Friday, February 20, 2009
We're Moving!
In my dreams... The jaw-dropping 30-room Cordts mansion is on the market in upstate Kingston, N.Y., for a tasty $2.7 million, and on display at brownstoner. It was built in 1873, with 9 bedrooms, 9 baths and 7 fireplaces. It reminds me of some of the homes I grew up with in Lynchburg, Va., only, you know, it's not in Lynchburg, Va. I want.
The Carriage House, which is likely four times larger than my apartment in Brooklyn. Sigh...
Well, I'm still holding out hope that we're going to win the HGTV Dream House on March 15 in Sonoma, Calif. A boy's gotta hold on to something...
The Carriage House, which is likely four times larger than my apartment in Brooklyn. Sigh...
Well, I'm still holding out hope that we're going to win the HGTV Dream House on March 15 in Sonoma, Calif. A boy's gotta hold on to something...
I'm No Fashionista, But...
Wait, Ricky, girl, I thought you were still in the closet?
Lady CaCa scores again: a big ZERO.
Pamela Anderson and her 42-year-old vay-j-j. Ew.
Lady CaCa scores again: a big ZERO.
Pamela Anderson and her 42-year-old vay-j-j. Ew.
Billboard, February 28, 2009
ROCK
HOOBASTANKSo Close, So Far (3:17)
Producer: Howard Benson
Writers: Hoobastank, J. Blue
Island
Hoobastank tickled the mainstream with the No. 1 Pop 100 smash “The Reason” in 2004, but beyond, the quartet seems content to stick to its rock roots, albeit garnering only a modicum of chart success since. “My Turn,” the first single from the Jan. 27 release “For(n)ever,” grazed the top 25 at rock radio, but its blurry hard-rocking bitch slap was simply less melodic than previous offerings. The follow-up “So Close, So Far” sounds like a better bet to return Hooba to the upper reaches of the charts: It’s still credibly post-grunge, but a better display case for lead Doug Robb’s fervid vocals, alongside plenty of howling guitars and pealing percussion. The track could take command of not only rock; it’s catchy enough to seduce adult top 40, returning the California band to glory.—CT
ACSEAL
If You Don’t Know Me by Now (3:46)
Producer: David Foster
Writers: K. Gamble, L. Huff
143/Warner Bros.
“If You Don’t Know Me by Now” is knocking a third time at heaven’s gate, after first charting in 1972 for Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes, reaching No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 1 at R&B. Simply Red catapulted to the summit when it covered the song in 1989. Twenty years later, Seal offers another novel take from his “Soul” album of 11 classic covers. The new version is produced by David Foster (who’s been missing in action for too long) and matches a classic song with a timeless singer. No bells and whistles necessary, just a relaxed, ardent vocal and organic production. AC is instantly seduced, comforted by a familiar melody aligned with a known voice, offering an air-tight “seal” on this artist’s future.—CT
Phucked By Photoshop
Isn't Photoshop supposed to improve people, not alter them into aliens? Pics of season eight's "Dancing With The Stars" twirlers are just bizarro. At left, Belinda Carlisle looks more like Kitty Carlisle. Right is... Jewel? Wha?? I don't even recognize her face in this, uh, realignment. Fortunately, country hottie Chuck Wicks, below, is so luscious, the wicked Photoshop queens couldn't even corrupt his pretty face.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Taylors Through Time
Tonight I spent a good deal of time with the scanner, cropping and doing major repair to some vintage family photos that were cracked and torn. These are quite precious to me and in some cases, the only glimpses I have of these family members... We're working backward through time here.
The Taylor family in front of the home in Lynchburg, Va., where I grew up. Easter: April 1, 1973. I'm 10.
Love this picture, and it took a lot of editing to make as clear as this. From left, my Uncle Howard, whom I don't particularly remember, his wife and my great aunt on my mother's side (my grandmother's sister) Lottie Calhoun, great aunt Gypsy Stevens (who never married), me, brother Chris, grandmother Evelyn Price and grandaddy Whithers Price, both on my mother's side. December 26, 1966. I'm 4.
My dad on the drums. He played in several local bands for many years.
My mother's formal bridal picture—with a hell of lot of repairs. This was cracked and badly bent.
And my Poppy's official service picture from World War II.
My dad, on the right, in the U.S. Army during World War II.
My diddy Daniel L. Taylor III and mother Evelyn P. Taylor, during their courtship. They were married June 17, 1950.
My handsome Uncle Tommy, my mother's only brother. He was an Air Force pilot, and killed in World War II.
My brother Chris, grandmother on my mother's side, Evelyn Price, me and grandaddy Whiters Price. They named my mother Evelyn—after my grandmother. Only in the south, cool cats. Dec, 23, 1968. I'm 6.
My dad, unidentified friend, mother and my mom's diddy, Whithers Price. This is a rare photo of him actually smiling. He died when I was 10, the first death I confronted in my life. I remember the day clearly.
My grandmother on my dad's side, Claire Taylor, who remarried Howard Slaughter, a quiet, private man whom I remember but can't say I ever knew. That's me with them; I'm guessing I'm 7 or 8. My grandmother was always known to the grandkids as "Ma."
Daniel L. Taylor Jr., my diddy's diddy. He died quite young, before my parents were married in 1950. Quite a handsome man and I'm told a temper like a tornado.
And finally, going back to what is likely the beginnings of photography, this is an undated photograph of my great-grandparents on my mammmer's side, Lydia and Thomas Stevens. Fab 'stache!
The Taylor family in front of the home in Lynchburg, Va., where I grew up. Easter: April 1, 1973. I'm 10.
Love this picture, and it took a lot of editing to make as clear as this. From left, my Uncle Howard, whom I don't particularly remember, his wife and my great aunt on my mother's side (my grandmother's sister) Lottie Calhoun, great aunt Gypsy Stevens (who never married), me, brother Chris, grandmother Evelyn Price and grandaddy Whithers Price, both on my mother's side. December 26, 1966. I'm 4.
My dad on the drums. He played in several local bands for many years.
My mother's formal bridal picture—with a hell of lot of repairs. This was cracked and badly bent.
And my Poppy's official service picture from World War II.
My dad, on the right, in the U.S. Army during World War II.
My diddy Daniel L. Taylor III and mother Evelyn P. Taylor, during their courtship. They were married June 17, 1950.
My handsome Uncle Tommy, my mother's only brother. He was an Air Force pilot, and killed in World War II.
My brother Chris, grandmother on my mother's side, Evelyn Price, me and grandaddy Whiters Price. They named my mother Evelyn—after my grandmother. Only in the south, cool cats. Dec, 23, 1968. I'm 6.
My dad, unidentified friend, mother and my mom's diddy, Whithers Price. This is a rare photo of him actually smiling. He died when I was 10, the first death I confronted in my life. I remember the day clearly.
My grandmother on my dad's side, Claire Taylor, who remarried Howard Slaughter, a quiet, private man whom I remember but can't say I ever knew. That's me with them; I'm guessing I'm 7 or 8. My grandmother was always known to the grandkids as "Ma."
Daniel L. Taylor Jr., my diddy's diddy. He died quite young, before my parents were married in 1950. Quite a handsome man and I'm told a temper like a tornado.
And finally, going back to what is likely the beginnings of photography, this is an undated photograph of my great-grandparents on my mammmer's side, Lydia and Thomas Stevens. Fab 'stache!
East Village Boy: Rajan
It's been a while since I've posted eye candy. This is Rajan from New York, photographed for arts & scene site eastvillageboys.com by Mckenzie James. (Warning: grown-up content).
Barbie: '...Belch!'
A new ad campaign called "Keep obesity away from your child" employs images of "lazy" toys to get its message across. How irresistible is "fat Barbie"? Girl, have another Dorito! There's also tubby Superman, lard-ass Batman and some pudgy pirates. Click on post title to see more.
The Very Reverend Charles L. Taylor
Today I became a legal minister in the five boroughs of New York City! I'm now a certified hitching post.
Leader Of The Pack
President Obama has already shown more leadership skill in his index finger than George W's whole stumbling being. What a shame that Republicans are playing party games with an imploding national economy. I've never been as disgusted by American politics, but studying Obama's stimulus plan—with extended unemployment benefits, relaxation of Cobra health insurance and rescue initiatives for homeowners—this guy is trying with all his might against opposition from a big lot of sore losers.
Don't Mess With Matt
Our buddy Matt Crabtree left New York and moved to Los Angeles several years back to pursue acting. Let's see... I used to work at Billboard with his roommate Richard... but then somehow Francie also knew Matt very well. It's all a bit blurry... the 1990s, you know.So Matt appears in the Feb. 18 episode of "NCIS" entitled "Bounce." As a hotel GM, Matt infuses just the right amount of snarky consternation as he tells off main characters Mark Harmon and Michael Weatherly. Good fun.
Happy Birthday!
Singer Seal Henry Olusegun Kwassi Olumide Adelo Samuel is 46 today. His new covers album "Soul," produced by the great David Foster, contains a version of "If You Don't Know Me By Now," which I reviewed for tomorrow's Billboard. Stand by..Among his many memorable hits are 1990's "Crazy," 1994 "Prayer for the Dying" and No. 1 "Kiss from a Rose"—the "Batman" theme that won Grammys for Record of the Year and Song of the Year—"Don't Cry" in 1996 and "Walk On By" in 2004.
I missed this one yesterday! Singer Juice Newton, one of my main '80s ladies, with Sheena Easton, Olivia Newton-John, Laura Branigan, Madonna and Kim Wilde, turned 52 Wednesday. Can't even begin to list the enormous number of hits she scored for me, including "Break It To Me Gently," my No. 1 song of 1982. Of course, there's "Angel of the Morning," "Queen of Hearts," "The Sweetest Thing (I've Ever Known)" and "Love's Been a Little Bit Hard on Me," among so, so many. I got to interview Juice on the phone once in the late 1990s... she was painting the outside of her house at the time. Couldn't have been more down to earth and jovial. Much love and respect for my Juice.
LOL On NYC's LES
Good times in the Lower East Side at Central Bar last eve with Emre, Donna Delmas and Ayhan Sahin...
Woolworth Building, NYC
My favorite skyscraper in New York: the handsome Woolworth Building in Tribeca. It opened in 1913, and remains one of the 50 tallest buildings in the nation. From 1913 to 1930, at 792 feet, it was the world's tallest.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Dumb-Ass
A 14-year-old Wisconsin girl who refused to stop texting during a high school math class was arrested and charged with disorderly conduct. The teen was busted after she ignored a teacher's demand to stop texting and denied having a phone when confronted by a school security officer.
However, her Samsung Cricket was recovered "from the buttocks area" after she was frisked by a female cop. The student was issued a criminal citation for disorderly conduct, which carries bail of $298, and had her phone confiscated.I see a bright future for this dumb-ass teen. She's going to be an excellent cream cheese and bagel girl at the Sheetz filling station.
Paul Giamatti
Coming to work this morning, I boarded the elevator at Court Street for the R train. The door closes. The door opens. I'm annoyed. A mousy man walks in. I look over. "Hi," I say. "Hi."
CT: Paul, everyone I know in the neighborhood always talks about seeing you. [He lives in Brooklyn Heights]. Now I can, too.
PG: Yeah.
CT: Do you mind if we take a picture together?... I'm Chuck [shake hands]
PG: Paul.
CT: Ready?
PG: No. [Click/flash!]
Paul Giamatti was nominated for a Best Supporting Actor Oscar in 2005 for "Cinderella Man." He won an Emmy and Golden Globe for the mini-series "John Adams." This is clearly the worst picture I've taken in my life. I look like an overfed platypus, not following my own rule: chin down! He doesn't seem to be loving the moment. Oh, happy day!
CT: Paul, everyone I know in the neighborhood always talks about seeing you. [He lives in Brooklyn Heights]. Now I can, too.
PG: Yeah.
CT: Do you mind if we take a picture together?... I'm Chuck [shake hands]
PG: Paul.
CT: Ready?
PG: No. [Click/flash!]
Paul Giamatti was nominated for a Best Supporting Actor Oscar in 2005 for "Cinderella Man." He won an Emmy and Golden Globe for the mini-series "John Adams." This is clearly the worst picture I've taken in my life. I look like an overfed platypus, not following my own rule: chin down! He doesn't seem to be loving the moment. Oh, happy day!
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