Media-Whore D'Oevres



"Is Chris Matthews serious about running for Arlen Specter's Senate seat? When asked if he planned to run for office on last night's Colbert Report, the host of MSNBC's Hardball was uncharacteristically at a loss for words. In fact, to watch the video, he looked momentarily stricken." (Observer)

"I was walking with a friend down 12th Street Friday night when I heard a man at the wheel of a parked car call over to me, 'Hello, sir!' I looked in, and it turned out to be Alec Baldwin! The movie star, constant SNL host, Golden Globe winner for 30 Rock, and Baldwin brother! I've interviewed Alec a few times and always marveled at the seductive charm he exudes in that sort of situation, though in his private life he can be more tempestuous than a wet hen. In fact, I spent much of the last year making TV appearances in which, while I said his ex-wife Kim Basinger should not be withholding legit access to their daughter, I also criticized Baldwin for leaving that horrendous "thoughtless little pig" message for the poor girl. Physician, heal thyself! Like so many of us--see my Naomi Campbell item--Baldwin clearly flits between oozy gentility and volcanic rage. But this time, he was beaming and shaking my hand, killing me with kindness by taking the high road—the way I would never do—and greeting me like a friend. What a pro." (Musto)

"Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman John Dingell (D-Mich.), who has clashed with other powerful Democrats on data security and energy legislation, is engaged in yet another turf battle. This time Dingell has run up against Rep. Charles Rangel (D-N.Y.), chairman of the Ways and Means Committee, and their jurisdictional dispute has stalled tobacco legislation that Democratic leaders consider a high priority. The conflict flared at a recent meeting of Democratic committee chairmen when Rangel objected to Dingell’s handling of the bill. Dingell had claimed the legislation was ready for floor action but Rangel argued that his panel had been shut out of the process. Dingell was not present at the meeting." (TheHill)

"The City of Angels, known less for its book smarts and more for its cinematic flash, luxuriously melded both Friday night when Bottega Veneta's Tomas Maier joined Julie Gilhart of Barneys New York in hosting an intimate dinner for 60 at the Barneys Greengrass restaurant to celebrate Albert Maysles' new Steidl book, A Maysles Scrapbook ... Naturally, this being a Maier-hosted affair, a slew of ladies including Linda Evangelista, Kelly Lynch, Liz Goldwyn, China Chow, and Amanda Goldberg all donned a mix of his ethereal fall, resort, and spring designs. Brett Ratner was the last to arrive, while Rodarte's Kate and Laura Mulleavy found themselves introduced to their supermodel hero, Evangelista, by Dean on the terrace, who then declared, "It's such a Grey Gardens moment.'" (Fashionweekdaily)

"Ecuadorian President Rafael Correa replaced his minister of defence and national police commander on 9 April as accusations of institutional collusion with foreign intelligence agencies plunged the armed forces and police into crisis. The joint chief of staff and the commanders of the army, navy and air force have also resigned ... With Correa loyalists installed, the purge is now likely to extend further into the senior and middle ranks of the armed forces and police, with alleged links to foreign intelligence agencies used as a pretext for extending Correa's political control." (Janes)

"Last night at Cipriani 42nd Street, the Paris Review held its annual 'Revel' gala benefit. This used to be a small affair of authors, editors, friends, family, led by the late George Plimpton and his associates (which included Peter Mattheissen). Frank McCourt presented Peter Mattheissen with the Paris Review Award, the 'hadada,' named after Gerge Plimpton's favorite bird. It is basically a party of writers with lotsa talk, and wine and mirth. Now it is also big. There were 594 guests. Felix Rohatyn who had something to do with it, announced that they’d raised $910,000 for the Paris Review – the literary magazine that Plimpton, Mattheissen et al started 55 years ago in Paris. The Paris Review gained status, mystique, helped many writers into publishing, and never made any money." (NYSocialDiary)

"Friday night was double trouble over Williamsburg-way, with a party celebrating the pre-opening of Trophy Bar (Brooklyn's newest late-night hideaway and the opus of the trio behind Stay Gold Gallery) as well as Andy Salzer's birthday (he of Yoko Devereaux and dapper man-about-town fame).Trophy's speakeasy ambiance had folks like Thomas Meus, Dustin McSwane and Devotte's Nancy Kim feeling totally tops and it was the perfect setting to showcase the debut of the Penny Dreadfuls: a DJ duo featuring the Scissor Sisters' Ana Matronic and filmmaker Seth Kirby on two real, live Victrolas (one, I hear was on loan by PAPER’s own Drew Elliot.) What better way to celebrate the classic birthday boy than with timeless tunes and sturdy drinks!" (Papermag)