November 2006 Archives

by Eric Anderson

Oh, D-O-double-G-izzy. What happened to the good ol' days?

You're no longer the fledgling rapper who was hangin' with Slim With The Tilted Brim, chuggin' 40s and puffin' blunts without any hassle and, most importantly, without drawing the ire of the media.

You're a rap megastar now! Nobody is bestowed the name ?Tha Doggfather? for being an average MC. What Don Magic Juan is to the world of pimps, you are to the rap game.

But Snoop ?- my boy -- you done it this time.

You were arrested last night for investigation of allegedly possessing a handgun and drugs as you left NBC Studios after performing on "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno."

by Laura Saltman

Instead of watching my favorite new show of the Fall TV Season, "Heroes", last night I decided to TIVO it and tune in for the finale of "The Bachelor: Rome."

I'll admit to being among the millions of followers of the show, when it premiered with it's very first bachelor, Alex Michel, back in March 2002. That was back when reality TV was hot, hot, hot. The show became a true phenomenon overnight. However, after one too many back-to-back incarnations of the show, it started to lose its steam. (I lost interest somewhere around the whole "Byron the fisherman" series.) At it's height of fame, nearly 26 million tuned in for the finale in season 2. Last night, just over 10 million watched Lorenzo choose 24-year-old teacher, Jennifer, over publicist, Sadie.

by Billy Bush

LOS ANGELES (November 22, 2006) -- I start getting an anxious feeling when my industry starts projecting an extraordinary amount of grossness onto the American landscape. It's happening right now.

Michael Richards, who, until this horrible incident of racial ranting, stood to go down in history as one of the all-time beloved television comedic actors, struck first. His use of the 'n' word towards some black audience members wasn't even the worst of it, but that tirade, incites hatred and conflict: Jamie Foxx told us if he were there, he'd beat Richards down.

by Laura Saltman

Just when it seemed like the heat had died down after Clay Aiken's combative interview with Diane Sawyer, about his sexuality, in September... Aiken is embroiled in the middle of a firestorm again. This time by the most unlikely source, perky talk show host, Kelly Ripa.

It all started this past Friday when Clay was filling in for Regis Philbin as co-host. During an interview with "Dancing with the Stars" champs, Emmitt Smith and Cheryl Burke, it seems Clay felt he wasn't getting a word in edgewise. So, at one point he put his hand over Kelly's mouth to try and shut her up with Kelly nervously laughing, "I don't know where that hands been honey."

by guest blogger Bryant Huddleston

When I got an early copy of tonight's "Heroes" episode perfectly titled "Homecoming," I literally got goose bumps, after all this is THE episode where Peter finally does his best to "Save the Cheerleader."

I had been on set while they shot portions of the episode. The picture here with me kneeling shows just how happy I was to be alongside the spunky seventeen-year-old star Hayden Panettiere. Surpisingly open...she's gonna be huge. Now back to the episode. I was thrilled to get a copy of it. After having a few not so great weeks, I needed some good news. This fanboy wasn't disappointed. If you don't want to hear anything about Claire and Peter's long awaited meeting then just go on to read more about Tom & Katie's over hyped wedding. But if you're curious, I'll be more than happy to give you a tease or two.

by Billy Bush

UPDATE 11:04 PM: BRACCIANO, Italy -- Becks [Victoria?s husband, soccer star David Beckham] had a game and had to leave.

What a stud. He joined his wife at the rehearsal and left her for the wedding.

A gentleman and a stud. No scandal, all gallantry.

10:12 PM: I just got an email that said ?IN TOUCH WEEKLY EXCLUSIVE: TOM AND KATIE WED IN ITALY.?

Exclusive? There were tons of media there, everyone reported from outside and to read a piece of junk like that, likely sent from a desk in New York, is ridiculous.

by Laura Saltman

I called it yesterday on this one. Though I hear the vote was pretty close, I must say it's nice to see someone win the show who had no dance experience at all. Moments after the big win, we were with Emmitt for his reaction. This is the only man in the world who can say he's a Super bowl Champ and a Dancing Champ!

When the page was made over the intercom last Thursday here at trailer E that news icon Ed Bradley passed away, I was immediately saddened. Not because this was a man whom I had a long, deep association with, but because he was simply a dedicated journalist.

I mentioned on the "Today Show" this morning that Katie Holmes and Brooke Shields have become friends IN PART because after baby Suri was born, Katie was feeling tinges of postpartum herself and reached out to Brooke.

I understand this is a bit of a bombshell, but the source on this one is very strong.

It is also a great piece of news. A twist of fate that brings two women together.

My interpretation of this is that Katie speaks for herself. Tom, has got to be thrilled, because some individuality in the relationship is a must...just my opinion there.

Bracciano is about 45 minutes outside of Rome and it?s cute. The castle is gorgeous and we're having some fun. I've teamed up with Galina Espinoza of People Magazine. She's hot on the details and we're dominating everyone.

by Laura Saltman

This week brings us closer to the brand new TV season and the end of my nice relaxing summer. It's alright though because just like every year, I'm excited to see which shows will become a hit and which one's will go bust. I keep a copy of the primetime schedule at my desk, so I can start crossing out the shows as they get cancelled. I spent the last month or so watching all the pilots and interviewing the stars, from all the new TV shows.

Based on that, I've come up with a list of what I think is the top 10 "Best of Fall TV."

by Laura Saltman

Tonight ABC hands out that ugly mirror ball trophy to either Mario Lopez or Emmitt Smith. I've always said that they could at least give some money to the winner's favorite charity and make it a little more exciting. The celebrities are all being paid to be on the show anyway. So, why not spread the love? Considering over twenty-one million are watching, I'm sure ABC could afford to give away a little chunk of change and make a charitable donation.

by Laura Saltman

Dancing Kings -

Whoa! Joey Lawrence's "Blossom"-ing dance career came to an end last night. I know. Bad pun but hey it works. I have to say that Joey really did carry himself with class and dignity the entire show. No scandals. No drama. Just good clean dancing.

Immediately after the show, I caught a glimpse of Joey with his wife, Chandie, who was fighting back tears. Joey told us he wanted to win this show mainly for her, "She's just been such a rock for me. I haven't been home a lot and she has just been such a wonderful mother. She has taken the brunt of the responsibility with Charlie, our daughter. It's just nothing but real."

We were one minute away from feeding our show to satellite today when news broke that Britney Spears had filed for divorce from Kevin Federline.

Obviously that meant a "mandatory refeed" to all of our affiliates. For me, add to that missing a meeting with the producers of my new NBC primetime show "Grease: You're The One That I Want" and voting.

My mood noticeably changed from generally upbeat to sullen. Mostly because I do not enjoy feeding this type of story to millions of people, especially when I feel it happens too often.

by Laura Saltman

The first thing I noticed when I sat down for an interview with Taylor Hicks about his new album was how good he looked and how thin he had gotten. So, it was no surprise to me when he agreed with me he had definitely thinned down over the past few months. So, how did this self professed "meat and potatoes lover" do it? Taylor shared his slim down secret with me, "A little bit of working out and exercising and touring. I mean that did it. Touring was a big part of it. You are on the move always. A lot of it has to do with diet for me. I was always a pretty healthy eater. I love salads and stuff, cutting the carbs out a little. Just walking and just trying to stay active."

by Laura Saltman

The first thing I noticed when I sat down for an interview with Taylor Hicks about his new album was how good he looked and how thin he had gotten. So, it was no surprise to me when he agreed with me he had definitely thinned down over the past few months. So, how did this self professed "meat and potatoes lover" do it' Taylor shared his slim down secret with me, "A little bit of working out and exercising and touring. I mean that did it. Touring was a big part of it. You are on the move always. A lot of it has to do with diet for me. I was always a pretty healthy eater. I love salads and stuff, cutting the carbs out a little. Just walking and just trying to stay active."

(November 3, 2006) -- I just interviewed Demi Moore. Wow. This woman blew me away.

She is not only flawless in her beauty, and blessed with the most alluring rasp in her voice, but she is convincing. I believe what she says because there is conviction and passion in what she says. Her eyes lit up and stared right at me as I ventured off the topic of the film and into this one-of-a-kind harmony she's created with her current husband and ex.

by Laura Saltman

After a three-week absence, I'm finally back to dish. I wish I could tell you I was off on some glorious tropical vacation but alas, I was off having eye surgery. Don't worry there is a celebrity connection here. My doctor is the same guy who did Kevin James' from "The King of Queens" Lasik surgery.Oh, and it gets better, my follow up doctor is apparently the Spielberg family's eye doc as well. I mean really, I just can't get away from celebrities no matter what I do.

(November 1, 2006) -- 'A Good Year.' I must say, a very good year!

Monday evening, I attended the Women and Wine screening of Russell Crowe's new movie, 'A Good Year.' It's a Russell we have never seen. Gone are the bulging biceps of Maximus from 'Gladiator' and the intense and troubled John Nash in 'A Beautiful Mind.' Okay, I'm going to say it, 'A kinder, gentler Russell Crowe.' Finally, a Russell I can get on board with. And I love, just love, the spectacles that he wears. Tortoise shell'need I say more' His character is Max Skinner, a London day trader in a Saville Row suit and crisp white shirt. Ooh baby. Inherits a vineyard in Provence. Geez! In spite of this, I do think Monsieur Crowe was mis-cast but on to more appetizing dialogue.