25 Jul 2008 | 3:59 pm

Report: Angelina Jolie Needs to Gain Weight for Role

Movie bosses want Angelina Jolie, who is considered the favorite to play the leading lady in "The Thomas Crown Affair 2," to gain weight for the challenging role, the Daily Mirror reports.
Source: FOXNews.com | 25 Jul 2008 | 3:45 pm

som and blass part ways

Peter Som has reportedly resigned as creative director of Bill Blass. Apparently, the designer was none too pleased that the company, suffering from financial troubles, opted out of a Bryant Park show this September. How will the powers that be at Bill Blass handle the breakup? Lounging around eating Ben & Jerry's and reading "He's Just Not That Into You"? Diving into a rash rebound relationship? Only time will tell.

In other designer news, the blogosphere is buzzing that Marc Jacobs is set to wed his current beau, Lorenzo Martone, in Paris this weekend. If the rumor is true, it might be time for the designer's former squeeze Jason Preston to laser off that massive "Marc Jacobs" tattoo on his forearm.

Source: The Style File | 25 Jul 2008 | 3:43 pm

Photographers snap the arriving guests at the "Festspielhaus" in the southern German city of Bayreuth

Photographers snap the arriving guests at the "Festspielhaus" in the southern German city of Bayreuth. Black limousines rolled up Bayreuth's legendary "Green Hill" as Germany's political and social elite...
Source: Infocious RSS raw feed - channel BNImagesEnter | 25 Jul 2008 | 3:27 pm

Reality Check: 'So You Think You Can Dance' Surprises Us All

Every reality show seems to have one moment that turns out to be the big shocker of the season. This week we saw that moment on “So You Think You Can Dance” … I’m just trying to figure out which one it was.
Source: FOXNews.com | 25 Jul 2008 | 3:23 pm

Review: Pass on `NCAA Football 09: All-Play' (AP)

AP - If the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 versions of "NCAA Football 09" are the starting seniors, then Wii owners might feel like redshirt freshmen with EA Sports' first college football game for Nintendo's popular gaming console.

Source: Yahoo! News: Entertainment Reviews | 25 Jul 2008 | 3:22 pm

gray is the new green

Yeah, I know you're sick of hearing how every new eco-friendly designer wants to make something organic but also fashion-forward. Trust me on this one, though—Larsen Gray is cool. And not just for a green designer. The brainchild of "Project Runway" alum Nora Caliguri and her friend Rachelyn Porter, Larsen Gray is focused on simple, modern silhouettes with interesting details. Think high-waisted shorts, baggy silk tanks, and one-shoulder dresses, all 100 percent organic or sustainable. And with the entire line priced under $260, you can feel just as good about your wallet as the environment. For more information, see www.larsengray.com.

Source: The Style File | 25 Jul 2008 | 3:20 pm

Review: 'Step Brothers' full of funny stuff

Stop me if you've heard this one before, but producer Judd Apatow has another hit comedy on his hands. This time it's "Step Brothers," an astute no-brainer that's also Will Ferrell's funniest effort since "Talladega Nights."

Source: CNN.com - Entertainment | 25 Jul 2008 | 3:13 pm

Pub to Foxy, Lil' Kim: No Book, Pay Up

NY publisher sues Brown and Kim for not delivering books they were paid for.
Source: ABC News: Entertainment | 25 Jul 2008 | 2:55 pm

material girls: barbara tfank and olivia morris

Designer Barbara Tfank has been collecting vintage fabrics for a long time now, but a few years ago, she hit the mother lode. Legendary Lyonnaise textile maker Bianchini Férier was auctioning off brocades from the company vault, and Tfank managed to get her hands on a few choice bolts. She used bits and pieces in her clothes, and now U.K. shoe designer Olivia Morris has produced a very limited edition of heels and flats made from Tfank's carefully chosen stock. The Fall range has just arrived at the Susan stores in Burlingame and San Francisco, where they are being sold exclusively. Tfank notes that—despite the high-ish price tags—the shoes have been flying out the door. "It's one of those cases where people gravitate to something they know is really special. There just aren't that many of each pair, and the shoes at Susan now are the only ones that will ever exist." An addendum to that thought: Morris and Tfank have already put their heads together for a Spring collection derived from the Bianchini Férier cache, and have plans to add stack heel and sling-back styles to the selection.

Source: The Style File | 25 Jul 2008 | 2:39 pm

Estelle Getty Remembered as Funny, Feisty, Frugal

Despite her sitcom success with "The Golden Girls," son Carl Gettleman told friends and family gathered at a private memorial service Thursday that his mother always chose frugal over flashy.
Source: FOXNews.com | 25 Jul 2008 | 2:35 pm

Dustin Diamond Writes 'Saved by the Bell' Tell-All

Dustin Diamond, who played Samuel "Screech" Powers on "Saved by the Bell," promises to detail "sexual escapades among cast members" in a tell-all about the early '90s teeny-bopper show, New York magazine reports.
Source: FOXNews.com | 25 Jul 2008 | 2:31 pm

'Knight' Burns Bright Despite Bale's Arrest

A week after opening in theaters, the new Batman continues to break records.
Source: ABC News: Entertainment | 25 Jul 2008 | 2:26 pm

Amy Adams to Marry Acting-Class Sweetheart

'Enchanted' actress Amy Adams is engaged to be married to her long-time boyfriend, whom she met in an acting class
Source: FOXNews.com | 25 Jul 2008 | 2:18 pm

Spears and Federline Settle Custody Case

A custody settlement between Britney Spears and Kevin Federline has been finalized, including a $5,000-per-month child-support increase for the pop singer's ex-husband.
Source: FOXNews.com | 25 Jul 2008 | 2:07 pm

Poll: Simon Cowell Favorite Reality TV Villain

Notoriously nasty "American Idol" judge Simon Cowell is the favorite reality TV villain in America ... and Paula Abdul is the worst reality TV judge, according to a poll released on Thursday.
Source: FOXNews.com | 25 Jul 2008 | 2:03 pm

Freak Show Kids: Perils of Circus Living

Christian Bale lived an unorthodox, nomadic childhood with a circus clown mom.
Source: ABC News: Entertainment | 25 Jul 2008 | 1:59 pm

anne fontaine's shirt tales

Every once in a while, a collectible lookbook lands on our desks. The most recent was Anne Fontaine's Spring 2008 lookbook, which was shot by photographer Guido Mocafico, who's known for his precise, almost telescopic images. This is the second of the shirt designer's carte blanche commissions, and only 200 were printed. Obviously Fontaine knows how to give the shirt off her back in style.

Source: The Style File | 25 Jul 2008 | 1:56 pm

Can a Reality TV Star Make It on B'way?

Bailey Hanks was cast in "Legally Blonde" after appearing on a reality show.
Source: ABC News: Entertainment | 25 Jul 2008 | 1:42 pm

at long last, organic cosmeceuticals

Apparently, the first line of certified-organic cosmeceuticals has been on the market in Europe for a cool two years now. Yes, it's true, French women (and most of the luxe-loving European set) have been enjoying Patyka's Biokaliftin line—an exfoliating mask, face cream, eye contour, and night elixir formulated using the latest biotechnology and active organic plant derivatives—since 2006. But before you add "access to the wrinkle-reducing effects of beech tree bud extracts" to that list you've got going titled "why I hate the effortlessly chic," take pause: The products are finally available stateside at www.patykausa.com. Fans of the brand, which is widely recognized for its small-batch production model and natural-ingredient innovations, should also note that a New York flagship is in the works for fall 2008.

Source: The Style File | 25 Jul 2008 | 1:38 pm

crowd control: the brooklyn museum takes it to the streets

Taking "The Wisdom of Crowds" by The New Yorker's business and financial columnist James Surowiecki as its point of departure, the Brooklyn Museum's summer group show, "Click," asks whether the general public can be wiser collectively in identifying art than any single expert. "Click" began when the museum sent an online open call to photographers, asking them to digitally submit images representing "The Changing Face of Brooklyn." The museum then asked the site's viewers to rank the images according to preference and also to specify their level of art knowledge. Ranging from striking architectural shots to a shot of a man mooning the camera with "gentrify this" scrawled on his posterior, the photos are now displayed according to their relative ranking by the viewers. Whatever image ultimately "wins" first place, it is clear that Brooklynites of all stripes care about art that shows off the borough's diversity. Should their collective assessment trump the experts? The jury is still out.

Source: The Style File | 25 Jul 2008 | 1:33 pm

'Golden Girls' star recalled as funny, frugal

Read full story for latest details.

Source: CNN.com - Entertainment | 25 Jul 2008 | 1:19 pm

Review: 'X-Files'? Zzzzzzzzzzzzz

Read full story for latest details.

Source: CNN.com - Entertainment | 25 Jul 2008 | 12:57 pm