Popular Culture

19 January 2004


Olivia Goldsmith Dies after Plastic Surgery
The author of the witty First Wives' Club, Olivia Goldsmith, died last week after complications from the anesthesia given her during plastic surgery. She was 54, and while there is no suggestion that there was any malpractice or negligence, one can't help but feel that she was too young to die. And if so, she was too young for plastic surgery. For more, click here.

"Taboo" Folds on Broadway, Misused Talent
Boy George and Rosie O'Donnell working together in a show that was nominated for 4 Olivier awards should have been a recipe for success on Broadway. It wasn't. The news last week was that "Taboo" will close in New York on February 8 -- for want of a leader. Click here to read on.

Dutch Finance Ministry: White Socks "Indecent"
Among the biggest lies one may count "Clothes make the man." After all, Oscar de la Renta never did Gandhi's tailoring, while John Gotti, the Dapper Don, was an exceedingly well-dressed murderer, but still, a murderer. The business world has tried in recent years to come to grips with the idea of dressing down with minimal success. Dress codes are still in effect, and at the Dutch Finance Ministry, white socks are not just tacky, they are "indecent." Click here to read more.