Southampton - No one can accuse septuagenarian actor Joel Grey of not being on the cutting edge when it comes to the use of new technology. Grey, who is one of only nine people to win a Tony Award and Oscar for the same role (the Emcee in "Cabaret"), is also an accomplished photographer. His first book of photographs, "Pictures I Had To Take," was published in 2003; its follow-up, "Looking Hard at Unexpected Things," appeared in the 2006. His third book, "1.3 – Images from My Phone," is also a photography book but taken with his camera phone, and was just published last week by Powerhouse Books, the same publishers of "Edith Bouvier Beale" by Eva Marie Beale which went into its second printing also last week.

It all began in a tiny town in Florida when Grey found himself in a museum with bizarre and eminently photographable objects. Feeling as he had with his first book, "Pictures I Had To Take," Joel, without his usual Nikon, whipped out his cell phone and began snapping away. The limitations of the format proved a thrilling challenge for the rabid shutterbug who hates to miss an opportunity to grab a memorable moment or a one-of-a-kind tableau. Over eight months, he worked perfecting his mastery of his tiny new camera and shot the works that comprise "1.3." - images from diverse worlds. No subject was impossible for Joel with his mighty cell phone – street art and still life; advertising and architecture; shadows and reflections; natural beauty and urban grit. The result is a handsome 130-page book filled with four color images that defy their origin.

Kathleen Turner will narrate documentary on Rosalind Russell.

Last week, his friends came out to toast him at the popular watering hole, Michael's in Manhattan. Pal and neighbor Hugh Jackman hosted guests Barbara Walters, Michael J. Fox, Bebe Neuwirth, Gloria Vanderbilt, Louis Licari and Lauren Bacall. They were all grabbing up copies and Joel had to send one of his assistants back to the office for more!

Amagansett's favorite blonde movie star Kathleen Turner is the narrator of "Life is a Banquet," a documentary on the life and work of Academy Award and Tony Award-winning actress Rosalind Russell. From her early days in memorable films such as "The Women," through career highlights like "His Girl Friday" and the unforgettable "Auntie Mame" (in which she uttered the documentary's famous words), to her philanthropic work on behalf of arthritis research and other causes, Rosalind Russell's story is one that continues to amaze and inspire. A number of Russell's friends are featured including Tom Brokaw, James Galanos, Hayley Mills and Tina Sinatra.

A genuine old-fashioned movie star was honored recently. Carroll Baker, she of the sexy honky-tonk voice and famous for films such as "Giant," "Baby Doll," "The Carpetbaggers" and "Harlow," received the Medal of Honor from the National Arts Club. Carroll is one fabulous actress and woman, who had to move to Europe after being blackballed in Hollywood because she was fed up with doing trash. She didn't want to make any more movies like "The Carpetbaggers." A slew of her East End friends turned out for the salute including Elaine Stritch, Rex Reed, Marian Seldes, Eli Wallach, Anne Jackson and Mercedes Ruehl.

One of our favorite East End stars might be heading across the pond for a spell.

Gwyneth Paltrow may return to the West End stage.

Gwyneth Paltrow is reported to make a return to the West End stage - in a revival of a Chekhov classic next year. It has been seven years since she last performed on the London stage, in "Proof" at the Donmar Warehouse in Covent Garden. Then, she won rave reviews and the admiration of the West End crowd.

Now she is reported to be in early, informal talks to star in a production of Chekhov's "The Three Sisters - a possible third production in director Sean Mathias's season at the Theatre Royal, Haymarket. The first, "Waiting For Godot" with Sir Ian McKellen and Patrick Stewart, opened to acclaim and the second is slated to be "Breakfast At Tiffany's" with Anna Friel. But having the "Shakespeare in Love" star on their season bill would make for a blockbuster for the London stage.

Closer to home, you can catch a great evening under the stars with some extraordinary music. The Music Festival of the Hamptons is presenting the World Premiere performance of Shelter Island composer Bruce Wolosoff's newest piece, the bluesy and slightly zany "Mad Maude, And Other Tales" for violin and piano on Wednesday, July 15 at 8 p.m. at the Wolffer Estate Vineyards.

Here're some notes on famous Hamptonite people doing good things.

Madonna and a host of her too fab pals have donated handbags to an auction to raise money for victims of April's devastating earthquake in Italy. Her Madgesty and Jennifer Aniston, Gwyneth Paltrow, Demi Moore, Hilary Swank, Eva Longoria, Dita von Teese, Lucy Liu, Marisa Tomei and Lily Tomlin have all autographed and donated a selection of Salvatore Ferragamo handbags to the auction - 100 percent of the proceeds from the online auction will be donated to GlobalGiving's Italy Earthquake Recovery and Relief Fund.

Supporters will run in NYC Marathon for fight against Parkinson's disease.

On April 6, the deadliest Italian earthquake in over 15 years struck the Abruzzo mountain region of Italy, with the town of La Aquila at its epicenter. The toll was grim with nearly 300 people killed, more than 1,000 injured, and as many as 65,000 residents displaced. Many of those who lost their homes are still living in tent cities.
Madonna also reportedly donated money to victims following a plea for help from the mayor of a small hamlet called Pacentro. Madonna's grandparents lived in the village until 1919.

Folks are doing their stretches and warm-ups for a special ING New York Marathon team to support Michael J. Fox and the fight against Parkinson's disease. Team Fox is a proud charity partner in the 2009 ING New York City Marathon and has a limited number of entries available for Team Fox runners.

To guarantee entry through Team Fox, runners must commit to raise $2,500 for Parkinson's research. In exchange for this generous commitment, members of the Team Fox ING New York City Marathon team will receive Team Fox running gear, an invitation to attend the pre-race pasta dinner and post-race party, team transportation to the start line, training support and more. Already have a spot to run the ING New York City Marathon, but still want to run with Team Fox to raise funds for Parkinson's research? Join the team today and email teamfox@michaeljfox.org with your entry number.