Kristin Davis		Tang Wei & Ang Lee		Edie Falco

Photos: Joy E. Scheller/LFI

New York, September 27, 2007 - The graphic sex scenes in Ang Lee’s new movie Lust, Caution have caused much tongue-wagging, and even official hand-wringing in mainland China.  “It’s okay to talk about sex”, Lee said at a New York screening on Thursday. “But if all they’re talking about is the sex scene, it’s a shame, because the parts outside the bedroom are a lot sexier.”

First time leading lady Tang Wei said she got the role only after numerous auditions.  “A lot of girls wanted to get the job, I think”, she told us.  An understatement – Lee said she was the one they chose out of 10,000 actresses. 

Kristin Davis told us she loved the film, later at the after party at the Bowery Hotel.  “I feel I’d like to see it again.  I love everything he does, but I feel like there are lots of layers in the plot and in the details.”

Designer Anna Sui weighed in on the costumes.  “I loved the qipaos.  They were so beautiful; really beautiful.  I mean, I think that’s the most beautiful dress ever invented.” 

Los Angeles, September 26, 2007 – While you couldn’t describe everyone that attended Us Weekly’s Hot Hollywood party as “hot”, certainly some were scorching - Chris Brown, Miley Cyrus and Amanda Bynes.  Others have been burning up the pages of Us and the other tabloids recently with their real-life dramas – Spice Girl and Eddie Murphy baby-mama Melanie Brown, Travis Barker’s on/off playmate Shanna Moakler, Jennifer Morrison, who recently broke off her engagement to House co-star Jesse Spencer, and ubiquitous feuding reality show stars Lauren Conrad and Heidi Montag.  Montag is on the Us cover this week – telling the mag about all the plastic surgery she’s had done at the ripe old age of 21.

Kanye West and his fiancée Alexis Phifer wouldn’t talk wedding plans.  Jamie Lynn Spears stayed far away from reporters – she did not want to be asked about her troubled sister Britney.  Charlie Sheen, freshly embroiled in a custody battle with his ex-wife, did not show up.

And James Blunt, who deftly avoids questions about his love life, has got to be the hottest man in Hollywood - he never takes off that leather jacket, even on these warm September days.

New York, September 25, 2007 - The elusive Elton John popped up in New York last night, surrounded by old and new friends at the "Enduring Vision" gala benefit for his AIDS Foundation.

None of the guests at the Waldorf-Astoria admitted to having witnessed one of the mercurial star’s famous temper tantrums, but everyone tried not to cross him.  On her way in, K.D. Lang refused to reveal which song she’d be singing later with Elton.  “I’d better not.  He’s the boss.” 

Honorees Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne are veterans of many Elton John parties.  “He never has a dull party.  There’s always something happening, you know”, Ozzy said.  Petra Nemcova has also met Elton many times, and described his country home: “It has an arty element, but it’s still like an English country house, with glamour and luxury.”

Host Anderson Cooper said he met Elton about a year ago, and finally got to one of his shows.  “I’d never been to a concert, and I just saw a concert in New York; it was amazing.”

Susan Lucci and husband Helmut Huber just met Elton for the first time last week.  “We had the pleasure to have dinner with him last week in London.  He’s a great guy”, they told us.  “We’re here to support him.”

New York, September 24, 2007 - George Clooney is even suave after being banged up in a motorcycle accident.  While girlfriend Sarah Larson was on crutches at the premiere of Michael Clayton on Monday, Clooney hid his injuries under a dark suit. “I’m fine. Broke a rib.  I’ve got gauze all the way up my arm, you know”, he said, although only a bandaged finger was visible.

Clooney didn’t limp or grimace at all, and writer/director Tony Gilroy thinks the accident was a publicity stunt.  “I think he’ll do anything for press.  I think that’s what this is all really about”, Gilroy said. 

Clooney’s famous sense of humor was intact; while waving at some excited fans trying to get his attention, he quipped,  “That’s my sister and my mother.”

The premiere was small, but some of Clooney’s old friends – Ellen Barkin, Richard Kind and Brad Pitt - made appearances.  Clooney has been so busy shooting a film in the city that he hasn’t had time to indulge in one of his favorite pastimes. “You know, I don’t think I’ve hit any bars since I’ve been here.  I’ve just been working”, he told us.

New York, September 21, 2007 – Just before the United Nations General Assembly gathered in New York City, bringing traffic snarls and noisy protest marches, the organization marked world peace day with the annual ringing of the peace bell ceremony.

Secretary General Ban Ki-moon rang the peace bell as U. N. messengers of peace Michael Douglas, primatologist Jane Goodall, author Elie Wiesel and new recruit Princess Haya of Jordan looked on.  Ban’s performance was flawless, because U.N. sources told us that he entered the peace garden early that morning to rehearse the simple task.