Here's a great trailer: Noah Baumbach's "While We're Young." The best film to debut at this year's Toronto International Film Festival will arrive in limited release on March 27, 2015, before a nationwide bow in April. That's good news for people who like fantastic, thoughtful comedies about generation gaps and/or movies where Ben Stiller plays a flustered everyman. Naomi Watts, Amanda Seyfried, Charles Grodin, Ad-Rock from the Beastie Boys and that guy from "Million Dollar Listing" all co-star, but it's Adam Driver who steals this one. He's a Jedi master of awesome (as is Baumbach's music supervisor, as evidenced by the two Paul McCartney and Wings songs used in the teaser). Watch below.
Watch The Trailer For Next Spring's Best Movie, Noah Baumbach's 'While We're Young'
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This Year's Pantone Color Of The Year Is Marsala
NEW YORK (AP) — Let's hear it for Marsala, the wine-influenced, red-kissed color of 2015, as chosen by Pantone.
"Hardy, robust, satisfying, fulfilling. At the same time there's a certain glamour that's attached to this color," offered Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute. Pantone's yearly picks can herald a marked presence of a color in fashion, beauty, housewares, home and industrial design and consumer packaging, though some years the influence is stronger than others.
The 2014 color of the year from the forecasters and industry consultants was Radiant Orchid, a deep tropical purple. The year before that it was Emerald green. Tangerine Tango had legs in 2012.
The idea, Eiseman explained in a recent interview, is not to choose a color that will necessarily "overtake the world." In Marsala's case, she said, the shade is complex but grounding — brown-red with blue undertones for a dark blush effect.
Eiseman and her team travel the world to observe color at play. For Marsala, they see an accent wall in a living room or office, a swipe of eye shadow mixed with bronze for a metallic look, a throw pillow, the exterior of a car or a bit of jewelry evoking the 1950s.
There's a natural earthiness to the shade, announced Thursday, a full-bodiness like the cooking wine it is named for, without overpowering.
"It really does embody a certain amount of confidence and stability," Eiseman said.
The hue isn't a risky one, whether in a nail polish, a frock on a runway or a pattern of stripes in a men's tie or florals for table placemats or bedding.
Eiseman noted the versatile shade was among colors Pantone flagged as spring/summer trends for 2015 earlier this year, as evidenced on the runways of Herve Leger by Max Azria, Dennis Basso and Creatures of the Wind, among other designers.
As they did with Radiant Orchid, the cosmetics giant Sephora plans a limited-edition collection of beauty products based on Pantone and its latest pick, Eiseman said. Marsala has been widely used in lipstick and hair color for years.
One of the color's strengths, she said, is the ease in combining it with gray, black, beige and other neutrals.
"It's a color that you can mix with what you already own," Eiseman said. "You can add just a touch of it. That's the intent and purpose. It is not the color that swallows the world."
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Follow Leanne Italie on Twitter at http://twitter.com/litalie
"Hardy, robust, satisfying, fulfilling. At the same time there's a certain glamour that's attached to this color," offered Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute. Pantone's yearly picks can herald a marked presence of a color in fashion, beauty, housewares, home and industrial design and consumer packaging, though some years the influence is stronger than others.
The 2014 color of the year from the forecasters and industry consultants was Radiant Orchid, a deep tropical purple. The year before that it was Emerald green. Tangerine Tango had legs in 2012.
The idea, Eiseman explained in a recent interview, is not to choose a color that will necessarily "overtake the world." In Marsala's case, she said, the shade is complex but grounding — brown-red with blue undertones for a dark blush effect.
Eiseman and her team travel the world to observe color at play. For Marsala, they see an accent wall in a living room or office, a swipe of eye shadow mixed with bronze for a metallic look, a throw pillow, the exterior of a car or a bit of jewelry evoking the 1950s.
There's a natural earthiness to the shade, announced Thursday, a full-bodiness like the cooking wine it is named for, without overpowering.
"It really does embody a certain amount of confidence and stability," Eiseman said.
The hue isn't a risky one, whether in a nail polish, a frock on a runway or a pattern of stripes in a men's tie or florals for table placemats or bedding.
Eiseman noted the versatile shade was among colors Pantone flagged as spring/summer trends for 2015 earlier this year, as evidenced on the runways of Herve Leger by Max Azria, Dennis Basso and Creatures of the Wind, among other designers.
As they did with Radiant Orchid, the cosmetics giant Sephora plans a limited-edition collection of beauty products based on Pantone and its latest pick, Eiseman said. Marsala has been widely used in lipstick and hair color for years.
One of the color's strengths, she said, is the ease in combining it with gray, black, beige and other neutrals.
"It's a color that you can mix with what you already own," Eiseman said. "You can add just a touch of it. That's the intent and purpose. It is not the color that swallows the world."
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Follow Leanne Italie on Twitter at http://twitter.com/litalie
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Ayelet Waldman Throws Twitter Fit Over New York Times Most Notable Snub
Bestselling author Ayelet Waldman treated Twitter to a public snit after her most recent novel, Love and Treasure, was not included in The New York Times' influential Most Notable Books list for 2014. Waldman, incensed at the exclusion of her book, tweeted at length about her disappointment and anger about the book not being deemed worthy of inclusion:
Waldman pointed out that her book had received a more favorable review in The New York Times than other (unnamed) books included in the list of notables, and went on to openly wonder why she should bother publishing a novel instead of simply keeping a journal, given such a lack of recognition.
Though Waldman eventually tweeted that there were "real problems in the world" and that she planned to "do something good for someone else" instead of complain, her following tweets entreated followers to pre-order her book's upcoming paperback edition. She pledged to make a donation -- of $1 -- for each pre-order. Waldman tweeted that her donation would go to "scholarmatch.com," presumably referring to ScholarMatch.org, a college scholarship assistance nonprofit founded by Dave Eggers.
Many in the literary community responded with some measure of derision or measured criticism to Waldman's rant. Some suggested these disappointments are typically best expressed in private, while others gleefully riffed on the perceived self-absorption and entitlement in her tweets:
Waldman did not retreat in the face of mockery, tweeting that her rant was "honest" and that her pledge to donate was only positive:
Anyone expecting embarrassment or regret from Waldman would have to be unfamiliar with her history of stoking public controversy. Waldman, who is married to acclaimed author Michael Chabon, sparked a national firestorm with a 2005 Modern Love column in The New York Times in which she claimed she loved her husband more than their children. She did not back down after the ensuing backlash, and 10 years later she reiterated that she had no regrets about the essay.
I am really not dealing well with having failed to make the @nytimes notable book list. Love & Treasure is a fucking great novel IISSM.
— Ayelet Waldman (@ayeletw) December 2, 2014It's just so fucking demoralizing. You pour your heart into your work, you get awesome reviews, and then someone decides it's not "notable."
— Ayelet Waldman (@ayeletw) December 2, 2014Waldman pointed out that her book had received a more favorable review in The New York Times than other (unnamed) books included in the list of notables, and went on to openly wonder why she should bother publishing a novel instead of simply keeping a journal, given such a lack of recognition.
Though Waldman eventually tweeted that there were "real problems in the world" and that she planned to "do something good for someone else" instead of complain, her following tweets entreated followers to pre-order her book's upcoming paperback edition. She pledged to make a donation -- of $1 -- for each pre-order. Waldman tweeted that her donation would go to "scholarmatch.com," presumably referring to ScholarMatch.org, a college scholarship assistance nonprofit founded by Dave Eggers.
Many in the literary community responded with some measure of derision or measured criticism to Waldman's rant. Some suggested these disappointments are typically best expressed in private, while others gleefully riffed on the perceived self-absorption and entitlement in her tweets:
Ayelet Waldman incensed that all #tbt photographs aren't of her book. "No back has been thrown even CLOSE to the quality of mine."
— Patrick Ness (@Patrick_Ness) December 4, 2014Every writer has an Ayelet Waldman inside him/her, most of us just keep it under wraps http://t.co/w5P9XgDf87
— Gabriel Roth (@gabrielroth) December 4, 2014Waldman did not retreat in the face of mockery, tweeting that her rant was "honest" and that her pledge to donate was only positive:
What do (some of) you do? Spend your lives on twitter being snarky and cruel? When's the last time you did something for someone else?
— Ayelet Waldman (@ayeletw) December 4, 2014You know the difference between me and you? I express the hurt, and then channel it into something useful, like scholarship donations.
— Ayelet Waldman (@ayeletw) December 4, 2014Anyone expecting embarrassment or regret from Waldman would have to be unfamiliar with her history of stoking public controversy. Waldman, who is married to acclaimed author Michael Chabon, sparked a national firestorm with a 2005 Modern Love column in The New York Times in which she claimed she loved her husband more than their children. She did not back down after the ensuing backlash, and 10 years later she reiterated that she had no regrets about the essay.
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MTV Dedicates New Season Of 'The Challenge' To Diem Brown & Ryan Knight
MTV's "The Challenge" has suffered two major losses in the past month. The deaths of veteran cast members Diem Brown and Ryan Knight shocked former participants, and fans speculated how MTV would proceed with the next season of the show, which was rumored to debut in the next few months. Entertainment Weekly now reports that the "The Challenge: Battle of the Exes 2" will premiere Jan. 6, 2015, at 11 p.m. ET. The season will be dedicated to Brown and Knight.
According to EW, both were set to appear in the season -- Brown paired with her longtime on-and-off boyfriend, CT Tamburello, and Knight with his ex and "Real World: New Orleans" castmate, Jemmye Carroll -- and can be seen in the cast photo.
Brown died Nov. 14 at 34 years old following her third battle with cancer. MTV will air a special, "We
Knight died Nov. 27 at 28 years old (though he was initially reported to be 29) after the Kenosha Police Department found him at a friend's house. The cause of death was not immediately made known.
Filmed in Panama, "Battle of the Exes 2" will feature a twist, "Battle of the Ex-iled," during which eliminated contestants will be able to return to the competition. It's also the first season that will feature cast members from "Real World: Ex-Plosion" and MTV's dating show, "Are You the One?"
The cast includes:
Zach and Jonna
Johnny "Bananas" and Nany
Leroy and Nia
Wes and Theresa
Jordan and Sarah
Johnny and Averey
Thomas and Hailey
Knight and Jemmye
Dustin and Jessica
Adam and Brittany
Jay and Jenna
John "JJ" and Simone
CT and Diem
According to EW, both were set to appear in the season -- Brown paired with her longtime on-and-off boyfriend, CT Tamburello, and Knight with his ex and "Real World: New Orleans" castmate, Jemmye Carroll -- and can be seen in the cast photo.
Brown died Nov. 14 at 34 years old following her third battle with cancer. MTV will air a special, "We
Knight died Nov. 27 at 28 years old (though he was initially reported to be 29) after the Kenosha Police Department found him at a friend's house. The cause of death was not immediately made known.
Filmed in Panama, "Battle of the Exes 2" will feature a twist, "Battle of the Ex-iled," during which eliminated contestants will be able to return to the competition. It's also the first season that will feature cast members from "Real World: Ex-Plosion" and MTV's dating show, "Are You the One?"
The cast includes:
Zach and Jonna
Johnny "Bananas" and Nany
Leroy and Nia
Wes and Theresa
Jordan and Sarah
Johnny and Averey
Thomas and Hailey
Knight and Jemmye
Dustin and Jessica
Adam and Brittany
Jay and Jenna
John "JJ" and Simone
CT and Diem
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Proof Ben Whishaw Has Some Of The Best Hair In Hollywood
Ben Whishaw was one of the many names announced with the cast of "Spectre," marking the second time he'll play Q in a James Bond movie. But let's rephrase that: Ben Whishaw's hair has joined the cast of "Spectre," marking yet another instance that we've envied the actor's beautiful mane.
Because even though Whishaw has been sadly overlooked for top-tier movie-star status, his wild head of hair has made notable appearances in a handful of films over the past decade. After breaking out in a BAFTA-nominated role in "Perfume: The Story of a Murderer" and as one of several Bob Dylan iterations in the unconventional biopic "I'm Not There," Whishaw's hair stole scenes in "Brideshead Revisited," as poet John Keats in "Bright Star," as Ariel in Julie Taymor's "Tempest" update and in the sprawling "Cloud Atlas." His hair won't be seen in "Paddington," but his voice will be heard when he plays the titular bear in January's adaptation of the children's classic. It will, however, appear when he portrays Herman Melville in Ron Howard's "In the Heart of the Sea," opening in March.
So now that you're up to speed on his résumé, let's get to the point: The Whishaw Tresses. It's a little different every time we see it, but no less perfect. Here are some of Ben Whishaw's best hair moments since we've known him:
![ben whishaw]()
Dec. 4, 2014, at the photocall for "Spectre" (alongside Naomie Harris, Daniel Craig and Ralph Fiennes)
![ben whishaw]()
Nov. 23, 2014, at the "Paddington" word premiere in London
![ben whishaw]()
May 12, 2013, in the press room at the British Academy Television Awards in London
![ben whishaw]()
Feb. 18, 2013, at a screening of "Cloud Atlas" (alongside Hugh Grant and James D'Arcy)
![ben whishaw]()
In a scene from 2012's "Cloud Atlas" (alongside Jim Broadbent)
![ben whishaw]()
Nov. 5, 2012, at the "Cloud Atlas" premiere in Berlin
![ben whishaw]()
In a press photo for the 2011-2012 British crime drama "The Hour" (alongside Dominic West)
![ben whishaw]()
In a scene from the 2010 off-Broadway production of Alexi Kaye Campbell's "The Pride" (alongside Hugh Dancy)
![ben whishaw]()
Jan. 7, 2010, at a photo call for the off-Broadway play "The Pride" (alongside Hugh Dancy, Andrea Riseborough and Adam James)
![ben whishaw]()
Sept. 12, 2009, at a "Bright Eyes" press conference in Toronto
![ben whishaw]()
May 15, 2009, at a Cannes Film Festival press conference for "Bright Star"
![ben whishaw]()
In a scene from 2008's "Brideshead Revisited" (alongside Matthew Goode)
![ben whishaw]()
Dec. 8, 2004, at a photo call in London
Because even though Whishaw has been sadly overlooked for top-tier movie-star status, his wild head of hair has made notable appearances in a handful of films over the past decade. After breaking out in a BAFTA-nominated role in "Perfume: The Story of a Murderer" and as one of several Bob Dylan iterations in the unconventional biopic "I'm Not There," Whishaw's hair stole scenes in "Brideshead Revisited," as poet John Keats in "Bright Star," as Ariel in Julie Taymor's "Tempest" update and in the sprawling "Cloud Atlas." His hair won't be seen in "Paddington," but his voice will be heard when he plays the titular bear in January's adaptation of the children's classic. It will, however, appear when he portrays Herman Melville in Ron Howard's "In the Heart of the Sea," opening in March.
So now that you're up to speed on his résumé, let's get to the point: The Whishaw Tresses. It's a little different every time we see it, but no less perfect. Here are some of Ben Whishaw's best hair moments since we've known him:
Dec. 4, 2014, at the photocall for "Spectre" (alongside Naomie Harris, Daniel Craig and Ralph Fiennes)
Nov. 23, 2014, at the "Paddington" word premiere in London
May 12, 2013, in the press room at the British Academy Television Awards in London
Feb. 18, 2013, at a screening of "Cloud Atlas" (alongside Hugh Grant and James D'Arcy)
In a scene from 2012's "Cloud Atlas" (alongside Jim Broadbent)
Nov. 5, 2012, at the "Cloud Atlas" premiere in Berlin
In a press photo for the 2011-2012 British crime drama "The Hour" (alongside Dominic West)
In a scene from the 2010 off-Broadway production of Alexi Kaye Campbell's "The Pride" (alongside Hugh Dancy)
Jan. 7, 2010, at a photo call for the off-Broadway play "The Pride" (alongside Hugh Dancy, Andrea Riseborough and Adam James)
Sept. 12, 2009, at a "Bright Eyes" press conference in Toronto
May 15, 2009, at a Cannes Film Festival press conference for "Bright Star"
In a scene from 2008's "Brideshead Revisited" (alongside Matthew Goode)
Dec. 8, 2004, at a photo call in London
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'Life Partners' Totally Nails Female Best Friendship
Opposites attract in the new film "Life Partners" -- but for once, the relationship in focus is a platonic one. Susanna Fogel's directorial debut, which premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival in April, features Gillian Jacobs and Leighton Meester as inseparable, 28-year-old best friends. Jacobs plays Paige, a lawyer who has a hard time when things don't go her way; Meester is Sasha, a confused aspiring musician who works as a receptionist. The pair lives like true best friends do: they have a weekly date to drink wine and watch "America's Next Top Model" (which often ends in a sleepover), and swipe through each other's Tinder matches with abandon. Paige is straight, Sasha is gay, and they are both looking for love.
But when Paige finds it in Tim (Adam Brody) while Sasha remains (mostly) single, the long-solidified dynamics of their relationship begin to shift. The film explores territory usually left uncharted after a rom-com's happy ending: how friendships hold up after true love enters the picture.
HuffPost Entertainment spoke with Jacobs about "Life Partners," platonic and romantic love and why "Community" is like being in a bad relationship.
![life partners]()
Early on in the film, your character tells Sasha she wants to find someone she likes as much as her friend. Paige falls in love with Tim, but there are certain little things -- her watching "America's Next Top Model," his making constant movie references -- that they never understand about each other. What do you think the film's trying to say about these differences?
Well, I think that it’s not as important to have everything in common with your partner as it is to love and respect them, and have a good time with them. It’s okay to have differences. I think sometimes when you’re younger you’re like, "We have to like the same movies and the same music and the same books and everything has to be the same." But I don’t think that’s necessarily true, and you might be passing up on a lot of great people if you’re just focused solely on that. I think Paige stumbles there with trying to give him a makeover. But eventually she learns her lesson to just let him be Tim because he loves her. And he’s great for her.
Do you think there are certain things that female or platonic friendships can provide that romantic relationships can’t?
I think that sometimes we’re weirdly able to be more vulnerable with our platonic relationships because you’re not as worried about rejection. I think that knowing someone over a long period of time -- they know you in a different, deeper way. They’ve seen you through your highs and your lows and at various stages of your life and things you probably care to forget. And there’s really something valuable in people having that long-term knowledge of you.
![life partners]()
"Life Partners" comes at a moment where other projects focused on female friendship -- like "Girls" and "Broad City" -- are popping up as well. Do you think there’s something specific about this point in time that’s finally bringing these stories to the forefront?
I wonder if it’s all a run off effect of "Bridesmaids." When you have a really commercially successful film centered around female friendships, that sort of gives everyone permission -- whether it's in movies or TV. And then I think the fact that all these shows are really good and are drawing an audience encourages people to make more shows like it. I'm very encouraged by what’s going on right now.
I was struck while watching by how rare and refreshing it is to see a film like this in which a gay character's sexuality is incidental. Did that aspect draw you at all to the project?
Yeah, I really like that about the film as well. It's not a coming out story. It’s not someone coming to terms with their sexuality. Sasha's not struggling or grappling with that and so often I feel like that’s the storyline. So it’s really great to have a story where you meet somebody where they've gone through all that. That’s in the past and now they’re just dating and trying to figure out who they want to be with. But there's not a lot of that questioning going on. It's not a "Very Special Episode." And also, the fact that it doesn't turn out at the end that Leighton is secretly in love with my character. It's not falling into any of those tired tropes.
![gillian jacobs community]()
It was recently announced that Yahoo would pick up "Community" for a sixth season. Has it been stressful to work on a show whose fate has been so consistently uncertain?
Yeah, it’s been like being in a bad romantic relationship. Where they want you, and then they don’t want you, and you’re not sure if they’re gonna break up with you, and then they stay together, but then they ultimately dump you. It’s been like being in a crappy relationship. But there was some sort of weird relief in that the worst happened -- we were canceled by NBC -- and the world didn’t stop spinning. We’re all fine. And now, weirdly, the show is having new life. I think it’s made me way tougher. Thank God I have a job that I wanted to keep -- that I wasn’t secretly hoping would be canceled. Because I know other actors who feel that way. I'm lucky to have a job I like.
"Life Partners" hits select theaters Dec. 5. This interview has been condensed and edited.
But when Paige finds it in Tim (Adam Brody) while Sasha remains (mostly) single, the long-solidified dynamics of their relationship begin to shift. The film explores territory usually left uncharted after a rom-com's happy ending: how friendships hold up after true love enters the picture.
HuffPost Entertainment spoke with Jacobs about "Life Partners," platonic and romantic love and why "Community" is like being in a bad relationship.
Early on in the film, your character tells Sasha she wants to find someone she likes as much as her friend. Paige falls in love with Tim, but there are certain little things -- her watching "America's Next Top Model," his making constant movie references -- that they never understand about each other. What do you think the film's trying to say about these differences?
Well, I think that it’s not as important to have everything in common with your partner as it is to love and respect them, and have a good time with them. It’s okay to have differences. I think sometimes when you’re younger you’re like, "We have to like the same movies and the same music and the same books and everything has to be the same." But I don’t think that’s necessarily true, and you might be passing up on a lot of great people if you’re just focused solely on that. I think Paige stumbles there with trying to give him a makeover. But eventually she learns her lesson to just let him be Tim because he loves her. And he’s great for her.
Do you think there are certain things that female or platonic friendships can provide that romantic relationships can’t?
I think that sometimes we’re weirdly able to be more vulnerable with our platonic relationships because you’re not as worried about rejection. I think that knowing someone over a long period of time -- they know you in a different, deeper way. They’ve seen you through your highs and your lows and at various stages of your life and things you probably care to forget. And there’s really something valuable in people having that long-term knowledge of you.
"Life Partners" comes at a moment where other projects focused on female friendship -- like "Girls" and "Broad City" -- are popping up as well. Do you think there’s something specific about this point in time that’s finally bringing these stories to the forefront?
I wonder if it’s all a run off effect of "Bridesmaids." When you have a really commercially successful film centered around female friendships, that sort of gives everyone permission -- whether it's in movies or TV. And then I think the fact that all these shows are really good and are drawing an audience encourages people to make more shows like it. I'm very encouraged by what’s going on right now.
I was struck while watching by how rare and refreshing it is to see a film like this in which a gay character's sexuality is incidental. Did that aspect draw you at all to the project?
Yeah, I really like that about the film as well. It's not a coming out story. It’s not someone coming to terms with their sexuality. Sasha's not struggling or grappling with that and so often I feel like that’s the storyline. So it’s really great to have a story where you meet somebody where they've gone through all that. That’s in the past and now they’re just dating and trying to figure out who they want to be with. But there's not a lot of that questioning going on. It's not a "Very Special Episode." And also, the fact that it doesn't turn out at the end that Leighton is secretly in love with my character. It's not falling into any of those tired tropes.
It was recently announced that Yahoo would pick up "Community" for a sixth season. Has it been stressful to work on a show whose fate has been so consistently uncertain?
Yeah, it’s been like being in a bad romantic relationship. Where they want you, and then they don’t want you, and you’re not sure if they’re gonna break up with you, and then they stay together, but then they ultimately dump you. It’s been like being in a crappy relationship. But there was some sort of weird relief in that the worst happened -- we were canceled by NBC -- and the world didn’t stop spinning. We’re all fine. And now, weirdly, the show is having new life. I think it’s made me way tougher. Thank God I have a job that I wanted to keep -- that I wasn’t secretly hoping would be canceled. Because I know other actors who feel that way. I'm lucky to have a job I like.
"Life Partners" hits select theaters Dec. 5. This interview has been condensed and edited.
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Bill Cosby Cancels New York Tour Dates
Bill Cosby has canceled his New York tour dates amid more sexual assault allegations against the 77-year-old comedian.
Cosby was scheduled to perform at the Tarrytown Music Hall twice on Saturday, but the venue announced that he would not go on, noting that ticket holders would be refunded:
Cosby's performances in Las Vegas and Tucson were also canceled last month. Las Vegas' Treasure Island casino-hotel said it had mutually agreed with Cosby to cancel the show, though Tucson's Diamond Desert casino did not provide a reason.
Cosby's tour schedule is still live on BillCosby.com, and lists dozens of dates that are still set to go forward through May 2015. His next scheduled performance is Jan. 7, 2015 in Ontario, Canada.
Cosby was scheduled to perform at the Tarrytown Music Hall twice on Saturday, but the venue announced that he would not go on, noting that ticket holders would be refunded:
Cosby's performances in Las Vegas and Tucson were also canceled last month. Las Vegas' Treasure Island casino-hotel said it had mutually agreed with Cosby to cancel the show, though Tucson's Diamond Desert casino did not provide a reason.
Cosby's tour schedule is still live on BillCosby.com, and lists dozens of dates that are still set to go forward through May 2015. His next scheduled performance is Jan. 7, 2015 in Ontario, Canada.
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Dancin' Dads In Ugly Christmas Sweaters Is The Gift We Didn't Know We Wanted
Meet your new favorite hip dance crew -- whose day jobs might include professions like accounting.
In an ad for Sainsbury's, a supermarket chain in the UK, that was uploaded to YouTube, a group of dads, called "The Christmas Jumpers," show us who's boss at a talent show -- all the while rockin' ugly Christmas sweaters. Their perfectly choreographed dance to a funky remix of Tchaikovsky's "Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy" left us basically speechless, and there's no way you won't be, as well.
H/T: Right This Minute
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In an ad for Sainsbury's, a supermarket chain in the UK, that was uploaded to YouTube, a group of dads, called "The Christmas Jumpers," show us who's boss at a talent show -- all the while rockin' ugly Christmas sweaters. Their perfectly choreographed dance to a funky remix of Tchaikovsky's "Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy" left us basically speechless, and there's no way you won't be, as well.
H/T: Right This Minute
Like Us On Facebook 
Follow Us On Twitter
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Here Are Shopping Malls In All Their '80s Glory
Although malls may seem like an aspect of our culture that hasn't changed much, a look at photographer Michael Galinsky's mall photos from the late '80s might make you think twice.
Inspired by a photography class, Galinsky, then 20, took a trip across the United States to document shopping malls.
"I was taking a color photo class when I visited the Smith Haven Mall on Long Island in the winter of 1989," Galinsky told The Huffington Post. "I had my camera on me, so I started shooting ... I was a big fan of street photographers like Robert Frank and Gary Winogrand as well as William Eggleston who made amazing color photos. I thought about combining the former's focus on street photos with Eggleston's use of color and it all came together. My teacher was extremely supportive and suggested that I go shoot in other malls. I had just read 'On The Road' and decided to head across the country."
Galinsky's photographs wound up in his book Michael Galinsky: Malls Across America. Looking back, Galinksy notes that malls have certainly changed in the past 25 years or so.
"I think that online shopping has something to do with it, but it also has to do with other subtler shifts in our culture," Galinsky, who's currently working on a film about chronic illness, explained. "There are still malls, and new spaces still open while some close. It just isn't central to our cultural narrative like it was in the '80s."
Take a look at Galinsky's stunning photos below:
H/T Mashable
Inspired by a photography class, Galinsky, then 20, took a trip across the United States to document shopping malls.
"I was taking a color photo class when I visited the Smith Haven Mall on Long Island in the winter of 1989," Galinsky told The Huffington Post. "I had my camera on me, so I started shooting ... I was a big fan of street photographers like Robert Frank and Gary Winogrand as well as William Eggleston who made amazing color photos. I thought about combining the former's focus on street photos with Eggleston's use of color and it all came together. My teacher was extremely supportive and suggested that I go shoot in other malls. I had just read 'On The Road' and decided to head across the country."
Galinsky's photographs wound up in his book Michael Galinsky: Malls Across America. Looking back, Galinksy notes that malls have certainly changed in the past 25 years or so.
"I think that online shopping has something to do with it, but it also has to do with other subtler shifts in our culture," Galinsky, who's currently working on a film about chronic illness, explained. "There are still malls, and new spaces still open while some close. It just isn't central to our cultural narrative like it was in the '80s."
Take a look at Galinsky's stunning photos below:
H/T Mashable
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John Legend And Common's 'Glory' Is The Year's Most Poignant Song From A Film
John Legend and Common teamed up for "Glory," a track from "Selma," the upcoming film about the campaign for black voting rights in 1965. It's a song about justice, freedom and the will to fight for both. Common compares the recent events in Missouri to the movie's events: "That's why Rosa sat on the bus / That's why we walk through Ferguson with our hands up."
A gospel choir and an orchestra support Legend and Common, giving the track the levity it deserves. Swelling into the chorus, Legend sings, "One day, when the glory comes / It will be ours, it will be ours / One day, when the war is won / We will be sure, we will be sure." Legend tweeted out the song: "50 years since Selma. Still marching," he wrote.
![selma]()
"Selma" hits theaters Dec. 25.
A gospel choir and an orchestra support Legend and Common, giving the track the levity it deserves. Swelling into the chorus, Legend sings, "One day, when the glory comes / It will be ours, it will be ours / One day, when the war is won / We will be sure, we will be sure." Legend tweeted out the song: "50 years since Selma. Still marching," he wrote.
"Selma" hits theaters Dec. 25.
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15 Beautiful Home Products In Marsala, Pantone's 2015 Color Of The Year
A couple of brands gave their predictions on the it color of 2015, but everyone knows that Pantone really has the final say. So the hue of 2015 is: Marsala, a "wine-influenced, red-kissed color" that Leatrice Eiseman, the executive director of the Pantone Color Institute, describes as "hardy, robust, satisfying [and] fulfilling."
Here's what the paint swatch looks like:
![swatch]()
Some people are quite happy that Marsala was chosen, as it's a more subdued color following previous years' brighter choices of Radiant Orchid, Emerald and Honeysuckle.
"Marsala feels very nouveau-hippie, '90s coffeehouse to me," says Donna Garlough, Joss & Main's Style Director told HuffPost Home. "[It's] a mellower and unassuming neutral. I see this color translating best in textiles like pillows, throws, and to some extent upholstery... bohemian, globally inspired looks, [including] flatweave rugs, kilim pillows, and the like. And of course, there’s the classic red Oriental rug."
Here are 15 marsala-colored items to show you what we mean.
Here's what the paint swatch looks like:
Some people are quite happy that Marsala was chosen, as it's a more subdued color following previous years' brighter choices of Radiant Orchid, Emerald and Honeysuckle.
"Marsala feels very nouveau-hippie, '90s coffeehouse to me," says Donna Garlough, Joss & Main's Style Director told HuffPost Home. "[It's] a mellower and unassuming neutral. I see this color translating best in textiles like pillows, throws, and to some extent upholstery... bohemian, globally inspired looks, [including] flatweave rugs, kilim pillows, and the like. And of course, there’s the classic red Oriental rug."
Here are 15 marsala-colored items to show you what we mean.
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Benedict Cumberbatch Is Your Doctor Strange
Benedict Cumberbatch is officially the Sorcerer Supreme. Following months of speculation, Marvel announced on Thursday that Cumberbatch will play the lead role in "Doctor Strange."
"Stephen Strange's story requires an actor capable of great depth and sincerity," Marvel Studios president and "Doctor Strange" producer Kevin Feige said in a statement. "In 2016, Benedict will show audiences what makes Doctor Strange such a unique and compelling character."
Cumberbatch was first rumored for the part back in June, but Marvel's search would later focus in on Joaquin Phoenix. But after Phoenix dropped out of consideration, Cumberbatch's name resurfaced in late October. Marvel wouldn't confirm anything then, but the new round of rumors proved true.
"Doctor Strange," written by Jon Spaihts ("Prometheus") and directed by Scott Derrickson ("Sinister"), will arrive in theaters on Nov. 4, 2016.
![CUMBERBATCH STRANGE]()
"Stephen Strange's story requires an actor capable of great depth and sincerity," Marvel Studios president and "Doctor Strange" producer Kevin Feige said in a statement. "In 2016, Benedict will show audiences what makes Doctor Strange such a unique and compelling character."
Cumberbatch was first rumored for the part back in June, but Marvel's search would later focus in on Joaquin Phoenix. But after Phoenix dropped out of consideration, Cumberbatch's name resurfaced in late October. Marvel wouldn't confirm anything then, but the new round of rumors proved true.
"Doctor Strange," written by Jon Spaihts ("Prometheus") and directed by Scott Derrickson ("Sinister"), will arrive in theaters on Nov. 4, 2016.
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A Mysterious Giant Legoman Has Appeared On A Japanese Beach
Sometime Wednesday, an unusual sight washed up on the shores of Yuigahama beach in the Japanese city of Kamakura. The giant Lego figurine came with a few clues reportedly noted by Tatsuya Hirata, the surfer who happened on the robot man. At more than eight feet, it was dressed in blue pants and a red shirt that proclaimed, "No Real Than You Are," on its front. On the back, it bore the name "Ego Leonard."
You can almost hear the UFO conspiracists ascending their soap boxes. Sadly though, there's an all too corporeal explanation, as any fan of street art knows. Every practitioner has his thing: Invader sprinkles Pac-man faces on the biggest buildings in the world, Banksy turns unremarkable walls into attractions with his signature stencils. And at least since 2007, the anonymous Dutch guerrilla artist Ego Leonard has dispatched Legomen, sending them emblazoned with his motto into great water bodies.
Sightings of Leonard's big yellow men mostly occur in the Western hemisphere, specifically, off a sea in the Netherlands, at Brighton Beach in the United Kingdom, and on a Florida beach. There's seemingly been no rhyme or reason to these landings. Of course, onlookers haven't shied away from offering theories to local news stations -- including, naturally, ones about "UFO people."
Leonard himself seems to be egging that line of reasoning on, with a provocative bio on his website. Translated, it reads as if written by an extraterrestrial, or, more precisely, a figment of the Internet:
We've reached out to the artist for confirmation. In the meantime, check your giant Lego cars for any missing occupants.
You can almost hear the UFO conspiracists ascending their soap boxes. Sadly though, there's an all too corporeal explanation, as any fan of street art knows. Every practitioner has his thing: Invader sprinkles Pac-man faces on the biggest buildings in the world, Banksy turns unremarkable walls into attractions with his signature stencils. And at least since 2007, the anonymous Dutch guerrilla artist Ego Leonard has dispatched Legomen, sending them emblazoned with his motto into great water bodies.
Sightings of Leonard's big yellow men mostly occur in the Western hemisphere, specifically, off a sea in the Netherlands, at Brighton Beach in the United Kingdom, and on a Florida beach. There's seemingly been no rhyme or reason to these landings. Of course, onlookers haven't shied away from offering theories to local news stations -- including, naturally, ones about "UFO people."
Leonard himself seems to be egging that line of reasoning on, with a provocative bio on his website. Translated, it reads as if written by an extraterrestrial, or, more precisely, a figment of the Internet:
My name is Ego Leonard and according to you I come from the virtual world. A world that for me represents happiness, solidarity, all green and blossoming, with no rules or limitations. Lately however, my world has been flooded with fortune-hunters and people drunk with power. And many new encounters in the virtual world have triggered my curiosity about your way of life.
We've reached out to the artist for confirmation. In the meantime, check your giant Lego cars for any missing occupants.
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With 'Wild,' Laura Dern Becomes The Movie Mother Of The Year
According to 2014's movies, Laura Dern has given birth to Reese Witherspoon, Andrew Garfield and Shailene Woodley. Dern is 47, which means she had little Reese, who's now 38, at age 9. For an onscreen mother-daughter duo, that age difference seems like it would ignite red flags. Yet it doesn't matter one bit in "Wild," which finds Witherspoon portraying Cheryl Strayed, who, in 1995, hiked the Pacific Crest Trail by herself after her mother's death and recounted the experience in an Oprah-endorsed best-seller. Dern and Witherspoon's familial chemistry is one of the many authentic elements of the big-screen adaptation, steered by "Dallas Buyers Club" director Jean-Marc Vallée and written by "High Fidelity" author Nick Hornby.
Dern had other mom roles this year in the teen weeper "The Fault in Our Stars" and indie festival hit "99 Homes." "Wild" and "TFIOS" have placed Dern, the daughter of Diane Ladd and Bruce Dern, within reach of potential Oscar nominations. ("99 Homes" hasn't yet hit theaters and therefore isn't eligible this year.) It may seem like Dern is stuck in the supporting realm, but she doesn't mind. The bubbly actress, who landed her first significant role at age 13 in the movie "Foxes," cashed in on her leading-lady chip with HBO's short-lived "Enlightened," and her movie work in 2014 hasn't left anyone wanting.
![laura dern wild scene]()
This year you played a mother who loses her daughter and a mother whose daughter loses her. Does living inside those two scripts bring you closer to your own mother at all?
Well, certainly, working on these two scripts, in all their differences and all their similarities, because the writers are so authentic. With John Green -- who is such a beautiful man and a great writer -- ["The Fault in Our Stars"] wasn’t his life story, but for him his writing was inspired by a real girl and her family, and so we wanted to pay tribute to his words in that way. "Wild" is an even more specific way to pay tribute to Cheryl and to [her mother, Bobbi], but certainly working on things that crack your heart open like this deepens all relationship, and I think it has made me want to make my mom know how loved she is even more. We’re very lucky to have a very loving and deep mother-daughter relationships; we’ve worked together many times and we’re very close. But still, in a new way through this story and through Bobbi’s incredible words, it makes you really want to be grateful for everything you have and the people you have.
Had you read the book first?
No, I did not. I was offered the part having heard of the book and since loving the book, but had not read it. And then I read the book and the script right after they offered it and spoke to Jean-Marc Vallée. He told me over Skype -- because he was finishing his film "Dallas Buyers Club" and doing this and so we were on Skype together -- and he described everything and then I read it and fell madly in love with Cheryl’s words and the story and Bobbi through her, and I spoke to Cheryl on the phone. The minute you read the book, you’re in forever.
After reading it, what sort of questions did you have for Cheryl about her mother? She died of cancer when Cheryl was 22, so I'm sure Cheryl herself still has so many questions, too.
For me the key was that the essence of the things she says never work in a Pollyanna tale. The profundity of them works and impacts the viewer and the reader because she’s earned her gratitude. We know she’s been through hell and she’s still willing to say, "Happy people sing," and to want to find the gift in everything she’s walked through. That’s what’s so profound because if I wanted to learn more about anything, it was, "Tell me where she’s come from, I want to know everything she walked through to know how she got here." And the people I know that really have a wisdom and humility and gratitude are most often the people who’ve been through the most. So it’s a really beautiful thing to learn from those people, to be reminded how lucky we are. But also I had to know as an actor everything she walked through to get her to the place that she could say those things and not say them lightly to her daughter, but say them because she wants them for herself. That’s what moves me so deeply about her.
Is hiking the Pacific Crest Trail something you could do if you were in a bad way like that?
No. [Laughs]
No hesitation whatsoever.
Let me be clear. If 10 of your friends and 10 of mine want to come and I can, like, go off and sit and stare at a lake for 10 minutes but we’re all camping together at all times, the idea of immersing myself in nature is really intriguing. But the alone part is an absolute no. I could never have been that brave. Forget it.
Did you and Reese know each other before "Wild"?
We’d only met socially, and very few times, but always really loved each other. We shared how much we admired each other’s work and we both started at a similar age, very young. We shared directors and similar actors, really close friends. We’re both from the South. We have a lot of commonality, but we’d never worked together, so it was a huge joy for me that she wanted me to be part of it and produced this and found the material. It is so her baby. She gives so much to people, from having fought to get this movie made the right way with the right filmmaker and to protect Cheryl so deeply. So I feel really, really lucky to be on the ride with her, but from the minute we got to play out this story, which just cracks your heart wide open, we’ve only known each other in a really deep, authentic way. We’ll be friends forever because there’s no cordial "hello." We were two peers and women about to embark on needing to express the deepest kind of love story, and how fun for two actresses to do that. How rarified to share that kind of love story.
![laura dern reese wild]()
You mentioned sharing directors with Reese, and one of those is Alexander Payne, who gave us two of the best characters of the past 20 years in "Citizen Ruth" and "Election." Have you kept up with the buzz about "Obvious Child"? It really picks up the torch that "Citizen Ruth" carried years ago.
You know, I haven’t seen it yet, so I don’t know. I’m curious. Did you feel that?
Yes, it is very much 2014’s version of "Citizen Ruth" in the way it addresses abortion with an open mind.
Oh, how cool. I can’t wait.
"The Comeback" has returned ...
Yes! It’s so genius.
Does it give you more impetus to get "Enlightened" back on HBO, too?
Well, I’ve gotta say, now that it has returned, we can never say never. It’s nine and a half years later, so that’s exciting. I know that the story closed now, but I guess you never know. Oh my god. I would play Amy any day of the week. I just love her so much, so it would be impossible to say no to getting to be in her skin more, as excruciating as it is.
It's such a visceral, uncomfortable experience, just like "The Comeback."
Ah, I love it. Lucy was my hero. I was raised on "I Love Lucy," so that’s my favorite kind of audience experience. So I love playing those kinds of characters and hope that, if not with "Enlightened," with other things, I get to explore that uncomfortableness in drama and comedy.
Outside of "Enlightened," it seems like you've only taken supporting roles lately. Are the right leading parts not out there right now?
I think a combination of a few things. I think that first off, until this last year, I dedicated -- because I was a co-creator on "Enlightened," too -- three years of my life to that, so I really only had the time to do "The Master" and a few other things when I was able to leave and do smaller parts. It was the nature of making that kind of commitment to something. But with that said, the things that have been most exciting that I have been asked to do with filmmakers I love have been supporting roles. And they’re incredible roles. There’s no lead role that I can dream of playing that would mean more to me than playing Bobbi in "Wild," for example, because I’m just so in love with this opportunity and love her so much. But certainly I would love to explore a character in the depths of the way I got to explore Amy. It made me rabid to do that again in a film, so now that I have the time hopefully the opportunity will come soon, too, where you’re just deeply delving into the character from beginning to end, because that’s a really fun thing to explore.
Is that what led to your football movie with Judd Apatow? I know you're producing -- are you acting in it, too?
Yes, I’ll definitely be acting in it as well, and it will be a really fun ensemble for a great group of women.
Are you a big football fan?
I am a huge fan of the world and I was raised by a huge football fan, being my father. And as an American and someone who spent a lot of time in the South with my own family, really the one deep ritual we had was the sports season. So that really interests me. What it gives us in our lives, that's what I find really fun. And mostly -- and we’re in really early stages about what is is and what it's going to be -- but mostly I’m just really excited to be on a journey with Judd Apatow because he explores the same world I’ve always loved being in, like with Alexander Payne and David Lynch, where it’s heartbreaking and funny and uncomfortable all at the same time. But he’s figured out a way to do it on a large scale and access a really wide audience who seem to really connect to it to, too, and that’s the kind of storytelling I really love.
"Wild" is currently playing in select theaters.
Dern had other mom roles this year in the teen weeper "The Fault in Our Stars" and indie festival hit "99 Homes." "Wild" and "TFIOS" have placed Dern, the daughter of Diane Ladd and Bruce Dern, within reach of potential Oscar nominations. ("99 Homes" hasn't yet hit theaters and therefore isn't eligible this year.) It may seem like Dern is stuck in the supporting realm, but she doesn't mind. The bubbly actress, who landed her first significant role at age 13 in the movie "Foxes," cashed in on her leading-lady chip with HBO's short-lived "Enlightened," and her movie work in 2014 hasn't left anyone wanting.
This year you played a mother who loses her daughter and a mother whose daughter loses her. Does living inside those two scripts bring you closer to your own mother at all?
Well, certainly, working on these two scripts, in all their differences and all their similarities, because the writers are so authentic. With John Green -- who is such a beautiful man and a great writer -- ["The Fault in Our Stars"] wasn’t his life story, but for him his writing was inspired by a real girl and her family, and so we wanted to pay tribute to his words in that way. "Wild" is an even more specific way to pay tribute to Cheryl and to [her mother, Bobbi], but certainly working on things that crack your heart open like this deepens all relationship, and I think it has made me want to make my mom know how loved she is even more. We’re very lucky to have a very loving and deep mother-daughter relationships; we’ve worked together many times and we’re very close. But still, in a new way through this story and through Bobbi’s incredible words, it makes you really want to be grateful for everything you have and the people you have.
Had you read the book first?
No, I did not. I was offered the part having heard of the book and since loving the book, but had not read it. And then I read the book and the script right after they offered it and spoke to Jean-Marc Vallée. He told me over Skype -- because he was finishing his film "Dallas Buyers Club" and doing this and so we were on Skype together -- and he described everything and then I read it and fell madly in love with Cheryl’s words and the story and Bobbi through her, and I spoke to Cheryl on the phone. The minute you read the book, you’re in forever.
After reading it, what sort of questions did you have for Cheryl about her mother? She died of cancer when Cheryl was 22, so I'm sure Cheryl herself still has so many questions, too.
For me the key was that the essence of the things she says never work in a Pollyanna tale. The profundity of them works and impacts the viewer and the reader because she’s earned her gratitude. We know she’s been through hell and she’s still willing to say, "Happy people sing," and to want to find the gift in everything she’s walked through. That’s what’s so profound because if I wanted to learn more about anything, it was, "Tell me where she’s come from, I want to know everything she walked through to know how she got here." And the people I know that really have a wisdom and humility and gratitude are most often the people who’ve been through the most. So it’s a really beautiful thing to learn from those people, to be reminded how lucky we are. But also I had to know as an actor everything she walked through to get her to the place that she could say those things and not say them lightly to her daughter, but say them because she wants them for herself. That’s what moves me so deeply about her.
Is hiking the Pacific Crest Trail something you could do if you were in a bad way like that?
No. [Laughs]
No hesitation whatsoever.
Let me be clear. If 10 of your friends and 10 of mine want to come and I can, like, go off and sit and stare at a lake for 10 minutes but we’re all camping together at all times, the idea of immersing myself in nature is really intriguing. But the alone part is an absolute no. I could never have been that brave. Forget it.
Did you and Reese know each other before "Wild"?
We’d only met socially, and very few times, but always really loved each other. We shared how much we admired each other’s work and we both started at a similar age, very young. We shared directors and similar actors, really close friends. We’re both from the South. We have a lot of commonality, but we’d never worked together, so it was a huge joy for me that she wanted me to be part of it and produced this and found the material. It is so her baby. She gives so much to people, from having fought to get this movie made the right way with the right filmmaker and to protect Cheryl so deeply. So I feel really, really lucky to be on the ride with her, but from the minute we got to play out this story, which just cracks your heart wide open, we’ve only known each other in a really deep, authentic way. We’ll be friends forever because there’s no cordial "hello." We were two peers and women about to embark on needing to express the deepest kind of love story, and how fun for two actresses to do that. How rarified to share that kind of love story.
You mentioned sharing directors with Reese, and one of those is Alexander Payne, who gave us two of the best characters of the past 20 years in "Citizen Ruth" and "Election." Have you kept up with the buzz about "Obvious Child"? It really picks up the torch that "Citizen Ruth" carried years ago.
You know, I haven’t seen it yet, so I don’t know. I’m curious. Did you feel that?
Yes, it is very much 2014’s version of "Citizen Ruth" in the way it addresses abortion with an open mind.
Oh, how cool. I can’t wait.
"The Comeback" has returned ...
Yes! It’s so genius.
Does it give you more impetus to get "Enlightened" back on HBO, too?
Well, I’ve gotta say, now that it has returned, we can never say never. It’s nine and a half years later, so that’s exciting. I know that the story closed now, but I guess you never know. Oh my god. I would play Amy any day of the week. I just love her so much, so it would be impossible to say no to getting to be in her skin more, as excruciating as it is.
It's such a visceral, uncomfortable experience, just like "The Comeback."
Ah, I love it. Lucy was my hero. I was raised on "I Love Lucy," so that’s my favorite kind of audience experience. So I love playing those kinds of characters and hope that, if not with "Enlightened," with other things, I get to explore that uncomfortableness in drama and comedy.
Outside of "Enlightened," it seems like you've only taken supporting roles lately. Are the right leading parts not out there right now?
I think a combination of a few things. I think that first off, until this last year, I dedicated -- because I was a co-creator on "Enlightened," too -- three years of my life to that, so I really only had the time to do "The Master" and a few other things when I was able to leave and do smaller parts. It was the nature of making that kind of commitment to something. But with that said, the things that have been most exciting that I have been asked to do with filmmakers I love have been supporting roles. And they’re incredible roles. There’s no lead role that I can dream of playing that would mean more to me than playing Bobbi in "Wild," for example, because I’m just so in love with this opportunity and love her so much. But certainly I would love to explore a character in the depths of the way I got to explore Amy. It made me rabid to do that again in a film, so now that I have the time hopefully the opportunity will come soon, too, where you’re just deeply delving into the character from beginning to end, because that’s a really fun thing to explore.
Is that what led to your football movie with Judd Apatow? I know you're producing -- are you acting in it, too?
Yes, I’ll definitely be acting in it as well, and it will be a really fun ensemble for a great group of women.
Are you a big football fan?
I am a huge fan of the world and I was raised by a huge football fan, being my father. And as an American and someone who spent a lot of time in the South with my own family, really the one deep ritual we had was the sports season. So that really interests me. What it gives us in our lives, that's what I find really fun. And mostly -- and we’re in really early stages about what is is and what it's going to be -- but mostly I’m just really excited to be on a journey with Judd Apatow because he explores the same world I’ve always loved being in, like with Alexander Payne and David Lynch, where it’s heartbreaking and funny and uncomfortable all at the same time. But he’s figured out a way to do it on a large scale and access a really wide audience who seem to really connect to it to, too, and that’s the kind of storytelling I really love.
"Wild" is currently playing in select theaters.
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Bettie Page-Style Burlesque Is Alive And Kicking
Bettie Page is, definitively, back. A documentary titled "Bettie Page Reveals All" debuted in 2012, purporting to showcase never-before-seen images of the pin-up queen. Sure, the world has seen its fair share of Page's nude form, but these particular images harken back to photography's closed-door past, when published nudity was forbidden and iconic artists like Weegee and Gordon Parks were forced underground into "camera clubs" to snap portraits of women like Page.
Since the doc premiered, rumors of a Las Vegas show starring a hologram-version of Page began circulating, beauty blogs began urging readers to channel Bettie Page's makeup routine (not to mention her lingerie penchants) and -- a prime example of one phenomenon's pop culture penetration -- Beyonce donned Page-inspired bangs. Now, a group aptly called Pin-Ups For Vets is hosting "An Evening with Bettie Page," a burlesque-themed fundraiser set to benefit hospitalized veterans and deployed troops.
Pin-Ups For Vets founder Gina Elise started the organization back in 2006, in response to the under-funded Veteran's healthcare programs in the United States. "My late Grandpa Lou served in the army for four years during World War II," she states online. "I always loved the romance of those bygone eras -- especially the 1940’s -- and I drew inspiration from the World War II pin-up girls, whose photos and paintings boosted morale for our soldiers fighting overseas."
![bonus]()
Image courtesy of Pin-Ups For Vets
What started as an annual calendar program -- delivered as gifts to ill and injured veterans and sent to deployed troops "to boost morale" -- has evolved to include volunteerism at veterans' hospitals and related events. "An Evening with Bettie Page" will feature the Calendar Girls, Bettie Page-Style Burlesque, a fashion show by vintage-inspired clothing designer Voodoo Vixen and a special screening of the film "Bettie Page Reveals All." All taking place at the Crest Theater in Los Angeles on December 6.
"It is such an amazing venue that screams for a burlesque show and there is no other show in Los Angeles that combines live burlesque with cinema," Pin-Ups For Vets event planner Julia Nichols explained to HuffPost. "We are planning to continue this partnership with The Crest by producing monthly shows at the venue to benefit Hospitalized Veterans and deployed troops starting in Feb 2015. This event is a great way to get people excited about the upcoming series!"
![noire]()
Image courtesy of Pin-Ups For Vets
It's safe to say if Bettie Page is back, pin-up culture in general is too. Perhaps we can thank women like Dita von Teese, World Famous *BOB* and GiGi La Femme for the resurgence. "The idealized images [of pin-ups], sexual without being graphic, are a delicious throwback to simpler times, when a naked woman wasn't just a click away," Huffington Post Arts editor Priscilla Frank wrote in a review of Taschen's recently published The Art of Pin-up. The arguably feminist images also scream of women's liberation at its earliest stages."
You can RSVP for "An Evening with Bettie Page" here. For more on her illustrious career, see a few archival photographs below.
Since the doc premiered, rumors of a Las Vegas show starring a hologram-version of Page began circulating, beauty blogs began urging readers to channel Bettie Page's makeup routine (not to mention her lingerie penchants) and -- a prime example of one phenomenon's pop culture penetration -- Beyonce donned Page-inspired bangs. Now, a group aptly called Pin-Ups For Vets is hosting "An Evening with Bettie Page," a burlesque-themed fundraiser set to benefit hospitalized veterans and deployed troops.
Pin-Ups For Vets founder Gina Elise started the organization back in 2006, in response to the under-funded Veteran's healthcare programs in the United States. "My late Grandpa Lou served in the army for four years during World War II," she states online. "I always loved the romance of those bygone eras -- especially the 1940’s -- and I drew inspiration from the World War II pin-up girls, whose photos and paintings boosted morale for our soldiers fighting overseas."
What started as an annual calendar program -- delivered as gifts to ill and injured veterans and sent to deployed troops "to boost morale" -- has evolved to include volunteerism at veterans' hospitals and related events. "An Evening with Bettie Page" will feature the Calendar Girls, Bettie Page-Style Burlesque, a fashion show by vintage-inspired clothing designer Voodoo Vixen and a special screening of the film "Bettie Page Reveals All." All taking place at the Crest Theater in Los Angeles on December 6.
"It is such an amazing venue that screams for a burlesque show and there is no other show in Los Angeles that combines live burlesque with cinema," Pin-Ups For Vets event planner Julia Nichols explained to HuffPost. "We are planning to continue this partnership with The Crest by producing monthly shows at the venue to benefit Hospitalized Veterans and deployed troops starting in Feb 2015. This event is a great way to get people excited about the upcoming series!"
It's safe to say if Bettie Page is back, pin-up culture in general is too. Perhaps we can thank women like Dita von Teese, World Famous *BOB* and GiGi La Femme for the resurgence. "The idealized images [of pin-ups], sexual without being graphic, are a delicious throwback to simpler times, when a naked woman wasn't just a click away," Huffington Post Arts editor Priscilla Frank wrote in a review of Taschen's recently published The Art of Pin-up. The arguably feminist images also scream of women's liberation at its earliest stages."
You can RSVP for "An Evening with Bettie Page" here. For more on her illustrious career, see a few archival photographs below.
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'Christmas With The Crawfords' To Premiere In NYC
A beloved New York tradition is slated to return this holiday season -- and some of the city's most iconic drag queens are going to be a part of it.
"Christmas with the Crawfords," the hilarious holiday musical comedy, will hit NYC's Abrons Art Center this December. Among the cast for this show is drag legend Joey Arias, starring alongside Sherry Vine, "Project Runway" veteran Chris March and Connie Champagne.
"Christmas with the Crawfords" is based on an actual Christmas Eve live radio broadcast with the Crawford family in the 1940s.
The Huffington Post chatted with three of the show's stars this week about their involvement with the production and what attendees can expect.
![crawford]()
The Huffington Post: Why did you want to do this show?
Joey Arias: I wanted to see this show come back to New York after such a long absence -- 12 years -- because everyone needs to smile and laugh right now with everything going on in the world. New York is known for its great theater and pushing the envelope OFF Broadway, and this really does it in a big way. CWTC is also a metaphor in many ways -- although a very twisted one! But when something goes wrong, some good comes out of it. And I love playing the role of Joan Crawford because she believed in herself until the very end. Even though she was out of the loop she always saw herself as THE QUEEN of silver screen -- and more! Believing in myself has been how I've kept going this long so it's perfection!
Chris March: I have done the show seven times now in various places and incarnations, but never as Christina. It's the part I've always wanted to play. I guess I just relate to a vengeful, bitter ten-year-old girl who gets beaten by her insane mother with wire hangers. Hmmm... what does that say about me? Plus, I'm also the costume designer (nominated for a Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Costumes) and this show is an amazing visual treat!
Sherry Vine: I really wanted to do this show ever since I saw it the first time they did it in NYC years ago. I just thought it was a laugh riot and over the top. So, of course, I'm always down for that!
Why is this cast the perfect cast to do it?
Joey Arias: The cast is amazing! Donna Drake [director] and Richard Winchester [producer] were recasting because many of the San Francisco cast could not come to New York -- except for Connie Champagne who is legendary for her portrayal of Judy Garland. Chris March is also an original cast member and costume designer -- a beautiful marriage! Sherry Vine is from theater and is living for this… and Flotilla de Barge is perfect as Hattie MacDaniel (Mammy in "Gone With The Wind"). The other new members I'd never met before but they are so on fire with these characters. I stand there looking at them and think how strong they are in their commitment to this production. The casting was perfect! And of course… ME AS JOAN CRAWFORD?! I mean, who else?
Chris March: Every cast is different, and this year we have seasoned New York veterans sharing the stage with some fresh emerging talent. The dynamics are new and exciting, and you never know what's going to happen. And let's face it -- who doesn't want to see Joey Arias play the now legendary villain role of Joan Crawford? Let's just say I'm not the only one dodging the wire hangers!
Sherry Vine: Well, of course, Joey Arias is perfect. Joey is one of those rare performers who isn't scared to try anything. I love being onstage with her. This is the first time I've worked with many of the other performers and they are all fantastic. Chris March is hilarious as Christina, Flotilla is going to bring the house down with her number and everyone is bringing something special to this production.
"Christmas with the Crawfords" will run from Dec. 10-27, 2014 -- head here for tickets and information.
"Christmas with the Crawfords," the hilarious holiday musical comedy, will hit NYC's Abrons Art Center this December. Among the cast for this show is drag legend Joey Arias, starring alongside Sherry Vine, "Project Runway" veteran Chris March and Connie Champagne.
"Christmas with the Crawfords" is based on an actual Christmas Eve live radio broadcast with the Crawford family in the 1940s.
The Huffington Post chatted with three of the show's stars this week about their involvement with the production and what attendees can expect.
The Huffington Post: Why did you want to do this show?
Joey Arias: I wanted to see this show come back to New York after such a long absence -- 12 years -- because everyone needs to smile and laugh right now with everything going on in the world. New York is known for its great theater and pushing the envelope OFF Broadway, and this really does it in a big way. CWTC is also a metaphor in many ways -- although a very twisted one! But when something goes wrong, some good comes out of it. And I love playing the role of Joan Crawford because she believed in herself until the very end. Even though she was out of the loop she always saw herself as THE QUEEN of silver screen -- and more! Believing in myself has been how I've kept going this long so it's perfection!
Chris March: I have done the show seven times now in various places and incarnations, but never as Christina. It's the part I've always wanted to play. I guess I just relate to a vengeful, bitter ten-year-old girl who gets beaten by her insane mother with wire hangers. Hmmm... what does that say about me? Plus, I'm also the costume designer (nominated for a Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Costumes) and this show is an amazing visual treat!
Sherry Vine: I really wanted to do this show ever since I saw it the first time they did it in NYC years ago. I just thought it was a laugh riot and over the top. So, of course, I'm always down for that!
Why is this cast the perfect cast to do it?
Joey Arias: The cast is amazing! Donna Drake [director] and Richard Winchester [producer] were recasting because many of the San Francisco cast could not come to New York -- except for Connie Champagne who is legendary for her portrayal of Judy Garland. Chris March is also an original cast member and costume designer -- a beautiful marriage! Sherry Vine is from theater and is living for this… and Flotilla de Barge is perfect as Hattie MacDaniel (Mammy in "Gone With The Wind"). The other new members I'd never met before but they are so on fire with these characters. I stand there looking at them and think how strong they are in their commitment to this production. The casting was perfect! And of course… ME AS JOAN CRAWFORD?! I mean, who else?
Chris March: Every cast is different, and this year we have seasoned New York veterans sharing the stage with some fresh emerging talent. The dynamics are new and exciting, and you never know what's going to happen. And let's face it -- who doesn't want to see Joey Arias play the now legendary villain role of Joan Crawford? Let's just say I'm not the only one dodging the wire hangers!
Sherry Vine: Well, of course, Joey Arias is perfect. Joey is one of those rare performers who isn't scared to try anything. I love being onstage with her. This is the first time I've worked with many of the other performers and they are all fantastic. Chris March is hilarious as Christina, Flotilla is going to bring the house down with her number and everyone is bringing something special to this production.
"Christmas with the Crawfords" will run from Dec. 10-27, 2014 -- head here for tickets and information.
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Aerosyn-Lex Mestrovic Creates One Of The Largest Continuous Paintings In Miami
Art Basel Miami Beach doesn't exactly portray the best picture of the contemporary art world. Parts of the week-long bacchanal are excessive and frivolous at best, tone deaf at worst. And yet, through the ever-flowing champagne and million dollar price tags, there are moments of authenticity and interactivity that bring the art party back to its creative core.
One artist devoted to bringing the soul to Art Basel season is Aerosyn-Lex Mestrovic, an artist and contemporary calligrapher that brings the age-old art form into the digital age. This year, Mestrovic is bringing a massive multimedia installation to the art event, in which viewers can walk through the entire fair's largest continuous painting on view, made from hundreds of feet of Japanese synthetic paper.
![scrip]()
We reached out to the artist to learn more about his performance.
Can you describe the "Living Painting" you're bringing to Scope?
I'm blessed to have been invited by Scope and Vh1 to create a completely new body of work to be debuted here at Art Basel. The piece, entitled NOESIS, is a multimedia installation that incorporates my signature "Living Paintings" that premiered at the MoMA this year, but also will invite viewers to walk through the largest single painting shown at Basel this year. I'm exploring re-contextualizing my painting work as sculpture and using it to convey the movement captured in the brushwork of the piece.
What is it that captivates you about calligraphy?
My work has always been focused on language and communication. For me calligraphy exists as an intermediary between the written word and visual communication. It's the highest visual representation of the written word, and as written in the book of John 1:1, "In the beginning was the word...," I explore the juxtaposition of the Western, Arabic and Eastern traditions of calligraphy and how they narratively relate. Recently I've been focused on the concept of the gesture as it relates to the Japanese Shodo calligraphy I studied whilst living in Japan. It's an amazing feeling to be able to distill a thought or emotion down to a single movement of the brush.
![moma]()
Does your Argentine heritage play a large role in your work?
Definitely. I think my multicultural background and upbringing play a big role in my thought process and practice. My background is Latino but my ancestry is also Croatian. As I mentioned I also lived and studied in Japan for quite some time and all these cultural fragments have influenced me greatly and I think afforded me a very unique perspective. I'm blessed to have grown up in an economically humble, but culturally rich neighborhood and to have been exposed to so much.
Your work seems to make technology meditative -- which feels pretty contrary to the norm. Would you agree? How do you achieve such a paradoxical outcome?
I'll take that as a compliment! I'm writing this whilst en route to Art Basel. I think there is a lot of self-serving, ostentatious artwork on display where the presentation is the message, and the message is non-existent. Technology is often used as an afterthought to bring a flash and glimmer to perhaps a lackluster concept. For me, technology is its own language, its own medium. I think when it interfaces successfully, and serves an honest concept, that the results can be truly moving and as you said, meditative. I just think that unfortunately that doesn't happen often.
![bop]()
What do you hope to communicate through the work?
I wish to communicate sincerity.
In an environment where everyone is trying to shout over each other, to out do each other, to get the most likes or retweets or generate the most selfies, I think what is often lacking is sincerity. This work is the latest culmination of a careers worth or work, and a life long endeavor to communicate visually. I hope what people take away is that this is considered, hard-fought and honest work.
Noesis will take place on December 5, 2014 from 8pm until 11pm at Mansion in Miami Beach, as part of the VH1 + SCOPE official party.
One artist devoted to bringing the soul to Art Basel season is Aerosyn-Lex Mestrovic, an artist and contemporary calligrapher that brings the age-old art form into the digital age. This year, Mestrovic is bringing a massive multimedia installation to the art event, in which viewers can walk through the entire fair's largest continuous painting on view, made from hundreds of feet of Japanese synthetic paper.
We reached out to the artist to learn more about his performance.
Can you describe the "Living Painting" you're bringing to Scope?
I'm blessed to have been invited by Scope and Vh1 to create a completely new body of work to be debuted here at Art Basel. The piece, entitled NOESIS, is a multimedia installation that incorporates my signature "Living Paintings" that premiered at the MoMA this year, but also will invite viewers to walk through the largest single painting shown at Basel this year. I'm exploring re-contextualizing my painting work as sculpture and using it to convey the movement captured in the brushwork of the piece.
What is it that captivates you about calligraphy?
My work has always been focused on language and communication. For me calligraphy exists as an intermediary between the written word and visual communication. It's the highest visual representation of the written word, and as written in the book of John 1:1, "In the beginning was the word...," I explore the juxtaposition of the Western, Arabic and Eastern traditions of calligraphy and how they narratively relate. Recently I've been focused on the concept of the gesture as it relates to the Japanese Shodo calligraphy I studied whilst living in Japan. It's an amazing feeling to be able to distill a thought or emotion down to a single movement of the brush.
Does your Argentine heritage play a large role in your work?
Definitely. I think my multicultural background and upbringing play a big role in my thought process and practice. My background is Latino but my ancestry is also Croatian. As I mentioned I also lived and studied in Japan for quite some time and all these cultural fragments have influenced me greatly and I think afforded me a very unique perspective. I'm blessed to have grown up in an economically humble, but culturally rich neighborhood and to have been exposed to so much.
Your work seems to make technology meditative -- which feels pretty contrary to the norm. Would you agree? How do you achieve such a paradoxical outcome?
I'll take that as a compliment! I'm writing this whilst en route to Art Basel. I think there is a lot of self-serving, ostentatious artwork on display where the presentation is the message, and the message is non-existent. Technology is often used as an afterthought to bring a flash and glimmer to perhaps a lackluster concept. For me, technology is its own language, its own medium. I think when it interfaces successfully, and serves an honest concept, that the results can be truly moving and as you said, meditative. I just think that unfortunately that doesn't happen often.
What do you hope to communicate through the work?
I wish to communicate sincerity.
In an environment where everyone is trying to shout over each other, to out do each other, to get the most likes or retweets or generate the most selfies, I think what is often lacking is sincerity. This work is the latest culmination of a careers worth or work, and a life long endeavor to communicate visually. I hope what people take away is that this is considered, hard-fought and honest work.
Noesis will take place on December 5, 2014 from 8pm until 11pm at Mansion in Miami Beach, as part of the VH1 + SCOPE official party.
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If women built cities, what would our urban landscape look like?
“I hate to stereotype,” says architect Fiona Scott. “Male architects are often quite sensitive, artistic people and any suggestion that buildings designed by women are more curvy, tactile or colourful is wrong. But I don’t think there are many women who think, ‘Oh, my ideal project would be a massive tower.’”
Scott, one half of the award-winning practice Gort Scott, is currently on maternity leave but has agreed to meet me in an east London cafe to talk about whether gender influences her work. She describes a generational divide between female architects working now and those who have retired or are close to it, some of whom rightly feel hard done by. Last year a petition tried and failed to get Denise Scott Brown made retrospective joint winner, with her husband and business partner Robert Venturi, of the 1991 Pritzker prize, which was awarded to him alone.
Scott, one half of the award-winning practice Gort Scott, is currently on maternity leave but has agreed to meet me in an east London cafe to talk about whether gender influences her work. She describes a generational divide between female architects working now and those who have retired or are close to it, some of whom rightly feel hard done by. Last year a petition tried and failed to get Denise Scott Brown made retrospective joint winner, with her husband and business partner Robert Venturi, of the 1991 Pritzker prize, which was awarded to him alone.
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Justin Sayre Of 'The Meeting' Sounds Off On Misogyny In The Gay Community
In his latest video for HuffPost Gay Voices, writer-actor Justin Sayre humorously tackles Rose McGowan's recent claims about gay men and misogyny.
"It's true -- we're not nice to women," Sayre says in the clip. "Those girls -- let's be honest -- they saved our lives in high school. If you didn't have a beard you could take to a prom, what were you doing?"
Noting that he attended 24 proms during his high school years, he added, "I looked great in a suit, I loved to dance and I was not gonna bring you home pregnant. I was a perfect prom date."
Sayre's "International Order of Sodomites" (I.O.S.) gathers once a month for "The Meeting," honoring an artist or a cultural work that is iconic to the gay community. Previous editions have been dedicated to Cher, Karen Carpenter and Stephen King's "Carrie."
The holiday installment of "The Meeting," which features guests Lady Rizo, Julian Fleisher, David Drake, Josh Sharp and Aaron Jackson, hits New York's Joe's Pub on Dec. 7.
In other news, "Sparkle & Circulate with Justin Sayre," the official I.O.S. podcast, has just released its second episode, featuring an interview with writer and talk radio host Frank DeCaro.
Meanwhile, you can also view some previous performances from "The Meeting" on Sayre's official YouTube page. For more Sayre, head to Facebook and Twitter.
"It's true -- we're not nice to women," Sayre says in the clip. "Those girls -- let's be honest -- they saved our lives in high school. If you didn't have a beard you could take to a prom, what were you doing?"
Noting that he attended 24 proms during his high school years, he added, "I looked great in a suit, I loved to dance and I was not gonna bring you home pregnant. I was a perfect prom date."
Sayre's "International Order of Sodomites" (I.O.S.) gathers once a month for "The Meeting," honoring an artist or a cultural work that is iconic to the gay community. Previous editions have been dedicated to Cher, Karen Carpenter and Stephen King's "Carrie."
The holiday installment of "The Meeting," which features guests Lady Rizo, Julian Fleisher, David Drake, Josh Sharp and Aaron Jackson, hits New York's Joe's Pub on Dec. 7.
In other news, "Sparkle & Circulate with Justin Sayre," the official I.O.S. podcast, has just released its second episode, featuring an interview with writer and talk radio host Frank DeCaro.
Meanwhile, you can also view some previous performances from "The Meeting" on Sayre's official YouTube page. For more Sayre, head to Facebook and Twitter.
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James Watson's Nobel Prize Fetches Record Sum At Auction
How much is a Nobel prize worth?
If you're James Watson, who shared a 1962 Nobel for his role in the discovery of the structure of DNA, it's worth about $4.76 million. That's how much his 23-carat gold medal fetched at auction in New York City on Thursday night (the price includes the buyer's premium).
The auction house Christie's said the medal, which went to an anonymous bidder, was the first ever sold by a living recipient, the Associated Press reported.
Watson, 86, was there to watch the auction with his wife and one of his sons, the New York Times reported. After the sale he said he was pleased, adding, "It's more money than I expected to give to charity."
He said some of the proceeds would go to the University of Chicago, Cold Spring Harbor Lab, and other charities, the paper reported.
Watson told Nature that selling his medal was aimed at redeeming his reputation, which had been tarnished by comments he made linking race and intelligence. In 2007, he was suspended from his job at Cold Spring Harbor Lab after furor erupted when he suggested that black people are less intelligent than white people.
The controversy over his remarks also left him strapped for cash, he told the Financial Times.
“No one really wants to admit I exist,” Watson said. “Because I was an ‘unperson’ I was fired from the boards of companies, so I have no income, apart from my academic income,” he said.
Watson later attempted to clarify his comments in a piece published in 2007 by The Independent that ran under the headline "James Watson: To question genetic intelligence is not racism."
In the piece, he offered his apologies to those who had "drawn the inference" from his words that he thought that Africa was genetically inferior. "That is not what I meant," he wrote, adding:
Watson shared the Nobel prize with Francis Crick and Maurice Wilkins.
If you're James Watson, who shared a 1962 Nobel for his role in the discovery of the structure of DNA, it's worth about $4.76 million. That's how much his 23-carat gold medal fetched at auction in New York City on Thursday night (the price includes the buyer's premium).
The auction house Christie's said the medal, which went to an anonymous bidder, was the first ever sold by a living recipient, the Associated Press reported.
Watson, 86, was there to watch the auction with his wife and one of his sons, the New York Times reported. After the sale he said he was pleased, adding, "It's more money than I expected to give to charity."
He said some of the proceeds would go to the University of Chicago, Cold Spring Harbor Lab, and other charities, the paper reported.
Watson told Nature that selling his medal was aimed at redeeming his reputation, which had been tarnished by comments he made linking race and intelligence. In 2007, he was suspended from his job at Cold Spring Harbor Lab after furor erupted when he suggested that black people are less intelligent than white people.
The controversy over his remarks also left him strapped for cash, he told the Financial Times.
“No one really wants to admit I exist,” Watson said. “Because I was an ‘unperson’ I was fired from the boards of companies, so I have no income, apart from my academic income,” he said.
Watson later attempted to clarify his comments in a piece published in 2007 by The Independent that ran under the headline "James Watson: To question genetic intelligence is not racism."
In the piece, he offered his apologies to those who had "drawn the inference" from his words that he thought that Africa was genetically inferior. "That is not what I meant," he wrote, adding:
"We do not yet adequately understand the way in which the different environments in the world have selected over time the genes which determine our capacity to do different things. The overwhelming desire of society today is to assume that equal powers of reason are a universal heritage of humanity. It may well be. But simply wanting this to be the case is not enough. This is not science."
Watson shared the Nobel prize with Francis Crick and Maurice Wilkins.
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