IT'S TIME FOR LEGEND SCOTT SHANNON'S BOOK

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THE WEB GOSSIP
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Cindy Adams

REGIS -REBOOT? --- Cindy Adams reported that Regis is feeling remorse over his jumping-the-gun announcement over the summer that he was leaving the weekly AM show. I said when it happened it was all about money and now everyone else is is too ... thank you very much! Adams posted it was a momentous moment of ego when he made the announcement … which if one remembers, he tried to correct somewhat the very next day. Look, let's have both parties come to their senses and have him stay … right? For how long I do not know ... he just turned 80! Dana Carvey who was the host for last Friday's show was terrific … and, probably the best choice for a replacement.


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Joshua Jackson

TV FLASHES --- I finally got to see some of the new TV shows this past weekend; as well as some re-booted favorites: First up, Fox's Fringe, back for its fourth season with a terrific episode called Neither Here Nor There. Last season found one of the cast, the awesome Joshua Jackson, basically erased from the show's history and now trying to finding his way back home. With several new writers and producers on board, this JJ Abrams shows is firing on all cylinders. John Noble and Anna Torv just delivering spectacular acting prowess and this season are joined by the wonderful Seth Gabel, who delivered a strong, strong performance. So far, this show's still at the top of my viewing list. Two new entry's A Gifted Man and Person Of Interest (also from JJ Abrams) jump to must-see viewing status immediately. Man stars Broadway-actor Patrick Wilson as Dr. Michael Holt who keeps seeing his dead ex-wife (Jennifer Ehle) who enables him to make better choices in his life and career. Yes, shades of The Ghost Whisperer do come to mind, but the writing and direction (by Jonathan Demme) move swiftly along and the writing is just outstanding. The show looks great and immediately captivates you. I think this one's a keeper. Interest stars the wonderful Michael Emerson from Lost, who, with Jim Caviezel, tells the story of an invention that just might prevent senseless killings ... before they happen. The premise might be a bit of a stretch, but in these post-9/11 times … the more I think about it, the more plausible the plot becomes. Emerson, who is utterly outstanding and Caviezel, as the mysterious man who carries out what Emerson's character dictates, are a terrific duo. Both these shows blew me away. We also caught CSI: New York with Gary Sinise that also touched on 9/11. Yes, these are strange times indeed when the worst disaster in history has now become a rather significant plot-point. The Good Wife comes tonight with Emmy award-winning actress Julianna Margulies. Also, Terra Nova premieres tomorrow with the terrific Jason Lee ... this one looks good!


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Scott Shannon With Micky Dolenz

SUPER SHANNON TIME --- When we wrote about our whirlwind mini-week with Micky Dolenz last time, we gave short-shrift to our time with WPLJ's Scott Shannon; one of the radio greats out there for sure. He mentioned to us that one of the things he loved doing was reading all the rock-books that have come out this year … and, there sure have been many. He mentioned the Keith Richards book and David Browne's meticulously researched Fire And Rain … but, it got us to thinking that Mr. Shannon should do his own book! I've known Scott for years and if half the stories he's told me could be in the book, it would definitely be a best-seller. So, how about it Scott? Look for his blowout at MSG next on October 25 (with on-air partner Todd Pettengill); we hope to be there to report first-hand.


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SOME KIND OF TROUBLE --- We've been listening to James Blunt's current album Some Kind Of Trouble again ... what a great album! I'm tempted to say this is his best one yet; he's got three. It came out earlier this year to a rather tepid response, but its just fantastic. Songs like "So Far Gone," "No Tears," and"Stay The Night" are just wonderful. if you haven't heard this one, give it a shot!


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Steve Buscemi

FACTOID: At last week's Ocean's Kingdom premiere; Paul McCartney's ballet-collaboration with Peter Martens, I was a fly on the wall when PR-man David Salidor, in conversation with Empire Boardwalk's Steve Buscemi (and, Micky Dolenz and Paul's drummer Abe Laboriel) confirmed that the actor was from Valley Stream on Long Island. Salidor said he worked at the Sam Goody record store ... and, the actor confirmed he was a regular. Small world indeed!


Photos By: RD/Orchon/Kirkland/Kabik/Retna

CINDY ADAMS COLUMN IS ALWAYS PRICELESS

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THE WEB GOSSIP
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Lisa Edelstein

ROWLEY HEAVEN --- I was sitting at The Stage at Lincoln Center Friday night waiting for the start of the Cynthia Rowley Spring 2012 show, when all of a sudden Lindsay Lohan ran out and sat in the row in front of me. Needless to say, the paps went ballistic. I hadn't been so close to one of these vortex-moments in quite some time and it was indeed a bit … blinding, shall we say? Lohan joined other bold-faced names like, actress Lisa Edelstein (TV's House); Kelly Rutherford; stylist Philip Bloch; gad fly-writer Jeffrey Slonim; and TV-talking head Alexa Chung, front and center. These fashion-weeks are always interesting, not only for the celebrity-factor, but for the continuing works of these designers. Spring 2012 is still a ways off, but it's always fascinating the see what's coming up the pipeline. Known for what the New York Times has called flirty, vibrantly colored dresses and tops in a wispy material, that have a whiff of the carefree, simple spirit ... Rowley didn't disappoint this time at all. In fact, as a veteran of several of her shows, I found this collection to be among her most vibrant ... and distinctive. It was, positively glowing with vibrant colors and design. Curiously enough, the makeup and hair on her runway models was flawlessly perfect too, evidencing a carefree , yet prepared look. A look that while may seem totally natural … if you're in the know, you know for sure took more than enough time to perfect … right? Rowley launched her line in the early 80's with $3,000 in seed money from one of her grandmothers. Several months later she held a fashion show in her apartment, inviting every important fashion editor, as well as Andy Warhol (who showed!), cementing her imminent success. She's really one of the key fashion innovators in our time and this year's show was indeed one of her best ever.

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Cindy Adams

DEAD LETTER FILE --- The last few weeks have seen stories in the media of the imminent demise of regular postal service; Friday's Cindy Adams column was priceless! I've been in the same midtown-office space for almost 25 years now and regular postal service for me stopped some five years ago. I used to get mail every day; now, it seems as if it's down to two days and maybe on the weekends. The regular carriers, some of who I got to know on a first name-basis, have long been let go or pensioned-out and replaced by youngsters. I think the powers that be have only themselves to blame; first, for not keeping up with the times, and secondly, for putting forth just as nasty an impression as possible. Have you been to the post offside lately and tried to speak to someone in the know? Cold and as unfriendly as possible … it's positively tomb-like! I called the main office several years back to inquire why I had not received any mail … and, was kept on hold for minutes. I finally hung up 10 minutes later. Letterman had a funny Top ten list on this a week or so back, and one of the answers for saving the post office was: Invent a stamp that licks back! Funny … but, I bet you 'd have a hard time finding more than five people who'd want to do anything for this archaic institution. Hate to say it: but, they deserve whatever happens to them … they did their best to earn it. Their pension checks should ALL be mailed!


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GORDON LIGHTFOOT --- Going to see Canada's Gordon Lightfoot Monday night at BB King's. When I was in college, Lightfoot was a mainstay on the pop-music-charts back then, as well as radio. His songs, “If You Could Read My Mind,” “Sundown,” “Rainy Day People” and “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald,” were not only huge radio hits, but terrifically crafted works. He has been referred to as Canada's greatest songwriter, and, internationally, as a folk-rock legend. His songs have been recorded by the likes of Elvis Presley; Richie Havens; Johnny Cash; Bob Dylan; Judy Collins; Barbra Streisand; John Mellencamp; Toby Keith; The Dandy Warhols; Glen Campbell; Anne Murray; and, Sarah McLachlan. I lost track of him years ago, but am looking forward to the performance. We'll report back!


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Denis Leary

RESCUED --- Last week heralded the show's finale (after 7 seasons) of Denis Leary's frank, often brilliant show Rescue Me on f/x. I had stopped watching the show a few seasons back; with Leary's almost non-stop self-flagellation antics running a bit flat on me. I think he's brilliant; but, he does wear you down; almost like Richard Lewis in his heyday. That said, the closing was more of the same; but, the last segment featured a speech where his character Tommy Gavin greeted a slew of new recruits. It was ... spellbinding, and as the scene closed, it eyeballed a view of the new buildings at Ground Zero. Compelling ... without a doubt. Well done all.


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DANIELLE DEASE CORRECTION -- In our missive last time on rising performer, 14-year old Danielle Dease ... the gremlins hit upon us and made the proper name of the her producer disappear! It's Dan Guerrie ... and, what a terrific job indeed! Go Dan!


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Cliff Robertson

RIP CLIFF ROBERTSON --- Hollywood legend Cliff Robertson passed over the weekend at age 88. He may well be best remembered by today's audiences as Peter Parker's Uncle Ben (in all 3 Tobey McGuire Spider Man movies), but in Hollywood, he'll be best remembered as the individual who brought down then movie mogul-David Begelman in 1977. The actor discovered that his name has been forged on a $10,000 check, for a fee he didn't earn. He asked, found the truth, and pursued a campaign against Begelman which resulted in him resigning and ironically the actor was blacklisted for years afterwards. Interestingly, Begelman was also accused of embezzling funds from actress/singer Judy Garland in the early 60's. Begelman later committed suicide in L. A. in 1995 at age 73. Robertson also essayed John F. Kennedy in the biopic PT 109 and was personally chosen by the President for the role. For me, it was his movie Charly (1968), as the title character Charly Gordon, which really tugged at your heartstrings. Brilliant movie indeed. He also appeared in such TV-staples as The Twilight Zone; The Outer Limits; Bracken's World; Batman; The Red Skelton Hour; ABC Stage 67; and Ben Casey. He was a great actor; not the bravado of say, a Pacino, but, sensitive, compelling and, very terrific. when he appeared on screen, you could not take your eyes off him. RIP Cliff.

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George Clooney

CLOSING THOUGHT: Have you seen the one-sheet poster for the new George Clooney/Ryan Gosling movie The Idea of March? It's the cover of Time Magazine; with images of both actors seamlessly fused together. It's a politico-romance movie, a la Three Day of the Condor (one of the best ever!) and, I imagine, the poster purports to shows both sides of two very different characters. Beguiling indeed!


Photos By: Sara De Boer/RD/Kabik/Dziekan/Orchon/Retna

THEY REMEMBER JOHN LENNON FOREVER

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THE WEB GOSSIP
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Cindy Adams

CINDY FOREVER – Let me set the scene: Yesterday at 7AM on the set of Fox’s Good Day New York – with Rosanna Scotto and Greg Kelly. I was there as a guest of Elizabeth Mascali and Dawn Sandomeno who wrote the book Plan To Party (Yorkshire Publishing) which explains in terrific and specific detail how to plan a party and execute it perfectly; whether it’s their Chocolate Soiree or their section on Fancy Nibbles there’s something there for everyone. While I watched the ladies and their PR-man David Salidor dress the table that would showcase just some of their fanciful designs for the show, who walks in but, the one and only Cindy Adams … and, with her two delicious ‘yorkies’ Jazzy and Juicy. Now, I've known Cindy for what seems like eons (beginning back in the days of the original production of The Fantasticks; as her late-husband Joey was one of the original investors and supporters of the play) and earlier this year she had a serious health scare which seriously threatened her return to her column at the New York Post. Well, let me be the first to report from the scene: Cindy is officially back in full form. As she walked in and graciously greeted everyone, the Plan To Party ladies were ushered over to her by their mouth-piece Salidor and they quickly began a conversation about the book as the two doggies played on the floor and greeted almost everyone in the room; which besides the aforementioned, also included radio-legend Dennis Elsas (there for the 30th Anniversary of the John Lennon-assassination); producer Alan Weiss, who was the first journalist to report on the slaying (he happened by chance to be at Roosevelt Hospital, where the singer was first brought to after the shooting); and, the group Old 97’s, in the area for a series of shows. Adams was simply in full control; greeting and talking to everyone while making mental notes for her column and prepping her appearance on the show, then in walked Scott and Kelly. Talk about a media-moment! We just lost one New York-legend (Elaine Kaufman) …it would have been hell to have lost another!

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Yoko Ono

LENNON MEMORIES – Yesterday’s 30th Anniversary of the John Lennon assassination was unbelievably hard to go through. I listened to many tributes, including a terrific one from Q104’s Ken Dashow, who not only played some classic Scott Muni-moments, but also played the terrific Lennon performance with Elton John at Madison Garden in 1974. The two had recorded the song “Whatever Gets You Through The Night,” and John said at the conclusion of that session, that it was surely a #1 record. Lennon supposedly said “If it gets to #1 I'll perform it with you at The Garden.” It did and people who were there told me that when he walked onstage, the room literally rocked. They performed that song, as well as “Lucy In The Sky with Diamonds,” and, one that Lennon never sang (Paul did) “I Saw her Standing There.” The crowd went ballistic. The late-photographer Chuck Pulin captured the images ... terrific and poignant images for sure. It would be his last live performance, but one that lives on even today. The one comment that struck me the most was from last night’s Brian Williams on NBC. “If you are under 30, John Lennon never existed in your life.” Chilling yes, but totally accurate. They don't make ‘em like that anymore; that’s for sure. His music lives on and perhaps that’s the best testament to any artist … dead or alive.

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Eric Clapton

STEVE WINWOOD REVOLUTIONS – Speaking of music; has there even been a more overlooked or undervalued artist than Steve Winwood? Winwood was part of 4 crucial ensembles on the music scene; The Spencer Davis Group; Traffic; Blind Faith; and his own terrific, solo career. His song “Higher Love” with none other than Chaka Khan on background vocals was just superb; he not introduced one great song, but re-introduced himself to American music audiences with much success. His additional solo hits, “Back In The High Life,” “Roll With It,” and last year’s “Dirty City” all sounded so good. Last year he hooked up again with guitarist Eric Clapton (who was also in Blind Faith) and made two rather extensive tours with him. That song “Dirty City” features Clapton on guitar, and if they don't both sound like they were in Blind Faith again … I'll eat my hat! I also enjoyed listening to those great Traffic songs again, especially “The Low Spark Of High-Heeled Boys.” Those songs are terrifically introspective, atmospheric, and moody … but, just great. I don't know how any of them would fare today … but, remain exemplary examples of good, good music.

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Aretha Franklin

ARETHA FRANKLIN – How sad to hear that the Queen of Soul is suffering from cancer back in her native Detroit. She’s had a long arduous career; but, every time I hear her voice I feel confident and renewed. That career and life has not been without its drama, but every time she has resurfaced. Our prayers are with her.

Photos By: RD/Dziekan/Derek Storm/Leon/Retna