Media-Whore D'Oeuvres

"Europeanists dominate the coalitions that have replaced them. They come from the generation and class that are deeply intellectually and emotionally committed to the idea of Europe. For them, the European Union is not merely a useful tool for achieving national goals. Rather, it is an alternative to nationalism and the horrors that nationalism has brought to Europe. It is a vision of a single Continent drawn together in a common enterprise — prosperity — that abolishes the dangers of a European war, creates a cooperative economic project and, least discussed but not trivial, returns Europe to its rightful place at the heart of the international political system.For the generation of leadership born just after World War II who came to political maturity in the last 20 years, the European project was an ideological given and an institutional reality. These leaders formed an international web of European leaders who for the most part all shared this vision. This leadership extended beyond the political sphere: Most European elites were committed to Europe (there were, of course, exceptions). Now we are seeing this elite struggle to preserve its vision." (STRATFOR)

"CBS’ Monday lineup posted across-the-board gains for a second straight week. How I Met Your Mother (4.5/12 in adults 18-49, 10.4 million total viewers) was up a tenth in 18-49 from last Monday, 2 Broke Girls (4.8/12, 11.7 million) was up 7% from its fast national last week to post its best 18-49 rating in the 8:30 PM slot, Two And A Half Men (5.3/12, 14.6 million) was up 4% to once again rank as the top program of the night in 18-49, and Mike & Molly (4.4/10, 12.2 million) was up 5%. Hawaii Five-0 (3.3/8, 11.5 million) flourished without scripted broadcast competition in the 10 PM hour, up 10% in the demo from its fast national last week to post its best demo and total viewer number since the season premiere. Hawaii will likely tie its season-high opener in the finals if it’s adjusted up a tenth as it normally is. CBS (4.2/10, 12 million) easily won the night in 18-49." (Deadline)

"One of the most hot button issues in comedy right now is the lack of women writing for late night. Molly McNearney is the only woman who currently writes for Jimmy Kimmel Live, but she is also the co-head writer. Molly chatted with me about how she got her start in comedy, her favorite bits that she’s contributed to the show and what it’s like being a woman behind the scenes. She also revealed what a day backstage at Jimmy Kimmel Live looks like and inspired me to declare that my new dream job is to be a 'Clip Researcher.'" (Splitsider)

"Last night I went down to Fifth Avenue and West 20th Street (upper downtown) to the 1st Dibs Gallery where they were hosting a book signing for Hermes Mallea, the architect and author now of Great Houses of Havana. Hermes is Cuban and it so happens I've been following this book ever since Hermes told me about it a couple of years ago. A lot of New Yorkers have friends who are of Cuban descent, many of whom emigrated here after the Revolution in the late 1950s. There is definitely a 'thaw' going on with Cuba these days. I know many people who have visited Cuba and often several times. Pax Quigley wrote a piece in NYSD about her trip to Cuba last year. Everyone comes away fascinated and many even more enthusiastic ... The book signing last night was a big party. There must have been a couple of hundred people – many friends of the author and his partner Carey Maloney. Amy Fine Collins was there. She went to college with Hermes and they were inseparable in those days. The canapés (honey glazed bacon strips, for example) were plentiful and so were the drinks." (NYSocialDiary)

"Burton Snowboards threw a shindig at Chelsea's Milk Studios Thursday night to celebrate their newest women's lifestyle website, Burtongirls.com, which goes live at the end of the month. While PAPERMAG pal Jasmine Solano provided tunes that kept the cute crowd (which included Jessica Stam, Chelsea Leyland and Brandee Brown) moving and shaking. We also spotted Burtongirls.com contributor, star of NBC's well-written Parenthood, and all-around perfect specimen Joy Bryant (pictured left with Jessica Stam) greeting guests on Milk's penthouse deck .." (Papermag)

"'Boardwalk Empire' vixen Paz de la Huerta was on her best sober behavior as host of the opening of Hotel on Rivington bar Viktor & Spoils last week, thanks to her handlers. Sources said management had 'explicit instructions' not to serve her alcohol, and mixologist Steve Olson created a special virgin drink for her. The star pleaded guilty in July to harassment after a Standard Hotel bar tussle. Her rep said, 'It’s true Paz was not drinking alcohol. Paz does not have ‘handlers.’" (PageSix)