Bette Midler's Hullaween

Before I moved to NYC I read the NY Post everyday, and every year around Halloween I would read about the Bette Midler charity Halloween Party held at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel. This year I had a chance to go and see the party goers in person. This is not Bette! Damon Dash and his lovely wife model Rachel Roy These photos are out of order, anyway, a friendly NYC cab driver waiting at a traffic light as the hordes of parade goers cross the street. I didn't stay at the parade long, because like everything else in NYC, it was entirely toooooo crowded. I did catch Homer and Marge walking along 5th Ave. Go to the next entry to see more of Bette's Party Goers. Martha Stewart is a hoot.

Bette Midler's Hullaween cont'd

Pictured below is Dana Delaney remember when she was the hot number from China Beach. A few weeks back I ran into her at the Departed after party, I asked to take her picture and she was like I am so not as exciting as Jack Nicholson or Matt Damon so save your film. I said I do digital and then she gave me a nice smile. Martha Stewart - Dressed as a rat, er mouse. Actually I had always heard she was tough to get. She was really sweet and started swinging her tail for me. Shalom Harlow - How to Loose a guy in 10 Days, Vanilla Sky, In & Out. I had no idea who she was, I liked her costume and asked for a photo, she obliged. Later I saw her picture on the photo wire and had an AH ha moment. Another one I didn't realize who this was especially since she seems to be going as herself in a hot little dress. Margaret Cho and a girl dressed as a guy.

Ladies Night JLO Sandra Bullock and others

WOW what a night. I started out (with a co-worker) at the HBO Screening Room looking for arrivals to Sasha Cohen's new movie. I didn't see him go in, but I did see Candice Bergen, Edie Falco, and the little kid from the Sopranos. I then sped over to Cipriani's where the Fashion Accesories Awards Gala was going on. The big award for the night was going to JLO. I ran into a friend and chatted as we hung out. Another friend called to tell me that he saw Gwyneth Paltrow go into the Mandarin. I thought maybe it was because of the after part for the Sasha screening. He left. Later I spoke with a crazy "photo with fan" who wanted to know if I knew when JLo was coming out, I told him an outrageous time and suggested he go to the Mandarin to catch Gywneth. Since he always wants photos with the celebs it can sometimes ruin a photo, so that is why I told him about Gywneth. He was excited, and even more excited that maybe he would get Sascha after the screening. Here is Naomi Watts going into the Cipriani event. Jane Krakowski was someone that was definitely on my list of "gets". Finally I got a great shot without cutting off feet. I hear Jlo and Mark were going out the back door, I run back there and the biatch doesn't look the heck up. (total wait time 3hrs) Last night I mentioned the Glamour Awards. It was impossible for a non-credentialed bloke like myself to get a shot as the security was tight and they even closed off the sidewalks. Someone was nice enough to tell me where the After Party was and I high tailed it over to Nobu (remember a few weeks back that is where I got the Helen Mirren on the Segway photo) WOW Billie Jean King what a friggin honor. I told her I had seen her documentary recently and how awesome it was. Actually I saw it twice, it was really good. Rent it. I also congratulated her on the new stadium named after her in Flushings. The night just gets better - Gloria Steinen. Can the gods be any better to me. I thanked her for the entire feminist movement, and here work with civil and gay rights. ICON ICON ICON it could only get better if I saw Phil Donahue (am I showing my age - LOL) Sheryl Crow is looking hot...What the hell was Lance thinking when he dumped her? Lisa Ling; I think she is moving away from the Lucy Liu look with her permed look. OMG Angelica Huston, not even on the radar for me. So awesome to see her and her new face and the husband she has been married to Robert Graham Jr. since 1992. The poor man's Elizabeth Taylor was Joan Collins, the poor man's Julia Robert seems to be Sandra Bullock. Although Sandra was camera shy, this amatuer got a decent shot. Finally my friend at the Manderin calls to tell me that MADONNA AND GYWNETH walked out of the MANDERIN together. But to tell you the truth, if I was able to get the shot of Madonna then I would have to change the working title of my book from "Searching for Madonna" to something else.

Hugh Jackman and Kate Winslet arrive like Crap to their Premiere

When I read the following line from a Press Release I rec'd from a friend, I couldn't pass up seeing this with my own two eyes – "Celebrities including stars Hugh Jackman and Kate Winslet – and guests will slide down a 30-foot inflatable toilet slide onto the red carpet to celebrate the premiere of the computer-animated “Flushed Away!” Victory Flush The carpet was actually blue as to reflect Tidy Bowl toilet water I guess...see the next entry for their interview photos

Hugh Jackman and Kate Winslet walk the Blue Carpet (plus other celebs)

Interviews on the Blue Carpet Kate Winslet Hugh Jackman Hugh Jackman and Kate Winslet Shane Richie and Bill NighyJeffrey Katzenberg (Dreamworks), Cecil Kramer (producer) and Peter Lord, (animator)WOW this week is going to be busy, with Blogger's cooperation I will be making a post every night. Monday night there's the Glamour Mag Awards, plus J-Lo is in town, and the Borat private screening. Bummer they all start at 7PM. Tues brings Madonna and Nicole Kidman to town, then the famous NYC Halloween Parade down 6th ave, and finally Bette Midlers' Hulaween ball at the Waldorf with lots of celebrity guests and the temps are going to be in the 50Fs. Wed George Clooney, thurs big broadway show opening. Friday my patient partner comes to visit and he is so not into celebrities!!

Bob Dylan - The Times are a Changing

I must confess that one of the best places to catch a celebrity is on Opening Night of a Broadway play. Last week there were two such openings, Nathan Lane's Butley, which was such a non-event I won't even be posting Mario Cantone's photo at this time. Thursday evening was the opening of a play based on Bob Dylan songs called "The Times are a Changing." I have heard the show isn't so hot, I guess Bob Dylan did too, he didn't even show up to the premiere, but a few fun people did.

Shannon Devine - Mrs America WOW Tommy Tune is going for a new look. Good for him! Celia Weston (Alice TV Series and Law and Order, but really anyone that lives in NYC has been on one of the franchise shows) and Sylvia Miles (A hooker in Midnight Cowboy, Andy Warhol's movie "Heat" , famous for dumping a plate of speghetti on a NY Post critic after he gave her a bad review) Bebe Neuwirth - Chicago, Fosse, Chorus Line and of course Fraizer.Kathleen Turner is nothing if not versatile. From the sensuous killer, Mattie, in Body Heat, to the sultry voice of Jessica Rabbit and, most recently, as Chandler's cross-dressing dad in Friends, Turner has demonstrated extraordinary range. In real life, she also has had to reach deep down — to meet the challenge of rheumatoid arthritis. You can see her cane in her left hand. Recently I was walking around the West Village and walked past Kathleen Turner's house. WOW it was beautiful, I must say it was the nicest front yard in all of New York City that I have ever seen. (I won't be confessing how I found out where she lives; one thing that sets me apart from a crazy stalker fan is I would never take a photo of a celebrity in their neighborhood, with their kids or at an inappropriate time)

I knew he was crazy - Jared Leto

In today's NY Post - Something had Jared Leto riled at the mtvU Woodie Awards Wednesday night. BestWeekEver.tv talked to witnesses who say the mascara-wearing rocker scuffled with Elijah Wood, grabbing the ex-hobbit's neck and calling him a "f-ing a--" before snapping at music blogger Scott Stereogum, whose video interview with Leto was destroyed by security. A rep for Leto did not respond by deadline. ...

Thursday is the New Monday

Several events tonight, first off the opening of "The Times Are A Changing", a Bob Dylan tribute. I have heard that it sucks, and I guess Bob did too as he skipped it. I did see a few broadway celebs, and will post them at a later time but the one guy I was excited to see was Noah Emmerich - Born and raised in New York City, he attended Yale University, where he sang with the a capella group the Yale Spizzwinks. He was Truman's best friend in the Truman Show. Then I jumped in a cab in Times Square and said to the guy, look I am not a tourist, take 47th Street to 42nd and Lexington, don't go through times square. He ignored me and it took me at least 20mins to get to the next event where I had missed the chance of getting a good spot to watch Emily Rossun, Iman, Gwennie Paltrow and others going into Cipriani's for the FCI Gala. The only picture I got was this one of Gwyneth Paltrow, which is a bit distorted. After a few crappy photos I took a bus over to the Trump Building for the debut of Trumps new Vodka drink. There I saw countless numbers of reality, sports, and other celebs. I have included a few pixs here. The Donald, Melenia and Eric Trump Daisey Fuentes (again another freezing night and the poor girls had to take off their coats to show their dresses)Cuba "Show me the Money" Gooding Jr. I then walked briskly back to Cipriani's to shoot departures. I missed Gywnnie & The Devil Wears Prada Anna Wintour leaving through the back door. This is Olympic Gold Winner - Carl Lewis. Rachel Zoe and Alek Wek Mischa Barton

Marchesa & Bergdorf Goodman Dinner

Marchesa designers Georgina Chapman and Keren Craig are celebrating their anniversary with an intimate dinner for 60 at BG Wednesday night… Note the heavy coats on the photographers and the skimpy dress on the guest. The temperature in NYC was about 45F Keren Craig; Georgina Chapman I guess she trusts her man enough to leave him home now? (I wonder how cold she is?) I sense that Marchesa designs have a lot of rose bud designs - Sienna Miller This princess has come a long way and is all grown up now, and it's not just because she was in Brokeback Mountain and aged from 18 - 40 yrs old. Anne Hathaway

Running With Scissors - Opens Nationwide Friday

This is the childhood from hell, but it's handled with grace and portrays the abdominable spirit of a child to make all things right. Joseph Cross as Augusten Burroughs Jill Clayburg as Fern Mills Augusten's mother, Deirdre (here played by Annette Bening), is a bright but unbalanced would-be poet; Thanks to a friend I was able to catch the departures from the screening. Sadly I missed Augusten as he went out a different door.

Running With Scissors - Opens Nationwide Friday

RUNNING WITH SCISSORS.."Coming of Age in a World of Human Chaos"

Annette Benning as Deirdre Burroughs; I had planned to go to Austen Burroughs' book signing at the Time Warner Blg., but since I worked late I missed it. Complaining to a friend he said there was a Q&A with Annette Benning and Austen Burroughs. I went to the theater where he said the screening was and saw the only idling black Escapade SUV. I waited alone for 35 mins, pulling my camera out a couple times so the driver knew I was there for a photo. Then she appeared. Austen wasn't with her, but I did get this nice shot of her. That's her driver behind her.

24 Hour Plays - Interesting concept, great charity event

Monday is the most popular night for Celebrity Events in NYC And tonight was no different (it's 2AM Tuesday when I am writing this). I had about three different events to choose from; Chita Rivera was being honored at the City Center by Liza Minelli and friends (& you know how I love her), then there was Tony Bennett and Wynona Ryder at Tiffany's, then Susan Lucci was being honored at the Waldorf=Astoria (I have no idea why they put the = between the words), but I chose Broadway and the 24 hrs Play, which is really a cool idea. It's six one-acts that are written, cast, directed and performed in less than a day - Tonights big star is Jennifer Anniston and a list of who's, who including someone who was on my list of people I always wanted to shoot - who I will include in my Year Wrap up. Pictured here are the crazy paparazzi at the After Party (AP) waiting for Jen. They are frusterated because at the theater instead of going through the stage door behind the theater, she snuck in the front door getting out of a cab and not the usual black SUV limo (a tourist, I later met, got the photo. My photographer friends said if they had gotten it, the photo could have been sold for about $1,000) The event: http://www.24hourplays.com/ Nia Vardalos and Rachel Dratch Anna Paquin of the Piano fame. I believe she was the youngest girl to ever be nominated for an oscar. Who is the girl to her left? Liev Schreiber with two fans (the tourist with the photo of Jen) I met from Minneapolis - Jane and Jamie (earlier Naomi slipped out a side door and hailed a cab) Seriously, what the hell happened to Andrew McCarthy (and this was him going into the party) - ugh all my youthful fantasies have been destroyed. Tom from the Queer Eye. He has a lot of excited girlfriends. The one on the far right seems to be saying, "ohhh he doesn't look gay, maybe I have a chance?" Lynn Whitfield, what a hottie and sweet as ever... Finally poor Jennifer Anniston pulls up in the Silver SUV. She was forced to use the trash room to enter the building. Right after this shot, I filmed the rest of the sequence as the photographers ran down the street trying to get that million dollar shot that you could see in People, US or Life & Style magazine. If the market didn't demand these photos, these types of incidents wouldn't occur. As much as I am disgusted by them, how can you blame them if the public has created the market.

Donna Karan

Donna Karan, clothing maven, friend of Babs, ICON. 10 days ago I saw her at the launch of her new perfume Black Gold, 4 days later she showed up at the screening of "Flags of our Father" with a broken foot, but didn't want to talk about how it happened. (segueway) I was reminded that I observed her on the Fashion Rocks Red Carpet a month ago. I noticed her boyfriend looks like Tom Cruise. I watched her work the cameras, and watched him in the background waiting for her. He's patient and a character. She's animated and touches her hair alot Finally they went into Radio City Music Hall.

New York Premiere of "Marie Antoinette"

As you may know I am in NYC on a year long plus business trip. On this particular night late last week I had to work late so I didn't get to the premiere earlier enough for a decent position to shoot the arrivals, and I missed Kirsten Dunst and Sophia Coppola on the "Red Carpet". But I did capture a few people, and I lucked out on a plan for departures.

Rose Byrne (played opposite to Brad Pitt in Troy) and Jamie Dornan (Is the face of the perfume Dior Homme campaign) The stars do press on the Red Carpet...after they went in I walked around the building to find the Stage Door (remember last nights "confession".) There I got an exiting and pregnant Sofia Coppola, director, after waiting 2 hrs for the movie to end. We had a small exchange, and even though I loved her in Godfather II, I didn't bring it up. I told her I am looking forward to seeing the movie, and she thanked me in the sweetest voice. Won an Oscar for "Lost in Translation" Jason Schwartzman, who is Sophia's cousin, plays the King. He gorged himself on late-night doughnut feasts in an effort to pile on the pounds to play chubby French king Louis XVI in Marie Antoinette. The health-conscious star attempted to gain 45 pounds as organically as possible but quickly gave up and resorted to munching doughnuts in bed. He would even set his alarm at 3AM and eat donuts and go back to bed. Molly Shannon married to Fritz Chesnut, has 2 children and was looking sexy last Friday night.Newly brunette Arielle Kebbel was ranked #95 in Maxim magazine Hot 100 of 2005 list was a guest at the premiere.

Kirsten Dunst ran out and I didn't get a very good photo. I could've gone to the After Party, but it was late and I went home. I heard she would be out doing interviews, but as I had this wicked cold I missed a lot of events where she would be, and I seriously draw the line at going to her hotel, as some "fans, autograph dealers, and paparazzi's do" . Today I heard she would be at the Daily Show with Jon Stewart. I had never been there before, wasn't sure of the set up, but because I was on a mission to get a decent photo for the blog I was up for the assignment. When she arrived, she ran in and I didn't get any decent shots. When she came out, the crowd had grown to about a half dozen dealers, and we are talking the hard core dealers that arrive in cars and chase the celeb if they don't get what they want, and about 4 photographers.THANK YOU Kirsten Dunst. I mentioned to her that I would be promoting the movie on my blog, and asked if I could have a quick photo. She obliged. She also signed for a few dealers, but none of the paparazzi's really got the shot that I did. Although 2 did get full length shots as she walked through the door. These kind of shots are called "Fashion Shots". You must get their shoes in, and many of the glossy magazines will purchase these shots as the buying public (girls) like to see what their favorite celebrity is wearing.

MAMMA MIA! 5th Anniversary Show

Last night Mamma Mia! celebrated their 5th Anniversary Show. Carey Anderson, Judy McLane and Carolee Carmello Lori Haley Fox WHOPPI - An original member of ABBA Born Ulvaeus showed up for the festivities!! The keeper of the stage door. The stage door is where all the actors, and special guests exit. It is usually located to the left or right of the public entrance, but sometimes could be located in the back of the building like this one at the Winter Garden. It is usually marked "Stage Door" The Gift Bag...

Bernadette Peters - More Ryan & Reese

Here is Bernadette Peters at Donna Kara's Perfume Launch 10/12. I hope my friend Sarah over at http://sarahbsadventures.blogspot.com// realizes I didn't post them before because I didn't have an awesome shot of my Diva. By the way over on Sarah's site she lists another Diva visiting the NYC area tonight. Thanks to http://cityrag.blogs.com/// for featuring my blog today. See below for more on the story... I saw this little nugget in the NY Post today in Cindy Adams column: RYAN Phillippe. With his missus, Reese Witherspoon, watching him self on-screen at the Cinema Society screening of Clint Eastwood's "Flags of our Fathers," he told me: "This gives me the most pride of every film I've ever done. I know that sounds like what every actor doing publicity for his movie says, but it's the truth. I hate most things I'm in. - Ryan if you hate most things that you are in, which I would think means they are lousy movies, why oh why must you take your anger out on Reese because your career sucks?

Donna Karan's Black Gold Perfume Launch

The Fragrance Foundation is pleased to announce a “scentsational” schedule of events for its annual Fragrance Week to be held October 16th - 20th in New York City. One of the first private events was a Donna Karan "Gold" Fragrance Collection Launch. To get publicity for these events, often the proprietor will invite/pay famous celebrity friends to come to the launch party, which brings out the paparazzi's, which in turn promotes their product and gets the launch in the media and magazines. Since I do not have a press pass, I have to rely on the ease of the set-up to shoot the arriving celebs. This set-up I title "HughE is screwed and needs to work hard to get a good shot as there are too many people between me and the "Red carpet" (tonights carpet was black)." The three girls in front of me are Donna Karan's publicists. When the celebrity arrives (the car drop off is to their left), they greet the celebrity and guide them to the "Red Carpet". The guy on the right in the black jacket/jeans is the TMZ.com guy. TMZ is a relatively new media source that uses video for its medium in catching celebs at events. In fact next week they are having a 1 year anniversary party in LA to celebrate, and they have a lot to celebrate as they have galvanization the video paparazzi business. Unlike most media agencies who are in the celebrity business, TMZ.com was well funded start-up project by AOL/Time Warner. The TMZ paparazzi's seem less aggressive and more friendly to the celebrities then your everyday paparazzi as they are salaried as opposed to a per photograph payment plan. The camera paparazzi's are to the left of the "Red Carpet". Tonight there were about 30 photographers, which meant someone of importance and value was going to show up. They get "Tip Sheets" to say who will show up so they knew who it was, I have to rely on their kindness to tell me. Tonight's event was held at Donna Karan's flagship store at 68th and Madison Ave. Although it is not my idea set-up, as the sidewalk is narrow, and it was hard to maneuver to get a good shot, it is much less crowded with gawker/fans because the area is a local business district far from the tourists . Olivia Wilde from the OC smelling Black Gold.Is Beth Ostrosky looking more and more like Christie Brinkley these days or what?Uma Thurman the guest of honor arrives and the paparazzi's go into a frenzy. Is it me or does Uma have a wedding ring on? Uma always manages to look sexy. She'd look good in a potato sack dress. Laura Linney, who I saw a few days before at her new movie premiere "Driving Lessons", Donna Karan and Angie Harmon. Also seen on the "Red Carpet" but not easily photographed, a very sexy Bernadette Peters and a very shy Michelle Williams.

"Flags Of Our Fathers" Special New York Screening

I think one of the questions I get the most from people is how, how do you find find all these events; well I do alot of research often into the middle of the night, and occassionally Page Six/Liz Smith/Cindy Adams makes it easy for me and they drop a little tidbit like this in the NY Post on Monday.... RYAN PHILLIPPE is said to give the performance of his young career in the eagerly awaited Clint Eastwood/Paul Haggis Iwo Jima movie, "Flags of Our Fathers." The film, which also stars Paul Walker, Jesse Bradford, Adam Beach, Jamie Bell, Barry Pepper and John Benjamin Hickey, has a Cinema Society screening tonight at the Tribeca Grand Screening Room. A party follows at the Penthouse of the Soho Grand. Zenith is co-hosting. These Cinema Society events are always agreeably intimate, and celeb eye-candy abounds. ...I show up about 6:45PM, the arrivals come 7:15PM. Barry Pepper was also in another great war movie - Saving Private Ryan Jesse Bradford famous from the Swimfan movie. Hot, wonderful, promised to come back and pose for photos, but first walked his mom and dad to their limo. Joseph Cross - You may not know this guy from Smallville, you might get to know him from Flags of our Fathers, but you will certainly know him after "Running With Scissors" debuts next month. The Mane event, Reese Witherspoon. I was completely shocked she showed up at the screening, although I should have known when I arrived at the event and their were 20 paparazzi's lined up to shoot arrivals. The happy couple posed for about 5 shots and then ran into the screening. About 20 minutes laters they left without watching the show. Later I went to the After Party, or AP as the lingo goes on the street. Now I am not one to gossip, but I hear the two sweethearts exchanged words upstairs, with Reese telling Ryan, "I don't know what you mean by saying I am embarrasing you, how could you say I am embarrasing you?" Then the partygoer, who was standing close to me while recounting the story to a friend on the phone, said that Ryan stormed back into the room with the bar and Reese went into the bathroom. About 15 minutes after this incident, they exited the Soho Grand Hotel, where the party was held. She walked ahead of him with a smirked, he looked like he just sucked on a lemon. I was kinda sad to hear they had a little fight, but I saw A Star is Born, and unless this movie is a hit for Ryan, this could continue to be that classic scenario. The Guests: "THIS SATIRE ON HOLLYWOOD AMBITIONS CONTAINS ANY NUMBER OF THIGH-SLAPPING LAUGH LINES! The actors, one and all, land their gags. Johnny Galecki couldn't be more appealing, the critics say of The Little Dog Laughed. LDL was a hot ticket off-broadway earlier this year selling out nightly. It's a play thinly based on a Tom Cruise character, and unlike TC, JG shows more than a little skin on the Boards. After the successful springtime run the Little DogLaughed has legs and has moved to Broadway. Previews begin Oct 26, with the Opening on Nov. 13; I saw Johnny at the screening and later at the AP. I asked him about the play, and he said he was having fun and looking forward to Opening Night on Broadway. Erika Christensen the obsessive girl from Swimfan and currently in Six Degrees, which I really wanted to love because its shot in NYC, but I think is so out there I just can't grasp the concept nor can remember when it is on TV. Any guesses?Rosario Dawson, happy to pose, what's up with that wink? (not Jason behind her). She had glasses on before I shot the picture and asked me to wait so she could take them off. I was the only photographer to get the shot, as she dashed into her car. The photographers were complaining, saying that before Rent, Sin City, and the dozen other films, she also posed and was friendly to them. Later at the AP she went in through the kitchen and foiled the paparazzi once again. Maybe she wasn't feeling pretty.Lauren Bacall, I am always thrilled everytime I see her. Lately it's weekly. The only person I see more at these NYC screenings, or openings is... Sarah Jessica Parker. Love her, love her, love her. Love Sex in the City. Behind her is John Benjamin Hickey who stars in the movie. On the right is her bodyguard. Later as she left the screening, she signed several autographs (graphs) for the dealers (people who sell photos on ebay, or who collect graphs for an agency who will turn around and sell on Ebay or at trade shows). As she was getting in the car, I asked how Matt and his collarbone were doing. She stopped in her tracks, turned to me with a great big smile and thanked me for asking, and he is 90% better. Almost as good as new. Very sweet. I turned to a dealer and said, how much for that photo she just signed, he said $50, I passed. This women is a Goddess!! The coat is awesone, but didn't do anything for her figure after she bundled up. I just saw this on TMZ.com, I am not on screen as I was standing next to the TMZ guy the entire time he was filming, but at one point you can hear me thank Elizabeth Banks for allowing me to take her photo..." TMZ's cameras were outside the celeb-packed NY soiree after the screening of "Flags Of Our Fathers" at the SoHo Grand Hotel on Tuesday night, and we were able to catch all the action going down."

Brothers and Sisters with the great SALLY FIELD

A few weeks back I saw Sally and had a chance to tell her what a huge fan I am, but now having seen her new show, I am in the stratosphere. Brothers and Sisters - WOW, I love the show. Week after week, it just gets better and better. The writing is excellent, the acting superb; of course it doesn't hurt to have two of the most amazing actresses Calista Flockhart and the lengendary Sally Field in it. I'm from a family of 7 kids, so its great to see the dynamics between the relationships of the kids on a show like Brothers and Sisters. Sadly my father passed away in an accident 2 years ago, so I can really relate to this story, except my dad having an affair and embezzling money from the family business. I have my mom watching it, and sometimes we sit on the phone just laughing and crying and comparing notes. It's really great because since I started this business trip 15 months ago, I really don't get to see her as much as I wish I did. So if you haven't seen it yet, you have got to catch Brothers and Sisters on Sunday nights at 10PM on ABC. You know it's I love the show, because tonight I could have gone to the Jon Stewart Comedy show tonight and gotten loads of photos including Will Ferrell, Jack Black, Amy Sederis and Kristin Chenoworth, but instead I stayed in and watch Sally Field in real time so I could be current. 60 is certainly the new 40, look how hot she looks. Happy Birthday Sally - Nov 4

The Pet Shop Boys - Again left to my Own Devices

I get out of bed at half past ten Phone up a friend, who's a party animal Turn on the news and drink some tea Maybe if youre with me well do some shopping Turn off the tv, look at a book Pick up the phone, fix some food Maybe Ill sit up all night and day Waiting for the minute I hear you sayI could leave you, say goodbye Or I could love you, if I try And I could And left to my own devices, I probably would - Left to my own Devices was a song I could really relate to back in the Eighties when I first came onto the scene. My life was chaotic, no one could count on me and I loved living that way, but it drove my friends crazy. The Pet Shop Boys were the BAND of the Eighties specifically the 1987 years and it was back then that I saw them last in concert as the touring times never jelled with mine. Last night that all changed and I saw them again, in NYC, at Radio City Music Hall - WOW just those words alone carry the cache of a monumental event. The concert was great; it was like seeing old friends again, in fact I had dinner with an old friend from Philly, and a few new friends too, anyway I digress. If there was a disappointment, it was that I was too damn cheap and bought my tickets too far back (I had just purchased the Babs tickets the day before), and they didn't play New York City Boy, which I really love especially since I live on 7th Avenue in Chelsea. Although it was announced that the Boys were having a rare signing at Virgin Records, Union Square, I thought I would get their photographs at the Stage Door. After an hour wait, I knew it would be about that as their dinner arrived while I was waiting, they emerged. I thought I had a great spot, as I was standing next to their biggest fan who has been following them around the country for their tour, plus is in the fan club, but they were late for the signing and went the other direction at which point I ran over and got this picture of Neil Tennant who was kind enough to pose as Chris was in the van and looked rather grumpy. I told Neil in my blubering, over the top, I love you guys, your the soundtrack of my life kinda way, that the concert was awesome, but I was disappointed they didn't sing NY City Boy, its probably why I got such a strange smile frown out of him. He said well how was Go West, of course that was awesome, but I don't live in the west. Ok from here on out my night goes down hill. After having shot over 1,000 celebrities, with no problems at all, I run into a problem with Chris Lowe. I took a cab to the Virgin record store and arrived before they did. I waited for the van to park, but then they garaged it, who knew Virgin had a garage, anyway, when they came in the store I notice they came through a door in the back on the opposite wall of the Cafe where they would be signing. Now I admit this was 100% my fault, I thought I would position myself first to get an unobstructed view and quickly moved towards the Boys. Well Chris (white hat) didn't want any of that, and basically cover his head saying NO, while some security guard charged me and eventually ushered me out of the store. Thanks to my friend David who chastized the guard when he returned to the Cafe and said I only wanted to take a photo, and are you going to stop all these other people from shooting too. Oh well I feel bad about the situation too, I guess it could be scary to have someone follow you from venue to garage to event. I was just excited to see the boys that defined the Eighties for me.

Dame Helen Mirren and her Segway outside NOBU

(note the photo will appear in the Directors Guide of America in November. I gave it to them) I first saw her at the DGA Honors with her husband director Taylor Hackford.

After the ceremony, the Afterparty was at NOBU down the street from the DGA theater. Everyone drove the 500 feet to the event except Helen and Betty Thomas from the Hill Street Blues days. At these events, there are security guards, but if the celebrity wants to pose for you, or give you a "graph" there's no problem. I took this photo right after I told her my mother saw The Queen yesterday and said it was wonderful. "Mom believes you should win the Oscar". Dame Helen was slightly embarassed, blushing while thanking me. After the party, another guest decided to allow a few of the attendees a chance to ride his Segway. The first chick, wife of a Soprano star, fell. Then fearless Helen hopped on board. After saying a few words, Helen sped off, I think she's done this before, she didn't need a lesson. (right before she got on the contraption, I told her not to do it, that she would break a hip. She told me she wasn't old enough to break a hip - So funny!!)Helen kept trying to outrun her teacher. It was quite a fun sight. I also shot a 30 second video of the Dame speeding away from the guy on the Segway.

Rupert Grint leaving a screening of Driving Lessons

Rupert Grint stars in the coming of age story Driving Lessons with Laura Linney and Julie Walters, which is set for release Oct 20. Ironically he has revealed that he failed his driving test despite having over sixty driving lessons. (Laura Linney had left at the same time, but since I had never shot Rupert I went for him instead.)

Yesterday was John Lennon's Birthday

Over the past year or so I must have visted Strawberry Fields at least 50 times usually to see how my "friend" Gary decorated the memorial. Gary is a homeless Vet who for the past 9 years has adopted the memorial and has been decorating the site ever since. Gary told me that every morning he stops by the local florists and food markets for day old flowers and occassional fruit. I have to say one of my favorite decorations was when he decorated the memorial with strawberries, some of them even cut in quarters and halves. Unfortunately that photo has been archieved off site (if you took as many photos as I did you would have an offsite archieve too) So today as I was feeling slightly better, I thought I would trek out to one of my favorite sites and see how Gary decorated John Lennon's Imagine for his birthday. 10/09/06

This is the Dakota. It was here that John Lennon, Yoko Ono and their son Sean lived. Yoko still lives here. Gary tells me that on special occassions Yoko comes out to the memorial. She's thank him for continuing to honor John's memory. April 2006 - Gary; On this day I gave him a print out of 9 photos of Imagine with his flower decorations. Including the one I took of Lennon's 65th Birthday.. and also Lennon's 25th anniversary of his death, 12/8/05. Jan 2006July 200610/10/06 - I took this picture about 4PM. It always amazes me that people are always coming by to view the memorial. Once I visited it at 10PM after a snowstorm. There were a few people there wiping the snow off the words - IMAGINE. Late last month I saw Sean Lennon at a party. He is the spitting image of his dad.

Gone Fishing

Blogger seems to be having problems today. Last week I worked 65hrs, today I am sick as a dog. So we are all going to take a few days off. HughE2030

A Chorus Line - Departures

What a thrill it was to see Marvin Hamlisch. I mentioned to him that I had seen Barbra's show in Philly the night before (he didn't realize she was touring). I told him she had wonderful things to say about him. He really appreciated that and that is why he is smiling here. Sara Gettelfinger and behind her Mara Daiv Tyler Hanes (Larry) and Mara Davi (below their pictures) Jessica Lee Goldyn (Val) and Jeffrey Schecter (Mike) James T. Lane (Richie) Michael Berresse Yuka Takara (Connie), Deidre Goodwing (awesome feathery dress), Charlotte d'Amboise and gorgeous Ken Alan (Bobby)

A Chorus Line - Opening Night Arrivals

Wayne Cilento, Sammy Williams and Thommie Walsh (Thank you to the people on Broadwayworld.com for the names) Thommie and Donna McKechnie Kelly (Carole) Bishop with Priscilla Lopez A little too much botox, ya think? Tovah Feldshuh Liza and Friend. Liza looks amazing!! SJP Fran Dresher

Scandalous Streisand

OK I traveled back to Philly Wednesday night to catch the opening of Barbra Streisand's first "Last tour" in 12 years. She started promptly at 8PM!! If you like Barbra's old stuff (Down With Love), I mean stuff she hasn't sung in 40 years, then this is the $350 ticket for you. She sang the 3 songs that caused her to have stage fright back in the Sixties, but has now embraced them. She said the fright occurred during A Happening in Central Park Concert 1967. Yes they frightened her because she forgot the words to the songs, the audience didn't and continued singing, but she couldn't and was mortified. Now teleprompters have been invented, and life is so much better. There were a few gems she sang tonight, but you know if she's going to sing The Way We Were as the 3rd song, well it is all down hill for awhile until IL Divo comes out and duets with Babs on Love Soft as an Easy Chair except it's in Italian and there are no teleprompters for us. Lucky for me she did sing one of my favorites, twice, "Don't Rain on My Parade", once during the show, and another time as an encore because the Philadelphia fans can be loud and boisterous until they get an encore. (hear that Madonna, some people still do encores) I must say that she is one good storyteller, in the mix of the concert she mentioned all the places she went to eat today, including Pat's Steaks, the Reading Terminal Market, Tony Lukes for a pork sandwich,the original Budukan and finally a drive by Independence Hall. Did you know she filmed a clip from her Color Me Barbra show on the Art Museum Steps, the same steps that Rocky would make famous years later. Hmm I wounder if the powers to be would consider putting a statue of Barbra near the steps too? 40 years ago, she tells us, she tried out the Broadway bound play, "I Can Get It Wholesale", here in Philly before it moved on to the Great White Way. Also I was impressed how Barbara was interested in all that people yelled at her, like "I love You", I love you too; "You're Gorgeous", babs said, "but the press says I'm fat, !!" she yelled back. Sometimes she would ask the yellers to repeat themselves, or talk one at a time. It was interesting to see how she was interested in hearing it, where Madonna a few months back just told them to shut the fuck up and "stop throwing shit on my stage", but for me I would have like to hear a song or two during these sometimes long interuptions. The scandal part, and you read it here first because its gonna be bigger than the Crucifixion with Madonna. Well at one point she brings out George W Bush, well ok an exact look a like. They banter for awhile, and although it was not pretty, it was pretty funny. He then wants to do a duet with her, she says how about "Guilty" or "What Kind A Fool Am I" He settles for the Democratic themed song "Happy Days are Here Again" But the bit is a bit too long, and I think not at an apporpriate political time. I think Sen Foley and his foibles were enough to carry the democrats into office in a few weeks. This might just make the pendulum swing the other way. Rosie O'Donnell was in the front row leading every standing ovation, for which Barbra deserved because even if I didn't like her song choices, she is a legend, she hates Bush and her voice is pretty darn good for a 64 year old broad in a moo moo Donna Karan, and that's a lot better than say Whitney Houston or Jessica Simpson is any day of the week. All in all, I am a Barbra fan, and it was an experience I was glad I was able to afford this time around. I would like to have heard more familar songs, but my mother-in-law was on cloud 9 to hear Barbra live and that was what was priceless about the experience.

Another Stunt Casting at Chicago - USHER

A few months back I wrote about Rita Wilson in Chicago. She was great, Tom Hanks show up and it boosted sales, but not like the latest stunt casting - USHER. I went to his premiere a few weeks back, but didn't stay for his exit at the end of the show. Tonight I finally caught up with him. WOW the crowds at the door were almost as overwhelming as the Julia Roberts debut on Broadway earlier this spring. At the premiere little Usher's brother and mother were there... Rosie Perez made an appearance. You can always tell where the paparazzi is located when Rosie is around, she looks like this. God forbid she ever pose or sign for a fan, she often just makes a face and beelines for the door. Gayle King, I love Gayle almost more than Oprah. I would have to say in my life I have seen Gayle and shot her 2nd to Matthew Broderick. I swear last week she recognized me. I have had had at least 4 conversations with her in the last year. Anyway here is Gayle with her two kids. Tonight I scheduled my life around making it to the stage door to see Usher. He finishes his run 10/15/06. The crowd was very large, and most seemed to have never seen a celebrity before. I have bruises from the unruly crowds, and that was just from the guys. The girls were screaming Usher, Usher, then after a fleeting glance broke down in tears. It was bizare, but then Simon reminded me that I was just like that last year, but now I must be jaded - LOL Tomorrow night I will see Babs in Philly, so until Thursday, which is the Chorus Line opening on Broadway with hopefully lots of celebs!! (How many people think that's an Orb above Usher's head?)

PROJECT RUNWAY at Fashion Week

On my way to work a week or so ago, I passed the Project Runway tent just as the participants were letting out...I have no idea who these people are, anyone want to give me some help? Update - Thank You The Scarlett... http://bloggingprojectrunway2.blogspot.com/Angela Keslar, Project Runway contestant, Season 3 Alison Kelly, Project Runway contestant, Season 3 ( left to right) Raymundo Baltazar, Diana Eng and Marla Duran, all Project Runway contentants from Season 2 (black umbrella, left) Nick Verreos, Project Runway contestant, Season 2 Jeffrey Sebelia, Project Runway Season 3 finalist. (Blonde behind him is Uli Herzner, also a Season 3 finalist) Kayne Gillaspie, Project Runway Season 3 contestant and Amanda Fields, Project Runway Season 3 modelAustin Scarlett, Project Runway Season 1 contestant (now head designer for Kenneth Poole)Heidi Klum and bodyguards