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Access Atlanta > Blog > Archives > 2006 > December
December 2006
A year of stars and Star, brides and cake
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
What a year.
Breakfast with “Coffy,” coffee with Jane, Oscaring with Elton, risking a Ritz-y ejection with Paula and covering a civil rights icon’s passing.
It was only fitting that the year marking our 10th anniversary at Buzz Central was the most incredible yet.
Read on.
Best benefit in need of policing
The city’s inaugural Policeman’s Ball in April featuring honorary chairwoman and Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin and police Chief Richard Pennington raised $200,000 with the generous help of a raffle. Alas, organizers inadvertently violated a state law by not getting the required $100 raffle license.
Best excuse for retinal damage
Would-be rapper Kevin Federline made his Atlanta debut as a rentable nightclub guest in March at Vision. He lingered in the VIP section with wife Britney Spears for about 59 minutes before exiting. Beefy security types kept the female fans huddled around K-Fed at bay with halogen-penlight flash blasts to the eyes.
Best breakfast interview
Our January chat with “The L Word” actress and legendary “blaxploitation” film star Pam Grier. Grier disclosed that she based her iconic film characters Coffy and Foxy Brown on the influential women in her life — her mother and her aunt, respectively. Those strategically placed razor blades in Coffy’s afro and that Derringer tucked inside Foxy Brown’s do? Both were based in reality.
“I knew girls who really put razor blades in their hair,” Grier said. “For protection. When my aunt died, we found jalapeño peppers in her purse. You didn’t ever want those rubbed in your eyes!”
Best coffee klatch
In May, prior to her annual Georgia Campaign for Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention benefit, Jane Fonda invited us over for coffee at her Poncey-Highland loft. As her cat Mouse and dog Tulea snoozed around us, the activist-actress relaxed barefoot on the couch while reflecting on her life here.
Gazing out her window, a contented Fonda told us: “I look forward to the sun hitting those buildings downtown and turning them pink. This is one of the most beautiful skylines I’ve ever seen. And Atlanta is by far the friendliest place I’ve ever lived.”
Best celebrity roast
The sold-out fund-raiser for Fonda’s G-CAPP in June at the Georgia Aquarium. Celebrity roasters Larry King, Big Boi, Eve Ensler, Carrie Fisher, Debbie Reynolds, Rosie O’Donnell, Peter Fonda, Chris Tucker and Fonda’s date Ted Turner traded zingers all evening. Even former President Jimmy Carter cut loose for the occasion.
Riffed Carter: “I never dreamed how jealous Ted Turner could be. He had no reason to be. He was younger, more handsome and wealthier. This was before the Time-Warner merger.”
Best Oscar party
Fearing that we might miss something, we attempted not to blink during Elton John’s star-studded, 10-hour Oscar party at the Pacific Design Center in West Hollywood back in March. The benefit for the Elton John AIDS Foundation attracted Lindsay Lohan, Donatella Versace, Patty Hearst, John Waters, Tab Hunter, Eric McCormack, Al Roker, Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne, Pamela Anderson and Paris Hilton, who somehow changed outfits and boys to swap spit with during the party.
Surveying the crowd, John told us: “It’s always extremely touching to me to see so many Atlantans here. Their support is very important to me.”
Exiting in early morning, Dr. Jeffrey Gallups quipped: “You always know you’ve been to one of Elton’s parties when you can bench-press the goody bag.”
Best example of civic duty
It all started in May when Buzz poked a wee bit of fun at the Central Atlanta Progress-sponsored “Week at Woodruff” festivities. But after we lobbed the idea of a Woodruff Park theme song to celebrate the spiffed-up downtown green space, Buzz readers helped contribute lyrics. By the end of September, singer-songwriter Melanie Massell debuted the resulting “A Patch of Peace” in front of lunchtime attendees and her father, Sam Massell, who as mayor created the park in 1973. Observed Central Atlanta’s Wilma Southern of Melanie Massell’s efforts: “And she found something to rhyme with ‘free Wi-Fi.’ “
Best ‘Spinal Tap’-inspired radio promo
Q100’s Big Cake Dive at the Lenox Square in February. The teetering, multitiered pastry — which brides-to-be were supposed to toss themselves into for prizes — wasn’t exactly baked with diving in mind.
Unless you wanted to window-shop for a neck brace.
When TV news crews were diverted to cover a house fire, mall rep Kitsy Rose sighed and said: “Normally, I’d be upset if TV got called away from an event. But not today.”
Best assignment
In February, we interviewed the hearty souls who waited outside the state Capitol for hours to say goodbye to Coretta Scott King. The civil rights icon’s six-plus hour “home-going” featured four U.S. presidents and Stevie Wonder at New Birth Missionary Baptist Church. Afterward, church usher Gerald Graham didn’t have to pick up a single pink-hued program. “We printed 15,000 of them, and they’re all gone,” he explained. “Nobody was going to drop one of those. Folks can probably get $25 for them come tomorrow.” Sure enough, the next day, the programs turned up on eBay fetching bids of $450.
Best lunch interview
Our riotous October lunch with old pal Food Network goddess Paula Deen and hubby Michael Groover almost resulted in our expulsion from the Buckhead hotel. She was in town promoting her latest book, “Paula Deen Celebrates!” Tasting the hotel’s $14.50 hot dog, Deen dished: “I don’t think there’s any snouts or toenails in it. They probably used too much meat. It’s a little high-falutin’. “
Star of the year
Who but Star Jones Reynolds. In January, the daytime diva hung up on Star 94’s Steve and Vikki.
And then there was the canceled Atlanta book-signing for the instant-classic, “Shine: A Physical, Emotional & Spiritual Journey to Finding Love.” Thus, we began the ongoing public service known as “A Moment to Shine,” where we quoted bits of wisdom from the tome.
In June, Jones Reynolds quit “The View” live on the air. The next day, all traces of her had been removed, as executive producer Barbara Walters gravely intoned: “We wanted to protect Star, and we wanted her to leave with dignity. But Star made another choice.”
Or as we explained the riveting appeal of the show: If every morning at 11, you knew there’d be a 14-car pileup on I-285, wouldn’t you watch?
Celebrity birthdays
Today: Singer-guitarist Bo Diddley is 78. “Today” anchor Meredith Vieira is 53. “Today” anchor Matt Lauer is 49. TV host Sean Hannity is 45. Singer-actor Tyrese is 28.
Sunday: Actor Anthony Hopkins is 69. Guitarist Andy Summers (the Police) is 64.
If you have a tip, call 404-526-2749. Or fax 404-526-5509. Or e-mail: buzz@ajc.com.
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Eleven50, MidCity Cuisine closing
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Eleven50, the Midtown dance club that’s played host to some of the world’s biggest DJs during its six-year existence, is planning its farewell at the end of the year. The club is billing its New Year’s Eve celebration as “The End of an Era … The Beginning of a Legend.” On its Web site, Eleven50 informs patrons that Dec. 31 will serve as “the final night as this legendary nightclub comes to an end.”
The club recently hosted Q100’s ‘Nelly, Nelly Christmas Party’ featuring hitmakers Nelly Furtado and Teddy Geiger.
Actually, the historic structure at 1150 Peachtree St. — originally built in 1898 and longtime home to the Atlanta Woman’s Club — has survived worse. The building has endured at least three fires. Even worse, when it opened as Petrus nightclub in 1988, the club somehow survived liberal doses of C + C Music Factory blasting forth from the DJ booth.
Nightcrawlers can anticipate the space’s rebirth sometime in mid-2007 after some extensive remodeling.
MidCity issues a to-go order
We saw this coming a few weeks ago when we attempted to visit MidCity Cuisine and spent 40 minutes trying to ditch our car someplace where it wouldn’t be towed.
The eatery, opened to much fanfare by chef Shaun Doty in 2003, officially closed up shop Wednesday. In a press release posted on the restaurant’s Web site, managing partner Sean Boyd explains that the adverse effects of the nearby Peachtree Pointe II construction project greatly influenced the decision to close.
“What we couldn’t control was the impact of what was going on around us,” Boyd said in the release. “We had to listen to it every day about how difficult it was getting into the restaurant, the parking fiascoes and the chaos surrounding all the construction. There are so many great restaurants in Midtown, and our patrons finally just said, ‘This is too difficult and I can go elsewhere. ’ “
In 2004, Atlanta magazine named the eatery, under the guidance of Doty, “restaurant of the year.” Doty left in 2005 to open Table 1280 on the High Museum campus a few blocks away. This fall, Doty opened Shaun’s in Inman Park.
When Boyd and pals Scott Kelly and Sean Braun took over the operation last year, however, things got much more entertaining for the purposes of this space.
You may recall that MidCity’s new owners initially tried to recycle rave reviews by Zagat and others (originally earned by opening chef Doty) by inserting the name of its new chef into the old reviews on the eatery’s Web site.
In its press release Thursday, the owners duly noted that they made “some mistakes along the way.”
Still, with some restaurant experience now under their collective belts, Boyd, Kelly and Braun aren’t ruling out transporting their successful concept to another, more accessible location.
“The restaurant could find a new home elsewhere,” the release states. “With all of the new construction going on in Midtown, developers have been making their pitches to lure the restaurant or a similar concept to one of the many new hotels, office buildings or condominium projects under development.”
Widespread acclaim
Widespread Panic fans may want to ready their cellphone cameras around 11:30 p.m. New Year’s Eve during the Athens jam band’s 15th consecutive sold-out concert at Philips Arena downtown.
In honor of the record-breaking accomplishment, dating to 1999, arena officials will raise a permanent banner in the music venue recognizing the milestone during the band’s set.
Says arena president Bob Williams: “Philips Arena is proud to share this first-ever honor with the band and Panic fans worldwide.”
Seasons greetings
From: Sara Blakely, founder of Spanx
Message: “Happy Holidays! Your Lucky Backpack… To remain true to yourself and to make many dreams come true. During this holiday season, we hope it does the same for you!”
The story behind the card: The drawing of a Blakely-esque gal on the front sporting a red backpack is a symbol of the Atlanta-based footless pantyhose company’s success. As the card itself explains: “Sara’s lucky red backpack helped her get through college, launch Spanx and travel the world with [Virgin founder] Richard Branson. It’s a symbol of starting small and thinking big.”
Resolving to record
We’ll be honest. You know those New Year’s resolutions we request from you each year?
Normally, we have no clue if you actually quit smoking, successfully climb Mount Everest or spend more quality time with your spouse.
However, we knew aspiring country music singer Mark Scott had successfully checked off his 2006 Buzz resolution when he hand-delivered a copy of his seasonal CD, “This Christmas,” this fall.
“It was a little odd singing Christmas songs in June,” Scott conceded Thursday. “All year long, I had people asking, ‘So, how’s that Christmas CD coming?’ “
Military folks also benefited from the effort. Scott donated a box of the discs to the USO office at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, where they were given to servicemen and servicewomen returning to Iraq.
While on the subject of resolutions …
Last call for readers
Today is the deadline for your unique, creative, funny New Year’s resolution for our annual reader-driven Jan. 1 edition of Buzz. E-mail it along with your full name, where you live and a daytime phone number to buzz@ajc.com. Please be sure to put “resolution” in the subject line. Also, if you have a photo of yourself, feel free to send it along with your resolution.
Celebrity birthdays
Actress Mary Tyler Moore is 69. Actor Jon Voight is 68. Singer Marianne Faithfull is 60. Actor Ted Danson is 59. Actress Patricia Clarkson is 47. Actor Jude Law is 34. Actor Mekhi Phifer (“ER”) is 32. Country singer Jessica Andrews is 23.
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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Celebs pop up, melt down in 3-D
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
One of our favorite non-edible, nonticking parcels delivered to Buzz Central this holiday season had to be “The Pop-Up Book of Celebrity Meltdowns” (Melcher Media, $29.95).
Inside, in glorious 3-D caricatures, part-time Atlantan Janet Jackson bares her now-famous silver-bejeweled wardrobe malfunction at the 2004 Super Bowl with Justin Timberlake, Jackson’s even zanier brother Michael dangles baby “Blanket” Jackson from a Berlin hotel balcony, Russell Crowe chucks a phone at a hotel clerk, and Tom Cruise punishes Oprah’s couch for as long as you choose to yank on the “I’m in Love! I’m in Love!” tab.
Atlanta boxer Evander Holyfield’s unfortunate ear-mauling at the mouth of Mike Tyson during their now-infamous 1997 bout at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas is also depicted.
Recounts “Meltdown” writer Heather Havrilesky on the “From Champ to Chomp!” page: “No one knew just how angry the lumbering lisper was until round three, when he took his gruesome revenge [after an alleged Holyfield head butt], chewing off a piece of Holyfield’s right ear and spitting it into the ring. The ref warned and penalized him, but seconds later, menacing Mike chomped the champ’s left ear instead!”
Apparently, we’re not the only captive audience for the interactive tome, which was recently declared “utterly mindless” by The New York Times.
Outwrite Books owner Philip Rafshoon told Buzz on Wednesday: “It’s been one of our top sellers this holiday season. We’ve had multiple demo copies. The [page depicting] Kate Moss doing coke seems to be a popular one. I think it’s all about how her eyes roll back in her head.”
Bazzaar New Year
Bazzaar nightclub and restaurant in Midtown is offering an interesting approach to New Year’s Eve this year.
The hot spot is celebrating a day early.
On Saturday night, Bazzaar is hosting “Faux Year’s Eve ‘06, the New Year’s Eve celebration for everyone who hates New Year’s Eve.” We reached out to owner Bill Kaelin for an explanation.
“I probably shouldn’t be saying this, given my business, but I’m not a huge fan of New Year’s Eve,” Kaelin confessed, laughing as he arrived back in town Wednesday from Chicago. “It’s really a night for amateurs. My regulars don’t want any part of it. Everyone’s kind of over the overpriced, overcrowded thing.”
So, on Dec. 30, Kaelin’s regulars will get the jump on everyone else with music by DJ Jeff Myers and a midnight champagne toast to ring in, well, New Year’s Eve.
“Plus, I had one other consideration,” cops Kaelin. “I’m already bought out on Sunday night for a private party.”
Reservations are recommended via bazzaar@bellsouth.net or 404-396-5750.
Season’s greetings
From: Atlanta singer/songwriter and drag personality Diamond Lil
Message: Love, Peace and Joy, Your Favorite Star, Diamond Lil
Story behind the card: “The photo was taken during a performance this year at Club 29 in Decatur,” Lil explains. “It’s going to serve as the cover for my upcoming album, ‘Verve, Vigor and Vim,’ which should be out before Valentine’s Day. And it’s a sizzler. There’s a song on it called ‘Mama Is a Stripper at the Clermont Hotel.’ It rocks. And the girls there at the Clermont will have no problem dancing to it, either.”
Kidman, Urban back down under
We dabbed away tears of indifference as news spread of a Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban reunion down under. But a spokesman denied media reports that the country singer had completed his treatment for alcohol abuse.
In response to a query by The Associated Press, his New York-based publicist, Paul Freundlich, said in an e-mail: “Keith is on a leave to be with his family during the holidays. This is a natural occurrence at this point in his treatment. He will continue with his rehab upon his return.”
Urban, 39, checked himself into a U.S. rehab center in October, with his wife by his side.
Cameras caught Kidman, also 39, and Urban holding hands Wednesday in Sydney. It was the first public appearance by the newlywed couple in months.
Celebrity baptism
Jennifer Garner and Ben Affleck’s 1-year-old daughter, Violet, has been baptized at Christ Church United Methodist, in Charleston, W.Va., where the actress’s parents are members.
Pastor Randy Flanagan said members of the congregation weren’t star-struck — or didn’t show it too much — when the Hollywood couple showed up on Christmas Eve with their daughter.
Resolve to do this
We still need your unique, creative, funny New Year’s resolution for our annual reader-driven Jan. 1 edition of Buzz. E-mail it along with your full name, where you live and a daytime phone number to buzz@ajc.com. Please be sure to put “resolution” in the subject line. Also, if you have a photo of yourself, feel free to send it along with your resolution.
Celebrity birthdays
Comic book creator Stan Lee (“Spider-Man,” “The Incredible Hulk”) is 84. Actress Maggie Smith (“Harry Potter”) is 72. Actor Denzel Washington is 52. Comedian Seth Meyers (“Saturday Night Live”) is 33. Singer John Legend is 28. Actress Sienna Miller is 25. Actress Mackenzie Rosman (“7th Heaven”) is 17.
HIGH FIVE
Top downloaded TV episodes from iTunes
1. “A Benihana Christmas,” “The Office”
2. “The Eye of Jupiter,” “Battlestar Galactica”
3. Various sketches, “Saturday Night Live”
4. “Make Love, Not Warcraft,” “South Park”
5. “The Convict,” “The Office”
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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Memories of James Brown
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
As we ventured Rudolph-less through the fog back into the city on Christmas night, we couldn’t help reflecting on James Brown when we spotted the tree on the roof of Emory Crawford Long Hospital, the hospital where the singer had died a few hours earlier. Especially when the legendary soul man’s “Santa Claus Go Straight to the Ghetto” started thumping from the radio.
As part of our Buzz responsibilities, we covered what turned out to be the Godfather of Soul’s final local concert at Chastain Park Amphitheatre on Labor Day weekend 2003. Clad in a sharp blue suit with gold trim, Brown belted out hit after hit before an often standing, cheering crowd. And yet that pesky 11 p.m. Chastain noise curfew ended up marring the concert; the plug was pulled on the singer during the final refrains of his hit “Sex Machine.”
Thankfully, we had one final encounter with the Godfather the following summer while on vacation in London. Augusta’s hometown hero was a headliner at the Olympic Torch concert on the Mall outside Buckingham Palace. Since we were staying in a hotel a few feet away, we dutifully found ourselves wedged into place near a police barricade in time for Brown’s performance. Like many in the crowd, we found ourselves laughing uncontrollably when UK “Pop Idol” winner Will Young, a 20-something skinny singer from the blue-eyed soul school, attempted a duet with Brown on “Papa’s Got a Brand New Bag.” For seven minutes, Brown repeatedly left the kid — young enough to be his grandson — in the dust.
Utterly defeated, Young finally just joined in with the rest of the crowd who praised the singer, shouting “James Brown!” repeatedly.
Rappin’ rocks the arena
After the Atlanta Hawks-Indiana Pacers game Friday night at Philips Arena, Young Jeezy (right) entertained the crowd with fellow Atlantan T.I. Rapper Lil Jon, “Rush Hour” actor Chris Tucker and New Edition’s Ronnie DeVoe were among the celebrities at the game.
Commercials, comedy can go hand in hand
Kevin Nealon uses a TiVo.
That in and of itself isn’t extraordinary, but it’s kind of ironic since the former “Saturday Night Live” star is hosting TBS’ surprisingly popular annual look at the world’s funniest TV commercials airing at 9 tonight.
“I do have a TiVo,” Nealon admitted to Buzz, “and I do fast-forward through commercials.”
But he doesn’t mind shilling for shilling: “I always appreciate a good, funny commercial. It’s like writing a good comedy sketch.”
More irony: Nealon is riding high playing a pot-smoking accountant on “Weeds,” an amusing comedy that was recently renewed for a third season on Showtime — a pay-cable network that doesn’t rely on commercials.
And Nealon said he doesn’t touch weed in real life: “I never really enjoyed smoking it, but I got a ton of secondhand smoke going to concerts growing up. Deep Purple. Beach Boys. Eric Clapton. You get the effect, but then you have the munchies for second-hand, leftover food.”
All together now: the Beach Boys?
Soap ‘Fun’ set to air
Were you among the screeching soap fans who clustered this month as ABC Daytime’s “Fun in the Sun” campaign hit Atlantic Station? Set your recorders. You may find yourself on TV during the fan-focused cut-in spots airing all week during the network’s afternoon soap schedule. “General Hospital” actors Tristan Rogers and Natalia Livingston joined “All My Children” actors Jeff Branson and Aiden Turner and “One Life to Live” actors Kamar de los Reyes and Bree Williamson for an up-close-and-personal fan event which went off without a single arrest for stalking.
Season’s greetings
From: Southern Hope Humane Society
Greeting: “I’ll be home for Christmas … if only in my dreams. May all of your hopes and dreams come true this holiday season!”
Story behind the card: “Stacey Hall [the president of Southern Hope’s board] and I actually came up with the concept for the card,” says Southern Hope’s Susan Feingold. “We used a [stock photo] of a German shepherd because at any given time, we have at least four of them at the shelter. It may be a sad card for some, but we’ve gotten good feedback on it. Some people have cried, but, at the same time, it’s making people think. We’ve received some donations because of the card.”
Wanted: Reader resolutions
Yup, we still need your unique, creative, funny New Year’s resolution for our annual reader-driven Jan. 1 edition of Buzz. E-mail it along with your full name, where you live and a daytime phone number to buzz@ajc.com. Please be sure to put “resolution” in the subject line. Also, if you have a photo of yourself, feel free to send it along with your resolution.
Celebrity birthdays
Guitarist Scotty Moore (Elvis Presley’s band) is 75. Actor John Amos (“Men in Trees” ) is 67. Guitarist David Knopfler of Dire Straits is 54. Actress Eva LaRue (“CSI: Miami”) is 40. Guitarist Matt Slocum (Sixpence None the Richer) is 34. Actor Wilson Cruz (“Noah’s Arc”) is 33. Emilie de Ravin (“Lost”) is 25.
Contributing: 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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A Drive-By Trucker puts on brakes a bit
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Drive-By Truckers frontman Patterson Hood tells Buzz that 2007 will be pretty quiet, relatively speaking.
The Athens-based road warrior plans to release a new solo album — tenderly titled “Murdering Oscar (and Other Love Songs)” — and to record a new album with the Truckers, which’ll probably come out in 2008. Also, he and longtime Truckers producer David Barbe are planning to co-produce the forthcoming album by soul veteran Bettye LaVette.
We love the idea that, for Hood, this constitutes a slow year.
“That is a slow year,” he said. “I’m thrilled. It’s taken me three years of hard work and fighting to get to have a year that I can say is that slow a year, and I’m really proud of that.”
Before Hood gets around to his leisurely ‘07, he and the Truckers have a pair of New Year’s shows at Variety Playhouse. The first date, Dec. 30, is already sold out. But as of last week, tickets remained for the show on New Year’s Eve. There might, just might, be some drinking involved.
“We glorify and spread alcoholism throughout the land. … That’s my job description,” Hood said. “We’re doing the devil’s work.”
An effective ad
Careful readers may remember a 2-by-3 ad that appeared in the AJC’s Metro section Friday. “Sara,” it said, “Will You Marry Me?” It was signed “Marquis.”
Sara, it turns out, is Western Michigan University doctoral student Sara Streufert, 28, who was in Georgia for winter break visiting her boyfriend Marquis Greene, 30, an Air Force pilot stationed in Warner Robins.
The day the ad ran, Greene got up early, fixed breakfast and lovingly shared the newspaper. Before Streufert saw the ad, she had her eyes on a story about the flu.
“I kinda glance over to the other side of the page, and I see my name,” she said. “I’m like, oh, that’s a cute little ad. It took about seven seconds for that to register. And then I look up and I see his name. And I’m like, that’s really bizarre. So then I look up, and he’s peeking over his newspaper.”
She responded as you might expect: “Classic screaming, ‘Yes, I will marry you.’ “
Greene, the humble husband-to-be, noted that the morning wasn’t as perfect as it could’ve been. “I burned the bacon,” he said.
Billboard reviews ‘06
The year-end issue of Billboard is out, and it includes lots of juicy information for data-obsessed music geeks.
According to the music biz trade publication, the year’s No. 1 festival was Bonnaroo in Manchester, Tenn., with a gross of $14,731,723 (nearly double the gross of the No. 2 fest, the Austin City Limits Festival). The top venue? New York’s Madison Square Garden, with a gross of almost $119 million. (Atlanta’s Philips Arena was No. 10 with $33.5 million.)
Billboard notes that the year’s top album was “Some Hearts” by former “American Idol” singer Carrie Underwood, ahead of the “High School Musical” soundtrack. The year’s top artist was R&B singer Chris Brown, ahead of rock band Nickelback.
Dawgs go bowling
Don’t be surprised if you bump into some Georgia football players around town this week.
Mark Richt’s Bulldogs were due to arrive in Buckhead on Christmas Day to begin preparations for Saturday’s Chick-fil-A Bowl showdown with Virginia Tech at the Georgia Dome. But there’s more than football on tap for the team.
Tonight, players and coaches will drop by ESPN Zone for a private welcome party. Wednesday, the team will visit Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Scottish Rite. And Thursday night, they’ll get a private tour of the Georgia Aquarium.
The game, which will be broadcast by ESPN, is sold out.
Overscene
Rapper-singer Cee-Lo of Gnarls Barkley (at least of late) and his son Kingston weaving their way around the Phipps Plaza shoppers, stopping at the Brite Smile office.
Resolutions wanted
Send buzz@ajc.com your funny, unique or twisted New Year’s resolution for our roundup Jan. 1. We need your name, where you live and a daytime phone number to confirm.
Celebrity birthdays
Actor Richard Widmark is 92. Record producer Phil Spector is 66. “America’s Most Wanted” host John Walsh is 61. Drummer Lars Ulrich of Metallica is 43. Country singer Audrey Wiggins is 39.
HIGH FIVE
The year’s top-grossing tours, according to Billboard:
1. The Rolling Stones: $425,072,371
2. Madonna: $194,754,447
3. Bon Jovi:$131,388,461
4. U2: $95,880,340
5. Tim McGraw and Faith Hill: $88,808,729
— Billboard
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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Center won’t let Rudolph race off yet
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
By Richard L. Eldredge The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Published on: 12/25/06
Atlanta’s Center for Puppetry Arts slid an extra gift under the tree today: Rudolph and Santa, the original figures from the classic 1964 Rankin/Bass Christmas special, “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” are extending their stay in Atlanta through Jan. 13.
The stop-motion animation figures from the much-beloved seasonal TV ritual, long thought lost, were recently recovered and restored. Their stint at the Center for Puppetry Arts marks the pair’s public museum debut.
And if you want to know the truth, even our heart grew three sizes larger when we first glimpsed the figures just past the water fountains at the Midtown attraction. Perched upon ice and snow in a glass case in the center of the main display gallery, Rudolph appears much tinier than the “Newborn Rudolph” versions offered for sale in the gift shop. The diminutive reindeer’s size wasn’t lost on Atlantan Quinton Cables, 4, who was on an excursion with his dad, Paul, last week.
“He’s bigger on my TV,” Quinton told us.
Dad was more impressed.
“I’m glad they were found and restored. It’s a piece of pop culture,” Paul Cables said. “Now, our children are enjoying the same things we enjoyed as children.”
As small fry from Blackwell Elementary School blew past the exhibit without much interest, their teachers lingered a bit longer with their old friends from childhood.
“It’s kind of a typical response,” the center’s Amy Ellis explained. “I think the characters are more ingrained into the hearts of the older generation.”
Our fave bit of the exhibit?
Santa and Rudolph have been given real celeb VIP treatment, complete with a fancy red velvet rope encircling them.
Cracked Ellis: “We like to treat our puppets well here, especially since they’re not union.”
For info: 404-873-3391 or www.puppet.org.
Wanted: Reader resolutions
OK, so you’re still cleaning up Christmas paper, bows and tags from the detonated bomb blast area that was once your living room. Nobody said you couldn’t multitask. Shoot us your funny, inventive New Year’s resolution, along with your name, where you live and a daytime phone number, for our annual New Year’s Day column. E-mail us at buzz@ajc.com and put “resolution” in the subject line.
Season’s Greetings
From: Pano I. Karatassos, Kyma executive chef, his wife, Angela, and their children Pano and Lucas.
Message: “Wishing you a joyous holiday season filled with laughter and love.”
Story behind the card: “We took the picture of the boys at Thanksgiving,” Angela says. “It really captures their spirit and personalities around the holidays. They’re both old enough now to really get it. And they’re just like their mother —- anytime a camera comes out, they strike a pose!”
Celebrity birthdays
Singer John Edwards of the Spinners is 62. Singer Jimmy Buffett is 60. Country singer Barbara Mandrell is 58. Actress Sissy Spacek is 57. Singer Annie Lennox is 52. Singer Steve Wariner is 52. Guitarist Robin Campbell of UB40 is 52. Singer Shane McGowan (the Popes, the Pogues) is 49. Singer Dido is 35. Singer Mac Powell of Third Day is 34. Country singer Alecia Elliott is 24.
HIGH FIVE: Top albums downloaded from iTunes
The week of Dec. 23:
“Hip Hop Is Dead” Nas
“Radio Disney” (iTunes exclusive) Corbin Bleu
“Wintersong” Sarah McLachlan
“Not Too Late” Norah Jones
“Let It Snow!” (EP) Michael Buble
MY TUNES
Atlanta author Mary Kay Andrews shares the list of holiday songs she listened to this summer as she holed herself up in a beach house to create her latest set-in-Savannah mystery, “Blue Christmas”:
“Blue Christmas” by Elvis Presley, “Christmas ( Baby Please Come Home)” by Darlene Love, “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus” by the Ronettes, “Jingle Bells,” by Booker T & the MGs, “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” by Judy Garland, “Sleigh Ride” by the Ventures, “Run, Rudolph Run” by Chuck Berry and “Baby It’s Cold Outside” by Dean Martin.
Says the author: “I’ve always loved Booker T & the MGs. You do know, don’t you, that ‘Jingle Bells’ was written by James Pierpont, who copyrighted the song in 1857, while he was a church organist living in Savannah. Pierpont’s grave, with a ‘Jingle Bells’ marker, is located in Savannah’s historic Laurel Grove cemetery.”
Contributing: news services
Got a tip for Peach Buzz? 404-526-2749 or 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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Performance earns ‘Marshall’ perk
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
By Richard L. Eldredge The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Published on: 12/23/06
He may have only a single scene in “We Are Marshall,” and his character’s name is Diner Student No. 1, but aspiring actor Andrew DiPalma still scored VIP passes into the football flick’s premiere last week at Grauman’s Chinese Theatre in Hollywood.
After the local shoot of “Marshall,” the former Lilburn resident picked up and moved to Los Angeles this year. Last week, he ran into a total stranger on the Left Coast who insisted he recognized DiPalma, who’s perhaps best known for a couple of commercials and a stint in “Peachtree Battle” here.
“He kept saying, ‘Where do I know you from?’ and I kept telling him, ‘Dude, you don’t know me!’ ” Turns out, the stranger was the party planner who had been hired to throw the premiere’s tailgate-themed, post-screening festivities. As research, Warner Bros. had arranged an advance screening of the then-unreleased film. The party planner recognized DiPalma from his single but emotionally charged scene.
“He hooked me up with the passes,” laughs DiPalma. “I guess it really is who you know out there!”
The University of Georgia grad flew his mom, Debbie, out to Los Angeles for the premiere.
“At the end, she sat still in her seat until my name came up in the credits,” DiPalma told Buzz. “Then she started crying.”
At the tailgate party afterward, over burgers and booze, the DiPalmas got to hang out with stars Matthew McConaughey and Matthew Fox, director McG and producer Basil Iwanyk and McG pal Drew Barrymore.
“It was just like a real tailgate party,” Andrew DiPalma assessed. “Only with an open bar!”
This weekend, DiPalma, who’s back in town for the holidays, plans to take in another viewing of the film along with his five siblings and his dad.
Our recommendation: Pilfer some extra napkins from the concession stand. “Marshall” makes “Brian’s Song” look like a Charles Bronson movie.
Season’s greetings
From: The Atlanta Botanical Garden
Message: “May the beauty of this season be with you throughout the year.”
The story behind the card: “The Atlanta Botanical Garden is all about beauty, and we wanted our special supporters and friends to experience this with our holiday card,” the garden’s Sabina Carr told Buzz. “The overall design features a single gorgeous white flower of the Magnolia grandiflora, commonly known as the Southern magnolia, draped in satin red holiday ribbons. Native to the Southeast, the Magnolia grandiflora has been the garden’s icon for the past 29 years —- symbolic of greatness and beauty and a nod to our great city of Atlanta. We printed the card on a shimmery iridescent cream card stock to enhance the luminescent qualities of the magnolia and ribbon. The concept of the card was developed and executed by our talented in-house designer, Chris Ostrich.”
OVERSCENE
Atlanta Hawks general manager Billy Knight enjoying a solitary lunch at the CNN Center McCormick & Schmick’s seafood restaurant downtown Friday.
CELEBRITY DOCKET
Filmmaker Gus Van Sant, whose credits include “My Own Private Idaho” and “Good Will Hunting,” has been arrested in Portland, Ore., on a drunken driving charge, police said.
Sgt. Brian Schmautz, Portland Police Bureau spokesman, said Van Sant, 54, was arrested at 1:48 a.m. Thursday. A breath test showed a blood-alcohol level of 0.19 percent, Schmautz said. That’s more than twice the state limit, 0.08 percent. Van Sant has been filming “Paranoid Park” in and around the city.
Celebrity birthdays
Today: Actor Frederic Forrest (“Lonesome Dove”) is 70. Guitarist Jorma Kaukonen (Jefferson Airplane, Hot Tuna) is 66. Drummer Ron Bushy of Iron Butterfly is 65. Actor-comedian Harry Shearer (“For Your Consideration”) is 63. Actress Susan Lucci (“All My Children”) is 60. Singer Eddie Vedder of Pearl Jam is 42. Actor Corey Haim is 35.
Sunday: Singer-bassist Lemmy of Motorhead is 61. Singer Mary Ramsey of 10,000 Maniacs is 43. Actor Mark Valley (“Boston Legal”) is 42. Singer Ricky Martin is 35. “American Idol” host Ryan Seacrest is 32.
Contributing: news services
Got a tip for Peach Buzz? 404-526-2749 or 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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Seasons Greetings continue to roll in
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Season’s Greetings, part II
From: The Atlanta Botanical Garden Message: “May the beauty of this season be with you throughout the year.”
He may have only a single scene in “We Are Marshall,” and his character’s name is Diner Student No. 1, but aspiring actor Andrew DiPalma still scored VIP passes into the football flick’s premiere last week at Grauman’s Chinese Theatre in Hollywood.
After the local shoot of “Marshall,” the former Lilburn resident picked up and moved to Los Angeles this year. Last week, he ran into a total stranger on the Left Coast who insisted he recognized DiPalma, who’s perhaps best known for a couple of commercials and a stint in “Peachtree Battle” here.
“He kept saying, ‘Where do I know you from?’ and I kept telling him, ‘Dude, you don’t know me!’ ” Turns out, the stranger was the party planner who had been hired to throw the premiere’s tailgate-themed, post-screening festivities. As research, Warner Bros. had arranged an advance screening of the then-unreleased film. The party planner recognized DiPalma from his single but emotionally charged scene.
“He hooked me up with the passes,” laughs DiPalma. “I guess it really is who you know out there!”
The University of Georgia grad flew his mom, Debbie, out to Los Angeles for the premiere.
“At the end, she sat still in her seat until my name came up in the credits,” DiPalma told Buzz. “Then she started crying.”
At the tailgate party afterward, over burgers and booze, the DiPalmas got to hang out with stars Matthew McConaughey and Matthew Fox, director McG and producer Basil Iwanyk and McG pal Drew Barrymore.
“It was just like a real tailgate party,” the former Bulldog assessed. “Only with an open bar!”
This weekend, DiPalma, who’s back in town for the holidays, plans to take in another viewing of the film along with his five siblings and his dad.
Our recommendation: Pilfer some extra napkins from the concession stand. “Marshall” makes “Brian’s Song” look like a Charles Bronson movie.
Celebrity birthdays
Today: Actor Frederic Forrest (“Lonesome Dove”) is 70. Guitarist Jorma Kaukonen (Jefferson Airplane, Hot Tuna) is 66. Drummer Ron Bushy of Iron Butterfly is 65. Actor-comedian Harry Shearer (“For Your Consideration”) is 63. Actress Susan Lucci (“All My Children”) is 60. Singer Eddie Vedder of Pearl Jam is 42. Actor Corey Haim is 35. Sunday: Singer-bassist Lemmy of Motorhead is 61. Singer Mary Ramsey of 10,000 Maniacs is 43. Actor Mark Valley (“Boston Legal”) is 42. Singer Ricky Martin is 35. “American Idol” host Ryan Seacrest is 32.
Contributing: News services
OVERSCENE Atlanta Hawks general manager Billy Knight enjoying a solitary lunch at the CNN Center McCormick & Schmick’s seafood restaurant downtown Friday.
CELEBRITY DOCKET
Filmmaker Gus Van Sant, whose credits include “My Own Private Idaho” and “Good Will Hunting,” has been arrested in Portland, Ore., on a drunken driving charge, police said.
Sgt. Brian Schmautz, Portland Police Bureau spokesman, said Van Sant, 54, was arrested at 1:48 a.m. Thursday. A breath test showed a blood-alcohol level of 0.19 percent, Schmautz said. That’s more than twice the state limit, 0.08 percent. Van Sant has been filming “Paranoid Park” in and around the city.
If you have a tip, call 404-526-2749. Or fax 404-526-5509. Or e-mail: buzz@ajc.com.
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Longtime CNN producer changing channels
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
After 25 years as a globe-trotting producer with CNN, Atlantan Henry Shuster will have a new set of press credentials in 2007. In January, Shuster begins work as a producer on the venerable CBS News magazine, “60 Minutes.”
“As I look back on all the places I’ve gotten to go to and all the stories I’ve been able to tell, I’m incredibly grateful to CNN,” Shuster told Buzz Thursday. While Shuster’s new gig will be based in Washington, he’ll commute to and from Atlanta until the end of the school year.
His wife, Sandra, is happy about one aspect of the new position.
Explains Shuster: “She won’t be at all unhappy when I turn in my helmet and my bulletproof vest!”
Season’s greetings
Starting today, we thought we’d take advantage of our roomy new digs here in the Metro section to share some of the holiday greetings we’re receiving at Buzz Central. First up is a card from Atlanta jewelry designer Mark Edge and his 13-year-old border terrier, Daphne.
The story behind the card: “Daphne is my little baby,” Edge explains. “About four years ago, I sent out a card with Daphne on it. It was such a hit that I had to keep doing it. This year’s is a little retro and campy. Daphne just has this look on her face like ‘Eeww, I so don’t want to be a reindeer.’ She shakes those antlers right off!”
A quiet goodbye
Occasionally, you have to bring the cake to your own going-away party. Karen Handel’s three often tumultuous years as chairman of the Fulton County Commission came to a quiet close Wednesday. But Handel, recently elected as Georgia’s first Republican secretary of state, was the only person who actually made reference to her impending transition. You’ll recall that Handel often found herself at the center of controversy during Sandy Springs’ bid for emancipation and former Sheriff Jackie Barrett’s public money scandal.
The commission’s nearly six-hour final meeting with Handel at the helm covered routine matters. There were no grand pronouncements or proclamations for a chair who’s often been at odds with colleagues and county staff.
“I want to thank my colleagues for the pleasure of serving with you over the last three years,” Handel said. “Yes, there have been some difficult days and complex issues, but each one of us has tried to sort through them diligently.”
She signed off with a simple, “Thank you very much. God bless. Have a very merry Christmas.”
Stork report
It’s twin girls!
Diddy’s a daddy again. Part-time Atlantans Sean “Diddy” Combs and girlfriend Kim Porter became the parents of twin girls Thursday morning.
“Diddy received an early Christmas gift,” said spokesman Robert Zimmerman. “Both Kim and the girls are doing great.”
The first arrived at 7:56 a.m., weighing in at 5 pounds, while the second girl was delivered two minutes later and weighed 5 pounds, 4 ounces. There’s no word on names for the new arrivals.
Celebrity birthdays
TV anchor Diane Sawyer is 61. Guitarist Rick Nielsen of Cheap Trick is 60. Singer Robin Gibb of the Bee Gees is 57. Actress BernNadette Stanis (“Good Times”) is 53. Rapper Luther Campbell is 46. Actor Ralph Fiennes is 44. Actor Chris Carmack (“The O.C.”) is 26.
QUOTE OF THE DAY
“Look who’s here today: Kelli. I was afraid to leave her home in case somebody with a comb-over came and stole her from me!”
—”The View” co-host Rosie O’Donnell pointing out her partner Kelli O’Donnell in the audience Thursday. On Wednesday, in an interview with “The Insider,” Donald Trump criticized Rosie over her views of his handling of the Miss USA controversy. Trump implied that he could split the couple up by introducing Kelli to someone else.
Contributing: Sonia Murray, D.L. Bennett 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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Silver Grill will forever be in singer’s heart
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
For 30 years, self-described Atlanta “singer/songwriter in a dress” Diamond Lil has sung the praises of the Silver Grill’s fried chicken. But on Wednesday, as the clock ticked closer to the 66-year-old Midtown diner’s demise, Lil stuck to a petite dish of blackberry cobbler.
Set to close on Friday, the Monroe Drive mainstay is admittedly a little out of vogue in modern Midtown. The 58-seat eatery accepts legal tender only, has a crank cash register, and the parking lot in the rear could easily accommodate Malibu Barbie and Ken — if they carpooled.
The landmark will live, however, via “The Silver Grill,” a country pop ditty Lil penned in 1975. The grande dame of Atlanta drag has performed the song for decades on stages throughout the city. And the reaction is always the same.
“Whenever I sing it, you can hear a pin drop,” says Lil “Everyone just stops talking. People just have a place in their heart for the Silver Grill.”
So what inspired the song?
Lil, clad in a blue blazer, violet shirt and a pink scarf, doesn’t hesitate with a reply: “A yellow helmeted power line man, of course! Back in the ’70s, a lot of blue collar folks ate here. Lots of leather tool belts and police uniforms! You would come in mostly for the food, but the ambience was certainly a selling point, too!”
The Diamond Lil “Silver Grill” album cover, however, sports a photograph of Lil perched at the counter of the Majestic diner, a few blocks away on Ponce.
Lil says the Silver Grill’s original owner, the late Carmen Walton, reluctantly allowed a few cover photos to be taken but ultimately opted against the publicity.
Lowering his voice and shielding his mouth with a hand, Lil explained: “She didn’t really care for the gays. It was the times, I guess.”
Current owner Kevin Huggins warmly greeted Lil one last time Wednesday.
Like veteran Silver Grill waitress Peggy Hubbard, 73, who’s been offered a position at the Colonnade, Lil is looking to the future.
Spills Lil: “I’m working on a new song called ‘The Colonnade Continental.’ It’s got a Latin flair to it. I just hope they don’t close before I finish writing it!” The Silver Grill, Huggins says, is set to close Friday “when the food runs out.”
Overscene
“Project Runway” finalist Michael Knight and Atlanta Falcons tight end Alge Crumpler were among those in the audience for Tuesday night’s advance screening of “Dreamgirls” at Atlantic Station. We hear that Knight was so taken with the film adaptation of the Broadway musical, he requested a seat at Wednesday night’s scheduled screening as well.
Atlanta artists dominate charts
Atlantans continue to own the top of the charts. Billboard magazine announced Wednesday that local rapper Young Jeezy’s first-week sales of “The Inspiration,” 352,000, were enough to replace local R&B singer Ciara at the No. 1 position of its pop chart. Atlanta’s Sugarland is atop the country songs listing with “Want To,” and Bow Wow reigns the rap tracks chart with “Shortie Like Mine.”
Among the other debuts in the top 50 of the Billboard 200 pop chart were “American Idol” winners Taylor Hicks (2) and Fantasia (19), soul power Mary J. Blige (9) — with basically a greatest hits package — and actor and R&B singer-turned-rapper Tyrese (23).
Jeezy to whoop after Hawks hoops
Young Jeezy, meanwhile, is set to celebrate his chart dominance with local Atlanta Hawks fans Friday night. The rapper will provide post-game entertainment after the Hawks play the Indiana Pacers at Philips Arena downtown. Tickets for this game will include the concert at no additional charge. Tip-off is slated for 7:30 p.m.
“We are ecstatic to have the support from one of the music industry’s brightest stars in Young Jeezy, and are excited to have another opportunity to provide Hawks fans with great entertainment on and off the court at Philips Arena,” said Atlanta Hawks Executive Vice President Lou DePaoli via a less than personable press statement.
Uncoupling
Rap megastar Eminem and his high school sweetheart, Kim Mathers, reached a new milestone in their co-dependent relationship Tuesday — they divorced for a second time, less than a year after they remarried.
The couple “conducted themselves with dignity and respect,” Michigan Circuit Judge Antonio P. Viviano said. “All in all, they are a very fine couple to deal with.”
At press time, we were unable to confirm whether Viviano had actually set foot in the same courtroom as the notorious pair …
Celebrity birthdays
Talk show host Phil Donahue is 71. Actress Jane Fonda is 69. Singer Carla Thomas is 64. Actor Samuel L. Jackson is 58. Actress Jane Kaczmarek (“Malcolm in the Middle”) is 51. Actor-comedian Ray Romano (“Everybody Loves Raymond”) is 49. Actor Kiefer Sutherland is 40. Singer Lukas Rossi (“Rock Star: Supernova”) is 30.
Contributing: 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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Jeezy to perform after Hawks hoops Friday
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Local rapper Young Jeezy is set to celebrate his Billboard chart dominance with local Atlanta Hawks fans Friday night. The rapper will provide post-game entertainment after the Hawks play the Indiana Pacers at Philips Arena downtown. Tickets for this game will include the concert at no additional charge. Tip-off is slated for 7:30 p.m.
“We are ecstatic to have the support from one of the music industry’s brightest stars in Young Jeezy, and are excited to have another opportunity to provide Hawks fans with great entertainment on and off the court at Philips Arena,” said Atlanta Hawks Executive Vice President Lou DePaoli via a less than personable press statement.
‘Billboard’ magazine announced Wednesday afternoon that Young Jeezy’s first-week sales of “The Inspiration,” were 352,000, enough to replace local R&B singer Ciara at the No. 1 position on its pop chart. That’s more than twice the 172,000 Jeezy sold when he made his 2005 debut with “Let’s Get It: Thug Motivation.”
If you have a tip, call 404-526-2749. Or fax 404-526-5509. Or e-mail: buzz@ajc.com.
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Falcons’ Brooking giving kids happy feet
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Dick’s Sporting Goods in Newnan got an additional influx of seasonal shoppers Tuesday afternoon when Atlanta Falcons linebacker Keith Brooking showed up to shop for shoes.
The athletic footwear wasn’t for the former Georgia Tech tackler, however.
Nearly 100 underprivileged children, ranging in age from 5 to 18, were treated to a shopping spree, courtesy of the football player and his Keith Brooking Children’s Foundation.
“The beauty of this program is that the kids get to pick out exactly the shoes they want,” KBCF executive director Gina Weathersby told Buzz. By the end of December, Brooking’s nonprofit will have outfitted 400 kids with their requests for footwear this year.
And after the mass purchase, Brooking and the kids celebrated with dinner at, er, Hooters in Newnan.
When the decidedly adult establishment made the generous offer to hold the event, Brooking and Weathersby weren’t about to look a gift basket of wings in the mouth.
Still, the normally cleavage-revealing servers were given complimentary KBCF T-shirts to wear for the event.
Explained Weathersby, laughing: “It was wonderful of Hooters to make the offer. We just asked, ‘Could you please cover up a little in front of the kids?’”
Stork report
It’s a boy!
Gov. Sonny Perdue and first lady Mary Perdue are establishing a new yuletide tradition — the birth of a grandchild. The state’s first couple are welcoming Judson “Judd” Hunter Perdue into the Governor’s Mansion this week. Judd is the second child born to the Rev. Jim Perdue and his wife, Stephanie. Said the Guv via a statement: “For the second year in a row, we have been blessed with an early Christmas gift.” In 2005, the Perdues welcomed their fifth grandchild, Elizabeth.
A ditty for a Dundie
So how did former Buckhead boy John Mayer’s sap-saturated signature standard “Your Body Is a Wonderland” end up butchered as a karaoke number in the Christmas episode of “The Office”? As it turns out, the singer-songwriter is a big fan of the NBC workplace comedy.
“It’s one of my favorite shows on television,” Mayer explains on his blog at john mayer.com. ” ‘The Office,’ wanted to use [the] song in a scene for their Christmas episode. Now, I’m not making apologies for my work, but it’s safe to say I don’t get asked to use ‘Wonderland’ for strongman competitions and documentaries about aircraft carriers. I get asked so that people can goof on it. I initially turned the request down, but after thinking about it (and hearing the details on the incredibly funny sounding scene from producer BJ Novak), I decided to go for it — but with one stipulation: I want a Dundie.”
And guys who just scored five Grammy nominations usually get what they want. On his Web site, Mayer has posted photos of him clutching the fictitious “Office” award. The category? Tallest Music Dude.
If you missed it, NBC will air an encore of the one-hour episode at 9 p.m. Thursday.
Lite FM update
Clear Channel management is offering some figgy pudding for distraught Lite 94.9 listeners: The music (minus Randy & Spiff and Steve Goss) is moving to the much weaker signal at 96.7, which can mostly be heard only south of I-20, and currently simulcasts the Hispanic music station Viva 105.7.
As for longtime morning hosts Randy Cook and Spiff Carner, their futures are unknown after stints at oldies Fox 97.1 (gone), Cool 105.7 (gone) and now Lite.
Carner said after doing what is possibly his final Make-a-Wish campaign this past weekend, he realized his own fate is nothing in comparison to what many of these terminally ill kids have had to go through.
“This is just radio,” Carner said. But the fans have “always been there for us. We want to thank them for every minute of every day we’ve had with them. Hopefully we’ll have some more.” So far, Carner says he’s received more than 2,000 e-mails from listeners.
And why did Clear Channel go all bah humbug and dump Lite a week before Christmas?
“It was a tough decision,” Chuck Deskins, the Clear Channel market manager, told Buzz. “We felt there was enough Christmas music in the marketplace. We wanted a little earlier start to tell the Atlanta market we’re in the country business.”
Lite fans were none too pleased on the AJC Radio Talk blog, where people almost universally panned the move.
“You picked a great name for your station because this is BULL!” wrote Allison Bass. And another person commented by printing the lyrics to the song “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch.”
Rehab-bound: Miss USA
Miss USA Tara Conner is keeping her crown, Donald Trump announced Tuesday in New York.
“I’ve always been a believer in second chances,” Trump, who owns the Miss Universe Organization with NBC, said at a news conference with Conner at his side.
Conner won the title in April and has been living in New York. Recent media accounts of heavy drinking and same-sex smooching brought a storm of criticism. She turned 21 on Monday.
Trump said Conner would be entering rehab.
Celebrity birthdays
Actor John Hillerman (“Magnum P.I.”) is 74. Drummer Peter Criss (Kiss) is 61. Musician Alan Parsons is 57. Singer Chris Robinson of Black Crowes is 40. Singer JoJo is 16.
QUOTE OF THE DAY
“If I confess the truth, I’ve earned that diva image. It’s not something that I can hide from. … I admit sometimes I have enjoyed the celebrity more than I should have. … It was well-earned, but it’s softened now. I’m tough, but in ways that benefit other people. I am rejoicing in learning from my mistakes and missteps and trips and falls.” — Ex-“View” co-host and alleged reformed diva Star Jones Reynolds on Tuesday’s edition of “Extra”
Contributing: 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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Lyfe Jennings sings for Cavs center, wife at Alpharetta party
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Cleveland Cavaliers center Eric Snow and his Realtor wife, DeShawn, provided some memorable entertainment at a holiday party Sunday night at their lavish Alpharetta home. R&B singer Lyfe Jennings was awaiting the 150 invited guests under a huge white tent.
The evening was a thank-you for friends and business associates of DeShawn’s business, EDJ Realty, and her DeShawn Snow Foundation. Jennings is DeShawn’s fave singer, you see. In return, she presented Eric (whom she refers to as “her rock” ) with a unique stone statue as an early holiday gift.
Also entertaining guests: musician Mike Phillips. Among the guests spotted socializing under an enormous crystal chandelier: V-103 personality and “Atlanta & Co.” co-host Ryan Cameron.
920th time in ‘Battle’ the last for actor
Actor Wes Reissing played the outcast gay son in the insanely popular play “Peachtree Battle” for the final time Sunday afternoon after more than 920 consecutive shows.
The show creators, John Gibson and Anthony Morris, didn’t renew his contract after more than five years.
Gibson said they were making changes to the show to reflect the screenplay version of the play they’ve been working on.
“I’m still very upset,” said Reissing, who has multiple sclerosis and walks with a limp. He knows the MS has hurt his physical appearance, but said he doesn’t feel his medical problems have impacted the show in any way. He said he was told in November that his contract wasn’t being renewed.
“You are the originator” of the Holcomb Habersham character, actor Shields Upchurch told Reissing at his farewell party at the Vortex in Midtown. “Nobody can take that away from you.” Upchurch played Reissing’s dad in the show for more than four years.
The entire “Battle” cast showed up for the party, along with a couple of alums, including Upchurch. “I had a blast,” Reissing told Buzz on Monday. “I didn’t get to eat anything. I just drank. That’s probably what made it so much fun!”
Drive-by relief
Not since the Publix at the Peach shopping center in Buckhead briefly offered valet parking late in the last millennium can we recall a service so perfectly suited to a business’ clientele. On Monday, we received word that through Dec. 31, Blue Med Spa in Midtown is offering drive-through valet shopping to its ritzy customers to help folks “de-stress this holiday season.”
We’re told that if you phone ahead and place your order, when you later pull into the business at 190 10th St., a member of the Blue Med “spa team will jet your order to you carside.” Alas, the offer is only good for personalized gift baskets and gift cards. You’ll still have to actually trudge inside if you require liposculpting, laser vein removal or a detox foot bath.
Dang it.
Spears in doghouse
Forget that she shuns the use of car seats and that her first-born took a header out of a highchair this year: The readers of The New York Dog and The Hollywood Dog magazines are ticked about Britney Spears’ lack of dog-parenting skills.
“Britney was the overwhelming choice” for worst celebrity dog owner for 2006, Hilary O’Hagan, editor of the dog magazines, said in a statement.
“She once had three Chihuahuas … and never left home without at least one of them on her arm,” O’Hagan said. “As soon as she met K-Fed and had kids, they [the dogs] disappeared.”
Spears has filed for divorce from aspiring rapper Kevin Federline. The 25-year-old pop singer and Federline, 28, have a 1-year-old son, Sean Preston, and a 3-month-old son, Jayden James.
Paris Hilton, 2005’s “worst” winner, placed second for “treating her dogs like accessories,” the magazines said.
Oprah Winfrey, who owns five dogs, was voted this year’s best celebrity dog owner.
Celebrity birthdays
Country singer Little Jimmy Dickens is 86. Actress Cicely Tyson is 73. Singer Maurice White of Earth, Wind & Fire is 65. Actor Tim Reid is 62. Country singer Janie Fricke is 59. Actor Mike Lookinland (“The Brady Bunch”) is 46. Actress Jennifer Beals is 43. Actress Kristy Swanson is 37. Actress Alyssa Milano is 34. Actor Jake Gyllenhaal (“Brokeback Mountain,” “October Sky,” left) is 26. Actress Marla Sokoloff (“Big Day”) is 26. Rapper Lady Sovereign is 21.
ON MY TiVO
CBS 46 “Restaurant Report Card” correspondent Adam Murphy: ” ‘CBS 46 News,’ ‘American Idol,’ ‘Desperate Housewives,’ ‘The Ellen DeGeneres Show,’ ‘Grey’s Anatomy,’ ‘Laguna Beach,’ ‘Entertainment Tonight’ and ‘Dateline.’ “
Contributing: 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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Atlanta pair ready for biz on ‘Apprentice’
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
One-time hit “The Apprentice” did so poorly last season that NBC cut it back to one spring cycle (which starts next month) and moved the show from New York to Los Angeles.
As a result, you’d think Donald Trump and friends would be starving for publicity. Instead, they’re acting a bit schizophrenic.
NBC sent Buzz two episodes well in advance and plenty of bio material on the 18 contestants. Yet the network released only the first names of the contestants and wouldn’t allow the two Atlantans on the show to talk to Buzz.
Nonetheless, we figured out their full names: Martin Clarke, a 37-year-old senior assistant city attorney for Atlanta, and Carey Sherrell, the 25-year-old owner of a marketing and promotions firm called Onyx.
Both men get plenty of airtime on the first two shows. The erudite Clarke, a native New Yorker who’s married with two daughters, looks fine in a dapper three-piece suit and loves spouting aphorisms. The lively Sherrell, who grew up in Atlanta, has led a varied life. He was political director for the College Democrats of America and plays flag football with the Atlanta Storm. Plus, in a recent TV Guide, he’s seen modeling some rather revealing swimwear he helped design.
“Whatever he’ll bring on the show, it’ll be over the top,” Sherrell’s friend Kenny Kraus told Buzz.
94.9 switch ahead?
Rumors that soft-rock radio station Lite 94.9 will switch to country music after Christmas appear to be more than rumors. Clear Channel has already set up a Web site for a future country station 94.9/The Bull at www.bullatlanta.com. A logo is ready, and a feedback phone number dubbed “the Bull Horn” has been created.
In addition, the FM broadcast of the Atlanta Braves would be on the Bull instead of 96.1, where it has been the past two seasons. (The Web site has a banner saying “Now the Braves play here.”)
If this is a feint, it’s an awfully elaborate one. In fact, after ajc.com on Saturday publicized the fact that the site was live for the entire world to see, a tech person at Clear Channel blocked Web access over the weekend.
In the meantime, Lite 94.9 morning show hosts Randy Cook and Spiff Carner finished what might be their final live appearance for the station Saturday at Atlantic Station, raising more than $250,000 for the Make-a-Wish Foundation.
HIGH FIVE
Musical money
Top five highest-grossing tours in 2006:
1. The Rolling Stones, $437 million
2. Madonna, $195 million
3. Bon Jovi, $131 million
4. U2, $96 million
5. Tim McGraw/Faith Hill, $88.8 million
Source: Billboard Boxscore
WHAT’S NOT ON YOUR iPOD
“American Idol” finalist Kellie Pickler may be sweet and funny, but she’s not technologically adept.
She told Buzz last week that she not only lost her first iPod on a plane the day after she got it, but she hasn’t opened its replacement.
“I don’t even know how to work the dang thing,” she said. “It’s still in the box.”
We’re sure plenty of guys would love to teach her!
Roker’s serious side
Al Roker is often seen as the goofy weatherman on NBC’s “Today” show. VH1’s “Best Year Ever,” for example, this past weekend featured him giggling his way down a luge with Matt Lauer, while E’s “The Soup” showed Roker singing along to Neil Diamond’s “Sweet Caroline.”
But on Court TV, Roker becomes a serious journalist, investigating issues such as crystal meth and Internet predators. Tonight, he goes after child prostitution.
“It’s not holiday fare,” Roker told Buzz last week. “But I’m glad we’re doing it now. We may think of the holidays as a time for children. These children have been all but forgotten.”
His report focuses on a girl they call Tiffany who is kidnapped at age 14 and pimped out at Pennsylvania truck stops.
“I have a 19-year-old daughter and an 8-year-old daughter,” Roker noted. “This is one of those topics that concerns me as a dad. People think this just happens in Manila or Bangkok, but it’s happening right here in the middle of the country. It’s America’s dirty little secret.”
Wow, this is mighty heavy for Buzz. Let’s move on … .
Overscene
Plenty of local bigwigs came by to check out the premiere of Cirque du Soleil’s “Corteo” under the big top at Atlantic Station on Friday night. Among the boldface names spotted that night: A-list couple Janet Jackson and Jermaine Dupri, WXIA’s Karyn Greer, filmmaker Tyler Perry, Fox 5’s Brett Martin, 99X’s Leslie Fram, Q100’s Jeff Dauler and Ted’s Montana Grill co-founder George McKerrow Jr. On Saturday night, actor Tom Berenger, in town shooting ABC’s upcoming drama series “October Road,” stopped by.
Celebrity birthdays
Guitarist Keith Richards of the Rolling Stones is 63. Director Steven Spielberg is 60. Actor Ray Liotta is 51. Actor Brad Pitt is 43. Country singer Tracy Byrd is 40. Actress Rachel Griffiths (“Brothers & Sisters,” “Six Feet Under”) is 38. Country singer Cowboy Troy is 36. Rapper DMX is 36. Actress Katie Holmes (“Dawson’s Creek”) is 28. Singer Christina Aguilera is 26.
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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Singing couple plan to seal ‘06 with a kiss at Fox
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Musicians, like waiters, work when the rest of us are having a good time. That goes double on New Year’s Eve, the calendar’s biggest date night, and prime time for the working minstrel. That means few musicians will be kissing their significant others at the stroke of midnight Dec. 31 — unless they happen to be married to another musician.
Derek Trucks, scion of jam band royalty, and blues belter Susan Tedeschi have got it all worked out. The two, married since 2001, will headline together at the fabulous Fox Theatre on New Year’s Eve, and Trucks expects an onstage kiss when the hour arrives. “I have a feeling either my wife will be onstage playing with us or she’ll run out at the last minute,” said Trucks, whose band shares the bill with Tedeschi’s band. Nephew of founding Allman Brothers drummer Butch Trucks, Derek Trucks fronts his own band and plays slide guitar with the Allmans, who he joined in 1999. Tedeschi is a Berklee College of Music graduate with a degree in composition and considerable chops on electric guitar. The two have been skillful at scheduling New Year’s Eve gigs together, and in 1999-2000 ushered in the new millennium while sharing a stage with the late John Lee Hooker. “I’m sure that’s something I’ll be telling my grandchildren about,” Trucks said. They have two children, Charles and Sophia, who will be on hand at the Fox show, along with Derek’s parents, grandparents and siblings. The group tours in two buses, the kids’ bus and the party bus. “There’s Cinderella and crayons on one bus and stuff we can’t speak of on the other one.”
A sweet time
Atlantans Jennifer Nettles and Kristian Bush, whose band Sugarland scored a No. 1 single a few days ago with “Want To,” are on a roll. The album “Enjoy the Ride” has been certified platinum, with sales of at least 1 million units. After five weeks in stores, “This album has already proved itself a success,” said Universal Music Group Nashville’s co-chairman Luke Lewis.
ON MY IPOD
Sean Hannity, former Atlantan, conservative talk radio host and creator of the “Sean Hannity Show.”
• “I can’t stop listening to ‘Believe’” [subtitled “Songs of Faith From Today’s Top Christian and Country Stars,” put out by Brooks & Dunn.]
• LeAnn Rimes: “I love everything by her. She’s amazing.”
• Hank Williams Jr.: “He’s got a great new song, ‘Stirring It Up.’ “
Hannity also singled out Charlie Daniels, Darryl Worley and Sara Evans: “She’s a good friend of mine.” The soon-to-be-single Evans dropped out of “Dancing With the Stars” in October but will perform with the reality show’s road tour Jan. 21 in Nashville.
New title for prince
Prince William was commissioned as an army officer on Friday in England and shared the spotlight at the ceremony with his girlfriend, Kate Middleton.
The two have been a couple since William’s university days, and the British tabs were abuzz with speculation about their future together. With grandmother Queen Elizabeth II addressing the new second lieutenants and father Prince Charles taking the salute, William was among cadets participating in “passing out” ceremonies at the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst, following a 44-week commissioning course. His brother, Prince Harry, was commissioned this year, and both will serve in the Blues and Royals regiment of the Household Cavalry. Buckingham Palace was quite perturbed last year when a German newspaper gave away the address of the flat where William and Kate spend evenings together.
Big loser
Erik Chopin, who dropped 214 pounds to win NBC’s “The Biggest Loser,” was prepared to undergo surgery to slim down before he was chosen for the weight-loss competition.
“That’s how hopeless I felt,” Chopin, a deli owner from West Islip, N.Y., told The Associated Press on Friday. “I felt like I needed to go for the surgery but, really, I’m so glad I didn’t. … I knew the whole time, I honestly knew, I was copping out, I was quitting.”
He added: “Now, there’s no stopping me.” Chopin, who weighed 407 pounds at the start of “The Biggest Loser,” said he had considered gastric band surgery. Instead, he went to a weight-loss ranch in California to film the reality show with 49 other contestants. On the finale this week, he weighed in at 193 pounds to win the title and the $250,000 grand prize.
Celebrity birthdays
Actress Liv Ullmann is 68; journalist Lesley Stahl (“60 Minutes”) is 65; writer-producer Steven Bochco (“Hill Street Blues”) is 63; singer-guitarist Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top is 57; singer Michael McCary of Boyz II Men is 35.
Contributing: 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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Scream headliner says he loves being chill in ATL
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
R&B star Omarion has been a regular part of the annual nationwide Scream Tour. On Sunday afternoon, he’ll headline Scream Tour 5 at Philips Arena, sharing the bill with Ne-Yo, Yung Joc, Jibbs, Mario, One Chance, Pretty Ricky and Atlanta native Sammie.
The former member of the award-winning BK2 took a moment from rehearsals in Miami to speak to Buzz. “Yes, it’s an arena tour, but the fans will feel like it’s a small café,” Omarion says. And how will he do that when fans will be filling thousands of seats? “Well, I’ll be taking my time,” he says. Uh, OK.
With his sophomore solo album, “21,” hitting record stores Dec. 26 and having just completed several movie projects, Omarion hasn’t had much downtime over the past few months, but he’s hoping for a break here. “I love being chill in Atlanta,” he says. “It’s also a great shopping town. Really I am just hoping for some time to hit Lenox Mall.”
Radio host gig a new way for Star to ‘Shine’
Faithful Buzz readers, it’s been a long two months since we’ve had the occasion to type the name Star Jones Reynolds and, oh, how we’ve missed it. It’s been even longer since we’ve cracked open our dog-eared copy of Jones’ masterpiece and best-seller, “Shine: A Physical, Emotional & Spiritual Journey to Finding Love.” Sadly, there just hasn’t been a pressing reason.
At least not until Thursday, when Jones came out of her self-imposed exile after her departure from “The View.” Next week, she’ll be hitting the airwaves as a guest host on Radio One’s syndicated The Michael Eric Dyson Show on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday (102.5 FM, 10 a.m.–1 p.m.). And the one-time courtroom lawyer, Court TV commentator and decade-long host of “The View” confessed to The Associated Press that she was nervous.
Star, don’t worry, we’re here for you. And to show our support, we’ve dredged up one of our favorites from our Shinefest of a few months back:
“Here’s a truism: Don’t let ‘em dog you out. When someone dogs you out, it strikes a blow to your self-esteem. Don’t let anyone else say what you’re about or put you in a box. You know, my motto is ‘I am the author of the only dictionary that defines me.’ ” — “Shine,” Page 275.
HIGH FIVE
Yahoo’s top holiday song searches
1. “Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer” (1949) (Gene Autry, Burl Ives)
2. “12 Days of Christmas” (16th century)
3. “Nutcracker (Suite)” (1891)
4. “All I Want for Christmas Is You” (1994) (Mariah Carey)
5. “Frosty the Snowman” (1950) (Jackie Vernon, the Ronettes)
Sans ‘Entourage’
On Tuesday, “Entourage” Emmy winner Jeremy Piven will be in Atlanta filming commercials for SportSouth for the upcoming NBA playoffs and All-Star games. In the spots, set to air next month, Piven will be able to freeze the on-court action and step into the middle of the signature moves of LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, Dwyane Wade and Steve Nash. While their power plays are frozen in time, Piven will be taking measurements of Wade’s acrobatics and James’ dunks, then explaining them to the audience. Not quite a new episode of “Entourage,” but in between reruns and DVDs, it might almost do.
Hitting the big time
Energetic Atlanta educator Ron Clark — whose unorthodox teaching methods led to last summer’s TNT film “The Ron Clark Story” starring Matthew Perry — is close to raising the $1.8 million he needs to open his Ron Clark Academy in south Atlanta next year.
TNT flew Clark and his parents to Los Angeles to accept best TV drama movie at the eighth annual Family Television Awards, given by a consortium of advertisers who support “family-friendly TV.” He told Buzz he was nervous in front of the likes of Emmitt Smith and Jennifer Love Hewitt. “I was out of my element.”
His academy, which he plans to turn into a showcase for his hard-nosed yet supportive educational philosophy, will open with 60 middle-school students next fall. He already has 220 applications from parents of underprivileged kids. And he recently received major sponsorship from Delta Air Lines, which will provide his students free travel for four years all over the world, a gift valued at more than $1.6 million.
Happy birthday
Actor-comedian Tim Conway is 73. Drummer Dave Clark of the Dave Clark Five is 64. Actor Don Johnson is 57. Actor Justin Ross is 52. Actress Helen Slater is 43. Actress Molly Price (“Third Watch”) is 41. Actor Adam Brody (right) is 27. Actor George O. Gore II (“My Wife and Kids”) is 25.
Contributing: Rodney Ho
If you have a tip, call 404-526-2749. Or fax 404-526-5509. Or e-mail: buzz@ajc.com.
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Jeff Gordon’s wife expecting
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Racing star Jeff Gordon’s wife, Ingrid Vandebosch, is expecting a baby, due in July. “Christmas came early for us,” Gordon said Wednesday in a statement on jeffgordon.com. “This is a very special gift for us — one that we’re both looking forward to. … We’ve known for a little while, but we couldn’t wait any longer to share the good news with our friends and fans.” … Tennis star Lindsay Davenport is pregnant and will miss at least the start of the ‘07 season, her agent said Wednesday.
It’s hot in here
The Atlanta-based Weather Channel’s announced its first One Degree Hot List of “most influential in global climate change.” Former VP and cinema star Al Gore gets the 2006 top slot, with special mention for his powerpoint lecture-movie “An Inconvenient Truth,” which the Weather Channel’s blog says “elevated Gore to rock star status in the environmental community.”
Others on the top 10 list include Laurie David, founder of the nonpartisan Stop Global Warming Virtual March, a group that includes Sens. John McCain (R-Ariz.) and Joe Lieberman (I-Conn.). Although President George W. Bush contests the science on global warming, the list says Bush’s position “may well have moved fellow Hot List member British Prime Minister Tony Blair” to sign an agreement with California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger to cooperate in reducing greenhouse gases. Richard Cizik and the National Association of Evangelicals get the nod for their “enviro-religious concept known as ‘creation care.’ “
ON MY iPOD
Jennifer Hudson, “American Idol” contestant and “Dreamgirls” co-star:
“At 6 in the morning, right after I finished my Tom Joyner interview, I bought the new Fantasia. Hot! And of course I’ve got Beyoncé on there, some of the old Motown, my Aretha [Franklin], Jennifer Holliday and yes, the new ‘Dreamgirls’ soundtrack.”
AMAZON.COM’S 5 TOP-SELLING ARTISTS
1. The Beatles
2. U2
3. Norah Jones
4. Johnny Cash
5. Diana Krall
Eyes on Oprah
The queen of the unauthorized celebrity bio will take on the queen of all media in a new “tell-all” book. Kitty Kelley, whose books on Frank Sinatra, Nancy Reagan and the Bush family have sold big but been heavily criticized, will make Oprah Winfrey her next subject, her publisher, Crown Publishing Group, said Wednesday.
“Oprah Winfrey has fascinated me for many years — as a woman, she has wielded an unprecedented amount of influence over the American culture and psyche,” Kelley said in a statement. So far, no title or publication date is set.
Wishes fulfilled
At first glance they looked like a typical group of kids milling around at the Buckhead Toys “R” Us on Wednesday night, but on closer inspection, they stood out with their sparking face paint and the buttons on their shirts reading “Make a Wish.”
Braves pitcher Tim Hudson, his wife, Kim, and their 5-year-old daughter, Kennedie provided 68 kids each with a $50 gift card.
“They think we do it for them,” Kim said, “but we do it for ourselves. We’re blessed with Tim’s career and three healthy children.”
Byron Johnson, 12, agreed that the Hudsons are blessed but said he is, too. Byron got an “NFL Street” game for his PlayStation 2.
The Stephenson Middle School sixth-grader confessed that he’s more of a football fan than a Braves fan, but he was thrilled anyway.
“I got to see my first famous person tonight,” he said.
Celebrity birthdays
Jazz trumpeter Clark Terry is 86. Actor Hal Williams (“227,” “Sanford and Son”) is 68. Singer Joyce Vincent-Wilson of Tony Orlando and Dawn is 60. Actress Patty Duke is 60. Bassist Cliff Williams of AC/DC is 57. Singer-guitarist Mike Scott of the Waterboys is 48. Actress Cynthia Gibb (“Fame”) is 43. Singer Brian Dalyrimple of Soul for Real is 31.
Contributing: Elizabeth Cobb, Nick Marino, 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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Screen sister a dream girl to work with
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
In town last week to promote his big-screen role as Jennifer Hudson’s brother in “Dreamgirls,” former Atlantan Keith Robinson says, “She was like my sister for real. We both came into the project kind of in the same boat, because this was our first big, big stage. We had that kinship and the fact that we were brother and sister [on-screen]. We took the time to find common ground.”
Best known for TV work (he started off with the Power Rangers on the small screen), Robinson had his own challenges, sharing scenes with Eddie Murphy, Jamie Foxx and Beyoncé Knowles. But he paid special attention to “sister” Jennifer.
“She was so humble and excited to be there, and it was amazing to see her go through the process and not really know what she was doing,” he says. “It’s like, she’s in the middle of an Oscar-worthy performance, and she was still asking me, ‘How do I do this?’
“And I was like, ‘Whether or not you know it, you’ve got it — times 10.”
Critics agree. Hudson has been named the year’s best supporting actress by the New York Film Critics Online, the New York Film Critics Circle and Washington D.C. Film Critics.
Photos: ‘Dreamgirls’ premieres in LA, New York
Speaking of awards
Mexican writer-director Guillermo del Toro (“Blade II,” “Hellboy”) took an in-transit moment to call Buzz from an airport in Washington to savor the best foreign picture awards his latest, “Pan’s Labyrinth,” is lapping up (from the Boston, D.C. and San Francisco critics, as well as the New York Film Critics Online).
“I’m very happy for the holidays,” he said with a big laugh. “It’s been really great, because you kind of fall off the face of the Earth for 2 1/2 years to make a movie. When you come back, it’s always wonderful when it’s received like this.”
A dark fairy tale set in Spain in 1944, a few years after its devastating civil war, “Pan’s Labyrinth” opens in Atlanta in January. And while it may be a fairy tale, it’s intended for grown-ups … with strong nerves.
As del Toro says, “I’ve run into the occasional adult who went in thinking they were going to see ‘Harry Potter,’ and they …”
Well, we can’t quote him directly, but what is Spanish for “soiled their trousers”?
HIGH FIVE
Prime-time shows, Dec. 4-10
1. “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation”
2. “NBC Sunday Night Football”
3. “Deal or No Deal”
4. “60 Minutes”
5. “Survivor: Cook Islands”
Nielsen Media Research
They’re no dummies
While the football stands in the movie “We Are Marshall” (opening Dec. 22) included 4,000 fake background “fans” from California’s Inflatable Crowd Co., be assured: There are lots of real-live locals, too. “I can say for certain that the 17,000-plus local Atlantans that worked in the crowd scenes in May and June are what really made everything look great, and they were in full ’70s polyester winter wear for weeks and weeks during one of the hottest summers I can remember,” says Patrick Ingram, of Extras Casting Atlanta. Featured extras: Sonny Perdue (right) as a coach, former NFL running back Dorsey Levens and Star 94’s Tom Sullivan.
Piano man and Di
Sometime-Atlantan Elton John will perform at a concert tribute next July 1 to honor what would have been Princess Diana’s 46th birthday. Next year is also the 10-year anniversary of her death. The music will be “full of energy, full of the sort of fun and happiness which I know she would have wanted,” son Prince William, who is setting up the concert with brother Harry, explained in a release.
Killers all better
Last week, with about 26 hours notice, the Killers pulled out of 99X’s Mistle Toe Jam at Philips Arena because lead singer Brandon Flowers fell ill with severe flu. The station scrambled for a makeup date and turned it around quickly: The Killers return Monday.
If you have your ticket from last Wednesday, you can go for free. Otherwise, tickets are on sale for $9.97 at Ticketmaster locations, with service charge, or at www.ticketmaster.com.
Parental rift
“American Idol” finalist Kellie Pickler, for all her perk and pluck, has her fair share of heartache, too. Her parents were mostly MIA while she grew up, and sadly, she has yet to fully reconcile with either of them.
“I don’t really speak to him very much. It’s hard to pick up where we left off,” Pickler said about her dad, Clyde, who finished serving a three-year sentence in a Florida prison this year for stabbing a man. And her mom, Cynthia Morton, in the Charlotte Observer last month, denied Pickler’s accusations that she had abused Pickler.
“I have no desire to talk to her,” Pickler told Buzz from her new condo in Nashville. “It just proved to me she’s the same person she was 10 years ago. I think it’s best to move on.”
On the bright side, Pickler has been able to parlay her sixth-place finish this year on “Idol” into a successful country CD, “Small Town Girl,” which has sold more than 200,000 copies in less than two months. She was to perform Tuesday night at Arbor Place Mall during a free concert for Toys for Tots and has become a popular talk-show guest.
“I continue to shock myself,” she said, with her gentle Albemarle, N.C., drawl. “It’s nice to think people are interested.”
Celebrity birthdays
Oscar-winning actor Jamie Foxx is 39. Actor Dick Van Dyke is 81. Singer Ted Nugent is 58. Actor Steve Buscemi (“Charlotte’s Web,” opening Friday) is 49.
Contributing: 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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Here we go again: Seeger’s is closing
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Remember back in August when it looked like Seeger’s — the much lauded if sparsely visited temple of gastronomy in Buckhead — was going under? And then, like a phoenix, it rose from the ashes?
Houston, we’ve got a dead phoenix. Despite the message on its answering machine claiming it will reopen from “vacation” next week, Seeger’s is officially, nails-in-the-coffin outta here.
Tom Catherall of the Here to Serve Restaurant Group has purchased the business and plans to reopen it as Posh. In a written press release, Catherall says he “will use Posh as a dining destination for [Atlantans] to enjoy the cozy first-class ambiance, but not break the bank dining here!”
As a Christmas present to Atlanta’s dining community, Catherall — the former chef who oversees a high-decibel dining group (Shout, Twist) — announced that he himself will carve the roast beast. You heard right: Tom Catherall is stepping back behind the stove at Posh. No word yet on when the new restaurant opens or where the legendary chef Guenter Seeger will go next.
A cellphone terror
A woman who tried to extort money from “American Idol” runner-up Diana DeGarmo pleaded guilty Monday to blackmail and stalking, according to the Australian newspaper the Age. She demanded between $15,000 and $25,000 to go away last spring.
Between March and June, Tanya Maree Quattrocchi of Melbourne, Australia, called DeGarmo’s cellphone 369 times and text-messaged her 570 times.
The paper said that in April, Quattrocchi e-mailed the singer’s producer, pretending to be her, and was given two of her unreleased songs. She later threatened to release the songs publicly if DeGarmo did not meet her online, it said.
“No matter how many times I changed my passwords or tried to keep my information safe, she would always break back in,” DeGarmo told the court in a statement taken in Atlanta. The Snellville singer eventually had the FBI get involved. and the agency taped a conversation between the two. Quattrocchi “terrorized me for almost five months of my life that I can never get back,” DeGarmo said.
ON MY TIVO
Robin Thicke , R&B singer-songwriter and son of TV star Alan Thicke
“I probably shouldn’t say this, but somebody bought me a TiVo last Christmas, and I still haven’t plugged it up yet. I really don’t have favorite TV shows — like sitcoms or whatever. I like watching the news, the political shows, to stay up on current events. So I like watching the Jon Stewart show [‘Daily Show’] and the [‘Real Time With] Bill Maher’ show. And then every once in a while, I just put on [BET’s] ‘106 & Park’ to see some of the videos I like, hoping I’ll see [rappers Birdman and Lil Wayne’s] ‘Stuntin’ Like My Daddy’ or something.”
Prince at halftime
McCartney, Jagger and now Prince.
For the third year in a row, a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame act will headline the Super Bowl halftime entertainment. Prince, winner of six Grammy Awards and nominated for five more this year, will play at the game in Miami on Feb. 4. It will be televised by CBS.
The NFL has tended to take a more cautious approach to its entertainment since Janet Jackson’s widely criticized “wardrobe malfunction” at halftime of the 2004 game. That game also was on CBS.
At last season’s Superbowl, Mick Jagger’s microphone was silenced as he sang sexually suggestive lyrics in a couple of songs the Stones performed.
Prince gained attention early in his career with raunchy lyrics and racy performances but has toned down his act somewhat in recent years.
Richie arrested
Nicole Richie was arrested early Monday for investigation of driving under the influence of alcohol, authorities said.
California Highway Patrol officers took Richie, 25, into custody without incident after she failed a field sobriety test, Officer Todd Workman said.
Her black Mercedes sport utility vehicle was stopped in a car pool lane when officers arrived.
Authorities said they received calls about a car going the wrong way on the freeway and Richie’s car matched the description.
Richie, star of “The Simple Life” reality series and daughter of pop singer Lionel Richie, was booked in Glendale, Calif., tested for drugs and released later Monday morning, Workman said. He said the results of the drug test hadn’t been determined.
Grammy mix-up
Movie composer John Williams earned four Grammy nominations, not five as organizers first announced, a spokeswoman for the music industry’s most prestigious awards said.
Williams, who already has 18 Grammys, will compete against himself in two categories: score soundtrack album and instrumental composition, for the films “Munich” and “Memoirs of a Geisha.” He appears to have been confused with conductor John McLaughlin Williams, a nominee in a classical category.
Dakota’s dream
Not yet 13, Dakota Fanning is already thinking about what she’ll do when she grows up. And like other actors, the Conyers native wants to direct.
“I would love to direct someday,” Fanning told Time magazine for editions on newsstands Monday. “I’ve learned a lot from watching directors I’ve worked with, like Steven Spielberg and Gary Winick, whom I worked with on ‘Charlotte’s Web.’ I would love to have that relationship with another actor.”
“Charlotte’s Web” will be in theaters Friday, and Fanning is also in an independent movie, “Hound Dog,” that will be screened at the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah in January.
Celebrity birthdays
Game show host Bob Barker is 83. Singer Dionne Warwick is 66. Singer-guitarist Dickey Betts (the Allman Brothers) is 63. Actress Jennifer Connelly is 36.
Contributing: Rodney Ho, John Kessler, 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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Jingle Jam rocks arena for girls’ night out
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Star 94’s sold-out Jingle Jam at Gwinnett Arena on Saturday night was a demographic bull’s-eye for the station: thousands of suburban “hot moms” (as night jock Nudge calls them) with their daughters.
And they were all over the four featured acts, offering a bit of old (Goo Goo Dolls) and plenty of new (KT Tunstall, Hinder, the Fray).
Tunstall likes Atlanta. This was her fourth concert appearance here this year, and the second for Star 94. The Scottish singer-songwriter — the antithesis to the shallow gloss of Jessica Simpson and her ilk — opened with a brief six-song set, including her two surprise Top 40 hits “Suddenly I See” and “Black Horse and the Cherry Tree.”
Hinder, an Oklahoma City hard rock band that evokes 1980s metal, has one of Star’s biggest hits of the year with its power ballad “Lips of an Angel.” But most of the group’s songs are far harder, many focusing on booze and drugs. One song title: “Get Stoned.” That’s hardly family friendly, but lead singer Austin Winkler, noting the crowd, kept it (mostly) clean, slipping only once with a synonym for a donkey.
The Fray then churned out mid-tempo pop-rock songs galore with a deep streak of earnestness. Lead singer Isaac Slade was practically drowned out by teenage girls singing along to the band’s hit “How to Save a Life.”
In Dre’s court
Andre Benjamin’s film career has placed him in movies with John Travolta (“Be Cool”) and Terrence Howard (“Four Brothers”). Now he gets to work with the equally busy Will Ferrell in a film set in the world of pro basketball, called “Semi-Pro.” The Atlanta rapper-actor plays a ladies’ man and star player on the Flint (Mich.) Tropics, a fictional American Basketball Association team owned and coached by Ferrell.
Overscene
At Friday’s Captain Planet party at the Tabernacle, plenty of celebs popped by for a drink and a dance, as the organization raised more than $450,000 for a variety of causes. The list included members of Collective Soul (Joel Kosche, Will Turpin and Dean Roland), Ted Turner (chairwoman Laura Seydel Turner’s dad), DeKalb CEO Vernon Jones, Philippe Cousteau (grandson of legendary ocean explorer Jacques Cousteau) and Dr. Heidi Cullen of the Weather Channel.
Anchor weighs in
Bill Gaines, who starts as evening anchor for WGCL-TV later this week, is joining a TV station that has suffered low ratings and a parade of changing management and on-air talent. He told Buzz that he’s not fazed at all.
“I see nothing but opportunity,” Gaines said Saturday. “You can’t change the past. No point whining about it. You just have to look at what’s positive and follow your plan.”
Gaines, 51, who came from an NBC affiliate in Raleigh, will team up with Stephany Fisher at 4 and 11 p.m. and Cynne Simpson at 6 p.m. A native Long Islander, his parents were some of the first African-Americans to settle in Levittown, N.Y., which was one of the first major suburban developments after World War II. Gaines’ father, as one of the Tuskegee Airmen, was also one of the first black fighter pilots.
A Harley lover, golf enthusiast (a 22 handicap), Walter Cronkite admirer and Make a Wish supporter, Gaines began his TV career in Macon and has worked in Detroit, Milwaukee and San Diego.
Ski opens his home
V-103 radio’s Frank Ski on Sunday evening held his annual wine tasting and auction for his children’s foundation at his spacious eight-bedroom, 8 1/2-bath home in Dunwoody.
Among the guests who stopped by were actor Idris Elba (“The Wire,” “The Gospel”), former New York Jet Victor Green, hip-hop video producer Hype Williams, fellow V-103 personalities Ryan Cameron and Wanda Smith, casually dressed hip-hop impresario Jermaine Dupri, Q100 morning host Bert Weiss, Clayton County Commission Chairman Eldrin Bell and DeKalb County CEO Vernon Jones, who received an award from Ski for parks preservation.
Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin was seen noshing on a chicken marsala mashed potato in a martini glass, created by Ski’s personal chef, Mark Brown.
Bell, always supporting his son Justin Guarini (the big-haired “American Idol” runner-up from 2002), noted that Guarini is in a movie, “Fast Girl,” and recording his third CD. And Bell said with a laugh that people still call him “Justin’s dad” after his dancing-in-the-audience escapades on the show. “It just happened at church,” he said.
High Five
Buzz caught up with Skip Caray, the veteran Braves announcer with the distinctive voice, after he won a lifetime achievement award at the March of Dimes Achievement in Radio Awards last week at the Intercontinental Hotel.
Buzz: Who are your favorite voices?
Caray: I have to say my wife, Paula, or I’ll get in trouble!
Buzz: How about celebrities?
Caray: Dennis Franz and Gary Sinise. I’ve gotten to meet both of them.
Buzz: Anybody in the sports broadcasting world?
Caray: Vin Scully, of course. And I have to give credit to my broadcaster partner Pete Van Wieren.
Buzz Roundup
“ER” star John Stamos appears in an A&E film tonight called “Wedding Wars, “playing a gay wedding planner.
Buzz: What are your favorite wedding-themed films?
Stamos: I’ve tried to stay away from wedding-themed movies lately. [He filed for divorce after five years with Rebecca Romijn in 2005.] But there are some I like. I’m a fan of the Steve Martin “Father of the Bride” movies. Oh, and “Wedding Crashers”! That was great!”
Celebrity birthdays
Actress Rita Moreno is 75. Singer Brenda Lee is 62. Singer Jermaine Jackson is 52. Bassist David Schools of Widespread Panic is 42. Actor Gary Dourdan (“C.S.I.”) is 40. Actress-comedian Mo’Nique is 38. Rapper-actor Mos Def is 33.
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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Jimmy Carter has big fan in filmmaker
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Given one guest’s pullover sweater wardrobe and the fact that Hannibal Lecter is a highlight on his résumé, some attendees at former President Jimmy Carter’s Atlanta Press Club luncheon at the Carter Center may have briefly wondered about security matters Friday.
No worries. Yes, the argyle-sock-accented guy on all fours with the small digital camera filming the president and panning the audience was “The Silence of the Lambs” director Jonathan Demme.
But he was working.
Demme is shadowing Carter during his three-week book tour for “Palestine: Peace Not Apartheid.” According to reps at Participant Productions in Los Angeles, the Plains resident is the subject of “He Comes in Peace,” a new documentary being lensed by the director of “Philadelphia.” The project started shooting last month with the president and his wife, Rosalynn, in Plains and is slated for a 2007 release.
Demme intends to track Carter as he winds his way through red-and-blue-state book-signing destinations and various TV talk show appearances scheduled to promote “Peace Not Apartheid.”
On Friday, that meant shooting a sold-out Atlanta Press Club Newsmaker talk and book-signing in the Carter Center’s Cyprus Room.
Since Demme was busy documenting Carter, we had to make do with a canned quote from Demme via Participant Productions.
Says Demme in the statement: “This picture is just an extraordinary honor for me. I loved Carter when he was president, and I’ve loved him more and more since he left office. He makes me so proud to be an American.”
Paris scores a record deal
Fayetteville “American Idol” finalist Paris Bennett is has signed a record deal with her uncle’s label 306 Entertainment of Minneapolis, where she grew up. Bennett, who finished fifth earlier this year, is to release her first album in March with the single “Dream-
in.’ ”
Paul Jones, her uncle and head of 306 Entertainment, said the album will be R&B-pop. “It will be something all her ‘American Idol’ fans will love,” he told Buzz. “She loves ‘American Idol’ everything. She loves what they’ve done for her. She’s appreciative.”
Bennett, 18, keeps a residence in Fayetteville, where her grandmother Ann Nesby lives.
Toys on the way
At the majority of fund-raisers we attend, how much is actually raised usually remains a mystery during the event. But anyone at last weekend’s Toy Party downtown at the Inforum could make a pretty good guess. By the end of the fourth annual toy drive and cocktail party founded by For the Kid in All of Us President Alex Wan, several small mountains of gifts threatened to block the exits. On Friday, co-organizer Kevin Kilbride e-mailed us to say that Toy Party volunteers have now tallied up more than 4,000 toys and gift cards in this year’s campaign. In the coming days, the toys will be delivered to eight charities, including Tobie Grant Manor, Sheltering Arms, Hillside, CHRIS Kids, AID Atlanta Women’s and Pediatric Program, YouthPride, SafePath and the Atlanta Alliance on Developmental Disabilities.
Tuesday’s forecast: ‘Uncloudy’
Local gospel fans have a free holiday treat awaiting them at the Trinity Broadcasting Network’s local studio. A concert featuring Dean and Mary Brown, Bryan Wilson, Ann McCrary and Kim Burrell will include songs from the CD project “BilCarpenter Presents an Uncloudy Christmas.” The 7 p.m. two-hour concert will be shot for a delayed airing at 10 p.m. on TBN Tuesday. The CD and concert is an outgrowth of Bil Carpenter’s exhaustively researched book “Uncloudy Days: The Gospel Music Encyclopedia” (Backbeat Books, $24.95). When Carpenter called Friday to talk about the project, we commented that it appears a lifetime of research went into “Uncloudy Days.” Replied Carpenter, laughing: “Oh, you figured that out? Yeah, I was one of those nerdy kids clipping out newspaper articles and filing away interviews I did later as a writer.”
To attend the taping at 1550 Agape Way in Decatur, call 404-288-1156 or go online www.tbn.org or www.uncloudydays.com.
Contributing: Rodney Ho and news services.
CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS
Today: Actor Kirk Douglas (above) is 90. Actor-writer Buck Henry is 76. Actress Judi Dench is 72. Singer-game show host Donny Osmond is 49. Actress Felicity Huffman (“Desperate Housewives”) is 44. Singer-guitarist Jakob Dylan of The Wallflowers is 37.
Sunday: Actress Susan Dey is 54. Actor Michael Clarke Duncan is 49. Actor-director Kenneth Branagh is 46. Actress Raven (“That’s So Raven”) is 21.
If you have a tip, call 404-526-2749. Or fax 404-526-5509. Or e-mail: buzz@ajc.com.
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Valderrama at Atlantic Station on Friday
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Wilmer Valderrama, who played Fez on”That ’70s Show,” will be at Atlantic Station today to drum up business for “Unaccompanied Minors,” his new family-friendly holiday flick. From 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., the “Yo Momma” MTV series host will greet fans at the tourist-attracting Christmas tree between Strip and Rosa Mexicano restaurants at Atlantic Station.
Valderrama will also no doubt be popping his head inside Dolce, the new Italian eatery that he’s bankrolling with his celeb friends and co-investors Ashton Kutcher, Danny and Chris Masterson and Laura Prepon. The band of actors is readying two other concepts for the shopping and residential destination in 2007.
Alas, as of deadline Thursday, Buzz was still awaiting word from Valderrama on our exclusive guided tour of Dolce.
A piece of the Grape for Usher
Grammy Award-winning singer, Alpharetta resident and Broadway star Usher is also poised to add another title to his business card next week — wine bar investor. The performer has long professed his love for the Grape, a burgeoning chain of laid-back fermented juice emporiums. Next week, at a scheduled press conference, Usher will formally announce his new role as a business partner in the Grape’s upcoming Inman Park location at 300 N. Highland Ave.
Fashion Cares loses a leader
We first heard the gossip at the Atlanta Peach magazine holiday gift guide soiree at Mayors Jewelers in Buckhead on Wednesday night. And on Thursday, 
Carey Carter confirmed it for Buzz: He’s tendered his resignation as co-chairman of the city’s lavish Fashion Cares charity event. He overnighted a resignation letter to Fashion Cares’ founder, the Atlanta and New York retailer Jeffrey Kalinsky, at his Jeffrey New York store Thursday.
“I will be devoting my time and energy to other charities I feel I can better serve,” Carter, the co-owner of Carter-Barnes Hair Artisans in Buckhead, told Buzz. “I truly hate that it has come to this.”
Since the inception of Fashion Cares 16 years ago, Carter has been an integral part of the annual AIDS and breast cancer benefit that has evolved into one of the largest in the country. He has served as co-chairman for four years. This past August’s event raised more than $400,000.
Carter says he wants to focus his attention on fund-raising for Murphy-Harpst, a Cedartown residential treatment center for troubled kids, many of whom have been in and out of foster care. Last month, at a tearful fund-raiser for the home, it was disclosed that Carter was in foster care as a child.
Carter praised the work of his Fashion Cares co-chairwoman Lila Hertz but declined to explain the reasons behind his decision, saying only, “I still consider Jeffrey a friend.”
Jeffrey shopper and longtime Fashion Cares patron Dr. Nancy Gallups said: “Carey and I are putting our energies into raising money for Murphy-Harpst. Carey has done a wonderful job for Fashion Cares. It’s a big loss.”
Atlanta fund-raiser Sandra Baldwin agreed.
“There comes a time in everyone’s fund-raising career when you need to switch gears,” Baldwin said. “We all owe Carey a great deal of thanks.” Baldwin added that she’s already committed to the 2007 Murphy-Harpst fund-raising committee.
From New York, Kalinsky confirmed to us that he received Carter’s letter.
“I’m very, very sad but very grateful for all the hard work and love that Carey has given Fashion Cares over the years,” he said. Kalinsky said he didn’t know the reasons behind Carter’s decision.
When asked if Fashion Cares would continue, Kalinsky replied, “Of course.”
Going once …
For a second year, Dave FM is auctioning off its airwaves for Atlanta Habitat of Humanity. During the campaign that began Thursday morning and runs through Saturday, listeners have requested everything from Van Halen to Scissor Sisters to Pink.
Program director Michelle Engel sets the bid prices, starting at $75 for a song on its rock-based playlist to $150-plus for something that isn’t. The more off the wall, the more expensive.
For instance, the cover of “Jailhouse Rock” by Motley Crue set one caller back $150. Six Feet Under, the restaurant near Oakland Cemetery, donated $1,000 and got three songs, including Run DMC’s “King of Rock.”
One listener paid $225 for the station to play U2’s “Wire” three times in a row.
Frank Ski over at Dave’s sister station V-103 also contributed $1,000 for Habitat. For his troubles, he got Dave to play James Blunt’s “You’re Beautiful” and — get this — Spandau Ballet’s treacly 1983 ballad “True.” His co-host Wanda Smith piggybacked a third song, Bon Jovi’s “Wanted Dead or Alive,” and sang along to boot.
Last year, the combination of the on-air requestathon and live auction of rock memorabilia raised $60,000. Dave is shooting for $100,000 this year.
Celebrity birthdays
Singer-keyboardist Gregg Allman of the Allman Brothers is 59. Actress Kim Basinger is 53. Actress Teri Hatcher (right) is 42. Singer Sinead O’Connor is 40. Actor Matthew Laborteaux (“Little House on the Prairie”) is 40. Guitarist Ryan Newell of Sister Hazel is 34. “Lost” actor Dominic Monaghan is 30. Former “Lost” actor Ian Somerhalder is 28.
If you have a tip, call 404-526-2749. Or fax 404-526-5509. Or e-mail: buzz@ajc.com.
WGCL has a new male anchor
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
After more than six months flying solo, WGCL-TV anchor Stephany Fisher is getting some help. Bill Gaines, a former veteran anchor at the third-place NBC affiliate in Raleigh, will start as co-anchor next week, replacing Rich Noonan, who left in the spring. (Gaines will also co-anchor with Cynne Simpson at 6 p.m.)
WGCL has been a consistent laggard in the ratings behind WSB-TV, WAGA-TV and WXIA-TV. Although they have been down at 4 and 6 p.m. recently, they are up at 11 p.m. Station manager Andy Alford said WGCL is hoping to bring back a morning newscast next year, which the station dumped two years ago due to low ratings.
Gaines, 51, a former police officer, worked in Raleigh for six years until late summer. He’s well liked and has a solid reputation, said Mike James, editor of NewsBlues.com, an online site focused on TV news.
Here’s the story the Raleigh News and Observer wrote when he was let go by the NBC station WNCN-TV in August, 2006. A local African-American newspaper also covered his departure.
If you have a tip, call 404-526-2749. Or fax 404-526-5509. Or e-mail: buzz@ajc.com.
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Governor gives state seal of approval to Morton’s menu
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Georgia Gov. Sonny Perdue dined out Monday night with 17 office associates at Morton’s A Steakhouse in Buckhead. The state seal was forwarded to the restaurant to be used on the evening’s special menu, which consisted of ribeye steaks, salmon and chicken.
Alas, the Morton’s servers who waited on the party declined to dish on whether Perdue stuck to his healthy, low-fat diet during the meal.
We’re told the evening was arranged by Perdue’s re-election campaign manager Nick Ayers. The dinner reservation duty was likely Ayers’ last such menial task. Perdue just named the 24-year-old wonder kid as the executive director of the Republican Governors Association, an influential Washington -based national group. On Wednesday, RGA rep Lindsay Sweetin said that while Ayers “will spend the majority of his time in Washington,” he and wife Jamie would keep a home base here as well.
Overscene
Actor Jack Black , wife Tanya Haden and 6-month-old son Sammy, taking in the “Nikki in the Garden” exhibit at the Atlanta Botanical Garden in Midtown prior to band Tenacious D’s gig at the Gwinnett Arena on Tuesday. Thanks to Turner Tuesdays sponsored by TBS, the Blacks received $2 off their $12 admission while Sammy got in free. Purchasing a Christmas ornament in the Garden gift shop, Black told employees that little Sammy has been “traveling great” while Dad gigs around the country.
No room on the wall
After reading Buzz on Wednesday about his recent White House Fellows Foundation John W. Gardner Legacy of Leadership Award, retired CNN chairman Tom Johnson BlackBerryed us. Referring to his 30-by-42-inch citation, Johnson wrote: “We have not found space on any wall in our home to hang the plaque. It currently resides on the floor behind my desk, leaning up against my file cabinet. It’s not only the largest I have ever seen, it’s also one of the most beautiful.”
And the difference between the ever-humble Johnson and Buzz? We’d have a team of drywall installers billing us overtime by now …
ON MY iPOD
Fergie likes Fergie
Sarah Ferguson , the Duchess of York and new Moissanite jewelry pitchwoman: “Roger Waters, Elton John, Roger Daltrey and the Who, Shakira and [Black Eyed Peas vocalist-turned-solo singer] Fergie.”
Uncoupling
We somehow managed to suppress a yawn Wednesday as we read through the carefully crafted, politically correct statements issued by publicists for Jennifer Aniston and Vince Vaughn, who confirmed that the Hollywood couple have called it quits. People magazine first reported the split on its Web site.
“Jennifer and Vince mutually agreed to end their relationship but continue to be good friends today,” said representatives Stephen Huvane and John Pisani.
Their representatives said the former co-stars decided to end their romance after Aniston visited Vaughn in London in October.
Aniston, 37, and Vaughn, 36, spent much of the last year and a half battling rumors about their relationship — first that it was starting, then that it was headed toward marriage and most recently that it was sputtering.
The actors met while filming “The Break-Up” in 2005. In what we’re wagering isn’t a coincidence, the alleged romantic comedy was released this fall on DVD .
Celebrity birthdays
Actor Eli Wallach is 91. Actress Ellen Burstyn is 74. Announcer Edd Hall (“The Tonight Show With Jay Leno”) is 48. Bassist Tim Butler of Psychedelic Furs is 48. Actor C. Thomas Howell is 40. Singer Aaron Carter is 19.
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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Tea shop giveaway winner thrilled
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Starting Thursday, the Urban Tea Party in Virginia-Highlands will have a new seller — Sherolyn Sellers.
Last month, inspired by Oprah Winfrey’s “Pay It Forward” campaign, local businesswoman and WSB-AM newscaster Lisa Campbell decided to “give away” her business.
After we wrote about it in Buzz and she posted the offer online at urbanteaparty.com, Campbell received 457 one-page business proposals from prospective tea sellers.
But Campbell says Seller’s plan sold her immediately.
“In one page, she successfully conveyed everything I needed to know,” Campbell told Buzz Wednesday. “I mean, this girl had it down to a bar graph charting her monthly expenses. And they were right on target, too!”
Sellers, a Stone Mountain resident who holds an MBA and who is currently employed in corporate America as a project manager, is thrilled at being selected.
“I just asked myself, if this were my baby and I had opened this business, what types of things would I want to say?,” Seller told us of her business plan. “I went into Urban Tea Party and literally drank in the atmosphere. It’s a place that’s educating people on tea and it’s also incredibly community minded.”
This Saturday and Sunday, Sellers will hold a meet-and-greet at the shop (located at 636 North Highland Ave.) to get to know her new customers and neighbors. Campbell has already received an Evite invitation to the soiree.
But she had some shopping to do first.
“I need to find one of those big red bows that folks put on those cars they give as presents,” Campbell said. “I want one to put on the door.”
As for our obvious follow-up, Seller assured us that Campbell will receive a discount when she comes in.
“Are you kidding?!” she said. “This woman has impacted and changed my life. Of course, she’s getting a discount!”
If you have a tip, call 404-526-2749. Or fax 404-526-5509. Or e-mail: buzz@ajc.com.
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After silver season, ‘Radio Hour’ signs off
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
A holiday tradition is taking its final bow this season at Theatre in the Square in Marietta. “The 1940s Radio Hour,” the Cobb County venue’s popular seasonal musical centering on the behind-the-scenes antics at a live radio show, will end its annual appearance Jan. 7 after a successful 25-year run.
For some devoted Theatre in the Square subscribers, it’s a scenario as unthinkable as if CBS were to announce it would no longer air “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” each yuletide season.
“Everyone seems a little disappointed,” Theatre co-founder Palmer Wells told Buzz on Tuesday. “I would love to keep it running forever, but with a nine-person cast and four musicians, it just got terribly expensive to produce each year in the Alley Stage space with only 133 seats.”
Wells says he and his late partner and Theatre co-founder, Michael Horne, first saw the show in 1978 and knew the musical’s feel-good nostalgic quality would fit nicely into the vision they had for Theatre in the Square when they opened its doors in 1982.
“It’s a bit like watching one of those great old 1940s movies, only a little nuttier,” Wells explains.
Still, for Theatre board member Brent Brown and his wife, Carla, the show’s final run is sad.
The pair had their very first date at “The 1940s Radio Hour” and celebrate their anniversary every year at the theater.
Wells says ticket sales for the show’s finale have been especially strong this year.
The theater, meanwhile, is hard at work finalizing plans for what it hopes is an equally popular holiday play to replace it in the 2007 season.
STORK REPORT
It’s a girl!
Hot 107.9 FM “A Team” morning show personality Rashan Ali and her husband, Brian, welcomed Bailey Sky Smith at 12:48 p.m. Sunday. Bailey Sky weighed 6 pounds, 1 ounce. According to station reps, mother and daughter are doing well.
ON MY iPOD
Amy Sedaris, actress and author: “Pretty much everything Erykah Badu has done, D’Angelo and some Gil Scott-Heron. Oh, and the Floaters. I even put their song, ‘Float On’ in the [‘Strangers With Candy’] movie.”
Sick bay update
Star 94 morning show co-host Vikki Locke was released Tuesday from St. Joseph’s Hospital. Locke was admitted last week and diagnosed with a blood clot in her arm that eventually traveled to her shoulder. Doctors administered blood thinners and ran various tests. According to her husband, Michael Hughes, all the tests came back negative. She remains on medication to dissolve the clot.
“We may never know the origin of the clot,” Hughes said. He said a possible cause may have been a serious car accident Locke was in 21 years ago. At press time, Locke’s return date to the radio show remained up in the air.
Said Hughes: “The doctors told her to take some time. But if she can get her hands on two tickets to the BCS championship game with her Ohio State University team [in January], she could be cured instantly!”
Leadership award for Tom Johnson
Former CNN chairman and Los Angeles Times publisher Tom Johnson needs more wall space. The retired Atlanta newsman has been awarded the 2006 John W. Gardner Legacy of Leadership Award by the White House Fellows Foundation. PBS anchor Bill Moyers, former Motion Picture Association of America president Jack Valenti, CNN’s Dr. Sanjay Gupta and former President Lyndon Johnson’s daughter Lynda Johnson Robb presented Johnson with the honor during a ceremony in Washington.
“Like Fellows founder John W. Gardner, people are nominated for their commitment to public service,” WHFF executive director Jack LeCuyer told Buzz on Tuesday. Upon accepting the award, Johnson told the crowd: “I certainly do not deserve this award, but Edwina, my wife of 43 years, says I don’t deserve her, either.”
Johnson took home a silver medallion and a 30-by- 42-inch hand-calligraphed citation.
Said LeCuyer: “He just called me to say he’s having a hard time finding a space on his wall big enough to hang it!”
‘FoxTrot’ cuts back
“FoxTrot,” the popular family-oriented comic strip which runs daily in the AJC, is poised for a less daunting dance card to fill. Creator Bill Amend and the strip’s syndicator, Universal Press, announced Tuesday that the strip will begin running on Sundays only, starting Dec. 31.
“After spending close to half of my life writing and drawing ‘FoxTrot,’ I think it’s time I got out of the house and tried some new things,” Amend explained via a statement. “I’ve been blessed over the years … and I’ll continue to treat my visits [with readers] as the special privilege they are.” The strip began in 1988.
Said Lee Salem, Universal Press Syndicate president: “In addition to Sunday newspapers, we may see ‘FoxTrot’ entertaining us in other creative outlets.”
Celebrity birthdays
Jazz pianist Dave Brubeck is 86. Singer Frank Beverly of Maze is 60. Actress JoBeth Williams is 58. Actor Tom Hulce is 53. Guitarist Peter Buck of R.E.M. is 50. Guitarist Ben Watt of Everything But the Girl is 44. Actress Janine Turner (“Strong Medicine” ) is 44.
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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Fonda still ‘Sexy’ on the dance floor
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
After another successful year, the founder of the Georgia Campaign for Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention opted to have a bit of fun at the charity’s annual holiday party, held over the weekend. Spies e-mailed Buzz Central to report that Jane Fonda was a huge hit on the dance floor at Tongue and Groove in Buckhead. After mingling with her staff and board, Fonda was spotted out in the club, dancing and singing along to Justin Timberlake’s “SexyBack” and later showing off her fierce “Electric Slide” skills. We’re told the retired video workout queen outlasted many other patrons on the dance floor.
Overscene
In the stands at Philips Arena over the weekend at the Atlanta Hawks-Cleveland Cavaliers game downtown: Former ambassador and Atlanta Mayor Andrew Young, Grammy winners Usher and Big Boi, Atlanta Falcon Lawyer Milloy, former NBA player/TNT analyst Kenny Smith, R&B singers Ronnie Devoe and Bobby V, Atlanta Braves player Andruw Jones and actor Emmanuel Lewis.
Uncoupling
Former ‘N Sync singer Lance Bass and his boyfriend, Reichen Lehmkuhl, have called it quits, People magazine reported on its Web site Monday.
Bass, 27, revealed earlier this year that he is gay and was in a relationship with Lehmkuhl, 32, a former Air Force captain and a winner of Season 4 of CBS’ “Amazing Race.”
There was no immediate word as to who ended up with the Men’s Health subscription in the split.
High Five
For the week ending Dec. 9:
Top five hot ringtones
1. Koji Kondo “Super Mario Brothers Theme”
2. Ne-Yo “Sexy Love”
3. Buckcherry “Crazy [Expletive]”
4. Perry Como “We Wish You a Merry Christmas”
5. Boris Karloff “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch”
— Source: Billboard
Polanski honored
Director Roman Polanski was honored with a lifetime achievement award in Warsaw, Poland, the country of his childhood, at the 19th annual European Film Awards.
“It’s a moving moment for me, of course, to receive this award, and particularly to receive it in Warsaw,” the 73-year-old filmmaker said.
Polanski was given the award for creating what the academy said “were some of the most unforgettable moments in cinema,” with films such as “Rosemary’s Baby,” “Chinatown” and “The Pianist.” He won a best director Oscar for 2002’s “The Pianist.”
Though Polanski was forced into the Kraków ghetto under the Nazi occupation of Poland in World War II and lost his mother in Auschwitz, he singled out only happy memories of Warsaw. In particular, he recalled his first visit to the capital, when at age 14 he had the lead role in a Soviet play and received an award at a theater festival.
“Tonight, arriving here, I felt very happy and I realized that every time I come to this city I feel somehow elated,” he said at Saturday’s ceremony. “For some strange reason, only good things happen to me in this city.”
“The Lives of Others (Das Leben der Anderen),” set in the former East Germany in 1984, won the best picture award. The film explores the ruthlessness of East Germany’s all-pervasive secret police, the Stasi, through the story of a party loyalist trying to advance his career by collecting evidence on a playwright.
Celebrity birthdays
Singer Little Richard is 74. Guitarist J.J. Cale is 68. Opera singer Jose Carreras is 60. Singer-guitarist John Rzeznik of the Goo Goo Dolls is 41. Country singer Gary Allan is 39. Comedian Margaret Cho is 38. Actor Frankie Muniz (“Malcolm in the Middle”) 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.
If you have a tip, call 404-526-2749. Or fax 404-526-5509. Or e-mail: buzz@ajc.com.
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Atlanta becomes New England on new TV show
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Laura Prepon, best known as the tomboy redhead on “That ’70s Show” for eight years, said she wasn’t looking to do TV again so soon but fell in love with “October Road,” set in a fictional Massachusetts town but shot in metro Atlanta.
“I’ve never done a one-hour drama before,” Prepon told Buzz while taking a drag on a cigarette between takes outside a studio in a grungy southwest Atlanta industrial park last week. “It’s like shooting a film every week. It’s awesome.”
In “October Road,” Prepon plays a single mother whose high school sweetheart returns home after a decade-long absence.
Prepon (who has gone blond) has another Atlanta connection: along with her boyfriend Chris Masterson (of “Malcolm in the Middle” fame) and “That ’70s Show” buds Wilmer Valderrama, Ashton Kutcher and Danny Masterson, she has invested in three restaurants at Atlantic Station. Dolce, an Italian eatery, opened last month; Geisha House is set to open in February, followed by an “upscale” bowling alley called Ten Pin Alley.
The group already has several successful restaurants in L.A. “When I told people I wanted to do this, they were telling me I was flushing my money down the toilet,” Prepon said. “But they’re all doing really well. The people we have are into quality control, and we go there all the time. We stay on top of it.”
As for “October Road,” ABC shot the pilot in March but didn’t give it a fall slot. Instead, the network committed to a modest six-episode run for 2007. The show started back in production a month ago and has been at Agnes Scott College, downtown Decatur and the town square in Newnan (the visual focal point for what is supposed to be New England).
The cast will be here until Dec. 22. And if you want to catch Prepon, she spends plenty of time at Dolce.
Fatal wreck
A sport utility vehicle carrying Lane Garrison of TV’s “Prison Break” and three teenagers jumped a curb and struck a tree late Saturday night, killing a 17-year-old boy, Beverly Hills, Calif., police said. Two 15-year-old girls inside the vehicle were also injured, one critically, police said. Garrison, 26, had minor injuries.
Authorities were trying to determine who drove the SUV, which was registered to Garrison. The actor, a Dallas native, played “Tweener” on Fox’s “Prison Break.”
Apology coming up
Michael Richards will apologize in person to the four black patrons he targeted in a tirade of racial slurs during a recent comedy club performance. A retired judge will mediate the meeting and determine whether the matter needs further resolution, Richards’ spokesman and a lawyer for the customers said Friday.
A cash settlement could be part of the resolution, said Howard J. Rubenstein, who represents Richards.
New TV assignment
Remember Jane Robelot? She was WGCL’s highly touted news anchor from 2000 to 2003, after a stint at the CBS Morning News. She’s going to a Greenville, S.C., TV station, WYFF, where she’ll do part-time work starting in January, reports The Greenville News.
“I want to tell some of the more gentle stories,” Robelot told the newspaper. (Buzz couldn’t reach her for comment.)
Robelot, her husband — CBS cameraman Mario De Carvalho — and their 8-year-old son, George, moved from Atlanta to Greenville in August. In February, Robelot underwent robotic heart surgery at St. Joseph’s Hospital to fix a valve damaged by Graves disease, a thyroid ailment she’s had for years.
Lonestar party
For its annual Peach Drop, Underground Atlanta has tapped the local rock scene for the past two years, with Sister Hazel and Edwin McCain headlining in 2005 and Collective Soul hitting the stage last year. This year they’ve gone country, with Texas band Lonestar. The group has been a staple on country radio for the past decade, with hits such as “Mr. Mom,” “No News” and “My Front Porch Lookin’ In.”
Random bits
Critics at Amazon.com picked the latest CD “Eat Every Bean and Pea on Your Plate” by John Boydston (aka Daddy a Go Go) as one of the top 10 children’s CDs of 2006. The popular local children’s singer said this was his fourth appearance on the list … .
British rapper Lady Sovereign, who took cursing to a new level Friday at the Loft in Midtown, credited Atlanta support on her Myspace page for even scheduling a concert here.
CELEBRITY QUOTES Tatum O’Neal
The Oscar-winning film actress stars in a 13-week soap opera, “Wicked Wicked Games,” for MyNetwork TV, debuting Wednesday. Here’s what she told Buzz was the difference between the “Wicked” character and the one she plays on FX’s “Rescue Me”:
“Maggie [on ‘Rescue Me’] is a little more your run-of-the-mill alcoholic 45-year-old woman. This woman is almost like a live-action cartoon. She’s not based in reality. She’s like Cruella de Vil. Lots of pulling hair, punching, slapping and shoving.”
BUZZ ROUNDUP
Lindsay Lohan, better known in recent years for her hard-partying ways than her acting, has been attending Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, her publicist says.
“She started attending some, and I think it’s a positive thing,” Leslie Sloane told The Associated Press. “My biggest fear is who’s the big idiot to out which [chapter] she goes to.”
Sloane said Lohan, 20, decided on her own to attend meetings, although Sloane added, “She’s not saying … she’ll stop drinking tomorrow. … It’s a place to go and feel safe. No one judges her, and it’s going to be a slow process. But, to me, the fact that she’s seeing that there’s something not right makes her smarter than the next person.”
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No time to celebrate for Atlanta’s Akon
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
So how does an artist celebrate replacing himself at the top of the Pop 100 charts next week — a Billboard magazine record? Well, as of Friday afternoon, he hadn’t.
Atlanta rapper-singer Akon has been so busy promoting his new CD “Konvicted,” and his No. 1 (“Smack That” featuring Eminem) and No. 3 (“I Wanna Love You,” featuring Snoop Dogg) singles in the country, “I haven’t raised a single glass of champagne to myself,” Akon said with a laugh, when he was reached in New York.
“Let me tell you how wild it’s been: We had a whole Konvict weekend in Atlanta Thanksgiving weekend, where we basically threw parties and all of that. But I was so busy working I only made it to the last night. I had to appear digitally all of the other nights. That’s just the way it’s been though, the way people have been receiving my music. And I’m not complaining.”
If you have a tip, call 404-526-2749. Or fax 404-526-5509. Or e-mail: buzz@ajc.com.
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