bodyBarack Obama will be taking over the airwaves on Wednesday night for his highly publicized 30-minute, primetime network TV ad -- but don't expect to find him on ABC.
While Obama's campaign bought time on CBS, NBC and Fox, ABC was left out. The network will get a chance to show off its blossoming sophomore drama "Pushing Daisies" to anyone who doesn't want to get political on Wednesday night.
The Obama campaign bought up 30 minutes worth of primetime real estate for a reported $1 million per network. One source told The Hollywood Reporter that ABC offered the air time, but the Obama campaign turned down the offer, but did not give a reason.
UPDATE: The Hollywood Reporter has now reported that CNN was asked to run Obama's 30-minute ad, but rejected it. "We would rather use our air to continue to cover the campaign, candidates and issues like we always do from all points of view with the best political team on television," a CNN spokesperson told the publication. FoxNews was reportedly not asked to run the ad, and MSNBC will be airing it, according to THR.
*** Click here to comment! Will you be watching the Obama ad elsewhere? Will you give "Pushing Daisies" a chance instead? Or will you just watch nothing at 8 p.m Wednesday?
Message Edited by Victor_Balta on 10-29-200810:27 AM
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Between the mounting injuries and the dissension among the judges, the dance floor was a battle ground Monday night.
Two of the frontrunners suffered blows this week. Brooke Burke has been nursing a tendon strain in her foot—and was kicked out of the top spot for the first time since the competition started.
Julianne Hough revealed that she is having surgery Tuesday to remove her appendix. Cody Linley will be partnered with Edyta Sliwinska, who was eliminated in Week 1 with Jeffrey Ross, until Julianne recovers…which she said should be next week.
And has Cloris finally gotten her comeuppance? Read on for more on another night of uneven performances.
Cloris and Corky: "vintage" Cha Cha Cha: 15
After weeks of grading Cloris on a curve, the judges finally said what viewers have been ranting about all along: "We lost Toni Braxton for this?" said Carrie Ann, while Bruno exclaimed: “You’re the only person in the world to sell such nonsense—and people buy it!” Guest judge Michael Flatley was more polite because his father made him promise not to say a bad word about her, and in a judges’ first, he gave props to Corky for his talent and patience with her.
Maurice and Cheryl’s Viennese Waltz: 21 An “elegant” waltz that was “a beautiful dance all in all” to Flatley was quickly dismissed as “lacking chemistry” by Carrie Ann and looking like a “surfer on dry land” to Bruno. I think they should have at least given Maurice an extra point for shaving his moustache.
Susan and Tony’s Mambo: 23
Carrie Ann’s stupid trick of pretending she’s going to be mean and then screaming "HOLLA!" is getting really annoying. Especially when she’s wrong. She told Susan she "broke the box, sister." Really? Sure there was some age-inappropriate shimmying, crawling and clawing, but despite La Lucci’s determination in the studio, I saw the same frightened doe on the dance floor making tight movements. Flatley said she was "intoxicating," proving that he is just being really gracious with everyone tonight. At least Bruno accurately pointed out that Susan’s timing was off throughout the routine.
Cody and Julianne’s Samba: 23
First, Julianne didn’t look like someone who was ailing; her and Cody’s routine was “the most intense Samba” Carrie Ann had ever seen. Oddly, Bruno thought they got it “completely wrong,” saying the moves were more paso doble. It still looked pretty good, all things considering. Then it was on to another awkward moment with Samantha Harris backstage! She put poor Cody on the spot about his partner switch, to which he adorably fumbled, "Uh, I'm sad that I'm not going to be with Julianne...but I'm happy that I'm with Edyta."
Warren and Kym’s Rumba: 25
Kym’s description of the storyline for her and Warren’s Rumba was the best part: “I love you, but I’m mad at you, you get back at me, then I’m like no, yes, no, ok, you’re quite pathetic, but I love you anyway.” Flatley said it was entertaining but he would have liked more dancing to it. Bruno commended Warren’s ability to get into character no matter the dance, but both he and Carrie Ann caught Warren’s mistake mid-routine. Not as big a mistake as Kym’s Paris Hilton hair extensions though.
Brooke and Derek’s Rumba: 26
As I’ve said many times, I hate the Rumba. The dancers usually fail when they get this one. I think it should be permanently dumped from the show for any one of last week’s four new dances. Anyway, Brooke paid a price for those 10s for last week’s jitterbug—she hurt her foot doing it. So this week’s routine was gentle and fluid, with a lot of arched poses and sweeping arms, and Brooke in her white flow-y gown looked angelic. Flatley certainly fell for it—he gave her an overgenerous 10! Bruno and Carrie Ann felt very differently: two 8’s.
Lance and Lacey's Jive: 27 From worst to first! After last week’s fall, Lance and Lacey were in the Bottom Two with Cloris and Corky. This week they "came out smokin" and blew Brooke right off of her first-place perch. Jives always score high on the show, but even Len would have liked it. P.S. Carrie Ann said she doesn’t know where Len is, so Bergeron reminded us all, "He’s not DEAD!"
It was probably for the best that Len not witness the group hip-hop performance. What a hot mess. Cloris came out swingin' to "It Takes Two" with rapper poses and gold teeth. There were sideways baseball caps everywhere. I couldn't keep track of most of it, but Susan stuck out the worst, while Cloris strangely fit right in. But Lance Bass wins the biggest laughs for his hilarious long-haired mullet.
Tomorrow night, “Lord of the Dance” Michael Flatley comes out from behind the judges table to “set the floor on fire.” Bergeron says there really will be fire. For God’s sake, I hope they keep the “stars” away from it. Enough with the casualties!
Click here to comment: Did you like the fresh perspective of "that new guy" Warren liked or did you miss cranky Len? With the scores all over the place again, is anybody a shoe-in at this point? And Cloris and the hip-hopping. Discuss.
Message Edited by Tracy_Phillips on 10-28-200807:49 AM
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It's a jungle out in the real world what with the economic crisis, the final stressful stretch of the election and plenty of other unpleasant news. This week we seek advice on how to weather the storm from the ultimate underdog - Charlie Brown. We take a look at the 'Peanuts Holiday Collection' on DVD and more... ... Read More
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Hang on to your hats, "Lost" fans! The premiere of the new season is still months away, but ABC has released the first trailer for Season 5 of the addictive hit show.
There’s an eerie recap of where we left off—the island vanished!—as well as brand new scenes that tease bad things for the Losties left behind (including a shirtless Sawyer!) and a deadly decision for the Oceanic 6.
As Ben forewarned in the May finale, they ALL must go back to the
island (how will they even find it now?!), so find out who's packing
their suitcase!
Watch the video and let the dissections begin.
~When are "Lost," "Idol," "24," "Law & Order" and more of your favorite shows back? Find out in our Midseason TV Preview Gallery.
bodyIf you thought you had to wait until Oct. 30 for the season premiere of "30 Rock," think again. Our friends at Fancast.com scored the season premiere a week before it's set to air on NBC, and you can check it out right here.
Click on the video below to catch the entire first episode of the third season of "30 Rock," in which Liz tries to put on a good face for an adoption agency official (played by Megan Mullally) and Jack returns from Washington, D.C., to try to get his job back. The episode premieres on NBC next Thursday.
*** Click here to comment! What did you think of the premiere? Are you excited about the new season of "30 Rock"?
Message Edited by Victor_Balta on 10-23-200803:28 PM
Mick Foley has been entertaining wrestling fans for over twenty years. Whether he comes from behind the curtain as Cactus Jack, Mankind, Dude Love or just (anything but) plain ol’ Mick Foley the cheers remain at the same deafening volume. As beloved a figure from the world of professional wrestling as Hulk Hogan or The Rock, Foley has captured the hearts of fans in and out of the ring. While he has appeared as host of the rock-em sock-em “Robot Wars,” along with several other notable appearances in videos and voiceovers, it was becoming a New York Times best-selling author that made the public stand and take notice of his unique talent.
But Foley is most at home in the squared circle. Wrestling is in his blood. And he doesn’t hesitate to spill it for a good cause. Usually that cause is the adulation of his fans. But Foley bleeds because he cares – for the fans, for the wrestling product, for his peers and for the right and just treatment of his fellow man. When Foley proclaims, “Have a nice day,” it isn’t hyperbole. He’s prepared to do whatever he can to make it happen.
Most recently, Foley was not having a nice day with World Wrestling Entertainment. It hadn’t been nice for the final few weeks of his time there. The role of color commentator after serving as commissioner, hardcore champion, tag-team champion, and three time WWF champion, would be his last position with the company. After a confrontation with WWE head honcho Vince McMahon, Foley decided to look at other professional options.
That’s when he got the offer to “cross the line” to the upstart wrestling promotion TNA, or Total Non-Stop Action. Admittedly, it’s odd to see Mick Foley on anything but a WWE show, but that’s what makes his jump all the more exciting. We’re treading unfamiliar waters here, and the audience is tuning in to see how Foley’s involvement is going to change the TNA landscape.
It’s sort of like Brett Favre leaving the Green Bay Packers for the New York Jets.
Foley’s appearance in TNA has already caused a stir, and wrestling fans everywhere should be watching Thursday night’s live broadcast of TNA Impact from Las Vegas. Mick is set to drop some news that’s sure to rock the TNA roster.
He took time out of his busy schedule this week to talk to me about his flare-up with McMahon, his political and charitable work outside the ring, and what’s next from the best-selling author.
Ruben Diaz: What exactly did Vince McMahon say over the headset to make you ‘cross the line?’ ... Read More
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The 'Dancing with the Stars' curse continues! There have been multiple injuries and ER trips this season, and Julianne Hough is the latest victim.
Julianne and her partner Cody Linley ("Hannah Montana") won the honor of performing the encore dance for their zany, high-energy jitterbug, but following Tuesday night's elimination, Hough was taken by ambulance to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center after experiencing stomach pains.
Here's the scoop from Julianne herself, who explained what happened on her blog at Fancast.com:
Everybody, I’m ok. I'm fine. In case you didn't hear the news, last night it was my turn to go to the hospital. Here’s what happened.
I didn’t feel well the whole day. But I’m a trooper. I didn’t tell anyone. I didn’t want to be dramatic about things. Actually, I was all right while I taped a performance of “My Hallelujah Song” and I was not too bad as I went in to transform myself into Lucy. But then, oh boy.
I don’t know if anyone could see my face during the show, but I was trying so hard to put a smile on. I was in so much pain. Afterward, I went backstage and curled up in a ball. That’s when everyone said I needed to go to the hospital. I didn't collapse as some reports indicated.
It’s weird how I danced through it, how when you have to do something you forget about not feeling well or any kind of pain. But the minute I stopped, it hit me. I was like oh man.
Anyway, bfore we left for to the emergency room, I realized I was still in my I Love Lucy costume. There was no way I was going to the hospital wearing that stuff. I quickly changed out of my wig and my dress. But I forgot to take off my over-drawn Lucy lipstick. By the time I realized, I was like whatever; I’m sure they see a lot worse there.
The DWTS crew was trying to film it, but I was like seriously guys, don’t film it, please. I didn’t break my foot.
I was with my mom when I checked into the hospital. The minute I got there TMZ, ET and other outlets were waiting outside. I was like oh my goodness. It was amazing how fast news can travel.
Inside, it was extremely busy. They didn't have a space to give me my own room. They put me in the hallway with a curtain thing separating us. We heard people scream. It was an awful experience to hear people in that kind of agony. I’d never been in an emergency room before. I was grateful I wasn’t there for anything more serious than a bad stomach ache.
With stomach problems, you never know what’s going on. It could've been appendicitis. It turned out just to be a bad stomach. As my mom said, better safe than sorry.
But everything’s good, I’m fine. Before I left the hospital, which was pretty late, I asked the doctor if I could have a note to sleep in. I was supposed to do the group dance rehearsal today, but I’m going to go back to bed and relax and hopefully take it easy today. Tonight, I’m supposed to tape Jimmy Kimmel for a show that will air the night of the CMAs, on the 12th. But I don’t know if I'll make it. I can do that another day. Oh, my performance of "My Hallelujah Song" is supposed to air on DWTS on November 11th. As for next week, Cody and I got the Samba. I’m excited. I think Cody’s up to it.
Next week I'll finish talking about the songs on my album. I keep getting distracted. For right now, though, it's back to bed.
I'm talking to Fancast about doing a live blog next Wednesday and answering a bunch of your questions. I'll let you know.
Again, thanks for your concern and good wishes.
Talk to you soon, Julianne Click here to comment: Do you think this 'Dancing' season is cursed? Do you think Julianne and Cody can go all the way? Wouldn't it be fun if the Final Two was a sibling showdown between Julianne and Cody and Brooke and Derek?
Message Edited by Tracy_Phillips on 10-23-200809:28 AM
bodyIt's been a bit of a rocky start for "Private Practice," ABC's spin-off of "Grey's Anatomy." The show struggled a bit to find its own voice and rhythm, and it didn't help that the writers' strike cut the debut season down to nine episodes from what would have been 22.
"Practice," which airs Wednesday nights (click the link for local listings) returned for its second season with more emphasis on the medical and ethical dramas that doctors have to face. The doctors are also on a more mature course than last season, when their co-op sometimes seemed like high school for adults. The trendy Southern California co-op is also facing its own financial crisis, with no bailout in sight. The practice is desperate for new patients and the doctors' different ideas on how they should be addressing the problem is causing some serious tension.
I talked with star Kate Walsh this week about returning for a second season, whether she still watches "Grey's," and whether there's still a place for her at Seattle Grace if the spin-off eventually doesn't work out.
Victor Balta: So, tell me what you learned from your first season. Kate Walsh: Well, I learned that we had a writers' strike. For better or worse that, sadly, interrupted our season. The "glass-half-full" version is that it enabled the writers and (creator) Shonda Rhimes to see what was working, what wasn't and they could figure out how make the episodes stronger. Even though it was an abbreviated first season, we're calling this season two, and it really is a strong second season, where it's really found its voice and its legs. The show is really its own organism now, with the medical ethics issues and ethics of friendships, relationship ethics, personal ethics.
VB: What would you say to people who never bothered to watch the show because they think it's just "Grey's Anatomy 2.0"? KW: It's definitely not "Grey's Anatomy." It's definitely its own show about very specific issues that face adult doctors in a private practice, particularly in such a progressive co-op. There's lots of drama and lots of twists and turns. Of course, it's similar to "Grey's" in that Shonda Rhimes created both, but it's so different from "Grey's Anatomy," which is confined to a hospital. These are grown up doctors facing big dilemmas -- issues of financial stress, health insurance. It's very heightened drama. This season, too, there's more surgery and the city of L.A. and Santa Monica play another role in it.
VB: At this point, do you think having that "Grey's" connection is an advantage or a disadvantage? KW: I think it's probably neutral. I don't really take that into consideration, maybe because I'm so immersed in the show. We're shooting our 13th episode now. Last year, it was definitely an advantage because Addison was in the zeitgeist.
VB: You've talked about changes for this season. What more can we expect? KW: Well, Charlotte King (the head of surgery at nearby St. Ambrose Hospital) is more involved because all of our cases are going to be shared more with the hospital. Beyond that, there will be a lot more activity outside of the practice. The city itself becomes a little more of a character and backdrop and we'll be dealing with some serious medical ethics dilemmas in a lot of the cases that come about. There are a lot of "what would you do?" types of stories in all these dilemmas that are very real and deal with topical social, political, sex issues. All of it.
VB: Do you still follow "Grey's"? KW: I do still follow "Grey's." I love it. I get home from work really late on Thursdays and watch it on my TiVo and it's like watching old friends.
VB: What are your favorite storylines? KW: I loved the opening episode. I love that their teaching status has dropped. That's a great dynamic that has played out and now they're all trying to do their best. It's a great struggle for Richard (the chief) because there's an urgency there, a sense that there are things at stake. I loved Kevin McKidd (who plays the new Army doctor) coming in for Sandra Oh.
VB: Not to sound negative, but people ask me all the time whether you would have a place back on "Grey's" if, for whatever reason, "Private Practice" didn't work out. KW: [Laughs] You know, I don't know what the future would hold. There are no plans for that. The show is so strong this year -- so great, so complex. I hope people just keep watching.
*** Click here to comment! What do you think? Are you a "Private Practice" fan? Would you give this show another chance?
Message Edited by Victor_Balta on 10-22-200803:12 PM
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Can you handle more dirty dancing from Cloris?
Every week that Cloris Leachman doesn’t get voted off "DWTS" will be considered a "shocker," and the scene stealer has made it through once again.
Toni Braxton, who scored a 22 for her West Coast swing, was eliminated Tuesday from the show.
The judges’ scores had Cloris and Corky and Lance and Lacey tied in last place, but when those numbers were combined with viewer votes, neither one of them were in the Bottom Two.
Instead it was Braxton, and in another surprise, Susan Lucci. The soap diva has a huge fan base that I thought would carry her further along than her delicate dancing would. Braxton and Lucci aren’t on the same level as crowd-pleasers Brooke and Derek, Julianne and Cody or Warren and Kym, but they’re still high heels above Cloris the Entertainer.
The early dismissal seemed to have been a surprise to Toni and Alec too, as they had no final dance prepared for last moments of the show. But Braxton, who has coronary microvascular angina, said “My goal was reached. I am breathing better. My heart is much better.”
In what is sure to be the most hilarious, horrifying moment on “Dancing with the Stars” maybe ever, there will be a group hip-hop performance next week. Picture it now, Cloris and hip hop. Perfect for Halloween!
Click here to comment: Were you surprised Toni got the boot? Were you surprised La Lucci is in the Bottom Two? Do you think Lance and Lacey can turn it around?
Message Edited by Tracy_Phillips on 10-22-200812:17 AM
bodyIf you've been watching the Major League Baseball playoffs on TBS, you already know that "Frank TV" returns for its second season tonight. (Click here for your local listings) But if you've managed to miss the nonstop between-innings promos, here's your invitation to check out the fastest rising star in the world of celebrity impressions.
After five seasons on "madTV," which was his first real exposure to television, the longtime stand-up comic found his many voices and a place in pop culture when he crossed over into the sports world on the "NFL on Fox" pregame show a couple of years ago. Now he's heading into the second season of his own show, which makes the most of his impressionistic talents as he plays up President George W. Bush, NFL legend John Madden, "Sopranos" star James Gandolfini and many, many others.
I talked to Caliendo recently about what changes are coming with the new season of his show, why he avoided "Saturday Night Live," and whether his impressions of black celebrities like Charles Barkley go over the line.
Victor Balta: How did the first season live up to your expectations?
Frank Caliendo: I like the show. I was proud of it, especially coming up against the writers' strike. But this next group of 10 episodes is closer to the vision that I had of it from the beginning. You never know why it takes time to get to that, but it does.
VB: Having more cast members frees you from having to play everyone in a sketch, but isn't that part of the fun?
FC: I always thought that worked for one, maybe two sketches on the show. But when it was constant, a little bit of the fun of it was lost.
VB: With the expanded cast and the way you introduce the shows, some people would see some parallels to "Chappelle's Show."
FC: You know, because "Chappelle's Show" was on first, I think that's what it will always get compared to, but that's what I pitched to different networks, probably, eight years ago."
VB: I know you've talked about trying to have more "evergreen" sketches rather than hitting very current events. Why is that?
FC: The thing with political and current events is you're never going to be able to do what "Saturday Night Live" does, because they can change it the day before. When I was at "madTV," they would try, too, and it doesn't work. You can seem topical but really be evergreen. But you need to lean more toward the evergreen stuff.
VB: Speaking of "SNL," did you ever audition there before going to "madTV"?
FC: I met with the president of NBC years ago, but for "SNL," Lorne Michaels has to find you, and I never got into that. I was on a show called "Hype" and it got canceled. Darrell Hammond and Jimmy Fallon were at "SNL" at the time that I was going to "madTV" and I said to myself, "I've done very little sketch on television, I'm definitely going to sit on the bench behind Darrell Hammond (If I try to make it on 'Saturday Night Live')," who was fantastic. And you could see they were going to put Jimmy Fallon in these high-profile sketches.
VB: So, with all the impressions you do, and the way you can jump in and out of them any moment, how do you know where they end and Frank begins?
FC: I don't do any of this stuff in my regular life at all. That's basically how I can tell them apart. I've never had a drink or had a drug in my entire life, and people never believe me when I say that. But I'm always in complete control of what I'm doing.
VB: When people see you on the street, which impressions do they most want you to do?
FC: People love Madden, people love Bush and Charles Barkley. That probably the newest and biggest one. That one's been good and it's actually broadened my audience hugely. A lot of African-American people come up to me and say, "I never knew you before you did that."
VB: Some people frown on a white guy portraying a black person. How do you walk the line between impression and "black face"?
FC: For one, I don't think of it as "black face." That is a racist thing. One of the new writers on my show told me I should do it more, maybe some kind of political talk show with Shaq and Barkley (click on the video below to see a clip). But black people I've talked to, they come up to me and say, 'That's great." What makes it great, for me, is just if you do it well. Some I can't do well. Barack Obama is skinny and black, I can't do that. Can't do both (skinny and black). They've asked me to do Chris Rock at the shows, and I can't.
VB: What are some impressions that you can't do but are still trying to nail down?
FC: There's always lots. I've been just toying around with the Nicolas Cage voice, I'm still working on Obama. McCain seems to come easy. McCain can't lift his arms above his shoulders, so that's something you have to imitate. Everything's different, every person is different. Sometimes you're just working on the voices, then it's hard to find what's the take, what makes the person funny.
*** Click here to comment! Are you looking forward to the new season of "FrankTV"? What do you think of his take on Charles Barkley? What's your favorite Frank Caliendo impression?
Message Edited by Victor_Balta on 10-21-200802:26 PM
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There were spills and thrills as the real players emerged on a super-charged night of “Dancing with the Stars.” The show was invigorated by the addition of four new dances, which were split between the eight couples for a two-by-two showdown of jitterbugs, salsas, hustles and West Coast swings.
Poor Lance Bass! Just as he revealed how self-conscious he was over his rep as the worst N’Sync dancer, Lance slipped and fell during his routine. He recovered quickly and completed the dance, which the judges gave three 7’s.
Lacey, who’s apparently bred from a family of champion West Coast swingers, got a verbal smackdown from the judges for stealing the spotlight and relegating Lance to “window dressing.” Backstage, Lacey said the judges pick on her because she’s new. When Lance Bass gets booted from “DWTS,” it won’t be because of his dancing. It will be because of his obnoxious partner.
Lance and Lacey: 21
Toni Braxton also blew it. On the very night the slinky singer claimed she was going to have a “breakthrough,” Toni came out in leg warmers, hot pants, a bad shag wig, and moonwalked to Michael Jackson. It didn’t resemble a West Coast swing, according to Bruno and was “overdanced,” according to Carrie Ann. Len advised her to “regroup.” I say why bother, she’s a snooze. There I finally said it.
Toni and Alec: 22
Susan Lucci provided us with our weekly trip to the ER, where it was determined she has two broken bones in her foot from her ankle twist two weeks ago. Cue the sympathy dancing-through-the-pain votes. Actually, this was my favorite performance from La Lucci so far. Tony and Susan turned the dance floor “Upside Down,” hustling to Diana Ross, with the disco finger-pointing and all. Susan looked like a go-go girl reject from “Goldfinger” and Tony rocked the white polyester suit better than Travolta. She’s still too inhibited and fragile like a “porcelain doll,” and was out-of-sync with the music at times. Also: Len says something alarming about her throwing her knickers off next time. Susan and Tony: 22
For once we saw many of the pros struggle with trying to teach a dance that was new to them too (particularly Cheryl, Julianne and Derek). And last week Kym got slammed for weak choreography that brought Warren Sapp off the high he was getting used to. So this time, they took a trip to “Funkytown” with a fringe-tastic, lift-luscious hustle that had the crowd on its feet.
Warren and Kym: 25
“The old girl can still turn a trick. You actually did a salsa, you did it!” said Bruno before mumbling something about margaritas. (Drinking at the judges' table WOULD explain a lot.) Cloris Leachman got cute points for saying dancing has given her a new lease on life. Cloris got those cute points, and an additional 10, deducted when she said Corky told her to channela "skanky ho" for their salsa. Technically though the entire line of questioning is Samantha Harris’ fault, but it’s all worth it just to see the fear in Samantha’s eyes when she’s backstage with Cloris on live TV. Cloris and Corky: 21
The stunner of the week. Maurice Greene continued his roller coaster of uneven performances, proving that the athlete works best under pressure. Last week’s dance was a dud, Cheryl yelled at him in rehearsals and he came out this week with a tricky salsa that sparked them back to life with triple nines! Maurice and Cheryl: 27
Brooke Burke and Derek Hough seem unstoppable at this point. The internet jitterbug directions led the dynamic duo to two 10’s and a nine. Derek’s '50's-style greaser curls were the true highlight, however.
Brooke and Derek: 29
Following Brooke and Derek’s near-perfect routine would have been a nightmare for most of the other couples. But lil sis Julianne Hough and Cody Linley tore it up with an “I Love Lucy” jitterbug that incorporated the right amount of slapstick, style and zany energy to put the cutie patooties just one point behind first-place hoggers Brooke and Derek. It even got loud boos from the crowd…because they thought the scores were too low!
Cody and Julianne: 28
Who’s in the Bottom Two? Lance Bass and Cloris Leachman. Though Toni Braxton should be looking for that red light's glare soon too.
Elimination Prediction: Crazy Cloris
Photo Gallery: Check out the hot shots from Monday's performance episode.
Click here to comment: Who had the wackiest outfit this week?
Are you shocked Lance and Lacey are tied with Cloris and Corky for last place? What will we do when we don’t have Cloris to complain about anymore?
Message Edited by Tracy_Phillips on 10-21-200807:44 PM
bodyThursday night's episode of "Grey's Anatomy" was the show's best in quite a while, and certainly one of the best ever that wasn't a finale or two-hour special. At least that's what I thought until I was faced, so to speak, with the sight of a man with no face.
Yes, it's a show about surgery, but for many viewers a line was crossed when an image of a man whose face was peeled away (so doctors could remove a brain tumor from behind his eyes) flashed on the screen. We expect to see graphic images when watching medical dramas these days, but this was a sight to behold and a big turn off for many on what was otherwise and dramatic turning point for the on-again-off-again show.
It was an hour of growth for many characters and a critical moment of maturity for several of them.
Cristina saw there was more to medical work than cutting people open, spending much of the episode admiring how the residents in the Dermatology ward helped each other out and got massages and facials during work hours.
Cristina seemed a bit inspired by their level of teamwork and almost unconsciously offered to teach Meredith some complicated stitch for a heart surgery that she was going to assist on. Not much else happened with Cristina, but we're pretty sure she's just biding time until her Army doctor makes his way back to Seattle Grace.
Meredith and Derek seem to be on the road to recovery. She didn't completely freak out when Derek unearthed her mother's diary, and she ended up feeling like it brought them closer. Just when he thought she'd want him to move out, she asked him to stay and offered up her mother's den as his office space. It wasn't a huge moment, but it hit just the right note and will hopefully stave off some of the cries about their rocky relationship. They seem to be on the mend for good -- at least that's the hope.
George passed his exam and, by helping ease an 8-year-old kid through surgery, reminded us of that patient touch he used to have before his life spun out of control. It's pretty clear that the writers used George's first exam failure as a way to reboot his proverbial hard drive and give him a fresh start. The lovable guy we knew in the first couple of seasons was torn apart and virtually unrecognizable last year. They've been building him back up and the news that he passed the exam was probably the final step. Welcome back, George.
Izzie, who also needed some character rehabilitation after the ill-advised tryst with George, finally stood up for herself against Alex's abuse. Izzie, too, was one of the more admirable characters early on and she'd gone way too far off course after Denny died. Let's just hope this new combination of toughness and compassion sticks. Also, Alex finally admitted why he was acting like such an incredible jerk and let Izzie know that she was the only person close enough for him to be mad at.
Despite all this good news for so many characters, some viewers are still turned off by the Callie and Erica storyline. They see it as a big, honkin' distraction, but I say get over it. It's a very minor story involving third-tier characters. Besides, anything that gives Bailey the opportunity to unleash a speech like her "undiscovered country" monologue Thursday night is alright with me.
What happens from this point forward will ultimately decide what all these new developments mean for the show, but Thursday night's episode was a near instant classic that left a huge impression -- and not just because of the man with no face.
Click on the video below to relive the Izzie and Alex confrontation!
*** Click here to comment! What do you think? Did you enjoy Thursday's episode? Do you think Callie and Erica's story is a big deal?
Message Edited by Victor_Balta on 10-21-200803:09 PM
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Actor Gale Harold has been injured in a motorcycle accident, according to a report on TMZ. He’s being treated in the Intensive Care Unit at the USC Medical Center in Los Angeles.
A rep for the actor states: “We can confirm that Gale Harold was in a motorcycle accident yesterday, Oct 14. He has fractured his shoulder and is under observation to assess any possible further injuries. Everyone is hopeful for a full recovery. No one else was injured in the accident."
Harold, 38, currently plays Jackson, Teri Hatcher’s sexy, younger beau on this season’s “Desperate Housewives.”
His breakthrough role was playing Brian on Showtime’s groundbreaking series, “Queer as Folk.”
Message Edited by Tracy_Phillips on 10-15-200802:20 PM
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The threat of elimination did indeed come true for Rocco DiSpirito, who became the fifth person to exit “Dancing with the Stars.” Whether they’re surprised, thrilled or horrified, fans are in for yet another week of the Cloris craze.
We knew Rocco was on the rocks after last week’s last-minute reprieve. We knew his earnest but out-of-rhythm samba wasn’t going to save the day. But there was still a tiny sequin of hope that Cloris Leachman would get her overdue ouster. No disrespect to the gutsy granny, but this situation is getting exhausting.
At least we know now—for sure—that Cloris is in the bottom two.
Rocco gave us a memorable goodbye though. He called out Bruno Tonioli to show him how it’s done: "For my final request, I would love it if Bruno could show me how to make my hips move properly," said Rocco, as the judge leapt to his feet, dashed to the dance floor and began gyrating. I still can’t get it out of my head.
Then the celeb chef complimented his side dish Karina Smirnoff: "Teaching me how to dance must feel like pushing a stone uphill sometimes, but thank you so much."
Other Results show highlights:
~Tom Bergeron—and men everywhere—cursed Len Goodman for calling Brooke Burke’s samba routine and barely-there costume too risque, since the hot mama says she’ll cover up in a Brooke "Burka" next week.
~In a near-wardrobe malfunction you didn’t see, Julianne Hough admitted "I was falling out of my costume a little bit."
For more on that—and how she “freaked” when she almost fell out of her handstand—check out Julianne Hough's blog at Fancast.com.
~Throughout the show, political ad spoofs ran featuring each of the stars slamming each other, which I thought was a hoot. "Never trust a skinny chef." "Say no to hot girls who can dance." "Susan Lucci is a filthy beast." OK, not all of them worked but…
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~Seven Spanish brothers performed some kind of Riverdance, except Latin, which was cool, but all I could think was "After they find their shirts, maybe they’ll find their seven brides."
~The Ballroom Kids are back. While the tiny dancers are super-adorable, super-poised—and let’s face it, better dancers than Cloris and Rocco—it seems kind of AWFUL to judge (even if the comments are all super-positive) and eliminate a pair of 10-year-olds. They deserve new iPods and ice cream to cushion the blow.
~Grammy winner Ne-Yo performed a song, but I can’t tell you which one since I immediately hit mute.
Next week, Cloris attempts the salsa, as the gang introduces four new dances never-before performed on the show: The hustle, the jitterbug, the salsa and the West Coast swing.
Click here to comment: Is this the most lackluster season ever? Are you psyched for the new dances or do you prefer the traditional ones? Andwhat do you think of “Dancing with the Kids”?
Message Edited by Tracy_Phillips on 10-15-200802:24 PM
bodyThere was a whack job on the dance floor once again this week---and I’m not talking about Cloris Leachman. I’m talking to you, Carrie Ann Inaba.
In a sexy night of tangos and sambas, the judges said they were going to be tougher since we’re approaching the half-way mark. They then went on to give some erratic, questionable scores. On this night, crowd pleasers Warren and Kym and Toni and Alec received the exact same scores as clowns Cloris and Corky.
Carrie Ann went so far as to give Cloris an “8”…but not before a vain moment where she told Cloris to get out of the way because she was blocking her camera angle. Carrie Ann then exposed her struggles with the English language when she didn’t know the proper verb tense of the word shine, prompting the best insult from Bruno maybe ever: he called her “Paula.” (As in, that inept judge on that OTHER monster reality show.)
Read on for more of the good, the bad, and the ugly:
Maurice and Cheryl. Dance: Samba. Score: 20 Maurice and Cheryl got their ‘fros on and jammed to “That’s the Way I Like It” in a catchy routine that was hard not to like. And yet the judges did, saying Maurice, while fun to watch, lacked precision and isn’t progressing. I loved this dance, the song, the outfits…so boo to these low scores!
Cody and Julianne. Dance: Tango. Score: 23 The “Boy Wonder” is finding his “mojo.” Even though Cody and Julianne ended up lying on top of each at the end of their tango, I’m pretty sure the judges were only talking about the dancing. They got solid comments tonight but Julianne admits in her blog, “Those judges annoy me sometimes.”
Toni and Alec. Dance: Samba. Score: 22
Toni made a noticeable mistake in her routine, but she had challenging choreography and did pull off the samba rolls. I find Toni and Alec a bit perplexing; they sizzle out on the dance floor yet they ultimately leave me cold.
Cloris and Corky. Dance: Tango. Score: 22 From “Grandma from Hell” to “Grand Duchess of Lust:” Cloris cleaned up her act and gave us her best dance. So, you know, it’s relative. There were still too many moments where Corky had to grab her arm and pull her because she looked a little lost in the steps. She can get that leg up high too, but that’s her best trick. It seems as if the judges got so excited that she didn’t disgrace the dance floor this time, they picked up the wrong paddles and gave her a 22!?
Rocco and Karina. Dance: Samba. Score: 18
The hot pink chiffon ruffles couldn’t disguise Rocco’s lack of musicality according to Bruno; Carrie Ann said he is still “lacking;” while, for some reason, Len gave him a light-hearted “well done.” Everyone: enjoy one last pouty eye roll from Karina before she joins Maks and Edyta on the bench.
Susan and Tony. Dance: Tango. Score: 24
Susan got major kudos and high scores for burying the “timid” bit and channeling Erica Kane for a fiesty tango, but I am consistently underwhelmed by her performances. I would have given this dance Maurice and Cheryl’s 20.
Brooke and Derek. Dance: Samba. Score: 26 This samba was so sexy, Bruno said he needed a smoke afterward. Len claimed it was “too erotic” and said it as if it were a bad thing. Carrie Ann thinks Brooke’s blend of athleticism and grace will carry her to the finals. Duh.
Lance and Lacey. Dance: Tango. Score: 26 Lance and Lacey finally found the right balance between pleasing the temperamental judges and staying true to their funky selves with a Goth-inspired tango that gave them their highest scores yet.
Warren and Kym. Dance: Samba. Score: 22 Warren and Kym put on another enjoyable routine but were criticized for lacking content. I can’t argue with this one; the moves seemed fairly easy, but the blame for the choreography goes to Kym.
Elimination prediction: It’s unlikely Rocco and Karina will pull enough viewer votes to overcome the combined low scores from last week and last night.
Which is a shame since they’ll miss out on the fantastic four new dances being introduced next week: The hustle, jitterbug, salsa and west coast swing.
Video Highlights: See How Cloris Wowed the Judges
Click here to comment: Who do you think is going home? Do you think Cloris improved? And does it matter? Do you think the judging is off?
Message Edited by Tracy_Phillips on 10-14-200812:54 PM
bodyWe may not miss his dancing, but I'm definitely going to miss his ruffled shirts. After receiving the lowest combined scores from the judges and viewer votes two weeks in a row, Rocco DiSpirito was eliminated from 'Dancing with the Stars.'
While many fans think 82-year-old wild card Cloris Leachman’s goodbye is overdue, other contestants considered to be much better dancers, like Rocco, and Ted McGinley, and even Kim Kardashian, have been picked off instead.
I recently talked with the celebrity chef to find out about his "Dancing" downfall, what it’s like being out of his comfort zone and what the cast really thinks of Crazy Cloris. ... Read More
Barack Obama will be taking over the airwaves on Wednesday night for his highly publicized 30-minute, primetime network TV ad -- but don't expect to find him on ABC. 
Between the mounting injuries and the dissension among the judges, the dance floor was a battle ground Monday night.
It's a jungle out in the real world what with the economic crisis, the final stressful stretch of the election and plenty of other unpleasant news. This week we seek advice on how to weather the storm from the ultimate underdog - Charlie Brown. We take a look at the 'Peanuts Holiday Collection' on DVD and more... 
Hang on to your hats, "Lost" fans! The premiere of the new season is still months away, but ABC has released the first trailer for Season 5 of the addictive hit show.
If you thought you had to wait until Oct. 30 for the season premiere of "30 Rock," think again. Our friends at Fancast.com scored the season premiere a week before it's set to air on NBC, and you can check it out right here.
The 'Dancing with the Stars' curse continues! There have been multiple injuries and ER trips this season, and Julianne Hough is the latest victim. 
I was supposed to do the group dance rehearsal today, but I’m going to go back to bed and relax and hopefully take it easy today. Tonight, I’m supposed to tape Jimmy Kimmel for a show that will air the night of the CMAs, on the 12th. But I don’t know if I'll make it. I can do that another day. Oh, my performance of "My Hallelujah Song" is supposed to air on DWTS on November 11th. As for next week, Cody and I got the Samba. I’m excited. I think Cody’s up to it.
It's been a bit of a rocky start for "Private Practice," ABC's spin-off of "Grey's Anatomy." The show struggled a bit to find its own voice and rhythm, and it didn't help that the writers' strike cut the debut season down to nine episodes from what would have been 22.
Can you handle more dirty dancing from Cloris?
If you've been watching the Major League Baseball playoffs on TBS, you already know that "Frank TV" returns for its second season 
There were spills and thrills as the real players emerged on a super-charged night of “Dancing with the Stars.” The show was invigorated by the addition of four new dances, which were split between the eight couples for a two-by-two showdown of jitterbugs, salsas, hustles and West Coast swings.
Thursday night's episode of "Grey's Anatomy" was the show's best in quite a while, and certainly one of the best ever that wasn't a finale or two-hour special. At least that's what I thought until I was faced, so to speak, with the sight of a man with no face.
Actor Gale Harold has been injured in a motorcycle accident, according to a report on 
The threat of elimination did indeed come true for Rocco DiSpirito, who became the fifth person to exit “Dancing with the Stars.” Whether they’re surprised, thrilled or horrified, fans are in for yet another week of the Cloris craze.
There was a whack job on the dance floor once again this week---and I’m not talking about Cloris Leachman. I’m talking to you, Carrie Ann Inaba.
We may not miss his dancing, but I'm definitely going to miss his ruffled shirts. After receiving the lowest combined scores from the judges and viewer votes two weeks in a row, Rocco DiSpirito was eliminated from 'Dancing with the Stars.'
