As is customary, before receiving her honor, Theron participated in a public parade through the streets near Harvard Yard. Tons of onlookers stood nearby to get a look at her and the Hasty Pudding male members dressed up in flamboyant, costume-y drag … but mostly her.

I love the way Theron stated at the beginning of the outdoor spectacle, “I am Woman of the Year. If there was ever any doubt that I’m a man, it’s been erased.” Cute — now we all know she has a good sense of humor, too.

The video following the jump comes courtesy of the local publication the Cambridge Chronicle. Take a look to see for yourself just how charming and fun Theron was during the festivities. If you didn’t like her before, how can you not now?

Also, stay tuned for coverage of actor Christopher Walken’s journey to the Square next Friday, when he’ll drop by to accept his very own Pudding Pot for Man of the Year while no doubt entertaining onlookers at least as much as Theron did yesterday.

Post from: The Boston Traveler

Hotel heiress Paris Hilton came to Cambridge on Wednesday just as first threatened, I mean reported last month, and lots of people hit the streets to get a glimpse of Her Royal Blondeness.

Tons of thanks to the tres cool Cambridge Chronicle for actually shooting footage of the non-event and uploading it to YouTube for hundreds to ogle. I share the video with you below — watch at your own risk.

Post from: The Boston Traveler

Remember when everyone was talking about how 26-year-old hotel heiress Paris Hilton would be in town soon to accept her award as Harvard Lampoon’s Woman of the Year? Well, get excited — or not — because today is that day!

That’s all. I have nothing else to say except if you’re a Paris fan, try Harvard Square sometime in the daylight hours around lunch time. The Lampoon website advises interested parties to arrive early at the Lampoon Castle for the free public event since space is limited.

Oddly, no address is provided, but I’m nice and tracked it down: the juncture of Bow, Mount Auburn, and Plympton Streets, although many just say 18 Plympton Street or 44 Bow Street. You can’t miss the tubular, uniquely designed building right at the center with the eye-catching roof and striking purple and yellow door.

Otherwise, you could save yourself a trip until tomorrow and next Friday, when the real talent arrives in Cambridge, namely deserving Hasty Pudding honorees Charlize Theron and Christopher Walken, respectively. Now, their appearances will be worth the carfare and then some.

Post from: The Boston Traveler

Today, Harvard University’s Hasty Pudding Theatricals has stolen the spotlight entirely by announcing its excellent choices of Oscar winners Charlize Theron and Christopher Walken to become the society’s next Woman and Man of the Year, respectively. According to The Pudding, performers must have made a substantial contribution to the entertainment industry to enjoy those honors.

Theron, 32, received her Best Actress Academy Award for her work in the harrowing 2003 fact-based drama Monster, while 64-year-old Walken earned his Best Supporting Actor statuette nearly three decades ago for the 1978 Vietnam War Best Picture winner The Deer Hunter.

Harvard University will welcome the talented thespians on two different dates in February, as is customary. Theron will lead a parade throughout Cambridge at 2:30pm on February 7 and then proceed to Agassiz Theatre for a roast and the presentation of her Pudding Pot.

Walken will hit town on February 15, at which time he’ll receive his very own Pudding Pot during an 8:15pm black-tie roast in the New College Theatre, before the opening of The Pudding’s latest production, Fable Attraction. (Get it? Fatal Attraction, the movie?)

Of course, if all of this sounds like worthwhile good times to you, you can order tickets to both events by calling 617-495-5205. It’s a fun occasion, and even if you don’t have the money to buy your way in, you can always just hang out around Harvard Square early in the afternoon on February 7. With a little luck and good weather on your side, you’ll at least catch a glimpse of Theron as she’s whisked by.

Read more about the forthcoming festivities at Hasty Pudding Theatricals’ website.

Post from: The Boston Traveler

Why? I suspect it’s because the boys who make up the majority of the publication’s staff are itching to see the 26-year-old Internet porn headliner up close and in the (hopefully as close to naked as possible) flesh. Meanwhile, the girls at the magazine likely just want somebody really notorious on hand to help the magazine’s annual ceremony get as much press as possible.

The non-event will take place on February 6. That’s when the irrelevant recording person and aspiring actress of no consequence whatsoever will visit the allegedly hallowed halls of Harvard University and the adjacent Square to receive her dubious honor, the Hastiest Pudding of the Lampoon Award.

Britney Spears was so totally robbed, but at least there’s always next year for her.

P.S. Don’t you just love that picture? Somebody, please give Farrah her hair back!

Post from: The Boston Traveler