From time to time I write small pieces which are then incorporated into a larger article. As a result of layout space available and traditional publishing practices, I don’t get a byline. I’ve decided this blog would be a great forum to show-off these little nuggets of genius.
published January 30th:
PERFECT 10. THIS WEEK’S NEWS & TO-DOS
WEDNESDAY 
Sign of The Times
Celebrated hipster horoscopists Starsky + Cox provide in-depth “sextrology” advice for the famous, fabulous and anyone else lucky enough to frequent Marc Jacobs’ Greenwich Village window-front. Today through Valentine’s Day, the “kinky-shrinky” couple – clad in white Marc Jacobs lab coats – will dish astrology-based sex advice free of charge. 403 Bleecker St.
published January 24th as part of “Fat-blocking Gut-busting” story:
A selective history of slenderizing potions
To lose weight, the ancient Egyptians touted apple cider vinegar, while the Chinese ingested chia seeds. Here are other successful and not-so-successful strategies:
1893: Frank J. Kellogg’ “Safe Fat Reducer,” made of thyroid extract, has a nasty side effect: It causes death by actually burning one’s own internal organs.
1936: Factory workers at plants with dinitrophenol find they shed pounds with ease. But DNP, marketed as Caswell No. 392, Sulfo Black B, and Nitro Kleenup is found to cause blindness and carcinogenic mutations.
1937: Jaw-clenching is in: The American Medical Association approves of the use of amphetamine – speed – for patients who want to lose weight.
1940: Despite lethally toxic effcts, digitalis, marketed as Lanoxin, is used by professional weight lifters to cut body fat.
1970: Amphetamine use (and abuse, by the likes of Warhol acolyte Edie Sedgwick) is declared illegal in U.S. Cocaine begins to take its place.
1980s: Starch blockers become popular, despite widespread reports abdominal pain and vomiting.
1990: Cal-Ban 3000 said to claim ‘automatic’ weight loss. Ten users wind up in long-term care and one dies.
1994: Dynamic duo Fen-Phen is released on the market to critical acclaim and serious side effects.
1996-97: Redux is unveiled with high hopes but sinks with reports of pulmonary hypertension, valvular heart disease and neurotoxicity. Fen-Phen pulled from the market by maker Wyeth.
2003: Anna Nicole Smith launches the Trim spa diet pill to unprecedented popularity, despite allegedly causing a rise in blood pressure and heart palpitations in some users.
2005: Ephedra-free Xenadrine EFX, Advantra Z rattle users with rapid heart rate and heightened blood pressure.
published January 22nd as part of the Atrology page:
Milestones
BABY BONNETS
“Saved by the Bell’s” Zach, otherwise known as Mark-Paul Gosselaar, is expecting a second bundle of joy with wife Lisa.
Russell Crowe, infamous actor and brawler, has announced that his second child is on the way with wife Danielle Spencer.
Oscar-winning phenom Holly Hunter and partner Gordon MacDonald welcomed twins into their family on Jan. 17.
WEDDING BELLS
Actress Andie McDowell announced her engagement to car salesman Kevin Geagan.
Rough-and-tumblepro-skateboarder Tony Hawk married lingerie store-owner Lhotse Merriam Dec. 19.
Eminem and his ex-wife Kimberly said “I do” again on Jan. 14, five years after their bitter divorce.
Brittany Murphy announced that she became engaged to boyfriend Joe Macaluso over the holidays.
SPLITSO Baywatch beefcake David Hasselhoff and wife Pamela Bach have filed for divorce after 16 years of marriage.
DEATHS
Soul singer Wilson Pickett, 64, best known for his hits, “Mustang Sally” and “In the Midnight Hour,” died of a heart attack on Jan. 19.
Actress Shelley Winters, 85, died of heart failure on Jan. 14.
Actor Anthony Franciosa, 77, who once was married to Winters, died Jan. 20 following a stroke.
BIRTHDAY
Diane Lane (top l.), 41, today
Tiffani Thiesen, 32, tomorrow
Neil Diamond, 65, and
Mischa Barton, 20, Tuesday
Alicia Keys (l.) 25, Wednesday
Ellen DeGeneres, 48, Thursday
Chief Justice John Roberts, 51, Bridget Fonda, 42, Friday
Alan Alda, 70, Elijah Wood, 25, and Sarah McLachlan, 38, Saturday.
