Authorities jail, release Randy Quaid and wife (AP)

AP - Randy and Evi Quaid were briefly jailed Monday after showing up to court two weeks late for a criminal case, authorities said.

Republicans (and Ben Nelson) Block Debate of Financial Reform Bill

The Senate voted this afternoon to prevent the start of a formal debate of financial reform legislation, coming up three votes short of the required 60-vote threshold needed for debate to begin. Democratic Nebraska Sen. Ben Nelson joined Republicans in voting against the start of a debate; once the outcome was clear, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid also voted against it, which allows him to reintroduce the measure at a later point.

Of course, this whole thing is a bit silly since, as the Washington Post puts it, “lawmakers in both parties have said they expect [the bill] will ultimately be debated -- and passed -- in the coming weeks.” And there are also indications that a few Republicans will end up voting for some form of the far-reaching Democratic bill, which aims to strengthen oversight of Wall Street, the Post says. Barack Obama was so disheartened by news of the vote, he posted a somewhat emo tweet: “I am deeply disappointed that Senate Republicans voted in a block today against allowing a public debate on Wall Street reform to begin.”

Financial overhaul falls short in procedural vote [WP]

Read more posts by Josh Duboff

Filed Under: stalling, barack obama, ben nelson, financial reform, senate, wall street

Christina Aguilera Snaps When Someone Coughs Near Her

In her overlooked 2008 single “Keeps Getting Better,” Christina Aguilera brassily declared “Some days I’m a super bitch” and - thanks to this leaked clip from a recent interview with the pop singer - now we know Xtina wasn’t lying.

Behold Aguilera’s reaction when someone on set coughs in her presence.

[via Jezebel]

Read more posts by Josh Duboff

Filed Under: diva behavior, christina aguilera, coughing, music

Gold Derby nuggets: Oscar loser 'Avatar' is Blu-Ray winner | 'Glee' serenades ... - Los Angeles Times

BBC News

Gold Derby nuggets: Oscar loser 'Avatar' is Blu-Ray winner | 'Glee' serenades ... Los Angeles Times • Chatting to Jay Bobbin, Emmy champ Kiefer Sutherland admits he was caught off guard when filming finally finished on the last hour of "24," which is signing off after eight seasons: "I thought there was still one shot left. ... 'Avatar' Becomes Highest-Selling Blu-Ray of All-TimeBallerStatus.com Avatar breaks US DVD sales recordBBC News Avatar Creates New Record In US DVD SalesTimesNewsline.com The Press Association -Comic Book Resources -Christian Science Monitor all 728 news articles »

Ian McEwan nominated for UK comic fiction award (Reuters)

Reuters - British novelist Ian McEwan was a surprise inclusion on the shortlist for this year's Bollinger Everyman Wodehouse Prize for Comic Fiction, billed as Britain's only award in the category.

Ian McEwan nominated for UK comic fiction award (Reuters)

Reuters - British novelist Ian McEwan was a surprise inclusion on the shortlist for this year's Bollinger Everyman Wodehouse Prize for Comic Fiction, billed as Britain's only award in the category.

John Mulaney Talks About Debuting on Saturday Night Live With His Girl Scout Cookie Tale of Woe

When watching Saturday Night Live this weekend, Vulture was particularly pleased to see show writer (and New York stand-up comedy fixture) John Mulaney get a little face time on Weekend Update with a rant about the illogic of the Girl Scout cookie sales method. (“How come you have to know a child in a beret to get them?” he asked, and rightly so.) Mulaney is best known for regular appearances on VH1’s Best Week Ever, and he co-created the Comedy Central web series I Love The 30s; he can also still be seen around Manhattan on his days off performing his charmingly nerdy stand-up act. After two years writing for SNL, the cookies segment was his first significant on-camera appearance, so we called him in the aftermath to find out how he was handling his moment of glory.

Was that your first time being on-camera at SNL?
Oh, no. I was once a clapboard operator in an Activia Yogurt sketch and I was once in an Update photo as a white Harlem Globetrotter. Those are my two most notable appearances.

When did you start writing for SNL?
August 2008. I knew Seth [Meyers] and a few other people from performing in the city and I went in and auditioned for the show and was hired as a writer. I had just finished working at Important Things with Demetri Martin.

Was it disappointing to audition as a cast member and get a writing job instead?
No, no, no. I would never go into anything like that without really managed expectations. Like a lot of shots, it’s a long shot, and I was thrilled to be able to do it. Writing for that show was a dream job.

Is doing more on-camera things the goal?
I really love the job I have. Uh… and… it’s an amazing writing staff and an amazing cast and, uh, I really do like the job I have. And there you go. [laughs]

So did this bit come out of a deeply-held personal rage about your inability to find Girl Scout Cookies?
I had trouble getting them last year and the year before and I missed the cut-off last year to order them, and it was just really frustrating. The thing is, I’m not at the age yet [he’s 27] where a lot of my friends have kids who might be in the Scouts, so it’s even harder.

Isn’t there anyone on the SNL staff who can help?
Yes, there are some people on the SNL staff who have kids who are in the Scouts, and there have been some sign-up sheets around the office, so I will be able to get some this year. I was very happy a couple weeks ago when I saw some sign-up sheets around the coffee area. So I won’t get fooled again!

Have the Girl Scouts gotten in touch?
No, not yet. But I would not turn down a free batch of cookies.

Anything else bothering you that would make for a good rant?
The garbage trains. You know, that train that comes on the subway that’s filled with garbage. That is a slap in the face. You’re waiting for your train and you think you hear it coming and it’s just this pile of garbage. It’s just a punch in the stomach.

Isn’t that a bit too New York for SNL?
Uh, yeah. Forget that. Though I think I could bring the garbage train to a national audience with a photos and visual aids of what I’m talking about.

You cowrote a movie for Tracy Morgan. Do you have a good story about him? Everyone seems to have one.
He’s been a lovely guy to work with. The first time we went over to his apartment, he showed us his baby sharks and Moray eels and his snakes, and that was really thrilling. And then he stood in front of all his tanks and he looked at us and he said, “These are all predators.”

With an ominous tone in his voice?
Like it was a situation he had found himself in.

Read more posts by Jada Yuan

Filed Under: chat room, john mulaney, saturday night live, tv

OK Go Spoil Next Video, Explain Their Business Model

In this week's issue of New York, Chris Willman chats with a newly label-less OK Go about the band's next sure-to-go-viral video for their song "End Love" — they spent 18 hours shooting in L.A.’s Echo Park, with each band taking turns lip-synching lyrics at 1/600th normal speed (the footage will be sped up in the finished product) — and their plan to stay profitable: "If you want to know our business model," says singer Damian Kulash, "it’s basically: Just keep making awesome shit." [NYM]

Read more posts by Lane Brown

Filed Under: in the magazine, music, ok go

Spoiler Chat: A Gossip Girl Is Leaving

M.I.A.'s "Born Free" Video Is Not Messing Around

On the same day she released the intense video for her single “Born Free,” MIA took over Pitchfork’s Twitter, mostly using the opportunity to post confusing garble. She did reveal the track list for her upcoming album, though! And it goes: “The Message,” “Born Free,” “Meds and Feds,” “Lovealot”, “Tequila,” “It Is What It Is”, “XXXO,” “Tell Me Why”, “Story Told,” and “Space.” (That last one is presumably this). Also, she’s OPEN TO SUGGESTION for the album title. And now — can we talk about this “Born Free” video?! If you haven’t seen it, it’s a beautifully shot, fully unsettling imagining of a military-style raid on an apartment building in a totalitarian state where redheads are outlawed. Which is either: a) a chilling, effective way to depict the arbitrary horribleness of certain tragic world governments, both historically and modernly; b) a specific critique of the Sri Lankan government, which last year defeated the rebel group Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam, an organization M.I.A. has repeatedly been accused of supporting; c) we’d usually go with a jokey third thing, but the multiple harrowing deaths in this video are not exactly conducive to that kind of flippancy.

Read more posts by Amos Barshad

Filed Under: right-click, born free, m.i.a., music, video

Court Records Show Tito Ortiz Previously Jailed For 'Battery Causing Serious Bodily Injury'

After a domestic disturbance between Tito Ortiz and Jenna Jameson, court records reveal his violent past.

Glee: Who Wants an All-Britney Spears Episode?

R-Rated Movies Increase Underage Drinking

A new study in the May issue of the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs has found that middle-schoolers allowed to watch R-rated movies are much more likely to drink that those who are not. The doctors who did the the study don't think the results are just a reflection of parental concern (i.e that the kind of controlling parents who won't let their kids watch Pretty Woman are also paying attention to the liquor cabinet, whereas the parents who let their kids freak out to Saw IV are not). Rather, they think "seeing the adult content actually changes their personality," making them more interested in "sensation seeking" and "risk taking" behavior. Basically, R-rated movies turn kids into adults. [EW]

Read more posts by Willa Paskin

Filed Under: science schmience, alcohol, movies, r-rated

Link Party: The Christina Aguilera Comeback Continues

DEBUT TAINT BALLS: “Money Can’t Buy You Class” by Countess Luann

Say what you will about Countess Luann De Lesseps — she’s a tucker, she’s supah-rude, she’s superior to all mortal human beings, she’s a robot with a d*ck — but one thing is certain: She’s a robot with a d*ck.

Here is her latest single, which has been blasting out of her robo-D here in the Vh1 offices for the past few hundred droid-peens — we mean hours! — much to everyone’s delight!! It’s called “Elegance is Learned,” because the Countess fancies herself some sort of MAN-ners (penisjokehere) guru. If she was an actor on Night Court, her name would be Johnson Etiquette, both because of her penis and her affinity for class.

The single was brought to our attention by DListed, but a simple download did not do this song justice. We’ve brought it to you below along with some of our favorite Luanne moments.

Honestly, having listened to it no less than 400 times now, we’re starting to kind of “get” it! This will be our theme at this summer’s Debut-Taint Balls (Famous Gay Porn Party):

Us right now:

PPS: Compared to this, Kim Zolciak is, like, a maniac genius parade of talent.

No-name radicals vs. 'South Park' just a distraction

Latex: The Latest Diva Addiction

While the pantsless trend of 2009 is still going strong, there seems to be another sexually charged trend taking place among American pop stars in 2010: latex clothing. While getups made of the slick material aren’t exactly new (think: Madonna, Grace Jones, Lil' Kim), the trend returns this year with the current crop of copycat-happy entertainers, including Lady Gaga, Beyoncé, Rihanna, Ke$ha and, most recently, Christina Aguilera, all wearing the gear (Shakira and Ciara are next, trust us). And, because originality isn’t really the point anymore, most of the ladies are even wearing the exact same designer: Atsuko Kudo, a couture latex- and fetish-clothing designer from Japan who won the European Fetish Award for Best Fetish Design in 2008 and 2009. (Yeah, it was our first time learning about that award, too.) Which diva pulls off the latex look the best? Check out our slideshow and cast your ballot in the comments.

Read more posts by Katie Hintz

Filed Under: latex, beyonce, christina aguilera, lady gaga, rihanna, slideshow, trends

Somebody Tasted a Bean Swastika Today

We assume. How else would law enforcement know for sure that the swastikas scrawled on the windows of the Arizona capitol building today — some kind of statement about the new illegal-immigration law, presumably — were made of refried beans? Somebody must have the honor of going home tonight and telling their significant other, "Work today? Eh, not much. I tasted a swastika made of beans. Thought it was going to be poop, but it was beans. Same old otherwise." [AP via HuffPo]

Read more posts by Dan Amira

Filed Under: crossing over, arizona, bean swastikas

What Caused Bret Michaels' Brain Hemorrhage?

Which Reality TV Star Is Dressing Under the Influence?

SIMI-LEBRITIES: Sister From Another Mister!

Halle Berry looks f**king unbe-f**king-lievable as a 43 years infantile newborn-faced actress. But at first glance, maybe it’s just us, butttt we couldn’t help but notice that Ms. Berry seems to be rocking “The Adam Lambert” in this series of photos as she peruses some World Expo somewhere. We honestly thought it was

We hope both of these beloved celebrities cradle the above comparison, and nurture it into a full blown New York Minute sequel.

Ed. Note: This is obviously not the first time I’ve used this title.

Zara Takes On the Cat Print

Zara's May look book features a dress with a cat print. It looks remarkably similar to the print Miu Miu showed for its spring collection, wiggly tails and all. Granted, this store repeatedly takes "inspiration" from the runways. But still. Our little feline friends are having a moment. After the cat version of the Sartorialist, the Catorialist, and United Bamboo's cat calendar, cat love has officially trickled down to fast fashion. [Nitrolicious]

Read more posts by Sharon Clott

Filed Under: cartorialist, cats, miu miu, united bamboo, zara

Jesse James back from rehab without wedding ring

Jim Carrey crashes Conan O'Brien's stage show - as Superman

Lloyd Blankfein: Day SEC Sued Goldman ‘One of the Worst Days in My Professional Life’

April 16, 2010. For most of us, it was just another Friday. The day you saw Kick Ass or drank one too many of the cocktails with brown liquid, or fell asleep passed out on your couch and woke up with New York 1 blaring at you at dawn, or all three. But for Lloyd Blankfein and team Goldman Sachs, April 16, 2010, was a Day that Will Live in Infamy, or so the CEO will tell members of the Permanent Senate Subcommittee on Investigations at tomorrow's roast.

From Lloyd's prepared testimony:

As you know, ten days ago, the SEC announced a civil action against Goldman Sachs in connection with a specific transaction. It was one of the worst days in my professional life, as I know it was for every person at our firm. We believe deeply in a culture that prizes teamwork, depends on honesty and rewards saying no as much as saying yes. We have been a client-centered firm for 140 years and if our clients believe that we don’t deserve their trust, we cannot survive.

He knows that it was one of the worst for everyone at the firm because he called around. Incidentally, another of Lloyd's worst days was the day he lost at beer pong to David Viniar, but that is neither here nor there. Oh, kidding. The statement, in which the CEO says point blank that the firm did not bet against their clients and attempts to recalibrate the firm's position away from "nexus of all evil" and closer to "bank," is actually pretty good. So if you're at all interested in opening your mind to hearing their side of things, it's probably not a bad idea to read it. God knows, you won't be able to tomorrow, not with all the screaming.

Testimony from Lloyd C. Blankfein [SEC]

Read more posts by Jessica Pressler

Filed Under: the goldman problem, business, goldman sachs, lloyd blankfein

RNC Thinks Its Fake Census Mailer Has Nothing to Do With Law Banning Fake Census Mailers

There are very few things in Congress that could garner 100 percent agreement among members of both parties, but last month, it happened. Congress voted unanimously to make it illegal to send mail that resembles a Census document without displaying the address of the sender on the envelope. The reason such a law was, sadly, necessary? The Republican National Committee had been mailing out fund-raising letters emblazoned with words like "CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT CENSUS ENCLOSED," which, you might imagine, fooled people into thinking this piece of mail had something to do with the Census. The fear was that, after receiving this fake census-y thing, people would be even more indifferent to opening the real Census than they already were. Kind of like "the Boy Who Cried Census." So they passed the law.

But despite the universal condemnation of their fund-raising tactic, the RNC hasn't stopped. Talking Points Memo has gotten its hands on a recent mailer dated April 12, one which still reads "Census Document" and "DO NOT DESTROY, OFFICIAL DOCUMENT" on the envelope without displaying the sender's address. In other words, it's exactly what the law was supposed to prohibit. Or is it?

But RNC spokesman Doug Heye told TPMmuckraker: "We simply looked at the new law, saw that it did not apply to our mailer and continued with the mail pieces." Heye did not elaborate on the RNC's view that the new law did not apply to its mailers.

Very interesting interpretation, RNC spokesman Doug Heye! Very disingenuous and interesting!

Even After Law Aimed At Banning It, RNC Still Sending Misleading 'Census' Mailer [TPM Muckraker]

Read more posts by Dan Amira

Filed Under: oh republicans!, census, politics, rnc

Fire Swamp Fashion

If you find yourself in the Fire Swamp, escaping from your evil prince fiancee with your long lost farm boy turned pirate love, you might think that you want to avoid the ROUS’s (Rodents of Unusual Size). You’d be wrong. Because they are now FASHION.

Reports Vanity Fair:

The nutria is a semi-aquatic rat from South America that grows to be 10 to 20 pounds and more than two feet long. It has big whiskers and webbed feet and is often mistaken for a beaver—the main difference being the nutria’s long, narrow, hairless tail. (Blech!)

If you’ve been paying attention to fashion trends, then you know that nutria fur made its way into decorated men’s-wear designer Billy Reid’s fall 2010 collection. “I’ve seen it affect the area I live in,” the Alabama-based designer says. “I really haven’t had a lot of experience working with fur, and this was a chance to do it that just felt right.”

So, yeah. Grab that sword, kill that ROUS and bring it home to line your winter coat/cape.  Because you know who the real danger is?

Christopher Guest!

PS. This is what rat fur clothing looks like:

PPS The guy in the middle of this photo would totally not make it in MIA’s world

Lindsay Lohan kicked out of LA bar - msnbc.com

Sydney Morning Herald

Lindsay Lohan kicked out of LA bar msnbc.com LOS ANGELES - Lindsay Lohan continued with yet another wild weekend in Hollywood. The starlet, who has hit the town 32 of the last 40 nights, was bounced out of LA hotspot Trousdale after she allegedly threw a drink — including the glass — at her ... Lindsay and Ali Lohan: Milkshake MixersGossipCenter.com Lindsay Lohan 'Not Bankable,' 'Other Side' Director SaysMTV.com People: Dad seeks conservatorship over Lindsay LohanDenver Post New York Post -Monsters and Critics.com -PWSpoilers.com all 1,369 news articles »

Goldman Sachs: Basically a Sorority That Makes Money on Things Other Than Car Washes

We all know by now that the culture at Goldman Sachs is weird and insular and conformist. Everyone who works there looks basically the same, and dresses basically the same, and they all stand by one another for life as though they are all carrying around the same secret about something terrible that happened during pledge week. But we did not know that the similarities between one of the world's most Systemically Significant Financial institutions and B-movie sorority houses does not end there. Apparently, eating disorders are also rampant.

The Wall Street Journal today reveals that along with everything else, workers within the Squid's mortgage division were fond of bingeing:

After the firm distributed multimillion-dollar bonus checks in part thanks to bets on a mortgage meltdown, about 10 Goldman mortgage traders, surrounded by dozens of cheering colleagues, wolfed down the burgers, according to attendees. Bystanders wagered cash on how many burgers the traders could eat.

And purging:

Despite the annual White Castle frenzy, in which the proceeds were given to charity, many of the traders were health nuts. Many noshed on egg whites, fruit, and turkey sandwiches, ordered up by the group's assistants or taken from the pantry down the hall.

You can't blame them, really, poor things. It's terrible pressure, to have to constantly compare yourself to such a glorious physical specimen as Lloyd Blankfein.

Goldman's Take-No-Prisoners Attitude [WSJ]

Read more posts by Jessica Pressler

Filed Under: the goldman problem, business, goldman sachs, goldmanfellas, lloyd blankfein, sec

Jennifer Lopez Steps Out in a Crop Top

Jennifer Lopez was in Paris today to promote The Back-up Plan wearing a white cropped jacket and matching white skirt by Paule Ka. She finished the look with black Mary Jane peep-toe pumps.

Do you like her cropped jacket?

Read more posts by Sharon Clott

Filed Under: look of the day, jennifer lopez, paule ka

LIVEBLOGGIN: RuPaul Drag Race Finale… Tonight!

Tonight is the highly anticipated finale of RuPaul’s Drag Race on Logo. A finale so anticipated, in fact, that a handful of your most beloved bloggers and myself will be liveblogging the entire evening!

Here’s the schedule:

9:00pm – 10:00pm: RuPaul’s Drag Race Finale
10:00pm – 10:30pm: RuPaul’s Drag Race Untucked!
10:30pm – 11:30pm: RuPaul’s Drag Race REUNION Special

Check back here at BWE.tv and Logo tonight at 9 PM for what is sure to be the most fabulous thing on television tonight* (in a world where tonight = ever.)

Gisele Explains the Name of Her Skin-Care Line; Filmmakers Shun Surgically Enhanced Stars

SKIN
• Gisele Bündchen on why she chose the name Sejaa for her line of natural skin-care products: "I chose it for the vibration of the word. As in yoga, for example, there is ommmm, in Sejaa there is the vibration that sounds as a feeling of relief to me.” [Just Jared]

• Prince Charles's charity the Prince’s Trust, which supports youth programs in the United Kingdom, originally supported Kelly Osbourne’s St. Tropez self-tanner ad campaign because she talked about boosting her self esteem. However, the charity withdrew its support over the weekend, claiming Osbourne endorsed fake tans to feel confident and slimmer. The Trust said it was a mixed message. [Times UK]

HAIR
• Amanda Seyfried attended the premiere of Letters to Juliet with a teased French twist. She added a headband, which is a great variation to the towering-updo styles we saw on the fall runways. [Bella Sugar]

• Uncle Jesse John Stamos stepped out recently sporting a scruffy goatee. [Girls in the Beauty Department/Glamour]

PLASTIC SURGERY
• Filmmakers and casting directors say that they are beginning to turn away from surgically enhanced stars in favor of more natural-looking actors. [NYT]

Filed Under: beauty marks, amanda seyfreid, gisele bundchen, hair, john stamos, kelly osbourne, makeup, plastic surgery, skin, snejaa, st tropez

Times Describes Boyish Businessweek Editor in Unusually Evocative Manner

"Mr. Tyrangiel is 37, and, with his rosy cheeks and bright brown eyes, seems like he should be playing stickball in 1940s Brooklyn instead of editing a business magazine." — From today's story about Josh Tyrangiel and Businessweek in the Times

Wait, what? What is that? Leaving aside "he should be," isn't that a very weird, specific image? Why the forties? Why Brooklyn? Is that an image from Stephanie Clifford's dream? If not, and she is simply being whimsically descriptive, why didn't she go with "Mr. Tyrangiel looks like he belongs on the streets of Victorian London, hawking matchsticks to feed his chimney family"? Or, "If wrapped in swaddling clothes instead of a business suit, Tyrangiel would be a dead ringer for one of the cherubim in a Baroque-era church fresco"? Or, like, "Mr. Tyrangiel is 37, and, with his impish chin and mischievous dimples, seems like he should prancing around in a Harlequin uniform with bright-red lipstick from a mid-fifteenth-century traveling Commedia dell'Arte troupe"? Or, how about simply: "Come on, can't you just see the kid running down a cobblestone street in knee-high britches pushing a wooden hoop with a stick?" Just asking.

Read more posts by Jessica Pressler and Chris Rovzar

Filed Under: ink-stained wretches, businessweek, josh tyrangiel, weird things

VIDEO: Grizzly Bear’s Washington Lottery Commercial

The band Grizzly Bear just scored a commercial for the Washington Lottery, officially making it the hippest, indie-rockin’est Lottery of all Lotteries (besides the Arkansas Lottery, which is currently airing an advance, vinyl St. Vincent rough-cut EP on their commercials.)

The ad really captures that magical, world-flipping exhilaration you feel when you spend $2 to scratch gray sh*t for a few seconds (click the pic below to watch):

The Oft-Barefoot Joss Stone Will Design Shoes for Nine West

In today’s second headline about oddly matched fashion-celebrity collaborations (the first would be Rachel Bilson’s new ambassadorship for Sunglasses Hut), Joss Stone, who famously performs barefoot, has signed a deal with Nine West to design shoes.

The 23-year-old soul singer will collaborate with Nine West’s creative director on a capsule collection inspired by the many facets of her personality (their description, not ours) and also her floral tattoos.

Besides the fact that a person who eschews shoes is designing a shoe collection, the whole collaboration is a bit off, owing to the fact that the Nine West Vintage America imprint, which Stone is “designing” under, is based on the idea of "rugged American individualism," says WWD. And, of course, Stone is a British pop star.

In any case, the Fall 2010 collection is all for a good cause. Proceeds of the $70-to-$120 goods will go to the charity Soles4Souls.

Nine West Inks Deal With Joss Stone [WWD]

Read more posts by Katie Hintz

Filed Under: the celebrification of fashion, celebrity designers, designers, joss stone, nine west, shoes

Review: Fetching melodies save Carpenter's latest (AP)

AP - Mary Chapin Carpenter, "The Age of Miracles" (Zoe/Rounder)

Socialite Pool Parties: Who's Having More Fun?

The Kardashians and the Hiltons have been getting wet & wild poolside in Vegas. You decide which sisters are livin' larger.

Joss Stone’s New Video Is Finally Here!

I know you were all eagerly anticipating this. There’s nothing really to be said, but I’ll just qualify it with a quote from Michelle Collins upon viewing it: “Joss Stone is obviously a pervert from space.”

Indeed.

Brooke Shields Upset With Reports That Global Warming Doesn't Exist

The actress says she is concerned with the growing skepticism surrounding global warming.

Are Fashion Films Really That Beneficial to Designers?

Although select designers have been producing arty fashion videos on and off for years, it seems the medium has become bigger than ever of late, with designers focusing more on their own websites, adding video components as well as e-commerce.

Big fans of the fashion short, which has the ability to be more personal yet often a lot more vague than a fashion show or print campaign, include Christian Louboutin, who has been directing his own quirky videos, one of him tap-dancing, Yves Saint Laurent, Marni, Prada, Rebecca Taylor, Reem Acra, and Donna Karan, who hired Kelly Cutrone to handle a movie about her wrap sweater, which in turn was featured on Kell on Earth, and has another glossy music-video–like film starring Christina Ricci.

The Wall Street Journal reports that shooting these videos for around $50,000 and less is considered a steal compared to $1 million for a 30-second television ad, but we’re wondering if that amount (or even $15,000, in the case of Steven Alan’s latest project) really pays off.

Of course, the initial release of the video causes thousands of people to flock to the designer's website and stay for a few minutes, but sometimes the overly arty quality of the videos, which often feature unclear shots of the clothing, just make us scratch our heads. And then we forget about them altogether.

Although we get that they are about sharing the feeling behind a collection, rarely is that feeling portrayed in an awesome enough fashion to make us want to watch twice.

But what do you think? Do you dig the fashion-short trend?

Cinema A La Prada [WSJ]

Read more posts by Katie Hintz

Filed Under: fashion on film, designers, short films

Playboy dollars help save Hollywood sign

7 Seconds in Celebrity Name Dropping Heaven

If you missed last night’s Celebrity Apprentice, do not worry. at. all.

Sure, that means you missed glimpsing little Baron Von Trump, who is so WASPy that he actually flew away from the set and stung a lowly PA when Melania Trump wasn’t looking. Rumor has it Melania cracked a smile and caused the tectonic plates under 82 percent of Eastern Europe to shift.

That also means you missed watching Bret Michaels, the best guy around who just recently was taken to the hospital following a critical brain hemorrhage, doing what he does best: Being charming, funny, self-deprecating, and by far the most engaging of all the remaining Apprentii (other than world treasure Sharon Osbourne). (Side note: Bret, we love you.)

But what you really missed, what you absolutely could not afford to miss, was the all-time BEST CELEBRITY NAME DROP in the history of the assy medium. And, at only 7 seconds long, we’re pretty sure it’s also the shortest name drop ever.

Ladies and gentlemen, this clip comes to your courtesy of Cyndi Lauper, informing the oft-smug Holly Robinson Peete about all those she has contacted for donations. Watch as many times as you need to for the epicness to sink in:

As Dan put it earlier: “It sounds like the set-up for a hack comedian. What if Harvey Fierstein got bitten by a dog? (gruff voice) Oh my gawwud, I got bit by a dog. Is this your dog, Christopher Walken? (Walken voice) No, this is not (pause) my dog. I know who could settle (pause) this… we’ll call the dog (pause) police. It’s Robert De Niro!’ Cue sad wrinkle clown face and on and on and on.

Meet the New Girl: Simona Andrejic

Serbian beauty Simona Andrejic is a rising star. Like Gisele, Isabeli, and Eniko before her, the 15-year-old newcomer got her start at the Elite Model Look competition last year. Though she lost, Simona was swiftly picked up by Marilyn Agency in New York. Within weeks, she booked a spread in Numéro, shot by Sebastian Kim. Casting directors picked her up for the fall 2010 runways, too, and she walked for Calvin Klein, Gucci, Gianfranco Ferré, and Lanvin. And having just shot the fall D&G campaign, lensed by Mario Testino, Simona just might be the rookie of the season.

Model Profile: Simona Andrejic

Browse over 600 of modeling's finest in our extensive Model Manual.

Read more posts by James Lim

Filed Under: model tracker, models, simona andrejic

Review: New Lonestar loses its originality (AP)

AP - Lonestar, "Party Heard Around The World" (Saguaro Road)

Review: Accessible metal done right by Bullet (AP)

AP - Bullet For My Valentine, "Fever" (Jive)

Chad Michael Murray! (Said In GZA and RZA Voice)

To all of you NAYSAYERS out there, who said that Chad Michael Murray would never write a graphic novel, check out Chad Michael Murray dropping a graphic novel! That he wrote! It’s called Everlast, not to be confused with Everwood, a rival teen drama to CMM’s hit CW show One Tree Hill. See how that worked?

I assume it’s going to be the graphic novel equivalent of this, in terms of sexiness and crowd pleasing and sick guitar riffs at the end:

Also, if Katie Holmes, Joshua Jackson and Busy Philipps are featured in Everlast, I will be the first person to buy it.*

* No, I won’t. 

Was Shakespeare's ghost writer ... Shakespeare?

Tomorrow’s Events and Sales: 50 Percent Off Acne; 70 Percent Off Paul & Shark

EVENTS
• Watch the movies that inspired fashion trends at Parsons the New School for Design’s “Fashion in Film: New York City” series. Lypsinka creator John Epperson will introduce the latest film, Klute. Tishman Auditorium, the New School, 66 W. 12th St., at Sixth Ave. (212-229-5488); 7:30–9:30.

• Enjoy a performance by the cast of Broadway’s American Idiot at Bloomingdale’s. Customers who spend $200 on men’s or women’s Nudie denim will receive two tickets to the show. 1000 Third Ave., at 59th St. (212-705-2000); 5 p.m.

• Meet celebrity hairstylist Sally Hershberger, who is launching a new hair-care line at Duane Reade. Customers can get a free consultation and styling tips and can enter for a chance to win a free haircut. 131 Eighth Ave., at 16th St.; 4–8.

SALES
STARTING TOMORROW
• Paul & Shark jackets and trousers are up to 70 percent off. Through 4/29. 79 Madison Ave., nr. 28th St., Ste. 1206 (212-765-2792); T–Th (10–6).

• Spring/summer 2010 merchandise from Acne, Filippa K, and Nudie Jeans is 50 to 75 percent off. Through 4/29. 269 Elizabeth St., nr. Houston St.; T–Th (11–8).

Read more posts by Lauren Murrow

Filed Under: fashion calendar, sales, shopping

Pete From Mad Men Doesn’t Have A Toilet

On this week’s episode of Quirky Celebrity Says Quirky-Ass Thing In Interview That Becomes The Headline For That Interview Theatre (they said my show title was too long to ever work, but I showed them, dammit! It’s the number one show ever), Vincent Kartheiser, aka Pete from Mad Men, aka Bad IMDB Picture Havey McGee, talks about not having a toilet at his Los Angeles residence:

“Like, I don’t have a toilet at the moment. My house is just a wooden box. I mean I am planning to get a toilet at some point. But for now I have to go to the neighbours. I threw it all out.”

QUIRKO! This muthalova’ be quirky!

So why no toilet, Quirk Cameron?

“I don’t have a lot of money. I get some from Mad Men. But I don’t think I’m rich…”

“Maybe that’s where I am going wrong. TV is very different from where it was 10 years ago. There are so many more channels, so much less ad money; contracts have gone through the floor you know, at least mine have.

Makes sense — cable doesn’t bring in the same ad revenue that network does, so how could actor Vincent Kartheiser have a toilet? He could not.

I mean, I have a toilet at my apartment, but I’m effin’ RAKING in those sweet blogger bucks, so I can’t really speak to how a struggling actor three seasons into a hit tv show might spend what little dough he scrapes together. Vh1 pays me a giant diamond-studded gold dollar sign for every word I type, so I just gathered like four or five hundred of those and traded them for a toilet a couple months ago, and it was worth it — way easier than sh*tting on a giant pile of gold dollar signs.

Michelle Obama Forgot Her Rain Boots

It was raining on Saturday when the First Lady visited the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina. But instead of rain gear, she wore a black dress, silver bangles, and silver flats. See the full look in the Michelle Obama Look Book.

Read more posts by Caitlin Petreycik

Filed Under: mobama watch, michelle obama

Wouk's thoughts on God, atheism meander but charm (AP)

AP - "The Language God Talks: On Science and Religion" (Little, Brown and Co., 180 pages, $23.99), by Herman Wouk: Herman Wouk makes a compelling argument against the existence of God, although that may not have been his intent.

Rachel Bilson Appointed ‘Eyewear Ambassador’

Rachel Bilson has been tapped as Sunglass Hut's first-ever "eyewear ambassador." As such, her duties will extend beyond those of a typical celebrity spokesperson (wear product, look pretty — check) to include blogging on the company's site, hosting online consumer chats, and conducting video podcasts with fellow fashion-y sunglasses collectors like Tory Burch. In an e-mail to WWD, Bilson seems a bit befuddled (and, we imagine, delighted at the free frames rolling in) by her appointment: "I can’t say what makes me a good style adviser for them, but I am a huge sunglasses addict." If that's all it takes, we're serious ambassador material. [WWD]

Read more posts by Lauren Murrow

Filed Under: the celebrification of fashion, designers, rachel bilson, sunglass hut, sunglasses

An undated computer generated image shows an artist rendering of the UK pavilion

A concept car by GM

VIDEO: Shanghai revives the thing for which it was once truly famous: nightlife. Duration: 01:54

Battle of the Bombshells: Who Is Hollywood's Sexiest Woman Ever?

With the return of the voluptuous woman to the screen, Fox411 is celebrating the greatest bombshells ever to grace the screen. Click through our top 25 and vote for your favorite.

Maxim Monday: Meet Natalie Morales

Maxim gives Fox411.com a weekly look at their hottest new stars. This week it's 'Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps' starlet Natalie Morales.

Bret Michaels was in excruciating pain

Vote in Fox411.com's Battle of the Bombshells!

From Marilyn Monroe to Rita Hayworth to Angelina Jolie, Fox411.com is celebrating the sexiest women of the screen. VOTE

Khoo was nominated for the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival in 2008

Inside Johnny Depp's very own pirate ship

Bret Michaels still in critical condition

Big Stars From Small Towns

Some of Hollywood's biggest stars hail from tiny towns.

Author tells how he built Brooklyn backyard farm (AP)

AP - "My Empire of Dirt: How One man Turned His Big-City Backyard into a Farm" (Scribner, 288 pages, $25), by Manny Howard: Just like the farm Manny Howard built in his Brooklyn backyard, "My Empire of Dirt" is often delicious, always interesting and, all told, a pretty glorious mess.

Then/Now: The Cast of 'Weird Science'

Celebrate the 25th anniversary of this classic John Hughes teen flick!

`Island Beneath the Sea' depicts colonial Haiti (AP)

AP - "Island Beneath the Sea (Harper, 464 pages, $39.99), by Isabel Allende: Only a few pages into "Island Beneath the Sea," Isabel Allende succeeds with one of literature's more sensual seduction scenes.

Hayes sparks 'Promises, Promises' Broadway revival (AP)

AP - The hypnotic Burt Bacharach beat remains undiminished some four decades after it was unleashed in "Promises, Promises," the 1968 musical now getting an agreeable if not altogether transporting revival on Broadway.

O'Brien close to landing new home

'Avatar' shatters DVD, Blu-ray record

'Dragon' flies to top of box office

A failure to communicate

Lionsgate allows Icahn to vote

NBC makes a Schur bet

Women take center stage at summer B.O.