August 2009

August 17, 2009

Macy Gray, Michael Irvin, Tom DeLay, Donny Osmond will go "Dancing"
Also hoofing it up this year: MMA figher Chuck Liddell, Kelly Osbourne, Aaron Carter, Olympic swimming champion Natalie Coughlin, model Kathy Ireland, former "Sabrina" star Melissa Joan Hart, "Iron Chef America" star Mark Dacascos, model Joanna Krupa,  snowboarder Louis Vito, actress Mya, Ashley "George's son" Hamilton, Debi Mazar of "Entourage." They'll join the biggest cast ever — at 16 competitors — which will also feature former House Majority Leader Tom "The Hammer" DeLay, former Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Michael Irvin, Macy Gray and Donny Osmond. Tom Bergeron says this season will feature a "ballroom bloodbath" of many double eliminations.


Paula Abdul won't guest-star on "Ugly Betty" or "Dancing"

Talks between ABC and the ex-"Idol" judge broke down over the weekend.


"Big Brother" producers boot out unruly Chima

"Chima has been evicted by the producers from the Big Brother house for violating the rules," CBS said in a statement. "She will not be part of the show's jury. Her eviction will be addressed on an upcoming broadcast of the show."


Patton Oswalt joins "Caprica"

The comic will recur as Baxtur Sarno, a popular Caprican talk show host.


NBC picks up "Midnight, Mass" — another comic book headed to TV

DC Comics' series revolves around a husband-and-wife supernatural crimefighting team.


Alyssa Milano weds agent

The 36-year-old walked down the aisle with David Bugliari over the weekend.


"2012" will feature Adam Lambert's song

The upcoming blockbuster movie will include on its soundtrack a secret song by the "Idol" runner-up.


Meet the newest "Scrub"

Actor Dave Franco, a 24-year-old veteran of "Greek" and "Privileged," will play a rich med student.

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August 14, 2009

Mary J. Blige to guest-judge "Idol"
She'll judge the Atlanta auditions.


Amy Ryan is pregnant

"The Office" guest star is expecting her first child with boyfriend Eric Slovin.


Jerry Seinfeld will be 10 o'clock Leno's 1st guest

"The Jay Leno Show" will kick off Sept. 14 with Seinfeld and musical guests Jay Z, Kanye West and Rihanna.


Sarah Chalke expecting

She and fiance Jamie Afifi will welcome their first child this winter.


Jon on Kate: "She tried to 'cry it up' with the cops"

Jon Gosselin says Kate cried and called the cops when he wouldn't let her in the gate. "She tried to 'cry it up' with the cops and it didn't work," Jon says. "They said, 'You have to leave.'"

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August 14, 2009

Cops called to break up an argument between "Jon & Kate"
According to TMZ, it was Kate Gosselin who called the cops. "(Police) got there and calmed the situation down," an officer tells People magazine. "No one was arrested and no citations were issued."
Gosselin divorce should be finalized by September
// Jon throws Vegas pool party


TV has become just as snobby as the movies

The Emmy time-shifting debate confirms that "the medium that was once considered low-brow by definition now has to cope with criticism that it's gotten too snooty," says Mary McNamara. "Forget red states and blue, the battle shaping America right now is the one between quantity and quality, between popularity and worth. (Which, of course, are not always mutually exclusive.) Newspapers scurry to compete with TMZ and news breaks on Twitter, bestsellers lists are sub-divided into Fiction and Mass Market Fiction, but nowhere is the tension more visible than on our personal and public screens."


Conan's Masturbating Bear is back — without the masturbation

"The Tonight Show" last night found a new use for the Masturbating Bear costume. PLUS: Conan has 40 Domino's Pizza employees pretend to be real-life dominoes.


Michael Vick almost became an HBO reality TV star

The controversial QB just signed with the Philadelphia Eagles, but the Cincinnati Bengals — which HBO is currently filming for "Hard Knocks" — also offered a contract to Vick. If he had signed with the Bengals, Vick would've been featured on next Wednesday's episode.


Will Justin Timberlake join Bryan Singer's "Battlestar" movie?

What about Ronald D. Moore? Will the man behind the "Galactica" revamp be invited for the big-screen redo?


"Reno 911" star: We had an "abusive relationship" with Comedy Central

Says Ben Garant of the cancelation after six seasons: "I feel like I was in an abusive relationship that we were never gonna walk out of, and then I got dumped. It feels (bad). The last season was the best by far, and the funnest — and it was gonna keep getting better. But honestly — I'm glad we're forced to move on."


"Gossip Girl" lands Sonic Youth and a pair of famous designers

Sonic Youth will perform "Starpower" on the 5th episode, while Tory Burch and Georgina Chapman have filmed cameos for an episode airing Oct. 5.

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August 14, 2009

NBC, CBS, Fox, ABC are teaming up to create their own Nielsen ratings alternative
Can a consortium of NBC Universal, Time Warner, News Corp, Viacom, CBS, Discovery and Disney be entrusted to accurately measure viewership in the digital age?


Mischa Barton shows up to "Beautiful Life" looking haggard, with a cig in her mouth

And here's Mischa after she was fitted with makeup. PLUS: Mischa strips for cast photos.


"The Jay Leno Show" is being pitched as the No. 1 destination for A-listers

In a sign that Leno will indeed compete with Conan O'Brien for guests, Leno's producers have been quietly courting PR firms to get the top guests.


Will Howard Stern's wife go "Dancing"?

Beth Ostrosky Stern has turned down "Dancing" before, but the shock jock recently announced that his wife would be leaving him for a month to participate in an unnamed reality show in Los Angeles.


Pee-wee Herman is Twittering

Larry King confirms it really is Paul Reubens shamelessly plugging Pee-wee.


Mr. Eko is hoping for a "Lost" comeback

"I loved playing that character," says Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, adding: "Fans of Eko should have hope."


"How I Met Your Mother" can't wait to film the musical episode

"That's going to be fun," Carter Bays says of the special 100th episode. "We're going to finally get to see Neil (Patrick Harris) and the rest of the cast show off their musical theater chops. And I think you'll be surprised. Everyone's seen Cobie do her thing, but Josh (Radnor) is a bit of a song and dance man and Jason (Segel) of course has written his share of music too." PLUS: Alyson Hannigan has a nursery near the "Mother" set.

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ODDS & ENDS

August 14, 2009

With its future cloudy, "24" will not film in NYC on-location

Craig Ferguson apologizes to Liza Minnelli

Introducing "Monk's" "Little Monk"

Why did Tony Danza ditch NYC for Philly schools? Blame too many obstacles…

Bill Lawrence on the new "Scrubs": Lucy replaces J.D., Turk is a teacher

[Click to read the rest of Odds & Ends]

August 14, 2009

All the hype has made "Mad Men" ripe for takedown — don't fall for it!
Season 3 of "Mad Men" is stronger than ever, says Tim Goodman. Even, he says, after all the hype and an Emmy "backlash" that aimed at limiting exposure to "niche" shows like "Mad Men," says Tim Goodman. "An argument could be made that with all the accolades and scrutiny, a less-assured hand might have tried to make 'Mad Men' more accessible or something that it's not," he says. "This is a series truly not made for mass consumption, Emmy wins and nominations and magazine covers aside. All the elements 'Mad Men' does well – the humor, the note-perfect clothing and sets, the creeping cultural change – are still there to be savored."
Writing is better than ever // Reality vs. "Mad" // Why Gen Y women need to watch
How to mix a "Mad" cocktail // A look at "Mad's" stellar cinematography
Jon Hamm's TV past: On "Gilmore Girls," "Charmed," "Providence"
It's Don Draper on "Brady Bunch," "Sopranos" // How to dress like Joan
Jon Hamm insists he's not Don Draper // Will Sal Romano ever come out?
Matthew Weiner: Season 3 is about the anxiety of 1962 // Don vs. Pete
Costume designer on "Mad" fashion // What fashion changes can we expect?
How to "Mad Men" your apartment // Elisabeth Moss on Weiner, low ratings
"Mad Men" is "bad for my relationship" // The Kitchens of "Mad Men"
How men dress "Mad"-ly // The hidden genius of "Mad" product placement
"Mad Men" cast talk about "Sesame Street" lessons
Baltimoreans: "Mad Men" got it wrong! // Set decorator scours Pasadena


"Mad Men" writers are "cowards" if they keep on ignoring race

The '60s-set drama has failed to tackle racial issues, says Latoya Peterson. "Although (Don) Draper has a gift for engaging and seeing through marginalized types—the unwed mother, the Jewish heiress, the closeted gay man—in the case of the black characters, the relationship never goes beyond shallow conversation," she writes. "Mad Men takes on a number of cultural controversies, yet race is treated with politeness, distance, restraint, and a heavy dose of sentimentality. For a show that takes place in the early ’60s, as race riots are breaking out, this is a glaring omission."

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August 14, 2009

Kate Winslet is TV bound
The Oscar winner is set to join the miniseries "Mildred Pierce," which is likely to air on HBO. The original 1945 film version of "Pierce" won Joan Crawford an Oscar in the role of a bored housewives who gets involved in bad behavior. According to Variety, "The development is surprising considering that Winslet is looking to star in the miniseries when she's at the top of her game, having won the Oscar for 'The Reader' and also toplining 'Revolutionary Road.'"


La Toya Jackson: I won't go "Dancing with the Stars"

“I’ve been approached to do ‘Dancing With the Stars,’” she tells "Access Hollywood." “The fact of the matter is, I won’t be doing it, simply because of the circumstances that (are) going on at the moment.”


"Saving Grace" will end next summer

TNT wanted a 4th season, but the show's studio deemed the series too expensive.


"St. Elmo's Fire" getting a TV remake

ABC is teaming with Joel Schumacher and Topher Grace on modern version of the 1985 film.


"Reno 911" canceled

Comedy Central has opted to end the mock cop show after six seasons.

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August 13, 2009

Seth MacFarlane: Yes, Stewie is gay
"We had an episode that went all the way to the script phase in which Stewie does come out,” MacFarlane says in a Playboy interview. But, he adds, "we decided it’s better to keep it vague, which makes more sense because he’s a 1-year-old. Ultimately, Stewie will be gay or a very unhappy repressed heterosexual. It also explains why he’s so hellbent on killing [his mother, Lois] and taking over the world: He has a lot of aggression, which comes from confusion and uncertainty about his orientation."
Rush Limbaugh and Karl Rove to guest on "Family Guy"
Watch "Family Guy's" abortion episode table read


Paula Abdul to "Australian Idol"?

Will she become that show's 4th judge? PLUS: Why Queen Latifah or Lil Kim should replace Paula.


Watch Kate Gosselin's "wow" moment on "Regis & Kelly"

Kate said "wow" after Regis suggested that Jon would return home and they'd live happily ever after. "I can't say that I think you're right, at all," Kate Gosselin replied. PLUS: "Jon & Kate" ratings continue to plummet.


Heather Mills' nanny is competing on "Big Brother"

Lydia became insulted when housemates started insulting her boss.
Victoria Beckham invited back to "Idol"
Posh Spice is judging contestants in Boston, after her stint last week in Denver.


Mayor wants Tony Danza to "Teach" in Philly

The Philadelphia school board is set to vote next week on whether to allow the former "Who's the Boss?" star to become an A&E reality show teacher.


"Monk" spins off "Little Monk"

Starting with next week's episode, USA will debut a Web series that delves into Adrian Monk's childhood.

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August 13, 2009

"Big Bang Theory" would feel uncomfortable labeling Sheldon an Asperger's sufferer
The show's producers say they don't want the burden and responsibility that comes with giving Sheldon the Asperger's label. Plus, they don't want to seem like they're mocking a medical condition.


Idol Live Tour appears to be recession-proof

This year's tour is making as much money as last year's.


Ukrainian sand animator has become "Got Talent's" next Susan Boyle

Kseniya Simonova, winner of "Ukraine's Got Talent," has become a YouTube sensation with her talent of telling stories with sand artistry.


"South Park" unveils the un-aired pilot

Watch the 1997 pilot with four minutes of never-aired footage.


"True Blood" theme song singer doesn't want to become a mainstream star

"I am not going to assimilate," says Jace Everett, whose gothic rockabilly song "Bad Things" has elevated his profile thanks to the HBO show.


Flying frisbee dog makes the "America's Got Talent" finals

What will Rockin’ Rory do with $1 million?


"The Office: The Opera" prepares to debut in Britain

With the blessing of Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant composer-director Anne Chmelewsky has come up with an operatic version of the hit TV show. Chmelewsky says she initially wrote the opera as a joke: "I did a classical composition course, and I didn't really like it. In my final year we had to write something contemporary and classical, and was looking around for inspiration. So I thought, The Office: The Opera!"
Watch "The Office" opera // Making of // Watch Gervais' "The Office" reunion trailer

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ODDS & ENDS

August 13, 2009

Denzel Washington may exec produce a Fox drama

Even repeats of Letterman are beating Conan

"You’re my dude from 'The Wire,'" Obama shouted at "Bubbles" on Inauguration Day

Why is "CSI" creator Anthony Zuiker chained to a wall?

Check out FX's "Lawman" trailer, featuring Timothy Olyphant

Chicago police are searching for the Winnie the Pooh bandit

[Click to read the rest of Odds & Ends]

August 12, 2009

Emmy relents, will air all 28 awards live
After two weeks of mounting criticism over a plan to pre-tape some awards, the TV academy and CBS "wussed out" and will air the ceremony completely live, resulting in a boring as ususal awards show.


Brazilian crime TV show host accused of hiring hitmen to boost ratings

“Canal Livre" host Wallace Souza raised suspicions when he was always first at crime scenes.


Best Buy will not make good on its $9.99 52-inch TV

The $3,399.99 set was accidentally listed online at just $10 early this morning.


Lewis Black hired as a "Big Bang" professor

"The Daily Show" regular will appear in episode 2 as a Caltech entomologist.


Meet the new batch of (shorter) "Next Top Models"

This year's crop includes one model who's 5'3".


Kourteney Kardashian pregnant as her E! reality show debuts

How will this affect "Kourtney and Khloé Take Miami"?


Jennie Garth joins Twitter

You can follow the "90210" star @thejenniegarth.


Jessica Simpson's hairstylist to star in her VH1 reality show

She and BFF Ken Paves are traveling the world for "The Price of Beauty."

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August 12, 2009

Ben Stiller submits himself to "Man vs. Wild"
Stiller wanted to join Bear Grylls after seeing Will Ferrell on the Discovery Channel show.


Paula Abdul could be all over ABC

TMZ reports that Paula met yesterday with ABC entertainment president Steve McPherson, talking about going on "Dancing with the Stars," "Ugly Betty" and possibly her own show.


Ernie Hudson joins "Heroes"

He'll play a Baltimore detective in a recurring role.


Omarosa: I'm becoming a preacher

The former "Apprentice" star is joining the United Theological Seminary to train to become a minister. “I feel like God is calling me," she says. "He’s been calling me for two years and I can’t ignore it."


Jay Leno cleared of violating writers' strike rules

The former "Tonight Show" host had come under fire for his monologues during the strike.


AMC buys "The Walking Dead"

Frank Darabont is on board to transform the comic book into a TV series.

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August 12, 2009

Kris Allen credits Adam Lambert with giving him helpful music advice
"He was listening to some things of mine," says the "Idol" champ. "He had some good things to say, some critiques to say as well. We do that to each other. … We're just trying to help each other out."


"Bachelorette's" Wes: Ed talked about having a girlfriend

Other castmates, including Reid, have come forward to slam Ed Swiderski in the new Us Weekly.


"Top Model" joins "Ugly Betty" to replace Wilhemina's daughter

Yaya Dacosta from Cycle 3 will take over the role of defiant daughter Nico.


"Sons of Anarchy's" Henry Rollins is terrified of motorcycles

The punk rocker says he won't be riding a bike: "Not on the show and not in real life. No, they terrify me. I've got no interest in that kind of thing, at all. Skydiving and motorcycles are not where my courage lies. I need to get some courage."


Why "NYC Prep" is superior to "Gossip Girl"

Among Anne Becker's seven reasons is the fact that the teenagers are actually teens: "There's just no substitute for actual teen angst and while we admire the lengths Hollywood actors go to to appear as if they're still in high school (ahem, Penn Badgely's 22 and his on/off-screen Gossip girlfriend Blake Lively turns the same age at the end of the month), there's really just no substitute for the angsty tumult so painfully evident in the faces of those truly in their pimply-faced years–even if daddy's so rich he can by them all the Chanel cream and facials necessary to erase all traces of them."
Does "NYC Prep" deserve another season? // Jessie: I learned I have thick skin

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August 12, 2009

Did "Family Guy" intentionally make the abortion episode to boost DVD sales?
Seth MacFarlane knew Fox was going to air it, but the "controversy" surrounding the abortion episode is sure generating a lot of publicity for the DVD, which will include the episode as an extra.


"Naked Chef" used a stunt butt for his "American Road Trip" promo

Jamie Oliver was too conscious about showing his naked behind in the promo where he played each member of the Village People. So he hired an actor to play his butt.


Jenna Fischer talks about producing a P.I. show

"The Office" star turned TV producer wants her new show, based on San Antonio private eye Charlie Parker, to be like "Magnum P.I." or "Columbo" in tone.


"Wire in the Blood" is getting Americanized

CBS plans to remake the British crime drama that ended its run last year. "Wire" was a mainstay on BBC America.


Regis Philbin grills Kate Gosselin

In a pre-taped interview that will air Thursday, Reege went off-script and asked Kate if she would ever go back to hubby Jon. “I can’t and won’t answer that,” said an uncomfortable-looking Kate, stating firmly, “I keep certain things private, and that’s one.” PLUS: "Today" denies Kate was a diva.


"Dancing with the Stars" enacts new rules to avoid injuries

Contestants won't be allowed to train for more than five hours a day, says Cheryl Burke. "After every two hours, you have to have a 30-minute break," she adds. "And we have to have one full day off a week."

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ODDS & ENDS

August 12, 2009

Regis' "Millionaire" saves ABC from record-low summer ratings

Could "Dancing with the Stars" feature both LaToya and Jermaine Jackson?

MTV renews "It's On with Alexa Chung"

Miley Cyrus' stripper pole sparks parental debate — and a Twitter war

Also available on Hulu: "21 Jump Street"

[Click to read the rest of Odds & Ends]

August 11, 2009

Why Paula quit "Idol": She was fed up with producers, jealous of Kara
The NY Times says a number of factors played a part in the divorce, including the thinking that her contribution to the show didn't justify a raise to $10 million a year and that Paula felt she had other options away from the show. According to people close to Paula, there was also "the failure by her 'Idol' colleagues to rebut sufficiently insinuations and jokes about her unreliability and possible substance abuse cost her lucrative endorsements," reports The Times. And then there was the Kara factor. Paula's friends say she was surprised and dismayed by the hiring, which sent her the message that she was replaceable.


Paula Abdul is set to visit "Ugly Betty"

After leaving "Idol," she's in talks to play a temp.


"Grey's Anatomy" is being remade into a Columbian telenovela

Ironically, the show is being translated and re-written by the same guy who wrote the original "Ugly Betty."


Ed Swiderski was the only "Bachelorette" contender with cell phone and internet access

That's according to several of Jillian's bachelors, who reunited in Austin on Monday. They say that they were all banned from using cell phones except for Ed. “I think I saw it coming,” said David Good.


LaToya Jackson to go "Dancing"?

If she does compete, it would mark her 2nd reality TV appearance this year. La Toya was on "Celebrity Big Brother" in Britain in January, surviving 20 days in the house with Coolio and Mini-Me.


"90210" debuts racy promo that's "balls"-y and "big and meaty"

Plus, a new nephew is coming to town.

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August 11, 2009

"CSI: Miami" makes Eddie Cibrian take off his shirt
To treat a gunshot victim.


Scott Foley under investigation for an "SVU" murder

He'll guest on the season's 4th episode.


"One Tree Hill" gives a shout-out to "From Here to Eternity"

A new promo reenacts the famous Deborah Kerr-Burt Lancaster scene from the 1953 classic film.


"Friday Night Lights" extends Zach Gilford's stay

Matt Saracen will now appear in seven episodes, instead of five.


Claim: MTV won't let Audrina Patridge go "Dancing"

Conflicts with "The Hills" may ruin her chance to become even more famous.


Sydney Bristow still hangs out with her "Alias" daddy

Victor Garber and Jennifer Garner were recently spotted together in Topanga Canyon.


"Brothers & Sisters" star Sarah Jane Morris is pregnant

She and her hubby are expecting early next year.

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August 11, 2009

MTV leaving its famous glass Times Square Studio
The cable channel's exit at the end of the year marks the end of an era for MTV, which opened the  glass-fronted studio in 1997.


California Labor Commission cited Fox's Octomom TV special crew 4 times

Fox's "Octomom: The Incredible Unseen Footage" will show footage shot by tabloid Web site Radar Online. According to the Associated Press, "California's Labor Commission had brought four citations against RadarOnline for its videotaping of the children. The commission said the Web site had failed to get the required state permits and had taped the infants too late at night and for too long." PLUS: Fox has set up a "six-figure" account for the children.


Can a pushing-60 Pee-wee Herman make a comeback?

Paul Reubens, who turns 57 in two weeks, is hoping his Pee-wee stage show revival leads to bigger and better things. “Honestly, I have a movie script that’s based on my CBS TV series, and I thought this would be a great way to get that made,” he says. Reubens adds: “It is ironic to be on this end of it all and to be redoing it. I’ve never said how old Pee-wee is. People attach their own age to him. I never decided myself." PLUS: Phil Hartman's character has been replaced on the stage show.


"Trauma" gunshots freaks out San Franciscans

The NBC drama frightened people yesterday at noon in the city's Financial District when a "gunman" started opening fire. (Check out photos)


"Making the Band 2" singer arrested for stabbing her husband in the arm

Sara Stokes was arrested for assault with a deadly weapon and domestic violence.


Chelsea Handler wants to spin off "Chelsea Lately"

Will E! go for an "After the Show"?

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August 11, 2009

Jennifer Hudson welcomes a baby boy
The "Idol"s tar gave birth to David Daniel Otunga, Jr. on Monday.


Did the Teen Choice Awards hand out an award for best homosexual?

The all-new "Choice Fabulous" award could easily have been dubbed the "best gay" award.


"Breaking Bad" creator loves/hates Walt's transformation

"We are transforming a guy from something to something else and there's not a lot of other shows that even try to pull that off," says Vince Gilligan. "We'll either succeed or we'll fail but I want to go down swinging."


"My So-Called Life" debuts on Hulu

Catch all 19 episodes by clicking here.


William Shatner performed Sarah Palin poetry to debunk "feud" with Conan

Many media outlets mistakenly thought Shatner middle-finger stunt on "The Tonight Show" actually ticked off Conan O'Brien. In fact, Shatner says, their relationship is "great, he folds me into his arms and I come up to his belly button. So I suckle on his belly button and he holds me close. (Laughs.) That can lead to any kind of relationship, right?"


Atlanta "Real Housewives" star booted from foreclosed home

Lisa Wu-Hartwell and her hubby are no longer living in their multi-million dollar mansion. PLUS: Listen to the 911 "Housewives" brawl call.


Jon Hamm talks about loving "Breaking Bad" and sitting in "Mad Men" water

"I sat in a giant tank of water for a solid Saturday, and it was kind of fun, actually," he says of the Season 3 photoshoot. "I mean, once you’re wet, you’re wet. You don’t get any more wet. So you’re just kind of like, 'All right, here we are.'"
"Mad Men" takes over Playboy // "Mad Woman": An awful "Mad Men" spoof?

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ODDS & ENDS

August 11, 2009

Jessica Simpson shaken by Japanese earthquake while filming her VH1 reality show

Promoter: Vienna Michael Jackson tribute concert to be televised globally

Could the ad recession be the death knell for TV as we know it?

Did Fox cut away from Miley Cyrus' stripper move? (Judge for yourself)

Dane Cook's Vanessa Hudgens nude joke cut from Fox Teen Choice Awards (Watch it here)

[Click to read the rest of Odds & Ends]