Archives: June 2010

Perhaps spurred on by ESPN’s recent entry into the world of regional online sports content, the popular sports blog SB Nation has launched a regional LA site, SB nation Los Angeles, covering sports news in and around the Southland.

Here’s what editor Eric Stephen had to say about the new site:

We have assembled quite a staff of writers, all of whom you may have read on various SB Nation blogs. Our great Los Angeles blogs True Blue LA, Halos Heaven, Silver Screen and Roll, Clips Nation, Anaheim Calling, Jewels From The Crown, Conquest Chronicles, and Bruins Nation will continue to provide high quality, in depth coverage of L.A. sports, including many of the same writers you will see here. Be sure to find out more information on our staff on the bottom left corner of the page.

The Red Carpet is the blog portion of the site, where we will provide short commentary, links, stories, and videos compiled by the SB Nation Los Angeles staff.

We will have a weekly Top Five, where we explore and rank various things related to Los Angeles sports. Our first foray is a look at the top five most popular athletes in Los Angeles sports.

Yeah, about that last part — at first glance this Fishie sees an awful lot of lists about “best” this and “top” that on the site. Makes us a little nervous, but we’re total dude when it comes to sports, so we’re willing to give it a shot.

Entourage’s Adrian Grenier doesn’t have a publicist, nor, apparently, does he think needs one thanks to Twitter. “I’m no stranger to self promotion,” Grenier told the Wall Street Journal. “I find it first of all more authentic when you put a bit of your creative touch to what you’re trying to share. I think [Twitter has] brought the creativity back to promotion.”

Guess so. But if that’s true, Grenier better starting tweeting up a shitstorm about his show Entourage — because this season’s debut only drew 2.4 million viewers, down 25% from last year.

Paul Johnson, morning traffic reporter for NBC4′s ‘Today in L.A.’, passed away Tuesday after a battle with brain cancer. From the station’s website:

The well-known and well-liked baritone-voiced Paul underwent brain surgery in January and remained off air while recovering.

Earlier this year, viewers flooded NBCLA with e-mails, phone calls and bags of letters asking where and why Johnson was off the air. Today in L.A. reported Johnson had a brain tumor. Once it was made public that Johnson was ill, the outpouring of support was truly amazing.

Johnson joined NBC4′s on-air team in 1988. Prior to that he worked as a reporter and announcer for a number of Los Angeles radio stations, including KXEZ, KSRF, KZLA and KIIS-FM.

Maggie Griffin, mother to foul-mouthed comedian Kathy Griffin and a regular on her reality show Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List, will appear tonight at Barnes & Noble at the Grove. She’s teaming up with her daughter for a signing of their respective memoirs.

Mom’s new book “Tip It!: The World According to Maggie” hit the shelves yesterday, and Kathy’s “Official Book Club Selection” was released last year, and quickly became a New York Times bestseller.

The ladies’ appearance begins at 7:30. More info here.

“She looks ready for Goth Day at the Sherman Oaks Galleria,” writes Nikki Finke of Wonder Woman’s new costume. In addition to a new look. DC Comics are giving her a re-written storyline and porn star boobs. And while both are ridiculous, let’s get back to her clothes. Wonder Woman’s costume is iconic. Don’t screw up a classic. And if you’re going to, don’t let comic book artists play fashion designer. Because you might end up with something like this:

Art by Don Kramer, copyright DC Comics

As the great Tim Gunn says, “Designers, make it work!” Who What Wear is on the hunt for a full-time graphic designer to create daily content and other creative assets for the online fashion and beauty magazine.

If hired, you’ll be responsible for designing story layouts and in-house promotional media such as banners, buttons and newsletters. Expert knowledge of Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign are obvious requirements. There’s also a fair amount of photo editing involved, so you’ll be expected to be a whiz at color correction, too.

The company is looking for a highly creative self-starter, who can work in a fast-paced environment. Experience in fashion is a major plus, but a sincere interest in it will go a long way as well. If you think you’ve got what it takes, apply here.

RELATED: Attend Mediabistro Career Circus on August 4 in New York City to find out where the jobs are, develop a career plan and engage with media peers and leaders.

Larry King spoke to his audience last night about his decision to leave his show after a 25-year run.

Playboy Enterprises Inc. has announced plans to lay off more employees, for an annual savings of $3 million. While the company won’t say how many jobs are being eliminated, Dylan Stableford at The Wrap has some hints as to who might be shown the door:

An individual with knowledge of the situation said the cuts are all high-ranking, highly-paid corporate executives.

Among them: two chiefs in the financial department, one in human resources and the head of administrative services. (All will get three months notice and then their severance.)

For once it’s the higher-ups – and not the bunnies’ bums – that are feeling the squeeze.

Previously on FBLA:

How can we not put this delicately? Casting call for chicks who hang out with shallow pretty girls who feel bad for her.

From the never catty Craigslist:

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Date: 2010-06-29, 3:32PM PDT
Reply to: realtvcasting@gmail.com

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This is a once in lifetime opportunity for your friend to receive the Makeover of Life-time, including PLASTIC SURGERY, DENTAL WORK, FITNESS TRAINING, MAKEUP, STYLING, etc.

Read more