Media-Whore D'Oeuvres



"For more than 200 years, there has been a great debate about whether elected representatives should be trustees for the whole nation or delegates for the constituents of their district or State. This democratic dilemma -- small 'd' -- is now vividly on display as a group of centrist senators determine the final shape of health care reform, indeed decide whether there will be health care reform at all. None is in a more precarious position as 'delegate' than Blanche Lincoln, Democratic senator from Arkansas. She is the only one of the moderates up for re-election next year, and she is facing thunder on the right and on the left in her home state, which voted overwhelmingly for John McCain last year (59% to 39%)." (TheAtlantic)



"Naomi Campbell's rep confirmed that the supermodel is in talks to host an X Factor–style competition reality show for aspiring models. Though the rep says "nothing is set in stone yet," British Vogue reports the program would make Campbell the Tyra Banks–esque mother hen of the operation, shepherding a flock of aspiring models while whittling them down to a winner. This sounds like a wonderful idea because aspiring models need a better reality competition show than America's Next Top Model, the success of which now merely rides on Tyra's antics, such as her made-up superhero Smize and other publicity stunts like the recent blackface shoot. You know Naomi would have nothing to do with such absurdity." (NYMag)



" .. Julianne Moore’s character is a conglomeration of my grandmother and other women I’ve known in my life, and relationships I’ve had with women. I’ve had romantic relationships with women, and they’ve only gone to a certain level, and I’ve seen the frustration the women felt." (Tom Ford/TheWrap)



"Nikki Finke is reporting that Lauren Zalaznick, the President of NBC Universal’s Women and Lifestyle Entertainment Networks, is in 'advanced talk'” to take over as MTV President of Entertainment, a job recently vacated by departing Brian Graden. If true, why would she leave the string of successes at Bravo to go to the flailing catastrophe that is now MTV Networks? Perhaps because, right now, Bravo couldn’t get be any hotter, and MTV is nearly at rock bottom. A perfect opportunity to add to Zalaznick’s nearly legendary track record." (Mediaite)



"FT: If you had not been in business what would you have done?
Donald Trump: I had considered studying film at the University of Southern California before going to Wharton ... FT: What is the most treasured possession in your office? Donald Trump: As it came as a surprise, probably the plaque commemorating the star I received on the Hollywood Walk of Fame." (FT)



"Last night about 8:30 I was hailing a cab on Madison and 57th. There were minimal flurries streaming through the air, and the wind was beginning to bite. There were more parties, many I missed albeit with good intentions. There was a birthday cocktail for Lucy Sykes Rellie. I don’t know how old she is but she’s still a kid. With a couple of little ones. And that husband Euan. Nobody ever had a better pr guy for a business than Lucy with Euan." (NYSocialDiary)



"Martha Stewart's intricate TV studios in Chelsea are getting chicer by the minute. Tom Ford was a guest on her live show yesterday to hawk his film, and Roberto Cavalli made a pit stop aujourd'hui. 'I've never met Martha in my life,' Cavalli explained backstage pre-shoot. 'But you know what, if I'm comfortable, I'll enjoy it. And I almost enjoy everything, because I'm very funny!' Moments later, the queen of domesticity entered the green room and introduced herself. 'I love your clothes, Roberto,' she gushed. 'But I'm afraid I'm not much of the model!' 'My God,' the Italian responded with an open jaw. 'You're beautiful! Yes, you are.' Soon after, the connected duo were joined by SNL's Seth Meyers on the set, who jokingly acted like a third wheel to the host and the designer. "I didn't know you're bringing a sexy man in here,' he laughed. The three talked about wine, Cavalli's color-changing yacht, and of course, love lives. 'Seth, what do you have in common with Roberto?' inquired Stewart. 'I would guess...absolutely nothing!' shot back the comedian." (Fashionweekdaily)



"It's been half a year since the Obama administration pledged to send an ambassador to Damascus after four years' absence and now we are seeing movement. The State Department has reportedly sent its recommendation to the White House for approval and final deliberations are said to be underway. The two names leading the rumor mill in Washington as of now are Jacob Walles, the immediate past consul general in Jerusalem, and Nabil Khury, a veteran Foreign Service officer of Lebanese descent. State Department sources said that Daniel Rubinstein, the new Jerusalem consul general and rumored candidate, was not in contention because he was just settling into his new job. Sources close to the discussions also say that the job was offered and declined at some point by both Fred Hof, a Syria expert and deputy to Middle East Special Envoy George Mitchell, and Daniel Kurtzer, who was U.S. ambassador to Israel from 2001 to 2005 but is not currently in government." (ForeignPolicy)



"After yesterday's 'Rock and roll' meeting, as GMA senior EP Jim Murphy called it, which introduced the new anchor team, after today's show, Diane Sawyer and Chris Cuomo's last, the rock and roll atmosphere continues this morning on the second floor of ABC's Times Square studios. Insiders tell us there have been toasts by ABC News president David Westin and by Murphy. There was a Brian Ross 'investigation' asking 'Who is the real Diane Sawyer?' (the only copy of which will be destroyed, says our insider). And Sawyer's former GMA co-anchor, and the man she's replacing later this month on 'World News,' Charlie Gibson stopped by and gave Diane a 'big embrace.'" (TVNewser))



"It was the stuff of legend. After the emcee at last night's British Fashion Awards announced that the presenter of the Isabella Blow Award for Fashion Creator would be Karen Elson, the flame-haired model appeared onstage, took a few steps, and, to the audience's horror, plunged offstage into the void. An agonizing silence followed, with no signs of life. Then, suddenly, Elson was back onstage, un-stunned but still stunning in her red velvet Alexander McQueen gown. 'I'm possibly the clumsiest person alive,' she declared to wild cheering, which continued as honoree Grace Coddington thanked her 'redhead friend' ... Meanwhile, Coddington accompanied Elson to A&E, where X-rays showed the only lasting injury from her stage-dive was a sprained thumb." (Style)



"Robin (Quivers) read some news about Tiger Woods and gave some updated details about what's going on there. Howard (Stern) said he loves that everything to do with that couple is related to golf. They said the wife broke windows with a golf club, she was out searching for Tiger in a golf cart and more." (Marksfriggin)



"In the ratings that actually determine how much the networks get paid, C3 commercial ratings that measure average commercial viewing within 3 days of airdate, Fox is the only broadcast network among the top 4 ahead vs. last season. And among the most important adults 18-49 demographic, CBS and ABC have lost the same % of their C3 ratings vs. last season, and NBC’s been crushed." (TVByTheNumbers)



"Last night's Paper Magazine Nightlife Awards joined the dismayingly long list of 2009 award-show travesties. The invite-only event went down at M2 (the old Mansion) to a packed audience of important downtown scenesters (that's the whole point of invite-only, right?) and D-list celebs. Huge mock disco balls made up of smaller crystal spheres and elaborate flower-stemmed chandeliers hung over the Svedka open bar that most likely facilitated some of the night's absurdity." (VillageVoice)