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Access Atlanta > Blog > Archives > 2006 > November
November 2006
Ain’t nothin’ but a hound dog — sort of— kinda, sorta
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
El Vez, the way kitschy entertainer dubbed “the Mexican Elvis,” hit the stage late Wednesday night at Smith’s Olde Bar in Midtown to help usher in the holiday season for a packed house.
The alter ego of east Los Angeles rocker/performance artist Robert Lopez, El Vez’s elaborate Christmas show featured a half-dozen costume changes, female backup singers affectionately named Priscilita and Lisa Maria, and a tight four-piece band that even managed to coax some hipness out of “The Dreydel Song.”
El Vez himself, with a pencil-thin mustache and black pompadour, transformed Elvis hits “Hound Dog” into “You Ain’t Nothing But a Chihuahua,” “In the Ghetto” into “En el Barrio” and “Suspicious Minds” into the pro-Latino
anthem “Immigration Time.” At the conclusion of the latter, El Vez and seasoned fans shouted: “I got my green card, I want my gold card!”
As Thursday morning approached, El Vez, clad in a red leather jumpsuit, concluded the show with enormous inflated Santa and snowman lawn ornaments bouncing around him as he performed a rockabilly rendition of “Feliz Navidad.” And simply because it was offered for sale at the merch table, we purchased a small plastic bag of El Vez hair (it’s “suitable for cloning,” according to the label) for $3.
Urban Tea Party draws a crowd
Lisa Campbell, the Atlanta businesswoman who is handing over her Virginia-Highland shop, the Urban Tea Party, to one budding entrepreneur, e-mailed us this week to report “an incredible response” to the offer. Originally, the WSB-AM newscaster had hoped to announce a winner of the business this week. However, Campbell said she and her committee of local business experts need more time to go through the 457 entries she’s received.
As you’ll recall, Campbell says she was inspired to “give away” the business after watching Oprah’s recent “pay it forward” show. Campbell hopes to post the six finalists today at urbanteaparty.com, and the winner is scheduled to score the keys to the business on Monday.
Girls weekend out
Katie Trivette will go to this weekend’s Revolve Tour at the Gwinnett Arena to hear one of her favorite bands and to hang out with friends.
“It’ll be a fun girls weekend thing,” said Trivette, a freshman at Dacula High School.
The Revolve Tour, a Christian conference targeted at teenage girls, is expected to draw more than 8,000 attendees tonight and Saturday.
The event is a mix of Christian rock, speakers and skits, 2 1/2 hours tonight and seven hours on Saturday. It is produced by Women of Faith, a nondenominational Christian conference for women.
Now in its second year, the 10-city tour has drawn between 5,000 and 10,000 girls, youth group leaders and parents at each stop, said Nichole Masker, a tour spokeswoman.
Among those scheduled to appear are Christian recording artist Natalie Grant and Olympic gold medalist diver Laura Wilkinson.
The Arena is at 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway, Duluth. Hours: 7-9:30 tonight; 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday. $69. Tickets: 1-888-493-2484.
Coupling
Her marriage didn’t work out on “Desperate Housewives,” but things are looking rosy in real life for Eva Longoria: She’s engaged to her beau, San Antonio Spurs basketball star Tony Parker.
“Tony flew into Los Angeles last night after his game and surprised Eva at her home as she got off work,” Longoria’s spokeswoman, Liza Anderson, told The Associated Press on Thursday via e-mail.
“The proposal was romantic and perfect. The couple plans to wed in France in the summer of 2007 in what they describe as a big, happy ceremony with lots of family and friends.”
Longoria, 31, who plays crafty Gabrielle Solis on the hit ABC show, met Parker, a 24-year-old Frenchman, in the Spurs’ locker room after a game two years ago.
QUOTE OF THE DAY
“Barbara, he was drunk as a skunk!”
—”The View” co-host Joy Behar (right), correcting her boss, Barbara Walters, on Thursday’s broadcast. Initially explaining guest Danny DeVito’s bizarre state on the show Wednesday, Walters described the actor as “being under the weather.” DeVito has since apologized, and Walters says he will be welcomed back on the show in the future.
CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS
Actor-director Woody Allen (right) is 71. Drummer John Densmore of the Doors is 62. Actress-singer Bette Midler is 61. Actor Treat Williams is 55. Actress Charlene Tilton is 48. Model-actress Carol Alt is 46. Comedian Sarah Silverman is 36. Guitarist Brad Delson of Linkin
Park is 29.
Contributing: Ken Sugiura, news services. If you have a tip, call 404-526-2749, fax 404-526-5509 or e-mail buzz@ajc.com.
If you have a tip, call 404-526-2749. Or fax 404-526-5509. Or e-mail: buzz@ajc.com.
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Erk Russell lives as artist’s inspiration
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
When University of Georgia art student Kathleen Bradshaw painted a new version of the classic Coca-Cola Santa Claus, she needed a model with a grandfatherly face and a twinkling smile. Then she saw a smiling image of the late Erk Russell, the former football coach known as much for his head-butting antics as his cherubic cheeks. “He has those kind eyes,” said Bradshaw, who used Russell as a muse for her updated Kriss Kringle. “I love his little bald head.”
Bradshaw is one of five finalists in an art contest sponsored by Coke to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the original Coca-Cola Santa, created by Swedish-American illustrator Haddon “Sunny” Sundblom. Today Bradshaw and the other finalists will be at Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York, where her video-game-playing Santa will be on display alongside Sundblom’s original works, and where one of the finalists will be chosen for a grand prize of $5,000.
Bradshaw, 48, of Buford came back to her college studies last year after taking off a few decades to have children, and is earning a degree in graphic design. She said she studied many different faces to find her ideal contemporary St. Nick. “I looked at Bill Cosby, I looked at the guy that played the grandfather in ‘Heidi.’ Then I came across a picture of Erk Russell. I didn’t copy Erk,” she added, “but I did use him.”
OVERSCENE
Helping Morton’s the Steakhouse to celebrate its 20th anniversary downtown Tuesday night were Carolyn O’Neil (right), food author; Spurgeon Richardson, president of the Atlanta Convention and Visitors Bureau, and Jay Tribby, chief of staff for City Councilman Kwanza Hall.
Wild Sedaris scene
We knew something was amiss Tuesday night when suddenly we received a flurry of text messages from people we had last spoken to when Bill Campbell occupied the mayor’s office (as opposed to a prison cell). As many as 200 people tried unsuccessfully to navigate their way into author-actress Amy Sedaris’ 7:15 p.m. signing and craft demonstration at the Decatur Public Library.
“It was completely insane,” Outwrite Books owner and event co-organizer Philip Rafshoon told us Wednesday. More than 400 fans got inside the signing for Sedaris’ kitschy home entertaining tome, “I Like You: Hospitality Under the Influence.”
“People were bringing four and five copies up, and she wrote something unique in each one,” veteran Atlanta author escort Esther Levine told us. “I told her, ‘Amy, those are probably all going to different places. You could have written the same thing. She told me, ‘Yes, but the person buying the books would know.’ She’s now one of my all-time favorite authors.”
Late in the evening, fans still standing outside were invited in to buy a book and meet the author. Sedaris finished up just shy of 1 a.m. Wednesday. Watershed chef Scott Peacock (who’s name-dropped in “Influence”) sent over a bag of his famous fried chicken, slices of pecan pie and sides as a midnight snack.
At deadline Wednesday, Outwrite had about 100 signed copies remaining from a stash Sedaris signed prior to her appearance.
Fergie on the town
Staffers from Prime restaurant were spotted delivering takeout to Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, during her Lenox Square Macy’s appearance Wednesday. Prime chef Daniel Atwood prepared a broiled chicken breast, salad and a cheese platter for her. Ferguson also did a little yuletide shopping. Upon spotting a display of Priscilla the Pink Pig stuffed animals, she said, “I have to get these for my girls,” meaning her teenage daughters. She scooped up a half-dozen of the plush toys.
The drunken ‘View’
Co-workers frequently mock us for faithfully checking out “The View” each day. Our answer? If every morning at 11, you knew there’d be a 14-car pileup on I-285, wouldn’t you watch?
On Wednesday morning, a visibly drunk Danny DeVito appeared on the live ABC chat show to promote his new comedy, “Deck the Halls.”
And to slur, burp, get bleeped twice for calling President Bush an obscenity and causing Barbara Walters to repeatedly go ashen-faced.
It seems DeVito had been out all night drinking shots of limoncello with pal George Clooney. ABC declined comment when we rang and referred us to DeVito’s publicist, Stan Rosenfeld.
“I’m sure Mr. DeVito will issue a statement, but first he wants to personally speak with Barbara Walters,” Rosenfeld told Buzz.
The ring-kissing had not yet commenced as of our deadline. Coincidentally, we had our first-ever sip of limoncello while dining at Shaun’s over the weekend. Our new stomach lining is scheduled to arrive via cooler today …
Celebrity birthdays
Actor Robert Guillaume is 79. TV personality and producer Dick Clark is 77. Singer-actor Mandy Patinkin is 54. Singer Billy Idol is 51. Actor-director Ben Stiller is 41. Actress Sandra Oh (“Grey’s Anatomy,” “Sideways”) is 36. Country singer Mindy McCready is 31. Singer Clay Aiken is 28. Actress Elisha Cuthbert (“24”) is 24.
Contributing: Bo Emerson, Marylin Johnson and news services.
If you have a tip, call 404-526-2749. Or fax 404-526-5509. Or e-mail: buzz@ajc.com.
Duchess of York visits Atlanta
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Atlantans will get a brush with nobility at 11:30 this morning when Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, unveils her jewelry line — in collaboration with K&G Creations — at Macy’s Lenox Square store in Buckhead.
She will be the host of a fashion show featuring her earrings, rings and necklaces made with Moissanite, a man-made colorless jewel set in 14- and 18-karat white and yellow gold settings. The jewelry starts around $400 for a pair of diamondlike studs.
And how does Atlanta prepare for such a visit?
“Actually, Macy’s had very little to do. The duchess is low maintenance,” said Marla Shavin, a Macy’s spokeswoman. “She travels with her own china cup and teapot, so our contribution is hot water for her tea.”
Before the show, the duchess will be feted at a private party for Macy’s executives and the store’s best jewelry customers. Tony Conway of A Legendary Event plans to give the room the royal treatment by dressing the green and gold table linens with white calla lilies and white orchids. And the food? A mix of fresh fruit, cinnamon cherry scones, banana nut bread and poppyseed bread with Devonshire cream, and, of course, Britain’s favorite beverage served from a silver English teapot.
If you have a tip, call 404-526-2749. Or fax 404-526-5509. Or e-mail: buzz@ajc.com.
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Comic Sedaris meets strangers with library cards
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Prior to her appearance at the Decatur Public Library Tuesday night, comic actress and author Amy Sedaris kept busy answering the phones at Outwrite Books in Midtown.
Wearing a cocoa-colored cocktail dress, Sedaris was hidden in the manager’s office, signing a small mountain of pre-ordered copies of “I Like You: Hospitality Under the Influence” (Warner Books, 27.99).
“No, we don’t accept personal checks,” Sedaris told a customer inquiring about her appearance. “Oh, and I know for a fact that the author will also be selling wands and aprons at her signing tonight. Cash only.”
After hanging up and gauging our reaction, Sedaris cracked, “Hey, don’t judge!”
The mastermind behind the Comedy Central series and recent prequel film “Strangers With Candy” says she was inspired to pen her new book after hostessing a lot of parties.
“Sometimes guests just don’t know what to bring,” she lamented. “Bring me stamps or butter, you know, things I actually use. No one has a vase tall enough to hold sunflowers, people!”
Sedaris shook her head when she got to an audio edition copy of her book in the stack.
“I always talk people out of buying this,” she admitted. “I can’t read for one thing. I tell people, ‘Buy the book and read it while you drive. If there’s an accident, call me ‘.”
Celebrity docket
Tracy Morgan, the former “Saturday Night Live” regular who co-stars on NBC’s “30 Rock,” was arrested Tuesday in Upper Manhattan on drunken driving charges, the district attorney’s office said.
The 38-year-old comedian was stopped around 4:30 a.m. while driving a Cadillac Escalade on the Henry Hudson Parkway near West 158th Street, said Edison Alban, a spokesman for District Attorney Robert Morgenthau.
Police reported that Morgan smelled of alcohol and that he later failed a Breathalyzer test at the 28th Precinct station house, Alban said.
Alban didn’t yet know the name of Morgan’s attorney.
Morgan’s publicist in Los Angeles didn’t immediately return a call seeking comment.
Alban said Morgan was to be arraigned later in Manhattan’s state Supreme Court on charges of driving while intoxicated and driving while impaired.
Last Dec. 2, Morgan was arrested in Hollywood, Calif., on impaired-driving charges after police stopped him for speeding. Authorities there said his blood-alcohol level was 0.13 percent, over the legal limit of 0.08 percent.
Celebrity birthdays
Blues musician John Mayall is 73. Singer Denny Doherty of the Mamas and the Papas is 66. Comedian Garry Shandling is 57. Director Joel Coen is 52. Actor-comedian Howie Mandel is 51. Singer Jonathan Knight of New Kids on the Block is 38. Drummer Ringo Garza of Los Lonely Boys is 25. Actor Lucas Black (“Sling Blade,” “The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift”) is 24.
Contributing: Marylin Johnson and news services
If you have a tip, call 404-526-2749. Or fax 404-526-5509. Or e-mail: buzz@ajc.com.
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Sisters recount backstage ‘Oprah’ experience
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
As local sisters Kristy O’Conner and Kasey Osborne-Lumpp recently discovered, things are a bit different behind the scenes in television. On Tuesday, fresh from their appearance on “The Oprah Winfrey Show” televised Monday, the sisters detailed some of the more unanticipated moments backstage at “Oprah” earlier this month.
You’ll recall that with a lot of help from Atlantans, O’Conner and Osborne-Lumpp transformed their two $1,000 Bank of America gift cards given to them last month by the talk show queen into a whopping $200,000 for My Sister’s House, a local shelter. The results of Oprah’s “Pay It Forward” challenge aired Monday.
Osborne-Lumpp told Buzz that she and her sister resisted when “Oprah” producers attempted to provide them with talking points prior to their on-air encounter with Winfrey. “We both felt very strongly about speaking from our hearts,” Osborne-Lumpp, a marketing rep, told Buzz.
The sisters were also puzzled when a producer suggested that they round up the amount of money they raised to $225,000.
“I honestly have no idea what the motivation there was,” Osborne-Lumpp said. ” I asked them, ‘Seriously, is $200,000 not enough for you?’ I was beside myself. “
Osborne-Lumpp says Winfrey herself was cordial and kind.
“During the commercial break, she asked if we had enjoyed our experience and if we felt the power of giving.”
When we rang Winfrey’s reps. in Chicago Tuesday to request an interview with a producer, we were asked to fax the request. At presstime, we had not received a response to our fax.
Osborne-Lumpp said the main reason the sisters opted to talk to the media Tuesday to give proper credit to and to thank Q100 listeners (On “Oprah,” it was referred to as “a local radio station”), Kroger shoppers and the many local folks who united to raise the funds.
If you have a tip, call 404-526-2749. Or fax 404-526-5509. Or e-mail: buzz@ajc.com.
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Chef Seeger drops by Doty’s new place
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Seeger’s chef/owner Guenter Seeger, dressed in a black leather jacket and matching pants, with a red-haired female companion in a red velvet dress, was spied dining at the newly opened Shaun’s in Inman Park late Saturday night. Nearby, Atlanta Peach editor Elizabeth Schulte Roth was celebrating her birthday with her husband and parents. Q100’s Jeff and Jessica Dauler were also spotted in the crowded eatery dining with Midtown Twelve florist owner John McDonald and his partner.
Sick bay
Label this item the Chunder From Down Under: Peachtree Road resident Elton John left the stage briefly during a weekend concert in Brisbane after being struck by a bout of nausea.
John left the stage without a word about two hours into his Sunday concert. He was gone for about five minutes, the Australian Associated Press reported Monday.
When he returned, the 59-year-old pop star used an Australian colloquialism to explain that he had left the stage to vomit. “I thought I’d better chunder in the toilet [rather] than all over the front row,” he was quoted as saying.
Apparently feeling better, John closed the show about 45 minutes later.
‘Best and Brightest’ (but also on hold)
Those pesky advance deadlines for magazines caught Esquire up a little short this month. In the men’s mag’s “Best and Brightest” issue (featuring cover boy George Clooney), Atlantan Ryan Gravel is among those profiled. The urban renewal pioneer first came up with a plan for overhauling the city’s 22-mile Beltline railroad lines for a 1999 Georgia Tech graduate thesis. Esquire reports: “Five years of local support and city studies have turned Gravel’s beltline into one of the most ambitious modern ideas for the refurbishing of an American city on the verge of actually happening.” Alas, in recent weeks, pivotal Beltline developer Wayne Mason pulled out of the deal, and earlier this month, the Atlanta City Council voted to temporarily put the project on hold.
Celebrity birthdays
Motown Records founder Berry Gordy Jr. is 77. Singer Randy Newman is 63. Musician Paul Shaffer (“Late Show With David Letterman”) is 57. Actor Ed Harris is 56. Actress S. Epatha Merkerson (“Law & Order”) is 54. Actor Judd Nelson is 47. “Daily Show” host Jon Stewart is 44. Actress Garcelle Beauvais-Nilon (“NYPD Blue,” “The Jamie Foxx Show”) is 40. Model Anna Nicole Smith is 39. Singer Dawn Robinson (En Vogue) is 38. Rapper Chamillionaire is 27.
Contributing: News services.
If you have a tip, call 404-526-2749. Or fax 404-526-5509. Or e-mail: buzz@ajc.com.
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Pay it forward: Sweet success
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Things got so sticky sweet on Monday’s edition of “The Oprah Winfrey Show,” Buzz briefly contemplated adding our name to the national transplant database for a fresh pancreas.
Local sisters Kristy O’Conner and Kasey Osborne-Lumpp were back, along with about 300 other audience members, who all had attended a taping of the show last month in Chicago. During the first broadcast, Winfrey gave each audience member a $1,000 Bank of America gift card and requested that each go home and “pay it forward” to a local charity in one week.
For O’Conner, an Atlantan, and Osborne-Lumpp, a Grayson resident, that meant getting busy to raise funds for My Sister’s House, a shelter run by the Atlanta Union Mission.
On Monday’s show, during a taped segment with narration by Oprah herself, it was disclosed that the sisters, along with able assistance from Kroger shoppers, Q100 listeners and corporate checks from Home Depot, Target, Pottery Barn and IKEA, raised a whopping $200,000. The amount was described by “Oprah” producers as the “biggest payout by far.”
On the program, My Sister’s House worker LaQuesha Agnew said that the response has been “just overwhelming.” One generous individual even donated an 18-wheel tractor trailer full of items. Agnew says the shelter has had to go in search of additional storage space, a nice problem to have at this time of year.
The massive amounts of items will go to deserving mothers and the money raised will go to improve counseling services, according to Agnew.
If you have a tip, call 404-526-2749. Or fax 404-526-5509. Or e-mail: buzz@ajc.com.
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Comic Richards unlikely to get ATL gig anytime soon
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Don’t expect to see “Seinfeld” alum Michael Richards at an Atlanta comedy club anytime soon following his angry, race-filled rant at a Los Angeles club Nov. 17.
Funny Farm manager Marshall Chiles said that Richards, who played Kramer on “Seinfeld,” has been working on his act in L.A. the past 18 months hoping to eventually headline nationwide. His TV career has been on hold since “Seinfeld” ended in 1998.
“His industry reputation is a man with a temper,” Chiles told Buzz. “I will never hire him. He’s too inexperienced and handled [hecklers] in the most extreme, vile way.”
Chris DiPetta, who runs the Punchline, said the Laugh Factory in L.A. should have been more aggressive with the hecklers. “The crowd was really unruly,” DiPetta said.
The Punchline policy is to give a heckler two warnings, then the boot. DiPetta has to do that only once a month or so, often at the Friday night late show.
Jeff Justice, who runs a popular stand-up comedy class in metro Atlanta, said he teaches his neophytes never to get angry, no matter how nasty a heckler gets: “You get angry, you lose. It ruins the show… . If you let the person make enough of a jerk of themselves, you’ll keep the crowd on your side.”
Richards, on Jesse Jackson’s radio show Sunday, said he had never used racially charged language before. He said the outburst came through him “like a freight train” and that he’s “shattered by it.”
HIGH FIVE
Tai Anderson, the bassist for popular Atlanta Christian rock band Third Day, which has a “Christmas Offerings” CD out, disclosed his five favorite Christmas songs to Buzz during the Macy’s Christmas tree lighting last week:
No. 1: Ray Charles’ “That Spirit of Christmas.” (“I sound like I’m sophisticated. I’m not. It’s from ‘Christmas Vacation’ when Chevy Chase is wearing his wife’s robe and is up in the attic watching home videos. That’s my all-time favorite.”)
The other four, in no particular order: “Silent Night,” “Away in a Manger,” “O Holy Night” and “Born in Bethlehem.” (“That’s an original we did which has the potential to be a classic.”)
WHAT’S ON YOUR TIVO
Former Atlantan Joy Lauren (“Desperate Housewives”)
Thursday’s a big night for her: She loves “Grey’s Anatomy” on her own network, along with “My Name Is Earl” and “The Office” on NBC. She’s a big Falcons fan. But her guilty pleasure is repeats of Fran Drescher’s “The Nanny.”
Bye bye, ‘Kimmer’
WGST talk show host Kim “The Kimmer” Peterson found himself without a job last week, but he wasn’t going to whine about it to Buzz.
“I’ve had a great run,” he said last week. “Too bad this had to end, but it’s just business.”
The Kimmer was a fixture for most of the past 14 years at GST in the afternoons, until all the station’s local personalities were nixed last Tuesday in favor of cheaper syndicated fare.
The former Marine didn’t get to say goodbye on the air, but if he had, he said, “I would have gotten completely choked up.” Even though his ratings have slid in recent years, along with the fortunes of the news/talk station, he said he felt close to his fans. “It’s a really big family,” he said. “I feel a sense of loss.”
The Kimmer now has time to play with his toys, including a 1955 Ford Sunline convertible and a police motorcycle. He hopes to stay in Atlanta but isn’t sure what station would hire him.
In any case, he’s not tied down. He’s been single since his recent divorce from the woman he once called “Fantasy Goddess” on the air. “I haven’t dated since my wife and I split up,” he said. “I’m a hermit.”
‘Real’ and gay
Davis Mallory, a Walton High School grad from the Class of 2002, is the “token” gay guy on the 18th edition of MTV’s “Real World: Denver,” which launched last week.
The added twist is that he’s a dedicated Christian, too. In high school, Mallory told Buzz, he lived in a “Christian bubble.” That meant youth groups, church choir, mission trips and a job at a Christian bookstore. “I really loved it. I loved that feeling that I was going to heaven.”
Mallory only recently came out, during his senior year at Stetson University in Florida. His father was fine with it; his mother not so much.
“My mom refuses to watch the show,” he said. “She still believes I can be changed. I have to make her realize this is for real and long term so I can bring my boyfriend over. I hate that it has to be this way.”
On the show, Mallory at first clashes with fellow Christian Stephen Nichols over being gay, but Nichols learns to accept him and they became friends. “He opened his eyes to what it means to be gay,” Mallory said.
Hey, it’s just acting
Former Atlantan Joy Lauren doesn’t seem like the snotty teenager she plays on ABC’s “Desperate Housewives.” (She’s Danielle, daughter of Marcia Cross’ Bree Van De Kamp.)
“I’m boring. I’ve never rebelled,” Lauren said over a latte Saturday at Caribou Coffee off Roswell Road. She was in town for Thanksgiving break. “Danielle just isn’t a nice person, and she doesn’t get any better. I wish they’d have her tell her mom, ‘I love you! I’ll help you get through this craziness!’ “
As a young child, Lauren attended the Galloway School (“a liberal hippie place,” she said) and was in several Alliance Theatre plays before venturing to Los Angeles at age 12.
She’s not sure she’ll stick around for Season 4 now that she’s applying to colleges, including Vanderbilt, Emory, UNC and USC. A lot of that, she noted, is out of her hands.
“I always have to check the script to see if I’m going to be killed off,” Lauren said. For example, they had Danielle attempt suicide earlier this season after her mother forced her to end her affair with a teacher. But she survived.
Celebrity birthdays
Actress Robin Givens is 42. Rapper Twista is 34. Actor Jaleel White (Urkel on “Family Matters”) is 30.
Contributing: news services
If you have a tip, call 404-526-2749. Or fax 404-526-5509. Or e-mail: buzz@ajc.com.
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PaperCity couldn’t cut it in the ATL
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
With the recent glut of glossy magazines all going after the same local advertising dollars, industry insiders have been devoting much cocktail party chatter of late to which high-end publication would disappear first.
On Friday, PaperCity publisher Jim Kastleman confirmed to Buzz that the Atlanta edition of his fashion and society monthly will cease publication here with its December issue.
“When we debuted in Atlanta two years ago, we were being looked at as being smart for branching out to Atlanta, but the media landscape has changed dramatically since,” Kastleman told us from Houston. “Now, everyone is just cannibalizing each other [for ad dollars].”
Two of those heavy-hitters, the Atlantan and Atlanta Peach, debuted this year with splashy parties. Consequently, magazine ad sales here have become a contact sport as older titles like Atlanta magazine and Jezebel fought back, dangling some tantalizing deals to advertisers.
There have been a few editorial dust-ups as well.
PaperCity editors Elizabeth Schultze Roth and Jonathan Lerner moved over to Atlanta Peach to help launch it and PaperCity account manager Erin Kelly was recently lured away as well. Before its debut, the Atlantan attracted Travis Neighbor Ward away from Atlanta magazine to serve as its inaugural editor.
Kastleman says PaperCity plans to withdrawal to its two core markets, Houston and Dallas, where they’ve dominated for the past decade.
The publisher, meanwhile, predicts that PaperCity won’t be the last new title to pull up stakes in the highly competitive Atlanta market either.
Says Kastleman: “One to two more titles will absolutely go away. There are only so many ad dollars out there.”
Emory says no, ‘Nerds’ derailed
If you served as an extra on the recent locally shot remake of “Revenge of the Nerds,” here’s hoping you snapped a few photos. Fox Atomic has halted production of the teen sex comedy. As the AJC previously reported, the film shot on the campus of Agnes Scott College and various other locations this fall. However, Emory University pulled out of its planned participation in the $12.5-million budgeted film. Director Kyle Newman was seeking another campus for the autumnal shoot. Since many of us spent Friday throwing elbows at each other in the pre-dawn hours at holiday shopping emporiums, Newman’s planned fall window may have closed. It could not immediately be determined Friday how the shutdown might effect “Nerds” thespian and “Laguna Beach” alum Kristin Cavallari’s career trajectory.
Fund-raisers on ‘Oprah’ Monday
Look for local sisters Kristy O’Conner and Kasey Osborne-Lumpp to turn back up on “The Oprah Winfrey Show” Monday (4 p.m. WSB). The results of last month’s “Pay It Forward Challenge” will be announced on the edition. You may recall that O’Conner, an Atlantan, and Osborne-Lumpp, a Grayson resident, were in the audience when Winfrey handed out $1,000 check cards and instructed the audience to go home and “pay it forward” to a charity. The sisters opted to give their seed money to My Sister’s House, a shelter run by the Atlanta Union Mission. Q100 listeners and Kroger customers then got involved to helped to push the donations of cash and shelter necessities to more than $125,000. The sisters will be among those to report their charitable efforts to Winfrey.
Stork report
It’s a boy!
Supermodel Heidi Klum and singer Seal are parents once again.
Klum gave birth Wednesday to Johan Riley Fyodor Taiwo Samuel, who weighed 8 pounds, 11 ounces, according to Seal’s Web site. It did not say where the baby was born.
“He is healthy, beautiful and looks just like his mother,” the posting read.
The couple, married in May 2005, have a 1-year-old son, Henry Guenther Ademola Dashtu Samuel.
HIGH FIVE
Most downloaded singles Friday at iTunes (Atlantans Akon and T.I. are featured on three of the tracks).
1. “Irreplaceable,” Beyoncé
2. “I Wanna Love You,” Akon featuring Snoop Dogg
3. “Wind It Up,” Gwen Stefani
4. “My Love” (Single Version), Justin Timberlake featuring T.I.
5. “Smack That” (Dirty), Akon
Celebrity birthdays
Today: Actor Ricardo Montalban is 86. Actor-game show host Ben Stein is 62. Actor John Larroquette is 59. Singer Amy Grant is 46. Singer Stacy Lattisaw is 40. Actress Jill Hennessy (“Crossing Jordan”) is 37. Actress Christina Applegate is 35.
Sunday: Singer Robert Goulet is 73. Singer Tina Turner is 67. Bassist John McVie of Fleetwood Mac is 61. Country singer Joe Nichols is 30. Singer Lil Fizz of B2K is 21.
Contributing: News services.
If you have a tip, call 404-526-2749. Or fax 404-526-5509. Or e-mail: buzz@ajc.com.
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New Year’s Eve swan song for Libby’s Cabaret
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
If the annual Christmas show at Libby’s Cabaret is a tradition for you, picking up some advance tickets might be a good idea. This year’s month-long run opening Dec. 1 will be the final show booked in the supper club touted as “a tradition as old as the century itself” on Northside Parkway.
This week, the club’s owner and main attraction Libby Whittemore confirmed to Buzz that the club will cease to exist when 2006 makes way for 2007. The club’s final show, set for New Year’s Eve, is officially sold out, even at $175 per person.
“A skilled businessperson would have taken one look at the books and closed this place down four years ago,” Whittemore said. “I’m so in debt, it’s crazy.”
Through thick and mostly thin, the Atlanta-born singer and actress has played the role of business owner since 2000, when the Atlanta cabaret vet opened the room. She had attracted an investor for the club after a profile of her ran in the AJC in 1999 lamenting the lack of stages for talented local performers (Whittemore was toiling at a Blockbuster at the time the story was published).
“It’s so bittersweet,” Whittemore reflected. “But I’m not going to miss the stress of running a business. I’m going to miss the performers, the faithful regulars and our staff. To have that stage to give to other performers, and for me to play on as well, has been a great gift. Someone asked me the other night, ‘Where are you going to open your next club?’ I told them, ‘You open it and run it, and I’ll show up and sing for you!’ “
For tickets and info about remaining shows, www.libbyscabaret.com or call 404-869-4748.
Publix pilgrims shipping out
When one of our prized cans of pumpkin puree threatened to roll away from us the other night, we first encountered the grim signage at our local Publix. This will be the final holiday season for the grocery chain’s insanely popular pilgrim couple, their offspring ‘lilgrim and the Santa and Mrs. Claus salt and pepper shakers. Atlanta Publix spokeswoman Brenda Reid confirmed that Publix’s familiar Thanksgiving and Christmas spots featuring warm and fuzzy family moments will end after this season.
“We’ll be refreshing the campaign in 2007,” Reid told us. “But these two spots have been incredibly popular with our customers. People write and tell us they’ve become part of their holiday traditions.”
Addressing our one gripe — Publix was piping in Christmas music as we shopped for Thanksgiving staples — Reid told us: “It’s very subtle, and we rotate the songs so you don’t hear the same things. And come on now, you know you have those Christmas CDs out at home, don’t you?”
Well, maybe just the Loretta Lynn album… .
Get onboard new pink ‘Peach’
When we saw former Atlanta Mayor Sam Massell out the other night, naturally the Buckhead Coalition president had a new project to fill us in on. Massell and MARTA have combined efforts to create a pink-hued bus. And while it’s not exactly like a ride on the Pink Pig at Lenox Square, MARTA’s new “the Peach” bus route (No. 110, to be precise) will make holiday travel a lot more convenient this season.
Massell says the line is the first one-seat bus service on Peachtree connecting downtown to Buckhead in 30 years. The former Hizzoner suggested the line to MARTA officials “to improve connectivity along the Peachtree corridor.” Previously, MARTA riders had to transfer buses or take part of the trip on the train. Predicted Massell: “It will be like the good old days when we had a streetcar connecting downtown and Buckhead.”
Fare is $1.75, and the bus runs every 30 minutes 6 a.m. to 1 a.m., seven days a week.
E-mail scam targets Oprah’s fans
Online thieves are using the lure of tickets to “The Oprah Winfrey Show” to rip off the identities of consumers, officials said.
The thieves have been sending unsolicited e-mails asking people to send them personal information, verify financial information or wire money to a third party for tickets to the show, Illinois State Attorney General Lisa Madigan said.
The show, taped in Chicago, doesn’t sell tickets. It takes reservations to attend the free tapings.
Madigan’s office couldn’t say how widespread the messages had become.
“With the large number of Oprah’s fans worldwide, we are concerned that their excitement at the opportunity to attend a taping of her TV show may result in fans responding to this unauthorized offer,” Madigan warned this week in a news release.
The e-mails were reported to the state by lawyers with Oprah’s Harpo Productions Inc., Madigan spokeswoman Cara Smith said.
“The goal with this alert is to not have any victims, because once consumers respond to this or send money, it’s very, very difficult to make them whole,” Smith said.
Quote of the day
“I’m going to be Mama Bear now. Rosie [O’Donnell] is one of the kindest, most sensitive people I know. So is Kelly Ripa. Rosie and Kelly talked after the show Tuesday. Rosie and Clay [Aiken] also talked after the show. All is right with the world. Let’s move on.” — “The View” head mistress Barbara Walters at the top of Wednesday’s show, effectively ending the week’s drama stemming from O’Donnell accusing Ripa of being homophobic on air while inadvertently labeling Aiken as gay.
Celebrity birthdays
Former Beatles drummer Pete Best is 65. Bassist Donald “Duck” Dunn of Booker T. and the MG’s is 65. Actor Stanley Livingston (“My Three Sons”) is 56. Record producer Terry Lewis is 50. Actor Colin Hanks (“Roswell”) is 29. Actress Katherine Heigl (below) (“Grey’s Anatomy”) is 28.
Contributing: news services.
If you have a tip, call 404-526-2749. Or fax 404-526-5509. Or e-mail: buzz@ajc.com.
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Readers take time to give heartfelt thanks
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
As you baste the bird and tune in to see if a large balloon will once again menace the crowds at the Macy’s parade in New York, we cordially invite you to take a few minutes to see what your fellow Peach Buzz readers are thankful for this year.
As always, it’s a diverse list, with everything from running shoes (and running!) to new grandchildren, parents, military children returning home and one structurally unsound gingerbread house. Happy Thanksgiving!
Kenny Cheek, Marietta: “I am thankful for when I wake up on a cold morning with my wife on one side of me and Buddy the golden retriever on the other. For my two beautiful daughters, for Costa Rican coffee and for Mizuno running shoes. Mostly, though, I’m thankful that Army Pfc. David Cheek will be home from Iraq on Saturday and joining us for our Thanksgiving on Sunday.”
Theo Pinkston Jr., Stockbridge: “For the anonymous donor that gave me his bone marrow, thus allowing me to survive leukemia.”
David J. Payne, Ormewood Park: “Friends are my Thanksgiving. They listen to me, provide opinions, counsel, and enable me to live life more fully than I can do on my own. Thank you all for being yourselves and with me.”
Rottweiler Suede Clayton, Cartersville (submitted by Suede’s owner Nancy Clayton): “For turkey leftovers and that I only have to wear this outfit once a year at Halloween.”
Laura Byrd Sanio, Tucker: “For my loving husband, Will, of one year. Our wonderful circle of family and friends anxiously await our best Christmas present ever: Our new little girl now kicking strongly in my very pregnant belly. As older parents-to-be, our true blessing will be her arrival during the holidays.”
Barb Evangelista, Canton, “I’m thankful that I retired in May so now I can read the AJC across the breakfast table from my husband each day … except on Thursdays when I bowl and on Saturday and Sundays when he plays golf. Oh, and on Mondays when I volunteer.”
Melanie Massell, Atlanta: “For the five senses of a singer: The beautiful sight of a full house, the appreciative sound of an audience, the sincere touch of a fan’s embrace, the sweet smell of success, the humbling taste of these experiences have made me thankful to be an Atlanta entertainer.”
Ana Carolina Thome Claus, Atlanta: “I’m from Brazil, and I got to the United States in January 2006 to live in Atlanta with Felicia and Billy Huger and their family as their au pair. It’s my first time in another country, so this began as an incredible adventure to me. I take care of three amazing kids: Caroline, Billy and Sarah. I love them very much. This year, I’m not going to be with the Hugers on Thanksgiving Day, but I’d like for them to know that they are… who I’m thankful for, because God put them on my way.”
Jerry Schwartz, Chamblee: “For each new day that God has given me where I have, in good health, something to do, someone to love and something to look forward to.”
Dianne Gilbreath, Duluth: “That I have lived almost 70 years in Atlanta and was born in this city, this state and this country that I love and cherish. I am blessed to have a great husband, three wonderful children, seven fabulous grandchildren and a huge family who cares for each other and keeps in touch almost every day, thanks to the wonderful world of the Internet!”
Meryl Healy, Loganville: “I am so thankful for the 46 years that I had with my father, Marty Myles. He was 81 years old when he passed away unexpectedly in February. Every child should be so lucky to have a father such as mine. He was so funny, supportive, warm and loving. Now I am thankful for all the wonderful memories that I have of daddy.”
Susan Hartsfield Tanner, Cumming: “My husband was diagnosed with prostate cancer at the tender of age of 46 in September of this year. He now receives daily radiation and is doing very well. In the midst of it all, we became grandparents to beautiful Lily on Oct. 1.”
Kathryn, Jeff and Lawrence Foster “Jack” Breedlove, Atlanta: “For the bundle of joy we adopted in June, a 5-year-old little boy with a very sad history. Now, I am listening to my husband and son spell China, the country of his birth. I now cannot remember life without my son — except when I want to do something else on Saturday that does not involve soccer, swimming and Chinese school! “
Lisa O’Driscoll, Dunwoody: “I am so thankful to be married to a man as wonderful as my husband, Jon. He truly is the perfect man and I love him even more than I did when I married him five years ago.”
Echo Montgomery Garrett, Marietta: “Two years ago this month, my husband Kevin Garrett was rear-ended on I-75 by a speeding driver in a construction zone. He suffered mild traumatic brain injury as a result. On Thanksgiving, I am running my first half-marathon through the heart of this city to celebrate his courage and survival. Kevin and our wonderful teenage sons, Caleb and Connor, will be at the finish line cheering me on. I am thankful that I’ll be able to see my hero’s face this Thanksgiving and that after almost 25 years of marriage, I’m more in love with him than ever.”
Lisa Turney, Atlanta: “For the kind stranger, Aaron Dent of Decatur, who found our lost dogs miles from home and kept them safe until we could recover them.”
Kathy Welch, Powder Springs: “For our traditional lopsided gingerbread house at Christmas time.”
Celebrity birthdays
Screenwriter Joe Eszterhas (“Basic Instinct,” “Showgirls”) is 62. Singer Bruce Hornsby is 52. Singer-guitarist Ken Block of Sister Hazel is 40. Actor Oded Fehr (“The Mummy”) is 36. Rapper Kurupt of Tha Dogg Pound is 34. Actress Miley Cyrus (“Hannah Montana”) is 14.
If you have a tip, call 404-526-2749. Or fax 404-526-5509. Or e-mail: buzz@ajc.com.
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TLC’s Chilli to return with solo album
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
More than four years after Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes’ untimely death, TLC founding member Rozonda “Chilli” Thomas is making plans for a solo debut.
Billboard reports that the TLC singer has inked with Akon’s Konvict Muzik label, which is readying her as-yet-untitled solo debut for mid-2007. The album will be distributed by Interscope.
“This will be totally opposite from when she was with the multiplatinum group,” Atlanta-based Akon told Billboard. “She’s an incredible artist, and I want people to reconnect with her.” Akon is working on the album with Thomas, along with production assistance from the likes of Missy Elliott, Black Eyed Peas member Will I Am and Timbaland.
On Tuesday, it could not immediately be determined whether any part of the project would be recorded here, where TLC was birthed in the last millennium. Thomas has kept an extremely low profile since the release of TLC’s final album, “3D,” after Lopes’ death in 2002.
Stuck in the middle — with Wendy’s
Granted, Wednesday will likely be a pretty miserable day at Hartsfield-Jackson. The fine folks at Wendy’s, however, are setting up shop at their large location inside the airport atrium to reward the fliers who draw the least enjoyable seats on any flight — the dreaded middle seat.
If you show the fast-food folks your boarding pass indicating your unfortunate seat designation, they’ll give you one of approximately 10,000 gift cards for the chain’s new Double Melt burger (apparently, cheese and jalapeño peppers are hidden in the midsection of the new menu item).
On Friday, we’ll be awaiting the statistics on exactly how many folks on either side of the lucky winners will be inconvenienced when they attempt to hurtle past them to, um, freshen up in the in-flight restroom.
Last call for ‘Thanks’
Today is your final chance to slide us your thoughtful, funny and original contribution for our annual reader-driven “What I’m Thankful For” Turkey Day Buzz column. E-mail us your entry with your full name, where you live and a daytime phone number. Also, if you’d like, send along a head shot of yourself in the e-mail — we’ll have a bit of room to run some reader photos this year as well. Send your info to buzz@ajc.com with “Giving Thanks” in the subject line.
‘The View’ to a feud
“View” co-host Rosie O’Donnell managed to insert herself into the Kelly Ripa-Clay Aiken tiff on Tuesday when she played excerpts from Aiken’s guest stint Friday on “Live With Regis and Kelly” with Ripa. During an interview with “Dancing With the Stars” champ Emmitt Smith, the “American Idol” finalist, apparently frustrated with Ripa dominating the chat, put his hand over her mouth live on the air. Ripa ripped Aiken, telling him: “That’s a no-no. Besides, I don’t know where that hand’s been.”
On Tuesday, O’Donnell replayed the clip and then accused Ripa of being homophobic. Seconds later, Ripa was live on the air via phone to defend herself. “What you said is downright outrageous,” Ripa told O’Donnell. “He reached across and covered my face with his hand. I have three kids. It’s cold and flu season. That’s all I meant … Rosie, you have to be more responsible. To imply that I’m homophobic is outrageous.”
We temporarily interrupt this incredibly juicy catfight to interject the following piece of logic: Clay Aiken has not actually publicly identified himself as a homosexual …
Damage control?
“The Late Show With David Letterman” studio audience didn’t quite know how to react when former “Seinfeld” actor Michael Richards appeared via satellite at Monday night’s taping to apologize for his behavior onstage Friday night at a Los Angeles comedy club. He attempted to apologize for calling two black hecklers by the “n-word.” And then he proceeded to dig himself a fresh hole by referring to the parties as “Afro-Americans.”
At deadline Tuesday, Buzz was still trying to determine when Richards perfected time travel and when exactly he had returned from 1952.
Meanwhile, veteran publicist Michael Levine, whose clients have included comedians George Carlin and Sam Kinison, says he thinks the comic’s career is toast.
“I’ve never seen anything like this in my life,” Levine said. “I think it’s a career ruiner for him. … It’s going to be a long road back for him, if at all.”
Overscene
It would appear that Kevin Federline scored Atlanta party promoter Scooter Braun in his upcoming divorce from Britney Spears. Braun phoned ahead Saturday night to book a reservation for the fledgling rapper and a group of 12 at Ten Degrees South in Buckhead. We’re told that the “Dance With a Pimp” performer and company dined on chicken curry, rack of lamb and calamari and sipped beers and vodka tonics. The “hefty tab” (around $1,000) was only partially picked up by the Ten Degrees South folks.
Celebrity birthdays
Comedian-director Terry Gilliam (Monty Python) is 66. Guitarist-actor Little Steven (the E Street Band, “The Sopranos”) is 56. Bassist Tina Weymouth of Talking Heads is 56. Actress Jamie Lee Curtis is 48. Actress Mariel Hemingway is 45. Actress Scarlett Johansson, above, (“Lost in Translation”) is 22.
Contributing: news services.
If you have a tip, call 404-526-2749. Or fax 404-526-5509. Or e-mail: buzz@ajc.com.
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Shaun’s opens in Inman Park
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
With all those remaining pesky permits now issued by the city, Shaun’s finally opened to the public over the weekend. The latest creative outlet for Atlanta chef Shaun Doty is a warm neighborhood bistro concept nestled inside the former home of the Inman Park Patio at 1029 Edgewood Ave. A white-brick wall inside boasts an oversize original painting from artist Todd Murphy. Among early faves on the menu: butternut squash ravioli with sage and pine nut milk, a focaccia pizza with homemade pancetta and asiago cheese, roast chicken with mashed potatoes and beer-battered sage leaves and Doty’s classic chicken liver fettuccine with marsala wine sauce. Dinner: 5-10 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays, 5-11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, Sunday brunch 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and Sunday supper 5-9 p.m. Online: www.shaunsrestaurant.com.
Tirade isn’t funny
In this racket, our jaw doesn’t exactly go slack a lot while chronicling bad behavior from famous folk. We made an exception Monday when we got a gander at the video of former “Seinfeld” actor Michael Richards’ vicious racial epithet-spouting session posted at Tmz.com. In what was perhaps an attempt to one-up Mel Gibson, the actor-comedian was performing at the Laugh Factory in West Hollywood on Friday night when he went into the verbal rampage.
The tirade apparently began after two black audience members started shouting at him that he wasn’t funny.
Richards, 57, retorted: “Shut up! Fifty years ago we’d have you upside down with a [expletive] fork up your [expletive].”
He then paced across the stage taunting the men for interrupting his show, peppering his speech with racial slurs and profanities.
“You can talk, you can talk, you’re brave now [expletive]. Throw his [expletive] out. He’s a [racial epithet]!” Richards shouts before repeating the racial epithet over and over again. Calls to Richards’ representatives were not returned Monday.
Wine event moves
Wine South is heading south — about 20 miles south, to be specific, from the Gwinnett Center to the Georgia World Congress Center in downtown Atlanta.
Gwinnett has lost the weekend-long celebration of good wine and good food that was held there for the past five years. Festival organizers estimated that the event generated from $500,000 to $1 million annually for the local economy and that the 2006 festival was attended by about 4,000 people. (Before coming to Gwinnett, the event was held in DeKalb County its first three years.)
The parting toast, however, left a slightly vinegary taste in the mouth of the man who founded the event.
“The people who run Gwinnett County love the population explosion and the growth in residential subdivisions, but I don’t think they’re interested in cultural and lifestyle events,” said Dan Thompson of Lawrenceville.
However, a Gwinnett Center spokeswoman said the departure should not be seen as a blow to the county’s cultural image.
“Gwinnett is definitely changing,” said Cheryl Gee, director of sales and marketing. “Our demographics support more than chain restaurants.
… The door is always open for them to come back.”
Overscene
Actress Jordana Spiro, who plays the lead role in the upcoming original TBS sitcom “My Boys,” UGA Athletic Director Damon Evans and 790/The Zone personalities Chris Dimino, Nick Cellini and Mike Bell checking out the freshly renovated bar and a four-hour open tab at the Palm in Buckhead over the weekend.
Celebrity birthdays
Actress Marlo Thomas is 69. Singer Dr. John is 66. Actress Juliet Mills (“Passions”, “Nanny and the Professor”) is 65. Actor-director Harold Ramis is 62. Actress Goldie Hawn is 61. Singer Livingston Taylor is 56. Actress-singer Lorna Luft is 54. Christian singer Steven Curtis Chapman is 44. Actress Nicollette Sheridan is 43. Singer Bjork is 41. Country singer Kelsi Osborn of SheDaisy is 32.
Contributing: Bill Osinski, Chandler Brown and news services.
If you have a tip, call 404-526-2749. Or fax 404-526-5509. Or e-mail: buzz@ajc.com.
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Vernon Jones, K-Fed bond over love for Hawks
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
When we scanned the photos from the Atlanta Hawks/Miami Heat game at Philips Arena on Saturday night, we were fairly convinced that someone was having fun with Photoshop.
But no, the image of DeKalb County CEO Vernon Jones sitting next to the soon-to-be-ex Mr. Britney Spears, Kevin Federline flashing peace signs to the crowd was indeed legit.
So exactly how did the photo op (see here) transpire?
“I should have known I was going to get a call from you,” Jones said, laughing when he got the inevitable cellphone vibration from Buzz Central on Monday. Jones said he was already at the game when Federline was seated next to him.
“I no more recognized him than he knew who I was,” Jones explained. “We had a good time. We enjoyed the game.”
So what did the pair discuss during the game? Britney’s disses in the press? Federline’s recent rap debut that Rolling Stone memorably called “reprehensible?” “We talked about world peace,” cracked Jones. “No, man, we just talked about both being Hawks fans and how we were rooting for them.” Pressed further, Jones confessed — tongue in cheek: “I wanted to get the OK from him. Now that they’ve officially broken up, I can finally go out with Britney.”While Jones concedes he hasn’t yet heard selections from Federline’s album, “Playing With Fire,” he said he’s happy that the Southeast is attracting so many music and movie projects currently.
After scrutinizing the photo, it would appear that Federline is no longer sporting his wedding band. As for our inquiry about the ultra-hip retro shirt Jones was wearing, well, it’s safe to assume he shops where he works.
Jones told us he purchased the “Shaft”-like shirt at Kaleidoscope Boutique in Decatur.
Staff writers Bill Osinski and Chandler Brown contributed to this report.
If you have a tip, call 404-526-2749. Or fax 404-526-5509. Or e-mail: buzz@ajc.com.
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Blue men put own goofy spin on rock scene
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The boisterous sellout crowd at the Blue Man Group concert was primed to be part of the act even before the trio of mute, bald, bug-eyed men in blue makeup reached the stage Saturday night. The fans did the wave five times around the Gwinnett Arena.
Before they could start on the macarena, the blue crew arrived with a tongue-in-cheek tutelage on how to make a great rock concert. The unseen announcer implored the crowd to do such staples as the head bob, the devil’s horns and the fist pump. The trio worked their props like modern-day Gallaghers, be it the TV screens on their heads, PVC piping or extended light poles that make cool swooshing sounds.
Propulsive drums dominated the sound. The blue men were joined by three more drummers in the backup band. Seemingly out-of-place singer-songwriter Tracy Bonham, who had a hit in 1996 with “Mother Mother,” provided the vocals.
The most impressive stunt was a play off rock concert merchandising: Create something unique, then charge ridiculous amounts for it. One blue man threw 26 marshmallows 20 feet into the mouth of another, who turned the glob into a “statue” that they mock-sold for $4,000.
The encore (another concert cliché) featured the Who’s “Baba O’Riley.” On Wednesday, the real Who will sing the same iconic song on the same Gwinnett stage. It was also the final song on 96rock Friday morning before that radio station became Project 9-6-1.
If you have a tip, call 404-526-2749. Or fax 404-526-5509. Or e-mail: buzz@ajc.com.
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Bright and early Jay-Z fans
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Jay-Z, in a time-warping stunt, hit seven cities in one day for a series of concerts to promote his comeback and new album “Kingdom Come,” due out Tuesday. His first stop: Atlanta’s Center Stage, at 6:10 a.m. Saturday. The crowd of about 1,000 early risers flashed diamond signs. “ATL, what’s up?” Jay-Z said as he launched into a series of his hits, the crowd jumping along all the way.
“First of all, y’all crazy,” Jay-Z said to the crowd. “I know I’m already crazy. But y’all crazy.”
He performed for more than 30 minutes before hopping into a car escorted by police motorcade and loading into a luxury jet. He hit Philly, D.C., New York, Chicago, Los Angeles and finally, Las Vegas in the wee hours of Sunday morning.
“It was a great promotion,” Center Stage co-owner Tom Cook told Buzz.
“He ran longer than we had anticipated. They had to pull him off the stage.”
‘Match Game’ alum
Former “Good Times” star Jimmy Walker is so nutty, his memories of being a guest celebrity on “Match Game” were mostly about [blank].
If you answered “drunken revelry,” “thinly disguised double-entendres” or “Richard Dawson’s ego,” you’re wrong. For Walker, it was all about regular panelist Brett Somers.
“We had fun up there,” he said. (He sat next to Somers in the top left corner seat during his 100-plus appearances.) “She’d always be gabbing about some problem with her life, her kids, her house, whatever. I’d be so involved talking to her, I’d forget there was a game.”
The show is one of GSN’s top-rated programs despite being as dated as host Gene Rayburn’s skinny mike. “It was the chemistry,” Walker said. “I loved the show so much. If all I ever had to do was ‘Match Game’ the rest of my life, I’d be happy.”
GSN is airing an hourlong “Match Game” documentary at 8 p.m. Sunday.
Maternal mirth
As the “Desperate Housewives” prove, moms can be funny — at least in fiction.
But what about in real life? Nick at Nite is seeking the “Funniest Mom in America” with open auditions at 8:30 tonight at the Funny Farm, 608 Holcomb Bridge Road in Roswell. The victor will win $50,000 and a chance to host a night of Nick programming. More details at nickatnite.com.
Celebrity birthdays TV personality Richard Dawson is 74. Country singer Josh Turner is 29.
HIGH FIVE John O’Hurley, co-hosting the National Dog Show on NBC this Thanksgiving, told Buzz his favorite dog breeds: 1. Chinese Crested (below) 2. Brittany spaniel 3. Maltese (“I have one who’s 15-and-a-half years old. He has the heart of a warrior but the legs of an old quarterback. He’s kind of limping sideways.”) 4. Dachshund 5. Beagle
UNCOUPLING: Kate Hudson & Chris Robinson
Atlanta native and Black Crowes frontman Chris Robinson filed divorce papers Friday to end his marriage to actress Kate Hudson, citing irreconcilable differences. After six years of marriage, the pair split about three months ago.
According to the Los Angeles Superior Court filing, Robinson is seeking shared custody of the couple’s son, Ryder Russell Robinson, who will turn 3 in January.
Contributing: news services.
If you have a tip, call 404-526-2749. Or fax 404-526-5509. Or e-mail: buzz@ajc.com.
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Move over, Madonna; make way for whale sharks
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
When NBC broadcasts its controversial concert event “Madonna: The Confessions Tour — Live From London” Wednesday, viewers tuning into Atlanta affiliate WXIA-TV will see Ralph and Norton the whale sharks instead.
Thanksgiving marks the one-year anniversary of the opening of the Georgia Aquarium, and WXIA (the Aquarium’s official local television partner) will air back-to-back specials the night before about the giant fish tank. An encore presentation of “A Window to Wow” will lead things off at 8 p.m. Wednesday, followed by the all-new “A Year of Firsts” (broadcast in high definition) from 9 to 10 p.m.
Fortunately, Madonna — who, ironically enough, has a song named “Drowned World” on her playlist — hasn’t been put totally out to sea. MyAtlTV (the former WB affiliate here) will air her special from 8 to 10 p.m. Wednesday, pre-empting “Desire” and “Fashion House.”
The telecast won’t include the controversial scene where she warbles “Live to Tell” while suspended from a giant cross and wearing a crown of thorns. Madonna wanted it in, but NBC bowed to protests and removed the footage filmed during her performance at Wembley Stadium in London.
TomKat countdown
Bracciano, Italy, was busy Friday sprucing up its medieval facade with a touch of Hollywood flair on the eve of Tom Cruise’s wedding to Katie Holmes, naming restaurant menus after the actors’ most famous movies and filling shop windows with well-wishing messages. Road signs outside Bracciano warned drivers that the center of town would be closed to traffic today to free the area around the 15th-century Odescalchi Castle — the likely venue for the celebrity wedding.
Shaping up nicely
Peek into the storefront window, and you’ll see that Max Bialystock and Leo Bloom are generous patrons of the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre. The names of the two fictional characters from “The Producers” are engraved on a piece of smoked glass — a small mock-up of what will be a wall-size listing of real-life arts center donors and a nod to the center’s future, playing host to touring musicals, special events and the Atlanta Opera.
The center’s black-tie opening is almost a year away, but some of its details are ready for public inspection. Sort of.
In a storefront in the Galleria Specialty Shops mall, about a mile from the under-construction arts center, you can peer through the plate glass and marvel at the details. In addition to the look of the donors wall, there’s a 600-pound glass and flecked gold Italian chandelier, box seats finished in exotic wood from the rain forests of West Africa and part of an onyx-alabaster panel that will help illuminate the lobby.
High five
Kicks 101.5 top 5:
1. “Once in a Lifetime — Keith Urban
2. “You Save Me” — Kenny Chesney
3. “Before He Cheats” — Carrie Underwood
4. “My Little Girl” — Tim McGraw
5. “Some People Change” — Montgomery Gentry
— Radio & Records
Quote of the day
Judith Regan, publisher of O.J. Simpson’s “If I Did It”: “I made the decision to publish this book and to sit face to face with the killer, because I wanted him, and the men who broke my heart and your hearts, to tell the truth, to confess their sins, to do penance and to amend their lives.”
The book comes out Nov. 30. A two-part special is set to air on Fox on Nov. 27 and Nov. 29. Source: Associated Press
Celebrity birthdays
Today: Actress Linda Evans is 64. Actor Owen Wilson is 38. Actress Chloe Sevigny is 32. Rapper Fabolous is 27.
Sunday: CNN host Larry King is 73. Talk show host Dick Cavett is 70. Atlanta media mogul Ted Turner is 68. Fashion designer Calvin Klein is 64. Actress Meg Ryan is 45. Actress Jodie Foster is 44. Country singer Billy Currington is 33.
Contributing: Quindelda McElroy, Pierre Ruhe, Jill Vejnoska and news services.
If you have a tip, call 404-526-2749. Or fax 404-526-5509. Or e-mail: buzz@ajc.com.
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Houston’s home not sold at foreclosure
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Wachovia Mortgage Corp. officials and Whitney Houston’s Atlanta attorney Mark Trigg each confirmed Friday that the singer still owns her Country Club of the South home in north Fulton County.
Trigg said that a foreclosure had been advertised by Fulton County this fall but was not carried out. Houston now has the house up for sale.
“There has not been a foreclosure sale and the account is currently in good standing,” said David Oliver, Wachovia Vice President for Corporate Communications for Georgia. He declined to say when the outstanding payments had been made.
In online and print editions Thursday and Friday, the AJC erroneously reported that the home had been sold at a foreclosure sale Nov. 7.
If you have a tip, call 404-526-2749. Or fax 404-526-5509. Or e-mail: buzz@ajc.com.
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Jezebel celebrates with Norville
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
“Inside Edition” anchor and Dalton native Deborah Norville was bemused Thursday night. Inside the very exclusive VVIP section at the tenth anniversary “50 Most Beautiful” issue of Jezebel magazine party at Park Tavern in Midtown, Norville noticed something amiss.
Someone had placed a drink on her face.
As the issue’s cover model, Norville had flown in for the party. She filmed Thursday’s edition of “Inside Edition” here prior to the party.
“I don’t know whether to be flattered or offended,” she cracked. Singer songwriter Shawn Mullins was busy entertaining the crowd behind her.
Norville’s main goal prior to her late night flight back to NYC? Scoring a Frosted Orange and “a naked steak walking” from the Varsity. Given her wardrobe, let’s hope they provided a few napkins. Norville was wearing a slinky black beaded Luca Luca dress for the occasion.
Jezebel editor-in-chief Beth Weitzman who has overseen the magazine for seven of its 10 years told us: “Tonight is a celebration of all the hard work and an opportunity for our readers to come together. Jezebel isn’t just a magazine for us — it’s a lifestyle.”
The party attracted about 1200 attendees.
As pictures of themselves flashed on large-screen TVs situated around the room, the folks chosen for the issue’s “50 Most Beautiful” issue, worked the party, nibbling on four small mountains of fresh shrimp while skillfully avoiding a table full of generously frosted cupcakes.
Lancome spokesmodel Selena Breed, however, was weakening. “I’m working my way toward those cupcakes,” the sleek former Atlantan told us. We informed her we would need photographic proof that she actually consumes such things.
Among the attendees: Buckhead Coalition president and former Atlanta mayor Sam Massell, WXIA-TV’s Karyn Greer and Evelyn Mims, CBS 46 “Restaurant Report Card” reporter Adam Murphy and members of Collective Soul.
A smidge less “beautiful” was the chaotic scene outside where valiant valets attempted to fetch VIP vehicles while incoming attendees pulled in, blocked all access to the driveway and abandoned their cars. Our fave couple? The obviously entitled pair who parked their European compact in the center of the gridlock and strolled into the VIP party with their car keys. Finally, an off-duty Atlanta police officer working security blocked off the driveway to alleviate the situation.
If you have a tip, call 404-526-2749. Or fax 404-526-5509. Or e-mail: buzz@ajc.com.
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Richie’s a hit at Fox, wins Franklin’s vote
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Judging by the way herzzoner was gyrating in the fifth row of the Fox Theatre, Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin is more than a little partial to Lionel Richie’s 1986 hit song “Dancing on the Ceiling.”
Franklin, sporting a gray suit and hot pink lapel flower, was among the sold-out crowd Wednesday night at the singer-songwriter’s show, where he performed hits like “Easy” and “Hello.”
Afterward, Richie (perhaps best known these days for being the father of “The Simple Life” reality show star Nicole Richie) headed over to Trois, Bob Amick and Todd Rushing’s brand new Midtown eatery at 14th and Peachtree. Richie was there to sup with Atlanta music and film producer Dallas Austin and others.
We’re told the dinner party kicked off the evening in the restaurant’s luxe bar downstairs, filling two of the venue’s “drinking booths.” The entourage sipped on Pomp and Circumstance champagne cocktails.
Later, they all moved upstairs to the 250-seat main dining room where Richie and friends enjoyed veal, roasted hanger steak and braised ribs, tuna tartar and butter poached lobster.
Richie, who helped to rule the 1970s and 1980s pop charts with his songwriting and his work with the Commodores, still has devoted listeners.
Three die-hard fans waited patiently outside Trois — vintage vinyl albums in hand — for 2 1/2 hours while the singer ate. At 1:30 a.m., Richie emerged and graciously autographed the albums.
Stork report
“My Name Is Earl” actress Jaime Pressly has made it official: She’s pregnant.
“I’m four months pregnant! I’m making it official tonight for the first time,” the 29-year-old actress told Jay Leno on NBC’s “The Tonight Show” on Wednesday.
The blond bombshell, known for her Emmy-nominated role as the trash-talking Joy on the NBC sitcom, and disc jockey Eric Cubiche became engaged last month. They had been dating for about 18 months.
Pressly said she knows the baby is a boy.
“I’m healthy, the baby’s healthy. We’re good,” she said.
TomKat Italian wedding update
Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes will likely wed Saturday in a Scientology ceremony held at a 15th-century Italian castle in a lakeside town near Rome, the town’s mayor said Thursday.
The wedding party, along with guests, are then expected to attend a banquet the same day in Rome, Bracciano Mayor Patrizia Riccioni said.
For weeks rumors have focused on Odescalchi Castle in the sleepy town of Bracciano as the likely venue for the celebrity wedding. Riccioni told a news conference Thursday she had met the couple the day before somewhere outside of her town, but she would not say where.
She was coy about other details, too, saying only that she expected the couple to arrive Saturday morning at the castle, which overlooks Lake Bracciano, for what she believed would be a Scientology wedding ceremony, followed by a banquet.
She said she expected the couple to return to the Italian capital the same day.
Cruise, 44, star of the “Mission: Impossible” films, and Holmes, 27, have been staying at a luxury hotel near the Spanish Steps in Rome. They were photographed Thursday with their infant daughter, Suri, as they walked to a restaurant in the city.
The area immediately surrounding Nino restaurant was cordoned off, and private security officials crowded the area.
Those spotted going into the restaurant included “Mission Impossible III” director J.J. Abrams, Brooke Shields and Jennifer Lopez. Lopez’s husband, Marc Anthony, briefly stepped out to smoke a cigarette.
Quote of the day
“They did one dumb deal after another. I had better luck with the Soviet Union than with one of America’s largest and leading companies.”
— Former Time-Warner vice chairman Ted Turner on his tenure with the conglomerate after its merger with AOL, from Thursday’s edition of the Denver Post.
Celebrity birthdays
Singer Gordon Lightfoot is 68. Movie director Martin Scorsese is 64. Actress Lauren Hutton is 63. “Saturday Night Live” producer Lorne Michaels is 62. Actor-director Danny DeVito is 62. Entertainer RuPaul is 46. Actor Dylan Walsh (“Nip/Tuck”) is 43. Singer Ronnie DeVoe of New Edition and Bell Biv DeVoe is 39. Guitarist Isaac Hanson of Hanson is 26. Actress Raquel Castro (“Jersey Girl”) is 12.
Contributing: news services
If you have a tip, call 404-526-2749. Or fax 404-526-5509. Or e-mail: buzz@ajc.com.
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WSB anchor to give away her business
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Ever dreamed of a successful entrepreneur handing over the keys to her lucrative business? You may want to spend the next two weeks getting on WSB-AM news anchor Lisa Campbell’s good side, business-wise, that is.
Inspired by Oprah Winfrey’s recent “Pay It Forward” show, Campbell, the owner of the successful Urban Tea Party shop in Virginia-Highland, is giving away the business on Nov. 28.
“Owning the shop has been an incredible experience, but what’s not attractive about it is getting off the air and going to work,” Campbell told Buzz Wednesday.
If you are selected by Campbell and her assembled committee of business experts, you’ll get the keys to the business, the neon teacup in the window, the teapots, the inventory and Campbell’s well-steeped knowledge of the tea racket.
She’ll lease you the furniture, and you’ll write her a rent check each month as well. The only other stipulation? Part of your profits must consistently go to “worthy community organizations” including, Campbell suggests, Oprah’s Angel Network.
The rest, Campbell says, is up to you. But hurry, she wants the new owner in place to reap the benefits of the holiday season.
For more info, go to urbanteaparty.com or e-mail Lisa@urbanteaparty.com.
Tributes for Levert
Stevie Wonder, Angie Stone, Johnny Gill and Angela Winbush plan to pay musical tribute to R&B singer Gerald Levert on Friday at a public ceremony at the Cleveland Music Hall.
Forty-year-old Levert died Nov. 10 of a heart attack. The recording artist was the son of Eddie Levert of the legendary R&B group the O’Jays.
Levert’s publicist also announced that Levert had completed a new CD before his death, due in stores in February.
Levert also was completing a book with his father and author Lyah LeFlore titled “I Got Your Back,” about fatherhood and other relationships.
Tributes will continue Saturday in Atlanta at “Wanda Smith & Friends” at the Atlanta Civic Center.
Levert was scheduled to appear at the sold-out comedy show put on by V-103’s Smith, a longtime friend and fan.
Tears for a cause
Ever wonder how people select a charity? By the end of Tuesday’s luncheon, chaired by Atlanta businessman Carey Carter, his selection process had become abundantly clear.
The benefit, held at 103 West in Buckhead, raised $60,000 for Murphy-Harpst, a residential treatment center for troubled kids.
The Art Institution of Atlanta also showed a film about children at the Cedartown facility, many of whom had been in and out of foster care.
WSB-TV news anchor Monica Pearson left few dry eyes when she shared details of Carter’s childhood in foster care. Before the lunch ended, Carter stressed the importance of hugs in a child’s life. He received many, along with kudos for donating books and resources to the facility’s new Carey Carter Reading Room.
Celebrity birthdays
Actress Marg Helgenberger (“CSI”) is 48. Country singer-guitarist Keith Burns of Trick Pony is 43. Jazz singer Diana Krall is 42. Actress Lisa Bonet (“The Cosby Show”) is 39. Actress Maggie Gyllenhaal (“World Trade Center”) is 29.
Contributing: Marylin Johnson and Morieka V. Johnson, Sonia Murray and news services.
If you have a tip, call 404-526-2749. Or fax 404-526-5509. Or e-mail: buzz@ajc.com.
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Hold the Spam, bring on ‘Spamalot’
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Technically, the Atlanta debut of the Tony Award-winning musical “Monty Python’s Spamalot” doesn’t hit the Fox Theatre until February. However, due to the anticipated fan demand, the historic Midtown theater is hosting a party Saturday morning where tickets will be available before they go on sale in the rest of metro Atlanta.
From 10 a.m. to noon, folks braving the advance ticket lines will be entertained by jugglers, costumed characters and a musical ensemble. Organizers are anticipating that some fans of the cultlike British comedy ensemble will arrive in costume.
Tickets for the Feb. 20-March 4 theatrical event, which celebrates killer rabbits, one-legged knights and a certain foul foodstuff — are expected to go fast.
Seats — $27-$66 — go on sale to the rest of the population at Ticketmaster locations and ticketmaster.com beginning at noon Saturday.
At presstime Tuesday, we were told that the folks at Gordon Biersch Brewery Restaurant down the street from the Fox were hard at work devising food for the Saturday event utilizing Spam.
Hopefully, they’ll also utilize beer …
Stay ‘Awake’ — Groban’s coming
On Monday morning, meanwhile, Josh Groban’s fans will be trying to score tickets to his March 17 concert at Philips Arena as part of his “Awake” tour. The lush-locked singer tells us via a press release: “I learned from touring that my fans are really open-minded, musical, intelligent people, and I feel like they want to come on this new journey with me.”
That “journey,” incidentally, will set you back $98, $78 or $48, before the Ticketmaster service charge, natch. Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m.
TomKat wedding watch gears up
Tom Cruise’s mission was to stay out of sight in Rome on Tuesday. He appeared to be succeeding.
A few dozen fans holding photos and cameras were stationed Tuesday in front of the hotel where Cruise was reportedly staying, hoping to get a glimpse of the Hollywood star before his weekend marriage to Katie Holmes. But the actor didn’t appear.
Cruise landed in Rome on Monday in a private jet from Los Angeles along with some 10 people, including his mother and his three children. He was said to be staying at the Hassler, a luxury hotel at the top of the Spanish Steps.
Airport officials said Tuesday that Holmes was also in Rome, but it wasn’t immediately clear whether the 27-year-old actress was staying in the same hotel, and she was also keeping out of sight.
Cruise, 44, star of the “Mission: Impossible” movies, and Holmes are set to marry Saturday. Speculation on the location has focused on Odescalchi Castle on Lake Bracciano, near the capital.
As bodyguards stood at the ready and barriers were being set up in front of the Hassler hotel, fans mingled with photographers and TV crews, waiting with their cameras.
Sophie Bassett-Symonds, a 34-year-old British tourist and Cruise fan, said she decided to stop by the hotel after hearing of the wedding. “The waiting is very addictive, and I enjoy the suspense and excitement. I don’t mind standing here for as long as it takes,” she said.
Holmes and Cruise became engaged in June 2005. Their daughter, Suri, was born April 18.
On my iPod
Christian Slater, “Bobby” actor: “The same stuff that’s been on it for years. I don’t really keep up with it very well, you might say. Lots of Frank Sinatra from the Reprise [Records] era. That’s when it all seemed to come together for Frank.”
Please, Buzz needs a holiday column
As always, we’re looking for your creative and thoughtful contributions to our annual “What I’m Thankful For” Thanksgiving Day edition of Peach Buzz. E-mail it to us with your full name, where you live and a daytime phone number. Plus, to adorn our swanky new home in the Metro section, this year we’re also requesting a photo of you, if you’d wish to include one in your e-mail. Send your contributions with the subject line “Giving Thanks” to buzz@ajc.com.
Celebrity birthdays
Former “People’s Court” judge Joseph Wapner is 87. Actor Ed Asner is 77. Singer Petula Clark is 74. Actor Sam Waterston (“Law & Order”) is 66. Singer Anni-Frid Lyngstad of Abba is 61. Bandleader Kevin Eubanks (“The Tonight Show With Jay Leno”) is 49. Country singer Jack Ingram is 36. Drummer David Carr of Third Day is 32. Singer Chad Kroeger of Nickelback is 32.
Contributing: News services. If you have a tip, call 404-526-2749. Or fax 404-526-5509. Or e-mail: buzz@ajc.com.
If you have a tip, call 404-526-2749. Or fax 404-526-5509. Or e-mail: buzz@ajc.com.
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What were those dummies doing at Lindbergh?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Folks visiting Lindbergh City Center on Piedmont Road over the weekend no doubt witnessed the oddity of more than 100 mannequins strategically posed in front of LongHorn Steakhouse and Chili’s.
The 72-hour dummy display was a “public art installation,” devised as a way to promote the area’s upcoming condo development, Eon at Lindbergh, due in mid-2008. The mannequins were all sporting black “Bring Lindbergh to Life” T-shirts, pointing to the area’s recent extensive retail and residential redevelopment project.
The artistic statement, we were told, hopes to “blur the line between art and advertising by forcing people to engage with mannequins in a public space.” In other words, developers want to replace the dummies with future residents, each willing to part with $180,000 for a 700-square-foot condo overlooking the Lindbergh MARTA station.
“Most of our customers had the same question: ‘What the [expletive] is that? ’ ” Taco Mac manager Fred Crudder related when we rang on Monday. “It was very interesting and unique, but in order to read the slogan on the T-shirts, you had to either be on foot or get out of your car. I’m not exactly sure how effective it all was. Plus, we like to think that Lindbergh [City Center] already has some considerable life going on right now.”
Alas, not all the mannequins survived the weekend. Buckhead revelers made off with two of them while others posed for pictures with them and performed CPR on one that had gone horizontal.
In the coming weeks, look for the dummies to pop up at Park Tavern, the Real Chow Baby, the Market and Bazaar.
Barbados calling, and Kitty’s working
For a 96-year-old, Kitty Carlisle Hart — the former “To Tell the Truth” fixture and widow of legendary Broadway producer Moss Hart — has an ambitious schedule this weekend in Atlanta. The singer-storyteller has booked four performances of her tell-all cabaret Thursday through Sunday at the Woodruff Arts Center’s 14th Street Playhouse.
What motivates the woman, you ask? “I need money!” she says, via e-mail. “I love to travel with friends and family. Eight of us recently made a trip to Barbados. To do that, I have to make a lot of money. To do that, I sing.”
Between songs, Carlisle Hart dishes on her old friends George Gershwin and the Marx Brothers (she co-starred with them in the 1935 comedy “A Night at the Opera”) and reveals anecdotes about Hart’s huge Broadway hit “My Fair Lady.” Oh, and she performs something called “Lime Jell-O Marshmallow Cottage Cheese Surprise.”
Or, as we refer to it, Thanksgiving.
For tickets and info: www.kittycarlisle.com or 404-733-5000.
Help La Rocco ‘Refuse to Lose’
As longtime Atlanta restaurateur Tony La Rocco (who has graced the city with Fratelli di Napoli and the Tap Room) continues his battle with leukemia, friends are banding together to lend a hand.
On Thursday night, pals Scott Strumlauf, Michael Krohngold, Paul Dagnese and others will host “Refuse to Lose,” a benefit for La Rocco at Tongue & Groove in Buckhead.
“Only when those close to us become ill do we find ourselves focusing on the value of life, our family and our friends,” Strumlauf explains.
La Rocco’s pals are urging folks to attend the 8-10 p.m., $75-per-person event. The Atlanta Fish Market, Sotto Sotto and Tongue & Groove are contributing food and drink for the evening.
On Monday, we were informed that La Rocco recently finished a 40-day stint at Emory University Hospital. He’s looking at another year of cranial and spinal chemotherapy, along with stem cell transplants, all costly treatments. For info: www.tonylarocco.com.
Coupling
“Grey’s Anatomy” star Ellen Pompeo and her boyfriend, record producer Chris Ivery, are engaged, Pompeo’s publicist confirmed Monday. Ivery, 38, proposed to the actress on Friday, her 37th birthday, after breakfast at home, says publicist Jennifer Allen. The Boston area natives, who have been dating for three years, have not set a wedding date, Allen said.
On my iPod
Terry Gross, host of National Public Radio’s “Fresh Air,” who was in town for an appearance at Georgia Tech Saturday night:
“It’s always filled up. Every time I want to add something, I have to remove another. Right now, I am listening to Susannah McCorkle, Billie Holiday, Walt Whitman poems set to music. Lots of George Jones. I’ve been on a George Jones kick. And there is a new book about early Nashville record labels, and it comes with a disc of obscure records from those labels. It’s kind of a pain because I have to enter each of the song titles by hand. “
Celebrity birthdays
Jazz pianist Ellis Marsalis is 72. Writer P.J. O’Rourke is 59. Zydeco singer-accordionist Buckwheat Zydeco is 59. Rapper Reverend Run of Run-DMC is 42. Atlanta record producer and singer Butch Walker is 37. Actor Josh Duhamel (“Las Vegas”) is 35. Drummer Travis Barker (Blink-182, Plus 44) is 31.
Contributing: Elizabeth Cobb and news services.
If you have a tip, call 404-526-2749. Or fax 404-526-5509. Or e-mail: buzz@ajc.com.
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CNN Hummer gets tricked out
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
On the eve of the Iraq war, CNN in 2003 bought two Hummers in Kuwait to follow U.S. troops into Baghdad. Tricked out with satellite equipment, the vehicles faced sand, rough terrain and artillery fire and were soon retired.
Three years later, one Hummer sits in CNN Center. The second has been “overhauled” by TLC’s Chip Foose in an episode of “Overhaulin’ ” set to air at 9 p.m. Tuesday. They redid the Hummer’s engine and body and installed an extensive entertainment system. Airbrush artists Dru Blaier, Mickey Harris and Mike Lavallee painted images of journalists and military men and women onto the vehicle as a tribute to those who served during the war.
The vehicle is touring military bases and will be auctioned off for charity.
Scott McWhinnie, a CNN photojournalist who spent days cramped inside the Hummer in 2003, viewed the overhaul outside CNN Center during a photo shoot: “Wow! That’s unbelievable! I didn’t expect it to look as good as it does.”
“It was toast by the time it was in Baghdad,” said Michael Holmes, a CNN International reporter who regularly goes to Iraq. CNN reporters no longer drive anything flashy because journalists are now targets.
Hip-hop’s hit pics
Former Atlanta Mayor Andrew Young was among the buyers at Saturday night’s opening party for “All Eyez on ME: Hip-hop’s Legendary Performers and Photographers” at Vaknin Gallery in Midtown. Atlanta photographer Jim Fiscus’ imaginative concepts for Ludacris and OutKast originally published in The Source magazine were among the pieces that caught Young’s eye at the reception.
Of the elaborate pieces that re-imagine OutKast in a 1930s-era shoeshine parlor and Ludacris in a circus setting, Fiscus told Buzz: “They’re stories, that’s the point of them. I actually shot Andrew Young once, too. I thought he was kidding when he said he was going to buy my photographs!”
Photographer Jonathan Mannion’s studies of Busta Rhymes and the late Notorious B.I.G. along with a vintage 1986 portrait of Run DMC by George DuBose vied for the crowd’s attention. Queen Latifah, Eve and Lauryn Hill were the few female performers represented in the heavily male show.
Sales of hefty $100 “Hip-Hop Immortals” coffeetable books benefited the Tupac Shakur Foundation.
Bad news turns good
You won’t find Daryn Kagan’s own story on the “Inside Out” section of her new Web site when it goes live today. But it sure seems to fit.
Appearing at a networking event, “Ladies Who Launch Live” at Maestro’s at Castleberry last week, Kagan talked about turning the negative of losing her high-profile anchor slot at CNN into a positive.
“I did my sad thing for about three months,” said Kagan, 43, describing the shock of learning that CNN wouldn’t be renewing her contract after 12 years. “I was at a point where I was like, ‘OK, I need to decide, does the world stink or is the world a good place?’ I wanted to collect stories that support the idea that the world is a good place.”
The result is www .darynkagan.com, a lively gathering spot for proof of Kagan’s “radical” notion that there’s a whole lot of inspiring stuff going on. There’ll be a daily Web cast, plus stories organized into categories whimsically dubbed “buckets.” One is called “Inside Out”:
“[Those] are stories of people who have bad things happen to them,” said Kagan. “Yet they turn those experiences inside out and transform their lives and the world around them.”
Hymn history help The latest project of Atlanta rockers Mac Powell and Tai Anderson of Christian rock band Third Day doesn’t feature their Grammy-winning music. Front man Powell and bassist Anderson helped bankroll “Awake, My Soul,” a documentary about a form of a cappella hymn singing that has survived for 200 years in the rural South. They heard about the project, which took Atlantans Matt and Erica Hinton seven years to make, through a friend of a friend.
“We kind of were exposed to it and wanted to bring attention to it,” said Anderson, whose band finishes its “Wherever You Are” tour Sunday at Gwinnett Arena. “It’s this incredible thing.” The doc airs at 10 tonight on GPB.
Stork report Tobey Maguire and his fiancé, Jennifer Meyer, are parents of a baby girl, according to People magazine’s Web site.
Celebrity birthdays Producer-director Garry Marshall is 72. Actress Frances Conroy (“Six Feet Under”) is 53. Actress Whoopi Goldberg is 51. Actor Chris Noth (“Sex and the City”) is 50. Contributing: Richard L. Eldredge, Ken Sugiura, Jill Vejnoska and news services.
If you have a tip, call 404-526-2749. Or fax 404-526-5509. Or e-mail: buzz@ajc.com.
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Baby brings Rocket Man ‘back to Earth’
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
On the eve of the 15th anniversary of the Elton John AIDS Foundation, the global nonprofit’s founder is the cover subject of the Chronicle of Philanthropy.
The prestigious publication devotes a six-page spread to the Peachtree Road resident and the $120 million his foundation has raised. On Friday, Buzz Central received an advance copy of the issue.
The piece opens with a large photograph of the singer at a South African hospital, holding an AIDS-infected infant. John reflects in the issue: “The baby was so beautiful. I said, ‘Is she going to make it?’ And they said, ‘No.’ And she died two days later. It’s the reality of seeing those things that brings you back to Earth. That’s why I need the foundation in my life. I don’t live in the real world. These people do. Those are the moments that the foundation kicks it home to me.”
With his trademark candor, John goes on to explain why the British office of the foundation has a mere nine employees, while the U.S. office maintains just four employees.
“We don’t want to get any bigger. Otherwise, how can you keep your eye on the ball? You can’t. I don’t want [staff] people driving around in Mercedes and having marble offices.”
As for the EJAF’s routine check-cutting practices, John says: “I don’t see the point of having a nest egg. We’re a charity, for God’s sake. People are dying and needing help now. If we need more, I’ll go out and do another two concerts.”
Talking to the big guys
When we turned up to cover Virgin chairman Richard Branson’s recent visit to Atlanta, we initially had to cool our heels in order for him to discuss global warming with the Weather Channel. As it turns out, it was all for a good cause. Branson’s interview will air on this week’s edition of “The Climate Code with Dr. Heidi Cullen” at 5 and 7 p.m. Sunday.
Since we somehow refrained from putting a water glass to our ear outside the Ritz-Carlton meeting room where the interview took place, Buzz was told that Sir Richard discussed “his $3 billion commitment to research for cleaner fuel alternative. And also, his reasons behind his decision and how he has moved from global warming skeptic to being concerned about climate change.” In the episode, Ted Turner is also profiled and talks about creating the “Captain Planet” cartoon and the Captain Planet Foundation, “along with the necessity of tackling the issue of climate change.” The Weather Channel folks couldn’t immediately say if Turner’s inevitable plug for Ted’s Montana Grill Flying D Bison Chili would make it onto the air…
Sick bay
The members of Bloc Party had an unusual after-party following the rock band’s opening stint for Panic at the Disco Thursday night at HiFi Buys Amphitheatre. Drummer Matt Tong was admitted to an Atlanta hospital where it was determined he has a collapsed lung. Doctors at the undisclosed hospital say Matt “is in a comfortable condition and not in any danger. He will, however, be staying in the hospital for at least the next three days for observation, and it’s not clear at this stage when Matt will be fit to resume performing,” according the reps for the band in an e-mail to Buzz on Friday. It was not immediately clear what caused the ailment. The band has canceled gigs in Charlotte and at New York’s Madison Square Garden next week, however.
Celebrity docket
Canadian cops said Friday that “Wild Things” thespian Denise Richards won’t face charges for thumping two elderly women with a pair of laptop computers that were heaved over a balcony during a tussle with paparazzi in western Canada.
The incident occurred on Wednesday at the River Rock Casino and Hotel after two photographers tried to snap pictures of Richards by gaining unauthorized access to the set where she’s filming a movie with Pamela Anderson.
The 90-and 81-year-old women in wheelchairs were sitting in the lobby when the computers hit them on their arms, causing minor injuries.
Royal Canadian Mounted Police Cpl. Peter Thiessen says it’s not in the public interest to bring criminal charges. Um, ladies: two words — civil suit.
Contributing: news services.
If you have a tip, call 404-526-2749. Or fax 404-526-5509. Or e-mail: buzz@ajc.com.
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Role of racist forces actor Christian Slater to stretch out
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
It took a day and a half for “Bobby” actors Christian Slater, Martin Sheen, Helen Hunt, William H. Macy, Elijah Wood, Lindsay Lohan and Freddy Rodríguez to film the blood-splattered final moments of Robert F. Kennedy’s life in a California hotel kitchen.
Shaking his head during lunch at the Capital Grille in Buckhead Thursday, Slater reflected: “It was a heavy, heavy emotional vibe. On one level, you’re actors so you do your job, but in another way, we knew we had the responsibility of chronicling a moment in history.”
The Emilio Estevez-directed and penned docudrama focuses on life inside the Ambassador Hotel, the site of Kennedy’s assassination, on the day of and the moments after the presidential candidate had won the all-important California primary in June 1968.
Estevez’s all-star ensemble cast, including Anthony Hopkins, Harry Belafonte, Laurence Fishburne, Demi Moore, Ashton Kutcher, Nick Cannon and Heather Graham, comprise 22 fictional characters woven into the very real tragedy.
Slater plays Timmons, the hotel’s racist food and beverage manager.
Tucking into his tenderloin Caesar salad, Slater said playing the role was a challenge. “[Timmons] represents a very real part of the population,” he said. “I’m just glad there was an opportunity to present some of his humanity. But it was fun to sink my teeth into this guy and give Freddy Rodríguez a hard time.”
Like the rest of the cast, Slater is out doing promotion for the buzzed-about film that opens here on Thanksgiving Day.
Slater thinks the film serves a purpose as a teaching tool as well. “Just exposing younger people to Bobby Kennedy’s speeches that spoke of peace and unification and inclusion, it’s important. I’m incredibly proud to be a part of this film.”
A jazzy jump on the season
While most households still have residual Halloween candy hanging about, fans of Atlanta jazz trumpeter and singer Joe Gransden were prepping for the holidays in a big way Thursday. About 900 copies of the musician’s brand-new seasonal CD, “I’ll Be Home For Christmas” flew off his Web site Thursday, rendering the album out of stock from his online supplier, indiemerchstore.com.
“It was just incredible,” Gransden told us when we rang him for confirmation. “I guess my little fan base has grown in the past year.”
Naturally, having high profile fans like jazz lover Clint Eastwood doesn’t hurt. Gransden, who has performed numerous times in Carmel, Calif., for the former mayor there says that friends of the “Flag of Our Fathers” director have already booked two holiday shows on the left coast with the trumpeter.
“I wish the Christmas season lasted six months,” Gransden said. “I’d be a wealthy guy.”
“Home” should be back in stock today. Local fans can catch Gransden and his trio at Spivey Hall on Nov. 17 and a big band Christmas show is booked at the Variety Playhouse Dec. 5. Info: www.joegransden.com.
A ‘Man at His Best’
Atlanta Falcon and philanthropist Warrick Dunn is one of five notable public figures that will be profiled on Sunday night’s “Esquire: Man at His Best” documentary on Fine Living at 8 p.m. Dunn is recognized for his Warrick Dunn Foundation, which pairs single mothers in need with a new place to live. The special, which cribs from the popular mantra of the mens magazine, also features former Microsoft exec John Wood, actor Denis Leary, former college hockey player Travis Roy and NBA star Alonzo Mourning, all of whom, like Dunn, have all transformed their celebrity into charitable causes.
Fed-ex update
We were feeling slightly soiled reporting on the Kevin Federline/Britney Spears split Thursday until we discovered that the ever-reputable Associated Press even sent one of its TV reporters to cover the fledgling rapper’s Chicago show Wednesday night. The priceless piece (you can access it on the video section at ajc.com) reports that scores of free tickets were given away to the House of Blues show. Said concert-goer Lily Mueller: “It was the worst show I’ve ever seen.” Added fellow Federline rubber-necker Dan Truesell: “We were just waiting for the meltdown.”
During the show, K-Fed alluded to his soon-to-be-former-spouse just once, announcing from the stage: “I’m seeing a lot of fine ladies here tonight, and you know who’s about to be a free man!”
That’s spelled: C-L-A-S-S-Y.
COUPLING
NASCAR champ Jeff Gordon took a break from the Nextel Cup championship to get married again.
The four-time NASCAR champion wed Belgian model Ingrid Vandebosch on Tuesday in a private ceremony in Mexico, Jon Edwards, Gordon’s publicist, confirms. The wedding was first reported by Us Weekly.
The 35-year-old Gordon and Vandebosch have been together since 2004. They began dating about a year after Gordon’s much-publicized and expensive divorce from Brooke Sealy, his wife of seven years. Gordon recently surpassed $80 million in career winnings.
QUOTE OF THE DAY
“The only person George loves is George. He’s like a nightmare ex-wife.” — Culture Club drummer and Boy George’s ex Jon Moss to the AP. The 1980s pop act is organizing a tour without its “Karma Chameleon” charismatic former front, er, man. The singer and his ex-bandmates have been exchanging barbs in the press.
Celebrity Birthdays
Actor Russell Johnson (“Gilligan’s Island”) is 82. Actor Roy Scheider is 74. Lyricist Tim Rice is 62. Singer-guitarist Greg Lake of Emerson, Lake and Palmer is 59. Actor-comedian Sinbad is 50. Comedian Tracy Morgan (“30 Rock”) is 38. Actress Ellen Pompeo (“Grey’s Anatomy”) is 37. Actress Brittany Murphy (“8 Mile,” “Girl, Interrupted”) is 29. Rapper Eve is 28. Actor Josh Peck (“Drake and Josh”) is 20.
Contributing: News services. If you have a tip, call 404-526-2749. Or fax 404-526-5509. Or e-mail: buzz@ajc.com.
If you have a tip, call 404-526-2749. Or fax 404-526-5509. Or e-mail: buzz@ajc.com.
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Mystery writer breezes back into our lives
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
After her three-year stint in Raleigh, we’re pleased to report that mystery novelist Mary Kay Andrews is once again a proud resident of Avondale Estates. And judging from the way our ribs hurt Wednesday during a phone call with the writer we’ve known since she was an AJC scribbler by the name of Kathy Hogan Trocheck, the neighborhood should alert the Welcome Wagon.
Trocheck’s latest release under her pen name, “Blue Christmas” — her first novella — once again centers on her Savannah-centric heroine, Weezie Foley. The holiday-themed book is her second this year; “Savannah Breeze” was released in April.
Of the idea for “Blue Christmas,” Trocheck explains: “My daughter Katie was getting married, and my publisher essentially said, ‘Here’s how you can pay for it.’ ” In August, the writer holed up in a beach house on Tybee Island with Christmas discs by Phil Spector and Dean Martin.
“I’ve never written short before,” she told us Wednesday, before her book signing in Savannah. “What I ended up with for ‘Blue Christmas’ is what I normally end up throwing away.”
Of her three-year sojourn in Raleigh, she says, “I just never took root there. The people were lovely, but I was always writing or out on a book tour.”
But her re-entry into her old Avondale Estates neighborhood hasn’t been glitch-free, either.
“Thugs with trucks moved us,” she cracks. “I’m not going to elevate them and call them movers. We’re still looking for the sofa cushions.”
For more information: www.marykayandrews.com.
ON MY iPOD
Eagle 106.7 FM “Rhubarb and Dallas in the Morning” co-host Dallas McCade:
“Back to Basics,” Christina Aguilera; “Some People Change,” Montgomery Gentry; “Trouble Is,” Kenny Wayne Shepherd; and the “Saturday Night Fever” soundtrack.
‘Peril’-ous party
The Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation unveils the 2007 list of “Places in Peril,” 10 endangered historic buildings and sites across the state, at its cocktail buffet benefit tonight at the Foundry at Puritan Mill downtown. In an artful twist this year, local artists were paired with a site and asked to make a work related to it. The art will be auctioned off at the fund-raiser.
Atlanta shutterbug Lucinda Bunnen has a personal relationship with the place she photographed: The Eleanor Roosevelt School in Warm Springs was the last of more than 5,000 schools across the country built for African-American children, seeded with money from Sears, Roebuck visionary Julius Rosenwald. The school was completed in 1937 with funds from the Works Progress Administration and the African-American community.
The school closed in 1972, but the building has been used for office space and storage.
Rosenwald is Bunnen’s great-uncle. Tickets still available, $75, Party at the Foundry at Puritan Mill. 6:30 p.m.
Fed-Ex update
Hey, Britney Spears, you’ve just filed legal work to finally untether yourself from your tanktop-wearing, under-employed baby daddy: What do you do now?
In the case of the artist we formerly referred to as a “Toxic” pop tart, you go ice skating at Rockefeller Center. Spears appeared upbeat, if a little off balance, as she took to the ice skating rink in New York City on Tuesday night, just hours after filing for divorce in Los Angeles.
The 24-year-old singer cited “irreconcilable differences” in court papers filed Tuesday seeking dissolution of her marriage to aspiring rapper Kevin Federline. Spears is seeking “legal and physical” custody of both of the couple’s small children.
She declared in court papers that she and Federline have no community assets, which indicates she had a really good prenuptial agreement.
On Wednesday, the ever-tasteful TMZ.com reported that K-Fed may fight for custody of his children because he was reportedly blindsided by the filing.
According to the online celebrity Web site, since the fledgling rapper (whose debut album was memorably dubbed “reprehensible” by Rolling Stone) will likely not see much coin because of the prenup, he may try to score “a more lucrative settlement” through a protracted custody battle.
‘Thrill’ is gone?
In a calculated move that will no doubt cause us all to forget about his weird, creepy personal life, de-throned King of Pop Michael Jackson will perform “Thriller” from his famed 1982 album during a rare public appearance at the World Music Awards in London next week, organizers announced Wednesday.
Jackson will perform “Thriller” (the video of which, you’ll recall, contained the following prophetic piece of dialogue: “I’m not like other guys. I mean, I’m different”) at this year’s show, to be held Nov. 15 at London’s Earls Court Arena.
The 48-year-old reclusive pop star also will receive the Diamond Award, given to artists who sell more than 100 million albums.
Since he was acquitted of child molestation charges in June 2005, Jackson has spent most of his time in Bahrain.
CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS
Singer Mary Travers of Peter, Paul and Mary is 70. Actor Robert David Hall (“CSI”) is 58. Actor Lou Ferrigno (“The Incredible Hulk”) is 54. Rapper Pepa of Salt-N-Pepa is 37. Rapper Scarface of Geto Boys is 37. Musician Susan Tedeschi is 36. Singer Nick Lachey (left) is 33. Singer Sisqo is 28.
Contributing: Catherine Fox and news services.
If you have a tip, call 404-526-2749. Or fax 404-526-5509. Or e-mail: buzz@ajc.com.
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Cheetah VP pounces on rumor of club’s sale
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Normally, when Cheetah Lounge Vice President Jack Braglia phones Buzz Central, it’s because we’ve requested to attend a “Catwalk: Learn to Move Like a Cheetah (Girl)” exercise class.
But Braglia had other things on his mind Tuesday. It seems, like every other square inch of real estate 
in the rapidly morphing Midtown area, the Spring Street gentlemen’s club is enduring its share of redevelopment rumors of late.
“The bottom line is we’re not for sale, we haven’t been sold, and we’re not closing,” Braglia told Buzz. “Normally, I wouldn’t bother dealing with something so ridiculous, but lately I’ve even had to reassure our liquor distributors and our employees who want to know whether they should renew their work permits.”
In addition to comforting Cheetah entertainers Angel, Brandi, Brandy, Brittany, GiGi, Midori and Syren, Braglia has even put out word in the monthly Atlanta nightclub bible, the Hudspeth Report, to note the club’s stability.
This isn’t the first time the popular nightclub has wrestled with rumors. Back in 1996, one of our favorite urban legends concerned the Cheetah having been rented out by Japanese businessmen for the duration of the Summer Olympics.
“Granted, the land we’re on is probably worth $5 [million] or $6 million in the current Midtown real estate climate,” Braglia said. “But real estate prices will have to increase dramatically before it becomes worth more than our business.”
Translation: Midori probably isn’t having trouble financing her Emory University grad school tuition.
Out of character?
Eagle 106.7 FM morning man Rhubarb Jones was as shocked as his listeners when Faith Hill (shown) allegedly dissed Country Music Association female vocalist winner Carrie Underwood (right) when she beat out Hill for the honor Monday night. Countless posted YouTube.com clips of Hill screeching “What?!” as Underwood’s name was called scored heavy hits Tuesday. But Jones found the outburst completely out of character.
Jones said Hill’s reaction wasn’t at all like the vocalist he’s known since 1994. “She’s always been real sweet,” Jones told us. “I even have a handwritten thank-you note from her. I want to give her the benefit of the doubt here. It was like something out of a ‘Saturday Night Live’ sketch.”
Still, Jones had predicted Underwood would take home the award Monday night because of “the banner year she’s had.”
Hill’s “hateful expression and exquisite eye-roll” (as described by AJC music writer Nick Marino, who covered the CMAs in Nashville) was classified as “a joke” by the singer’s reps Tuesday.
My Space-age McRib
Following in the dubious footsteps of the Eagles, Barbra Streisand and Cher, 
McDonald’s McRib sandwich is plotting a farewell tour across the country this fall. The barbecue sauce-slathered, boneless pork sandwich (which, at this point, is probably as biodegradable as Cher) is set to strike in the metro area the week of Thanksgiving, when you surely won’t have any other dietary concerns. As part of the marketing ploy and to celebrate its annual purchase of 250 million pounds of U.S. pork, Mickey D’s has even created a mascot for the McRib campaign: Boneless Pig Farmers Association of America advocate Pete McCoy. Adding a zesty zing of hipness, McCoy even has his own My Space page, www.myspace.com /bonelesspigfarmer. At deadline Tuesday, the fictitious farmer had somehow accumulated 51 “friends” on the site. And given his name, we were equally certain that McRib-touting National Pork Board food service marketing director Jeff Pigott was also fake. However, Pigott’s very real outgoing voice-mail message informed us he was in meetings Tuesday… . Contributing: news services. Got a tip for Peach Buzz? 404-526-2749 or buzz@ajc.com
CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS Singer Patti Page is 79. CBS newsman Morley Safer is 75. Singer Bonnie Raitt is 57. “Entertainment Tonight” host Mary Hart is 56. Playboy CEO Christie Hefner is 54. Actress Alfre Woodard is 53. Singer-songwriter Rickie Lee Jones is 52. Singer-actor Leif Garrett is 45. Actress Courtney Thorne-Smith (“According to Jim”) is 39. Actress Parker Posey (left) is 38. TV personality Jack Osbourne (“The Osbournes”) is 21.
HIGH FIVE Top five singles downloaded Tuesday at iTunes Music Store: 1. “My Love” (single) — Justin Timberlake (featuring T.I.) 2. “Fergalicious” — Fergie 3. “Smack That” — Akon 4. “Irreplaceable” — Beyoncé (below) 5. “It Ends Tonight” — The All-American Rejects Source: itunes.com
If you have a tip, call 404-526-2749. Or fax 404-526-5509. Or e-mail: buzz@ajc.com.
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‘Doogie’ news no surprise to former co-star
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
As his former “Doogie Howser, M.D.” co-star Neil Patrick Harris made headlines over the weekend, TV’s original gay doc, Mitchell Anderson, was happily prescribing chicken matzo ball soup.
Ten years ago, before “Grey’s Anatomy” actor T.R. Knight and even “Dr. Kildare” star Richard Chamberlain publicly acknowledged their homosexuality, Anderson, now the owner of MetroFresh in Midtown, publicly came out.
On Monday, USA Today paid homage to the gay actors who portray straight doctors on TV but managed to omit Anderson, who first rose to fame as Dr. Jack McGuire on “Doogie Howser” in 1989.
When we reached him at his restaurant after the lunch rush Monday, Anderson told us: “I wasn’t all that surprised by Neil’s statement. You hear things in the industry through the years. When we did the show together, he was only 16. It wasn’t exactly a topic of conversation at that point.”
Harris was prompted to issue a public statement regarding his sexuality after being the subject of a prolonged attack on the sleazoid celebrity blog site PerezHilton.com.
“It’s really unfair for some blogger to badger somebody like Neil about their sexuality,” Anderson said. “As far as I’m concerned, he’s playing [on the CBS sitcom ‘How I Met Your Mother’] this perfectly believable hilarious horndog. Neil’s just a good actor. I’m really happy for him. Obviously, over the years, he’s become comfortable with who he is.”
ON MY IPOD
Karyn Greer, WXIA-TV news anchor: “My kids basically rule my iPod. We have the new Janet Jackson on it, the new Justin Timberlake and the new Luda[cris]. And since I have an 11- and an 8-year-old, we have ‘High School Musical.’ And yes, I have memorized the lyrics to every song.”
OVERSCENE
Barbra Streisand inquiring about a mid-1800s Victorian child’s rocking chair at Castaway Antiques on the square in Marietta. Castaway owner Thomas Gholston told us Monday that the singer arrived in a black SUV with two accompanying bodyguards. Said Gholston: “She just walked in off the street. She looked amazing. She had her glasses perched on the end of her nose. She asked if we shipped.”
‘Live X’ lineup announced
Following in the notable footsteps of R.E.M.’s Michael Stipe, David Bowie, the Cure’s Robert Smith and Radiohead’s Thom Yorke, pop star Beck has contributed a special recording and original cover artwork for this year’s 99X “Live X” disc. The “Strange Apparition” CD of live tracks, featuring Arctic Monkeys, Aqualung, Wolfmother, Death Cab for Cutie and others, arrives at metro area Best Buy stores Nov. 14. The price: $9.99, and 100 percent of the proceeds will go to the station’s I Am 99X Foundation. Listeners can get a preview of the tunes at www.99x.com/music/livex11.
Sick bay update
Singer Marianne Faithfull has made a full recovery from breast cancer and plans to resume a postponed world tour, her spokesman said Monday.
Faithfull canceled her tour dates in September after being diagnosed with early stage breast cancer.
Spokesman Rob Partridge said Faithfull, 59, had undergone surgery and was making “a rapid return to full health.”
Currently, Faithfull can be seen as the title character’s mother in Sofia Coppola’s “Marie Antoinette.”
Celebrity birthdays
Singer-songwriter Joni Mitchell is 63. Singer Nick Gilder is 55. Actor Christopher Knight (“The Brady Bunch”) is 49. Actor Jeremy London (“Party of Five”) is 34. Actor Jason London (“The Rage: Carrie Two”) is 34.
Contributing: Bob Longino and news services. If you have a tip, call 404-526-2749. Or fax 404-526-5509. Or e-mail: buzz@ajc.com.
If you have a tip, call 404-526-2749. Or fax 404-526-5509. Or e-mail: buzz@ajc.com.
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Comic pokes fun at himself, NASCAR fans
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The standup comic truism is you can make fun of minorities as long as you’re that minority. Josh Blue, the “Last Comic Standing” winner this past summer, did just that, playing off his cerebral palsy during the late show Saturday at Roswell’s Funny Farm.
“You are all going to hell for laughing at me!” he cracked.
His good-natured attitude about his disability makes it easy for audiences to laugh with him. And without cerebral palsy, he joked, “There goes my gig!”
For instance, Blue noted that his spastic right arm often seems to have a mind of its own: “Yesterday, I found out it has a job: an interpreter for the deaf.”
But he wasn’t above insulting a Southern institution. “Where are my NASCAR fans at?” he asked, at first, kindly. When a few folks yelled out, he then said, “Get the [expletive] out, you trashy [expletives]!”
This led to a heckler who kept pointlessly yelling “Who’s on the pole?” The NASCAR expression eluded poor Blue, who later told Buzz he had no clue what she was talking about. Alas, she was booted.
Charity galas
Meanwhile in Buckhead, 425 guests partied at the 17th annual Torch Gala, a benefit for the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America at the InterContinental Hotel. Gala chairs Warren and Roberta Sirzyk have two children, Samantha, 22, and David, 19, who suffer from Crohn’s. “People always ask me why I volunteer,” Roberta said. “I tell them, ‘My goal is that my grandchildren will not have Crohn’s.’ ”
Close to $500,000 was raised for the Georgia chapter.
The night before at the Buckhead Ritz-Carlton, Dudley Stevens presided over 300 guests who enjoyed the foods and wines of Spain while raising about $300,000 for Atlanta’s Senior Citizen Services’ Meals on Wheels program.
Dribble down Peachtree
University of Georgia sophomore Ben Hailey won season tickets to the Atlanta Hawks on Friday through 790/The Zone after dribbling a basketball 7.5 miles down Peachtree Street, beating 10 other guys for the prize, valued at $10,000. He plans to sell some of his tickets to a law firm and use the proceeds for a charity, MAP International.
Radio bits
Most radio DJs need to be dragged kicking and screaming from the mike. Not 95.5/The Beat’s longest running on-air personality, Stacy C. At age 26, after seven years in the game and recently married, she’s leaving on her own terms to do sales for sister rock station 97.1/The River.
“I want to be able to travel and do things for myself,” she told Buzz. “It’s very hard to do that when you’re working every weekend in the clubs and feel like you have to be at the station or you’ll miss something. I didn’t want that life anymore. I didn’t love being on air enough.”
Her co-host, Murph Dawg, will go solo starting today until the Beat finds a replacement.
Meanwhile, Juan “Yogi” Tapia and Jose “Panda” Carias of Viva 105.7 filed a criminal warrant application against Larry Wachs, an involuntarily unemployed radio host, for taping their restroom conversation and airing it on 96rock on Oct. 10. 96rock fired Wachs and his co-host, Eric Von Haessler, on Oct. 23.
A Fulton County judge last Thursday accepted the warrant, which means the district attorney’s office will decide whether to prosecute Wachs for illegal invasion of privacy. George Stein, Wachs’ attorney, believes the case is weak, contending that case law shows there is no expectation of privacy in a public restroom.
For now, Wachs remains free. (To keep the criminal case alive, Tapia and Carias had to drop their civil lawsuit “without prejudice.”)
Coming out
Neil Patrick Harris plays a bed-hopping lothario on the CBS sitcom “How I Met Your Mother,” but he has announced to People magazine that he’s gay. The declaration joins recent announcements by “Grey’s Anatomy’s” T.R. Knight and former Cumming resident and 2002 “American Idol” finalist R.J. Helton.
Buzz caught up with Helton, who chose to go public with his sexual orientation on a gay-oriented Sirius radio show last month — but not to promote something. It was just the right time, he said.
“Before it came out in a negative way, I wanted to make sure I was able to tell the public myself the way I wanted to tell them,” he told Buzz.
Now 25 and living in New York, he’s writing an autobiography and hoping to get into music producing and songwriting: “I’m extremely content and happy with what I’ve done. I’ve succeeded within myself.”
He said he’s still living off “Idol”-related money and does appearances judging singing contests. “I play Paula. I’m the nice one,” he said. If you want to relive his first season “Idol” days, watch “American Idol Rewind” on WATL-TV at 7 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.
Celebrity birthdays
Actress Sally Field is 60. Singer Glenn Frey is 58. Actor Ethan Hawke is 36. Model-actress Rebecca Romijn is 34.
Contributing: Marilyn Johnson and news services. If you have a tip, call 404-526-5688 or e-mail buzz@ajc.com.
HIGH FIVE
Top 5 ’80s songs
VH1 last week aired “The Greatest Songs of the ’80s.”
1. “Living on a Prayer,” Bon Jovi
2. “Pour Some Sugar on Me,” Def Leppard
3. “Hungry Like the Wolf,” Duran Duran
4. “Billie Jean,” Michael Jackson
5. “When Doves Cry,” Prince
OVERSCENE
Ronnie DeVoe, local Realtor and member of New Edition/Bell Biv DeVoe, enjoyed his new courtside Hawks seats Friday with his wife, Shamari Fears (of R&B group Blaque).
Buzz asked him his favorite TV shows:
1. ABC’s “America’s Funniest Home Videos”
2. Fox’s “24”
3. VH1’s “Flavor of Love” (“I’ve known [Flavor Flav] forever. It’s a perfect show for him. I remember him telling us about it before it started. He was calling it ‘The Blackelor’ instead of ‘The Bachelor.’ I guess they changed the name.”)
If you have a tip, call 404-526-2749. Or fax 404-526-5509. Or e-mail: buzz@ajc.com.
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New eatery dishes it out for symphony
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Atlanta Symphony Orchestra string quartet members greeted attendees at the private preview of Trois on Friday night. The new three level restaurant from Bob Amick and Todd Rushing was appropriately a benefit for the beleaguered Atlanta Symphony Center.
“It was a no-brainer,? Amick told Buzz. “If the Symphony Center gets built it will be a world class structure that will be on the cover of Time. We need to make it a reality.?
Trois opens to the public Nov. 13. Let’s hope the paint is dry by then. We ran into Pecan Pie Couture owner Clint Zeagler just after his full-length black quilted jacket got christened with paint from a freshly painted wall.
Gazing at the paint streaks on his right sleeve, Zeagler told us, “I’m just going to add some beadwork. It’ll be great!?
Stars come out for Hawks’ big opener
The long-suffering Atlanta Hawks have tried to amp up the “game experience? and bring in the stars to populate the sidelines. At Friday night’s home opener at Philips, they accomplished those goals — and pulled in a solid victory against the Knicks to boot.
While the star factor wasn’t blinding, it was plentiful: ex TLC’er Rozonda “Chilli? Thomas, Collective Soul members Ed Roland and Will Turpin, New Edition* singer and Realtor **Ronnie DeVoe, hot rap artist Young Joc and Falcons player Rod Coleman. On the sidelines, Hawks legend Dominique Wilkins towered over Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin. Rapper T.I. missed the opener but purchased season tickets for the first time this year and will be doing a post-game concert Nov. 11.
V-103’s Ryan Cameron had plenty to cheer as he returned for a third year as announcer while his very pregnant former Hot 107.9 co-host and A Team leader Rashan Ali came back to do sideline reporting — once. She’ll be taking a break from those duties until late January; Cameron’s current sidekick Elle Duncan will spell for her.
Singer songwriter suffers car crash
Singer-songwriter Josh Kelley’s family and friends in Augusta had an unsettling phone call last week.
The Georgia-born performer, on tour in support of his album “Just Say the Word,” was among those injured in a death-defying bus crash Oct. 23 on an iced-over portion of I-694 in Minneapolis.
Kelley tells Us Weekly that he and his bandmates had just settled down to sleep in their bunks around 2 a.m. “when I woke to bottles flying out of the fridge. The driver had hit a patch of ice on an on-ramp, and the bus lost control, flipping five to seven times. Stuff was hitting me like I was inside a dryer. Halfway through the spinning, my head hit something really hard, and we all started screaming. I thought I was going to die. The bus had landed on its side, and our bunks formed a tepee over us. When we realized we were alive, we were like, ‘Oh, my God, I love you guys.’ It was intense.”
While tour manager Preston Jones broke his neck in the accident, miraculously, no one else was critically injured, said Kelley, 25, who was treated for a serious gash to his head.
He put off calling his fiancee, “Grey’s Anatomy” actress Katherine Heigl, 27, until noon the next day.
Kelley told the celeb mag that Heigl reacted much like anyone who plays a doctor on TV: “She is an amazingly calm girl. She wanted to make sure I got X-rays, which I did. Every day, I check my body and try to figure out how we walked away.”
Out on the town to sample eateries
In keeping with tradition, chefs participating in Friday night’s “A Meal to Remember” Meals on Wheels fund-raiser at the Ritz-Carlton Buckhead spent the eve of the event tasting their way through town. Author and veteran “Meal to Remember” participant Carolyn O’Neil served as tour guide for chef Jose Fernandez of the Ritz-Carlton, Battery Park in New York; chef Matias Martinez of the Ritz-Carlton, South Beach in Florida; and chef Jordi Valles of the Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island in Florida on Thursday night. The night out served as a reunion for the Spanish-born chefs, who all previously worked together in Barcelona. The quartet relaxed with mojitos and Latin-inspired bites at Mitra in Midtown, courtesy of chef Gerardo Ramos. Atlantic Station’s Lobby restaurant chef Nick Oltarsh had grilled and spicy Georgia white shrimp awaiting them inside Twelve hotel. For dessert, the tour extended out to the Perimeter Mall area and Seasons 52. O’Neil told us Friday they were treated to a backstage view of the eatery’s high-tech kitchens, where cooks use computer screens instead of recipe books to prepare dishes. Said O’Neil of the chefs’ reaction: “Wow! There’s a lot of modern technology back there.”
Gospel star likes energy of the ATL
Contemporary gospel star Donald Lawrence’s appearance at Hopewell Missionary Baptist Church on Sunday will return him to the city where his latest record originated. The Chicago resident and his Tri-City Singers recorded their current live CD, “Finale Act I and II,” at the Tabernacle downtown. “Atlanta has always been a good place for me, period,” Lawrence said before the show. “Just the energy of the city, the whole music scene there is really strong. Gospel and secular.
“Plus it was really easy for everyone to fly in there, because the weather is probably going to be good,” he continued. “Chicago’s a lot more unpredictable. … If people had to fight snow to record, it might have been a fight for me to get that good gospel out of them!” For more information on the 7 p.m. performance, call 770-448-5475.
Emmy nomination baffled Burstyn, too
Ellen Burstyn was just as flabbergasted as everyone else when she heard she’d been nominated for an Emmy this year for her blink-and-you-miss-it role in the TV movie “Mrs. Harris.”
In an interview with AP Radio, the 73-year-old Academy Award winner spoke publicly for the first time about her Emmy nod: “When they told me I was nominated for that, I went, ‘What, are you kidding?’”
Burstyn’s cameo in “Mrs. Harris” lasted 14 seconds; she spoke a total of 38 words.
“I thought it was fabulous,” she said. “My next ambition is to get nominated for seven seconds, and, ultimately, I want to be nominated for a picture in which I don’t even appear.”
Her nomination drew the ire of those who felt she hadn’t logged enough screen time. In August, Burstyn lost the Emmy to her “Mrs. Harris” co-star Cloris Leachman.
“The brouhaha around it, you know, they tried to reach me for a statement,” she recalled. “I said, ‘This doesn’t have anything to do with me. I don’t even want to know about this. You people work it out yourself.’”
Contributing: Sonia Murray, Rodney Ho and news services.
If you have a tip, call 404-526-2749. Or fax 404-526-5509. Or e-mail: buzz@ajc.com.
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TV producer juggles series, chain saw
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Jackyl lead singer Jesse James Dupree has a huge hit on MTV, but for once, it has nothing to do with taking a chain saw to inanimate objects onstage.
Dupree’s Kennesaw-based Humidity Entertainment created and shot “Two-a-Days,? the monster MTV high school football reality series, that, in its inaugural season this fall, has even eclipsed “Laguna Beach? in the ratings.
The series chronicles the lives and loves of the Alabama state champion Hoover High School football program. Humidity Entertainment is on location shooting Season 2 for broadcast in 2007 (with a 9-1 record, Hoover is once again poised for the state playoffs this fall).
“I’ve never been busier in my entire life!? Dupree told Buzz on Thursday as he blew off a dozen or so other phone calls during a 15-minute interview. Dupree and his business partner, Jason Sciavicco, a 10-year sports television production pro, pitched MTV on the project more than a year ago, 14 days before the start of the 2005 football season.
“Jason almost came out of his skin when I started talking about capturing the ‘Laguna Beach’ soap opera drama,? Dupree says. “He knew we had a great football story here. He didn’t want the integrity of that to be lost. The Hoover High football booster club raises half a million dollars a year. These folks are serious.?
While the duo waited on contracts from MTV, Dupree took out a second mortgage and the pair came up with $100,000 out of pocket to start shooting.
Humidity Entertainment begins filming a high school basketball reality series in Indiana this month.
Will Dupree, who still performs at festivals with the hard-rocking Jackyl, ever completely give up his chain-saw-wielding ways?
“Why should I?? he said. “Anytime I get to act the fool, tear some stuff up and sell some T-shirts, I’m gonna do it.?
ON MY TiVo
Dave FM morning DJ and WXIA-TV “Atlanta & Co.? co-host Holly Firfer:
“ ‘Jericho,’ because I love the suspense. Also my news side needs ‘Real Time With Bill Maher’ and ‘Meet the Press.’ I record it so I can sleep in on Sunday morning. Oh, and ‘Footballers’ Wives’ on BBC America. It’s my guilty pleasure.?
A $300,000 leash
About 350 pet lovers — and 20 four-footed friends — partied at the Buckhead home of Guy and Ginny Millner on Wednesday night to benefit New Leash on Life. The organization works to improve the lives and care of lost and homeless cats and dogs in Atlanta.
“We are going to spay Georgia this year,? announced Ginny Millner to her guests, “so we will have no unwanted animals.? She, along with Rhonda Milner , founded the animal advocacy group last year.
One of the favorite four-legged guests up for adoption was a blind 7-year-old Yorkie-Silky mix. Party attendee Jennifer Noffsinger is considering adopting the brown/gold dog. “I’m a sucker for a special-needs dog,? she said. “I had a deaf Dalmatian at one time.?
The evening raised close to $300,000 for spay-neuter programs for Metro Atlanta rescue groups, including Atlanta Pet Rescue and Southern Hope Humane Society.
Prez on politics
With a hip-hop group billing itself as Dead Prez in town Friday night at the Loft in Midtown — and the elections next week — Buzz thought they’d be up for a couple of political questions. No. 1: Who’ll rule after Tuesday — Republicans of Democrats? “Honestly, I think both parties are the same,? said M-1, who, along with Atlanta’s Stic Man, make up the underground rap group. “And the opportunity for self-determination is still the same, no matter who’s leading what branch of government.?
No. 2: Should Barack Obama run for president? “If he does, it’s important that he shows some kind of accountability to those on the grass roots level,? M-1 said. “Otherwise, he’ll just be another one of those politicians who get into these high-falutin’ positions and do what they want; not what we need.?
Overscene
Pro wrestler turned “Yoga for Regular Guys? task master Diamond Dallas Page dining Wednesday night at Roberto’s World Tapas in Duluth. He sampled filet mignon medallions with caramelized Gorgonzola crumbs and blackberry melba sauce, Korean kalbi ribs, mixed seaweed salad, spicy marinated Korea cabbage salad and Moroccan-rubbed lamb lollipops with parsnip and mascarpone risotto. Oh, yes, he also had dessert: a molten chocolate cake, about which Page said: “I can eat this because I worked out today.?
Celebrity birthdays
Composer John Barry is 73. Singer Lulu is 58. Actress-comedian Roseanne Barr is 54. Actress Kathy Kinney (“The Drew Carey Show?) is 53. Actress Kate Capshaw is 53. Comedian Dennis Miller is 53. Singer Adam Ant is 52.
Contributing: Marylin Johnson, Sonia Murray and news services.
If you have a tip, call 404-526-2749. Or fax 404-526-5509. Or e-mail: buzz@ajc.com.
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Norville joins Jezebel’s luxe 10-year bash
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Seeking to distinguish itself from newer slick publications cramming the newsstands that also feature rich and famous Atlantans, Jezebel magazine is throwing itself a lavish 10th anniversary party Nov. 16 at Park Tavern in Midtown.
Jezebel editor-in-chief Beth Weitzman tells Buzz that “Inside Edition” anchor Deborah Norville will serve as the cover model for the luxe lifestyle mag’s November “50 Most Beautiful Atlantans” issue — and the Dalton native will fly to her old home state to co-host the party as well.
“Not only does Deborah look gorgeous on the cover, I think she’s really happy that ‘Inside Edition’ is now finally on at a decent time in her hometown [7:30 weeknights on WGCL],” Weitzman told us this week. She also spilled that she’s booked Stockbridge rockers Collective Soul as the party’s performers.
Other potential Jezebel “Beautiful Atlantans” attendees at the red-carpeted event: tennis pro Robby Ginepri; fund-raiser and Buckhead Life Restaurant Group owner Pano Karatassos’ daughter-in-law Angela, and golfer Franklin Langham.
The issue arrives in stores next week.
“We just now got the magazine, and my assistant was there for the photo shoot, and even she doesn’t believe that’s really me!” Norville said Wednesday from New York about the glamour shots. Norville says she’ll also shoot “Inside Edition” from Atlanta on Nov. 16.
General admission tickets are $35, and VIP tickets are $125. Call: 404-995-5583 or go to jezebelmagazine.com.
Alas, Weitzman refused to provide a reasonable explanation as to why we were once again overlooked this year or confirm receipt of our application for the mag’s much devoured “Most Eligible Bachelors” issue…
QUOTE OF THE DAY
“It’s not a funeral, baby, it’s a party. Fuzzy wasn’t a real religious guy. I’ll probably sing ‘One Monkey (Don’t Stop No Show)’ ‘cause that was Fuzzy’s favorite song of mine. Under the circumstances, it’s ironic.” —Atlanta vocalist and Fuzzy’s Place performer Francine Reed (above) on Wednesday’s daylong celebration of late owner Michael “Fuzzy” Cawthon’s life at his North Druid Hills Road watering hole.
Fall arrives at InterContinental
Prior to its public debut Wednesday, incoming chef Jerome Grilhot allowed us media types to sample selections from his new fall-winter menu at Au Pied de Cochon in Buckhead’s InterContinental hotel. Among those supping on the six-course feast: Dave FM’s Holly Firfer, Q100’s Jessica Dauler, V103’s Ryan Cameron and a spectacular-looking WXIA anchor Karyn Greer. When we asked the normally party-shy Greer where she’s been hiding herself, she cracked, “It’s called having an 11- and an 8-year-old.” Grilhot saved the best for last — a small plate of braised beef short ribs tucked inside handmade cannelloni with tomato confit and shaved Parmesan.
Overscene
Basketball Hall of Famer and former Atlanta Hawks star Dominique Wilkins decorating sugar-free Halloween cookies with small fry at Prime restaurant at Lenox Square in Buckhead. Wilkins, a type-2 diabetic, has signed on to be the national spokesman for Eat Well Be Well, to encourage kids to eat a healthful diet to prevent diabetes and obesity.
Uncoupling update
The corpse of Reese Witherspoon and Ryan Phillippe’s marriage hadn’t yet achieved room temperature Wednesday when the gossip mags slipped on the brass knuckles. Us Weekly will breathlessly report in its Friday issue that Phillippe’s wandering eye has been an issue in the marriage.
On the Texas set of his upcoming film, “Stop Loss,” the 32-year-old “Crash” actor reportedly got extremely chummy with Australian co-star Abbie Cornish, 24.
Texas resident Lauren Scott, who swears she saw the two canoodling at a sushi eatery, tells Us Weekly: “I was pretty shocked that he would blatantly cheat on Reese in public.”
Celebrity birthdays
Singer Jay Black of Jay and the Americans is 68. Actress Stefanie Powers is 64. Keyboardist Keith Emerson of Emerson, Lake and Palmer is 62. Singer K.D. Lang is 45. Actor David Schwimmer (“Friends”) is 40. Rapper Nelly is 32.
Contributing: news services.
If you have a tip, call 404-526-2749. Or fax 404-526-5509. Or e-mail: buzz@ajc.com.
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Spanx founder says yes to marriage
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Spanx hosiery founder Sara Blakely was in South Africa this week to surprise 278 young women with the first $305,000 scholarship check from the Sara Blakely Foundation. But Blakely’s boyfriend, Lawton Ursrey, and her pal Virgin chairman Richard Branson had an even bigger surprise waiting for the Atlanta businesswoman and philanthropist.
During a sunset champagne picnic atop an ages-old rock at Branson’s game reserve, the 27-year-old Atlanta Home Wireless founder popped the question.
Branson helped Ursrey select the engagement spot, reportedly situated on one of the most sacred parts of the reserve.
“It was so magical and I was completely surprised,” Blakely told us via e-mail Tuesday. “Lawton is always so romantic, I didn’t have a clue he was about to propose until I saw the ring. I’m so happy, I’m beside myself!”
After Blakely, 35, accepted Ursrey’s proposal, Branson had a lavish dinner awaiting the couple back at his resort.
Blakely was in Johannesburg to hand-deliver the money for the first scholarships that her brand-new Atlanta-based charitable foundation for women’s education and empowerment.
Interestingly, Ursrey was just featured in August’s “20 Most Eligible Bachelors and Bachelorettes” issue of Jezebel magazine. In the mag, Ursrey said his ideal mate is “someone who is challenging on all levels, compassionate and has personality, personality, personality!” The magazine featured Blakely in its singles issue in 2002, where she stated, “The most important feature I look for in a mate is his ability to laugh at himself.”
Oh, and pssst: Blakely indicated that we should all hit the Club Wedd machine at Target sooner rather than later.
Spilled Blakely: “We don’t want a long engagement.”
ON MY iPOD
Food Network goddess Paula Deen and hubby Michael Groover: “Classic rock like the Allman Brothers, Eric Clapton, the Beatles and a lot of Johnny Cash,” Groover says. “Before she met me, Paula was listening to the Platters.” Added Deen: “And poor Johnny Cash had to die before I could appreciate him.”
Shoppers can add to shelter’s fund
Atlantan Kristy O’Connor and her Grayson sister Kasey Osborne were in “The Oprah Winfrey Show” audience last week when the talk show queen handed out those $1,000 debit cards with the instructions to “Pay it back” to people in need. Starting today, O’Connor and Osborne’s initial $2,000 donation to My Sister’s House, an Atlanta women’s and children’s shelter, is snowballing at every Kroger check-out in the metro area.
Upon hearing O’Connor talk about her plans for the donation on Q100 Tuesday, the grocery chain graciously agreed to ask customers if they’d like to “round up” their totals today through Friday. In addition to donating their change, Kroger shoppers have the option to donate whatever amount they wish to the effort.
A film crew will be recording the sisters’ progress this week for the obligatory (and no doubt life-affirming) November sweeps follow-up show.
If hall of fame calls, drummer Berry’s in
After seeing the photos we ran in Tuesday’s column, R.E.M. manager Bertis Downs rang Buzz Central with an additional scoop. If the Athens-birthed band does, in fact, transition from 2007 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame nominees to inductees next year, the band’s original drummer Bill Berry will be with his former bandmates. (We ran photos of the band’s current lineup: Michael Stipe, Peter Buck and Mike Mills; Berry retired from the act in 1997.) Said Downs: “Just like the band’s induction this year into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame, Bill would certainly be a part of the celebration if R.E.M. were to make it into the Rock Hall of Fame.” The finalists will be announced in January.
Overscene
Ex-“Desperate Housewives” actress Alfre Woodarddrinking the Palm’s general manager Willy Cellucci under the table at the Buckhead eatery. Woodard was banging back cosmopolitans and calamari while Cellucci tried to keep up with vodka martinis. Sighed Cellucci on Tuesday: “She buried me!”
Celebrity birthdays
Country singer Bill Anderson is 69. Hustler publisher Larry Flynt is 64. Singer Lyle Lovett is 49. Singer Anthony Kiedis of Red Hot Chili Peppers is 44. Drummer Rick Allen of Def Leppard is 43. Country singer Big Kenny of Big and Rich is 43. Actress Toni Collette (“The Hours,” “Muriel’s Wedding”) is 34. Actress Jenny McCarthy is 34. “American Idol” runner-up Bo Bice is 31.
Contributing: news services.
If you have a tip, call 404-526-2749. Or fax 404-526-5509. Or e-mail: buzz@ajc.com.
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