John Legend

Morning Memo: The Eldridge Opens; Lindsay Lohan Defends Bristol Palin; Brett Ratner Gossips About Miley Cyrus

Miley Cyrus.
Getty Images.
Miley Cyrus.

Lindsay Lohan thinks the media's extensive coverage of the Bristol Palin scandal is "distracting from the real issues." She would know!  [US Weekly]

Ever-decorous director Brett Ratner told the press that 15-year-old Miley Cyrus’s latest single—he directed the music video—is about her ex-boyfriend, Jonas Brother Nick. [People]

Invites to the new, infamously exclusive Eldridge bar on the Lower East Side went out today—though they're apparently slightly easier to come by than owner Matt Levine would have us believe. [Down By The Hipster]

Arthur Sulzberger has been deposed by Donald Trump's lawyers, who believe the New York Times publisher's testimony will strengthen their defamation suit against TrumpNation author Timothy O'Brien.  read more »

Ode to Jews! How I Love You Groovy Chosen People

Balabusta! My spiritual sister, movie star and Judaism convert Elizabeth Taylor, with then-hubby Eddie Fisher in Venice, 1961.
Keystone/Getty Images
Balabusta! My spiritual sister, movie star and Judaism convert Elizabeth Taylor, with then-hubby Eddie Fisher in Venice, 1961.

I realize that Mahmoud Ahmadinejad would probably disagree with me but, at the end of the day, there  read more »

The Most Popular Man In Show Business

People can't leave Bill Clinton alone. In the Marriott Marquis hotel's men's lavatory the other night, at the 60th Anniversary Gala for Harlem's Northside Center for Child Development, even the bathroom attendant couldn't stop chatting with Mr. Clinton. Mr. President looked very happy about it. His Secret Service men did not.

"Hi, Bill," a gaggle of giggling girls sang when the President walked out of the head.

Mr. Clinton took the stage. "I'm just happy to be here," he told the crowd. He then said something that is becoming commonplace for him. "I'm also saying this for Hillary, who is down at the Senate, making something good happen. Or stopping something bad."

Later in the talk, his attentions shifted. "I saw this really attractive, compelling woman in her 50's," he drawled. Oh. The anecdote turned out to be about gay marriage.

Crooner John Legend was placed next to the President at the center dinner table. This is, Mr. Legend said wearily, the fourth benefit he'd hit that week. (It was only Thursday, too!)

There was Russell Simmons, and Ed Bradley, and there was Bill Cosby. Mr. Cosby sported a medallion in his lapel. "This is the Medal of Freedom," he said. (Where was his own fancy ceremony? "At the White House.")

David Dinkins came up to Mr. Cosby. "Your bride is beautiful," the former Mayor said. "Keep your hands off my wife. I'll challenge you to a duel," said Mr. Cosby. Max Abelson

Wilmer Valderrama Hosts Condo Party


Come see Wilmer! Click to enlarge.
A few months ago, uber-broker Michael Shvo brought Grammy winner John Legend to impress some would-be buyers at 20 Pine: The Collection.

Now, Corcoran Group Marketing is answering back with That 70's Show star and on-again-off-again boyfriend of Lindsay Lohan, Wilmer Valderrama. (For added star power, Lizzie Grubman is mentioned twice on the invite.)  read more »

So if you can't find Mr. Valderrama behind the velvet rope of some meat-packing district club, better try the opening of luxury condominium on Hudson Street.

- Michael Calderone