Recently Dead

The former punk-rock champion turned celebrity realtor, Linda Stein, was found murdered and lying in a pool of blood late last night in her Fifth Avenue penthouse. An autopsy showed that she died from fatal blows to the head and neck. She was 62. Through her marriage to Sire Records founder Seymour Stein, she transformed herself from a fifth-grade teacher in the Bronx to Ramones manager, international party girl, and Studio 54 regular. After she and Stein divorced, she got her real-estate license and became "broker to the stars," with Bruce Willis, Billy Joel, Sting, Calvin Klein, Joan Rivers, and Sylvester Stallone among her clients. Described as loud, brassy, and funny, Stein was nicknamed "Buddy Hackett with tits" by one of her movie star friends. Her death is under investigation. (ABC News; photo: Patrick McMullan)

Star Whores

Guess the WOW staffer. It's not Thairin. (Photo by Fenton Bailey)

Clothes Whores

There was fierce competition among the Halloween-costumed today in the office. But for my money, today's winner is easily Cheryl Johnson, and not least because, apart from the wig, everything in her "Britney-at-60" outfit came from her own closet. LOVE those bauble earrings!

– Steven Corfe

Squash Caught

Until very recently in Iowa, pumpkins had been considered squash and as such were deemed foodstuffs and not eligible to be taxed. But the Iowa Department of Revenue, feeling hoodwinked, has now ruled the lovable orange lugs taxable. "We made the change because we wanted the sales tax law to match what we thought the predominant use was," said a spokesperson for the department. "We thought the predominant use was for decorations or jack-o'-lanterns." Caught! So if you're buying a pumpkin in Des Moines today, make sure the checkout lady overhears you remarking how you can't wait to get home to make a pie. (Yahoo!)

The Nightmare Before Manson

Tim Burton meets Marilyn Manson meets Panic! at the Disco. A Halloween mashup. (t/y Jeff)

Exclusive! Gimme Slo-mo

Hot on the heels of the recent conspiracy theory that Britney Spears may not actually have sung on her new album Blackout, we took a fresh copy of the CD into the WOW audio laboratory to analyze the claim. Results from slowing down and isolating the female vocals were surprising, to say the least, and if you listen in very carefully at around the five-second mark, you'll hear some evidence that makes a strong case for Britney's presence on the track. (Listen to it here)

– Steven Corfe

We Thought It Was an Amish Guy at First

Rick Jacobs rigged a night-vision camera with an automatic trigger in a tree in Pennsylvania's Allegheny National Forest, hoping to snap some photos of deer (why?), and got this curious shot of a two-legged something-or-other. Jacobs, who's been a hunter for years, had never seen anything like it before (or, apparently, deer), so he took the photo to the Bigfoot Research Organization that looks into this sort of thing. "It appears to be a primate-like animal," said Paul Majeta of the organization. "In my opinion, it appears to be a juvenile Sasquatch." A baby bigfoot? Not according to an agent from the Pennsylvania Game Commission, who says it's more likely "a bear with a severe case of mange." In which case, we think we might know him. (Yahoo!; photo: AP; t/y Jason)

She's Trying

Poor misunderstood Heather Mills is likening herself to Princess Diana who was also "pushed to the edge" by the paparazzi and tabloids. Mills says that the press' constant portrayal of her as a "whore and a gold-digger" and the steady stream of death threats "from an underground movement" are driving her to consider suicide. If that should happen, though, there is at least one person who won't be happy. "There is so much fear from a certain party of the truth coming out," she said recently on a UK chat show.

"I have a box of evidence that's going to a certain person should anything happen to me, so if you top me off it's still going to that person, and the truth will come out.... I can sell my story right now. I'm trying to protect Paul and our daughter. I am trying, and I'm being pushed to the edge."

Of Interest

Vocalists Robert Goulet and JC Chasez. (t/y Sparkers)

No More Mr Nice Guy

24's Kiefer Sutherland has punished his fans and the paparazzi who follow him around 24 hours a day. He won't be doing them any more favors by stopping to sign the memorabilia they thrust at him as he makes his way around town, thanks to the way they shot him embarrassing himself stumbling drunkenly during his DUI arrest in September and posted the incriminating photos on the internet and sold them around the world. "He was one of the best autograph signers there was," moaned one disappointed collector. "He would always stand and sign for a half hour, but since his arrest, he's been telling collectors, 'I don't do that anymore. You guys screwed me.' " Sounds like gang rape. (Page Six)

Rubber Soul

Here's a fun live-action video detailing all the benefits, all the ins and outs of condom use, told from the point of view of the condom for a change. And at seven minutes, you know it's got everything covered, so to speak. The people at the Nrityanjali Academy in Secunderabad, Andhra Pradesh, India, have a whimsical sense of humor and the jolly singing latex Teletubbies prancing hither and yon will have you joining in on the catchy chorus: "Never forget me I am Nirodh / I am the condom friend ever useful to you." (t/y Clancy)

Quote Unquote

"Bill wants someone he can put down in an argument, tell you how ghetto you are, how big your butt is, and that you're an idiot. That's why you never see him with a white girl or an intellectual. I might as well have been a Muslim woman with my head wrapped, walking 10 paces behind my man. I couldn't be 'Bill Maher's girlfriend' any more – not when I'm Karrine Steffans...best-selling author." – Bill Maher's former girlfriend, Confessions of a Video Vixen author Karrine Steffans, to Vibe magazine. (Page Six)

Starrbooty Call

AguynamedWayne writes:

From porn stars to pop stars, the Starrbooty DVD release party at the Virgin Megastore in Manhattan drew them all. RuPaul looked gorgeous as she held court to a large crowd of fans and friends. And she brought several of the movies' costars up to share the stage with her. Ari Gold, the openly gay singer whose new CD Transport Systems is a pretty perfect pop album, went up and showed off his sexy pimped out "OuchFit" that had lots in the way of flesh but little fabric. Not to be outdone, Michael Lucas – the Prince of Gay Porn – stripped off his shirt and gave fans a peek at his pecs. Starrbooty's director Mike Ruiz was by Ru's side signing DVDs well into the night, as surprise guests dropped in to give moral support. One of my favorites was the director of the original Starrbooty movies, Jon Witherspoon aka the legendary Lahoma Van Zandt, who played the hilarious Agent Page Turner in the new movie. A great time was had by all. This is one night with Starrbooty that I won't soon forget!

(Photos by Wayne, from top: RuPaul, Wayne, and Mike Ruiz; Ru and Ari Gold in his OuchFit; porn prince Michael Lucas; Ru with Jon Witherspoon; Corey Corey who plays Junebug in Starrbooty; Ru fans)

Interview With the Zombie(s)

James St James interrupts the famous Zombie Walk along Hollywood Boulevard to chat with some of the participants. Seems only three turned up (well, it was still daylight), and they hadn't yet worked up an appetite. After a few listless attempts to bite some tourists, they file into WOW's storefront gallery where James offers them complimentary blood and pus.

This Just In

Although Nikki Finke is saying in the LA Weekly that the Hollywood writers strike is set to start on Friday, we hear from a reliable source that in fact it will begin late tomorrow night, early Thursday morning. We also hear that most of the unions will honor the strike, although "softly." What that means is that the unions can't officially honor the strike because they'd be sued by the studios – but they can encourage their members to honor it as individuals. Leo T Reed, secretary-treasurer of the Teamsters since 1988, said yesterday, "Teamsters don't cross picket lines." Most likely there will be revolving picket lines around the studio gates, 15 minutes per gate. At the end of the 15 minutes they will move on to the next gate. This means that if you show up at your usual gate and find picketers, you should drive to a non-picketed gate to enter the studio. If none of this happens, you didn't hear it here.

Recently Dead

Robert Goulet, the booming baritone whose Broadway debut as Sir Lancelot in Camelot launched an award-winning stage and recording career, died this morning at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Beverly Hills while waiting for a lung transplant. He was 73. It was discovered last month that the matinee idol was suffering from a rare form of pulmonary fibrosis. Goulet won a Grammy in 1962 for best new artist and made the charts in 1964 with "My Love Forgive Me." He also won a Tony in 1968 for best actor in a musical for his starring role in The Happy Time. He appeared in such movies as 1991's The Naked Gun 2 1/2, and played, perfectly, a lounge singer in Louis Malle's 1980 Atlantic City. (Wikipedia)

It's Out There

David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson are set to reprise their roles as FBI agents Fox Mulder and Dana Scully in a new, long-time-coming X-Files movie. The agents who investigated paranormal stuff on Fox TV's long-running cult series and in one disappointing feature film (10 years ago) will re-team for a sequel, working-titled Done One and directed by X-Files creator Chris Carter from a script by him and Frank Spotnitz. It's said the movie won't continue the story arc that was started in the TV series, which is just fine with us. Shooting starts December 10 in Vancouver, ironically where the TV series was shot until Duchovny demanded it be moved to Hollywood. As in Hollywood, Californication. (IGN)

It's Bearitney, Bitch, Part 1

Of Interest

Escher and Usher

Pop Waffle Volume 10: Special Edition

Tangled Up in Blue

While on a break from Heroes, Hayden Panettiere did some work for the Save the Whales Again charity that attempts to stop the dolphin killings in Japan. (That's people killing dolphins, not dolphins rising from the sea with murderous intent.) And she saved a mermaid in the process. (via Jaunted)

RuPaul Has Your More Right Here

RuPaul will be taking Manhattan, if not necessarily The Bronx and Staten Island too, with a Starrbooty DVD-signing extravaganza at (ironically) the Virgin Megastore on Union Square today at a very civilized 8PM, then a live Starrbooty performance on Friday, November 2, at Splash Bar NYC, we're assuming at a late hour. As Ru's biggest fan AguynamedWayne says, "She rocks for city blocks."

Anyone Here from Queens?

Rosie O’Donnell, dressed as Queen Elizabeth I, makes her first post-View TV appearance on Martha Stewart's Holloween-themed show tomorrow. “I can hardly walk," she said. "I don’t know how queens do this. And by that, I mean gay men too.” Stewart seems to be dressed as a throw from her bed & bath collection. (via Faded Youth)

The Fisher Kink

The official story on the Amy Fisher Caught on Tape tape is that Amy Fisher's husband Lou Bellera sold the sex tape they made to Red Light District because he was angry at her when he filed for divorce. “I did it out of the heat of anger and passion,” he says. “We were estranged. She was seeing Joey. I just used that as a vehicle to strike back at her.” He says he regrets selling it now that they're back together. Fisher says, "I don’t want to see it. It’s better for me if I just don’t think about it. I’m just going to hide in my house.” We say they're both in on what they hope to be a sweet deal. (Spreadit)

Rumer Has It

Over the weekend, Rumer Willis auctioned off a Rumer Willis Polly Pocket doll, whatever that is, for $5,500, the money benefiting a children-with-AIDS charity. "I feel like I'm really famous now," she said. "Before I started working, I would have said, 'You know, it's not really fair, because I didn't choose this.' But when you decide to be a part of this profession and put yourself out there, then you kind of have to accept what it is. [...] It's a 24-hour job. It doesn't matter if you are going out to a restaurant – you have to be aware of what you are doing and how you look and how you are presenting yourself, because most of the time people never get to know you. [...] Being famous isn't going to parties ... it's about being able to use the power that we all have to kind of give back." (People; photo: Jeff Vespa/WireImage)

Britney Gets Her Beads Read

The Catholic church is not only not amused by Britney Spears' new album, it's not even entertained, for Christ's sake. Controversy not involving priest wrongdoing for a change erupted today when church leaders got a look at photos accompanying Spears' Blackout CD that showed the singer seated in a costume-shop priest's lap and leaning against a confessional, stockinged legs akimbo. Not unexpected Britney fare. "This is all the puzzle pieces coming together," scolded the Catholic League president. "This girl is crashing. She's not even allowed to bring up her own kids because she's not responsible enough. Now we see she can't even entertain." That's cold. But what we find interesting is that the church would be among the first to obtain, look at, and listen to the latest product from a pop princess not known for her faith-based material. Stranger still, Spears' custody judge, chastising her for her many Starbucks runs, said, "It does not seem she has been taking many steps to not keep herself in the public eye at all times." Um,what? Will the court stenographer read that last statement back, please. (NY Daily News)

It's Old Gregg

An inexplicably funny sketch from The Mighty Boosh.

Party Monsters

THE PARTY: Steven Corfe & James McGowan's 3rd Annual Halloween Costume Party.
THE PLACE: Steven Corfe's house.
THE PEOPLE: Pregnant J-Lo. Gay Dumbledore. Daft Punk. Olsen twins. Sailors. Tom Cruise and tranny Katie Holmes. Tranny X-tina. Tranny Amy Winehouse. Tranny MIA. Lots of trannies.
HIGHLIGHTS: Gratuitous nudity. The police turning up and being mistaken for costumed guests (see above).

James and Steven as a Malibu fire victim and Amy Winehouse • James McG as Blake Fielder-Civil

Chris Crocker and footballer Xander • Christina Aguilera

Kevina • Phil Spector

Atmosphere • Rodrigo and burned Suri

The Tick • Nicole Richie

Designer Brian Lichtenberg and photographer Luke Gilford • Thairin and Thairin (yes, really)

Hot zombies Dylan and Taylor

Pregnant J-Lo and vampire nurse Di • James and Chris

(Photos by Thairin Smothers and Alex Van Praag; NSFW shots after the jump)

Of Interest

Singer-actresses Pearl Bailey and Queen Latifah

Scare and Makeup

Diana Ross does Michael Jackson for Halloween. (Photo by REX via Daily Mail)

Pump It Up

In a world where the alternate fuel source is blood...resides Blood Car. (t/y Beau)

Of Interest

Journalist Judith Miller and Frances de la Tour as Harry Potter's Madame Olympe Maxime. (t/y Schmidt)

Skin Flick

How they met. A heartwarming romantic adventure. (t/y bj)

Pup Culture

The wait is over. The winners have been announced. Taking its cue from the popular Palm Dog Awards in Cannes, the British Film Institute's London Film Festival inaugurated its Fido Film Awards this year. And the competition was fierce. Brit director Sam Mendes said, "Dogs take up considerable minutes of film time, but they never get a nod. Nodding to dogs is the way to go." Among the dogs that were welcome for the very first time in the National Film Theatre yesterday were the five corgies – Poppy, Anna, Alice, Oliver, and Megan – typecast as the queen's corgies in The Queen. They were the main winners in the Best Historical Hounds category, competing against the brown hunting dog in Moliére and the collie-cross owned by Samantha Morton's character in Anton Corbijn's Control. "I know one should avoid acting with animals and children," said Helen Mirren, who won both the Oscar and the Golden Globe for best actress for her role in The Queen, "but these little chaps were a pleasure to work with and deserve all the plaudits for their fine performances." We hear Poppy, Anna, Alice, etc thanked the person who continually refills their water bowls, a god to them. The new canine honors brings the total number of major awards bestowed on The Queen to 59. (Source; photo: Wire Image)

Oprah's On!

We work during daytime TV so we'll watch Oprah only late at night on weekends when, even with 500 channels, there's nothing else on. But WOW is big on her, so we like to check in every now and then via other people. The recent buzz is that her menopause has made for a better Oprah, if a bitter Oprah. PopMuse (who apparently blogs from home) points out that "since Oprah finally admitted to her recent weight gain, thyroid, exhaustion, menopause – whateva moment, she has been so much more entertaining." In fact, the usually vaguely-standoffish-to-homosexuals Oprah recently had a show devoted to Gays Around the World. Perhaps those gays mistreating the students at her school in Africa got her to thinking pink.

Whose Album Is It Anyway?

A blackout can be a power failure or when the lights in a theater are dramatically turned off or a suppression of information or a temporary loss of consciousness. Britney Spears – or someone – could have named her much-anticipated (?) new album, dropping tomorrow, Blackout for any one of those reasons. Seems talk from those who have happened upon a physical copy of the CD is that Spears' presence on the album is strangely lacking. We already know she didn't write the songs; now it seems she might not have sung them either. Of course, the suggestion that Blackout is Spears-free is stunningly conspiratorial – like the "Paul Is Dead" theory of yesteryear – but Kelefa Sanneh in the New York Times today makes a good case for it. In part:

[T]here are times when it scarcely sounds like a Britney Spears album at all. Even when not buried in electronics, her distinctive singing voice sounds unusually vague, and sometimes it’s hard to be sure it’s hers. It isn’t always. On this album, unlike on previous ones, Ms. Spears isn’t credited with doing any of her own backing vocals. [...] In general the parts that sound the most Britney Spears-ish are the whispered introductions and interjections. ¶ Earlier albums have arrived complete with effusive, multipage thank-you lists. [...] “Blackout” has no thank-you list at all, which will likely be noted by fans who are already suspicious that this album is really a hastily cobbled-together grab bag. And those same fans will surely notice that someone seems to have run low on photographs of Ms. Spears. The booklet is padded with pictures of empty chairs (two) and stills from the notably slapdash “Gimme More” video (six).

Bringing Diva Back

Justin Timberlake performed two presumably sold-out shows in Brisbane, Australia, over the weekend. You'd think he'd be in an OK mood, but after promising fans who had spotted him in the restaurant Jade Buddha that he would sign autographs for them after lunch, he snubbed them on his way out, while managing to insult a photographer who had snapped his photo and remarked happily,"If my kid could see me now, he'd be so excited." Timberlake, whose attitude in the land down under and elsewhere has been described as surly and who, incidentally "forgot" to leave a tip for his $140 comped lunch, shot back, "I can't believe they let you reproduce children." The next day, when a radio DJ called Timberlake's hotel room, the artist formerly known as JT hung up on him. We're thinking that pretty soon he won't allow audiences to look directly at him when he's performing. (M&C)

Miller's Crossing

Kate Moss had a furious fight with Sienna Miller at a wedding last month, accusing Miller of stealing her style and friends, especially actor Rhys Ifans. Seems Moss' friend Ifans is currently so smitten with Miller that he may ask her to marry him, if he hasn't already. So Moss has warned him that the actress will break his heart, because Moss can't stand Miller and would love to see the pair split. But despite Moss' interference, Miller, by all accounts, has never been happier than she is with the Welshman. “Sienna is probably the happiest I’ve ever seen her," said a friend. "She and Rhys are perfect together. They are having such a great time, I wouldn’t be surprised if they got engaged.” If they haven't already. (Showbizspy; photo: Ramey Photo)

Oprah's Duty Call

After she got word that one of the matrons at her Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls in Africa had fondled one of said girls and that other students had been abused, Oprah Winfrey paid a couple of visits there in the last few weeks. She sent the principal, Dr Mzimane on paid leave and at least one matron on leave without pay. "I trusted her," Oprah said of Mzimane on Saturday. "When I appointed her, I thought she was passionate about the children of Africa. But, I've been disappointed." In a crowded tent on the school grounds, Oprah, who gave all the girls her personal telephone number and her e-mail and snail-mail addresses so they could reach her at any time, told the parents, "I'm so sorry. I'm so sorry." The parents seemed not to hold Oprah responsible; they realize she's busy with her TV show. (Source)

Cheek-a-Boo

Nicole Kidman stole the thunder Down Under from her husband Keith Urban at the music industry awards in Sydney, where he was nominated for best country album and she was wearing a skintight gauzy see-through dress that was showing more red carpet than the red carpet. But after a few minutes and a couple of autographs she covered her shame with a black jacket and he won the award. (Daily Mail; photo: GOFF)

Obama and the Bigot

Like many Democrats, I've been torn between Clinton and Obama. I've been favoring Hillary, but there is something about the way Barack Obama speaks that I find very moving, almost inspirational. And that kept me on the fence, undecided between the two. But last week that ended when I heard that Obama, who is trying to court conservative black churches in South Carolina, hired Donnie McClurkin to sing gospel songs for a concert. Donnie McClurkin preaches that homosexuality is a curse, and that he himself was made gay by being raped as a child by adult gay relatives. He preaches that God cured him of his gay curse through prayer and redemption. When gay activists protested, the Obama camp decided they would add an openly gay minister to the concert, but would keep McClurkin as scheduled. You see, bigotry is still very big in the Bible Belt, and Obama is obviously desperate to get any votes he can. He can have their votes, but he has definitely lost mine.

– AguynamedWayne

Quote Unquote

"It was just part of living with Keith at the time. It was like, 'You are going to kill me. Go ahead.' Then he would say, 'I would, but look at all the mess me and your wife would have to clean up afterwards.' It was like brothers arguing, and it could turn bad, or we could have a laugh. Our sense of humor pulled us over those dodgy times." – Rolling Stone Ron Wood to Time magazine, on whether he was afraid Keith Richards might actually kill him.

Truthiness

New York Times reporter Judith Miller (left), who was jailed for refusing to name the source who exposed Valerie Plame as a CIA agent, will be played by Kate Beckinsale (right) in the movie Nothing But the Truth. In the film, which has been juiced up just a bit, she'll have a husband, played by David Schwimmer; the NY Times will become the Washington Capital Sun; and Angela Bassett has been cast as Miller's Times editor, Bill Keller. Just to make sure it's Nothing Like the Truth, Matt Dillon will play special prosecutor Patrick Fitzgerald. "People could say Kate is too good-looking to be a reporter," deadpanned director Rod Lurie. To play Miller, anyway. We're thinking Heather Matarazzo might be an obvious choice to play Valerie Plame. (Page Six)

Halloqueen

How many Gay Boy VMA Britneys will there be this year for Halloween? A million? A gazillion? A Brit-dillion?? It gets me giddy just thinking about it. Every gurl and her sister will be out there in homemade VMA black bikini, each trying to outdo the other with the most realistic "Brit at the VMAs wig." Here is my pal Mick, who started the mania off with a bang at his "Dead Celebrity" Halloween party this weekend. He makes such a wonderful grotesque of the Pop Princess, n'est ce pas?

– Harry Redlich

Shock and Awww at WOW Halloween Party

Thairin Smothers took photos at WOW's unpromoted impromptu Halloween party Friday night in the storefront gallery. People showed up. Captions below.

Captions by Daniel Franzese, from top: Thairin Smothers in a daft punk stormtrooper mask made especially for him by artist and "Hollyween" contributer Plasticgod, and James St James smiling vigorously at all the beautiful art and people • American Idol alum and friend of WOW gallery Mikalah Gordon, and curator Daniel Franzese • Chris Cester, drummer for the band JET, places the sold sticker next to his newly purchased piece Invasion of the Swagger Jackers by Akomplice AKA Kool-Aid • WOW's Lydia Rendon with Mike Russo • doorman David • actors Laura Ramsey (She's the Man, The Covanant) and Brian Geraghty (Jarhead, Bobby) raved about the "Hollyween" show • WOW's Lindsey plants a kiss on actor Andrew Keegan • James St James and photographer and "Hollyween" artist Luke Gilford make love... to the camera • the cool kids hang with James • Jenny, Louise, Sarah, and Nicole take one last bloody bite out of bartenders Mike Russo and Jay Bavaro before retuning home to Ireland on Saturday • singer Violet clings to Thairin as Daft Vader • costume designer Marissa Flores proves you can "Turn Back Time" or at least "turn back" with Daniel Franzese.

Feed Me

Can't make the WOW Halloween party tonight? No date? No money? Nothing on TV? If it's any consolation, you can watch the whole party tonight, then watch people drifting in and out of the gallery all weekend on our live 24-hour feed. Click here for access.

The Basement Tapes

After serving 15 years for the somewhat sensational 1986 sex murder in Central Park of Jennifer Levin, Robert Chambers is in the news again. The so-called Preppie Killer was released from prison in 2004 and arrested two days ago with his girlfriend Shawn Kovell for selling mounds of cocaine to undercover agents. He could go back to prison for life. (See previous post) Word of Chambers' new arrest reminded one of our staffers that, down in the bowels of our treasure-filled basement, we had footage of the controversial home movie made in Chambers' apartment back in '86 while he was awaiting trial, which showed him entertaining a giddy group of girls by reenacting the choking of Levin. The footage – which was shown on A Current Affair with Maury Povich – was used in World of Wonder's HBO series Shock Video in '92. What's shocking to us is that the girlfriend he has now is the girlfriend he had back then. She waited 15 years for him.

Urine Vited

Halloween party at the WOW gallery tonight! Click here for details. (Image via Worth1000)

Ed Magaña's Friday Vid Bits

Here are a few things Ed brought back from his much-deserved honeymoon: horrible beasty things leaping out of trees and onto people; Danish people building an elephant; a music-dancing mashup; and Pee-wee Herman, as the Devil, visiting David Letterman

Come Be a Zombie

One dark October weekend, in the cinematically atmospheric, historically legendary World of Wonder basement, WOW's John Hill and Steven Corfe shot this music video for Lucian Piane's "Zombie Dance," featuring the Halloween Kickerz. And, boy, do these zombies dance! It almost makes you want to be one. And by the end of it, you'll be singing along to the chorus.