Ron Perelman
The New F.O.B.'s
In mid-October, about three weeks to go before election night, Barack Obama found himself in the classy old Metropolitan Club on 66th Street with a group of his top New York fund-raisers.
He told them there was “extraordinary expertise” in the room. “Who knows?” he said. “There might be some of you who decide that you want to spend a little time in government.”
Perhaps. But there’s something better: The New Yorkers who had the prescience and stamina to support Mr. Obama when Hillary Clinton was the dominant Democrat now carry Barack Platinum Cards; if he wins on Nov. 4, their credit limit will be high. read more »
The Private Plane is a Necessity, Say Moguls
Last week, The Wall Street Journal reported that the chairman and chief executive officer of Lehman Brothers, Richard Fuld Jr., has placed his highly prized modern art collection on the market. Also, former Lehman President Joe Gregory has sold the private helicopter that he used to commute to work every day from Huntington, N.Y. But while Lehman executives have been eager to cash out, other high-powered moguls aren't yet planning a yard sale, especially in the case of their private planes, reports Page Six Magazine.
P. Diddy recently announced that he plans to fly commercial in light of high gas prices and struggling economy, but others like investor Henry Kravis, Knicks player Stephon Marbury, NASCAR's Jeff Gordon, media mogul Bob Pittman and HDNet chairman Mark Cuban are suddenly rather shy about their personal planes. read more »
Christiane Amanpour Says Renee Zellweger is 'Very Smart About Current Affairs'
"Oh! You came!" exclaimed actress Renee Zellweger when she spotted designer Carolina Herrera through a crowd of people at Michael's this afternoon.
Ms. Zellweger was attending a private luncheon to celebrate Living Proof, a Lifetime original movie on which she was an executive producer about a doctor who works to find a cure for breast cancer.
The two women embraced, after which Ms. Herrera promptly departed before everyone sat down to eat. But Ms. Zellweger didn’t seem to mind as she had plenty more people to greet. After all, Ron Perelman had just walked in. ("Hey Peggs!" he shouted in the direction of publicist Peggy Siegal, who was lining the tables with name cards—Liz Smith, Bonnie Fuller, Trudie Styler—and shuffling guests around at the last minute. read more »
Morning Memo: Vivica's New Reality; Conrad's New Attitude; Gyllenhaal's New Jumpsuit
VH1 has yet another fashion-themed reality show coming this fall. The subtly titled Glam God is brought to you from stylist Phillip Bloch and Vivica A. Fox, and will crown the next celebrity stylist. [The Cut]
In an interview with an Israeli newspaper, Katie Couric compared herself to Hillary Clinton, claiming that sexism is more tolerated than racism. [NY Daily News]
Lauren Conrad, who just last week bailed on a Humane Society charity event, has reportedly continued her diva behavior in the Hamptons this past weekend. After flying in via chopper to host a party at Lily Pond, Ms. Conrad arrived late and was anti-social. read more »
Morning Memo: Trouble With The Ledger Estate; Larry King's Wife's Secret Pain
Michelle Williams is reportedly feuding with Heath Ledger's family over the late actor's will. [P6]
Ron Perelman and his ex, Patricia Duff, are back in court because a court-appointed lawyer for their 13-year-old daughter says that the girl has been subjected to emotional abuse. [NY Daily News]
Ashley Dupre thanked her fans and critics on her MySpace page yesterday. [NY Daily News]
Helena Christensen will not shake your hand if you cross her. [P6]
Larry King's wife, Shawn Southwick King, has reportedly gone to rehab for her addiction to painkillers. [P6]
Bravo's Shear Genius stylists will give New Yorkers free blow-outs in Times Square today. [The Cut]
