Tank & Levi’s Hollywood Caper
The unlikely Alaskan Dynamic Duo of Levi Johnston and his P.I./handler/life coach Tank Jones are on the loose in Hollywood, and they’re bonding by going shopping. Shopping for clothes, and opportunities for Levi’s career.
Tank and Levi seem to be an unlikely duo—why would a self-proclaimed “redneck” like Levi Johnston be taking style cues from Tank Jones, a size-58 suit-wearing black man who works in the law offices of Rex Butler in Anchorage? I invited them to go shopping with me in downtown L.A.’s wholesale fashion district to find out, and to see Tank work his magic on Levi for myself.
I just spent last night looking at a pack of teenagers from Anchorage and Wasilla dressed in red and protesting Anchorage’s non-discrimination ordinance. They showed up dressed alike, holding signs that looked alike, and exuding intolerance of anyone who didn’t think like they do.
All the while, another Alaskan teenager was revamping his wardrobe in Hollywood, with an unlikely African-American guru in a size 58 suit.
Besides acting as Levi’s handler, Tank is his personal Tim Gunn and Henry Higgins all in one, instructing him on the subtleties of wearing a fedora and reminding him to be open-minded about the different types of people he might encounter. Tank is the ultimate 21st-century version of an American father: multicultural and media-savvy.
Like the time Levi appeared on The Tyra Banks Show, with his mother and sister, and had to get his hair and makeup done, Tank had to remind Levi to relax.
“That was the worst,” Levi tells me. “I had some dude singing to me, the whole time. He was real happy. Calling me ‘baby’ and all that. I kept my mouth shut.”
“I told him, you’re going to meet all different types of people,” interjects Tank. “Don’t overreact. Nobody’s going to hurt you. You gotta be accepting of all different types of people. You’re talking about dealing with Hollywood? You’re going to really meet some strange people.”
Levi is apparently being courted for a reality TV show on hunting. May I be so bold as to suggest an Alaskan buddy movie starring Levi and Tank? The possibilities could be quite charming. Whatever the plot, I’ll have to insist that the opening scene take place in a convertible, speeding down the highway, and one of them has to be in a cowboy hat.
Who would have imagined…Tank Jones, expanding the minds of xenophobic Alaskans…one teenager at a time. Thanks, Tank. Keep up the good work.
[Click HERE for a photo gallery of the guys’ shopping trip]
Levi and Tank could be the next ‘Rob & Big’. Rob is a famous skateboader (i think my daughter watches their show on MTV) and is just a tiny little thing. Big is his bodyguard/companion and is 10x’s as big as Rob. They have a lot of fun together.
I picture Levi and Tank having their own show just like R&B.
http://www.mtv.com/ontv/dyn/rob_and_big/series.jhtml
@terpsichore you took the words right out of my mouth. you are right on every count. beautifully said…b
And to add to Terpsichore’s lens of the Levi story. Levi has an opportunity he may not have had in Wasilla to learn more about the ancestry on his father’s side.
Part II
In other words, Levi is now, thanks to his mentors (however they were aquired) in a position where he can actually LEARN something. And he will. It may not be college or book-learnin’ (of which I am most supportive), but contrast that with not Bristol, but Sarah Palin herself (who should be older, wiser, and wordlier than Levi is)
– Levi has found advisors who seem to be working on his behalf, and know more than he does.
– He is listening to them, he is taking what they have to say to heart.
– He is learning; he is going to grow and change.
– Not every decision he makes will be the right one, but he will admit that in the end and learn and grow every step of the way.
– What he learns will be valuable information and experience for him to pass on to his son.
Contrarily,
– Sarah Palin’s advisors seem to be people who are working on their own behalf, afraid of losing their jobs in a tough economy, and who do not appear to be any brighter about anything than Sarah Palin is.
– Even when her advisors are intelligent, she does not appear to listen to them, she does not seem to take any contradicting opinion to heart and think it might have some value.
– She is not apparently learning anything. Therefore, she cannot grow and change, which is what she needs to do if she wants to have a shot at any higher office (much less another term as governor).
– She has already made some bad decisions but refuses to admit any error, any wrongdoing, any mistake. Without admitting that, one cannot learn.
– Since she’s learned nothing new since …. whenever, there is nothing more she can offer her children in the way of new information and experience than she already has.
66 Paula Says:
June 18th, 2009 at 6:46 AM
Libyart- I totally agree. That’s what’s so fun about it. While the Palins go nowhere, Levi gets fame and fortune… too fun
——–
I totally agree too, also. The reality is Sarah is a middle-aged woman, without an interesting background or intellect. She really has nowhere to go. She is spiteful. Levi has the mentorship of a respected/smart/successful lawyer, and is young and good-looking. His presentation, though a bit slow, comes off as sincere and honest, and for some, an endearing quality. There is nothing endearing about Sarah. I wish Levi the best. I do believe he is a good father, and many celebrities/actors started off without the benefit of formal education.
A Post in Two Parts
Part I
While I always have misgivings about people “becoming” actors and models with no training whatsoever (if he wants to be an actor and/or model, at least take a few courses, I say), I have to admit this story has, to me, a sweet side.
I think we all know that Tank Jones cannot be doing all this solely out of the goodness of his big heart. But I do think I also see a genuine affection for Levi and a true desire to help him (even if it means in the long run helping himself as well). We don’t all have to be, in fact we cannot be, St. Francis.
I too like seeing them having fun and smiling. But I like even more that Rex and Tank seem to have connections outside of Alaska and are encouraging and helping Levi to pursue things beyond what he ever thought possible. As badly as this could go, Levi is the one who is stepping out of his comfort zone to try something different.
Is Levi still the same guy? Oh yes, not the brightest bulb in the candelabra. But he’s being taken out, shown stuff he’s never really seen before, is being advised to be understanding, that not everybody lives the same way you do, and it’s really OK. Gasp, is Tank teaching …. TOLERANCE!
Picture of Levi’s first party in L.A. at “Casa de Team Levi”…….
http://jmccormick.files.wordpress.com/2008/04/saatchi_pool.jpg
I wish good luck and fortune for our Ricky Hollywood. Doesn’t anyone but me wonder where Tank gets all of that money for such expensive clothes and jewelry? None of my business but I am curious. Maybe he won the lottery…..
You normal Alaska natives are going to have to start telling people you’re from somewhere else. These nutjobs are ruining a beautiful state for you.
Ah, double posts, sorry. Thought the first was spammed.
The Latina world responds…
Wonder if the Palin family had kept this little ethnic secret under wrap during the campaign because they knew that somehow the narrative of a poor little pregnant teenager might all of a sudden look different to the media if one of the teens was a minority—instead of an accidental “blessing,” baby Tripp may have been seen more as a statistic.
http://latina.com/lifestyle/news-politics/bristol-palins-baby-daddy-levi-johnston-half-mexican
In Latina News
Wonder if the Palin family had kept this little ethnic secret under wrap during the campaign because they knew that somehow the narrative of a poor little pregnant teenager might all of a sudden look different to the media if one of the teens was a minority—instead of an accidental “blessing,” baby Tripp may have been seen more as a statistic.
http://latina.com/lifestyle/news-politics/bristol-palins-baby-daddy-levi-johnston-half-mexican
And, again topless, in People Magazine
“I could tell he was a little overwhelmed. He made a comment about how there were beautiful girls everywhere he looked and said, ‘It isn’t like this in Alaska!'”
http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20285906,00.html
Looks like the Palin cover shoots have been replaced by that hot young Latina, Ricky Hollywood!.
Libyart- I totally agree. That’s what’s so fun about it. While the Palins go nowhere, Levi gets fame and fortune… too fun 🙂
Lilybart – You are not being mean and petty. The word is KARMA.
I hate to be mean and petty, but it would be very funny if Levi became some kind of star whle Palin just loses primaries and elections.
Hey Tank , if you are reading this , I respectfully have one word to offer………CONDOMS. By the case.
Levi Johnston is now officially an aspiring actor and model. And according to his new manager Tank Jones, he is getting closer to a clinching a deal that will help him support the baby son he fathered with his former girlfriend, Bristol Palin.
“There’s offers on the table for a little bit of everything – sitcom appearances, a reality show, some modeling,” Jones tells PEOPLE. “We haven’t signed anything, but there’s offers.” Jones declined to give specific details.
http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20285906,00.html
LOL austintx. Once he gets a bit more comfortable in the big world, Wasilla will feel suffocating, a place to fish, hunt and relax. The article said they went to a Hollywood party, I can see those girls wanting to tear him up, he is a cutie, in the dumb innocent hick kinda way.
58 Paula Says:
Wait until he lands him one of those wild young hollywood starlets, he’ll never look back. It is kind of fun, however, to think -in all this insanity, that Levi will be the face that stays in Hollywood and on TV while the Palins fade far far away. How could THAT be bad?
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I have visions of a house in the hills above Sunset Blvd. with a pool and more than one starlet………
Quick, there must be something she can do to get back! C’mon Meg, get it together and get your boss back in the news
-She’ll probably come out with some snide a$$ed remartk about Levi in Hollywood.
The downer, though, is that he still doesn’t seem to have much of a chance to spend with his son.
-Tank works with Rex, the lawyer helping his mom. After he makes his first million he’ll fight for custody, move to Malibu. & have some blonde hollywood chick playing stepmom.
Also, too, I’d look at pictures of Bristol on a shopping trip.
And what fun to see Levi in that pink hat, ha! Wait until he lands him one of those wild young hollywood starlets, he’ll never look back. It is kind of fun, however, to think -in all this insanity, that Levi will be the face that stays in Hollywood and on TV while the Palins fade far far away. How could THAT be bad?
I think the support for Levi comes from 1) he was used and avused by the Palins (who doesn’t like an underdog?) 2) he comes from, well lets say, what appears to be a not-so-classy family 3) the kid is obviously not that bright, having someone help him out and expand his horizons is not so bad.
Bristol, I pity her more tha dislike her. She openly admited abstinance is unrealistic then was pushed and shoved by mommy dearest to be the savior of American virgins via hypocracy.
Frankly, I’d like to see Levi have a reality show. I also hope Bristol will be a guest on it. That is exactly where this whole clan belongs, in the world of taped and aired television freak shows.
Levin good? Bristol bad? Not so much, they’re just all too damned entertaining not to watch.
Tank is cool and Levi is handsome and shopping is fun & it is the kind of adventure that is a great photo op-just like the reds and blues-andI say: Good for Levi and good for Tank….
I believe as long as Rex Butler is Levi’s lawyer , financial considerations for Tripp’s future are being made with any forthcoming monies. After being hauled all over the country to perpetuate the Rethug “family values” lie , if Levi want’s to go clothes shopping with Tank , so what. Bet he pays for his clothes. If he is in L.A. to sign a deal of some sort , I hope he has fun.
56degreesN, I’ll give you a break since we’re all entitled to our two cents.
How old are you by the way? Levi is what, 20? I’ll take him at his word that the Palin’s made/are making fulfilling his parental responsibilities difficult. However, seems to me he’s entitled to pave his own way in the world and not live under the judgment of his mother or the shackles of Palin.
Sooner or later he has to get a job and make money – what would you have him do? When he gets to your age, if he hasn’t reached your current peak of maturity or finances, by all means continue your hate spewing outrage…
…until then, you got your break, it might be cool of you to throw him one, also.
Just my two cents.
I haven’t seen a single Bristol-bash in this thread. I’m half asleep though, so I might have missed one.
Personally, I feel for Bristol. She is living – where, exactly? It’s assumed she’s living under mom’s thumb, where she is (possibly) told what to do, who to see, what to say every time she goes out of the house. I hope she can break away, it would be very hard to do, but better for her and her child in the long run.
Levi was thrust into a whirlwind not of his making and completely out of his control. All he was guilty of was being involved with Bristol and being the father of her child. Ideally, they would have taken care of their futures privately, but that didn’t happen.
Further, he was vilified publicly by Bristol’s mother, father, grandfather – so-called adults.
Bristol is “taken care of” and Levi – parents split up, Mom in trouble – has never maligned Bristol (to my knowledge) or even her mother. He may have disagreed with them, but he has never been vicious about it.
It seems a good thing for *someone’s* horizons to get some expanding. And he seems to have more sense than SP (thinking specifically of the Letterman debacle)
So yeah, I’m kinda glad he’s getting a little R & R, and apparently with someone who has his interests at heart.
Nan
(I was once in a similar position, I’d left hubby, with one-point-five kids in tow, and a mother (who was well-intentioned thank goodness, but), who always seemed to know what *I* should do.)
WTF? Levi is still the same redneck, birth-control challenged, footloose and fancy free fool he was before all this started. I don’t see anything to celebrate here. Does no one else see a double-standard in cheering Levi on while booing Bristol? There are NO heroes in this story, only power-hungry egomaniacs and their children, and drug-peddling mothers, and their children. None are models I would hold up to anyone. Levi got the lucky end of the stick, but frankly, his comments clearly indicate a small-minded ignorant and bigoted young man without much of a future if fake celebrity hadn’t bitten him in the butt.
Some critical thinking is needed here, people. We can’t keep perpetuating the same “damn the woman but cheer the man” crap that puts single moms in a hard way while the guys get to play around (and yes, I realize Bristol/Mom haven’t made fatherhood an easy mantle for Mr. Levi, but he STILL has some responsibility to his child). If he had decided to speak out for single dads, maybe, or pursued his rights in court, or started a college fund for his little one, then yes, I would say that was laudable. But trying on cheap clothes as a major life milestone? Gimme a break.
It’s so great to see Levi happy and smiling! He has been through hell and back with the Palin clan. He will come out on top with some big paying gig. Good for him! He seems well grounded and likeable. Rex and Tank…Thank you for guiding the Johnston family. You have been a blessing to them. ;0)
I love it. Sounds like Levi might have a chance at something better now that he is out from under Sarah’s thumb. The downer, though, is that he still doesn’t seem to have much of a chance to spend with his son.
Note on “my boys”: my daughter’s ex-hubby (still a friend of our family) often refers to his friends as “my boys” and has since they were in high school. He’s 30, so older than Levi, but yes, that’s a common phrase instead of saying “my friends”.
Oh my – a smart-ass shrimp……..
Tank seems to be a very big man with a big heart acting as a mentor to Levi. He seems to be a sweet boy who is willing to learn. It would be nice if he could pass some of that along to his son.
I just noticed on the Google News page that Sarah Palin has now slipped out of the top ten subject searches. Both she and David Letterman were on the list for DAYS! OMG, now she’s gone! Quick, there must be something she can do to get back! C’mon Meg, get it together and get your boss back in the news. And remember, competently governing a state is sooooo boring…..
OMG… That Levi is a real ♥ breaker…Tank is toooo cool…Hope nothin but the best for Levi..Eat your heart out Scarah…
If only Sarah were smart enough to get herself a Tank.
Yes Bea, Tank is helping pay it forward.
Sorry, got caught up in the slightly OT moment and forgot to say “GO TANK! You are a shining example of what a mentor should be– watching out for his charge while still making the effort to take him out of his comfort zone and thus not only improving his life but making him a better member of society.”
“proprietary trade secret”?????
Sheesh GINO, next you’re going to try and tell us that the cost of your NYC hair extensions and toenail art is also too a “trade secret” b/c it relates to your effort to try and win the GOP nomination on the sole strength of your agreement with Candies to be a tacky as humanly possible 24/7.
Yeah, it would be like that reality show with the guy who started DC shoes and his huge ‘tank’ bodyguard palling around.
The 2006 MTV reality t.v. show is called ”Rob and Big”:
“…The show stars Rob and his best friend and bodyguard Christopher “Big Black” Boykin. Big Black lives up to his nickname with his 6’6″, 400 lbs frame. The comedic show about this odd couple has become a big hit…”
Ricky Hollywood…good grief…dude that’s a jacked up name you’re gonna regret one day…get a new, cooler one…that little ricky stuff sounds like you’re trying way too hard…ask around some chicks you meet in L.A. to give you a nickname…and be careful how you let Tank dress you not too much like a pimp…check out Entourage…get an L.A. chick’s second opinion, too.
Good luck and much love…p.s. when ya gonna tell us the dirt on Palin, dude drop us some chips or something until you get ready to do the ‘tell all’ book.
Since no one is near the open thread AND this has to do with apparel 🙂
Palin asks for Arctic Cat disclosure exemption
Gov. Sarah Palin is telling the Alaska Public Offices Commission she doesn’t want to disclose the discount her husband, Todd, receives on purchases of Arctic Cat snowmachines.
“Todd Palin is entitled to discounts on purchases (as he has received the last 16 years as an Iron Dog racer.) However, according to the terms of his sponsorship agreement, the exact amount of the discount is confidential as a proprietary trade secret,” the governor wrote to APOC officials on Monday.
Palin’s letter said her husband is allowed to buy a snowmachine at manufacturer cost, without retail markup, and “the manufacturer cost is proprietary information.”
“Public disclosure of this information is expressly prohibited by the sponsorship agreement. This would also apply to any discounts offered on wear.”
Gov. Sarah Palin is telling the Alaska Public Offices Commission she doesn’t want to disclose the discount her husband, Todd, receives on purchases of Arctic Cat snowmachines.
“Todd Palin is entitled to discounts on purchases (as he has received the last 16 years as an Iron Dog racer.) However, according to the terms of his sponsorship agreement, the exact amount of the discount is confidential as a proprietary trade secret,” the governor wrote to APOC officials on Monday.
Palin’s letter said her husband is allowed to buy a snowmachine at manufacturer cost, without retail markup, and “the manufacturer cost is proprietary information.”
“Public disclosure of this information is expressly prohibited by the sponsorship agreement. This would also apply to any discounts offered on wear.”
Getting out of Wasilla IS getting an education. I’m glad this kid’s horizons are expanding, and that area for shopping will REALLY expand his horizons–there are all kinds of people in that part of LA. Thanks for being a good sport, also, too, kiddo. And that Tank’s seems to be a good egg, too, for helping the kid get out. I did a double take on the “my boys” comment, too, when I read it this AM. Like that double entendre….
Cool. Success is the best revenge, Levi, but please do get your education finished.
“That was the worst,” Levi tells me. “I had some dude singing to me, the whole time. He was real happy. Calling me ‘baby’ and all that. I kept my mouth shut.”
VERSATILE Levi, V E R S A T I L E!!!
You know, the more I see of Levi the more I like the kid. He seems pretty down to earth and seems to be making the best of this whole mess.
Haha, how perfect if at the end Levi comes out on top!
@Lori #17: I didn’t know Levi’s Dad is Mexican. Interesting.
Ahhhhh… a Palin-free post – heaven! I have liked Levi since I first saw him on TV, and actually back during election time someone interviewed him and I liked him then, too. I just don’t usually pay attention to the family of Petty Palin, but Levi caught my attention just because he’s a good egg. I used to work with teens, and he reminds me of why I enjoyed those jobs. He’s a very typical Alaskan rural kid (on the outside at least) and I hope he just has some fun since he got thrown into the middle of all the Palin crap. He would make an awesome canoeing partner!
I’m glad he has a bud (and a BIG bud at that)! So often overnight fame can do a number on a young person, but I think having Tank around means having perspective and common sense around, too (also – couldn’t resist). Enjoy yourself Levi – and stay a good egg!
who me? “You might be right austintx, though I’ve heard “the boys” not “my boys” before”
Hmmm, definitely something to ponder, who me. True, he said, “My boys”. I read it first impression to mean his friends. My boys, my homies, like that.
Wish Levi, would get that book out.
trisha “I doubt Palin and Todd are as eager to harrass him or threaten him with child custody,etc. with Tank by his side.”
I think that is why he is there. Plus, will make Palin or her cronies consider trying to set Levi, up with a witness thisclose all the time.
You might be right austintx, though I’ve heard “the boys” not “my boys” before.
Like Batman & Robin………
Butch & Sundance……..
who me? Says:
June 17th, 2009 at 4:09 PM
This article made me smile–and then it made me sit up straight! Towards the end of the article Levi says “My boys are gonna be so mad at me when they see me in this stuff,” says Levi. “My dad is going to make fun of me, he’s going to shake his head.”” Who are his boys? Does he mean Tripp and Trigg?Hmmmm……..
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I believe he meant his friends. “My boys” is common in that age group when they refer to their buddies.
This article made me smile–and then it made me sit up straight! Towards the end of the article Levi says “My boys are gonna be so mad at me when they see me in this stuff,” says Levi. “My dad is going to make fun of me, he’s going to shake his head.”” Who are his boys? Does he mean Tripp and Trigg?Hmmmm……..
Levi and Tank – has a nice catchy ring to it, like Tango and Cash.
I am just glad that Levi has Tank to guide him. I can’t imagine if he was left on his own to stand up to Palin—think Troopergate and DaveGate…shiver.
I doubt Palin and Todd are as eager to harrass him or threaten him with child custody,etc. with Tank by his side.
UK Lady “Tank could teach Levi to shoot with a camera instead of a gun, that would be nice”
Never gonna happen, lol. Hunting is in that biys dna.
These two guys could start their own reality show. Maybe a traveling show, from state to state, Tank teaching Levi some life skills on the road. What an interesting fate for Levi, he would never believed he’d be doing all this at this time last year.
Levi and the Tank – Love it!, but maybe Tank could teach Levi to shoot with a camera instead of a gun, that would be nice.
0whole1″I’d watch it.”
Me too.
austintx “Bet the ranch on that happening !!”
Rex, is making quite a name for himself.
Those little Palin, pissers are ranking on Levi, at ADN. Funny how they do not get TODD is unemployedd running the country on his wifes tabloid…at least Levi is coming into his own.
Tank & the Johnston? That *would* be a good show. Title: Wranglin’ Levi. Built in sponsor and everything.
There can be these little “Kaine from Kung Fu” moments in between the main action, Tank and Levi fishing or, walking through the woods with shotguns or something, wherein Tank expounds Zen-like on matters.
I’d watch it.
austintx–so is Tank…
18 Isabella Says:
June 17th, 2009 at 3:37 PM
TEAM LEVI!!!!
Letterman should host him in New York.
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Bet the ranch on that happening !!
Levi is livin’ large and in charge !! I believe we have the making of a Rock Star right before our eyes. Rex is slick…..
TEAM LEVI!!!!
Letterman should host him in New York.
I read the entire article, and it says Levi’s dad is Mexican and his mom is Canadian. I think Levi looks like Ricky Ricardo. He is a handsome guy, may he expand his heart and his mind and do Wasilla and Tripp proud.
Tank and Levi, the new dynamic duo – this makes me smile! Go Levi!
I’m totally down with Tank & Levi hangin’ and doin’ the guy thing !! Go Team Levi !! sarah is spittin’ nails over this……..and I love it !! I hope they went out on the town and met massive babeage !! Tear it up Levi !!
You know who’s gotta be insanely jealous that Levi’s having so much fun with Tank in L.A., doncha?
Yeah, his estranged baby moma, Bristol.
But heck, she and her mother and father threw him out of the house and under the bus, and virtually made sure he was unemployable anywhere in South Central Alaska or on the North Slope (with their devious attempt to bypass the regs).
So what’s a guy to do, but head to the lower 48 to look for work, to help support the kid he gets to see whenever the jealous ex-girlfriend feels like it?
Very nice. :1thumbup:
ROTFL at the lavender shoes at #7
Tank is HUGE!
Tankzilla!
Love the dancing pic at #2.
ADN is bottom dwelling with that new writer. Lol, she thinks she’s hot herself. Nothing but a D list tabloid troll.
I love Levi’s quote: “That’s not what I wear. That’s not flannel.” (I may be paraphrasing.) I would have said, “That’s revolting,” myself so we know the boy has tact. Or at least he has more tact than me. 🙁
If Levi was good enough for the Presidential elections reality show, he’s good enough to go into business for himself with a reality TV show on hunting.
Ah, such a relief after seeing/reading about the haters in red in the post below! So cool that Levi has a friend like Tank 🙂
That is a big boy there.
http://www.adn.com/newsreader/v-gallery/story/834095.html?/newsreader/v-enlarge/story/834095-a834111-t3.html
OMG, did you LOOK at the photo gallery link at the bottom of the post?
Levi’ cracks me up….he is going to be the next Americas Sweetheart.
Keep it real, Levi.
justafarmer–I agree! Sounds like quite the trip!
what fun!