As the eye-melting Avatar begins its march towards inevitable world domination, we thought it might be fun to go into the wayback machine and dig up the short film that got James Cameron started. In 1978, Cameron was just another young sci-fi geek with dreams of making big movies. He had, however, basically read up on all the ins and outs of special effects. So, he and his buddy Randall Frakes got together and made this short, Xenogenesis, which is hilariously short on plot but pretty impressive effects-wise, especially considering that it was made by complete novices. (His work on this film would get Cameron hired as a model maker for Roger Corman productions, where he’d rise very quickly. The rest is history.)

It’s also kind of amazing how Xenogenesis manages, in its quick running time, to touch on several of Cameron’s more prominent obsessions: The man vs. machine plotline, the machine vs. machine plotline, the engineered human character, even the beginnings of the exosuits we see in Aliens and Avatar (manned here by, of course, a tough female character). All that’s missing is a bad-ass marine with huge biceps; we’re assuming Cameron just couldn’t afford one of those yet.

Here's Part 1:

And Part 2:

Read more posts by Bilge Ebiri

Filed Under: vulture picture palace, james cameron, movies, xenogenesis

Source: Vulture | 18 Dec 2009 | 2:45 pm

For the Second Year in a Row, CEOs Say ‘Thanks But No Thanks’ to Bonuses

John Mack, clearly thinking about the fat wad of cash he's not getting.

Bank of America's outgoing CEO, Ken Lewis, "volunteered" to give up his bonus for 2009. Goldman Sachs CEO Lloyd Blankfein, fearing the masses might come for his head like he used to fear getting off the bus in the Bronx, announced last week that he would take his bonus in stock. Citigroup's Vikram Pandit has pledged to take a $1 salary until he "makes Citi sing," so basically until the end of time. And today John Mack, the outgoing CEO of Morgan Stanley, said a Sarah Palin–like "Thanks but no thanks" to a board-approved bonus, owing to Morgan Stanley being down by 50 cents. “It’s going to be the trend,” executive headhunter Jeanne Branthover told Bloomberg. “The top echelon is going to either forgo bonuses or take them in a non-cash way, deferring them. That is going to be very much the standard for this year because of everything that happened.” But why?

Last year, top executives at financial firms had to forgo bonuses: They had all suffered huge losses, and were all holding billions of dollars in TARP money. This year, most of the survivors have paid back or are in the process of paying their TARP money, and some of them, like JPMorgan and Goldman Sachs, are making money hand over fist. So why the Big Sacrifice? Is it really just to appease us, the populace? We asked an insider at a large financial institution we will not name* for their thoughts.

So what do you think? Will John Mack's selfless gesture today cause a trend? Will any CEO at a major financial institution take a bonus this year?
John Mack did the right thing. Shit, he might as well get used to not being paid now, since he doesn't have a future there. But not sure about the trend. [JPMorgan's] Jamie Dimon has nothing to apologize for. Neither does Lloyd Blankfein, although he sort of can't take a bonus. Not even Lucas van Praag could spin that. Vikram Pandit is probably asking his board right now whether he can have Mack's money, but will have to settle for tax breaks and devalued stock instead.

What about Jamie Dimon, actually? Business is booming at JPMorgan, and he hasn't been vilified like Lloyd Blankfein. Is he going to relinquish the cash, just because everybody else is doing it? Or is he going to be a man and be like, "Screw it, I'm going to take what's mine, because that's how capitalism works, bitches"?
I think he has to do deferred stock or decline a bonus altogether. No reason to squander the goodwill built up. JPMorgan has so far avoided the Goldman stuff, and rightfully so, but it only takes one or two stories to undo that. And just remember, JPM stock has a lot of upside. So if Jamie cashes out in five years and the stock is at $80, he'll get to wear the halo and be able to afford a few million more.

Speaking of the halo: In their canned statements, these guys all seem pretty Zen about the fact that they're having to give up millions of dollars they definitely believe they earned. Is that just an act? Are they secretly stomping around, completely pissed off?
I'm sure they're pissed about it. Basically, these guys have always been the smartest dudes in the room forever, and now they've got to listen to the weaselly demands of shareholders and government officials. Remember Al Gore sighing during debates with George W? Like, "I can't believe I've got to respond to this ass." It's kinda like that. Or better yet, it's like trying to defend to a 3-year-old why I have to go to work instead of spending time with her without getting into the macroeconomics tying my job to her Christmas presents. Just blank stares and complaints in return.

So how long do these guys have to wear hair shirts? Will they ever be able to pay themselves huge-ass amounts of cash money at year-end again, and if so, when?
It's less about time and more about conditions. When people have jobs again and money in their wallets and stop getting foreclosure notices and BOA lowers their credit card APR under 20 percent, then Vikram Pandit can buy himself a boat and [AIG CEO] Robert Benmosche can go back to being cantankerous from some Swiss chalet.

So basically, when we all stop paying attention again?
Yes.

*No, it's not the guy working at the Starbucks in the World Financial Center. Trust, jerks.

Read more posts by Jessica Pressler

Filed Under: white men with money, bonuses, goldman sachs, john mack, lloyd blankfein, morgan stanley, tarp

Source: Daily Intel | 18 Dec 2009 | 2:45 pm

7 Condom Wrapper Designs That’ll Get You In The Mood To Use Them

NYC Condom — makers of these things — is currently holding a contest to design a new condom wrapper for their brand. Since I’m a person with ideas who knows how to open Photoshop, I figured I’d do them a solid (solid = hard, like a penis get it!!! List didn’t even start and we’re already on a roll….) and throw out some suggestions for possible condom wrapper designs.

Here’s seven condom wrapper designs that’ll definitely put you in the mood (to say “what an awesome condom wrapper design!):



1. Garfield

2. Famous Authors Series

3. Dixie Cup Jokes

4. Wet Nap Condom

5. Bible Verses

6. Oliver Platt’s Head

7. Advice

Source: CNN.com - Entertainment | 18 Dec 2009 | 2:15 pm

Sarah Palin Cuts Vacation Short Because of Visor-gate

We're going to tell you a little story now. It's a true story, but we are going to put asterisks (*) in every place where we think this would also be perfectly believable in a story invented by the genius writers of The Onion:

Sarah Palin was photographed on a Hawaiian vacation with her husband, Todd, wearing a McCain '08 visor, with the word "McCain" blacked out with a Sharpie.* Upon being snapped by TMZ, Palin said that she loves her old running mate and was just wearing a McCain campaign visor with the name prominently and incompletely blacked out so she could go "incognito."* Because of the press attention over the visor, she sent out a press release announcing she was quitting her vacation before it was scheduled to end.*

God bless this lady. Onion writers, watch out. Someone's aiming to put you out of work, and we're beginning to suspect she's been at it a long time.

Sarah Palin cuts vacation short [Politico]
Sarah Palin's McCain Cover Up [TMZ]

Read more posts by Chris Rovzar

Filed Under: america's sweetheart, john mccain, politics, sarah palin, who can't find another visor to wear in hawaii?

Source: Daily Intel | 18 Dec 2009 | 2:10 pm

Little J’s Big Contract: Taylor Momsen in New Look Campaign?

Momsen, New Look's new muse?

It was only a matter of time until fashion-set fave, part-time rocker, and Gossip Girl actress Taylor Momsen roped herself a fat contract from a clothier. On top of her high visibility, the 16-year-old has had people waxing both good and ill about her wardrobe choices, a perfect reason for a canny company like New Look to sign the prodigy. Indeed, Nylon tells us that "Little J" might be shooting a campaign for the Brit retailer. Details are still unconfirmed at this time, but someone has to pick up this valuable free agent who, even at her tender age, has the makings of a media troublemaker without equal. Garter belts, tour buses, and night-club raging all before legal adulthood? You know some marketer is gonna jump on this ground-floor investment soon.

Paging Captain Obvious: Taylor Momsen's Got The Look [Nylon]

Read more posts by Gabriel Bell

Filed Under: girl gossip, gossip girl, new look, taylor momsen

Source: The Cut | 18 Dec 2009 | 2:10 pm

The Eternal Unhappiness of Melania Trump [Trophy Wives]

A reader asks: "Why does Melania Trump look so unhappy all the time?" Good question! We'd never really noticed it before, but Donald Trump's third wife (and the mother of his fifth child) does look pretty miserable in most photos. Maybe this is to be expected when you realize that despite the lavish lifestyle you lead and all the material possessions you've accumulated, you're still married to Donald Trump? An attempt by the Slovenian-born ex-model to look sexy? We have no clue, but some photographic evidence of Melania's misery is below. And if you have something you'd like us to look into, feel free to let us know.

Source: Cityfile.com - Dailyfile | 18 Dec 2009 | 2:07 pm

High School Team's Success Linked to Snoop Dogg

The rapper's football league inspired the young team

Source: FOXNews.com | 18 Dec 2009 | 2:02 pm

Hugh Grant Hasn’t Quite Figured Out How to Compliment His Co-Stars

"Yes, she's become a monster. No, I liked her in Extreme Measures, but I really love her now. We bonded incredibly well on this film, mainly because we're both so nervous, especially at the beginning. We were united in fear. I find her funny and eccentric. She has strange appetites. I've never seen anyone eat like that. You can put anything in front of her and it's gone in four seconds. She's half-woman, half-locust. And she's tiny. It's freakish." —Hugh Grant on Sarah Jessica Parker [MTV]

"We've coined the phrase Hotson. I wanted a good-looking Watson." —Guy Ritchie [BANG Showbiz via Boston Globe]

“I don’t mean to America bash, but it is interesting that burlesque is an American invention. Burlesque as we know it and the great burlesque that was prevalent in America in the 30’s and 40’s in big theaters with big stars that were in the movies and on TV and wrote books. It’s shocking to imagine it is now 75 years later and people are still saying 'I don’t get it, she’s a stripper.' I don’t mind being called [that] because that is what I do, but I don’t understand why there is such a taboo attached to it. Basically what I do is like an actress that has nude scenes in a movie, it's part of the role and its part of what my show is. It’s not really any different. I think it’s just too easy for people to criticize.” —Dita Von Teese on her art form [Pop Tarts/Fox]

"Can you imagine at 18, having to share a room with your mom? I mean, there's nothing worse. I think she was remarkable to have that steely resilience to overcome that, and not become such a screw-up from all of that." —Emily Blunt on Queen Victoria [MTV]

"I've just taken on the American photographers and they can get a bit disrespectful and a bit abusive. I'm a tough Australian, I'm not gonna take any crap." —Sam Worthington issues a warning [Female First]

"I've often used physical pain as an actor. Before I went on as Electra, I used to do leg stretches that would make my eyes water. The point about some of these great tragic figures is that they are at a pitch where they are no longer self-aware. You have to match them in this. Physical pain can be a way of attaining a state where the brain is bypassed and the language just flows through you." —Fiona Shaw on getting herself in the mode of characters like Richard II [Independent UK]

Read more posts by Emma Pearse

Filed Under: quote machine,

Source: Vulture | 18 Dec 2009 | 2:00 pm

Jamie Jungers Took Naked Pictures of Tiger Woods While He Was Sleeping

Oh, Jamie, Jamie, Jamie. It had to be you. We don't know why we even considered that it might be Jaimee Grubbs, or that cocktail waitress from Florida, who had the nude photos of Tiger Woods that caused his lawyers to take legal action in the United Kingdom. According to her aunt, Jungers was telling people in the family that she'd snapped some shots of Tiger in all his unwrapped glory. "She told me that she had taken pictures of Tiger Woods naked while he was passed out drunk on her cell phone," Jungers's aunt, Susan Minor, said. "Jamie said she was going to take the pictures to the tabloids if something happens between her and Tiger, if they break up," Minor told Radar Online. Though she didn't claim to have seen the pictures (which is probably for the best — we're already well past our TMI threshold on this story), Minor did reveal some interesting priorities in the Jungers family. "I thought go for it, if you've got them go for it," she said of the images.

Over this Thanksgiving, which she spent with Jamie, Minor says "the conversation got to Tiger being in a car accident; basically that's when my sister, who is Jamie's mom, started saying: 'Jamie, you need to go to the tabloids.'"

This seems strange to us. In what situation is "going to the tabloids" ever the right, or even instinctual, solution?

What does not seem strange to us, however, is the anxiousness Woods is probably feeling right now knowing those pictures are out there. Getting photographed while you are passed out drunk and naked has got to be every celebrity's nightmare. Hell, it's our nightmare.

Our only hope, in this situation, is that Jamie did the right thing that night when Tiger was passed out and she took the pictures. Because if she didn't draw a penis on his face, this will all have been for nothing.

Jamie Jungers Took Nude Photos of Tiger Woods Says Aunt [Radar Online]
Related: Daily Intel's handy guide to the women of Tiger Woods

Read more posts by Chris Rovzar

Filed Under: tiger catches tail, jamie jungers, jungers catches tiger tail on film, sex scandals, tiger woods, woods hole

Source: Daily Intel | 18 Dec 2009 | 1:30 pm

CFDA to Mentor Fashion Incubator Designers

Mayor Bloomberg's Fashion Incubator initiative is getting more interesting. The project was first announced in October with the idea that twelve designers were going to get cheap $1,500-a-month rents in a fancy building in the garment district for up to two years. And it gets better! Members of the CFDA are also going to provide mentoring to the dozen Chosen Ones. (How amazing would it be if Marc Jacobs or Diane Von Furstenberg just waltzed into work one day?!) The designers are expected to be announced this month. [FWD]

Read more posts by Sharon Clott

Filed Under: incubate this, cfda, contests, fashion incubator, mayor bloomberg

Source: The Cut | 18 Dec 2009 | 1:30 pm

The Crackdown on Cabbies [The Law]

You were aware that taxi drivers aren't supposed to drive with one hand on the steering wheel and a cellphone in the other. But cabbies aren't allowed to talk on hands-free headsets either—or even wear them, even if they're not actually talking to anyone—and yesterday the Taxi and Limousine Commission approved stricter penalties for drivers who don't comply. Drivers can now lose their licenses after three violations, since research shows that drivers who talk on cellphones are four times as likely to cause a crash. And because even under perfectly ideal circumstances, sitting in the backseat of a cab is still probably the most dangerous thing you'll do all day. [NYT]

Source: Cityfile.com - Dailyfile | 18 Dec 2009 | 1:23 pm

Pop Tarts Scene & Herd

Where were your favorite celebs this week?

Source: FOXNews.com | 18 Dec 2009 | 1:21 pm

New Yorkers Predictably Pissed Off About Being Labeled Unhappy

New Yorkers are the unhappiest people in the entire country, a report from the Centers for Disease Control recently revealed, and upon hearing the news, CBS went out and asked a bunch of New Yorkers how they felt about it. And you can imagine how they felt about it. They were pissed.

"Why would we be unhappy? What's the unhappy part?" wondered James Pine of the Upper East Side.

"Where else would I want to live?" another asked.

We have to admit they have a point. First of all, WTF, Centers for Disease Control? Is a report like this even your job?

Maybe you should look into preventing, like, the next swine flu or something, instead of spending your resources getting all up in people's business and, like, making judgments about how some people have chosen to live in tiny ridiculously expensive apartments and to spend their days surrounded by a bunch of fellow strivers with delusions of grandeur, working and competing and worrying, all to have access to, what, good imported cheese and see bands, when they could have just settled down in a nice suburban McMansion and married an electrician or gotten a normal nine-to-five job, one that doesn't mess with their psyche or like define them as a person, and spent their evenings not thinking about work but maybe playing Scrabble, perhaps with six to eight affordable suburban children? And CBS: What the hell kind of question is this, anyway? During the holidays, no less. DO WE NOT LOOK HAPPY TO YOU? BECAUSE WE ARE VERY FUCKING HAPPY. That's why we are drinking this entire bottle of promotional Champagne right now. BECAUSE WE ARE FEELING JOYFUL. Now get the hell away from us before we break this bottle over your head.

New Yorkers Object To Study Labeling Them Unhappy [CBS via Gothamist]

Read more posts by Jessica Pressler

Filed Under: empire state of mind, neighborhood news, new york

Source: Daily Intel | 18 Dec 2009 | 1:07 pm

Meet the New Girl: Nastasia Ohl

Nastasia Ohl (DNA).

Tired of the blonde-haired, blue-eyed carbon copies stalking down the runway? Then take a look at Nastasia Ohl. With a stunning mix of Asian, Eastern European, and Jamaican blood, the newcomer has that chic ethnically ambiguous look that reminds us of a young, curly-haired version of Caroline Ribeiro. Karl Lagerfeld called dibs on the 16-year-old first, when she debuted at the fall 2009 Chanel couture show in Paris. When the Florida native arrived to New York in September, casting directors Maida Gregori Boina and Rami Fernandez placed her on exclusive for the spring Calvin Klein show. In the sea of pale faces that walked, Nastasia's warm, delicate beauty stood out. In Paris, she booked shows for Rochas and Maison Martin Marigela. Following this carefully selected show season, the rookie shot Benetton's spring campaign, photographed by Josh Olins. Let's hope that's just the beginning for this one.

Model Profile: Nastasia Ohl

Find your favorite runway star on and off the runway in our extensive Model Manual.

Read more posts by James Lim

Filed Under: model tracker, models, nastasia ohl

Source: The Cut | 18 Dec 2009 | 1:00 pm

This Week in Rap Beefs: The Game Bought Seventeen Copies of 50 Cent’s New Album

So many of the inter-industry squabbles rappers constantly engage in are contrived attention-grabs or embarrassingly petty trifles. And we love them! Starting now, we’ll be evaluating and ranking the attacks from least to most effective. In today’s installment, everyone’s apologizing for stuff.

5. Trey Songz versus R. Kelly
Say What? Earlier this month we directed your attention to R. Kelly’s masterful address to anonymous haters, a message actually aimed at the discourteous Trey Songz. Mr. Songz must have been deeply shamed by Kelly’s elegant YouTube video, because he’s now totally backing off, telling MTV "It wasn't a beef. It was me telling R. Kelly to take the damn Auto-Tune off his voice, which he did on his album. His album is good." It sure is!
The Takeaway: Trey, you embarrassed yourself — next time, think twice before you throw a rock at the Sears Tower.

4. Jim Jones versus Jay-Z
Say What? After being caught on video rocking out in the club to a series of jams by his nemesis Jay-Z, Jim Jones explained to Complex that he can’t deny quality music: “I’m boogeying, man. And I might turn that shit up to 40 in the car if I’m moving fast ... I’m not giving him props, I just like the music.” Sounds like props-giving to us.
The Takeaway: Not a good look for Jones, even if the last bit of his response — “I don’t give a fuck about him, fuck that n**** and the camel he rode in on” — is hilarious.

3. Killer Mike versus Jay-Z/50 Cent
Say What? We weren’t even aware that Killer Mike had taken shots at 50 Cent and Jay-Z for copying his “hardcore” style.
The Takeaway: Seeing as that claim is utterly preposterous coming from an obscure ex-Outkast affiliate who put his debut album out seven years after Reasonable Doubt, we’re glad that Mike now smartened up and apologized for it.

2. Gucci Mane versus Young Jeezy
Say What? More heartwarming developments in the Gucci Mane/Young Jeezy friendship project. The two originally fell out over money disputes related to their song “Icy,” but made up earlier this month. Now they’re even back to collaborating, with Jeezy doing a verse on the remix to Gucci’s “Heavy.”
The Takeaway: Yay! Nicely done, fellas.

1. The Game versus 50 Cent
Say What? While everyone else is patching things up, you can count on Game to get antagonistic. This time, he’s mocking 50’s lackluster first-week sales numbers for Before I Self Destruct, saying "I tried to help him over that 160[,000 thousand] mark. We bought 17 albums, man. Real talk."
The Takeaway: We’re pretty sure he’s serious, which adds to the subtle effectiveness of the dig. Game takes the week!

Read more posts by Amos Barshad

Filed Under: feud for thought, 50 cent, beef, gucci mane, jay-z, killer mike, music, r. kelly, the game, trey songz, young jeezy

Source: Vulture | 18 Dec 2009 | 1:00 pm

Silversun Pickups: We Got Nominated for a Grammy?

When the Grammy nominations were announced, one of the many things that confused us was how Silversun Pickups, a band that put out their debut album in 2006, was up for Best New Artist this year. Turns out, Silversun Pickups are confused, too! Front man Brian Aubert told Spinner, "Look, we're still quite bewildered by the whole thing.” Also: “Does it really matter to us? No. Absolutely not.” [Spinner]

Read more posts by Amos Barshad

Filed Under: kudos, grammys, silversun pickups

Source: Vulture | 18 Dec 2009 | 12:45 pm

Rihanna Only Steps Away From Finding Osama Bin Laden

Here is the latest music video from the creative team behind Rihanna, for “Hard,” her latest single featuring Young Jeezy. The video tells us a lot about this young singer, who has already been in the tabloids not only for her unique fashion choices, but also for getting the life beaten out of her by the scum of the Earth that is Chris Brown.

But if this video is any indication, Rihanna seems to have transformed… into a woman that could kick anyone’s ass. Honestly, I think Rihanna might be Obama’s only hope of finding Osama. Just put her in the middle of the desert wearing black band-aids over her nips, spiky shouldy pads, 24k bullet belt and a Mickey Mouse helmet. It’s a look no member of the Taliban could possibly resist.

Rihanna – New Music – More Music Videos

Source: Best Week Ever | 18 Dec 2009 | 12:36 pm

Gosselin divorce finalized

After 10 years of marriage, Jon and Kate Gosselin's divorce was finalized by a Pennsylvania judge on Friday.
Source: CNN.com - Entertainment | 18 Dec 2009 | 12:23 pm

Robert Downey Jr. Wishes Jude Law Were Less Heterosexual

"Looking good!"

At last night’s New York premiere of Sherlock Holmes, Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law gushed about their instant chemistry — as all good co-stars do at such events. “I met him and I loved him,” said Law. “We trained together, we rehearsed together, we read together.” Some claim to see a homoerotic element to their onscreen dynamic, but Law maintains it was strictly platonic. When Downey arrived at the premiere, he admitted to feeling a bit let down that the reliably horny Brit didn’t attempt to jump him. “Disappointingly,” said Downey. “He is entirely heterosexual.”

Read more posts by Bennett Marcus

Filed Under: party lines, jude law, movies, robert downey jr., sherlock holmes

Source: Vulture | 18 Dec 2009 | 12:15 pm

Lara Stone Opens Up About Rehab, Translates ‘Curvy’ for Vogue

Stone, all that and then some.

In the face of the ongoing debate about model body sizes, the latest interview with "curvy" model Lara Stone in Vogue comes off as somewhat sad and often jarring. “What they say is ‘curvy,’" says Stone about stylists, casting agents, and the like, "but you know they mean fat.” Put in perspective with recent news about blossoming waistlines in the developed world and studies suggesting men prefer "normal" size women, Stone's description of her early troubles trying to get work as a lovely size 4 seem perverse. "It’s not an easy kind of rejection," she says, "because it’s very personal. It’s you, your body. You take it to heart … I even tried pills." Stone goes on to claim that the pressure to fit in with the legions of "coat hangers" in the industry drove her to drink in excess, a problem she confronted with a short rehab stint earlier this year. But Stone seems to hedge toward the end of the interview with Rebecca Johnson, stating, "That is their aesthetic. It’s not for me to say whether it’s right or wrong.” Reading about what she's gone through as a beautiful woman in an industry with a narrow view of beauty seems to suggest otherwise, though. Still, even after confronting addiction, rejection, and now the pressure to excel in the spotlight, Stone still seems to have a healthy sense of self and sense of humor. “I can have an androgynous quality,” she says, “except for the boobs.” Those are two very big exceptions, there, Lara.

Lara Stone: Hello Gorgeous [Vogue]

Read more posts by Gabriel Bell

Filed Under: dangerous curves, lara stone, vogue

Source: The Cut | 18 Dec 2009 | 12:15 pm

The making of 'Parnassus'

A relaxed -- very relaxed -- Terry Gilliam talks about the challenges of his new film.
Source: CNN.com - Entertainment | 18 Dec 2009 | 12:09 pm

HBS Grad Jamie Dimon Showed His Alma Mater No Mercy

JD and his wife, Judy, back in the Harvard years.

Back in 2004, Harvard purchased a ginormous amount of interest-rate swaps to fund an expansion. But in 2008 when the market tanked, the swaps turned toxic, and banks that had sold them to the university issued margin calls, putting Harvard in a tight position and forcing them to borrow $2.5 billion from the state of Massachusetts to get out of the swaps, a transaction that carried hefty penalty fees. One of the banks was JPMorgan, helmed by Harvard Business School graduate Jamie Dimon. Did JD cut his alma mater any slack, advise them to maybe wait a bit, not to panic? Hell no! Business is business, after all.

JPMorgan went after them like a debt collector after a deadbeat auto owner, according to today's report from Bloomberg:

Harvard would have avoided paying the costs of its swap obligations by waiting. Its banks, including JPMorgan Chase & Co., headed by James Dimon, were demanding cash collateral payments — ultimately totaling almost $1 billion — that Harvard in 2004 had agreed to pay if the value of the swaps fell. At least $1.8 billion of the swaps the school held were with JPMorgan, said a person familiar with the agreements. Dimon, a 1982 Harvard Business School alumnus, declined to comment on the agreements through a spokeswoman.

When they got the loan and paid the bank back, they briefly celebrated over dinner and canapés. Which JPMorgan then expensed to Harvard, naturally.

Harvard and JPMorgan celebrated the bond issue by hosting a cocktails-and-dinner party at the French restaurant Mistral, in Boston’s South End neighborhood, where appetizers start at $15 and entrées cost about $40, according to e-mails obtained from the state finance agency. JPMorgan invoiced the agency $388.78 for three employees who attended: Caswell, Marietta Joseph and Danielle Manning.

Classy.

Harvard Swaps Are So Toxic Even Summers Won’t Explain [Bloomberg]

Read more posts by Jessica Pressler

Filed Under: white men with wings like an angel, harvard, jamie dimon, jp morgan

Source: Daily Intel | 18 Dec 2009 | 11:46 am

Oscar Futures: Air, Locker Ride the Wave

Every week between now and February 2 when the nominations are announced, movies and stars will help themselves — or sometimes, hurt themselves — in the Oscar race. Vulture's "Oscar Futures" will listen for insider gossip, comb the blogs, and out-and-out guess when necessary, to track who's up, who's down, and who's currently leading the race for a coveted nomination.

Best Picture	UP: Up in the Air. Hurt Locker took the major critics' prizes and Nine got more SAG and BFCA nods than expected, but Air scored the most Golden Globe nods, did big business at the box office, and got a love letter from Frank Rich. It still feels like the front-runner.	DOWN: Invictus. Did the Globes snub it for Best Drama because they'd already nominated Eastwood, Freeman, and Damon, thus guaranteeing their attendance at the ceremony anyway — or because it's not that great? It's certainly no Gran Torino at the box office.
	CURRENT PREDIX: Avatar, An Education, The Hurt Locker, Inglourious Basterds, Invictus, Nine, Precious, A Serious Man, Up, Up in the Air

Best Director	UP: Kathryn Bigelow, The Hurt Locker. Her movie swept the major critics' prizes. Also, she was pretty much the world's only person Manohla Dargis didn't tell to fuck off this week.	DOWN: Lee Daniels, Precious. Was his Globes snub because they wanted to nominate someone more famous — or because of Precious's clumsy fantasy sequences?
	CURRENT PREDIX: Kathryn Bigelow, The Hurt Locker; Lee Daniels, Precious; Clint Eastwood, Invictus; Rob Marshall, Nine; Jason Reitman, Up in the Air; Quentin Tarantino, Inglourious Basterds.
Best Actor	UP: George Clooney, Up in the Air. He and Bridges are splitting the critics' awards, but so far Clooney's won more. Seems like this could be a two-horse race.	DOWN: Tobey Maguire, Brothers. Not only did his surprise Globe nomination come with charges of bribery, but now he has fifteen returned Blu-Ray players to get rid of.
	CURRENT PREDIX: Jeff Bridges, Crazy Heart; George Clooney, Up in the Air; Colin Firth, A Single Man; Morgan Freeman, Invictus; Jeremy Renner, The Hurt Locker.
Best Actress	UP: Sandra Bullock, The Blind Side. She scored a SAG and two Globe nods. She's definitely in ...	DOWN: Abbie Cornish, Bright Star. ... Which means — since Streep, Mulligan, Sidibe, and Mirren are all locks for nods — Cornish could be out.
	CURRENT PREDIX: Abbie Cornish, Bright Star; Sandra Bullock, The Blind Side; Helen Mirren, The Last Station; Carey Mulligan, An Education; Gabourey Sidibe, Precious; Meryl Streep, Julie & Julia.
Best Supporting Actor	UP: Woody Harrelson, The Messenger. Globe and SAG nods (plus his earlier NBR win) mean he'll probably be among the four lucky actors to lose to Christoph Waltz on Oscar night.	DOWN: Alfred Molina, An Education. Shafted by SAG and the Globes. Damon, Plummer, Tucci, and Waltz kinda seem like locks and that fifth slot is beginning to look like it's Harrelson's.
	CURRENT PREDIX: Matt Damon, Invictus; Woody Harrelson, The Messenger; Alfred Molina, An Education; Christopher Plummer, The Last Station; Stanley Tucci, The Lovely Bones; Christoph Waltz, Inglourious Basterds.
Best Supporting Actress	UP: Mo'Nique, Precious. Her bad attitude was no problem for critics circles in New York, L.A., San Francisco, D.C., or Boston.	DOWN: Judi Dench, Nine. Even in a movie in which Kate Hudson sings, Judi's big number is "horrible" and "pointless," say critics.
	CURRENT PREDIX: Penélope Cruz, Nine; Vera Farmiga, Up in the Air; Anna Kendrick, Up in the Air; Mo'nique, Precious; Julianne Moore, A Single Man.

Read more posts by Lane Brown

Filed Under: kudos, movies, oscar futures, oscars

Source: Vulture | 18 Dec 2009 | 11:45 am

This Weekend’s Events and Sales: Custom Engraving at Cynthia Rowley; 65 Percent Off Digby & Iona

EVENTS
TOMORROW
• Meet Bond No. 9 creator and CEO Laurice Rahme at Saks Fifth Avenue, where she’ll be signing Bond No. 9 perfume bottles. 611 Fifth Ave., at 50th St. (212-753-4000); noon–5.

• Customize silver belt buckles ($150) or gold disks for necklaces or charm bracelets ($40 to $75) at Cynthia Rowley's engraving party. Custom engraving orders may also be placed online. 376 Bleecker St., nr. Perry St. (212-242-3803); 3–5.

• Join the holiday festivities at Urban Alchemist's holiday party, featuring t. kahres jewelry for 25 percent off. 343 5th St., Park Slope, Brooklyn (718-499-0758); 2 p.m.

• Check out the opening of the J Brand Gallery at Henry Lehr. Shoppers who make a full-price J Brand purchase will receive a free limited-edition hand-loomed scarf, while supplies last. 9 Prince St., nr. Elizabeth St. (212-274-9921); 1–5.

MONDAY
• Stop by David Barton Gym's eighth annual Toy Drive at the new Astor Place location. Owner David Barton joins designers Marc Jacobs and Narciso Rodriguez, as well as Susan Sarandon and celebrity chef Art Smith, who will all be there to lend their support. David Barton Gym Astor Place. 4 Astor Place, nr. Broadway; 9–midnight.

SALES
STARTING TOMORROW
• Eko-Lab hosts a two-day holiday sale, featuring 20 to 50 percent off sustainable clothing and jewelry from designers like Renata Mann, Abigail Doan, and Dirty Librarian Chains. Prices range from $15 to $400. 123 Ludlow St., nr. Rivington St. (212-673-1753); S–Su (1–8).

• Find deep discounts on jewelry at the Erica Weiner sample sale. Shop the full collection, as well as one-off designs and $10 refurbished vintage earrings and bracelets. Call 212-777-7001 or e-mail sales@ericaweiner.com to make an appointment. 195 Chrystie St., nr. Stanton St., Ste. 809; by appointment only.

ENDING TOMORROW
• Tops are $40 (originally $120), jeans are $60 (originally $280), dresses are $100 (originally $360), and blazers are $120 (originally $500) at the Twenty8Twelve sample sale. 580 Broadway, nr. Prince St., Ste. 1200 (212-564-9747); W–S (10–6).

• Outerwear, knits, dresses, separates, and accessories are up to 80 percent off at the Hanii Y sample sale. 632 W. 28th St., nr. Eleventh Ave., fourth fl.; Th–F (noon–8), S (10–6).

• Clothing and accessories from April77, Digby & Iona, Fremont, Quail, and more are 65 to 85 percent off at the Archetype Showroom sample sale. 676 Broadway, nr. 3rd St., second fl. (212-529-1407); F (10–7), S (noon–6).

• Shop deals from Three Dots, Minnie Mortimer, Sophia Eugene, Nellie Partow, Yosi Samra, and more at the winter sample sale. Shoes start at $30 and dresses start at $50. Panthere Communications, 200 Park Ave. South, at 17th St., Ste. 1608; Th–F (10–8), S (11–5).

• Find discounts of up to 70 percent at eryn brinié's holiday sample sale. The selection also includes Kai-aakmann, Blue Notch denim, Kaylee Tankus, and more. Openhouse Gallery, 201 Mulberry St., nr. Kenmare St.; Su (11–6), M–T (10–8).

• Select Made Her Think jewelry is 20 to 50 percent off. 195 Chrystie St., nr. Stanton St., Ste. 301-7; F (noon–7), S (noon–8).

STARTING MONDAY
• Shop discounts of up to 80 percent off on fur vests, scarves, jackets, hats, throws, and pillows a the Adrienne Landau holiday blowout sale. Through 12/23. 519 Eighth Ave., nr. 36th St., 21st fl.; M–W (10–6).

• Find final markdowns on cocktail dresses and gowns from Donald Deal, Pamella Roland, Melinda Eng, and more. Through 12/23. 519 Eighth Ave., nr. 36th St., 21st fl.; M–W (10–6).

• Victor Hugo's exotic-skin handbags are up to 80 percent off. Through 12/23. 519 Eighth Ave., nr. 36th St., 21st fl.; M–W (10–6).

• Shop discounts on fall 2009 Kooba handbags and Tocca apparel. The Natasha suede shoulder tote with contrast piping is $320 (originally $645), the classic floral-print silk dress is $85 (originally $286), and the Courtney leather clutch with a side bow is $120 (originally $245). Through 12/23. 261 W 36th St., nr. Seventh Ave., second fl.; M (11–7), T (11–6), W (11–5).

ENDING MONDAY
• In honor of the brand's 25th anniversary, Uniqlo will feature a different shopping promotion every day for 25 days. 546 Broadway, nr. Spring St. (917-237-8800); M–S (10–9), Su (11–7).

• Merchandise is up to 70 percent off at the Jeffrey Monteiro sample sale. The Slouch dress is $150 (originally $495), the Sara jacket is $175 (originally $580), and the crocheted shawl is $95 (originally $295). 200 Centre St., nr. Howard St., Ste. 2; 11–7.

ONGOING
• All fall 2009 merchandise and reworked vintage pieces at VEDA are up to 50 percent off the original price. Through 12/31. 132 Ludlow Street, at Rivington St. (646-524-5137).

• Eyewear by Dior, Gucci, Tom Ford, Lafont, and more starts at $50 at James Leonard Opticians. Through 12/31. 1010 Second Ave., nr. 53rd St. (212-753-7733); 209 Smith St., nr. President St., Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn (718-222-8300); M, W, F (10–7), T, Th (10–8), S (10–6).

Read more posts by Lauren Murrow

Filed Under: fashion calendar, sales, shopping

Source: The Cut | 18 Dec 2009 | 11:30 am

Fox flipping 'Idol' timeslot

Front Page: Reality giant to air before 'Human Target' -- Fox is moving its Wednesday night edition of "American Idol" to 9 p.m. earlier than expected.

Source: Variety.com - Front Page | 18 Dec 2009 | 11:27 am

Jersey Shore: Tonight, Let Us All Smush

Where we watch MTV’s Jersey Shore for the betterment of mankind, and then rank our favorite housemates in order from worst to best according to gender. Beginning with…

The Girls:

5. Angelina. Remember her? Us neither.

4. J-Woww. More antics with her boyfriend over the duck phone. In fact, that was her role this episode: Grinding on Pauly, and defending her grinding on the duck phone. Her logic — that they were sex grinding to house music and not to R&B — is the most logical argument since that whole pesky Obama birth certificate thing. Next week, J-Woww gets into a fight defending Snookie, which will definitely knock her up a few places in our rankings.

3. Sammi “Superstar”. Episode picks up where last week’s left off: Sammi gives her number to a cop while Ronnie grinds on some random girl at the club. Ronnie finds out and storms off, with J-Woww about 12 feet behind (her nipples were touching his back, natch.) Sammi heads back to the house to confront Ronnie, who has shredded his gorilla suit in favor of a more flattering terry cloth banana hammock. She attacks him in a way that reminded us of a New Jersey version of Ja’mie from Summer Heights High. “Yowah Disguhsteeng.” — Sammie, dressed like J-Woww’s favorite food, Ham. Of all the girl’s, she the most garbagey = manipulative.

2. Snookie. Snookie calls her Mom on “The Friggin’ Duck Phone” and asks her how lonely she is. The Mom sounds relieved to have some time to herself. Can you imagine living with Snookie? After you BIRTHED HER? Send this woman to Geneva.

Snookie gets her thongy dance on at Karma, performing our favorite dance move from the 1996 Summer Olympics:

Kerri Strug would have been a HIT at Karma. Snookie meets a nice enough guy and they sleep together on the beach. Like, next to each other. They are woken up by a street sweeper.

Snookie’s Mom, who kinda likes Snooks, shows up and is basically Karen from Goodfellas. She is roughly 4800 shades lighter than her daughter, meaning that Snookie’s father is probably the shrunken head guy from the end of Beetlejuice:

Now: The Punch Heard Round The Shore. How DARE a man hit a woman, especially the nation’s beloved Snookie, in the face with a closed fist? Basically, a drunk apey robot from a Phillip K. Dick novel makes his way to the Jersey Shore, and begins stealing drinks from the cast members. The Situation actually acts gentlemanly, wanting to avoid a fight. Then this d**kless dude punches Snooks. MTV cut the punch out of the show following uproar over last week’s knock out preview. And knowing that everyone would tune in to the episode to see said fight, the network waited until the last 3 minutes to start the storyline… and you know what that means…

CLIFFHANGERRRRRR!!!1!

1. The Grenade. See below, under “The Situation and Pauly D.” The Grenade is AMAZING.

The Guys:

4. Vinnie. Has anyone seen Vinnie? Why is the only male member of the house who doesn’t need a human d-warmer on him at all times never featured? Vinnie is intentionally hilarious, give him his screentime.

3. Ronnie Ronnie is such a giant sweet idiot child. He got his oversized ape heart hurt by Sammi! They wept together. We were feeling for him. He hugs girls and weeps with no clothes on. People like this exist?! Yes, Ronnie exists, a veritable Donkey Shlong in a world where the ladders lead him from one bed to another.

Ronnie had sex with Sammi. We know this because the producers cut away to fireworks, which is how babies are made according to Scientologists. Let’s also bring up the fact that he referred to having sex with Sammi as SMUSHING. Ronnie on Sex: “We smushed.” This is also science’s most accepted definition of “Fetal Alcohol Syndrome.” Has Ronnie fallen in love on the Jersey Shore, despite his own rule?

1. Pauly D. Tied with The Situation, see below.

1. The Situation. This guy. Please. I’ll never be able to hate on him ever again after he was so — is the word gracious? — to me when I met him at the MTV office holiday party. And did you ever think about the fact that maybe the reason he was so nice to me was that I didn’t treat him like a piece of meat? And was also dressed like a Gatorade bottle? JK, I would have toasted marshmallows over his abs had there not been 5000 other people standing around chicken fingers under fluorescent office lighting. God, please forgive me.

This episode centered around his antics with Pauly D, trying to lure “the ladies” into the hot tub. What is it about the mystical hot tub that makes the men want to get the women in there so badly? Is that tequila bubbling up from beneath? Did they roofie the freakin hot tub? Not even with hundreds of little roofies, but like one giant one?

The Situation actually finds a girl to make out with him, while Pauly’s girl, sadly, has her period so can’t take her white pants off. (You will note that this young lady will be one of two girls who a. Almost hooks up with Pauly D and b. Will surely kill herself after last night’s airing.) When P-rod McGillicutty wants to leave, that lovable a**hole Situation asks her “What’s wrong? You’re hungry?” because, of course, any girl with 20 extra lbs on her is surely going to shoot up out of bed in the middle of the night like an elderly Jewish man in the throes of a post-War dream looking for some ham. Anyway, the girls leave, and Situation’s D once again sleeps in the outdoors.

Later, at Karma, they meet two willing broads. Sitch gives Pauly the less desirable one… who we will eventually come to know as “The Grenade.” The boys ditch this twosome for two other broads who have a topless car. Convertible chicks come back to the house and refuse to get in the hot tub — JERSEY SHORE SACRILEGE — but luckily, The Grenade & Co. basically break into the house and send the other girls packing.

Then, The Grenade so masterfully c*ck blocks the Situation that, I don’t even know, give this girl an Emmy? A bonus? Something. She deserves something for storming into his room while they were hooking up and demanding her friend leaves with her. The Grenade might be the only sensible person in Jersey, stopping her friend from having sex with a self-titled “Situation” on national television. She deserves to at least be made Lt. Governor of the state.

And once again, The Situation’s best friend, his own lonely penis, keeps on waving around the shore like a metal detector in search of a giant iron vagina.* (*This doesn’t mean anything.)

Thoughts on the episode? Favorite quotes? To the comments!

Source: Best Week Ever | 18 Dec 2009 | 11:23 am

Boyz II Men Cover Goo Goo Dolls On Fallon, Viewers Keep Checking Year On Their Phones

A reunited Boyz II Men appeared on Jimmy Fallon last night to promote their upcoming album of department store Christmas songs, singing everyone’s favorite Holiday standard, “Iris” by the Goo Goo Dolls (it’s about Santa Claus):

Needless to say, this performance earns the…

Source: Best Week Ever | 18 Dec 2009 | 11:16 am

Tiger Woods Plays Sad Golf at Night

We'd have pictures of him playing golf at night, but nobody else was there.

Here's a depressing picture: Tiger Woods, the greatest golfer in the world, playing golf alone at night on a course near his home in order to avoid prying eyes. That's what he does to keep himself calm, according to Us Weekly. He's also changed his phone number so friends can no longer call him — like Charles Barkley, who's dealt with his own affair stories, and who for some reason keeps talking to the media about how he wants to get Tiger on the phone. The golf great is not even watching sports on TV, according to the London Sun. He sits around his apartment, alone, watching cartoons and eating cereal.

See how they did that? They just reported a story about how Tiger Woods is doing these things alone, in privacy, and not talking to anyone about it. Someone saw him playing golf, but watching cartoons and eating cereal in his own secluded, heavily guarded house? It's tabloid telepathy at work! (If we were making up this story, we'd at least guess he was watching Girls Gone Wild. We mean, come on.)

Tiger 'Cracks Up' [Sun UK]
Tiger Woods Spotted Golfing Alone at Night [Us]

Read more posts by Chris Rovzar

Filed Under: tiger catches tail, sex scandals, tiger woods, woods hole

Source: Daily Intel | 18 Dec 2009 | 11:15 am

Real Daytime Drama: On the Set of All My Children’s Last Day in New York

Irizarry and Budig rehearse one of their final scenes with director Casey Childs before the show's move to L.A.

Last Thursday, on one of All My Children's sets in its ABC Upper West Side studios, things were proceeding in the same vein they have for nearly 40 years: Greenlee Smythe (played by Rebecca Budig) was confronting Dr. David Hayward (Vincent Irizarry) about his rendezvous with her archenemy that happened while Greenlee was lying in a coma, paralyzed. But across the soundstage from this simulated sadness, the soap was going through its own drama: Half of the other life-size dollhouse sets (Erica Kane’s penthouse, Adam Chandler’s study, the Valley Inn, the Pine Cone Motel) were being dismantled.

The next day, after 10,307 episodes, Susan Lucci and most of the New York–based cast would pack up and move to Los Angeles, the show’s new home. In the soaps' sudsier era, the seventies and eighties, out of the dozen-plus different daytime dramas on the air at any one time, more than half of them were based in New York; the genre was such a cash cow that it subsidized Broadway. Now there is only one left: One Life to Live, which will move onto All My Children’s vacated stage. And that may not be a long-term move: The past three months have seen the cancellations of As the World Turns and Guiding Light; when As the World Turns ends in September, there will be only five six network soaps on air.

The AMC cast is lucky to still be employed, though as they cleaned out their dressing rooms and said good-bye to a longtime crew, many of whom will be left without jobs, it was hard to rejoice. “I’ve got very mixed feelings about it,” said Cameron Mathison, who plays Ryan Lavery. “As far as the show and the future vitality of All My Children, I’m really excited, but purely speaking from a New York actor’s perspective, it’s very sad to me that we’re leaving and that so many other shows have been canceled. It’s a really tough thing to swallow, and the other big part of it is that there’s obviously going to be a lot of crew and actors now having to look for work.”

As the show’s actors reminisced, stagehands loaded racks of costumes and props into cardboard boxes. Upstairs in a jammed conference room, executive producer Julie Hanan Carruthers was finalizing plans for the show’s exodus to L.A., where shooting starts in early January. The move is being made for cost-cutting and technological reasons: The show’s new home will have a high-definition studio twice the size of the old one, with two separate soundstages. “New York doesn’t have the space that L.A. does for the sets, which had to be trucked in from Brooklyn and Queens every day,” said show creator Agnes Nixon, to whom ABC’s relocation orders weren’t a big surprise. “There wasn’t any secret about it, and I’d been hearing rumblings and mumblings about the cost of transporting the sets back and forth into Manhattan for years.”

AMC's westward move is just the latest chapter of a doomsday saga that has plagued soap operas on both coasts for over a decade now. Once upon a time, huge, faithful audiences from housewives and college students to CEOs and politicians tuned in to their favorite shows every day, knowing that each installment was a now-or-never proposition. Locally, New York soaps were the launching ground for such actors as James Earl Jones, Christopher Reeve, Marisa Tomei, Meg Ryan, Alec Baldwin, Kevin Bacon, Kelly Ripa, and countless others. But by the mid-nineties, as production costs skyrocketed and ratings waned when more women returned to work, daytime dramas began disappearing faster than Erica Kane changes husbands.

The actors finished the day feeling off balance, knowing they will continue to create the same melodrama, but in another world. “It’s very surreal and bittersweet because it feels like I’ll be coming back here tomorrow and I won’t be,” said Budig. The cast and crew planned to gather that night to drink and watch a blooper reel, their last evening together in New York. “The whole entire medium and genre is adjusting,” says Mathison. “As times are changing, daytime television also has to adapt and change along with it, and in doing so there’s definitely going to be some not so great aspects of it, and leaving New York is one of them. And how New York itself is going to be affected by this is really tough to swallow.”

Related: Charm, We're Sure: Vulture Makes Its All My Children Debut [NYM]

Read more posts by Tripp Whetsell

Filed Under: soaps, all my children, one life to live, recession, tv

Source: Vulture | 18 Dec 2009 | 11:00 am

Duggar baby No. 19 doing well

Michelle Duggar told PEOPLE she is cherishing every moment with her premature 19th child, Josie Brooklyn.
Source: CNN.com - Entertainment | 18 Dec 2009 | 10:47 am

Anna Wintour Wants France to Support More Young Designers

Anna Wintour on supporting young designers: "I think it's totally important for all of us in the American fashion industry to support the young designers, and I think that's why New York's become such a vibrant fashion center, because people go there not only to see the Donna Karans of the world but a whole new generation. I'm just so sorry that there isn't something like that in Paris that's similar. I think that they should look for the younger generation here [in Paris] as well. Not only New York but London really supports their young talent; Franca Sozzani at Italian Vogue supports the young Italian designers, and I think when France is so known for its fashion industry — for them not to be reaching out to help younger people today is really a shame." She may as well have just pointed a finger at Carine Roitfeld and saved her breath. [Fashionologie]

Read more posts by Sharon Clott

Filed Under: quotables, anna wintour, franca sozzani, vogue, young designers

Source: The Cut | 18 Dec 2009 | 10:45 am

Rue McClanahan Thinks a Really Good Haircut Is Priceless

Name: Rue McClanahan
Age: 75
Neighborhood: Sutton Place
Occupation: Actress

Who's your favorite New Yorker, living or dead, real or fictional?
I guess it would have to be Marlon Brando. Or maybe Superman — he was from Gotham. Although Superman and Marlon Brando are pretty much the same thing in my book.

What's the best meal you've eaten in New York?
You know, I’d have to say my husband’s dinners. He cooks our dinner most nights.

In one sentence, what do you actually do all day in your job?
I pretend to be somebody else.

Would you still live here on a $35,000 salary?
No, no — heavens no. Although you know what, maybe I would. When I came to New York I was earning less than that in equivalency. I was working Off Broadway making $55 a week, I had no clothing allowance whatsoever. I used to buy material by the yard — it was back in the miniskirt days of the late sixties — and I would buy two yards of material for a dollar a yard, and I’d make a pattern out of a newspaper drawn from a picture I’d seen in a store window, and I bought a $40 Singer sewing machine secondhand, and I made my own clothes. And I made [her son] Mark’s clothes. I couldn’t make little boys’ shirts and pants, my mother usually bought Mark’s clothes. But I made him a bathrobe that I still have.

What's the last thing you saw on Broadway?
The last thing I saw was 33 Variations. My producer and I saw it together, and we both liked it very much. It was quite well handled.

Do you give money to panhandlers?
No. Although when my husband isn’t looking, I do.

What's your drink?
Kangen water.

How often do you prepare your own meals?
On Thursday nights when my husband goes to the Player’s Club.

What's your favorite medication?
Creativity.

What's hanging above your sofa?
There’s a handmade wooden framed mirror, with turned wood made by a fellow in Wisconsin named Stephen Spina. He is an artist in wood and he’s made the coffee table and the mirror to match, and he’s also made us a rocking chair out of one piece of wood and a hall tree for your coats and hats and various other pieces of furniture. And then above the mirror are two very rough masks from Mexico in dark wood.

How much is too much to spend on a haircut?
I think $200 is too much. I even feel itchy about $150. But I mean, to tell you the truth, a really good haircut is priceless.

When's bedtime?
When I’m sleepy.

Which do you prefer, the old Times Square or the new Times Square?
I prefer the new Times Square. I never felt safe in the old Times Square when I lived in New York in those years. Well, it wasn’t really Times Square, it was really Eighth Avenue that made me uncomfortable, and I had to go up and down it because I was working on Broadway. But that whole area was so tacky and it was so unsafe. I felt unsafe, anyway. I don’t like the looks and the ambiance of the new Times Square because I don’t like to have a theater named the American Airlines Theater, that’s so untheatrical. And I also don’t like the ones that look like hotels. I like a theater that looks like a theater, with a marquee and lights and the old-time look. But I do prefer safety and cleanliness and I do think the new Times Square, although it’s just jammed with people, is also safer.

What do you think of Donald Trump?
I think of him as little, as infrequently as possible. But I do think he has a very bad hairdo.

What do you hate most about living in New York?
Crosstown traffic. I wish we had smart cars or electric golf carts — that would be just perfect. We could get around so wonderfully. It’s all the big ol’ stupid trucks and the millions of cars going crosstown. I was doing Wicked over at the George Gershwin theater and I live over on the East Side, practically in the East River, and it took 45 minutes to get across town, which is just ridiculous.

Who is your mortal enemy?
Well, I don’t think I have any.

When's the last time you drove a car?
About 2005. I was doing a Hallmark movie in California. We were shooting in Pasadena and they put me up in North Hollywood. And I had to drive over to Pasadena, and that’s when I said, "I’m not doing this one more day. Someone has to come over here and get me, because these California drivers are suicidal."

Oh, no, I take it back. I went on a little country trip — a girlfriend and I drove up to the Berkshires, and that was about three years ago.

How has the Wall Street crash affected you?
Oh, I lost 40 percent of my retirement account. But my sister, who is brilliant, lost 39 percent of hers. So I don’t feel too bad.

Times, Post, or Daily News?
The Times.

Where do you go to be alone?
My tendency is to go to my office. Very often I am invaded. I also go to the backyard. We have a lovely little backyard or big back garden, whichever way you want to look at it.

What makes someone a New Yorker?
I was 15 when I realized, my dad had driven us up from Oklahoma for a trip, and I guess we must have parked the car in Jersey and taken a train over, because I remember walking up out of this underground place into what seemed to be Times Square. There I was, I saw this city and I said, “This is home.” I recognized it. I always felt like I had been born into the wrong place, back in Oklahoma. And when I discovered New York, I knew I had to get back to it. So it’s the feeling of having to get back to it.

Read more posts by Vanita Salisbury

Filed Under: 21 Questions

Source: Daily Intel | 18 Dec 2009 | 10:30 am

Thank You, Internet, For Not Spoiling the Dexter Finale

Fear not — before getting into this week’s Dexter finale, I’d like to deliver a message:

To return the favor, I promise not to reveal any spoilers about the finale… until after the jump.

But let’s backtrack if but for a moment. I never watch Dexter. Even though Six Feet Under was my hour-long dramatic jam, and my love for Michael C. Hall never waivered, I had trouble getting into his serial killing Showtimey ways the first season. This laziness ended up spiraling into a years of, as the experts put it, “not giving a sh*t.”

Then, on Sunday, the season finale for the show’s 4th season aired. I wasn’t made aware of this fact until afterwards, when THE ENTIRE PLANET (yes, even you Nepal) seemed to be tittering and twittering about how amazing and shocking it was.

It was then I made a decision that would forever change the next 4 days of my life: I would watch the entire 4th season of Dexter, as fast as humanly possible, in a race to beat the internet at what it does best: RUINING EVERYTHING.

My life would surely never be the same. And today, 12 hours of the season behind me, I can honestly say…

(By clicking ahead, you are asking to be spoiled.)

HOLY. MOTHER. OF. SH*T.

(Above, a reimagining of The Death of Marat by Jacques-Louis David. Sincerely, My Wasted Art History Degree.)

Lots of things to discuss, so allow me to bullet point them:

• FIRST OF ALL. Let us talk about how good John Lithgow was as the doughy, gigantic, buck-toothed Trinity serial killer. He’s always been such a lovable dope — from back in his Terms of Endearment days, all the way up to HAIC (Head Alien in Charge) on 3rd Rock from the Sun. Sadly, if I ever get to meet him, I will certainly not shake his hand following the “High Fiving Jonah – Wait, JK – Your Fingers Are Broken” incident. Not to mention the confidence he had to have his long, pasty body wrapped up like leftover Thanksgiving turkey on Dexter’s chopping block… if that doesn’t nab someone a Golden Globe, what does?
• As far as my 3 day Dexter binge is concerned: Sitting through an entire season of a show in a short span is really asking a lot. It’s like watching a 12 hour movie as quickly as possible (that’s code for catheters, by the way). That being said, I was amazed at the lightning pacing of the season. Every episode seemed to have some heart-grasping moment that kept me on-demanding more. And despite the finale’s big shock, the Thanksgiving episode was the most tense for me personally.



• Speaking of Jonah, can we talk about how amazing this actor’s name is? Brando Eaton! Pretty sure that’s why Marlon Brando died actually. My favorite celebrity name after D’Niro Gnitting. Also, he is hot and probably underaged? We wish him the best.
• Jennifer Carpenter, i.e. Deb, Dexter’s sister, is probably the best actress working in television today. No hard feelings, Patricia Heaton. (No relation to Brando, above.)
• Relatedly, when are Quinn and Deb gonna do it already? She’s chasing elderly tail, while he’s getting played by a psychopath. When don’t they realize? They’re perrrrfect for each other… in that they’re so wrong for each other.
• Oh, when Trinity’s daughter blew her brains out, I was like ” ” breathing normally because I couldn’t really care less.
• There has been a lot of controversy surrounding the ending. Let’s have a mid-post reminder, because why shouldn’t you feel sad at work/after a long day of work:

  Ohhhh lawwwwwd whyyyyy? Don’t get me wrong, Rita was hyperactively annoying as a character (and from what I’ve been reading, she was worse in the last seasons). But killing her off? The Golden Globes should create a special awards for HUGEST BALLS and give it to the writers. His wife is dead, and not even by his own hands. I will say, because I knew there was a shock ending, I had a HORRIBLE feeling when Dexter walked into his house — his killing of Trinity was expected, so what lay ahead? A body in a bathtub, you guys. The real question is: This is a fictional TV show. So why are people taking this so personally? (Even my unfeeling self.)

• So many questions now loom for next season: His wife is dead and police are going to want to know why she was singled out. Dexter is now a single Dad, with a baby and two stepchildren. And he loves to murderrrrr! My instincts tell me that his sister is going to somehow discover his favorite past time.

What did you guys think of the season? The finale? The storylines? Is it worth me going back and watching earlier seasons? Any of you happy they actually killed the wife? What about that son of a bitch Lundy? (We kid.) Feel free to create a lively discussion in the comments so that I don’t feel as left out of Sunday’s post-finale web frenzy.

Source: Best Week Ever | 18 Dec 2009 | 10:28 am

Tori Spelling Introduces Less-Popular “Please Don’t Ever Touch Me” Elmo

So, this is happening:

Man, when I was little, I used to love Elmo cause I thought he was my secret lesser-known favorite side character — everyone else could have Big Bird and Snuffy and Oscar as much as they wanted — but he went totally mainstream in the 90s and he just keeps getting bigger.

I used to go see him perform at shady-ass Lower East Side heroin dens in ‘89 when there’d be three people in the crowd wandering in to get out of the cold and figuring they could score some H if they stuck around the band long enough, but now all the sudden EVERYONE’S a huge Elmo fan, his face is on everything, Tori Spelling’s wearing him as a puppet, yadda yadda whatever. Success totally went to that dude’s head — I don’t even recognize him anymore. Yes, even though he’s a very noticeable red puppet with giant eyes.

Source: Best Week Ever | 18 Dec 2009 | 10:26 am

Jon & Kate Gosselin Divorced! - People Magazine

ESPN

Jon & Kate Gosselin Divorced! People Magazine It's over: Having filed the papers in June, Jon and Kate Gosselin have received the judge's signature to make official the finish of their 10-year marriage. The divorce was announced midday Friday. Earlier that morning, a source ... TV Gazing: Jon and Kate are divorcedTimes Herald-Record Gosselin divorce has been finalizedPoughkeepsie Journal Jon and Kate no longer matesTampa Tribune New York Daily News -Tri-Valley Herald -Boston Globe all 996 news articles »

Source: Entertainment - Google News | 18 Dec 2009 | 10:23 am

Review: 'Avatar' delivers

James Cameron has done it again. "Avatar" lives up its billing as the next thing in movie imagination.
Source: CNN.com - Entertainment | 18 Dec 2009 | 10:15 am

A nude drawing autographed by Joseph Satlin

A drawing with Joseph Stalin autograph is seen at a Moscow exhibit iof nude prints with scrawled comments apparently written by former Soviet leader Joseph Stalin that make ribald references to his party...
Source: RSS feed - channel BNImagesEnter | 18 Dec 2009 | 10:04 am

A guard at the "Messages from the Great Leader: Stalin's Autographs" exhibit in Moscow

A security guard walks by a display at an unprecedented exhibition opened in Moscow of nude prints with scrawled comments apparently written by former Soviet leader Joseph Stalin that make ribald references...
Source: RSS feed - channel BNImagesEnter | 18 Dec 2009 | 10:04 am

RUSSIA-ART-HISTORY-STALIN

A woman looks at drawings at an unprecedented exhibition in Moscow of nude prints with scrawled comments apparently written by former Soviet leader Joseph Stalin that make ribald references to his party...
Source: RSS feed - channel BNImagesEnter | 18 Dec 2009 | 10:04 am

Glee Creator Promises to Remedy Show’s Lack of Musical Numbers

Are you a brokenhearted Glee-head freaking out over the show’s upcoming four-month hiatus? Creator Ryan Murphy has some information that might help you through this tough time: When the show returns in April, it’s coming back with even more ridiculous song-and-dance numbers! Says Murphy, “We've been averaging five or six songs ... In the back nine we do an average of eight to 10.” We might have to get an intern for our recapper. [Wrap]

Read more posts by Amos Barshad

Filed Under: glee, ryan murphy, television

Source: Vulture | 18 Dec 2009 | 10:00 am

Most of the drawings are of nude men, and Stalin twice makes jokes about masturbation

A drawing with handwritten comments by Joseph Stalin is seen at an exhibition in Moscow. An unprecedented exhibition has opened in Moscow of nude prints with scrawled comments apparently written by former...
Source: RSS feed - channel BNImagesEnter | 18 Dec 2009 | 9:50 am

The Times said the actress was "so wispy she could fit into an umbrella stand"

British actress Keira Knightley, seen here in February, drew mixed reviews for her debut on the London stage, where she fittingly plays a glamourous Hollywood starlet in an update of Moliere's play "The...
Source: RSS feed - channel BNImagesEnter | 18 Dec 2009 | 9:50 am

Bernie Kerik’s Bangin’ New Bod

That's a come-hither look if we've ever seen one.

According to a set of photos he posted on Facebook, former police commissioner Bernie Kerik has spent much of the time he's been on house arrest getting in shape. We can't see all of the pictures (Bernie, oddly, has "too many friends"), but the Post describes his new bod thusly:

Gone is his law-enforcement mustache and his doughnut-fed belly. It's been replaced by a bulky chest and a tight waist. He even makes sure to pose before a sword, presumably for effect.

The paper assumes Bernie is beefing up in preparation for the three-year prison sentence he's expected to be awarded in February, and put up the photos in order to "send a message" to cellmates to let them know he is not the sort to bend over and be their prison girlfriend. But we're not so sure. First of all: He posed with a sword? And even look at this shot, above: There's bottles of rosé in the background. For the love of Adam Lambert, these are the gayest pictures ever.

Feel the 'Bern' [NYP]

Read more posts by Jessica Pressler

Filed Under: ballsy crime, bernard kerik, bernie kerik, chardonnay, no tie, prison

Source: Daily Intel | 18 Dec 2009 | 9:45 am

Herrera lures Russians with boutique show (Reuters)

Reuters - American fashion designer Carolina Herrera followed in the footsteps of her sartorial colleague Giorgio Armani this week by vying for a piece of Russia's recovering luxury good market -- the world's fourth largest.

Source: Yahoo! News: Fashion News | 18 Dec 2009 | 9:30 am

Facebookers rage against Cowell

At least half a million Facebookers are trying to keep "The X-Factor" from claiming the top spot on the UK singles chart.
Source: CNN.com - Entertainment | 18 Dec 2009 | 9:21 am

Kardashian Sisters: We Didn't Plan to Be Celebrities

Kim and Khloe Kardashian open up about changes in their lives and how they stumbled into the entertainment biz

Source: FOXNews.com | 18 Dec 2009 | 8:38 am

While You Were Looking Forward To Watching Scrooged Every Moment Of Every Day

• Twitter says their records were briefly compromised when an “Iranian Cyber Army” hacked into their site. There’s just no telling how much damage that country could do to the U.S. now that they know about Gangs Of New Pork #Pigmoviemashups
• Hoooooly crap the headline Friends, Colleagues Honor Charlie Gibson and ‘His Remarkable Career’ scared me. As long as it’s 2009, headlines, you have to be sure to include “BUT DON’T WORRY HE’S NOT DEAD” in anything remotely memorial-sounding.
• Elin Nordegren is reportedly consulting with a high-powered divorce attorney. I’m guessing it’s because she plans to divorce Tiger Woods.
• Reports have yet to show clear evidence that Tiger Woods’ products have begun to sell less following his scandal. I, for one, do not want a Wii Golf Game if one of the digitized avatars you can select is based on an individual whose marriage is on the rocks (this is actually my only consideration when purchasing any video game).
• American Idol co-creator / dude whose name you always see at the end of the credits Simon Fuller is developing a new web series called “If I Can Dream”. In the show, contestants will “dream” about singing professionally and perform in front of three “dreamkeeper” judges to try to earn a trip to “Dreamywood” (Hollywood said differently).

Source: Best Week Ever | 18 Dec 2009 | 8:29 am

Experts' 20 best movies of 2009

It's been an epic year for movies, and several critics weigh in on what their top picks are.
Source: CNN.com - Entertainment | 18 Dec 2009 | 7:44 am

Report: Tiger Woods Passes Time With Cartoons, Night Golf

The troubled athlete now spends his days in seclusion

Source: FOXNews.com | 18 Dec 2009 | 7:30 am

Correction: Ashley Madison Myrick

     

Source: FOXNews.com | 18 Dec 2009 | 6:50 am

James Cameron: Arnold Schwarzenegger Will Act Again!

'Avatar' director thinks his former movie star will come back to Hollywood.

Source: FOXNews.com | 18 Dec 2009 | 6:11 am

Tori Amos' Track-by-Track Guide to "Little Earthquakes"

The singer-songwriter on the rejection and self-discovery that fueled her influential 1992 debut Tori Amos' first seasonal album Midwinter Graces, with its placid arrangements and guest vocals by her nine-year-old daughter, sounds light years removed from her first solo release, 1992's Little Earthquakes. Amos' beautifully edgy debut was filled with confessional, piano-driven exploring the complexities of finding one's voice and throwing off the shackles of religion that helped set the stage for the explosion...

Source: Rolling Stone: Features | 18 Dec 2009 | 5:06 am