From today’s b, the paper

obama-rama ‘44’
HEINEMAN MYERS CONTEMPORARY ART, BETHESDA
So, you can’t get tickets to the presidential inauguration? Us too! But before you consider sending an angry missive to the legislative-aide friend you thought would be your hook-up, this event could quench your Obamamania thirst. “44” includes art and musical performances inspired by the president-elect. And if your hoping for some warm political fuzzies, the one-of-a-kind art collection features imaginative work that expresses hope for the future. 5-10 p.m. Saturday, 4728 Hampden Lane. $10 donation. heinemanmyers.com.

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For the music industry, 2008 was surprisingly strong both financially (relatively, anyway) and artistically. There’s plenty to look forward to in the coming months, as ‘09 will usher in the return of rap’s heavy hitters and everyone’s favorite guilty pleasure “American Idol.” Check after the jump for what you should be looking out for after the ball drops.

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A lot of news came our way in 2008: State police spying on peace groups! Medevac helicopter crash. The Red Line might actually be built! What’s happening to the Mechanic? That new city-owned Hilton is killing the view from Camden Yards! Here are 10 stories you can revisit over a holiday dinner. Read the rest of this entry »

Carrie Underwood is in; Jessica Simpson is definitely out, according to PETA.

The animal advocacy group included vegetarian Underwood and carnivore Simpson in its catty (heh) trend list for 2008. In accordance with the new media rule that you must mention Michael Phelps every other day, the local Olympian also made the list (he’s “in”!), while Michael Vick is “out,” for, uh, obvious reasons. The in/out list also advocates tofurky over “lame duck,” eating green versus eating mean and “Dill, baby, dill” over “Drill, baby, drill.”

Even CNN’s Wolf Blitzer gets a shout-out!

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From today’s b, the paper

1. Stoop Storytelling Holiday Hoopla
Not too many events bring together Mayor Dixon, Mary Alice from “Ace of Cakes” and “Wire” actress/dancer Maria Broom. Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall is holding this holiday show, where writers, a cartoon legend, the mayor and a reality show star share their personal stories with us. You can dish on Chef Duff, Mary Alice. I won’t tell. 8 tonight. $20. {Marissa Richardson, b}

2. Fall Out Boy, ‘Folie a Deux’
The Chicago four-piece’s populist approach to songwriting has culminated in its new album, Folie a Deux. If you can separate the band from blowhard Pete Wentz and his obnoxious tendencies, you’re left with saccharine hooks courtesy of lead singer Patrick Stump. Pharrell and Lil Wayne have cameos. {Wesley Case, b}

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Attorney Barry Glazer has a beef. But you already knew that.  You’ve seen his ads on TV - stark, candid stand-ups in which he glares into  the lens and calls out insurance companies in his intense Baltimore drawl.

In perhaps his most infamous spot, he concludes with what may be one of the most recognizable lines in local advertising history: “Don’t urinate on my leg and tell me it’s raining.  Insurance companies, we’re going to court!”

But there’s more to the Baltimore native than quirky commercials.  In an interview with bthesite.com, we talk to Barry Glazer about principles, passions, and pee.

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From today’s b, the paper

Michael Phelps has mastered the art of playing coy.

When asked recently whether he thought he’d be named Sports Illustrated’s Sportsman of the Year, Phelps offered a half-smirk and a roll of his shoulders.

Of course, he won the title, which shouldn’t have come as much of a surprise to anyone. The magazine called this year’s countdown “the most anticlimactic campaign in the 55-year history of the honor.”
Phelps’ post-Olympic schedule has been packed with corporate obligations and personal ones. Phelps and his coach, Bob Bowman, became business partners by purchasing the Meadowbrook Aquatic Center in Mount Washington, and he formed a foundation to introduce kids to swimming.

He even has a book, “No Limits: The Will to Succeed,” due in stores today. Co-written by journalist Alan Abrahamson, though portrayed in first person as if Phelps was the main author, it focuses primarily on the historic Olympics performance.

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It’s that time of year when everyone and their mom comes out with their end-of-the-year top 10 movie lists.

Honestly, I get curious, so I peruse the critic sites. Time’s No.1 is “Wall-E.” New York Magazine’s is “Rachel Getting Married.” Washington, D.C. critics’ choice is “Slumdog Millionaire.” Ditto New York Post. Roger Ebert even bucked the top 10 tradition to give his top 20.

Who’s a movie fan to trust? John Waters to the rescue! The Baltimore icon has compiled his own top 10 list. Here’s a look, in ascending order. It’s heavy on indies (of course) and also features two Woody Allen flicks. I smell a Waters-Allen bromance!

10) “Cassandra’s Dream” The first Allen flick in Waters list. Waters calls it Colin Farrell’s “best performance.” I’m assuming he means second to his sex tape.

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From today’s b, the paper

Michael Phelps has another trophy to add to his shelf. He’s one of People magazine’s sexiest men alive.

Alas, Phelps, 23, didn’t get the ultimate sexy award. Hugh Jackman was dubbed this year’s sexiest man alive and graces the cover. But a photo of a waterlogged Phelps (shirtless, of course — it’s in his contract) is now on people.com, along with an excerpt from the Phelps feature.

Phelps, who now calls Fells Point home, tells People he doesn’t really notice female attention. “I don’t think of myself as a sex symbol,” he said. “My mom is by far the most important woman in my life.”

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Our friends over at The Baltimore Sun are reporting that Tyra Banks is giving Isis King, the Maryland native, who just so happens to be the first transgender contestant on America’s Next Top Model, what she’s always wanted a sex change operation. Read the rest of this entry »