Billy Joel’s wife Katie Lee, 33 years his junior, and the former host of the hit Bravo reality TV show, Top Chef, is shagging Israeli fashion designer, Yigal Azrouel. Sidebar: Am I wrong in thinking this guy is a total arse schmuck? Then again, maybe my pragmatism and miserly disposition just don’t see the value in spending $1150 on a cotton dress with a zipper, which by any other name smells like shmatas.
Joel and Lee announced their split just this week amidst rumors of infidelity. While the Joel-Lees are denying the rumors, it would seem that the age difference was a major factor in their split. Joel’s former “Uptown Girl,” Christie Brinkley was in the news last year when news of her former hubby’s scandalous shacking up with their nanny hit the fan.
Now that they’re both older, anyone else think that Joel and Brinkley should just reunite and stop trying to reclaim their youth by marrying adulterous klumniks?
When everything is said and done, and the dust will settle, Al Roker will ask himself, “How did I get here?” It all started on Monday, when these two clowns whom I’ve never heard of before (Well maybe I have heard of them, but never on purpose,) Heidi and Spencer Pratt (A.K.A Speidi,) showed the entire nation how smart they really are while on TheToday Show. Roker, who seems to have something against idiots, threw a couple of punches, then wrote about it on Twitter. The couple, while going from one TV station to another, complained about how he treated them, now everyone is talking about it because it’s not like there is anything that are more important in our world then this, and the interview will surely make its way to The Soup. There you have it, Al Roker is in reality TV world. Next thing you know, will be the star of a show Called “Being Al Roker- The Life Of A Weatherman” which is actually not a bad idea!
I like The Biggest Loser; in fact I think it is the only realty TV show worth watching. It actually helps people do something positive, and encourage others as well. Also, I was very happy to find out that the brothers Jay and Mark are from around here, right outside of Boston (Go SOX!!!) But GOSH, did you see how much they cry?
Is this the way to lose weight? Tears are heavy you know…
They give a new literal meaning to Cry Me A River… (It’s actually a song from the 50’s, written by Arthur Hamilton, and sang by Julie London. Sorry Justin, no hard feelings, but it’s not yours, like many other things…) OK you got my point.
During the recent writers strike, we’ve been bombarded with TV shows that on normal days would never even be considered for American prime time TV or for any time actually. Now that the strike is finally over, and the writers are back at their desks, writing like there is no Mañana, and just before we are going to watch their recent creations, here are the four lowest levels of TV entertainment. Counting from worst to better:
Level 4: Reality TV: I know people are addicted to reality TV, and I understand that the desire to peak into other people’s lives might cause resistance to this post by those people. Nevertheless, Reality TV has the same features as Porn. Like porn it is being semi- directed, the participant are semi- actors, using semi- script. And the most important thing is: The viewers are convinced that they are watching the real thing. Well they are not.
Exceptions: One, The Biggest Loser. This show actually encourages people to take positive steps in improving their lives.
Level 3: Season long contests: This level is dedicated to some of the most watched shoes in the country, and includes but not limited to: American Idol, Dancing With The Stars, The Apprentice, and more. These shows are rubbish. The joy of looking at 3 judges, so full of themselves, criticizing and slaughtering the poor contestants who should have probably known better then to participate in the first place. Recent revelations regarding the new season of American Idol only emphasis how these shows are handled, by who, and for what purpose.
Exceptions: None.
Level 2: Substitute Game Shows: These are horrible, the worst of the worst. These shows were rejected by the networks, but still managed to film a couple of episodes. And just because something happened (like a writer’s strike,) they are being aired. Last night’s My Dad Is Better Then YourDad was and amazing example, in normal times, this show will not pass as a substitute for an infomercial. And don’t you start talking to me about Seinfeld, who started as a substitute, it wasn’t a game show.
Exceptions: None.
Level 1: Game Shows: There are all sorts of game shows, so excuse me for gathering all of them under one roof. Game Shows are what we watch when there is nothing else on, or when we are waiting for one of our favorite shows to start. It is often extremely boring, and may cause you to fall asleep earlier then what you had planed. But there are good sides to the genre: A. No need to follow up. You don’t need to wait a whole season to see who won. B: After a hard day, when your brains can’t take any more information, it’s a guarantee these shows will not make it harder on you.
Exceptions: One, Moment Of Truth. This show should not have been produced at whole, absolutely terrible.
I’m sitting here watching the intro to NBC’s latest wunderkind, My Dad is Better Than Your Dad and wondering how they managed to depict kids in such an evil light. These competitive, bratty kids actually make their dads look passive and somewhat sympathetic comparatively, but isn’t it meant to be the other way around? Showing how unlikable the parents are that spawn such annoying kids. Who hasn’t seen Willy Wonka?
Anyways, I’m just happy that an all new Medium is back at 10 PM on NBC. With the writers’ strike kickin’ it in high gear over the last few months, I grew to immensely enjoy the acting delights of Patricia Arquette’s silly little show. Call me crazy but knowing there is someone else who wakes up in trembling in a sweaty panic over their work makes me feel a little less alone.
Last night’s new episodes of 30 Rock, and the one of My Name Is Earl, were the exception that proves the rule. There is nothing to see on TV. With the writers strike going nowhere, we are stuck with a bunch of crappy reality shows, and with Jay Leno who writes his own stuff…
One might think, that with the lack of good TV, we would embrace different activities such as poetry or at least go to the gym, but the fact is that we just keep on starring at the screen and as usual being stuffed with shit. Only this time, the shit stinks more. Please come back writers, we need you.
I simply hate Dancing With The Stars! I know that I don’t reflect the mainstream- TV consuming average Joe, but it’s the truth. And now, not only that the show is getting even more attention after Marie Osmond was Fainting With The Stars on live TV before the eyes of an amazed nation, Uri Geller’s Phenomenon will premier tonight live on NBC. Between these two shows, I believe we would have a 100% of captive audience, if it wasn’t for Manny, Big Papi, Youk, and the rest of the Red Sox gang, who are playing in World Series tonight, and will be ranked the highest in the Boston area ratings. Let’s go Red Sox.
I’ve been looking forward to the end of September ever since the beginning of May when I was left wondering just why Charlie may or may not have been killed off the island, how many new Fall shows the Heroes phenomena would spawn, and who would be the next cast of D-list celebs breaking onto the Dancing With The Stars scene.
As it turns out, September is here and the season doesn’t hold better TV than what’s airing today and tomorrow. Tonight marks the return of two of my favorite shows on TV-Simpsonsand Family Guy. For those of us who got some sort of interim Simpsons fix this Summer having watched the Simpsons movie, we were left with ravenous appetites which only called more attention to the lingering gap left behind last season after Homer saved Mr. Burns from a fatal mall accident involving a fountain. So now we’re on to this season, Mr. Burns debt of gratitude to Homer and Mr. S taking stock of his life with the help of life coach, Stephen Colbert. (yeah, we’re not kidding) And all this in the first episode of the season…
Tonight’s Family Guy has patriarch Peter Griffin enlisting the help of the Star Wars saga to entertain his family when their power goes out. Brian the dog as Chewbacca and Quagmire as C-3PO have my head spinning already. Not to mention the juxtaposition of life sabers and Darth Vader (Stewie). Well, who better to destroy the Griffin household than Stewie, after all…And while the Curb Your Enthusiasmpremiere aired a few weeks ago already, tonight is a new episode in the unfolding dramedy involving Larry, Cheryl, the Dansons, and the Blacks (the family they adopted from the Hurricane).
Conflicts/Footnotes to Sunday night premiere week: Cold Case is back as well tonight and personally, for me, this show is compelling enough (if I can drown out the slow-mo soundtrack of your life anecdotes coupled with the morally righteous preachy ending long enough). One thing this show is a testament to is the power of the band Coldplay. As long as this show is around, that band isn’t going anywhere.Tomorrow night is perhaps one of the most exciting TV premiere days of the week. With the return of Dancing with the Starsand the premiere of the much-anticipated show Chuck, be sure to check back here tomorrow for more of a preview of the two hottest shows of the season.
Till then, get your comedy on for Sunday night! It will help you get thru the work week, or at least put your attitude in the right place.
Steve Carell was the highlight of the Emmys as was seeing the cast of The Office before the show’s season premiere gets underway next week. The worst part, this year’s choice of host:
As a side note, we all get how big The Sopranos was as both a TV and cultural phenomenon, but does the show need to be nominated in the same category (Best Writing) for four different episodes? How well does that bode for the crew of Lost and Battlestar Gallactica - the only two other shows nominated.
In about two weeks, my favorite shows, Heroes and The Office, both from NBC are coming back for a new season. The Office is probably the best TV made in America, and Heroes, when the producers and writers step out of the soapy cube, is not far behind. In general I feel that the folks at NBC really try harder. With new shows like Bionic Woman, Journeyman, Chuck and Life, and with the return of shows like My Name Is Earl, 30 Rock and even The Biggest Loser (the only worth watching realty show,) it seems like the network’s fall lineup is going to be very interesting.
Mark Cuban, Wayne Newton, Jane Seymour, Tori Spelling and more are among the names that will fill our TV screen on the next season of Dancing With The Stars. According to TMZ, a list of the shows lineup leaked, and got to their hands, while the official ABC announcement won’t be made until Wednesday. I personally don’t like the show, and not going to watch it. However, I can smell a PR spin from miles away…
Enjoy the show.
Amaldo.com vlogger Ilana Donna steps it up a notch this week with her pop culture round-up, once again giving us All the news that’s fit to capture on video including talk of Spice Girls reunion, Nicole Ritchie’s fertility, and Lindsay Lohan’s latest DUI. And for naysayers proclaiming you read all this in last week’s “US Weekly,” when’s the last time you saw Spice Girls hit single “Wannabe” sung freestyle?
Wait. Did I or did I not use “freestyle” correctly here? Eh. Who cares. Just watch the video, k.
While there are certain attributes all pop celeb starlets share: Narcissism; wanton, often reckless, self-destructive behaviour; and director Brett Ratner’s bed, there is also a common adhesive for all of these characteristics: Coke.
Don’t get me wrong. Everyone will be talking about Lindsay Lohan’s latest DUI until this weekend or next week when Paris Hilton gets one or Britney Spears flashes another of her privates (maybe in conjunction with another!), or it’s finally revealed that a washed-up heroin/coked-up anorexic who most likely hasn’t had a regular period since she hit the age of puberty at 10, can’t possibly be fertile. But the point is, who cares? Or more importantly, why do we care?
Well, most likely we’re all part of the self-perpetuating, destructive cycle here. Our interest feeds the machine, and our reinforcement, whether positive or negative, further nourishes it. Anyone who witnesses a newly slim and whacked out Britney Spears on one of her outings can tell this girl is on some serious dope. Same with Lindsay, Kate Bosworth, Keira Knightly, and every other star. Coke is the rage. So why not let these people self-combust once and for all and end our preoccupation?
How to promote an unpopular sport, step by step, by the Los Angeles Galaxy. You got to hand it to the Los Angeles Galaxy. They sure know how to rock the world, literally. So how do you do it?
Step 1: Location! Location! Location! Hollywood is the only place to bring the Beckhams to, money, spotlight, cellebrities. We’ll get to that later.
Step 2: Find your man. Find the most famous soccer player in the world, who is also good at what he does, meaning a real fighter on the pitch with natural talent and proven experience.
Step 3: Open your pockets.When Real Madrid bought David Beckham from Manchester United they paid $33 million Euro for him. It took them only six months to cover this expense. So when the Galaxy pay him $250 millions for five years, they know what they are doing.
Step Four: Cherchez La Femme. One of the most important steps of all. You can love or hate Victoria Beckham, but she is an icon. You must not ignore her and her every caprice. Actually, she is the one you have to talk to even before you talk to David Beckham himself. I mean, it’s quit obvious who call the shots right? So how do you do it? First you hook her up with the hottest and most paparazzi-stalked couple around, and if Brangelina are not around Tom and Katie Cruise will do just fine. Then you put her in the spotlight. But remember it has to be in the middle of the spotlight. You make an NBC Victoria Beckham- Coming to America special, you put her in the Morning show, The Tonight Show, The Whatever show, and she is happy. And if Victoria is happy, everybody is happy.
The Fifth and last step is the introduction: I have seen many soccer players being introduced to the public by their new clubs. But I have to admit, I have never seen something like what I saw at the Home Depot Center, home of the Los Angeles Galaxy. It was as if David Beckham was getting a lifetime achievement award for something he hasn’t really done yet. Amazing.
And even before King David even touched a soccer ball in America, marketing wise, he already does to soccer what his idol Michael Jordan (That’s why he is wearing the number 23, not because of the Jim Carrey movie…) did to Basketball. Now everyone in America knows what the rest of the world knows for years, Who is David Beckham.
John Stamos was in Australia last week and appeared on a talk show there where he proceeded to royally embarrass himself and slowly kill his career in less than three acts.
Aside from his drunken inflammatory behavior (Do all these has-been actors go to the same PR agency for fast-track advice on how to jump-start your dead career?), John actually humped a headpiece from Priscilla Queen of the Desert and fondled the talk-show host a few times after insulting her outfit. In true style, he ended the interview practically atop the host. After two interviews of a equally questionably inebriated nature, John was escorted back (of his own volition?) to the U.S. where his publicity worked overtime to convince everyone the incident was “jet lag.”
Imagine. A place that was founded as a holding cell for refuse doesn’t even want to be associated with the former “Full House” actor. That makes Stamos like the equivalent of the stuff that gets tossed out, thrown into the garbage can, but doesn’t quite make it in the can and just sits on the ground till trash day waiting for its demise by the consumption of rats. Then again. Isn’t this metaphor just a cheeky way of saying Hollywood.
The boxing gloves are officially off. At least according to this season’s “DWTS” finalist Laila Ali who is quitting boxing and in talks to have her own cooking show and go where all drug induced-happy Martha Stewart wannabes have gone before.
I want to follow in the footsteps of Martha Stewart and Rachael Ray. It has always been a dream of mine to have my own show, which could include cooking, fitness and other household components. In fact, I just came out with a fitness/cardio DVD with Sugar Ray Leonard. My show would feature healthy food with fresh ingredients that taste great.
The new Steven Spielberg/Mark Burnett reality TV show “On The Lot” debuts tonight. If it sounds like the kind of show that you could imagine James Van Der Beek whispering about amidst nightly platonic pow-wows with Katie Holmes atop his Steve Spielberg poster-plastered room circa “Dawson’s Creek,” you’re not far off.
“On The Lot” which airs tonight at 9 PM on FOX has been described as Youtube meets “American Idol” which we suppose translates to aspiring web video makers auditioning for their chance at director stardom cum Brett Ratner (who is also a judge).
Other judges include Gary Marshall and Carrie Fisher. We’re guessing that barring any alcoholic delusions on Gary’s part, Carrie will be a good shell for the off-kilter Paula. So if Gary is level-headed Randy, that leaves Brett as the egotistical Simon substitute.
Yeah. That about sounds right.
Anyways, here’s an audition video for one of the show’s contestant. If this gal’s any indication, directors are about as self-involved and annoying as we all pretty much knew.
Jason Priestley is all about watching his former “90210″ alum co-stars’ careers go down the D-list celebrity tube. He just don’t wanna be anywhere near that sinking ship anytime soon. [Reality TV World]
First comes fame. Then comes money. Then comes nose job. Then comes domestic partnership for “DWTS” Karina Smirnoff and “Extra” boy toy Mario Lopez. [People]
Is it Sanjaya or Liberace? (said by judge Bruno to which contestant?) [Entertainment Weekly]
If everyone performed “perfect 30s” last night, how’s this show any different than “Thank God You’re Here”? [The Mercury News]
Wait. So you mean to tell me Bruno Tonioli is straight? Or just over-compensating by pretending to be hot for Laila Ali? Or perhaps just European. [Orlando Sentinel]
Highlights of last night’s “Dancing With The Stars” include:
Billy Ray Cyrus proves he’s just another dude with a mullet, at heart. Oh and ego. Storming off of sets? Ripping a mic out of the hands of a pregant woman? Tsk. Tsk. You’re breaking my achy heart, Mr. Montana. [Entertainment Weekly]
I guess boxing legend Muhammad Ali’s promised presence in the audience was part of the deal ABC struck with mannish Laila Ali when they decided to keep her on. [TV Guide]
The bad news: CW canned Joey Fatone’s new pilot. The good news: Joey Fatone & Lance Bass will not be doing their version of “The Odd Couple” for CW. [National Ledger]
I don’t personally enjoy watching Apollo dance but as far as small, slight, compact dancers go, he boogied his arse of last night. [TV GrapeVine]
In national epidemic news, “DWTS” is taking on regional proportions. And you thought last season’s segment filler documenting the training of the average mom/middle-aged lady as she became a dancer was gut-hollowing enough. [GoUpstate.Com]
“American Idol” is let’s just say, not the best TV on earth. In fact, to my opinion “American Idol” and its followers are akin to the high school bully that get his laughs from humiliating a nerdish kid who just happens to walk by. In short, it relies on exploiting people at their volition and expense to draw viewers.
I remember a “South Park” episode which spoke to the cloud of smug shrouding Hollywood, and threatening to take over the country. This cloud of smug is what I think about whenever I see these shows’ judges. There are always three of them, and they are always of “there is no one but me in the world” state of mind.
The effect of the show is so big, That this morning 2 major Bostonian classic rock radio stations went all in on the subject, while seriously discussing John Bon Jovi’s upcoming performance on tonight’s show as if it was a Led Zeppelin reunion. So, what am I crying and complaining about here? Nothing, I just don’t like the show and I don’t like Bon Jovi…
When everything is said and done, and the dust will settle, Al Roker will ask himself, “How did I get here?” It all started on Monday, when these two clowns whom I’ve never heard of before (Well maybe I have heard of them, but never on purpose,) Heidi and Spencer Pratt (A.K.A Speidi,) 
Level 3: Season long contests: This level is dedicated to some of the most watched shoes in the country, and includes but not limited to: 
Level 2: Substitute Game Shows: These are horrible, the worst of the worst. These shows were rejected by the networks, but still managed to film a couple of episodes. And just because something happened (like a writer’s strike,) they are being aired. Last night’s 
excuse me for gathering all of them under one roof. Game Shows are what we watch when there is nothing else on, or when we are waiting for one of our favorite shows to start. It is often extremely boring, and may cause you to fall asleep earlier then what you had planed. But there are good sides to the genre: A. No need to follow up. You don’t need to wait a whole season to see who won. B: After a hard day, when your brains can’t take any more information, it’s a guarantee these shows will not make it harder on you.
I’m sitting here watching the intro to NBC’s latest wunderkind, My Dad is Better Than Your Dad and wondering how they managed to depict kids in such an evil light. These competitive, bratty kids actually make their dads look passive and somewhat sympathetic comparatively, but isn’t it meant to be the other way around? Showing how unlikable the parents are that spawn such annoying kids. Who hasn’t seen Willy Wonka?
Last night’s new episodes of 30 Rock, and the one of My Name Is Earl, were the exception that proves the rule. There is nothing to see on TV. With the writers strike going nowhere, we are stuck with a bunch of crappy reality shows, and with Jay Leno who writes his own stuff…
I simply hate Dancing With The Stars! I know that I don’t reflect the mainstream- TV consuming average Joe, but it’s the truth. And now, not only that the show is getting even more attention after Marie Osmond was Fainting With The Stars on live TV before the eyes of an amazed nation, Uri Geller’s Phenomenon will premier tonight live on NBC. Between these two shows, I believe we would have a 100% of captive audience, if it wasn’t for Manny, Big Papi, Youk, and the rest of the Red Sox gang, who are playing in World Series tonight, and will be ranked the highest in the Boston area ratings.
I’ve been looking forward to the end of September ever since the beginning of May when I was left wondering just why 
While there are certain attributes all pop celeb starlets share: Narcissism; wanton, often reckless, self-destructive behaviour; and director Brett Ratner’s bed, there is also a common adhesive for all of these characteristics: Coke.
How to promote an unpopular sport, step by step, by the Los Angeles Galaxy. You got to hand it to the Los Angeles Galaxy. They sure know how to rock the world, literally. So how do you do it?
John Stamos was in Australia last week and appeared on a talk show there where he proceeded to royally embarrass himself and slowly kill his career in less than three acts.
The boxing gloves are officially off. At least according to this season’s “DWTS” finalist Laila Ali who is quitting boxing and in talks to have her own cooking show and go where all drug induced-happy Martha Stewart 
The new 
Jason Priestley is all about watching his former “90210″ alum co-stars’ careers go down the D-list celebrity tube. He just don’t wanna be anywhere near that sinking ship anytime soon. [
Highlights of last night’s “Dancing With The Stars” include:
“American Idol” is let’s just say, not the best TV on earth. In fact, to my opinion “American Idol” and its followers are akin to the high school bully that get his laughs from humiliating a nerdish kid who just happens to walk by. In short, it relies on exploiting people at their volition and expense to draw viewers.
