Writing with a Real Clown
We asked Thomas Scott McKenzie, co-author of the just-released THE MAN BEHIND THE NOSE by Larry “Bozo” Harmon, what it was like to work side-by-side with the legendary entertainer. McKenzie, unsurprisingly, had some amusing tales from his collaboration with the late Harmon.
I got a call from a writer friend.
“I’ve just heard the most amazing, most outrageous story ever,” he said. “This tops anything an interview subject has told me.”
My buddy built a career on writing about notorious rock stars and porn performers. All of his subjects were self-admitted drug abusers of legendary proportions. And this tale topped them all? What kind of degenerate, axe-wielding, master of mayhem was he going to tell me about?
“I have three words for you: Bozo. The. Clown.”
And with that began my time in the big top universe of the world’s most famous clown and Larry Harmon, the driving force behind the icon.
At first, I didn’t really know what I was getting myself into. As a country boy who grew up in the boonies, I was lucky to see any television at all, and that was if the weather was just right and you delicately grasped the antennae at a precarious angle. So I didn’t watch The Bozo Show during my childhood years. I remember seeing the WGN version of the show broadcast on their nationwide superstation when I would visit relatives lucky enough to have cable television. But I didn’t know much more about him than the obvious characteristics of a big red wig, big floppy shoes, and so forth.
In spite of my ignorance of the character, there was never any doubt in my mind that I wanted to co-author Larry Harmon’s book. Bozo is as pure a piece of Americana as baseball or apple pie or hot dogs on the Fourth of July. Any writer would be thrilled at such an opportunity.
In real life, Larry was as you might expect the world’s most famous clown to be: funny, amusing, and full of energy. But there were surprises. For example, he was intensely detail-oriented. On one version of the manuscript, I formatted some text to appear in red font.
“That’s the wrong shade of red,” he said. “It needs to be deeper, and yet more bright.” (more…)
Happy Birthday Macaulay Culkin (and some others)
There’s been a lot of attention today on the Twitters and the Facebooks and the Internets drawn to the thirtieth birthday of Home Alone star Macaulay Caulkin, starting (as far as I can tell) from the tweet from forever-young actor @GaryJBusey Macaulay Culkin turns 30 today, but I still don’t trust him to be left home alone followed by countless blogs relaying the information that Culkin will be spending his birthday “home alone” with some close friends.
In honor of Mac’s birthday, and all of us born in 1980, here’s a quick rundown of the wealth of talent born the year Reagan was elected and Lennon was killed.
January 17 – Zooey Deschanel, American actress
January 18 – Jason Segel, American actor
January 22 – Christopher Masterson, American actor
January 28 – Nick Carter, American pop singer
February 11 – Matthew Lawrence, American actor
February 12 – Christina Ricci, American actress
February 15 – Conor Oberst, American singer/songwriter
February 27 – Chelsea Clinton, First daughter
April 1 – Bijou Phillips, American actress and socialite
June 17 – Venus Williams, American tennis player
June 26 – Jason Schwartzman, American actor
July 10 – Jessica Simpson, American singer
July 20 – Gisele Bündchen, Brazilian supermodel
August 26 – Macaulay Culkin, American actor
September 9 – Michelle Williams, American actress
September 25 – T.I., American rapper
November 12 – Ryan Gosling, Canadian actor
December 18 – Christina Aguilera, American singer
December 19 – Jake Gyllenhaal, American actor
Meet Kat Von D
We are thrilled to announce the following appearances where Kat Von D will meet fans in conjunction with the release of her latest book The Tattoo Chronicles, on sale Tuesday, October 26, 2010.
If you’re unable to meet Kat on tour, pre-order your copy of The Tattoo Chronicles today.
Complete schedule after the jump.
(more…)
Special Offer: Judah Friedlander signed bookplate
On October 5, 2010, Judah Friedlander’s magnum opus: HOW TO BEAT UP ANYBODY: An Instructional and Inspirational Karate Book by The World Champion will finally be available wherever books are sold. Until then, you’ll have to use your own methods of self-preservation when confronted with assailants with 3 arms, subway gangs, ninjas, Bigfoots, and dinosaurs.
If you value your personal safety, you certainly won’t want to be the last chump on your block to get your hands on this indispensable manual. That’s why we’ve created this limited-time offer for anyone who pre-orders a copy of HOW TO BEAT UP ANYBODY.
Here’s how it works:
The first 1,000 people to email a copy of their pre-order confirmation for HOW TO BEAT UP ANYBODY from any U.S. based online retailer to Judah@HarperCollins.com will receive a free bookplate signed by The World Champion, Judah Friedlander.
Here are the two easy steps:
1.) Visit this link and place a pre-order of HOW TO BEAT UP ANYBODY from any of the listed online retailers, or any other U.S.-based online retailer of your choice.
2) Forward your book order confirmation email to Judah@HarperCollins.com by 12:00 pm (Eastern) November 5, 2010.
At the top of the email, include your full name, email address, phone number (for shipping purposes) and the mailing address to where the free signed bookplate should be shipped. The bookplate will be sent only to a valid United States mailing address. No bookplates will be shipped outside the United States. Offer valid only for orders placed before the official on-sale date of October 5, 2010.
To hold you over until you can get Judah’s book in your hands, enjoy this inspirational video:
This offer is valid though November 5, 2010 at 5:00 PM EST, while supplies last. No requests will be accepted after this time. Limited to one free bookplate per customer. Void wherever prohibited or restricted by law. Signed book plates are not available for purchase, but their estimated value is approximately $0.01.
She’s baaaack!
Apparently Rosie O’Donnell, of whom I’m a big fan, is coming back to daytime TV. She’s reportedly on board to host a talk show on Oprah’s new television network, OWN. I was pulling for her to fill one of the vacant American Idol judging spots, but instead it looks like she’ll be pitted against Ellen for the title of reigning daytime talk show queen (once her new boss Oprah hangs up her crown, of course).
In honor of Rosie’s re-emergence on the scene, I’ve put together a list of former talk show hosts I’d like to see join her in come-back land:
Arsenio Hall: The Obama of late night TV, Hall broke the color barrier back in 1989, employing a more laid-back formula that kept him on the air for five years. The show had its ups and downs, critically and ratings-wise, but it certainly broke the mold and offered something new to the staid late night talk show landscape. I recently caught Arsenio on Chelsea Lately, and to be honest, he’s pretty damn funny. What is more shocking is that the the 54 year-old comedian looked about 32. I think this dude’s been living in a cryogenic chamber for the past 15 years. Even if he doesn’t get a new talk show, he’s a prime candidate for those DirecTV ads. They wouldn’t even need to use CGI.
Chevy Chase: Okay, so the original Chevy Chase show didn’t work so well. Turns out that reading deadpan fake news lines into a camera requires a different skill set from interacting with other human beings one-on-one in an engaging way. That being said, the Chevy Chase of 1993 seems like a different animal from the one today. The slightly more robust, mellowed, almost avuncular Chevy–who’s carving out a bit of a comeback with solid work on the sitcom Community–would be a more welcome presence in America’s late night living rooms. He kind of has that Al Gore thing going on–a few extra pounds, a little less hair, and a dose of humility can go a long way.
Roseanne Barr: If the networks want to fight fire with fire, Roseanne is the way to go. Rosie certainly turns her filter off from time to time, but Roseanne will speak the truth (or her truth) without exception. Sure she was somewhat of an uncontrollable mess on her short-lived daytime gig, but that’s nothing that today’s Snookie-obsessed, RHWONJ-watching public can’t handle (as long as the producers don’t decide to start each show with the Star Spangled Banner).
Mustaine by Dave Mustaine: On Sale Today!
The fall and rise of a heavy metal icon
From his early, crazy days as a founding member of Metallica, Dave Mustaine has seen and experienced everything in the world of rock n’ roll. From his young triumphs and ignominious ouster from the band for his hard-partying ways to his later rule over Megadeth, one of the most successful heavy metal bands of all time, Mustaine tells it all. Outrageously candid and in-your-face, this is a classic rock memoir —an insider’s look at the loud and sordid world of heavy metal.
Available now wherever books are sold
Susan Lucci to Pen Autobiography
New York, NY (July 28, 2010) – It Books, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers, announced today that it will publish television legend Susan Lucci’s autobiography in 2011. As the most famous face in daytime television history, Lucci has held audiences spellbound for years as the sexy, sassy, beautiful “woman you love to hate,” Erica Kane on ABC-TV’s All My Children.
The book was acquired by Lisa Sharkey, Senior Vice President and Director of Creative Development for HarperCollins from Mel Berger of William Morris Endeavor. Vice President and Executive Editor, Hope Innelli will edit the book.
In her autobiography Lucci will recount her forty year-long career on All My Children, playing the beautiful and controversial character. As Erica Kane, Lucci has experienced many intense moments on screen: married many times on air, was one of daytime’s first working mothers, and has dealt with many of life’s greatest tragedies. In addition to providing readers with an exciting and satisfying behind the scenes look at her career, Lucci will devote much of the book to her personal life off-camera. Lucci will reveal information on her devastating car accident, her miscarriage, and the joy that came with finally winning an Emmy in 1999 after eighteen previous nominations. She recounts her experiences on Broadway, performing to sold-out audiences across the country as a cabaret, nightclub performer, and as a celebrity dancer on ABC’s Dancing with the Stars. Named one of Barbara Walters’ “Ten Most Fascinating People,” Lucci will give readers an intimate look into her life as a daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, philanthropist, entrepreneur and iconic actress.
“I am so excited to share my life experiences with my fans,” Susan Lucci said. “It Books gave me the extraordinary opportunity to tell my story.”
About It Books: Launched in September 2009, It Books is dedicated to publishing exceptional books in entertainment, music, fashion, design, art, celebrity, pop culture and sports. It Books has published numerous New York Times, Wall Street Journal and Los Angeles Times bestsellers including Sh*t My Dad Says by Justin Halpern, Getting the Pretty Back by Molly Ringwald, Neon Angel: A Memoir of a Runaway by Cherie Currie, I Love Your Style by Amanda Brooks, and Satiristas by Paul Provenza and Dan Dion. Upcoming publications include Blow by Blow by Detmar Blow with Tom Skyes, The Red Hot Chili Peppers by The Red Hot Chili Peppers, How to Beat Up Anybody by Judah Friedlander, True Whit by Whitney Port, Everyone Loves You When You’re Dead by Neil Strauss and Al Jaffee’s Mad Life by Mary Lou Weisman. It Books is an imprint HarperCollinsPublishers, one of the largest English-language publishers in the world and a subsidiary of News Corporation (NYSE: NWS, NWS.A; ASX: NWS, NWSLV). It Books can be found online at www.YourItList.com, www.Facebook.com/YourItList, www.Twitter.com/YourItList and www.Twitter.com/ItBooks.
PR Contacts:
Alberto G. Rojas, Senior Director of Publicity, 212-207-7891; alberto.rojas@harpercollins.com
Joseph Papa, Associate Publicist, 212-207-7326; joseph.papa@harpercollins.com
“Love Don’t Live Here Anymore”: Exes Who Still Rock Together
Is it better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all? Who knows—especially when you’re stuck 24/7 in a band with your former beloved. That’s why I give major props to bands like Paramore, who managed to stick together even when the romantic relationship between guitarist Josh Farro and singer Hayley Williams fell apart. Neon Trees is another one who soldiered through the love storm. Rilo Kiley, too.
And don’t even get me started on Stevie Nicks and Lindsay Buckingham from Fleetwood Mac.
If you ask me, being in a band with an ex-bf/gf is my idea of hell. However, if you can make it work—and manage to churn out some amazing lovelorn tunes in the process—then hats off to you. (This hat in particular.)
That’s why this post is for the lovers, Richard Ashcroft-style. Without further adieu, here are my top picks for bands who didn’t go through a breakdown after an internal breakup.
EXES: Jack White (vocals/guitar) and Meg White (drums)
BREAKING DOWN THE BREAKUP: When non-Detroiters started paying attention to the White Stripes, it was because of the Lego-rific video for “Fell In Love With A Girl,” off their peppermint-schtick sophomore album White Blood Cells—well, that and the fact that Jack and Meg White lied about being brother and sister. Yup, the dynamic duo tied the knot back in 1996 but eventually divorced in 2000. Despite their romantic parting of the ways, the Whites soldiered on and in one fell incestuous swoop, secured their place in rock ’n’ roll infamy. They’ve been playing side-by-side ever since—although Jack fools around with Raconteurs and Dead Weather in his spare time. The only one we hear Meg fools around with is Jackson Smith, Patti Smith’s son and Meg’s fiancé.
2. NO DOUBT
EXES: Gwen Stefani (vocals) and Tony Kanal (bass)
BREAKING DOWN THE BREAKUP: Unless you’ve been living under a boulder for the past 13 years—or, more than likely, you weren’t even conceived yet—everyone knows that Gwen and Tony used to date. Before the glitz and the g-L.A.M.B.-our, the two were your typical SoCal, Madness-loving, high-school sweethearts but, unfortunately, young love didn’t last and the breakup inspired Stefani to pen No Doubt’s biggest song “Don’t Speak.” Understandably, it’s gotta be awkward for Kanal to finger-pick the tune’s bass lines every night onstage; however, it seems like everyone’s moved on and is better for the heartbreak. After all, Stefani went on to marry babelicious Gavin Rossdale and pop out two illegally cute lil’ boys. Kanal, on the other hand, went on to marry… well… no one. (Sucks to be him!)
3. THE SOUNDS
EXES: Maja Ivarsson (vocals) and Fredrik Nilsson (drums)
BREAKING DOWN THE BREAKUP: Back in 2004, when the Sounds started rocking out “Seven Days A Week” on Warped Tour, it was widely known in dance-punk circles that Ivarsson and Nilsson were an item. However, when the band returned to Warped two years later, the Swedish lovers were no longer together. The band was still a tight-knit unit, but it seemed like with the Sounds’ second album, Dying To Say This To You—complete with it’s suggestive lesbian-esque cover and song titles like “Queen Of Apology” and “Hurt You”—Ivarsson was also trying to say something to Nilsson and the rest of the world: She was a switch-hitter. (“She’s my first girlfriend,” admitted Ivarsson in an interview with Out Magazine regarding her three-year current relationship. “I’ve never had a girlfriend before.”)
Wanna read more of my musings? Hoof it over to http://www.leslie-simon.com. Plus, if you’re not following me (@redpatterndress) on Twitter, what are you waiting for? Don’t make me call Kingston Rossdale and have him throw a temper tantrum on your collective tushes.
Sex and Drugs and Guns N’ Roses
Steven Adler, the infamous former drummer for Guns N’ Roses, kicked off his book tour to promote My Appetite for Destruction tonight at Book Revue in Long Island to a rapt crowd of fans.
In his memoir, Adler shares the shattering untold truth of GNR and his own personal struggles with addiction, as seen on Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew. Adler bares it all in My Appetite for Destruction including:
- His childhood: As a young teen Steven was lured into a private party where he was sexually assaulted and beaten. Never before has this shocking, harrowing tale been told. Steven emerged a less trusting, but wiser 14 year-old. He reveals how he discovered a way to learn how to play from some of the best rock drummers in the world.
- His love life: One of Steven’s lovers, thinking Steven was leaving her, tried to commit suicide by jumping out a fifth-floor window. And his first wife went out with one of her girlfriends one night, never to return…
- His health: Steven delves into the brutal depression and humiliation borne of his botched suicide attempts, his drug-related heart attacks, and the debilitating stroke that caused him muscular paralysis and permanently slurred speech.
- His band-mates: How Slash, against all reason, reached out to help Steven one last time after the rest of Guns N’ Roses had given up on him. How Duff snubbed Steven, humiliating him in front of thousands of fans at Farm Aid. And what Slash and Axl Rose did to Steven that can never, ever be forgotten.
- His heroics: How Steven discovered a seemingly unconscious and non-responsive Nikki Sixx all alone, and saved his life.
- …and his endless antics: How Steven managed to earn the seething wrath of Axl Rose, Eddie Van Halen and Rod Stewart. And incredible accounts of how Guns N’ Roses’ endless partying made virtually every night a gamble on whether they’d make it to the stage or to the morgue.
*Expires October 27, 2010.
It Books signs Sammy Hagar for Autobiography
PRE-ORDER now at Amazon or Barnes and Noble.
NEW YORK, NY (June 24, 2010) – It Books, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers, announced today a deal to publish Sammy Hagar’s autobiography in 2011. Hagar, the multi-platinum Red Rocker, is best known as the bombastic front man of Van Halen, one of the biggest-selling rock groups in history, and the lead singer of the hard rock group, Chickenfoot.
The book was acquired by Lisa Sharkey, Senior Vice President and Director of Creative Development for HarperCollins from Frank Weimann, President of The Literary Group International. Senior Editor Matt Harper will edit the book.
Hagar will provide readers with incredible behind-the-scenes stories from his multi-platinum career, including his rise as a solo artist and his eleven years with Van Halen, after the controversial departure of original lead vocalist David Lee Roth. During Hagar’s time with Van Halen, the band released four consecutive No. 1 albums. From worldwide stadium concerts tours to private jets, Hagar enjoyed the trappings of fame and success with Van Halen until he was, as he puts it, “unceremoniously fired.” Hagar later thrived as a solo act, leading his band, the Cabo Wabos, before returning triumphantly to Van Halen for an historic reunion tour after which he set off on his own once again.
“I’ve been writing this book my whole life,” says Hagar. “It’s time to put it between two covers.”
Honest and compelling, Hagar’s account spares no one, least of all himself. Hagar’s autobiography reveals the inside story of one of rock music’s most recognizable voices, from his humble beginnings in the town of Fontana, California, to his incredible business success with Cabo Wabo Tequila and the Cabo Wabo Cantinas. The book will be co-authored by Joel Selvin, longtime pop music writer for the San Francisco Chronicle.
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About It Books:
Launched in September 2009, It Books is dedicated to publishing exceptional books in entertainment, music, fashion, design, art, celebrity, pop culture and sports. It Books has published numerous New York Times, Wall Street Journal and Los Angeles Times bestsellers including Sh*t My Dad Says by Justin Halpern, Getting the Pretty Back by Molly Ringwald, Neon Angel: A Memoir of a Runaway by Cherie Currie, I Love Your Style by Amanda Brooks, and Satiristas by Paul Provenza and Dan Dion. Upcoming publications include Blow by Blow by Detmar Blow with Tom Skyes, The Red Hot Chili Peppers by The Red Hot Chili Peppers, How to Beat Up Anybody by Judah Friedlander, True Whit by Whitney Port, Everyone Loves You When You’re Dead by Neil Strauss and Al Jaffee’s Mad Life by Mary Lou Weisman. It Books is an imprint HarperCollinsPublishers, one of the largest English-language publishers in the world and a subsidiary of News Corporation (NYSE: NWS, NWS.A; ASX: NWS, NWSLV).
It Books can be found online at www.YourItList.com, www.Facebook.com/YourItList, www.Twitter.com/YourItList and www.Twitter.com/ItBooks.
PUBLICITY CONTACT: Alberto G. Rojas, Senior Director of Publicity, 212-207-7891; alberto.rojas@harpercollins.com
YOURITLIST.COM CONTACT: youritlist@harpercollins.com
IT BOOKS CONTACT: itbooks@harpercollins.com
Hanging out with a Prairie Bitch
Alison Arngrim at the launch party for Confessions of a Prairie Bitch.
Most former childhood stars have not been pelted with a full cup of McDonald’s orange soda during a Christmas parade. For Alison Arngrim, it was an alarming, although not altogether surprising incident in her slew of bizarre encounters with her haters…/fans.
Nellie Olsen of Little House on the Prairie
Playing Nellie Oleson, everyone’s favorite brat on Little House on the Prairie, Alison has grown to not only accept, but love her status as America’s most hated child star.
It’s not surprising that her new book is entitled Confessions of a Prairie Bitch: How I Survived Nellie Oleson and Learned to Love Being Hated.
Last Friday I attended Alison’s comedy act at the West Bank Café, which was downright hilarious. The dimly lit basement was packed with middle-aged Prairie enthusiasts. The act included video clips of Nellie Oleson’s most memorable moments, including the time she was shoved down a hill in a wheelchair.
As blonde as ever, Alison discussed her unique upbringing (her mother played the voice of Casper the Friendly Ghost, while her father managed Liberace), her encounters with celebrities – including none other than Grizzly Adams – and, of course, her experience on Little House, which has a surprisingly large worldwide fan base.
Grizzly Adams - the only celebrity that ever tried to sleep with Alison, she says.
Some of these fans, however, she said, are fans for the “wrong reasons.” “It’s like they have a homoerotic crush on Laura Ingraham,” she said. These people make a religion out of Little House and are inexplicably stuck in the era, constantly asking her, “Don’t you wish you lived in the 1800s?”
Well, does she?
“Fuck no! I like living in a time when I can get a botox injection and a green apple martini…preferably both at the same time.”
Alison pleased the crowd by answering all of their questions, written before the show on index cards, despite the fact that she gets the same ten questions every time (Do you keep in touch with the cast? What’s it like working with Michael Landon? What’s your favorite episode?, etc.).
Alison relishes being hated.
“Fuck likability,” she said. “It takes talent to scare the shit out of people.”
To purchase Confessions of a Prairie Bitch click here.
Netflix: Uncaged
There’s only one word to describe Cageflix: genius. Cageflix lets you add all of His Royal Nicness’s films to your Netflix queue in one simple step. Think of all the time you’ll save by not having to type in “National Treasure: Book of Secrets” and “Captain Corelli’s Mandolin.” Probably enough time to watch Honeymoon in Vegas for the umpteenth time. Ah, flying Elvis.
Is there a Nobel Prize for fart jokes?
Paul Krugman, credit: Träger des Preises für W
Tonight marks the opening of Russell Brand’s new comedy, Get Him to the Greek, in which he reprises the role of the hilarious enfant terrible rocker Aldous Snow from 2008”s Forgetting Sarah Marshall. This time he and Jonah Hill take off on a cross-country odyssey with the goal of getting Snow to L.A.’s The Greek Theater in time for a show. I haven’t seen the film, (yes, loyal readers, I was shockingly left off of the guest list for the Hollywood premier), but according to A.O. Scott’s New York Times review, his colleague Paul Krugman (Times columnist, Princeton economics professor, Nobel Laureate) makes a cameo. In honor of that surprising news, we give you a list of other notable cameos by famous personages.
Marshall McLuhane in Annie Hall: In the famous cinema queue scene in Annie Hall, Allen pulls a living, breathing McLuhane into the film to settle a dispute about the famous academic’s theories.
Kurt Vonnegut in Back to School: What could be better than a Dangerfield/Vonnegut tag-teamed term paper?
(video NSFW)
John McCain and James Carville in The Wedding Crashers: One pals around with Palin, the other was Bill Clinton’s campaign manager, but McCain and the Ragin’ Cajun both shook hands with this guy in the wedding crashers.
Count Basie in Blazing Saddles: The inimitable Count brings his orchestrations to the desert in the Mel Brooks’ classic.
Before you see Get Me to the Greek, read up on Russell Brand’s real life bad boy antics in his memoir MY BOOKY WOOK.
We’d watch it!
Our beautiful and talented author, Rosa Blasi (Jock Itch–Winter 2011), is trying to get her very own talk show on Oprah’s new network. Rosa’s book is all about her early years as a serial jersey chaser–think Confessions of a Video Vixen for the SportsCenter set. She’s absolutely hilarious in a “witty, hot girl with a dirty mouth” type of way. If you like Chelsea Handler, you’ll love Rosa.
So head on over to Oprah’s website and watch the audition video and vote. Once Rosa’s winning smile is lighting up your television every day, you’ll be glad you did.
Hallelujah, amen
American Idol front-runner Lee DeWyze had tween girls in the palm of his hand last night with his emotional cover of the Leonard Cohen classic, Hallelujah. The haunting tune was Simon Cowell’s “judges pick” for DeWyze (who will be picking next year’s songs?), and it felt like one of those game-changing performances. Maybe it’s a bit early to call this one, but the dark horse DeWyze seems to be peaking at just the right time.
In honor of the reluctant heartthrob’s epic performance, we give you the best Hallelujah renditions of all time. Not an easy task, given the hordes of amazing artists who have taken a stab at it.
Tackling Hallelujah isn’t for the faint of heart, but K.D. Lang has the chops. Her legendary vocal range gives her the tools to really blow this one out:
Days after the tragic Haiti earthquake, pop star Justin Timberlake teamed with singer-songwriter Matt Morris to perform a soulful interpretation on the Hope for Haiti telethon:
Unsurprisingly, Cohen himself does a damn fine rendition of his most-covered creation:
Then there’s the version that first brought my attention to one of my favorite songs, the late Jeff Buckley’s energetic, operatic cover from his landmark album Grace. Still my nostalgic favorite:
And now we add (soon-to-be American Idol?) Lee DeWyze’s heartfelt performance:
Alc-O-Vision
In an amusing recent New York Times dining column, Wendell Jamieson writes about his predilection for drinking themed cocktails while watching DVDs. His pairings tend to be a bit highbrow (Sabrina-inspired martinis, absinthe for A Very Long Engagement), so our writers have added a few YIL-worthy options for the lower-falutin among you:
Kate:
A spiked Orange Mocha Frappuccino when watching Zoolander. At Starbucks, this beverage is known as a Mocha Valencia – you can pick one up there and then add a shot of Absolut Orange vodka. The film’s star, Derek Zoolander (played by Ben Stiller), and his three male model friends enjoy virgin versions of the beverage while cruising around in their jeep listening to Wham right before his pals are killed in a freak gasoline fight. Drinking a spiked Orange Mocha Frappuccino numbs the pain of their loss while watching the film. Make the drink a double if you feel particularly saddened by Rufus, Brint, and Meekus’s demise.
The Aviator follows the life of influential movie producer and aviation magnate Howard Hughes from the late 1920s to 1947. What better way to celebrate the life of this daredevil pilot, played expertly by Leonardo DiCaprio, than by sipping a classic Aviation cocktail? Dating back to the 1920s, the Aviation is a delicious mix of gin, maraschino liqueur, and fresh lemon juice, shaken and served in a martini glass (maraschino cherry optional). Both the drink and the movie recall the daring and glamor of flying in the 1920s, before it became the commercialized practice it is today.
Being a Wisconsin boy born and bred, I naturally feel the pull of the White Russian. Dairy drinks are in my blood. Couple that with my Jeff Bridges obsession, and all signs point to a match made in Lebowski heaven. While the Dude may call his drink of choice a “Caucasian,” we’re talking about the same booze-meets-cream concoction. Next time you’re enjoying a night in with your pals Sobchak and Kerabatsos, don your finest bathrobe and slippers and pour yourself a Caucasian on the rocks.
Should you be weary of drinking on an empty stomach, don’t forget to check out these movie-inspired food recipes as well.
In case you’re looking for even more ways to incorporate hard liquor into your everyday activities, check out HOW TO BOOZE: EXQUISITE COCKTAILS AND UNSOUND ADVICE which promises “The Right Drink for Every Situation,” including stalking your ex (Pisco Sour), reading the Good Book (Angel Face) and the last drink before AA (the Hudson Monarch or Arsenic and Old Lace).
A funny thing happened on the way to the SCOTUS
Couldn’t pass up sharing this with the world. Writer/Comedian Merrill Markoe points out (via her blog) :
“I predict that if Elena Kagan gets confirmed as the new Supreme Court justice, she will do for Patton Oswalt what Sarah Palin did for Tina Fey.” Touché.
Patton Oswalt photo credit: Erik Abderhalden
A “Pretty” Cool Night With Molly Ringwald
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An avid reader, one of Molly’s favorite authors is J.D Salinger. In fact, GETTING THE PRETTY BACK is divided into nine chapters as a nod to Salinger’s Nine Stories.
- John Hughes movies aside, one of Molly’s favorite movies to work on was The Tempest, which she starred in when she was just 13 years-old.
- With her jazz album finally completed and set to release in the fall, Molly hopes to one day master the ukulele.
- Chelsea Handler’s first book, My Horizontal Life, was edited by Molly’s husband, Panio Gianopoulos. Panio and Chelsea will get a chance to reunite when he accompanies Molly to her appearance on Chelsea Lately on Monday, May 3rd. Tune in!
- Molly calls her writer husband Panio, “the master of transitional sentences”.
- Does Molly still wear pink? Absolutely! In fact, the actress sported bright pink socks beneath her metallic silver heels last night at her signing.
Below, check out pics of Molly’s pink socks, her spirited fans, and more!
Reading to the crowd
A fan had portraits made up for her
These girls made up "1 <3 Molly" shirts
Still pretty in pink after all these years
It Books to publish book by Whitney Port
It Books to publish a new book by The City star, Whitney Port
New York, New York (April 21, 2010). It Books, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers, has announced it will publish True Whit by Whitney Port, star of the MTV hit reality shows, The City and The Hills.
The deal was negotiated by Lisa Sharkey, Senior Vice President and Director of Creative Development at HarperCollins, Matthew Elblonk of DeFiore and Company, and Max Stubblefield of United Talent Agency. True Whit is scheduled to be published on February 1, 2011 and will be edited by Amy Bendell and Jen Schulkind.
Upon reaching her early 20’s, Whitney Port experienced what her mother called, “The Quarterlife Crisis” the time in your life when you’re in your 20s, out of school, and facing the world on your own for the first time. Although initially thrilled to be on her own, Whitney soon learned navigating through the real world wasn’t easy. Real life is filled with challenges, expectations, pressure, and frankly, more than a few crazy people. Hitting a crossroads, Whitney decided not to throw in the towel, and began to reassess and regroup. It was this experience that inspired her to write the book.
In a conversational, fun, and candid guide for girls looking to start out with style, Port shares personal stories, honest and straight-forward advice, and what she’s learned along the way, from how to get rid of puffy under-eye bags, to what to wear on a first date, and how to turn a tiny apartment into a palace, as well as perfecting your hostess skills. Whitney’s fans will get to see a side of her that the cameras don’t capture. The book will be complete with her own scrapbook, worthy behind-the-scene photos woven throughout with intimate and personal family stories, and advice and recipes from the woman she looks up to the most, her mom.
“Being a twenty-something can be a difficult phase,” says Whitney, “There are so many questions, and I wanted to write about my experiences for anyone who needs help navigating through life. It’s a really fun and fresh how-to-guide where I can share anecdotes that I’ve learned from both work and my personal life.”
Kicking Up Dirt: Gear Kit Giveaway
We’re the proud publishers of motocross champion Ashley Fiolek’s new memoir, KICKING UP DIRT, written with Caroline Ryder. To celebrate the publication of Ashley’s exciting and inspiring book, we’ve teamed with some of her fantastic sponsors to offer a chance to win an incredible gear kit package. With over $1400 in prizes from Leatt, Smith Optics, Alpinestars, Dunlop and Rockwell, you’ll be ready to take to the motocross track in style.
To enter for a chance to win, just send an email to YourItList@harpercollins.com with subject line: KICKING UP DIRT before 1:00PM (EST) on June 1, 2010. We will randomly be selecting 1 Grand Prize winner and 4 First Prize Winners from the emails received. No purchase necessary. The last entry will be accepted at 1:00 PM (EST) on June 1, 2010.
- Grand Prize (1): One (1) copy of KICKING UP DIRT signed by Ashley Fiolek, one (1) Leatt Moto-GPX Club Brace, one (1) pair of Smith Optics Intake Sweat X Moto Goggles [Shelter or Fixture Sunglasses depending on winner's gender], one (1) pair of Alpinestars boots [Tech 7 or Tech 3 depending on winner's gender], one (1) Rockwell Timekeeper Red CF watch and one (1) set of Dunlop MX51 tires (for a 450cc bike) (approximate total retail value $1370)
- 1st Prize (4): One (1) copy of KICKING UP DIRT signed by Ashley Fiolek (approximate retail value $21.99/prize)
Good Luck!
Read the official rules here.
“Get Your Gleek On”: Which Bands Should The Cast Of ‘Glee’ Cover Next?
I don’t know about you, but I was left speechless after last week’s episode of Glee. Partially, it was because stupid American Idol had cut off the last 10 minutes on my DVR but it was mostly because their homage to Madonna was completely off the chain, off the hook and off whatever-metal-object-you-can-imagine. According to Entertainment Weekly, the show already has a Lady Gaga-inspired episode in the can and there’s talk of taking on Britney Spears sometime soon.
With all these creative odes bursting off the small screen, I got to thinking. What if I was the music supervisor for Glee. Who would I have the cast tackle next? After a lot of playlist-scouring and soul-searching, I came up with the following picks: Bob Dylan, Death Cab For Cutie and Hole. I sure hope Sue Sylvester would approve!
BOB DYLAN: What Bob Dylan lacks in vocal dexterity (or coherence), he certainly makes up for in lyrical brilliance. After all, not only has the “Tambourine Man” penned some of most poignant songs of the 20th century, but he was even awarded a Pulitzer Prize in 2008 for creating “lyrical compositions of extraordinary poetic power.” A ’60s-inspired episode would be aces and I’d love to see Glee get all folky on our collective asses. Why, I can even hear Mr. Schuester serenading Ms. Pillbury with the classic crooner “Lay Lady Lay” before the firs time they do it™. Swoon.
DEATH CAB FOR CUTIE: Sure, Death Cab For Cutie‘s songbook might lack the pomp and circumstance of Bob Dylan, but their catalog remains equally poignant because I can’t think of another band in the last 10 years who has successfully tapped into heartbreak and heartache quite like this group of indie-rockers. Last summer, I actually had the great pleasure of seeing DCFC perform at the Hollywood Bowl with the L.A. Philharmonic orchestra. It was so rad to hear them get the classical treatment and I can only imagine what their songs would sound like if they were put in the Glee blender. Personally, I think Mercedes could wail on “The Sound Of Settling” or “A Lack Of Color” could be turned into a tortuous duet between Finn and Rachel.
HOLE: This pick is definitely my dark horse—much like Courtney Love, herself. Some might think Hole is a totally o-v-e-r, but with the recent release of their long-awaited album Nobody’s Daughter, they’re just getting started… at least until they inevitably call it quits again in another year or two. The lineup might be different but the band’s goal remains the same: to pen rocktastic anthems that inspire and empower. Judging from new songs like “Samantha” and “Skinny Little Bitch,” I’d say mission accomplished. After Quinn finally pops out the bun in her oven, it’d be great to see her re-embrace her inner awesomeness with a rendition of “Miss World” or “Celebrity Skin.” Now that’s a study in demonology I’d love to see!
Wanna read more of my musings? Hoof it over to http://www.leslie-simon.com. Plus, if you’re not following me (@redpatterndress) on Twitter, what are you waiting for? I’m not scared to sic C. Love on your tush… and I don’t know if you’d live through that.
The Met’s Sexy New Tour Guide
Listening to the audio guide as you walk through new museum exhibition, American Woman: Fashioning a National Identity, will be like music style to your ears.
That’s because style icon Sarah Jessica Parker recorded the audio guide to The Costume Institute of The Metropolitan Musem of Art’s new Spring exhibition, on view from May 5th to August 15th, reports WWD. Curator Andrew Bolton explains the choice: “Because of Sex and the City, she is so much associated with New York and with America, and with using fashion as a way to shape identity.”
The exhibit “will explore developing perceptions of the modern American woman from the 1890s to the 1940s, and how they have affected the way American women are seen today,” says the Met website.
I can’t wait to see (and listen to) this exhibit! And I’m even more excited to see Sex and the City 2 in theaters on May 27th, and read The Carrie Diaries, on-sale tomorrow from Harper Teen!
I’ll have what Dorothy’s having
Our just-released cookbook, Specialites de la Maison, is a collection of classic recipes from celebrities and socialites of days gone by. When we stumbled upon this adorable out-of-print book, we knew the time was right to resurrect it. Originally published in 1940 by the American Friends of France, Specialites de la Maison features recipes from what Graydon Carter calls, “a starry cavalcade of the best and brightest from all walks of public life,” in his introduction to the new edition.
Now through May 16, we’re celebrating the book’s release 
by teaming with the famed literary landmark, The Algonquin Hotel, to highlight a month’s worth of rotating prix fixe menus inspired by the book. Highlights include Katharine Hepburn’s Chicken Burgundy Style, Tallulah Bankhead’s Southern Fried Chicken and Smithfield Ham from Condé Nast. You can dine like the stars of a bygone era at lunch or dinner–just call the hotel’s Round Table restaurant to book a spot (1-866-363-9011). While supplies last, groups of five or more will leave their meal not only with a full stomach, but a gratis copy of Specialites as well (so you can try your hand at re-creating Robert E. Sherwood’s Maine Fish Balls in the comfort of your own kitchen).
8 is enough
As I predicted, the news of the Elizabeth Taylor/Jason Winters engagement proved to be false. The star tweeted today that the rumors surrounding the couple, “simply aren’t true.” She added, “Jason is my manager and dearest friend. I love him with all my heart.”
Well, that solves that. It’s nice to see that she can still get us all excited.
Taylor
We love you, Elizabeth Taylor!
