Lost came back with a bang last night—one of those really scientific bangs that takes a lot of explanation and you're just waiting for the explosion and then it comes and you're like, "Ooh."
Staffers plucked from Obama's campaign operation, used to cutting-edge technology, are finding the White House to be a Mac-free technological museum. In other words, they're learning to work like the rest of America!
With the economy in a tailspin, there aren't quite as many "whales" heading out to Teterboro to catch complimentary flights to Las Vegas. Why bother losing all your money at the poker and blackjack tables when you can do the same thing in front of your Bloomberg terminal in your Midtown office? We're guessing this explains why MGM Mirage, the gambling giant that controls such properties as the Bellagio, Mirage, MGM, and Mandalay Bay hotels, put their incredibly luxe 2001 Boeing Business Jet on the market this week. The plane seats 17 and features a master suite, guest bedroom, conference room, and bathroom with shower. Alas, the company didn't specify how much they'd like for it, so you'll have to kick things off with an opening bid. They also didn't mention if they'd be willing to give the plane a scrub-down before it changes hands. Given the number of horndog billionaires and sleazy celebs who have probably deposited their DNA on the "luxurious, tan leather seats," it would be the least they could do, no? Photos of the interior after the jump.
Yes, the holidays feel like they were about a hundred years ago, but it must still be January since journalists are still writing about dieting and detoxes. In case you hadn't noticed, pills and drinks that claim to rid your organs of toxins, your skin of impurities, and your ass of fat are one of the few thriving areas in the realm of expensive things that nobody needs, and even better for their purveyors, their profit margins are inversely proportionate to the cost of ingredients.
We've heard plenty about Giuseppe Cipriani and all of his tax problems, liquor license issues, credit difficulties, and messy legal disputes. We've even heard about Giuseppe's 20-year-old son Ignazio, who was arrested last month for clocking a bouncer outside 1Oak. Allow us to turn your attention to the youngest—and most adorable—member of the Cipriani family, Maggio. The 18-year-old graduated high school (Dwight) last year and is now employed by dad. But he's having a pretty good time when he's not working, as you can see from the photos after the jump.
Today we have a kissy actress, a on-the-rocks celebrity couple, maybe-lesbian actresses, and a shameful reality TV star.
John Thain, the former CEO of Merrill Lynch who assumed control of Bank of America's trading, investment banking and brokerage operations following BoA's acquisition of Merrill, has resigned effective immediately. The reason? The Journal reports that board members considered it "poor judgment" on Thain's part when he headed off to Vail for a little vacation at the same time Bank of America was announcing massive losses, and his decision to accelerate bonus payouts at Merrill so they could be collected before the end of the year didn't earn him any points. The last straw: Thain was still insisting on jetting off to Davos this week, "even though Bank of America had signaled that such a trip was not a good idea." He has plenty of time to stroll in the Alps now!
• Lee Neibart, a senior partner at William Mack's Apollo Real Estate Advisors, and his wife Joyce, have paid $7 million for a three-bedroom apartment on the 16th floor of 15 Central Park West. [Cityfile]
• That was quick. James Nicholson, who paid $27 million for John and Lauren Veronis' Meadow Lane home earlier this month, has already put the property back on the market. It's now listed at $33 million, believe it or not. [Newsday, Sotheby's]
• Journalist Cathleen Trigg-Jones and her husband, plastic surgeon Michael Jones, have listed their 10-bedroom townhouse at 430 West 147th Street for $4 million. [NYP, PDE]
Look what you've done to this poor little robot, Academy! Of course, it's nothing compared to the massive burns incurred by Revolutionary Road and a certain well-armored vigilante. Here are today's huge snubs:
We have no idea if this works, but you're walking down 57th Street today and have nothing better to do, feel free to give it a try and report back. "Want a impossible Babbo, Le Bernardin or a Waverly Inn resy last min (or any rest)? Easy and free... Go to the Four Seasons Hotel on 57th Street. Pick up a house phone ask to be connected to restaurant of choice. When restaurant picks up tell them you are calling from the Four Seasons Hotel for Mr "YOURSELF" and need a reservation for 2 or 4 or whatever. Tell the host at the restaurant that dinner will be quick for you have a art gallery show to attend which you can look up on www.artinfo.com. Has worked every time!" [Eater]
