As Carol Channing, clad in a Bob Mackie sleeveless pantsuit, chinchilla (?) wrap, bright red lipstick, and a 77-karat diamond said last night: "Musical theater is a strictly American art form." The ladies who helped forge that - along with movies and television - were being feted by The Smithsonian, who were specifically honoring women who have woven their way into the American cultural fabric, welcoming their treasured memorabilia into the Smithsonian's permanent collection.
Smithsonian Salutes the Legendary Ladies of Stage and Screen
Free Lunch - Just Another Day in LA
Yesterday LAist was invited to watch a taping of The Florence Henderson Show on the AARP's new network, Retirement Living TV. It was a bonus that they shoot it on the same soundstage where they filmed I Love Lucy. Blogger Donna Lethal's presence was required for her sense of irony, incredible database of old Hollywood trivia, ability to spot someone famous at 20 yards, and long red hair that men find irresistible.
Mr. Blackwell's Worst-Dressed Women of 2007
Yesterday, famed and veteran Los Angeles fashion designer, Mr. Blackwell, talked up his worst-dressed women list, just released this morning, with LAist. He began the annual list 48 years ago. "I was sick of the ugly clothes that were being presented in the fashion industry and as dress designer I wanted to express my opinion. I never expected it to be this big."
LAist Interview: Mr. Blackwell on The 10 Worst-Dressed Women List
When Sharon Stone wears a gown that looks like she's been shot or Lindsay Lohan goes out in public in an insanely sheer dress, Mr. Blackwell considers their candidacy for his annual top 10 worst dressed. Countless actresses and singers made questionable wardrobe choices in 2007. The overexposed, the under-dressed, and the over-the-top take center stage in this yearly ritual. Tomorrow Mr. Blackwell, the well-known fashion critic and designer, will unveil his 48th Annual Worst-Dressed Women list. LAist asked Mr. Blackwell about dressing movie stars, his favorite style icon, and of course our fascination with fashion disasters.
What Ever Happened to Nellie Oleson?
LAist is happy to find Ms. Arngrim is back to acting; her "New And Improved Prairie Bitch 2005" tour has two dates in LA this month, March 18th and 19th at The Lily Tomlin Jane Wagner Cultural Arts Center's Renberg Theatre. She also is appearing at the ACME Theatre in the live version of the tv game show classic, What's My Line, which runs tonight at 8p.m. and also features Marty Ingels, Barry Saltzman, Debra Wilson and host J. Keith van Straaten.

