It was only last week we were foolishly hoping for an end to studies about things we already know, where the results of such studies would reveal what is already believed to be true. Alas, progress: No study was required to find out that words like "secret," "sex," "green," or "easy" catch the attention of Americans, and the news media. [NYT]
James Frey stated, in Vanity Fair, that he "doesn't plan to speak to the press again" regarding his new not-a-big-fat-lie of a book Bright Shiny Morning. But perhaps the little road tour isn't enough to assuage publisher Harper that they'll move enough copies to recoup the advance? Blogging on Amazon.com, Frey says, "I'll be doing some press" while on the book tour. And also, synergy: Tour stops will feature live music from a "band in LA is called Black Tide, and they're one of the best metal bands in the country, they played t[h]e main stage on OzzFest last summer."
Although we can’t always shake the nasty habit of writing in the royal we, occasionally one of our editors decides to shake off the cloak of anonymity to write a short, pithy statement long, rambling diatribe about a topic of their choice. Today, Debbie Newman is that editor.
This just in: The Yankees' adulterous third baseman (and this year's league MVP) Alex Rodriguez is arrogant, greedy and not particularly well liked by the New York fans or working media.
Worse still, he recently opted out of his contract with the Yanks AND disingenuously said things like "I love New York" while simultaneously fielding offers from all over the country. Plus, this one time? Prior to joining the Yanks? He said something way harsh about Derek Jeter "never [having] had to lead" before. Which, according to columnist-turned-baseball aficionado Jon Friedman, just may have helped spur on their rivalry.
Yesterday, former topless model Heather Mills (who is, perhaps, best known for her recent one-legged stint on Dancing With The Stars and her current full-time gig of trying to bleed ex-hubby Paul McCartney dry in the divorce settlement) has accused the British press of launching a "hate campaign" against her.
Surprisingly, her words were not particularly well received by the notoriously ruthless UK tabloids.
Not surprisingly, it turns out the much-hyped "First Interview With Owen Wilson After That Whole Attempted Wrist-Slitting Incident!" was somewhat anticlimactic. In fact, like most overhyped interviews, it had nothing to do with his personal life, attempted suicide or that bitch Kate Hudson, and everything to do with that movie he (and interviewer/director Wes Anderson) are shamelessly trying to promote.
Because people really tuned into the MySpace tv "Exclusive" to hear Wilson turn to Anderson in the opening moments and say, "Now why don't we start right in with, why India?"
Nice try, Wes. But frankly, we expected more from you. Or at least a "To Be Continued" with a postscript that Part Two of the interview would be shown exclusively during the intermission of The Darjeeling Limited.
The Shins really did change Natalie Portman’s life.
Not too long ago, she was starting in a billion dollar movie franchise. Now she’s guest editing the upcoming issue Scholastic Math to promote her new movie, Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium. One look at the trailer, you’ll be happy you don’t have kids.
Frankly, guest editing Scholastic Math is a fair punishment for starring in the Garden State. If there were any justice in this world, Zach Braff would have to deal with the Portfolio mess for the last scene of that movie.
From our mailbag:
When I walked in [to Hyde the other night] I saw Jenna Jameson with Aubrey from that one group Danity Kane. So I couldn't stop staring at Jenna Jameson the whole night except when Chris Crocker would get naked dancing to Britney (disgusting).* Jenna Jameson and Aubrey didnt leave each other's side the whole night. I thought it was really cute until they started making out…they were MACKING DOWN…Jenna doesn't surprise me, but does this mean Aubrey's a lesbian??
Hmm, probably not. But it just might mean she's given up her dream of getting impregnated by Diddy then happily abandoning her short-lived musical career in favor of coasting off the child support checks and parlaying her moderate notoriety into a three-deal cover spread with OK! magazine.
We do wish Aubrey the best of luck with her latest venture, however: Finally convincing the good folks over at WireImage to list her name alongside "actress" Jenna Jameson's.
*Agreed!
Last week, Lance Bass proved he still had some residual bitterness about being the least talented member of an already overrated boy band. This week, he proves he'll do anything to grab the limelight. Including bitch and moan about Britney Spears and talk about the other N'Syncers homosexual tendencies.
Careful, Lance. Keep that up and you'll be known as "the surly one," instead of just "the guy from 'N Sync who wanted to go to outer space, but never made it and was all gay and shit!"
[Queerty]
Although we can’t always shake the nasty habit of writing in the royal we, occasionally one of our editors decides to shake off the cloak of anonymity to write a short, pithy statement long, rambling diatribe about a topic of their choice. Today, Debbie Newman is that editor.
Pot-stirring pundit (and brazen book self-promoter) Ann Coulter is no stranger to causing controversy—in fact, most conscientious observers would agree she's made a fairly lucrative career out of it. And last week was certainly no exception. After dropping by the otherwise irrelevant Donny Deutsch show*, ostensibly to discuss her new book, Coulter had tongues of all races, ethnicities and party affiliations wagging over her calm, methodical and, doubtless, premeditated statement that the Jews need to be "perfected."
Another day, another firestorm started by—and explicitly for—Ann Coulter.
Or, put another way, in the unlikely event that Coulter keeps a journal,** her entry for that day would have read something along the lines of:
"Dear Diary…Jackpot."
First, the bad news: Tomorrow is the last Boldface Names column, which means no more Campbell Robertson reporting in whispy half-barbs. But, there's good news, and it's better than saving 15 percent on your car insurance: Tomorrow is also Diane Sawyer's Primetime special with Tom Cruise, who is revving up the M:I 3 publicity machine before taking the Tribeca Film Festival by manicured storm. Awkward conversation TK.
As superstar TOM CRUISE awaits the release of his highly anticipated movie 'Mission: Impossible III,' as well as the birth of his and bride-to-be KATIE HOLMES' first baby, he first sits down to answer some tough questions.
"You said that [your father] was the sort of guy that if he didn't like something, he's the kind of guy who could kick you. Did he abuse you physically? Did he hit you?"
DIANE SAWYER dares to go there on Friday's edition of "Primetime," airing on ABC at 9 p.m. The A-lister talks about his dad and what he learned from the relationship he describes as a "rollercoaster."
We're not sure if Cruise plans a Today show stop to promote his upcoming flic while he's in New York (TRL, however, is a go), but there may be no need. Just a couple unallowed questions from Sawyer and we'll have Matt Lauer Interview Version 2.0 in the can.
And with Diane Sawyer taking part in this ridiculous game of entertainment "news," it reminds us that Katie Couric, en route to CBS, may never get another go-round in the manufactured publicity game. Tear.
Tom Cruise's Candid Chat [ET]
Earlier: Press Release Parade: Tom Cruise Takes Tribeca Film Festival
Editorial Director
