Celebrity News: Wednesday, November 30

Heidi Fleiss: The former Hollywood madam has HBO in her corner this week. The cable network announced today that it has teamed with World of Wonder to create a documentary about the male brothel that Fleiss will open in Nevada to serve the women in the area. The lady in charge said, "With women being so independent today, I think the time has come for this kind of enterprise. I am thrilled to be working with HBO, because HBO is the best, bar none." The documentary will follow the whole process, from breaking ground on a sixty-acre property Fleiss owns, to the hiring of a few good men who will need to be ready and able to please their customers. Randy Barbato and Fenton Bailey (World of Wonder) will produce and direct the documentary. Filming has been set to begin in December.

Tim Matheson: The former Animal House star is one of our favorites. When he and Sharon Lawrence played with werewolves in the CBS series Wolf Lake, I was saddened by the network's decision to yank the fun show just when things got interesting ... and quite hairy. Matheson and Lawrence have been paired again in Lifetime's original film, Augusta, Gone, which will debut in March 2006. The movie centers around a single mother's (Lawrence) efforts to deal with her hostile, destructive teenage daughter (Mika Boorem). Matheson stars as the ex-husband and teen's father who agrees with his former wife to try a strict wilderness camp for troubled teens to see if their daughter can change. Lifetime will partner with the National Runaway Switchboard to create an original public service announcement (PSA) to air immediately following the premiere. More than one million runaway children are part of the homeless population on the streets of America. Augusta, Gone should not be missed by any parent who has a child approaching the teen years.

Angelina Jolie: It seems that Brad Pitt is not the only prize that Jolie and Jennifer Aniston have competed for this year. The folks in charge of The 32nd Annual People's Choice Awards announced the newest round of nominees yesterday, a list that includes Jolie and Aniston in the "Olay Total Effects Fans Favorite Look" category. Reese Witherspoon is the only other actress listed with Pitt's ladies. The winner will be revealed when the "Awards" show airs live from the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles on Tuesday, January 10 at 9pm. Until then, Jolie has the lead and the man.

Julia Roberts: When the actress told Hugh Grant's brother-in-law in Notting Hill that she gets paid $20 million per picture, she wasn't just whistling Dixie. It turns out to be a fact. Hollywood Reporter published its yearly list of actresses in the money today. Roberts is in first place, followed by Nicole Kidman with an estimated $17 million per film, Reese Witherspoon and Drew Barrymore with $15 million, and Renee Zellweger on the high-side of $10 million. If you want to know why it costs a week's salary to buy a movie ticket at the cinema, memorize this list. It contains expensive clues.

Tom Cruise: It seems that the actor messed with the wrong crowd when he bought the sonogram machine to make baby movies inside Katie Holmes. Officials at the American College of Radiology (ACR) told reporters that the use of ultrasound can put the fetus at risk if it is operated by an untrained person -- translation: wealthy, curious actor. Dr. Carol M. Rumack said, "Images of the fetus are an opportunity to diagnose problems before birth that may require treatment. These images should be obtained by certified technologists under the supervision of physicians properly trained in ultrasound." Maybe it's time for Cruise to take off his director's hat. He can't be in charge of everything.

Alyson Hannigan: Buffy's favorite witch returns to Veronica Mars tonight in a new episode on UPN at 9pm. She will have major issues with 'Buffy/Angel' veteran Charisma Carpenter during the episode, but the Joss Whedon connection is not why I am writing about the show. UPN will present a shocking alternate ending to the episode that can be seen exclusively on AOL. The original ending will also be online. Be warned: a familiar character will be murdered practically before Veronica's eyes in the alternate version. Visit the AOL Veronica Mars Web Site to enjoy the fun.

Donald Trump: Fans of hair guy who live to hear him say "you're fired" have good news to celebrate this week. NBC announced that The Apprentice has been renewed for a sixth season. The new episodes will be filmed in Southern California instead of Manhattan and will feature tasks indigenous to the new locale -- think surfer dudes and wannabe actors for starters. Trump's partner, Mark Burnett, said, "Seeing Donald operate in Southern California will provide yet more insight into his remarkable world." It will also be interesting to see how his hair holds up when the big West Coast winds blow in to interrupt location shoots.

Conan O'Brien: Even though NBC star Trump is moving his operation, don't expect the Late Night host to change his formula for success anytime soon, if at all. The network announced yesterday that O'Brien's director, Allan Kartun, has signed a new contract that will keep him at the helm for another three years. Kartun is a loyal Conite. He directed the show's Tenth Anniversary special, an all clay animation show, and a faux infomercial. Even though he is in charge of the nightly show, Kartun found the time to direct the live broadcast of the American Film Institute's AFI Awards as well as the Golden Globes Arrivals Special for NBC. He is a veteran who will keep O'Brien on his toes.

Tuesday, November 29

Celebrity News: Tuesday, November 29

Bradley Cooper: Broadway.com reports today that the former Alias star will appear in the stage production of Three Days of Rain as the longtime friend of a brother and sister played by Paul Rudd and Julia Roberts. The threesome will gather in New York to divide the spoils left behind by their fathers, who were partners in a famous architecture firm. Cooper, Roberts and Rudd will also appear as family members from the previous generation to explain the complex relationship between the families. Three Days of Rain will debut in preview mode at the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre on March 28, 2006. Cooper currently can be seen on Fox in Kitchen Confidential.

Brad Pitt: Lifetime released the results of its Every Day's a Holiday poll today and there are a few no-brainers in the mix. For instance, four times as many women chose Brad Pitt for a fantasy liplock moment over Jennifer Aniston's current squeeze, Vince Vaughn. The poll also shows that three-fourths of the women think that Tom Cruise is better husband material for Katie Holmes than her ex-boyfriend, Chris Klein. On a down note, only six percent of the ladies want more sex in their lives next year. The poll coincides with Lifetime's third annual Every Day's a Holiday movie festival of 34 holiday-themed films that will run on the cable network weeknights through December 23.

Harry Connick, Jr. The talented performer needs your help to make life better for children displaced by hurricanes Katrina and Rita. He will front the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation fund drive during NBC's 8th annual Christmas in Rockefeller Center special, which will be telecast live on Tuesday, Nov. 30 at 8pm. Al Roker and Megan Mullally will serve as show hosts. Rod Stewart, Sheryl Crow, Carrie Underwood, Brian Wilson, the Brian Setzer Orchestra, and Earth, Wind & Fire are expected to perform. Connick will appear during the special with some of the children who were affected by the disasters. Their goal is to raise funds that can be used to purchase toys that will be distributed to children whose lives were devastated by the storms.

Arnold Schwarzenegger: Even though a lot of voters in California no longer think that the actor is fit to run the state, he is determined to help them stay fit and healthy. Schwarzenegger announced this week that Jake Steinfeld, founder of "Body by Jake," will chair the California Governor's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports. He also appointed Olympic gold medalist Peter Vidmar to serve as vice chairman. The Terminator star told reporters, "The Council looked at who could best lead our effort to make California the nation's fitness state, and concluded there's no better person than Jake." Will the bold, healthy move save Schwarzenegger's job?

Paris Hilton: Socie celeb and her dueling friend, Nicole Richie, got a new lease on life as a couple thanks to E! TV. The cable network acquired The Simple Life from Fox and plans to shoot a new season titled, The Simple Life: Till Death Do Us Part, which will feature Paris and Nicole in a competition to see which misguided lady can help a family keep things straight around the house and raise kids -- think a nanny with looks and too much attitude. The new series should debut next spring.

Simon Cowell: The judge we all love to criticize will be on American Idol for at least five additional seasons. 19 Entertainment Limited, Simon Cowell, Fox Broadcasting, FremantleMedia and SonyBMG issued a joint announcement today to announce their contract approval for at least four, and as many as six, more seasons of American Idol beginning with American Idol 5, which is set to debut in January. Part of the package calls for Cowell to stay with the series for the life of the contract.

Nick Lachey: It seems that Jessica Simpson's husband already had a lady in the wings when he and the singer announced that they are ending their marriage. The WB announced that Lachey will headline a series pilot about a baseball star who tries to keep his status as a newlywed from disrupting his games with the boys of summer. Production on the untitled show will begin in April. No other cast details have been announced. Maybe Simpson can play Lachey's bride. She's done it before, for MTV.

Elisha Cuthbert: The 24 star might not be off the singles list even though she and Trace Ayala got engaged last year. Numerous celebrity mags have reported that Cuthbert has been seen in public recently without a ring on her finger or Ayala on her shoulder. Even though the Canadian thespian's love life is not in prime shape, she still has her priorities in order. Cuthbert recently killed any chance of her doing nude work in movies when she said, "I just don't feel comfortable with it. Secondly, I think you can be a leading lady and not be naked." Amen!

Jesse L. Martin: The Law & Order star sang up a storm while making Rent, the movie version of the hit stage show about everything from real estate to AIDS. NBC allowed him to take whatever time was needed to add his voice to the production. Unfortunately, the sound of Harry Potter gobbling up the money over the weekend drowned out all the music. Rent's $10.7 million in ticket sales was only good enough for fifth place. Even Dennis Quaid's sappy new remake flick, Yours, Mine and Ours, beat Rent when it opened in third place with almost $17.5 million in ticket sales. Once again, Harry Potter Goblet of Fire easily took first place with $54.9 million. Walk the Line, the fine bio-picture about Johnny Cash, took second place with $19.7 million. Fourth place went to Chicken Little with $12.4 million.

Madonna: The singer's husband, filmmaker Guy Ritchie, must be getting under her skin. She told British tube host Dermot O'Leary that she wants to direct her own productions. The singer got the control bug while working on a new documentary about her that will debut on Brit Channel 4 on the first of December. Maybe she can helm Reefer Madness Three next year. Madonna recently admitted to having a strange fascination with pills, especially the ones that she keeps at home, including Demerol, Vicodin, Xanax, Valium and OxyContin. Material Mom was able to stockpile pain-killing meds after she was injured riding her horse.

Harry Potter: Commander Bill McArthur and flight engineer Valery Tokarev, a cosmonaut with Russia's Federal Space Agency, spent their Thanksgiving floating around Earth on the International Space Station (ISS). The daring duo have had a good holiday week. On Tuesday, McArthur was treated to a special screening of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire courtesy of an Earth to space transmission from Mission Control in Houston. He is a fan of the Potter franchise and requested the showing. Yesterday, the commander and Tokarev dined on packaged smoked turkey, dehydrated green beans, asparagus and other vegetables. McArthur described the dehydrated veggies by saying, "They feel a little bit like Styrofoam before they've had water." I have to assume that the movie was more popular than the Thanksgiving chow. Technical questions: Does popcorn pop in space? If you throw it up in the air to catch in your mouth, does it ever come down?

Pat Morita: The man who turned The Karate Kid into a polished fighter and helped create a movie franchise died of natural causes on Thanksgiving at his home in Las Vegas. He was 73 at the time of his passing. Morita's work as Mr. Miyagi and his funny role as Matsuo "Arnold" Takahashi on the Happy Days series won him millions of fans. During his long career, the California native worked in more than one hundred television and movie projects. He is survived by his wife and three daughters from a previous marriage.

Angelina Jolie: The Oscar-winning actress and her traveling mate, Brad Pitt, didn't have a traditional Thanksgiving meal on Thursday because they were busy trying to see what they could do to keep people from freezing to death in the mountains of northern Pakistan, the area devastated by an Earthquake that killed more than seventy thousand people. During a news conference after the visit, Jolie warned, "So many people are in danger of possibly freezing to death." She is right. The refugees in the area have no shelter and inadequate clothing to survive in cold weather. As a goodwill ambassador for the United Nations who specializes in refugee needs, Jolie has no match in Hollywood, but her words will not bring warmth and safety to the people in Pakistan. If the United Nations can't help the survivors in Pakistan immediately, what good is the international agency?

Jessica Simpson: The rumors of her marital problems must have been true even though the singing actress denied them repeatedly. Simpson and her husband, Nick Lachey, released a statement to the press Wednesday that reads in part, "After three years of marriage, and careful thought and consideration, we have decided to part ways." They should have held out for a new MTV series about their high-dollar divorce negotiations. Both stars are flush with cash.
William Shatner: And while on the subject of divorce, this little item about Shatner's Denny Crane and James Spader's Alan Shore on Boston Legal is worth a mention. The fictional lawyers have a connection on the show that is almost like two men courting, but that may end soon. In the Tuesday, December 6 episode titled "Gone," Alan will defend a homeless man who sues Denny because the barrister shot him with a paintball gun. Alan versus Denny in court should be fun. It also sounds like grounds for a divorce to me.

Jennifer Garner: It seems like the mom-to-be will have more time to spend at home with hubby Ben Affleck and their child -- the actress should be in delivery mode before New Year's Day. ABC announced Wednesday that Garner's hit spy drama, Alias, will not be renewed after season five ends in May. Tube critics predicted the show's demise when the network switched it to Thursday nights in the 8-9pm slot. It isn't the first good series to be swamped by the CBS Survivor franchise, and it won't be the last.

Dateline: Wednesday, November 23

Dennis Haysbert: The former 24 president's new series, The Unit, has been given a March 2006 debut date on CBS. Haysbert, Felicity star Scott Foley and X-Files agent Robert Patrick are the headliners in this new drama that centers around a covert team of Special Forces operatives who risk their lives on undercover missions around the world, leaving their families behind to maintain the home front. Regina Taylor, Max Martini, Michael Irby, Demore Barnes, Abby Brammell and Audrey Marie Anderson also star in the action thriller that comes from producer David Mamet.

Mariah Carey: Give the lady credit for at least showing up at last night's American Music Awards. She only won for Best Female Artist in the Soul/R&B category, but she was there to accept her trophy and entertain the crowd with "Don't Forget About Us." Unfortunately, a lot of acts did forget about them, including double award winners Green Day and Black Eyed Peas. Tim McGraw and Destiny's Child also won two awards. Visit the official ABC/AMA Web Site for a list of all the winners, event photos and video clips.

Michael Moore: He's back, and that's bad news for a lot of prominent people. The filmmaker is speaking out again. In his first interview in a year, Moore spoke out yesterday during a session on the Dave Barber Show -- Supertalk1570 WWCK AM radio in Flint, Michigan. He called President Bush "embarrassing and frightening" when it comes to the Iraq War and security issues. Moore also took on General Motors because of the company's plant closings in the United States. He said, "General Motors leadership has turned the American dream into the American nightmare!" Are we ready for another Moore assault?

Reese Witherspoon: If you are wondering if the actress did most of her singing in Walk the Line, the answer is yes. Roger Ebert described her performance by writing, "what adds boundless energy to Walk the Line is the performance by Reese Witherspoon as June Carter Cash." So how did the actress learn to croon like one of the best. Witherspoon told an interviewer that she doesn't sing in the shower, but she does sing really loud in the car. If you see her on the highway in song mode, don't assume that she is engaged in a heated argument on her cell phone.

Teri Hatcher: The lovely star of Desperate Housewives should be happy this month. On Tuesday, November 29, Hatcher will receive the 2005 World Actress Award during the Women’s World Awards in Leipzig, Germany that will be hosted by Nobel Peace Laureate Mikhail Gorbachev, the former leader of the Soviet Union. Hatcher told an interviewer, "It is truly a privilege to be able to support all women's causes on a global level. It is remarkable that something as simple as television can empower us to create change and awareness in the world." The Women’s World Awards are part of the new global initiative "Women’s World Forum," whose goal is to support the rights of women throughout the world.

James Denton: Hatcher's "Housewives" love won't have to travel across the big pond for his next assignment. Denton has been chosen to host the Miss America pageant in Las Vegas for Country Music Television. The pageant will not be broadcast live. It will land on CMT cable in tape mode on January 21.

Carrie Underwood: Move over Kelly and Fantasia, there's another American Idol winner after your crowns. Underwood's debut album, "Some Hearts," sold more than 314,000 units in its first week of release, which earned the singer the distinction of selling more units than any other debut female American Idol star to date. "Some Hearts" also topped Billboard's Country Albums Chart and ranked second on the Billboard 200, which ranks albums of all genres.

Celebrity News: Wednesday, November 23

Dennis Haysbert: The former 24 president's new series, The Unit, has been given a March 2006 debut date on CBS. Haysbert, Felicity star Scott Foley and X-Files agent Robert Patrick are the headliners in this new drama that centers around a covert team of Special Forces operatives who risk their lives on undercover missions around the world, leaving their families behind to maintain the home front. Regina Taylor, Max Martini, Michael Irby, Demore Barnes, Abby Brammell and Audrey Marie Anderson also star in the action thriller that comes from producer David Mamet.

Mariah Carey: Give the lady credit for at least showing up at last night's American Music Awards. She only won for Best Female Artist in the Soul/R&B category, but she was there to accept her trophy and entertain the crowd with "Don't Forget About Us." Unfortunately, a lot of acts did forget about them, including double award winners Green Day and Black Eyed Peas. Tim McGraw and Destiny's Child also won two awards. Visit the official ABC/AMA Web Site for a list of all the winners, event photos and video clips.

Michael Moore: He's back, and that's bad news for a lot of prominent people. The filmmaker is speaking out again. In his first interview in a year, Moore spoke out yesterday during a session on the Dave Barber Show -- Supertalk1570 WWCK AM radio in Flint, Michigan. He called President Bush "embarrassing and frightening" when it comes to the Iraq War and security issues. Moore also took on General Motors because of the company's plant closings in the United States. He said, "General Motors leadership has turned the American dream into the American nightmare!" Are we ready for another Moore assault?

Reese Witherspoon: If you are wondering if the actress did most of her singing in Walk the Line, the answer is yes. Roger Ebert described her performance by writing, "what adds boundless energy to Walk the Line is the performance by Reese Witherspoon as June Carter Cash." So how did the actress learn to croon like one of the best. Witherspoon told an interviewer that she doesn't sing in the shower, but she does sing really loud in the car. If you see her on the highway in song mode, don't assume that she is engaged in a heated argument on her cell phone.

Teri Hatcher: The lovely star of Desperate Housewives should be happy this month. On Tuesday, November 29, Hatcher will receive the 2005 World Actress Award during the Women�s World Awards in Leipzig, Germany that will be hosted by Nobel Peace Laureate Mikhail Gorbachev, the former leader of the Soviet Union. Hatcher told an interviewer, "It is truly a privilege to be able to support all women's causes on a global level. It is remarkable that something as simple as television can empower us to create change and awareness in the world." The Women�s World Awards are part of the new global initiative "Women�s World Forum," whose goal is to support the rights of women throughout the world.

James Denton: Hatcher's "Housewives" love won't have to travel across the big pond for his next assignment. Denton has been chosen to host the Miss America pageant in Las Vegas for Country Music Television. The pageant will not be broadcast live. It will land on CMT cable in tape mode on January 21.

Carrie Underwood: Move over Kelly and Fantasia, there's another American Idol winner after your crowns. Underwood's debut album, "Some Hearts," sold more than 314,000 units in its first week of release, which earned the singer the distinction of selling more units than any other debut female American Idol star to date. "Some Hearts" also topped Billboard's Country Albums Chart and ranked second on the Billboard 200, which ranks albums of all genres.

Celebrity News: Sunday, November 20

Weekend Words:

Harry Potter: Just because the newest movie about J.K. Rowling's favorite kids is rated PG-13, don't assume that children won't be able to watch the action at the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. They came out in droves to catch Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire at their local cinemas. The movie led the weekend box office race with an estimated $101.4 million in ticket sales. It easily beat out second place entry Walk the Line ($22.4 million), the biographical film about the extraordinary life and career of Johnny Cash (Joaquin Phoenix). The rest of the top five weekend flicks included Chicken Little with $14.8 million, Derailed with $6.5 million and Zathura with $5.1 million.

Heidi Fleiss: The former Hollywood Madam wants to become a Nevada Madam soon. Fleiss told reporters recently that she plans to open an all-male spot called "Heidi's Stud Farm" that will cater to women who are willing to pay $250 per hour for stud services. Prostitution in the state is legal, but don't be surprised if the male state legislators decide to change the laws so that their Desperate Housewives stay desperate. The Los Angeles Times reported that Fleiss is looking for twenty men to staff her farm. Word has it that her former love-lumper, Tom Sizemore, need not apply.

Charlize Theron: The Oscar-winning actress has another award to add to her trophy case. During the Friday night Video Game Awards, she won the Best Performance by a Human Female award for her work in Aeon Flux. The Best Performance by a Human Male winner was Jack Black for Peter Jackson's King Kong: The Official Game of the Movie. Game of the Year honors went to Capcom's Resident Evil 4. Hosted by Samuel L. Jackson at the Gibson Amphitheatre in Los Angeles, the gamefest was filmed by Spike TV and will debut on the cable network Saturday, December 10 in the 9-11pm time slot.

Jennifer Hudson: Fans of American Idol will be thrilled to learn that Hudson, a former show finalist, has been chosen to star in the upcoming screen version of the Tony Award-winning musical Dreamgirls, a story that centers around the exploits of a late sixties trio that struggles with career, management and love matters. Hudson, Beyonce Knowles and Anika Noni Rose make up the promising girl group called The Dreamettes. Jamie Foxx stars as the ambitious manager who has his own reasons to turn the girls into a star act. From DreamWorks Pictures and Paramount Pictures, Dreamgirls should begin the post production phase in January in order to be ready for theaters by December 2006.

Johnny Depp: When the actor moved to France, he told reporters that he left Los Angeles because America was too violent for his family. Surprise, he went to France, another spot on the map that has been overrun by violent activities. Calling the rioters that set cars on fire "insane," Depp told some reporters that he might be forced to move back to the United States to find a safer place to live. Considering all the angry people on this planet, there might not be a place anywhere that would be suitable for his relocation plans.

Celebrity News: Friday, November 18

Fast Friday Factoids:

Naomi Judd: The singer, children's author recently told an interviewer at The National Ledger, "I'm seeing articles lately about the baby-boomers looking for purpose and meaning in our lives. Those have really resonated with me." Those have indeed. Judd will be on the Santa Train Saturday as it rolls along the tracks to deliver tons of gifts to kids in eastern Kentucky and Virginia. The Appalachia trip will be filmed and shown on her new Hallmark Channel series Naomi's New Morning. Watch it, please. We have a third world country of poverty right here in America. Judd can help spread that news. Please do the same.

Jon Voight: Talk about a big date for the theater ... how about the Midnight Cowboy's adventure in Rome yesterday! He was at the Vatican to view the advance screening of Pope John Paul II with the new leader in Rome, Pope Benedict XVI. You can bet the farm that the Holy Father and the actor didn't talk about his role as the male prostitute Joe Buck. As for the movie, the Pope told reporters, "Viewing this film has reopened my gratitude to God for providing us with a Pope both so human and so spiritual." That sure beats a "thumbs up" from Ebert.

Russell Crowe: It's a big day in Manhattan for the Aussie star. He is supposed to appear in court to face the music over his June arrest for heaving a telephone at a Mercer Hotel concierge. If convicted, he could face seven years in the slammer and lose his work privileges in America.

Peter Weller: The Robocop is bound to add excitement to Jack Bauer's (Kiefer Sutherland) world when 24 beings another thrilling season on January 15. Weller has been added to the cast in the role of Christopher Henderson, the federal agent responsible for Bauer joining the counter terrorism unit in the beginning. JoBeth Williams will star as his wife.

Brooke Shields: The actress learned some things while she battled Tom Cruise over his objection to women who take drugs to help them overcome postpartum depression. During a session on NBC's syndicated weekly series Your Total Health, she was asked if she would use medication after the birth of her second child if she experiences depression again. Shields answered, "I am going to see. I don't know. The reality is, if it hits, you're hit. So I'm going to try to be a little more proactive."

James Woods: NBC's ER will host another doctor next year. Woods will guest star in the February 2 episode of the medical drama in the role of Dr. Nate Lennox, a patient in crisis with ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease). It's a case that Dr. Abby Lockhart (Maura Tierney) will pay close attention to because Lennox was once her professor. Woods won the Best Actor Emmy for Promise (1987) and for My Name Is Bill W. (1989). He's a classy get for the folks in charge of ER.

John Mayer: Fans of the Grammy-winning performer need to be in broadband mode to enjoy his next concert. Network LIVE (a joint venture between America Online, XM Satellite Radio and AEG) will broadcast the John Mayer Trio in concert from New York City's Bowery Ballroom on Wednesday, November 23 at 9:00 p.m. sharp. The exclusive performance will be available at AOL Music LIVE (www.aolmusic.com) and on XM Satellite Radio. If this concert is as good as the recent Green Day concert on AOL Music, I'll be one happy camper. How about you?

Kanye West: Don't expect President George Bush to make a guest appearance at The 2005 Billboard Music Awards next month. He and one of the attendees are not on speaking terms. Kanye West, who will receive the 2005 Artist Achievement Award during the show, made headlines when he told the world that the President doesn't care about average folks, especially poor ones who are poorer since the Bush crowd took over the White House. Bob Bain, executive producer of the Billboard show, called the hip-hop star "a unique and ferocious talent." You have to be ferocious to take on the man who controls the military.

Celebrity News: Wednesday, November 16

Ralph Edwards: His name has been in the news this month because of ABC's announcement that Regis Philbin will host a version of Edward's This Is Your Life. The broadcasting pioneer passed away today at his home. His publicist told reporters that his 93-year-old client died of heart failure. Edwards also produced and hosted Truth or Consequences and People's Court. No funeral or memorial information was released to the press.

Orlando Bloom: The British actor might be wise to stay on his side of the Atlantic for awhile. TMZ.com reported today that his former management company, The Firm, filed a lawsuit against him in Los Angeles County Superior Court that alleges the popular star owes them at least $660,000 in commission payments to cover work The Firm did to secure him roles in Elizabethtown, Kingdom of Heaven and Pirates of the Caribbean. Bloom left The Firm in favor of the folks at Brillstein and Grey Entertainment in July. Money talks, especially when it walks away from the table with a celebrity attached.

Jessica Alba: The former Dark Angel star recently took on the computer industry, sort of. Alba was one of many celebrities who were asked to add their own creative touches to Sony's VAIO FJ series notebook computers that will be sold during an online auction to benefit America's Second Harvest -- The Nation's Food Bank Network. Other stars with the notebook assignment included Elijah Wood, Wilmer Valderrama, Mark Ruffalo and hip couple DJ AM and Nicole Richie. Starting today, the celeb-styled computers will be on display at SonyStyle(R) store in the Beverly Center mall in Los Angeles. After a series of display shows conducted at SonyStyle centers around the country, the jazzed-up units will be auctioned off on eBay for two weeks beginning on January 9. Visit the official America's Second Harvest Web Site for more information.

Alyson Hannigan: This writer's favorite witch has a new hit on CBS, How I Met Your Mother, and a license to help the network's sister station, UPN, as it tries to ramp up the ratings for Veronica Mars. Hannigan will show up on "Mars" again on Wednesday, November 30, in the role of Logan Echolls' (Jason Dohring) half-sister Trina Echolls, in town on assignment. Trina will be primed for a fight when she meets Logan's older flame Kendall Casablancas, played by Hannigan's "Buffy" castmate Charisma Carpenter. A battle between the two ladies could open up a new Hellmouth in the area ... just wishful thinking, or was that the reason Joss Whedon appeared on the show this month in cameo mode?

Ron White: Some of our brave soldiers in Europe will get a chance to experience a few laughs this Thanksgiving when White and fellow comedian Robert Hawkins take part in a USO tour to Germany and Belgium that will begin on Sunday, November 20. White will take a break from his current comedy tour to entertain our service men and women and share a family-style Thanksgiving dinner with them. It's the dinner part that worries me. If the comedian is as funny at the table as he was during the Blue Collar Comedy Tour, medics will need to be standing by to help any soldier who swallows wrong during a major laugh attack.

Elton John: The Rocket Man -- sorry Mr. Clemens -- will be on display for NBC on December 14 when his Elton John: The Red Piano special airs in the 8-9pm time slot. It will be his first network special for NBC and could mean that the legendary performer is ready to use the tube as a main promotion vehicle for his work. NBC will use high-definition cameras to bring all the excitement of the singer's Las Vegas Caesars Palace show to viewers in a way that will make it seem like John is in their dens. Don't let that scare you away from the special when it airs.

Sean "Diddy" Combs: Did he -- pardon the pun -- break election laws during the last Presidential election? That's what a leading conservative organization wants to know. The National Legal and Policy Center filed a complaint against Combs' tax-exempt Citizen Change organization which was used by the rap mogul to encourage people in the hip-hop community to vote. Even though Combs did not endorse Bush or Kerry during his "Vote or Die" drives, his accusers are angry that some of the actors and singers who took part in the campaign did endorse Kerry while appearing at Citizen Change events. The Federal Election Commission has agreed to investigate the matter. Conservatives won the last big battle at the voting booth. Why is this issue bothering them now? Do they sense a close election around the corner?

Kate Moss: Rumor has it that the supermodel is no longer interested in being a walking mannequin for hire. Her friends in England have been telling the usual tabloids that Moss would be willing to retire from modeling in order to pursue a career as an actress. Let's hope that she didn't practice on the doctors during rehab for cocaine addiction. The snow dance is hypnotic and takes courage to overcome. Getting out of rehab for the wrong reason could be detrimental to her health.

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Celebrity News: Monday, November 14

John Lithgow: The former 3rd Rock from the Sun star has found a unique way to get one of his children's books, "I'm a Manatee," to new readers. As National Children's Book Week (November 14-20) kicks off, Cheerios is putting five million free children's books, including Lithgow's work, inside specially marked Cheerios boxes. Cheerios is also giving half a million dollars to First Book (Web Site), a wonderful organization that gives children from low-income families the opportunity to read and own their first new books. Lithgow recently told an interviewer, "I think everybody has a playful side, but kids especially. My book writing grew out of entertaining kids, the best audience an actor could hope for." Let's hope those same kids have time for breakfast and a little reading before they head to school.

Ray Romano: The former CBS sitcom headliner wants to take on a fan at the poker table during the Comedy Cares First Annual Celebrity Poker Tournament, which is scheduled to begin on Friday (November 18) at PURE Nightclub in Caesars Palace. Other stars booked to be at the tables are Bill Maher, Sopranos shrink Lorraine Bracco with a few castmates from the HBO drama, including Michael Imperioli, Tony Sirico, Aida Turturro and others. The winner of the tournament will receive a five night stay at the Saban Villa in Acapulco along with first class round trip airfare for two. Proceeds from the celebrity poker tournament will benefit Childrens Hospital Los Angeles. Today (Monday) is the last day that you can bid for a chance to play poker with the stars. Visit the Auction Web Site and carry tons of cash. It ain't cheap.

Martha Stewart: Our favorite felon can't win all the time, even though it sure seems like it. NBC is making it known that Stewart's Apprentice series will not be picked up for a second season. The reality show has not delivered an audience large enough to justify the expense. The Apprentice: Martha Stewart finale will be broadcast live on Wednesday, December 21 from 8-10 p.m. ET/PT. Don't feel too bad for the star of the show. She has enough business ventures to keep her bank account fueled.

Richard Gere: Being a Buddhist for a few decades has taught the actor to respect all people, including some of the crazies who populate our planet. He recently explained why he is against the death penalty by saying, "I never met an animal that didn't respond to love unless it was damaged; it's the same with people. You find damaged people that you just can't get to," before adding, "I'm so against capital punishment because there's always a possibility of redemption." He met a few of the animals this month when he joined some New Mexico deputies in a door-to-door campaign to check on registered sex offenders in their area. Gere met and talked with several of the offenders because he is researching his role in The Flock, the tale of a federal agent who tracks down a missing girl who is connected to a paroled sex offender. The movie is in production mode in New Mexico with January listed as the completion date.

Jimmy Kimmel: How many different reports will be filed about the end of the run for Destiny?s Child? It seems like this is the third one that TVNow has published about a "so-called" last appearance together for Beyonce Knowles, Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams. Kimmel issued a press release on Friday to let me know that the super recording group will perform for the public for the last time on Jimmy Kimmel Live Tuesday, November 15. The trio's host said, "I know they have other plans, but I will do everything in my power to keep Destiny?s Child together for the good of the world." Don't be too surprised if he succeeds.

Gary Sinise: Every time the CSI: NY star has gone on a USO tour with his Lt. Dan Band, we have reported it to bring attention to our soldiers who carry out the orders of their leaders in order to protect our freedom and our rights. The Disabled Veterans for Life Memorial Foundation announced this week that Sinise will serve as the national spokesman for the organization, which is dedicated to honoring disabled veterans with a memorial that will be located adjacent to the National Mall in the Nation's Capitol. Sinise said of his appointment, "I can only hope that my participation will help draw attention to the cause and ensure its successful fruition as the nation's first and only such tribute built specifically to these courageous men and women." "Attention" is the key word here. Whether you approve of the Iraq War or not, it's important to honor any soldier who comes home with a critical injury that will require a lifetime of attention and medical care to overcome. Visit the Foundation Web Site to see how you can help the people who were harmed while trying to help you.

Mindy McCready: The singer has a new Web Site to go along with her fresh outlook on life, which she needs more than most people. In the past year, she has been a victim of domestic violence and tried to commit suicide twice. The country music star appeared on Oprah Winfrey's show and came away with a new attitude. McCready said, "I realized I could be free of all the relationships that kept me in pain. I just decided that I'm moving on." Her online site will be used to promote and sell the new single, "Black and Blue." A portion of the CD sales will go directly to support victims of Domestic Violence. Give her credit for taking baby steps in the right direction. At least she knows why she is still alive and still able to help others. McCready proved that when she said, "God has given me a new lease on my life, and I intend to live it out to the fullest."

Friday Factoids:

Kelly Clarkson: The American Idol winner has a lot of class. On September 4, she performed in concert at the Berkeley Greek Theatre right before she was diagnosed with bronchitis. Clarkson does not think that the fans who paid to see her got the best she could deliver, so those same fans will be treated to a free concert on December 21 at San Jose's HP Pavilion. The singer explained her decision by saying, "I love my fans and they deserve the best that I can give. I promised them I'd come back when I was healthy and I am really looking forward to making this up to them." Folks who attended the Berkeley concert will be contacted through Ticketmaster and offered the opportunity to attend the new concert date compliments of Clarkson. In a world run by a lot of greedy people, she deserves credit for being so honest and generous.

Sir Sean Connery: The American Film Institute's (AFI) Board of Trustees announced last night that the Scottish actor who zoomed to stardom as 007 in Dr. No will be presented the Life Achievement Award at a gala tribute in Los Angeles on June 8, 2006. Board Chair Sir Howard Stringer told reporters, "Though best remembered for creating one of the great film heroes of all time, his talents transcend typecasting, and his body of work not only stands the test of time, but illuminates a career more extraordinary than James Bond himself. Sir Sean is an artist of the highest order, and AFI is honored to present him with its 34th Life Achievement Award." Here, here, old chap. This writer agrees. If you only think of Connery as Bond, rent A Fine Madness and The Man Who Would Be King. One is a very funny movie about a sex-obsessed average Joe and the other is about a man who couldn't handle being a king and lost his head over local matters. Connery excels in all genres. He is truly a legend in his own time. USA Network will broadcast the 34th AFI Life Achievement Award tribute.

Stephen Collins: Talk about a surprise move! The WB's announcement that 7th Heaven will not be renewed even made the Pope sit up and take notice this morning. Collins and his family will have to find jobs elsewhere after ten years of almost loyal service to their network bosses. Series creator Brenda Hampton told reporters, "I think this is the best season we've ever had, and we're planning a very exciting and heartwarming conclusion to the series." She's right about the "best season" remark. Over five million viewers tune in each week to see what sins the family members will commit, which makes the series one of the best draws on The WB. Network executives said that the high production cost made it impossible for the show to continue after its last episode airs in May, 2006.

Mandy Moore: The next time J.D. (Zach Braff) hears a good love song on NBC's medical comedy Scrubs, it will likely come from a qualified singer. The network announced this week that Moore will guest star in two future episodes of the series in the role of a klutzy lady who catches J.D.'s eye and heart. The singer is no stranger to the thespian scene. She has starred in several movies -- think The Princess Diaries, A Walk to Remember and Chasing Liberty for starters -- and has six film projects in the works for the next eighteen months. She is currently working on a new album of songs that will feature only tunes co-written by her. Come to think of it, maybe she's too busy to fall in love with a doctor.

Regis Philbin: ABC has finally chosen who will help the network "reimagine" This is Your Life, the old Ralph Edwards show that featured worthy guests who were honored on stage by family and friends from their past. Philbin, the dapper star of Live with Regis and Kelly, will host the show when the primetime edition goes into production mode. He told reporters, "My network needs me! I?m there." His bosses will find out next year if the viewers will be there too. The new version will not be a weekly series. It will be aired in different time slots as a reality special. Reimagine that!

Jason Bateman: All the headaches the fine actor endures each week as acting head of the zany Bluth clan will go away soon. Fox announced yesterday that his Emmy-winning series, Arrested Development, has been canceled because of poor ratings. Even Oscar-winner Charlize Theron being in recent episodes as Bateman's love interest didn't generate enough interest to attract new viewers. Fox executives have pulled the comedy series from the rest of the November schedule in favor of Prison Break reruns. "Arrested" will return in December and continue until the last of its thirteen new episodes for this season are broadcast. If you never watched the show and complain about the lack of quality series on television, blame yourself, not network executives.

Ellen Degeneres: The Emmy-winning talk show host will try something new next week when Sir Paul McCartney drops by her set on Monday (November 14th). She will devote the entire hour of chat and fun to the Liverpool lad. According to Ellen's publicist, the legendary rocker will perform "Fine Line" and "English Tea" from his new album, "Chaos And Creation In The Backyard," as well as a classic Beatles song. He also will discuss the debut of his children's book titled High In The Clouds. Let's see Oprah try to top that anytime soon.

Conan O’Brien: Folks in New Jersey who were offended by the NBC late-nighter's joke about their election this week have another O'Brien to worry about today. The popular host and his wife, Liza Powel O'Brien, announced this morning that the couple's son, Beckett O'Brien, was born yesterday in New York City at 8:27pm. The child is the second future tube-talker delivered to planet Earth by Mrs. O'Brien. As for the joke that angered a few folks, Conan said, “The election for governor of New Jersey is taking place today, and, as we speak, it is way too close. Yeah. I don't mean the race, I'm talking about New Jersey.” A note to all the people in New Jersey: don't hold it against the kids.

Mariah Carey: Mimi will be alive in all her glory at the brand new Virgin Megastore in Hollywood (6801 Hollywood Blvd.) on Tuesday, November 15 at 6 p.m. sharp. The singer plans to meet with her fans that evening and sign copies of her "The Emancipation of Mimi: Ultra Platinum Edition" CD, which recaps the original album's tracks plus four new tracks, including the brand new single "Don't Forget About Us." Carey's first "Emancipation" release has already sold more than six million copies worldwide. She is still considered by Billboard to be the most successful female artist in history. If you are going to be near the Virgin Megastore and want to pound some flesh with the singer, arrive early. The lines for this one will be long.
Martha Stewart: If you still feel sorry for the deco-diva because she spent some time in the slammer, this little fact might ease your pain. Stewart told Ellen DeGeneres yesterday that she calls her time behind bars a sabbatical. The corporate cutie also admitted that she and other inmates were allowed to watch television from 4-11pm. Stewart said, "You could actually watch it all night long if you wanted to, with ear phones, so you wouldn't make any noise." Oh, the horror of it all! Forcing a felon to endure bad programming that many hours in a day is surely cruel and unusual punishment.

Donald Trump: And class warfare continues, as reported on TVNow. The Learning Annex confirmed yesterday that the organization has extended The Donald's contract through the year of our banker, 2006. The man with the money will continue to be the headline speaker at consumer real estate events around the country. His bounty for ten one-hour presentations has been set at $15 million plus travel and lodging expenses. That works out to $1.5 million per speech. At one of the Learning Annex events, Trump told attendees, "They tell me I attract the largest crowds of anybody who doesn't have a guitar." Imagine the money he can add to the vault if the Apprentice star really learns how to sing.
Uma Thurman: Give Jeanne Wolf over at movies.com credit for being able to get actors and actresses to wax poetic about their lives in colorful terms. Case in point: Thurman was asked about her life experience after she and Ethan Hawke parted company. She responded, "It's pretty much public knowledge that my life has been sort of road kill, like barely scraping the bodies off the sidewalk." Her Kill Bill director, Quentin Tarantino, will be thrilled with that response -- or any response with the words "kill" and "bodies" in the same sentence. This writer has been there, done that, and been nominated for "road kill" trophy of the year numerous times. Most people have. It's our badge of honor. Thanks, Uma, for reminded us what often ends up on love's highway.

Marissa Cooper: It's amazing how easily a television series can create a family without labor pains and delivery room charges. Fox announced last night that Cooper's character on The O.C., Marissa Cooper, will get to enjoy life with her 14-year-old sister, Kaitlin Cooper, in early 2006. Willa Holland has been cast as the young lady with cash flowing through her veins, a teen with an attitude who returns home after spending time at an exclusive Montecito boarding school. Josh Schwartz, creator of The O.C., said of Holland, "She seems like Mischa Barton's little sister and looks it, too. She's a real original, with the same sophisticated allure that Mischa possesses. She's going to break a lot of hearts." The young actress is the stepdaughter of director Brian De Palma. She can be seen ahead of time in modeling campaigns for Guess, Gap, Abercrombie & Fitch and Ralph Lauren.

David Krumholtz: The math whiz on CBS crime drama Numb3rs recently told a reporter, "One of my favorite things about being an actor is finding ways to use my job to help others." He'll get to prove that statement today (Thursday) when Krumholtz meets with math teachers at the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics Western Regional Conference and Exposition in Denver, Colorado. He and Numb3rs creator Cheryl Heuton have been asked to help promote the new mathematics education program, "We All Use Math Every Day," developed by Texas Instruments and in association with the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. Who said television dumbs down viewers? The answer isn't the square of the hypotenuse of a right triangle. Get hip with math.

Lauren Holly: The former Picket Fences star has found another hit to add to her collection. CBS announced on Wednesday that Holly's guest character on NCIS, Jenny Shepard, has been promoted to a series regular. Holly has been appearing in recurring mode as the new director of NCIS. Since Shepard has a prior romantic history with Special Agent Gibbs (Mark Harmon), it makes sense to have her around each week to generate some inner office heat that viewers can warm to quickly.

You know these names, probably

Dateline: Wednesday, November 9

Paris Hilton: If she's not careful, the socie celeb will spend more time in courts than on the set for any movie or television project this year. She has been subpoenaed as a witness in a criminal case involving the burglary, robbery, kidnapping and carjacking charges against Darnell Riley in Los Angeles. This morning, TMZ.com, the new Telepictures and America Online internet news production, reported that Hilton and her boyfriend, Greek shipping heir Stavros Niarchos, were involved in an accident near L.A.'s Element around 2:30am. Niarchos was driving a Bentley that hit a truck before speeding away. TMZ cameras located the car later on the side of the road with the occupants talking to police. Other passengers in the car included Rod Stewart's daughter Kimberly and Laguna Beach star Talan Torriero, who admitted to the officers that he was the only sober one in the car. No arrest was reported, which forces this writer to wonder why the Greek money man was allowed to leave the scene after driving under the influence and being involved in a wreck. You can bet the farm on The Simple Life that the average Joe would still be sitting in a cell.

Warren Beatty: After hearing that his four ballot measures are in the losing column during Tuesday's election, California Governator Arnold Schwarzenegger told reporters, "Whether we win, lose or draw -- whatever the outcome is -- there is one thing we will do. We are going to continue to make California a better place for our citizens." Beatty and his friends think that their state would be a better place if Schwarzenegger went back to work on a movie set instead of at the State Capitol. Will the Oscar-winning filmmaker (Best Director for Reds in 1982) ever try for the California leadership post? Even though he often says "no," Beatty left the door slightly open when he told MSNBC's Rita Cosby, "Well, I don't think anybody should rule out public service. That would be bad citizenry, you know?" Don't be surprised if Beatty becomes more politically active, especially if Schwarzenegger tries to hold more special elections to bypass the state legislature.

Madonna: Material Mom is going live this month, thanks to Network LIVE, the company that made the Live8 concert so accessible to the internet community. Madonna's international album launch event for "Confessions On a Dancefloor," which will take place at KoKo's in London, will be broadcast all over the planet on AOL Music LIVE (www.aolmusic.com), XM Satellite Radio and multiple wireless providers internationally. The Tuesday, November 15, concert will begin at 5 p.m. ET and feature the singer in a "behind the scenes" segment before the show with her band and DJ guru Stuart Price begins.

Joss Whedon: Fans of Buffy and Angel might be surprised to find the Hellmouth master on Veronica Mars tonight (UPN at 9 p.m.) in a minor role. He plays a rental car agent named Douglas. Is Whedon short on cash or just tired of trying to figure out how to get Spike and Buffy back together again in front of his cameras? Neither, he's creating a little buzz about the future DVD release of Serenity in DVD and VHS forms. Universal Studios Home Entertainment announced yesterday that the popular big screen version of his Firefly sci-fi series will land in stores on December 20 with bonus features that include a special introduction by Whedon, deleted scenes and out-takes.

Alyssa Milano: The lovely star of Charmed could have turned to a life of crime in the early stages of her career if the folks around her had not been so supportive. Milano and the cast members of Who's the Boss? caught up with Tony Danza this week during a special episode of his talk show. After pointing to her fellow thespians, Milano told the audience, "this is the reason that Danny (Danny Pintauro) and I did not hold up convenience stores and do things that other child actors did." Keep that in mind the next time someone tells you that a child star does not live a normal kid's life because of professional obligations. There are a whole lot worse things in this world.

Alec Baldwin: His critics, and there are many, think that the actor should quit being so outspoken about political matters that bother him so much. Baldwin is proving this week that he can make a difference without being so vocal. He and other Habitat for Humanity volunteers are in Covington, Louisiana to help build houses in partnership with families left homeless or impacted by Hurricane Katrina. He told reporters, "With such devastation in an area where many families were already in need of decent housing, it will be an honor to work alongside volunteers and homeowner families to help rebuild this community." You don't have to like his politics to appreciate the fact that Baldwin is willing to get involved in such a worthy project. Visit the Habitat for Humanity Web Site to learn how you can help people in the Gulf Coast area.

Nick Carter: Never believe what you read in the press, including at TVNow, unless you can confirm the information using a reliable news source ... if there is such a thing. Case in point: Recently, numerous gossip machines reported that Bai Ling and the Backstreet Boy are engaged. Carter called Ryan Seacrest yesterday in order to make sure that everybody knows that he and the lovely lady from China are just good friends. He told Seacrest that he "would love to meet a great girl that has her life in order and understands my career goals." Warning, ladies! Notice that the singer wants his woman to be settled and willing to put up with his professional needs. Carter didn't promise to do the same.

The latest chitchat

Dateline: Tuesday, November 8

Tom Cruise: All the actor's negative publicity caused by failed relationships and his reliance on Scientology are taking a toll on his popularity. Case in point: Dilbert creator Scott Adams announced the results of the fourth annual Dilbert Weasel Awards today. Adams defines a weasel as follows: "any person or group that operates in that vast gray area between good ethical behavior and the sort of activities that might send you to jail." Cruise placed sixth in the weaseliest individual category, behind fifth place Republican leader Tom DeLay and ahead of former FEMA Director Michael Brown. For the record, the top five included in order President George W. Bush, Karl Rove, peace activist Cindy Sheehan and New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin.

Howard Stern: The folks in charge of Infinity Broadcasting are starting to feel the pain that will be caused when Stern's gravy train rolls away. The $100 million a year in ad revenue he brings in will soon be part of the money the shock jock earns for his new bosses at Sirius Satellite Radio. Yesterday, Infinity spokeswoman Karen Mateo confirmed that Stern was suspended for one day this week because he has been promoting his move to Sirius too much and too often. Here's a simple question: why keep the corporate traitor on at all? Maybe if he was off the air until the Sirius debut, his listeners would find some other wild announcer to support.

Katie Holmes: The future Mrs. Cruise would be wise to listen to her former fiancee, Chris Klein. The American Pie star told Access Hollywood's Shaun Robinson that he and Holmes did not part company because she fell in love with her new Top Gun. He also said, "I hope that she's making decisions that are making her happy and that she doesn't have people in her life leading her astray from what she wants and what she believes." The obvious reference to Cruise's reliance on Scientology will not go unnoticed. Watch your back, Chris.

Steve Carell: NBC's chief decision-makers finally made up their minds about Carell's hit comedy The Office. We reported recently that the sitcom had not been renewed yet because executives in charge of NBC programming are worried that Carell's hit movie The 40-Year-Old Virgin will generate big screen action for the comedian that will keep him too busy to visit his show's set. Those worrying days are over. The network announced last night that The Office has been given a full-season order of episodes for 2005-06. NBC President Kevin Reilly told reporters, "It's immensely gratifying to see our faith in the show validated as viewers start to gravitate towards its quirky characters and offbeat humor." The series averages eight million viewers per week.

Connie Chung: The award-winning news anchor finally found somebody who can get her back to work ... her husband, Maury Povich. Yesterday, MSNBC announced that the powerful couple will team for a thirty minute weekend news program that will debut on January 7. Chung admitted to reporters, "Maury's been on my case to get out of the house and get back to work, but I didn't want to until he came up with this idea. The question is not whether the program will last ... the question is can our marriage survive?" The new show will air on Saturdays in the 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. time slots, and on Sundays in the 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. time slots. The program will examine the week's headlines, from top to bottom and inside out.

Paris Hilton: The fat lady has not finished singing yet, at least as far as Hilton's run in the celebrity sun goes -- on and on like that Energizer bunny. E! News talked with Nicole Richie's father, Lionel Richie, on Sunday. He told them that his little gal and Hilton really are getting ready to work on another season of The Simple Life. The legendary recording star said, "I have no idea what the plot is, but they start filming in a week or so. Don't ask me how it will work, but it will work. They'll be together." I still think a Hilton/Richie Fox Celebrity Boxing event is the best way for the series to continue. It could be the darling duo's version of Sly Stallone's The Contender.

Mick Fleetwood: The legendary Fleetwood Mac drummer and I have something in common. Both of us would have trouble hearing the bells of Notre Dame cathedral ring even if we were standing next to Quasimodo in the tower. That's because we both play drums -- Fleetwood on the A-level, and this writer on tour in the sixties. On Saturday, November 19, the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) will honor Fleetwood with the Annie Glenn Award during a ceremony at the San Diego Convention Center to recognize him for his advocacy for the importance of hearing protection and treatment for hearing loss. He recently served as national spokesperson for Energizer's "It's Hip to Hear" program to demonstrate ways that people can protect their hearing without giving up their music or disrupting their lifestyle. It's too late for Fleetwod and me. Make sure it's not too late for you. Visit the ASHA Web Site to find out more.

Dateline: TV NOW Monday, November 7

Katie Couric: Did you know that more than thirty thousand people will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer this year and that only one percent of them will survive? The NBC Today Show co-host knows all too well. Her sister, former Virginia State Senator Emily Couric, lost her life to the disease in 2001. On Saturday, November 12, Katie will attend the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network's (PanCAN) annual gala at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills. She will present the Emily Couric Public Service Award, which honors individuals or organizations for their dedication to cancer victims. The PanCAN event will also honor the producers of ABC's Extreme Makeover: Home Edition in recognition of the show's efforts on behalf of a Utah family affected by pancreatic cancer. Visit the PanCAN Web Site to stay informed. The life you save might be your own.

Daniel Radcliffe: The British teenager has been lucky so far that the prime role of "Harry Potter" hasn't caused him any major personal pain. On Sunday, he was interviewed outside the Odeon Cinema at Leicester Square in London while a polite, but excited crowd of Potter fans waited to watch the premiere of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. Radcliffe told reporters, "If this doesn't get you excited, then nothing will. It is a bizarre experience. Fans are the most amazing people." Fans really are amazing and good for the ego when they don't morph into stalker mode, but one or two of the crazies on a rainy night are a different matter. The British Board of Film has given "Goblet of Fire" a 12A rating with the label "moderate fantasy violence, threat and horror". That same label can be applied to fans who step across the line to get up close and personal with their favorite stars. It will be interesting to see what Radcliffe calls fans ten years from now.

Roy Horn: Visitors at the Welk Resort Theater in Branson, Missouri witnessed a miracle Saturday, or at least something that should be classified as super-human in nature. Horn and partner Siegfried Fischbacher took the stage to talk with folks about protege Darren Romeo's show. Horn told the crowd, "We will be back. I will make sure of that, because I am making a remarkable recovery." Can I get a few "Amens" right about now? A little over two years, the Las Vegas super performer was mauled so severely by a big cat that most people at the scene thought he was dead. His fast recovery is remarkable. If Horn says that he and Siegfried will be back, I believe him ... and Lord help the next tiger that tries to give him trouble!

Star Talk back online

Today star-talk.blogger.com was experiencing some troubles with the scripts. Those are all over now, and everything should work perfect now.

Trouble!

We are experiencing some start up troubles, but we'll get you the latest celbrity gonzo no matter what. Some reports may appear twice, but hey, better than nothing.

The Staff

Joost Canters

Joost Canters

TV NOW Today

Celebrity News: Sunday, November 6

Will Ferrell: On Friday night, Saturday Night Live came one night earlier than expected and only four blocks from TVNow's main office in Greensboro, North Carolina. Ferrell drove up from Charlotte, where he is currently working on principal photography for an untitled NASCAR Comedy, in order to talk with high school students at the award ceremony for the State High School Play Festival at Greensboro College. The actor told the teen thespians, "I regret the fact that I didn’t participate in high school drama in any fashion. You are way ahead of where I was, so congratulate yourselves for that." The surprise guest appearance was arranged by Ferrell's cousin, N.C. Theatre Conference board member Katie Carter. The NASCAR comedy movie centers around a "win at any cost" driver (Ferrell) who suddenly has competition from a French Formula One driver (Sacha Baron Cohen). The actor and Adam McKay penned the script. McKay (Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy) will be in the director's chair. John C. Reilly, Gary Cole, Michael Clarke Duncan, Leslie Bibb and Jane Lynch head the supporting cast.

Thomas Gibson: It took a few years, but the former star of Dharma & Greg finally has another hit on his hands, although it might be hard to spot it with all the fake blood. Gibson's Criminal Minds, a CBS series about FBI profilers in search of the worst and most perverse criminal minds in the business, attracted more than 16 million viewers Wednesday night. The total beat the combined total of ABC's Lost and NBC's The Apprentice: Martha Stewart. Granted, Gibson's show was a new episode while the other two were in rerun mode, but a win is a win ... especially over Lost. Maybe that's what CBS executives saw in the network's future when they gave a full-season pickup order to the creator of Criminal Minds in October.

Pamela Anderson: Just because the sexy lead of Fox's Stacked will be seen with her former lover, Kid Rock, on the season premiere episode of the literary comedy Wednesday (November 9), don't start stoking the love candles for the couple just yet. They are just good friends. If you don't believe me, watch Anderson when she drops by The Ellen DeGeneres Show on Monday (November 7). When asked about the men in her life, Anderson told her host the she still enjoys seeing Kid and Tommy Lee, her former husband, but that she is not dating either one of them or anyone else because she is too busy. Anderson said, "My kids and Tommy are enough to handle." Isn't Tommy one of her kids too, or does he just act that way most of the time?

George Clooney: Movie critics have already penciled in Clooney's name in Oscar's Best Director category for Good Night, and Good Luck, his new movie about Edward R. Murrow's campaign to stop Senator Joseph McCarthy from destroying America with his massive hunt to root out all potential Communists. That's the good news. The bad news is that Euro press outlets are still reporting that Clooney was involved in a drunken brawl with a security guard outside of a London nightclub. Not so, says the former ER doctor. Clooney released a statement to Access Hollywood that reads in part, "I won't stand by while someone is being insulted and maligned. No person I know would." According to his publicist, Clooney was trying to stop a man from harassing a woman. Maybe that's why most of the women on this planet adore Clooney. He's a good guy in a hectic profession.

Harry Potter: Sure, he's a fictional character, but young Harry and his friends are real celebrities to the people who read about their adventures and watch their tales play out on the big screen. Case in point: Fandango, the nation's largest movie ticketing service, reported today that ticket sales for Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire are breaking records daily. The highly anticipated movie has accounted for a majority of Fandango's weekly ticket sales, two full weeks before its November 18 release date. That's one of the reasons that author J.K. Rowling is one of the richest women in England. Fandango President Art Levitt told reporters, "We're anticipating huge crowds, as fans flock to Fandango to buy tickets in advance to avoid facing sold out signs at the theaters." I wonder how much money Charles Dickens earned when he wrote his future classics?

Amy Grant: It might be hard for the award-winning singer to find the time to spend in a recording studio now that her NBC bosses have given her series, Three Wishes, the thumbs-up by ordering another six episodes. The reward was justified. Three Wishes has won its time period in total viewers with each of its last two telecasts. The series centers around Grant and her team of caring workers who travel around America to grant wishes to people who deserve them. Case in point: Tonight's episode pays tribute to a retired couple un Utah who make toys for underprivileged children all over the world. When a show makes viewers feel good each week, which Three Wishes does in spades, it succeeds.

Jennifer Aniston: Movies.com columnist Jeanne Wolf has a way of getting stars to open up to her when they would normally not be so personal with other interviewers. Her latest column proves that point. Wolf was able to turn a session designed to promote Aniston's newest movie into a question and answer session about Brad Pitt and the divorce. Aniston explained how she made the "I did" mistake when she said, "Sometimes we don't pay attention to the signs — there's the whisper, then there's the knock and then there's the club on the head." Maybe the folks at ABC's The View can find out who swung that club when Aniston appears on their gabfest next Tuesday, November 8.

Henry Winkler: Everyday is a happy day for this actor. He is one of the nicest men on the planet. His "Fonzie" fame didn't destroy his sense of worth. CBS likes Winkler and his Out of Practice castmates so much that the network wants the show's producers to keep working on new storylines for the fictional family of doctors who expose their warts on Monday nights. A network spokesman announced yesterday that the sitcom has been given a full season order as a reward for attracting almost 12 million viewers each week. CBS has now given the seal of approval to four of its freshmen programs, Out of Practice, Criminal Minds, Ghost Whisperer and How I Met Your Mother.

Lauren Graham: Having a hit series sometimes makes actors think that they are above the law. In Graham's case, the Gilmore Girls den mother might have been a little too honest during her appearance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show this week. While giving her host a tour of The WB's show set, Graham said, "On the right we have Josie's market. And sometimes in real life, when I am out of laundry detergent or something, I will just go in there and steal it because the props are real. But don't tell anybody." Unfortunately, I just reminded everybody of her crime. If you see a Graham picture in your local post office lobby soon, be advised that it is not an advertisement for Gilmore Girls. Turn the lady in and collect your reward.

Steve Carell: Success is not always a good thing, at least that's what some NBC executives think about the star of The Office and his recent brush with fame. Carell's surprise hit at the cinemas, The 40 Year Old Virgin, has helped the actor land enough movie projects through 2007 to keep him busy -- included in the mix, Carrell's turn as Maxwell Smart in the movie version of Get Smart. Even though The Office is a hit on Tuesday nights, NBC suits have not gone public yet about a full season episode order because they are worried that Carell might be too busy to keep his fictional employees in order. Fans of the show shouldn't worry too much. Where there's a will, there's a way ... and advertisers who are willing to pay a ton to promote their products.

Britney Spears: It's time for the pop star to return to work or at least put a leash on her husband, Kevin Federline. He's out of control and determined to prove that he belongs by her side, not on the stage. Critics who have read the lyrics to his rap songs give Federline zero chance of success in the recording business. In one song titled "Y'all Ain't Ready," the singer raps, "Go ahead and say whatcha wanna. I'm gonna sell about 2 mil," in reference to how many singles he plans to sell. The only way he'll hit that total is if Spears returns with him to the studio to re-make "Y'all Ain't Ready" with her style, her voice, her favorite musicians, and most of all, a different song title.

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