Entertainment highlights during the week of July 1-7:
1956: Elvis Presley appeared on Steve Allen's variety show singing "Hound Dog" to a bassett hound.
1969: John Wayne won his first Oscar for playing Rooster Cogburn in "True Grit."
For those of us in the celebrity-watching industry, Ghostbar atop the W Hotel has been the gift that keeps on giving. This weekend, the 33rd-floor sky lounge will celebrate its first anniversary with a Friday night party featuring rapper and actor Nick Cannon as guest DJ.
Has it been only a year?
In those 12 months, Ghostbar has squeezed more celebrities through its doors than the LA County Jail.
Internet surfers who click on the celebrity-gossip page TMZ know the star of the Tuesday night concert at U.S. Bank Arena as Jessica Simpsons on-again, off-again borefriend. Judging by the cheeky nickname we assume the editors of that esteemed website have attended a John Mayer show.
Mayer, a constant touring act who never fails to stop through Cincinnati, put on another performance showcasing his three main forms teen heartthrob, bluesy guitar slinger, pop craftsman. The trick for Mayer is combining these modes into one exciting rock show, which hasnt happened yet, at least around these parts. The hour-and-40-minute set had moments that sparked, but for the most part the three-headed beast of cute-blues-pop created an environment as bland as the earth tones that colored the backdrop of the stage.
Mayer certainly isnt lacking in talent, although at this point his guitar chops are far ahead of his throaty singing voice. Hes been called a guitar god by Rolling Stone magazine and likened to Eric Clapton, although if hes channeling Clapton at all he has skipped the good Clapton of the 60s and early 70s. Instead, he plays the blues like Clapton the moderate elder statesmen, like the Clapton who got toasted by Robbie Robertson in The Last Waltz and who chose to play with Phil Collins in the 80s.
Dust off that satin bomber jacket and pull on those tube socks -- right to the knee, please -- then delve into the attic on a mission to find your roller skates: "Xanadu" is opening on Broadway this month.
Could this be the start of a roller disco redux?
Before you shake your head in disbelief, consider that Macy's giant Herald Square store plans a "Roller Boogie"-themed in-store boutique, leggings already have become ubiquitous, and gold lame
YOU KNOW those I.Q. tests that occasionally pop up online?
Here's a much easier way to find out if you might be Mensa material.
Start with 100. Heck, you're reading a newspaper - start with 120.
Does Britney Spears want K-Fed back? (original) - 6/27/2007
Eddie's the daddy (original) - 6/25/2007
Pop Tarts: Britney Spears to File Restraining Order Against Her Mom? (original) - 6/25/2007
Living the L.A. life (original) - 6/25/2007
In a Rush Not to Hurry (original) - 6/24/2007
Mayer skillfully refutes 'fluff' label (original) - 6/24/2007
That's a rap (original) - 6/24/2007
What's old is new again (original) - 6/24/2007
Your guide: Music (original) - 6/24/2007
ZaZa glasses clink for Mayer, Gagne (original) - 6/24/2007
Blogs related to Jessica Simpson:
John Mayer, Lindsay Lohan, Britney Spears, Angelina Jolie, Christina Aguilera, Beyonce, Jessica Alba, Scarlett Johansson, Paris Hilton, Justin Timberlake, Entertainment, Jennifer Lopez, Ryan Seacrest, Michael Jackson, Oprah Winfrey
