October 2006 Archives

Women and wine. Wine and women. And a movie with Russell Crowe! How can it be?

In the past few months, I was seeking a place to meet great new female friends who were like-minded in interests. Lo and behold, while seeking out entertainment events, I came across this too brilliant organization that is so fun and so entertaining, that I feel compelled to pass on the info to great women everywhere.

I saw 'The Departed' the other night at Warner Brothers Studios. It's the new Martin Scorcese movie starring Jack Nicholson, Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon and Mark Wahlberg. Before I tell you what I think of the movie, let me tell you what Jack thinks of the movie.

You see, the same night I went to the Warner Brothers lot to screen the movie I learned there was 'another' screening'a second screening. You see, when I stopped at the security gate, the guard asked me which 'Departed' screening I was going to and I told him whichever one has my name on the list.

by guest blogger Bryant Huddleston

As I predicted, my boy Jerry Springer had to say "goodbye" this week on "Dancing With the Stars." To be honest, I wasn't surprised that the talk show host got so emotional. He loved this show. I think it took him by surprise just how much he loved it.

People loved him. The rednecks voted for him and so did a lot of America. The humor that he and Kym brought to the floor was refreshing. Monique Coleman told Access that Springer had become her best friend on the show. She even sent a warning to Jerry -- "I'm inviting myself over for Thanksgiving. I'll bring the macaroni."

by guest blogger Bryant Huddleston

I just got done watching a new trailer for "Heroes" upcoming episodes. Wow! It blew me away. The tag line "Save the cheerleader. Save the world," literally gave me and my supervisor chills.

This is amazing television.

After we finished watching it, our beautiful correspondent, Maria Menounos (who had just caught the tail end), said, "What was that?" She'd never seen the new NBC series but she knew she'd just watched something really, really cool.

On the flipside, I officially took "Studio 60" off my Tivo season pass this past weekend. Hey, I gave it four weeks. But I came to the realization that while it does have some fine moments, as a whole... it's not as strong as it could be.

by guest blogger Bryant Huddleston

The Sara Evans fiasco has dominated the entertainment world. I'm not surprised. People in LA or NYC may not know much about her but all those country music followers in the fly over states (including my home state of Arkansas) know her well. They love her music. They buy her CD's. They are watching her win top awards while they sit with their families watching the CMA's and they can't wait to catch her new videos on CMT.

DUBLIN, Ireland (October 15, 2006) -- It's half past four in the morning and I'm making my way to Dublin with Ray. I have spent a fair amount of time in the back of Ray's car in the last 34 hours. He is the driver, henchman for the fellow who owns the recording studio in the middle of no man's land, Ireland. Not only is it a quaint studio built inside the grounds of an old stone classic Irish estate... it's the new creative home of Michael Jackson.

And yes, I just conducted the first visit with Michael Jackson since he left the United States in June 2005. First off, let me tell you what this visit is not:

There is something I have to get off my chest. But first, a little scene-setting.

I am in the audience every Tuesday night during ABC's 'Dancing with the Stars' live broadcast.

I've been there'nearly every dance night since the very first season when no one had even heard of the show. No, I didn't get lost and just ended up there by accident. I have navigation, smarty pants.

Right off the bat I should tell you I love the show. I'm not even a big dance fan'I'm a sports fan'and make no mistake about it'this is like a sporting event. The secondary reason I love this show is because it is family friendly television. As a dad of two daughters, I'm growing to appreciate that small slice of television more and more.

by guest blogger Bryant Huddleston

First of all I feel honored that Ms. Salty asked little ole me to fill in for her while she enjoys some much deserved R & R. But actually she has no idea that next week I'm gonna take advantage of this time and toot the horn of one of my TV faves that she wouldn't waste her precious time on. But first- the rise and fall of my favorite TV dancer--the super sexy Willa Ford.

by guest blogger Bryant Huddleston

First of all I feel honored that Ms. Salty asked little ole me to fill in for her while she enjoys some much deserved R & R. But actually she has no idea that next week I'm gonna take advantage of this time and toot the horn of one of my TV faves that she wouldn't waste her precious time on. But first- the rise and fall of my favorite TV dancer--the super sexy Willa Ford.

Ok, I admit I have a little bit of a crush on this girl. How that happened, trust me, I haven't a clue, but she does it to you. Apparently she did it to a lot of people watching Dancing with the Stars because admit it, this is a girl who 99% of America had never even heard of and she lasted 5 weeks on the highly rated dance off.

by Laura Saltman

It may be the most watched show on TV right now, but I'll be honest, I was a reluctant "Grey's Anatomy" watcher. I've never been a huge fan of medical dramas because all the blood and guts makes me queasy. Plus, when the show first premiered, after "Desperate Housewives" at 10pm, it was on way too late on a Sunday night for me. So, I tuned out and went to sleep, despite my co-workers cries that it was a brilliant show and I should be watching.

Not only did Eva Longoria take a tumble off the top step of her trailer on the set of "Desperate Housewives" and fall flat on her back. Not only did that land her in an ambulance and ultimately the E.R., but it's my fault.

Yesterday, Eva and I were chatting on the cell phone about a project we are working on together when all of a sudden the line went dead. I called her back an hour later to follow up on the call with information she wanted and it went straight to voice mail.

Last night at 8:45pm, lying in bed watching "Dancing With The Stars," the phone rings and its Eva explaining that she fell off the top step of the trailer and may have fractured a rib (slightly) around her back side.

by Laura Saltman

Ok, maybe because I feel its part of my job or maybe its because I'm a crazy fan of the show, but yesterday I spent some time perusing message boards about "Dancing with the Stars."

So, last night it came as no surprise to me that Vivica A. Fox found herself on the chopping block. Internet sites were buzzing with posts that her ego seemed a bit over the top. To me, she just seems like a strong, confident woman (as am I) but I can see how that attitude can lose you fans. Being a TV producer, I also had an inkling her number could be up when Samantha Harris asked her backstage, "After last weeks surprise elimination are you confident in your performance last night to know that you are safe'" Can anyone say foreshadowing'

I think his co-star Laura Linney said it best, "I've never seen anybody make so many people happy. I used to love to watch him walk into a room or go to dinner with him and look at the faces of everyone else in the room."

She is talking about Robin Williams and I couldn't agree with her more. I met up with Robin on Friday to talk about his new movie "Man of the Year". It is always a treat to interview Robin...except for the stomach cramps you have afterwards from laughing so much!

The first thing Robin always says to me when I see him is "How are your parents?".