We asked a random handful of our favorite people to tell us about their best reads of 2008 and got a cool, eclectic and smart bunch of new and old book titles to both check out and rediscover.

Ryan Kwanten, Actor (HBO’s True Blood)
I read a lot, but hands down, my favorite book I read this year was To Kill a Mocking Bird by Harper Lee. Most Americans read this book in their youth, but growing up in Australia we had our own iconic novels that were part of the school curriculum. For me, it was such a look into the America of yesteryear -- the racism, the sexism and what it meant to grow up in the South. It is the kind of book that creeps up on you and before you know it has surrounded you, and gives you no choice but to take it in. You can't help but be affected by it, it stays with you and that for me is the true beauty of any art form.

Aaron Rose, artist and filmmaker (Beautiful Losers)
The Spiritual Journey of Alejandro Jodorowsky by Alejandro Jodorowsky reminded me that without some sort of deep spiritual basis for everything I create, there is a huge risk of becoming nothing more than a clever aesthetician. Witty concepts and the ability to create pretty things is fine -- but the true joy and enrichment in being an artist lies in your ability to heal yourself through your work (and as a byproduct, healing other people). I read this book as I traveled through Europe for a month this summer and returned a changed man.

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You know those friends whose bedrooms are chock full of cool clothes and quirky stuff you love to root through? Franny & Roey are those gals, and the new Williamsburg shop (bearing their nicknames, and a play on J.D. Salinger's Franny and Zooey) is that boudoir. Their 300-square-foot vintage store is styled like a bedroom straight outta 1968, with old dressers, shelves, and armoires packed with clothes that are not only fun to peruse but available to purchase.

Right now Franny & Roey has plenty of winter wear to rummage, with second-hand sweaters, hats, scarves, wovens and knits for both women and men. There’s an entire cabinet of coats, ranging from a trusty London Fog trench to a chic black velvet cropped blazer by Givenchy. There’s no shortage of accessories, either. Vintage shoes, bags, pillbox hats, and jewelry are mixed with a few up-and-coming labels like Mela hair products (very cool headbands, pictured above) and Doll & Dame apparel.

Not all of the wares are in perfect condition, but we’re not the precious type, so what does it matter? Franny & Roey have made shopping fun again. After you're done browsing the racks, grab Black Beauty from the nightstand and lounge on a retro twin bed or check out their selection of rare records. Everything from kitsch to couture is for sale here, making Franny & Roey a welcome newcomer to the Williamsburg vintage scene.

Franny & Roey
252 Grand Ave., Williamsburg
www.frannyandroey.com
No phone yet

Other South Williamsburg vintage suggestions:
The venerable Sweet Virginia and Horizons

YOU'RE WELCOME AMERICA: A FINAL NIGHT WITH GEORGE W. BUSH
In Will Ferrell’s one-man show, directed by Ferrell's long-time collaborator Adam McKay (Step-Brothers, Talladega Nights, Anchorman), Ferrell poses as the unrepentant, soon-to-be-ex prez. This, Ferrell's Broadway debut, promises to be a cleansing of the national palate, after eight years of bad taste. Word from the West Coast, where the show was recently performed in un-advertised run-throughs, is that Ferrell is brilliant, hilarious and unrestrained. Previews begin on the day Obama is inaugurated.
Cort Theatre, 138 W. 48th St., (212) 239-6200. Previews Jan. 20, opens Feb. 5 – March 15.

UNDER THE RADAR
This is the fifth year of the Mark-Russell-curated festival of new, alternative shows from around the world. Featuring plays, dance, cabaret and performance art pieces, Under the Radar celebrates the experimental and a hope for theater and performance of the future. First Love is an early novella by Samuel Beckett, that the Gare St. Lazare Players from Ireland turn into a play with a black humor brogue. Sight, the sense that dying people tend to lose first, is a monologue written and directed by Tim Etchells, that gives one an opportunity to spend an hour with downtown’s finest actor, Jim Fletcher.
The Public Theater, 425 Lafayette St., (212) 967-7555, Jan. 7-18. All shows at the Public are $15, and there are a number of other shows at partnering venues, like The Chelsea Art Museum, HERE and Webster Hall. Go to www.publictheater.org for a complete sked.

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Don King talked shoes.

Kim from the Real Housewives of Atlanta got real.

We drank the cocktails of Mad Men.

Caroline Torem Craig told us About Last Night….

Peter Davis protested.

Style was cornered.

Celebrities guest-blogged.

Kate and Pippa Middleton shut down our site.

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One of my friends swore off the hard stuff this year so I had to come up with something new to give her to drink over the holidays. Voila, Mighty Leaf Tea! In a hand-crafted red giftbox are 30 biodegradable whole leaf, silky tea pouches in flavors like Marrakesh Mint, Rainforest Mate and Ginger Twist. For anyone you know who's passionate about tea, check out their website, www.mightlyleaf.com. Right now they're offering 20 percent off on last-minute gifts.

1. A recent study of digital music conducted by British economists found that more than 10 million of the 13 million songs available online failed to find a single buyer last year. (via London Times)

2. It's alive! A spokesperson for Michael Jackson says rumors of the singer's ill-health are "a total fabrication."

3. Seventies-era Brit punks The Damned are playing a free concert at the Virgin Megastore in Union Square on December 30 at noon.

4. I thought Obama would _______. Go here and keep clicking to fill in the blank.

5. Actual twitter from Denver jet crash on Saturday: "Holy f***ing s**t -- I was just in a plane crash."

6. Heading to Goa for New Year's Eve? The recent attacks in India prompted local officials to ban all beach parties, "effectively shutting down its party scene." (via USA Today)

Here's a bit of sartorial history: The flight jacket was originally designed exclusively for fighter pilots during WWI. At the time, most airplanes had exposed cockpits and so pilots needed garments which could keep them warm, hence utilitarian coats like fur-lined shearlings, bombers and the flight jacket, the earliest of which were designed under the auspices of the US Army's Aviation Clothing Board around 1917. Their chic-factor did not escape civilians and flight jackets soon became wildly popular off the army base. They continue to be a style staple today and the best version I've seen so far is designed by Alpine Stars, the Italian brand, which has a history in designing for action sports like motorcross, Formula One racing and BMX. They call this beauty, pictured above, the F-1 Pilot Jacket, and it's exclusively for women. The jacket comes fully lined with satin taffeta, snap closures on chest and side pockets, and is equipped with an extra chest pocket for good measure. In addition to fuchsia, it comes in midnight blue and burnt orange. Available at www.alpinestarswomen.com for $220.

rag & bone continues its stylish conquest of Christopher Street with a new men’s shop. PAPERMAG was impressed by their flagship that opened back in September, so we thought we’d peep the new outpost for gents only located a few doors down. The rustic vintage vibe is intact with exposed brick walls and metal pipes, rough wooden shelves and table displays, and antiques scattered about.

Just as the store itself channels a pared down but polished look, the tailored men’s clothing evokes classic cool mixed with a bit of Civil-War-era style. From the black and olive Dodger Boot (pictured above) to the double breasted coats and blazers, rag & bone excels at crafting menswear that is hip and timeless at the same time. (See: men dining at Marlow & Sons, Freemans -- you know the look). The store carries piles of their signature denim and their full menswear line of dress shirts, knits, vests, casual tees and an impressive range of outerwear that includes leather track jackets, cashmere car coats, tux jackets, wool and cashmere great coats, and species of blazers we didn’t know existed.

For you eleventh hour shoppers: much of rag & bone’s fall collection is now 40-60 percent off. The waffle sack jacket (which looks like a chunky cardigan) or the cotton cashmere thermal shirt would make a toasty gift. Or try a crocheted skinny tie and driving gloves for something smaller. We didn’t find a dud among the rag & bone racks, so you really can’t go wrong.

rag & bone
100 Christopher St.
(212) 727-2999
www.rag-bone.com

Photos by Rebecca Prusinowski

1. Hipster Runoff hates TV on the Radio. The alt-bro site calls them "2008's biggest sham/gimmick/pyramid scheme." Hey, you can't be on everybody's "best of" list.

2. A reef shark at The Atlantis resort in the Bahamas jumped out of its aquarium and into the hotel's swimming pool last week. (via UK Telegraph)

3. Top Billionaire Playgrounds (according to Forbes): Mustique; St. Tropez, France; Sun Valley, Idaho; St. Andrews, Scotland; and Maui, Hawaii.

4. Last minute gift idea: The Amazing S**t Box portable toilet. Only $24.00.

5. According to the AP, AIG, which received $150 billion in taxpayer bailout money, still has a fleet of seven private jets. Five other firms that received money also own private aircraft.

6. Bling Police. The St. Louis Police Department paid $1,987 each for five gold-filled police badges last week and $5,900 apiece for two solid gold badges. (via NYT)

MONDAY, DEC. 15
YELLE taught us how to dance.
We could smell ya from here.

TUESDAY, DEC. 16
Prince Harry partied for a good cause.
Bazooka bubble gum has everyone puzzled.

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 17
RuPaul did the Obama's. And yes, it's true.
Get Angelina Jolie on the phone!!! It's little Indian cuties.

THURSDAY, DEC. 18
Libertine kicked-off their sample sale with a PAPER party -- of course.
Peter Davis spent a lovely weekend at Bernie's.

FRIDAY, DEC. 19
Jeffrey Kilmer found them in Paris.
We located all the bars that bring the heat.

1. Sony BMG Music created a holiday website that lets you record "Blue Christmas" as a duet with Elvis Presley.

2. Big warehouse party tomorrow night (December 20) in PAPER's neighborhood-of-the-year Gowanus. It's the Third Annual Holiday Party with The Rub DJs and D-Nice. (232 Third Street at Third Avenue in Brooklyn, $10 with rsvp to www.meanredproductions.com/rsvp)

3. Casting Call: Universal Pictures is looking for "the next McLovin' or Michael Cera." No experience necessary. The film will be shot in 2009. 15 to 17-year-old males should report to Ripley-Grier Studios, 520 Eighth Avenue in NYC on January 10, 2009, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

4. Satellite broadcaster SKY plans to introduce 3-D television in 2009 using the company's existing hi-def boxes.

5. Red Bull is building a snowboarding arena in East River Park at E. Houston St. and the FDR Drive in February. The venue will host pro-riders (Shaun White, Travis Rice etc.) and performances by bands including Anthrax.

6. Hadouken! Yes or no?

This one goes out to all you out there in gay adult entertainment land who love a hot little daddy! (You know who you are.) Born in Utah, Josh West is not only known for what he packs below the belt, but has worked with every major company the industry has to offer. He is also one of the kindest people I have ever met!

What company do you shoot for?
I am not exclusive, so all the top companies -- Channel 1, Hot House, Titan, Raging Stallion etc. I love working with them all.

Where are you from originally?
Logan, Utah. And no, I'm not a Mormon.

How long have you been in the industry?
3 years

Are you single?
Yes

What's the last song you downloaded?
"Womanizer" by Britney Spears. YAY!

What's in your refrigerator?
Cottage cheese, milk, eggs, lunch meat and orange juice

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Fall has finally decided to go, taking its cruel outbursts of 60 degree days and leaving us to get the next three months of "wintry mix" over with. As such, we decided to make the best of all the sleet and ice to come with a roundup of bars and restaurants to keep toasty in! Below, grappa-infused toddies, habanero simple syrups, cozy fireplaces and free s'mores chip in to keep you comfy during the teeth-chattering days to come.

DRINK UP
In Tribeca, sleek subterranean lounge B Flat (277 Church St., (212) 219-2970) has a sinus-clearing, wasabi-infused vodka and sake martini called Giant Steps ($13), humanely garnished with a slice of cooling cucumber. In the East Village, it's also the house cocktail at mod Yakitori hideaway Mr. Jones (243 E. 14th St., (212) 253-7670) -- mixologist Shin Ikeda designed both cocktail lists -- and a dollar cheaper.

At Macondo (157 E. Houston St., (212) 473-9900), the Lower East Side's airy, Gabriel Garcia-Marquez-inspired latin eatery, bright, tropical cocktails will restore your vim and vigor on dreary days. Try the Tamarindo+Tequila, a peppy elixir made with acidic tamarind juice, D'Aristi Xtabentun (a spicy, honey liqueur from the Yucatan), ginger liqueur and glass rimmed in chili salt ($7.50) .

The mad scientists at Albert Trummer's Chinatown cocktail lab, Apothéke (9 Doyers St., (212) 406-0400), are serving Gluewhein ($15), a traditional Austrian mulled wine spiced with cloves and cinnamon, and, despite its name, is free of adhesives (you never know with these dudes). Trummer says he's filing the drink under "Health and Beauty" on his medicinally-themed menu, and would prescribe the drink for a sore throat. Cough drops are overrated, anyway.

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WHO: Dim
AGE: 20
OCCUPATION: I alternate between studying art and working as the graphic designer of Vice magazine France. Am also a weird artist.
FAVORITE PARIS HANG SPOT: I really like to hang out anywhere in Paris if I am with my friends, but I love the Disney Village, underground parties in squats where it's cheap and also every open bar party in hipster clubs. I like to improvise our own parties in friends' apartments and on rooftops of Paris.

WHO: Quentin
AGE: 20
OCCUPATION: I play guitar in my rock band, Ooh Check.
FAVORITE PARIS HANG SPOT: La Flèche d'Or, a great bar in Paris that hosts concerts for independant French, British and American bands as well as electro DJs. It's a place built on an old train station.

WHO: Jean-David
AGE: 19
OCCUPATION: Studying French and American law
FAVORITE PARIS HANG SPOT: It's hard to pick just ONE bar, but where I like to hang out with my friends is at the POP IN, a small bar in the 11th district of Paris, where they play great music, have great concerts and where you never know whether you'll be sitting on a chair or on your friends' laps!

WHO: Pedge
AGE: 20
OCCUPATION: Business school student and DJ
FAVORITE PARIS HANG SPOT: Chacha, a new club that just opened this summer. It's a nice old-restored apartment. On the first floor, you can find a room with a piano, dozens of guitars (acoustic and electric that you can link to an ampli) to play when you want with the first stranger you meet! Chacha is a club where you find nice people without ruining yourself!

I am obsessed with Bernard L. Madoff and his 50 billion dollar Ponzi scheme. It's all I can read or think about. So when I discovered (by the dozens of cameramen outside his building at 133 E. 64th St.) that he lived two blocks away from me, it was like Xmas came early. Bernie is on house arrest all weekend from 7 p.m. to 9 a.m., so naturally I was outside his building at 8:45 a.m., Venti Starbucks in hand, waiting. By Monday, I predict Bernie will be in cuffs and that the next one to go is his wife, Ruth, who helped cook the number books for her husband's company. The owner of A & A Discount One magazine store told me: Madoff "came in often... He always bought all the business magazines, like Forbes." I'm staking out Bernie's all weekend... I'll be in touch.

Cameron Fuller, Non-Euclidean Zones
Despite the fact that it’s called “non-Euclidean,” there’s a lot of geometry going on here. The entire gallery has been transformed -- mostly with masking tape, ink and crayon -- into a bona fide two- and three-dimensional village. Although Fuller conceived his village before construction like any good urban planner, most of it was imagined in situ over the course of the few days he spent installing it. Colorful collages adorn.
Bespoke Gallery, 547 W. 27th St., (212) 695-8201. Opening December 18, 6–8 p.m. Through January 17.

Karina Wisniewska, The Sand, the Line and the Consequences: New Paintings
This Swiss-based artist uses quartz sand and acrylic on canvas to create black calligraphic shapes. She was formally trained in classical music, but an accident ended her musical career, and now her “sound pictures” take on the task of harmony and counterpoint themselves.
Sara Tecchia Roma New York, 529 W.20th St., (212) 741-2900. Opening reception, December 18, 6–8 p.m. Through January 31.

Death Is Not the End
Rest in peace, 31Grand. The gallery is coming to a close -- but not an end -- after nine years of showcasing artists from the emerging to the established. Toast a farewell Saturday night at the retrospective group exhibition with works by artists who have exhibited there over the decade. It’s a celebration and commemoration, so hold your tears and just jam to DJ Kid Magic.
31Grand, 143 Ludlow St., (212) 228-0901. December 20, 6–9 p.m.

Last night, PAPER and Libertine threw a little champagne-fueled (Nicolas Feuillatte no less) party/sale with a huge chunk of the proceeds going to Citymeals on Wheels. A terrific selection of Libertine's punky-preppy duds (T-shirts, scarves, jackets, coats, etc.) were on super sale. Head on over to 187 Lafayette St., 7th fl., where the goods are on sale through Dec. 20.

1. U2 sticks it to the man! After signing a multi-million dollar deal with Live Nation, the Irish band is already selling their shares in the company's stock. Live Nation had guaranteed the stock's price when they made the deal in March, but the shares have since fallen 83% and they now stand to lose $19 million. More bad news could come in April when Madonna -- who also signed a huge deal -- is eligible to sell her $25 million in Live Nation stock. (via WSJ)

2. When Jeremy Piven left the Broadway production of Speed-the-Plow with health problems due to "a high level of Mercury," the play's writer, David Mamet, told Variety, "My understanding is that he is leaving show business to pursue a career as a thermometer."

3. One of the last shows at the Knitting Factory (before the venue moves to Brooklyn) features a New York hardcore supergroup including John Joseph and Mackie from the original Cro-Mags, AJ from Leeway and Craig from Sick of it All. Using the name Cro-Mags, the band performs on Sunday. December 28.

4. UK record label Hed Kandi has filed cease and desist motions against a Miami nightclub called Hed Kandi that was scheduled to open in South Beach last night. (via Miami Herald)

5. Members of Congress are going to receive a $4,700 pay raise in January.

6. Concierge.com lists their top places to visit in 2009:
1. Tel Aviv, Israel
2. Bolivia
3. Utah
4. Acapulco, Mexico
5. Vilnius, Lithuania

It's no surprise that it isn't easy to secure a reservation at The John Dory. For one thing, there aren't many seats, especially given the neighborhood; the space is long, thin, and located smack in the middle of mega-restaurant row (sandwiched between CraftSteak and Del Posto, and across Tenth Avenue from Morimoto). For another, the fish house is from the team behind The Spotted Pig, which sets expectations (and buzz factor) fairly high. But on the evening we attended, the Friday after Thanksgiving, the eatery was relatively subdued (although, it must be said, both Charlie Rose and Craft's Tom Colicchio were dining there during our visit). I'm pleased to say that the menu, though limited, was mostly excellent. Starters like the fish soup with shellfish rouille ($15) and oyster pan roast with uni crostini (a toast with sea urchin spread served alongside a soupy dish of creamy oysters, $20) are the sort that make return trips inevitable. The pan-roasted cod with artichoke chips ($28), on the other hand, was only adequate -- the portion was small, and although the preparation was enjoyable, it ultimately seemed uninspired. Still, it's worth venturing out to the far end of the Meatpacking District to eat there: The décor is appealingly seaworthy -- fish tank, fish posters, fake fish embedded in the Lucite bar -- and the service is friendly and attentive. And the word, of course, is out: It's a little harder to come by a two-top on a non-holiday weekend.

The John Dory
85 Tenth Ave.,
(212) 929-4948
www.thejohndory.com

A man carries a woman on his back, and her face and yelps tell that she clearly does not want to be there. Men grin as women sensuously curl up and around with them. A woman runs after a man so resolutely that she appears injured. And for good measure, a woman with a sheet covering her face is thrown around the stage by a constellation of men.

The abuse of women by men is familiar territory for the legendary choreographer Pina Bausch, whose Bamboo Blues ends its brief run at the Brooklyn Academy of Music on Saturday. But then there's this moment, tucked into the middle of the show, when one of the men curls up underneath a woman's flowing dress. It's as if he's resigning himself to a fantasy, if not of the Orient, at least of the exoticized women who inhabit it. (Finally, a couple of men strut around in dresses more Asian-looking than those of their female counterparts.)

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