Ian Somerhalder hosted a benefit for his foundation over the weekend.

Boo! Here are some Halloween star sightings for you.

Actors Marisa Tomei, Tom Everett Scott and Keenan Thompson were all at Atkins Park Tavern in Virginia-Highland last week. Scott has become something of a regular since he got to town to film “Parental Guidance.”

Jay-Z, LeBron James and Chris Paul were all spotted heading up to Whiskey Park in the Midtown W Atlanta on Thursday.

Vince Vaughn, in town filming the movie “Neighborhood Watch,” and “Vampire Diaries” cast member Michael Trevino have each been spotted at the Midtown Tin Lizzy’s in recent days.

Speaking of  “Vampire Diaries,” cast member Ian Somerhalder, dressed as Captain Planet and joined by cast mates Nina Dobrev, Paul Wesley, Kat Graham, Candice Accola and Joseph Morgan, hosted an Ian Somerhalder Foundation benefit at Opera night club on Saturday. The event was sponsored by VuQo Vodka.

Tyler Perry’s movie “The Marriage Counselor” has been …

Continue reading Star sightings: Marisa Tomei, Vince Vaughn, Tom Everett Scott, Ian Somerhalder »

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Kim Kardashian and her brand-new hubby are already on the road to Splitsville, TMZ reports.

The newlywed reality show personality is filing divorce paperwork, the site says. Here’s the story. Atlanta native Ryan Seacrest confirmed the rumor via Twitter, saying: “Yes Kim Kardashian is filing for divorce this morning. I touched base with her, getting a statement in just a few (minutes).”

So, there you go.

The ordeal quickly become a trending topic on Twitter, with reaction ranging from the irked to puckish. Some of our favorites:

“I hope everyone that participated in this sham PONZI scheme of a marriage between Kim K & Kris kept the receipt from the wedding gifts.” Bevy Smith

“So how many hours will the Kim K Divorce Special be?” – Marianne Magno

“BAD NEWS – Kim K divorcing. GOOD NEWS – you can cry all over again on her NEXT E-News wedding extravaganza.” – Effi Obefiend

The soon to be ex Mrs. Kris Humphries, Kardashian becomes the second star to mend a freshly broken …

Continue reading Kim Kardashian filing for divorce? »

Did Jay-Z seem extra refreshed and rejuvenated to you during the Watch the Throne concert with Kanye West?

If you attended Jay-Z’s Watch the Throne concerts with Kanye West at Philips over the weekend and thought the rapper looked as radiant as his gorgeous expectant wife Beyonce, we might know why.

He made a stop by the spa before the show, we’re told.

Our source is Giovanni DiPalma, the  effervescent restaurateur whose Westside spot, Antico Pizza, has cultivated a seriously famous following. Actors Chris Rock, Ryan Reynolds and Jason Bateman, along with NFL quarterback Tom Brady, are just a few of the notable diners who have been by for a slice or two.

So we weren’t all that surprised when DiPalma told us he ran into Jay-Z and NBA player LeBron James at the St. Regis hotel Thursday.

DiPalma rolled up to the elegant hotel in his jaw-dropping ride — a drop-top Aston Martin — one thing led to another, and soon all three guys decided to rejuvenate with facials and …

Continue reading Jay-Z’s pre-concert spa outing »

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O O O O O O O Oh my gosh would you look at this video TMZ has posted starring Usher and a woman who seems fairly hysterical that he parked in a handicapped spot.

The incident apparently occurred at the Little Five Points Halloween costume parade, which explains why Elvis is on the scene.

Ursh didn’t stick around long (can you blame him?) and from what we’re able to overhear in the clip, people seem more concerned about the woman’s antics than Usher’s parking place. (We of course do not endorse parking in handicapped spots if you’re not handicapped. It’s wrong. Don’t do it.)

Team Usher isn’t commenting.

In happier news the R&B star was a hit at his kids’ preschool class. He has posted some really cute pictures on his Twitter feed. “They loved me!” he tweeted.

- Jennifer Brett/The Buzz/jbrett@ajc.com

Continue reading Video: Usher screamed at for parking in handicapped spot »

Ready to make it work?

Tim Gunn, the nurturing mentor beloved by “Project Runway” viewers and contestants alike, is headed our way to help Atlanta get its fall look together.

The author of fashion titles including “Gunn’s Golden Rules,” he also serves as chief creative officer of Liz Claiborne Inc., and will be coming for a event at Perimeter Mall promoting Lucky Brand, part of the Liz Claiborne portfolio.

The event, a Lucky fashion show followed by a Q&A, is planned for 1 p.m. Nov. 12 in the lower level of the Perimeter Mall Dillard’s. Want to be in the show? Organizers are holding a casting call from 4 to 8 p.m. Nov. 10 at the Lucky Brand Jeans Shop.

We interviewed Gunn by phone this week. Here’s what we talked about.

AJC: What’s it like for you when you meet folks who see you on “Project Runway?”

TG: I’m the luckiest guy in the world. The great thing is I don’t have to get ‘in character.’ When people meet me, they already know me.

AJC: What’s your advice for people who …

Continue reading Want to be in a fashion show hosted by Tim Gunn? »

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Frenemies?

The venerable gossip tabloid National Enquirer dabbles in political scandal from time to time (they were the first to report on former presidential hopeful John Edwards’ love child, remember?)

Now the Enquirer gets back into politics with a report alleging a “food fight” between Food Network personality Paula Deen and First Lady Michelle Obama. Really. Here’s the link.

The supermarket publication quotes Deen dishing on the first lady, who once made an appearance on Deen’s show:

“She probably ate more than any other guest I ever had on the show! She kept eating even dur ing commercials. Know what (the Obamas’) favorite foods are? Hot wings. Y’know – those kinds of foods that aren’t necessarily top-of-the-list healthy foods.”

Me-yow!

Mrs. Obama, of course, is known for her …

Continue reading Paula Deen vs. Michelle Obama? »

The inspiration for the movie "Parental Guidance," now filming in Atlanta, came after comic actor Billy Crystal and his wife Janice had their grandkids for five days. AP photo

You already knew Billy Crystal was one of the funniest and most talented actors of our time. He’s also one of the nicest guys you could hope to meet.

We visited the set of “Parental Guidance,” the movie is he filming in Atlanta, on Tuesday when the project was shooting a scene in Piedmont Park. Crews had constructed a professional half-pipe for the scene, featuring skateboarding pro Tony Hawk. In the movie, Crystal and Bette Midler star as a couple whose three young grandkids run them around in circles. The scene they filmed Tuesday involved a 6-year-old’s unauthorized, al fresco bathroom break.

“I have a 6-year-old peeing on a half-pipe,” Crystal said. “Life is good!”

Billy Crystal, far right, and director Andy Fickman at work Tuesday.

Amid the movie’s comic scenes, the couple he and Midler play work …

Continue reading A visit with Billy Crystal on the set of “Parental Guidance” »

“Neighborhood Watch,” the comedy starring Vince Vaughn, Ben Stiller and Jonah Hill that’s been filming all over metro Atlanta, plans a two-night shoot at Campbell High School in Smyrna next week and needs lots of folks to fill up the background.

Email thewatchpromo@gmail.com if you’re interested. They need a photo of you and your contact information.

Shooting is scheduled from 4 p.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 2 and 3. It’s going to be taking place in the football stadium. They need folks to fill the stands.

Unlike an official “extras” gig there is no pay for this but organizers will be raffling prizes. The principal actors are scheduled to be on hand so you may get a glimpse.

Do keep in mind that casting folks generally frown upon people bringing their phones or cameras onto a set. Don’t plan on getting Vince Vaughn to pose for a picture with you for your Facebook page. And there is lots of standing, or in this case, sitting around.

But it can be fun to watch!

- Jennifer Brett/The …

Continue reading “Neighborhood Watch” needs lots of extras next week »

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Kim Kardashian will be coming to Atlanta soon for her role in Tyler Perry’s movie “The Marriage Counselor.”

The film seeks extras and stand-ins. Want in on the action?

They’re looking for men and women of all ages, looks and ethnicities. (You do have to be 18.) If selected you’ll earn $8 an hour with a guarantee of eight hours. Stand-ins get paid a little more – $120 for 12 hours.

Some other tips: you need to be available for a pretty flexible schedule. The movie is going to be filming through December and when they need you, they need you. You also need to practice good “set etiquette.” Show up on time, don’t complain, and do NOT bring your camera or phone. Perry is not going to pose with you for a picture for your Facebook page, or read your script. Just be cool, you know?

Finally, here are specific instructions for what you need to send. Ladies, email MCextras1@gmail.com. Guys, email MCextras2@gmail.com. Here’s exactly what they need to know. (You could just …

Continue reading Want to be in Tyler Perry’s movie with Kim Kardashian? »

Karen Portaleo, lead cake decorator at Atlanta’s Highland Bakery, has been part of a team that made it to the big finale of the Food Network’s “Halloween Wars,” which aired Sunday night.

The team’s spooktacular creations have dazzled judges throughout the four-episode series but competition has been ghoulishly fierce.

So, did Karen and company win?

Well…spoiler alert…

YES!

Her team, the “Bling Bats” actually stumbled early on, flubbing the first challenge with a design that seemed to confuse the judges. Rivals “Team Boo” took that one and seemed confident moving in to the final contest. Portaleo appeared pretty stressed throughout the episode and said during an on-camera interview that the idea of not winning was more than she could take.

This photo from the Food Network shows detail of one of Portaleo's creepy creations on "Halloween Wars."

Not to fear. Her team ultimately prevailed.

Judges loved both team’s designs but raved over Portaleo’s team’s confection, calling it …

Continue reading Did Atlanta cake artist win Food Network’s “Halloween Wars?” »