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October 2008 Archives
As a kid, Halloween was one of my favorite holidays. I blame the person who created this day for the incredible sweet tooth that I still carry with me. I absolutely love scary movies like '"oltergeist" which I am watching right now - petrified, even though I know the outcome. "Come into the Light! No, stay AWAY from the LIGHT!" On this Halloween day, I visited the cast of the "Today" show for their annual costume reveal. This year, it was a Fairytale theme - Matt Lauer as Humpty Dumpty, Meredith Vieira dressed as the long-nosed Pinocchio, Ann Curry was a beautiful Cinderella, and Al Roker was a very tasty Gingerbread Man. There was so much energy coming from the crowd - most of them donning very creative Halloween outfits themselves. But, no one caught my eye more than this adorable little guy:
Dressed as a spider caught in a web, with mommy suspending him from behind in a baby harness, this ingenious costume won the "Today" show's top prize.
He didn't cry once, enjoying all the attention but really not knowing what all the fuss was about. Just give him his pacifier and all's good!
Peace, Shaun
#10 -- "Geez Edie are we going for drinks or a mammogram?"
-- ABC's "Desperate Housewives"
Karen McClusky to Edie Britt when she sees the very revealing, cleavage enhanced outfit she is wearing for a night out on the town.
#9 -- "Uh, have you seen 'The Secret of My Success'?"
-- F/X's 'It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia."
Mac explaining how he plans to climb the corporate ladder to Charlie Kelly.
#8 -- "You're gonna be on all the TV? Are you going to interrupt my TV?"
- NBC's "The Tonight Show With Jay Leno"
Michelle Obama explaining to Jay Leno her daughter Malia's reaction to finding out her dad would be running his commercial on the TV networks.
Quotes 7 through 1 after the jump!
So
much for coming to "The Biggest Loser" ranch to shed pounds and change your life. This season several contestants have turned the show into a "Survivor" like game which has had trainer Bob Harper calling the underhandedness, "almost Shakespearean."
When last night's eliminated contestant, Philip, was asked if he thought this season's dirty dealings had gone further than in any other season he emphatically replied,
"Yes. That is the short answer."
The long answer involves his contention that blue team members Heba, Brady and Vicky were "vicious and mean" against both he and his wife Amy (who was eliminated last week). Philip believes that Brady and Vicky last week conspired to get rid of Amy by purposely not losing enough weight.
"Oh absolutely. When Vicky said last night to Bob that Brady was not eating every four hours... total fabrication. He had no difference in the way he was eating since the time he hit the ranch. They are game playing. They have been doing it since they got there."
The tension between the teams has been building since the black and blue teams were established several weeks ago. Blue team member Heba accused Phil last night of talking about her behind her back, which led to a heated argument in the dining room.
In honor of the return of "30 Rock" tonight, I've chosen my favorite quotes from the Season Three series premiere. Sure it hasn't aired yet, but if you're like me and can't wait until tonight, then you can watch it right now on hulu.com! It's no surprise the top three best lines in the show all come from recurring guest star Will Arnett.
#10 -- "Infertility or other?"
Adoption case worker Bev asking Liz Lemon why she has chosen to adopt.
#9 -- "Well I first met Liz in 1993, she was fresh out of college and I had just broken up with O.J. Simpson. And can I just say something. Total gentleman."
A clueless Jenna Maroney to the adoption case worker.
#8 -- "Is it so wrong that I just want to have one of these to grow up and resent me?"
Liz holding a fake baby in the green room which she had turned into a nursery.
#7 -- "You heard what the lady said, we are taking our mulligan. Let's make this one count."
Jack to Kenneth and Pete after Bev's memory gets wiped out and Liz proclaims of her disastrous day with Bev, "I get a do over!"
#10 -- "Don't talk to me like I'm a child. Now take me to return my "Star Wars" sheets!"
-- CBS's "The Big Bang Theory"
Twenty-something nerd Sheldon Cooper to roommate Leonard when he learns his friend can no longer drive him to work and help him run errands.
#9 -- "Wake up! Play dates were invented by mothers for this exact purpose. Shopping. Sex. Drinking in the afternoon. Play dates make all these things possible!" -- ABC's "Desperate Housewives"
Gabby Solis explaining to her husband Carlos why it's important to get their daughter, Juanita, into a play date group.
#8 -- "Seriously kids: never invite an ex to your wedding!"
-- CBS's "How I Met Your Mother"
Narrator Ted Mosby, from the future, at the end of the episode, after its revealed his fiancé Stella ditched Ted on their wedding day to go back to her ex, Tony, her daughter's father.
#7 -- "I wonder if they like blondes in New Zealand?"
-- CBS's "Amazing Race"
Blonde "Southern Belle" contestant Marisa to equally blonde race partner Brooke upon learning the next leg of the race will take them to Auckland, New Zealand. Brooke's reply -- "I'm sure they have blondes so we're not like rare or anything."
I wonder if working in television precludes me from actually going on television. I mean, sure, I go on television all the time to talk about entertainment news and gossip, but I really wanna go on a game show so badly! Unfortunately, I'm definitely not "Smarter Than A Fifth Grader." I certainly can't solve hangman style puzzles. So no "Wheel of Fortune." My grocery shopping skills are pretty bad so "The Price Is Right" is a pipe dream. I don't have a degree from Harvard. So "Jeopardy" is absolutely out of the question. I'm not a good gambler, which means no briefcases filled with numbers are in my future on "Deal or No Deal." Sadly, there is no way I could convince my family to play the "Family Feud."
I am pretty good at Bingo though which is pretty darn easy and I certainly know my pop culture trivia. So, I found myself the perfect show last night, Game Show Network's "Bingo America" which blends the classic game with pop culture trivia questions. Essentially Bingo numbers come up and two contestants need to answer questions in order to win the B5 or the G56 or whatever comes up. The first one to get Bingo gets the money and the chance to play the bonus round and go for the $100,000 dollar jackpot. In this economy, I could use an extra hundred grand! So could most people.
by Scott Mantz, Access Hollywood movie guru
The "Star Trek" universe just about imploded this week when William Shatner went online -- and on the record -- about not being invited to the wedding of George Takei, who played helmsman Sulu on the original "Trek" series and the first six "Trek" movies.
While fans would love to believe that Kirk, Spock and the rest of the Enterprise crew were one big happy family, that wasn't the case. But this is nothing new to the fans who attended "Star Trek" conventions over the years or to anyone who read "Star Trek Memories" -- Shatner's first memoir about the groundbreaking TV show that ran for three short seasons on NBC between 1966 and 1969.
Back in the day, when "Star Trek" was struggling in the ratings, many of the cast members resented Shatner for stealing dialogue and camera time that allegedly should have gone to them.
So this week, the Tribble...er, I mean, the cat's out of the bag -- and I know I'm gonna sound biased here, since Captain Kirk is one of my heroes, but I don't blame Shatner one bit for speaking out.
It was certainly no shock when news hit in July that "The Bachelor's" Matt Grant had broken off his short engagement to contestant Shayne Lamas, whom he proposed to in the show's May 12th finale. The Hollywood party girl was just so obviously not the one for him. Now Matt thinks he has found the one. The 28-year-old Brit, who made the move to Los Angeles, tells In Touch magazine he has found love again. Grant has been dating publicist Sarah Robarts, 39, for the past four months. He told the magazine, "I have never been happier."
According to In Touch, his manager introduced the pair. Sarah is the president and founder of boutique firm Ballantine PR, which has worked with Matt.
Four months? That number seemed strange to me. I inquired with an ABC publicist if this story was indeed true and learned it was.
"Yes, I can confirm that Matt has been dating Sarah for four months now."
Something seems fuzzy here. Learn why after the jump...
Did 'Biggest Loser' contestant Brady purposely only lose three pounds this week to ensure that Blue Team member Amy Parham was sent home after the team failed to win the weigh in? That's the question posed to the 41-year-old real estate agent who was eliminated from the show this week. In last night's elimination, trainer Bob Harper pondered whether or not the blue team was playing a game he didn't know about behind his back. That was confirmed when Amy pleaded her case to not be sent home to team members Heba as well as Brady's wife Vicky. When asked if they had formed an alliance Brady lied and said, "Absolutely not." A second later, Vicky looks directly into the camera and smirks, confirming that an alliance had, in fact, been made. Amy was indeed sent home.
This morning on a conference call with reporters it was brought up to Amy that the message boards are lighting up with accusations that Brady purposely drank a ton of water to make sure he had a low weight loss number this week. It was also pointed out that in promos for next week's episode one contestant will drop the most weight of anyone in the history of the show in one week. All signs point to that being Brady.
See what Amy has to say about it after the jump...
Now it's time to find out why I am a believer in Dennis and Alice Jackson.
While we were on stage professional dancer Cheryl Burke came over to say hello and asked Alice and Dennis if she and her dance partner Maurice would be going home.
(pictured left our producer Bryant and mediums Dennis and Alice Jackson)
Cheryl: I'm kind of scared to ask it, because I don't really want to know. Are we getting eliminated tomorrow night?
Dennis: I don't watch the show so I have nothing invested but I would say... well, you have a grandmother that's a dancer?
Cheryl: Yeah.
Dennis: She used to dance all the time? She says, "Don't worry. You worry too much."
Cheryl: Oh my god, that's so scary!
Alice: Don't be scared.
Dennis: What's your grandmother's name?
Cheryl: Sherrie. My mom's mom.
Dennis: She's crossed over?
Cheryl: Well, she passed away; I've never met her before.
Dennis: How long ago?
Cheryl: When my mom was 16 and my mom's 50. ..
Last night we learned that yet another incident occurred on the "Dancing With The Stars" set. Juliannge Hough was taken to the hospital after complaining of stomach problems. Brooke Burke just hurt her foot while rehearsing on Sunday. We also learned this week that Susan Lucci's injury last week resulted in two broken bones in her foot -not to mention Misty May's injury which ended her run on the show, Derek Hough's neck issues, Jeff Ross's eye injury and Karina's injury during week one. Some would say it's just a physically demanding show where amateurs are taking on dancing challenges they have never done before - so, injuries are bound to happen. Others are saying the stage is "cursed." Two weeks ago I posted, in my blog, my research about CBS Television City where the show is taped. The lot used to be occupied by a place called Gilmore Stadium, which was used as a football field and a racetrack. Five racecar drivers died on the racetrack in its 18-year history. Prior to that, it was an oil field. This so called "curse" began in season five when Helio Castroneves, the racecar driver, first joined the show. So, I wanted to investigate this and see if maybe there actually was a connection.
Yesterday our producer, Bryant, and myself took two psychic mediums to the set, Alice and Dennis Jackson, a married couple from Seattle, Washington; to see what they might be able to pick up.
After the entire experience of the day, let me just say that I am a believer. You'll have to read on to see why though...
#10 - "Father I wish to stay here to serve. If this is not thy will then drop me a line." - ABC's "Pushing Daisies"
Olive Snook, still hiding out at the convent, saying a prayer. Seconds later a nun drops dead in front of her.
#9 -- "He never stops moving. It's like dating the bus from 'Speed.'"
- CBS's "The Ex-List"
Bella Bloom telling her sister about dating one of her formerly lazy ex-boyfriends who is now into extreme sports.
#8 -- "Well that's what I get for skimming the Evite."
- CBS's "How I Met Your Mother"
Barney Stinson upon learning that the party he is attending is in fact an intervention for a friend for whom he has just brought a bottle of alcohol.
#7 -- "Roses are red. Violets are blue. I'm a split personality... and so am I."
-- NBC's My Own Worst Enemy
A drunken Henry Spivy coming to grips with the fact that he is, in fact, two people, one of which is an assassin.
I really owe this picture to Jay Leno. I was about to tape my weekend show in the hallway across from "The Tonight Show" when I saw all the secret service hovering around. I was so surprised to see Senator Joe Biden was one of Jay's guests and I really wanted to have a picture with him. I asked one of the friendlier looking secret service men if I could have a picture and he said maybe I could catch him as he was about to walk into the studio.
I didn't want to take a chance of missing him so when I saw Jay Leno walk by, I asked if he would make the introduction. Jay, being the lovable guy that he is, agreed, and I started to walk with him towards the room when another secret service guy grabbed me by the arm and told me I couldn't go down there.
I said, "Please?"
He said, "No ma'am, sorry, NO pictures!" still holding my arm.
Jay told him I was fine and not a threat and so, he reluctantly let me go and I walked toward the room - as more secret service stared me down, menacingly!
I peeked inside and there Senator Biden was getting prepped for his appearance by one of "The Tonight Show" staff.
Jay said, "Senator Biden, Shaun Robinson." The Senator flashed that Colgate-smile and said, "Hi."
Then, I said the only thing that came to mind..."Senator! I've given a lot to your campaign!" - which did get me a laugh (except from the secret service).
"May I take a picture with you?" He said, "Of course! Come on!"
So happy, I jumped next to him and handed my camera to... the secret service dude who almost arrested me.
I think I kind of saw an eye roll from him, but he took a great picture!
Thanks Jay!
Shaun
It took five seasons for a female to win "The Biggest Loser" and it may take five more for a guy to gain back the title. Season six is on track to have yet another female winner as all but two of the men on the ranch have been sent packing. So far Adam, Tom Sr., LT, Jerry and Ed have been eliminated leaving just Brady and Phillip behind with the seven remaining ladies.
This week though, the two remaining men were spared and it was 51-year-old stay at home mom Shellay who was sent home, after the newly formed black team failed to win the weigh in. Her daughter, Amy, remains in the competition. Shellay started the show at 220 pounds and is now down in the 150's and wearing a size eight. She plans to be a size six for the December finale and to win the $100,000 at home prize.
"I wake up everyday and I get right into workout clothes. I think healthy and I think working out. My mothers says I'm no fun anymore!"
After having spent time on the Salt Lake City, Utah set I have to say I was very disappointed I wouldn't be doing the interviews at the junket for "High School Musical 3." Between my three days on the "HSM2" set and covering all the promotion for that film and the pre-promotion for this new one, I've gotten to know the cast very very well.
Unfortunately, this being a feature film now and me being "the TV person," I've had to take a step back from it. It's unfortunate though because when I went to screen the film on Friday night our producer, Celeste, and myself seemed to be the only ones actually excited to be attending (with the exception of a few people who brought kids along). Most of the producers and reporters from other entertainment shows were either angry or annoyed they had to spend their Friday night watching a musical about high school students. Not me. I have no problem admitting I couldn't wait to see Zac, Vanessa, Ashley, Corbin, Monique and Lucas on the big screen.
I wasn't disappointed and I guarantee you and your kids won't be either. The big question was: "can a Disney Channel film translate to the big screen?"
The big answer: Yes it can!
Well, the big day is almost here! No, I'm not talking about Election Day. I'm referring to the opening of "High School Musical 3!" If you have kids of almost any age, you are well aware of the frenzy surrounding the third installment of the widely popular Disney franchise. When I arrived at the Four Seasons Hotel on Sunday, there were a few more teenage girls hanging around with cameras hoping to get a shot of the two males stars Zac Efron or Corbin Bleu. Security and publicists were buzzing about the hotel - you could tell they were preparing for a big day.
I made my way to the 12th floor when our camera crew had just finished setting up for our interview with the cast. I was happy to find out that things were running pretty much on time - my interviews with the cast were scheduled early in the day so I was getting them "fresh" - not worn out from an entire day of making the media rounds.
It was shortly before 9 AM when Zac and Corbin walked into our junket room - all smiles and excited about the movie. I must say young ladies, these two gentlemen are very sweet and even MORE handsome in person!
I had never met Corbin - so cute with his mass of curly hair. I first met Zac back in July on the red carpet during the ESPY Awards. The only thing that had changed about him was that he was becoming an even bigger star but still seemed as humble.
After the boys, it was time to interview Vanessa Hudgens and Ashley Tisdale. It's obvious that these two are friends and really like each other. They said there were lots of tears during shooting this movie - knowing that it would be the last time they all starred together.
Or will it be? Could there be a College Musical? Check out my interview on Access to find out!
Shaun
With the Fall TV season back in full swing my friends and I have
scoured the channels for the funniest, silliest, most engaging,
dramatic or compelling dialogue on TV this week. Here are the Dish's
picks for the Top Ten TV Quotes Of The Week!
# 10 -- "We could kill him and no one would know."
-- HBO's "Entourage"
Guest
star Eric Roberts (playing himself) to Turtle, Eric, Vince and Johnny
while they are trying to relax in the middle of Joshua Tree as Ari Gold
yammers away on his cell phone.
# 9 -- "I'm a trophy wife!"
- NBC's "Kath & Kim"
An annoyed Kim Day explaining what she does to her mom Kath's new boyfriend.
#
8 -- "Hey, this is what Edie and I do. We tease each other. I say she's
easier to get into than community college. She says my face looks like
a knee. Its fun."
-- ABC's "Desperate Housewives"
Mrs. McCluskey explaining to Edie Britt's new husband Dave why she will not apologize to Edie.
#
7 -- "What you see here, all of this, vinyl albums they all become
obsolete replaced with CD's and digital music you listen to on MP3
players this big. And the sound is um, well its much worse."
-- ABC's
"Life on Mars"
After walking into a record store in 1973, Detective Sam Tyler explaining to co-worker Annie Norris about life in 2008.
# 6 -- "Yeah. Yeah. The hair. Its one of the things that makes me happy."
-- ABC's "Grey's Anatomy"
Ever since Marie Osmond fainted last October on "Dancing With the Stars" it seems some type of negative energy has taken over Stage 46 at CBS Television City. Food poisonings, injuries, surgeries, blackouts are all becoming common place on the set. Even the show could not ignore what many people are calling a "Dancing" curse.
In a taped segment last night the show pointed out the spot on the floor, near the judges, which pro dancer Derek Hough has dubbed the Bermuda Triangle. It's where he was injured; Misty May-Treanor tore her Achilles tendon leading to her exit from the show and it's also where Susan Lucci twisted her ankle.
The curse was the hot topic backstage with Mel B after the show. Lance Bass is absolutely convinced something is wrong with the stage telling Mel, "I know it's cursed. Every major injury that has happened this season has been on this stage. Not in rehearsal. Right here on the stage."
Professional dancer Karina Smirnoff, who has had her own injury this season, told Mel she has a solution.
"I think they need to bring like a magic person or a priest or someone to bless it."
Her dance partner Rocci DiSpirito jokingly added, "We need an exorcism!"
So, is the stage really cursed? Common sense tells us 'of course not.' However, just to play a little bit of devil's advocate, I did some research about the history of CBS Television City, where the show is taped.
The ghostly details after the jump...
#10 -- “I know, when I see myself looking this good I get horny too.”
--NBC's "My Name is Earl"
Joy to Earl when he tries to get a morning quickie before she goes to work.
#9 -- "In my world everyone is always judging you, except when you are judging them.”
-- MTV's "Paris Hilton's My New BFF"
Paris Hilton watching on a monitor the eighteen contestants who are vying to be her best friend.
#8 -- "His beloved wife died giving birth to me."
-- CW’s “Gossip Girl”
Chuck Bass revealing to Dan why his relationship with his father Bart is strained. He later reveals it was a lie. Or was it? Stay tuned.
#7 -- "Don't listen to her Ando. She's trying to divide us. Its Villainy 101."
-- NBC's "Heroes"
Hiro trying to persuade Ando that his nemesis, Daphne the speedster, is just trying to turn his pal against him by saying Ando is Robin to Hiro’s Batman.
#6 -- "He's a real 'whiz' in advertising."
-- AMC's "Mad Men"
Paul Kinsey making light of the fact that a drunken Freddy
Rumsen accidentally urinated on himself in front of coworkers right
before a big presentation