Last year, I very abruptly decided I should start reading paperback mystery novels. I have no idea how I arrived at that realization, but once I was there, I had zero idea how to begin. Both my best childhood friend and my beloved high school English teacher gave me the same recommendation: Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum series. Read the books in order. Start with One for the Money.

So, OK, I was a latecomer (One for the Money was published in 1994). Is the novel a work of great literature? Uh, no—that is, it sure isn’t Raymond Chandler. But a bazillion readers have fallen in love with Stephanie Plum, fledgling bounty hunter for her Cousin Vinnie’s bail bonds outfit. She’s quirky! She’s fun! She has a lot of car trouble.

Now, when I visualize Stephanie Plum, I see hair piled high, early-90s spandex stirrup pants, and leopard print. So when I first heard Katherine Heigl had been tapped to play the part in the One for the Money movie adaptation, I was livid. WHY NOT CAST BITTY SCHRAM? Surely there is a more believable character actress to play this Jersey girl.

How wrong I was. Here’s the One for the Money trailer, and Heigl is terrific:

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They’ve been co-stars, best friends, worst enemies, boyfriends, girlfriends, and everything in between. Working together on set and spending their down-time together, they have formed substantial bonds and created a pseudo “soap family.” Romantic relationships are tested when one person’s career rockets forward and another’s is stuck at “go.” Jealousies arise as actors attempt to jump from one soap to another, and arch rivals must find a way to coexist in this sudsy microcosm without ripping each other to shreds. All the while their goals are clear – to grow their careers and to keep their hearts and heads above water in Tinseltown – where it’s so very easy to drown. Dirty Soap Premieres Tomorrow 10/9c on E!

Whoa! Seinfeld‘s Jason Alexander is looking snappy. And what a difference three months can make! (The photo on the right is from June.)

Jason Alexander celebrated his 52nd birthday yesterday, but his new follicles (and weight loss) make him look 22 again. Uh, kinda.

Speaking of 30 years ago! Here he is in his first movie, a slasher flick called The Burning:

Image via TMZ

(I’d have that face, too, girl, if I had to talk to Chelsea Handler for more than thirty seconds. I feel your pain.)

From Interview:

CHELSEA HANDLER: Where are you?

ANNE HATHAWAY: I’m in Italy.

HANDLER: I just came from Venice. I just got back to L.A. yesterday.

HATHAWAY: Really? I’m in Positano.

HANDLER: Oh, you’re so lucky. Are you on vacation?

HATHAWAY: I am. I managed to steal a few days.

HANDLER: With your lover?

HATHAWAY: With my man, yes. This is one of my favorite places in the world.

HANDLER: Isn’t Positano ridiculous?

HATHAWAY: It’s ridiculous. It kind of reminds me of Southern California, but without strip malls and a bit more charm.

HANDLER: You can get a good strip mall put in there if it means that much to you.

HATHAWAY: I’m fighting for it actually. I’m petitioning. I’m like, “Here’s how you get Hollywood in Positano: You need a nail salon and a yogurt place . . . ”

HANDLER: Speaking of which, let’s talk about Jersey. I want to know your thoughts on being from New Jersey, and Jersey Shore, and how you think that show has helped our reputation as Jersey girls.

HATHAWAY: I think that Jersey Shore is awesome. I’ve gone to Cape May every summer of my life.

HANDLER: I’m talking about the show, Anne.

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OK. Is it sad that Fergie‘s wax face looks better than her *real* wax face? I’m sorry, it’s just that that almost NEVER HAPPENS.

This is girlfriend’s new wax figure, which was unveiled at Madam Tussaud’s earlier this week. Also, I’ve been sitting here for the better part of the hour trying to figure out exactly which face Fergie’s wax face was modeled after. Definitely not the 2011 version, and probably not 2010‘s either. I’m wondering if maybe the artist chose to represent Fergie before she fugged her face up so majorly and hoped that Fergie’s new plastic surgery attempts would sort of fall into place and settle better than they have. Or, I don’t know, maybe they decided that Fergie was out, and Kirstie Alley was in, and thought they’d have a little fun transposing heads.

What do you guys think?

Savvy, savvy lady, huh? Stealing wardrobe tips off of the woman who bore you? Crafty, Kate, I’ll tell you. And grandma there looks positively … well, she looks just like Katherine, and while that’s positively super for her, maybe it’s not so good for her offspring since I suppose she’s probably significantly younger than her mom.

Anyway, looking good, ladies! Maybe mommy can give you some pointers on how to be nicer, though, Katherine, I think that’d look good on you, too.