National Organization for Women vs. David LettermanWhen something like the David Letterman story breaks, one of the interesting "meta" aspects is the range of tones people take as they react. In revealing his affairs and the subsequent alleged extortion attempt, Letterman was typically wry and humorous, while TV talking heads, Letterman's supporters, and his opponents have ranged from sober (discussing sexual harassment in the workplace) to somewhat hysterical (Dave should be thrown off TV, castrated, etc.). Now we have a look at an exchange that eschews the sex jokes in favor of more serious issues: a letter from Terry O'Neill, President of the National Organization for Women, to Rob Burnett, Letterman's longtime executive producer and President/CEO of his production company, Worldwide Pants, Inc. - as well as Burnett's reply to O'Neill. First, O'Neill's letter, which also went to CBS President/CEO Les Mooves:
Six days later, Burnett replied:
Wow. We found both letters to be impressive - what do you think? Your pop culture cheat sheetHere's what's happening in the world of entertainment today:
Free book - if you 'find the good'As bargains go, it's hard to beat free. And while bookstore bargain bins are usually filled with remaindered rejects, here's a chance to pick up a new book by a popular author, gratis. Copies of "The Next Queen of Heaven," the new novel by "Wicked" author Gregory Maguire, are available at no charge - but there are a couple of catches. First, you have to act fast: there are only 2,500 freebie copies, half obtainable online (click the link), the other half at indie bookstores (where you should be shopping anyway). The other catch is a bit of the honor system: Concord Free Press, the publisher, asks "that you make a voluntary donation to a charity or someone in need. Then pass your book along so others can give." You get a free, new book; someone else gets a free, slightly used book; and some third person or party gets a helping hand. Win-win-win. Hope it's a good novel. Paul Shaffer on Kim Kardashian's ... assetsDavid Letterman's musical director, Paul Shaffer, hit Los Angeles Wednesday night as part of a tour to promote his new biography with the lengthy title "We'll Be Here For the Rest of Our Lives: A Swingin' Showbiz Saga." He co-wrote the book with David Ritz. It details his days on Broadway, his "Saturday Night Live" stint and his 27 years working with Letterman. It's tough to be out promoting your book when your boss is embroiled in a sex scandal. Inevitably there will be questions regarding the brouhaha, questions that go unanswered. Shaffer did say "I'm not allowed to even talk about that situation. It's like an ongoing legal proceeding and as such, you can't comment on it." After 27 years on Letterman, you may think Shaffer has seen it all. Is there anybody he hasn't worked with throughout the years? Is there someone with whom he'd really like to collaborate? Yes, actually, and it may surprise you:
Really, Paul?
Editor's Note: Several commenters believe this quote was lifted from Adam Carolla's podcast. It came from an interview Paul conducted with CNN producer Anita Bennett. 'So You Think You Can Dance:' Your top 20!At long last, the top 20 have been chosen, and it's shaping up to be a memorable sixth season already: three tap dancers and a married couple, for starters. Before I get to the list, I have to note how disappointed I was to see twin Antwain, ballet dancer David and skilled technician Amber fail to make the cut. Even so, it's a strong top 20, especially among the men. Here's a quick look at who made it: ![]() Nathan: After the then-17-year-old was given the chance to go straight through to Las Vegas last season, Nathan took advantage of the opportunity, and his fluid movements shouldn't be underestimated. Kathryn: We haven't seen much of her dancing, and her propensity to turn on the waterworks could either endear or annoy the audience. A tough call so far. Channing: Talented, good personality, but could easily get lost in the shuffle with the many other contemporary girls. Ariana: Hasn't really left an impression so far (but then again, neither had winners Jeanine or Sabra at this point). Ellenore: Quite possibly the quirkiest Vegas performance since Mark's "Bohemian Rhapsody" routine. She's definitely won some fans already. Billy: I don't dare compare him to season two's Travis (yet), but Adam wasn't crying over his performance last week for nothing. Definitely a contender. Russell: The first krumper to make the top 20, and this untrained dancer has already shown some moves in the other styles that blew me away. Shoo-in for the top ten, at least. Kevin: He made it through after auditioning three seasons ago, but we saw very little of him Wednesday night, so it's hard to tell if he has the personality to take himself to the end. Tappers Bianca, Phillip and Peter: Of these three, I prefer Phillip, though his attitude could be a problem for him. Bianca and Peter, on the other hand, have personality to spare (and we've seen precious little of Peter's dancing). ![]() Victor: All we really know about him is that he cut his hair like Kupono. Jakob: Ridiculously flexible contemporary dancer... and barely seen on Wednesday's show. Between him and Billy, I think one will go far and one will go early. BFFs Mollee and Noelle: Oh, dear. No doubt Mollee dances immaturely (and acts it), but her personality took her right into the top 20, and that can take you ever farther in this show, so we'll see where she goes. Noelle hasn't made much of an impression beyond being at Mollee's side constantly. Pauline: She made it through despite a major injury, and she definitely deserved it. Hard to tell how far she will get, however. Legacy: We may have the most controversial dancer in this B-boy, who really impressed me in his audition but nearly fell short in Vegas. He could definitely rub some of the audience the wrong way as well. Karen: Her husband didn't make it far enough in Vegas, but she got through. An extraordinary ballroom dancer, no doubt, but she may be forgotten because of... Ashleigh and Ryan: My opinion of this married couple hasn't changed (he's great, she has potential but isn't there yet), and Ashleigh only got through because Paula turned the opportunity down. Ryan's another top 10 shoo-in. We'll see if my predictions hold true as the real season starts next week. In the meantime, what do you think of this top 20? Who do you think has the best shot at winning it all? |
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