TORI SPELLING HITS UNCHARTED TERRITORI
HOLLY’S WORLD PREMIERE VIEWING PARTY
THE LAS VEGAS GOSSIP
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STARS PARTY AT ATLANTIC CITY’S BORGATA
ATLANTIC CITY GOSSIP
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MARK BEGO TALKS ABOUT BEST SELLING BOOKS
QUEEN OF SOUL SHOWED MARK BEGO DOOR
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Known for his biographical books about Leonardo DiCaprio, Whitney Houston, Tina Turner, and George Strait, finally the time came for Bego to tell some of his own colorful adventures in celebrity land. Bego recalls what it was like to move to New York City as a 21-year-old wannabe writer, and turn his love of show business into a lifelong career. Paperback Writer takes each of its chapters from Bego’s personal celebrity journals that finds him interviewing Aretha Franklin at her house, dancing next to Cher at Studio 54, having coffee with Barry Manilow in his apartment, traveling around the world with Mary Wilson of The Supremes, and moving into the homes of rock stars to put their life stories on paper.
According to Bego in Paperback Writer, “In the past 40 years, not only have I met hundreds of rock, pop, movie and TV stars, I have partied with them, gotten drunk with them, gotten into trouble with them, traveled around the world with them, lived with them, written their autobiographies with them, and I even wound up in bed with some of them!”
As a prognosticator of the “next big thing,” Bego began his career predicting stardom for Michael Jackson, Madonna, and selling millions of copies of his books about their lives and careers. In Paperback Writer Mark continues to track trends by following new stars like Lady Gaga and Adam Lambert, and writes about his currently working on the screenplay adaptation of one of his most popular rock biographies.
“I have had a roller coaster career of ups and downs,” says Mark, “including attending the opening night of Studio 54, partying with some of the crown heads of Europe, and reporting celebrity news on television. I have made a career out of telling the stories of the stars of movies, music, and television. In Paperback Writer I finally get to tell my side of the story with all of the craziness, the cocktails, and the fun intact.”
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A Q&A Session with Mark Bego
About PAPERBACK WRITER
You have written and published 55 books on show business, and your memoir, Paperback Writer is Number 56. How have you managed to produce so many unique and different books?
“In 1984, my book on Michael Jackson—Michael!—came out the same week he caught his hair on fire doing the Pepsi commercial. It sold seven million copies worldwide, and I was on The New York Times best-seller list! Then I predicted that Madonna was going to be the next big superstar, I wrote the first book ever published about her, and it became a million-seller as well. After that, several publishers were looking to me to write books for them, and it blossomed from there.”
The first rock group you interviewed was Steely Dan. Is that the experience that put you on this path as a rock & roll biographer?
“In 1974, at Central Michigan University, Steely Dan came to my campus, and I received a phone call from their record company, asking if I wanted to interview the group. Naturally, the answer was ‘yes!’ In the middle of the Steely Dan interview a light went on in my head, and I knew what I wanted to do with my Journalism degree: interview rock stars for magazines and books!”
According to Paperback Writer, you were at the opening night at Studio 54, and danced next to Cher. What was that like?
“By the time Studio 54 opened, I was writing for several publications, so I was on the invitation list for that star-studded debut evening. My date that first night at Studio 54 was C.C.H. Pounder of The Shield and Avatar. We were absolutely knocked out when Cher came boogieing over to us on the dance floor, and suddenly C.C., Cher and I were surrounded by the paparazzi! That was the beginning of countless nights at Studio 54 for me. I used to hang out and talk to Andy Warhol, Michael Jackson, and of course The Village People!”
You were the first person to interview The Village People, and you predicted the initial career success of Madonna and Whitney Houston. How did that happen?
“I was writing for Disco World magazine at the time, and during our interview I could tell that they were going to be a huge hit, and I instantly became friends with the guys in the group. There is a whole chapter in Paperback Writer about that. Actually, the first time I wrote about the group was in my regular ‘Nightlife’ column in Cue magazine. When my paperback biographies started to become huge sellers, along came two more talents I recognized instantly: Madonna and Whitney Houston. In the ‘80s I wrote Madonna! and Whitney! I revamped both books to write the expanded volumes: Madonna: Blonde Ambition in the ‘90s and my 2009 German language-only book Whitney Houston: Die Biografie.”
Several of the chapters in the book are about the stars of Motown, and you have toured around the world with Mary Wilson of The Supremes, and Martha Reeves. How did that come about?
“When I grew up in suburban Detroit, I was absolutely mesmerized by Motown. When I started interviewing celebrities for magazines in New York City, I always gravitated to the stars of Motown. After I met Mary Wilson of The Supremes in 1975 for an article in Record World magazine, we became lifelong friends. Several of the chapters in Paperback Writer are about my exploits and adventures with Mary, in Japan, in Sweden, in France, and in Monaco. Working on Martha Reeves autobiography—Dancing in the Street: Confessions of a Motown Diva—was a Motown dream-come-true for me. It became a Top 10 best-seller for us, and we had a blast on our promotional tour which helped make it a hit!”
At seven million copies sold, your book on Michael Jackson—“Michael!—is the biggest selling book on The King of Pop. What was that experience like?
“I first met Michael Jackson at a party at Studio 54 that was given in his honor in the 1970s. He was in New York City filming The Wiz. Then, when my 1984 book about him became such a big hit, he surprised me by showing up in LaToya Jackson’s suite at The Helmsley Palace Hotel. I walked right over to Michael and re-introduced myself to him as the author of his biography. He looked me in the eyes—through his dark glasses—and said, ‘I know who you are.’ Although I always found him to be odd and distant, I was saddened when he suddenly died. In 2010 I was able to write and edit a tribute magazine in his honor called Remember the King, as a way to say ‘goodbye’ to him.”
You have had several successful books outside of the United States. How did that come about?
“In 1984, when my Michael Jackson biography became a huge hit in America, England, Spain, Japan and several other countries published foreign editions of it. That was the beginning of my books finding an international audience. When Michael Jackson died last year, my original Japanese publisher, Shinshokan, reprinted my book Michael! as a special 25th anniversary edition for Japan only. In 2009, when I wrote the American book, Elton John: The Bitch is Back, again several foreign publishers jumped at the opportunity to bring out their own international editions. So far my Elton book is has been published in England and Germany, and Russian and Danish versions of it are due out next.”
What rock star bio would you most like to write?
“I would love to update my Barry Manilow biography, with Barry. Also, I have always wanted to write a book with Ringo Starr. He is the only Beatle who has not done his own autobiography, and I want to do it with him. Yes, he did contribute to the Beatles book that Paul and George were involved in during the 1990s, but he has never done a solo autobiography. I have done all sorts of things to try to talk him into it. I keep bugging his manager to talk Ringo into it, but I have yet to snag him. I am not done pursuing this! One of these days I will talk Ringo into it!”
Paperback Writer spans a wide range of music, from your first books The Captain & Tennille and Barry Manilow, up to Lady Gaga. Has the music business changed a lot?
“I was very much involved in the record business in the 1970s and 1980s. When I worked at CBS Records I would watch all of the new music come across my desk as the latest vinyl albums. Nowadays I have to pay attention to the Internet, and be aware of American Idol and Glee. The music and the musicians I write about in Paperback Writer could be a soundtrack album as much as a memoir!”
What has been our favorite book so far?
“Well, Paperback Writer of course! However, I have a special fondness for my book Madonna: Blonde Ambition, in which I christened her the ultimate “bitch goddess.” I also loved my biography Aretha Franklin: Queen of Soul. I interviewed Aretha at her Detroit mansion, and in the middle of the interview she started cooking some chicken in her kitchen. When the chicken was fully cooked she suddenly announced, ‘Chicken’s done. Interview’s over!’ She had the maid show me to the door, and didn’t share so much as a single chicken wing! I had obviously been dismissed by The Queen of Soul! I also loved my books about Cher and Patsy Cline as well. In Paperback Writer I took the opportunity to write something about all of them. I have had a fun and exciting career, and I captured it in Paperback Writer!”
LAS VEGAS HEATS UP FOR MEMORIAL DAY
FILM LEGEND DENNIS HOPPER DEAD AT 74
THE ULTIMATE BEST HAMPTONS PARTY GUIDE
THE HAMPTONS GOSSIP
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THE INSIDER’S GUIDE:
WHAT’S HOT FOR THE HAMPTONS 2010
The summer season is finally here and with Memorial Day weekend upon us, New Yorkers are switching gears and slowing their pace in anticipation of enjoying sunny days by the beach. Not sure where to stay, where to eat or what events to attend? Not to worry—here is your insider’s guide to everything you need to know about the Hamptons and more. From the best restaurant to grab a bite en route to the East End (or on your way home!) and the hottest hotel for your weekend jaunt, to the best of the exclusive fashion scene and the premier Hamptons social event—start planning for a summer to remember.
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o A playful sense of whimsy and fun has returned to fine dining, as guests step inside The Stone Turtle Restaurant, they are greeted by a brightly colored décor, met with exposed brick and wood embodies the eatery’s casual elegance and charm.
o Stone Turtle’s Small Plates are ideal for those seeking a quick bite on the road and include Screaming Oysters (Freshly Shucked East Coast Oysters lightly poached in a sauce of Sake, Oyster Sauce, Chilis and Cilantro served with Crostini). Thirsty? Try the Hare of the Turtle (Bacardi® Superior Rum, club soda, mint leaves, jalapeno, lime, sugar, topped with Cotton Candy garnish), or the Stone Turtle Beer Sampler, which includes four 5oz. draft beers from the eatery’s twelve-beer selection. For those with a sweet tooth be sure to indulge with a selection or two from the Chocolate and Nothing But Chocolate Dessert Menu— the decadent, all-chocolate menu offers playful signature sweet treats such as The Dirty Ashtray and Chocolate Jalapeno “Chipwich Sandwich.”
o If you can’t make the stop, Executive Chef Gregory Baumel also makes “House Calls” upon request, personally crafting and creating a special menu based upon his client’s tastes and wishes.
4160 Austin Blvd.
Island Park, NY 11558
T: 516-431-6570
www.thestoneturtlerestaurant.com
RESIDENCES:
A true East End getaway for bustling New Yorkers, the Panoramic View Residences offer luxury living at its best— your full-service doorman building on the ocean. The perfect second home and seaside escape, the property’s year-round staff ensures that every need is met, from a fully-stocked refrigerator to the delivery of mail or dry cleaning. The Panoramic View promises residents the ultimate rest and relaxation experience. Amenities include poolside cabanas, fitness center, concierge service, porters, beach and pool attendants, on-site housekeeping, on-call massage therapists and fitness trainers. The Panoramic View Residences offer heavenly oceanfront living with none of the hassles associated with oceanfront home ownership. Boasting breathtaking ocean views, the Panoramic Residences range in size and price to suit your specific needs; featured are one-to-five bedroom units, from 1,200-square-feet to 4,500-square-feet, available from under $2 million to $6 million.
272 Old Montauk Highway
Montauk, NYý 11954
T: 631-668-3000
www.panoramicview.com
Sea Crest
Resort:
Sea Crest on the Ocean offers exclusive seaside units, spanning 8.3 acres, nestled between Montauk and Amagansett. With 74 units – comprised of studios, one, two and three-bedroom fully equipped units – Sea Crest on the Ocean is the perfect site for a luxurious resort escape. Having recently completed an extensive renovation, guests are invited to indulge in the many luxurious Sea Crest Amenities—an outdoor heated swimming pool, private tennis courts, children’s play area, daily housekeeping service, picnic and barbecue areas. Enjoy the private beach with chairs, umbrella and towel services.
RESIDENCES:
For those who want to call Sea Crest home, units are also available for ownership—ideal for all ages, from young families who are looking to spend affordable yet memorable summers with their kids to retired couples looking to enjoy quiet time on the ocean. Distinctive Management eliminates the worries and stress of owning a second home. As a complete property management company, all home maintenance is taken care of. Monthly billing and expenses are a snap with the One Bill System. A residence at Sea Crest can even be acquired fully decorated and furnished—perfect for those busy buyers who aren’t looking commit to a big home decorating project.
2166 Montauk Highway
Amagansett, NY 11930
T: 631-267-3159
Southampton Inn
A local landmark and idyllic East End escape for bustling city-dwellers, the casual-chic, Tudor-style Southampton Inn is home to ninety recently-renovated guestrooms, each individually decorated to reflect the effortlessly stylish allure of the Hamptons.
The perfect Hamptons home-away-from-home for any traveler, Southampton Inn is steps away from designer boutiques, quaint and fine dining, art galleries, parks and museums, and just over a mile from renowned Coopers Beach. In addition to its ninety guestrooms, the Southampton Inn’s 5.5-acre campus includes a conference center, OSO Restaurant and 71 Hill Street— the premier office complex in Southampton Village.
o Amenities include: outdoor heated fifty-foot pool and adjacent al fresco dining; all-weather tennis court; Gilchrist & Soames toiletries; complimentary shuttle service to Coopers Beach throughout the season; and library with fireplace, just to name a few. In addition, for a true getaway, a collection of exciting excursions can be arranged through the Southampton Inn Concierge Service.
91 Hill Street
Southampton, NY 11968
T: 631-283-6500
www.southamptoninn.com
91 Hill Street
Southampton, NYý 11968
T: 631-283-1166
www.southamptoninn.com
o T-Bar at Savanna’s is well-known for its celeb scene, frequented by a long list of VIP patrons including Star Jones, Howard Stern, Beth Ostrosky Stern, FOX’s Rosanna Scotto, and Real Housewives of New York City’s Ramona and Mario Singer.
o The restaurant boasts an extensive wine list, wide selection of Cognac, Bourbon, and Single Malt Scotch. Signature dishes include the Yellowfin Tuna Tartar (Soy, Ginger and Sesame Seeds), Crispy Long Island Duck (with Sweet Potatoes and Apricot Glaze) and the Spaghetti “Chitarra” (Veal Meatballs, Marzano Sauce, and Basil).
o A favorite of the Hamptons’ society circuit, T-Bar at Savanna’s is led by famed restaurateur Tony Fortuna, of T-Bar NYC, and Arthur Backal. Offering guests innovative Contemporary American cuisine in a warm and inviting ambiance, the romantic outdoor terrace and rose garden make it the quintessential location for evening cocktails on those warm summer evenings.
268 Elm Street
Southampton, NY 11968
T: 631- 283-0202
www.savannassouthampton.com
o This sexy boutique has been a favorite of celebrity shoppers including Christie Brinkley, Paris and Nicky Hilton, Felicity Huffman, Kim Porter and Beth Ostrosky Stern.
o Owner Barbara Blatt handpicks all of Biba’s hot lines. Biba has returned to its chic Southampton location this summer, showcasing the best of her exclusively-selected designs.
o Attention East End fashionistas! Barbara has designed and launched her own collection of chic summer-ready dresses, tops and tunics, featuring stylish designer-inspired prints and silhouettes. The Biba Collection will be sure to make a splash this season amongst the Hamptons’ stylistas. In addition to the its namesake collection, Biba’s pick for this summer’s must-have item is the dress, featuring collections from Unaluna, Gypsy 05, Minnie Rose Cashmeres, as well as this season’s hottest shoes, sandals and designer denim.
o This summer Biba promises to provide a one-stop shopping experience, with clothing and accessories from fashion’s ‘best kept secrets’ that will keep you looking summertime chic, from head-to-toe. In addition, Biba has also opened a second location in Palm Beach, which is open year round.
40 Hill Street
Southampton, NY 11968
T:631-259-2762
o Amrita Singh’s Designer Jewelry fuses Old World aesthetics with New World fashion, resulting in exceptional and distinctive wearable works of art. The Contemporary Collection has recently added other accessories, such as Handbags, Sandals and Hair accessories, and is available online and at several top American retailers, such as Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Macy’s, Intermix, Holt Renfrew, as well as various other boutiques and stores throughout the country. The Fine Jewelry Collection is available exclusively at Bergdorf Goodman in New York City.
o This summer, Amrita Singh Jewelry & Accessories is set to take part in the hotly-anticipated charity shopping event, Super Saturday 13, benefiting the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund, on Saturday, July 31, 2010 at Nova’s Ark Project.
www.amritasingh.com
OF INSIGNIA PRODUCTIONS
Spanning the Hamptons to New York City to Los Angeles, the go-to Celebrity Event Planner for the most exciting, exclusive fêtes is Owner of Insignia Productions, Ranee Bartolacci-Meir. From the theme, food, décor, music and venue, Ranee adds a personalized, distinctively stylish touch.
With her Insignia Productions team, Ranee manages each event from beginning-to-end— attending each meeting, ensuring that the chosen theme is carried throughout all aspects of the event and each component is meticulously planned, absolute focus is placed on even the smallest of details. Ranee’s uniquely hands-on approach allows her insight into each client’s personality, resulting in events that are is carefully-crafted according to the client’s wishes, tastes and style.
A luxury full-service event-planning firm, Insignia Productions specializes in intricate and inspired design, customized planning and the logistical production of all event types and sizes. Recently, Insignia Productions organized and produced a pre-Oscar’s lunch with legendary filmmaker Quentin Tarantino to celebrate his eight-time Academy Award-nominated film, Inglourious Basterds. Ranee’s past events have ranged from the traditional – a classic New York City wedding, held at the Plaza Hotel with entertainment by Kool & the Gang – to the trendsetting – including an Asian-fusion wedding at L.A.’s Walt Disney Concert Hall (featured in Bridal Guide Magazine), a fragrance launch-themed thirteen-year-old birthday, and chilly ice-themed soirée, complete with ice bar and décor.
www.insigniaproductions.com
Tel: 917-703-8829
o Headed by event organizers, Strategic Group, the season commenced Saturday, July 24th and will continue for six consecutive Saturdays, ending August 28th. Matches will take place from 4PM to 6PM.
o The VIP tent will host an invitation-only cocktail reception for exclusive guests each Saturday afternoon during the tournament.
849 Hayground Road
Bridgehampton, NY 11976
DR. KAVEH ALIZADEH’S NEW ADVANCEMENT
CELEBRATION OF THE INVENTION OF THE BRA
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Dr. Alizadeh’s NaturaBra™ Breast Lift technique uses the excess skin traditionally discarded in mastopexy surgery to provide more support to the underside of the breasts. This excess tissue is placed beneath the breasts and attached to the chest wall, giving the breasts more structural support, which can allow them to stay in a higher position for a longer period of time.
BACKGROUND- In 1910, Mary Phelps-Jacob of New York City bought an evening gown to wear to an upcoming party and was frustrated with the corset because it was visible underneath the sheer dress. With the help of her maid, the 19-year-old socialite sewed together two pieces of fabric and some ribbon to make a less visible bra. It was the first modern day bra and the first with a patent (received in 1914). Before this, women were expected to wear uncomfortable corsets to support their busts – a social convention that was contrived 350 years earlier by Catherine de’ Medici, wife of King Henry II of France. Phelps-Jacob, who patented her bra design under name of Caresse Crosby, eventually sold her patent to Warner’s, which continues making bras today. Bras are about a $15 billion industry today in the United States.
About Dr. Kaveh - Recently named to Castle Connolly’s “Top Doctors: New York Metro Area,” Dr. Alizadeh is president of Long Island Plastic Surgical Group, the nation’s largest and longest running private academic plastic surgery practice with offices in Manhattan, Long Island, Brooklyn and Queens. He also directs a clinical research division that has trained over 100 of the newest and brightest plastic surgeons in the country.
About Jené Luciani - Jené Luciani is the author of “The Bra Book: The Fashion Formula to Finding the Perfect Fit” (Ben Bella Books, 2009). The fashion, beauty and lifestyle editor, expert, host and broadcast personality can be seen regularly doling out tips and advice on local news outlets all around the country.
TODD SHAPIRO’S CENTRAL PARK SOUTH BASH
Hayden In Cannes
Finally, at long last… Some Hayden Panettiere news! Seems she made it to Cannes; I was starting to wonder.
She showed up at some pre party event wearing some skin tight jeans, sexy high heels, and a sexy little bustier.
Of course she turned up with her seven foot tall boyfriend, but we’ll leave those photos out, okay?


























