Elisabeth likes Whoopi...so does everyone else

Barbara has promised an announcement will be made some time this week as to who the new co-host(s) will be. So, is it just Whoopi? Or is it Whoopi and Sherri? The anticipation is really...not so much there. Just do it aleady, like a band-aid.

Elisabeth Hasselbeck has thrown in her two cents about Whoopi Goldberg saying, "She is soulful, has a world of experience to bring to the table, and I don't sense any sort of political agenda. She is so funny, but at the same time, she is one of the most thoughtful people that I've met." [The bold text is my effect. It just strikes me as funny that she would say that.]

You can read more of Elisabeth's comments at People.com.

Whoopi and Sherri all but signed

It's being reported all over the place now that Whoopi Goldberg and Sherri Shepherd are in the final stages of negotiation to join The View as permanent co-hosts. You can read all the latest at The New York Times website.

Also this week Sherri has set her MySpace profile to private. Guess she's gone into hiding now she's gonna be famous. Girlfriend (snap!).

New York Post rips Bitsy Hasselbeck

The New York Post has an interesting new article on Elisabeth Hasselbeck entitled: "The Survivor. Ignored, Insulted - And Not Budging. It's Bitsy's 'View' Now." Click here to check it out.

Excerpts:

Indeed, Hasselbeck has argued on-air that adulterers can't be good parents, that the morning-after pill is tantamount to abortion, and that, "especially in a time of war" (one of her favorite phrases), torture is necessary. She typically responds to information she finds discomfiting with "I'd like to research that." She has used the nonexistent word "desperacy" more than once. She has brushed off U.S. casualties of the Iraq war as "unfortunate," while noting the U.S. has an all-volunteer Army.

Walters does reiterate Hasselbeck's appeal among young women viewers, who relate to her as a wife and mother (the Hasselbecks have a 2-year-old daughter, Grace, and are expecting their second child in November). "She tells whhooon-derful stories about her daughter," Walters coos. "For example, on yesterday's show, she told this adorable story about having to borrow her daughter's diapers." (The short version: Hasselbeck peed in two of them after a long car ride to Jersey.) "It was a wonderful story."

Schedule: Weeks of July 23 & July 30

Oh my goodness, the show has been so average the last couple of weeks. The only person keeping the show alive at the moment is Joy Behar. Oh and here's a tip Barbara: it's not cute when you make out you have no idea about MySpace. Are you in touch or out of touch? Bless her for trying to stay current.

Okay, here's the schedule for the next two weeks (including today...oops I'm late). I'm looking foward to Chelsea Handler's turn as guest-host. It's pretty clear they've stopped looking for new potential permanent hosts though. Guess they're close to announcing a decision. I also like the line-up for this week with all the ladies from the entertainment news shows. Okies, here goes...

This Week:
23/7 Guest co-host Victoria Recaño ("The Insider"); Amanda Bynes ("Hairspray").

24/7 Guest co-host Maria Menounos ("Access Hollywood"); musical guest Minnie Driver; shopping with a conscience.

25/7 Guest co-host Giuliana DePandi ("E! News Daily"); James Marsden ("Hairspray"); Cheryl Ladd.

26/7 Guest co-host Dayna Devon (”Extra”); Martin Sheen; musical guest Billy Ray Cyrus.

27/7 Guest co-host Sherri Shepherd; John Travolta and Queen Latifah ("Hairspray").

Next Week:
30/7 Guest co-host Nancy Grace (CNN Headline News' "Nancy Grace"); Jason Priestley ("Side Order of Life"); musical guest SugarLand; an audience member wins a car.

31/7 Guest co-host Joan Rivers; George Lopez ("Balls of Fury"); Alan and Denise Jackson; musical guest Alan Jackson.

1/8 Jon Voight ("September Dawn"); a musical performance from the cast of Broadway's "Xanadu," summer gadgets for kids.

2/8 Guest co-host Chelsea Handler (E!'s "Chelsea Lately"); Julia Stiles ("The Bourne Ultimatum"); Zac Efron ("High School Musical 2" and "Hairspray").

3/8 "The View: Special Edition" - A preview of Fall politics, television, film and fashion from Anderson Cooper (CNN's "Anderson Cooper 360"); People, Entertainment Weekly and Nina Garcia ("Project Runway"), respectively; guest co-hosts Caroline Rhea and "All My Children" star Melissa Claire Egan.

The episode airing on August 3rd is the last episode for season 10. New episodes of The View will return on September 4th with a new co-host line-up and with a reportedly brand-new set! Perhaps Donald Trump will provide a re-inforced chair to support rumoured co-host Sherri Shepherd's boobs. Stay tuned.

Patti LaBelle: View co-host?

This article doesn't really confirm anything one way or the other. Apparently someone supposedly close to singer Patti LaBelle has revealed that she may or may not take the permanent co-host gig if it was offered. Brilliant. Theoretically she would think about it if she was offered. But she hasn't been offered. So who cares? Whatever. Here it is...

BlackVoices
Patti LaBelle: Ready to See 'The View'

Is Patti LaBelle the latest black notable in the running for a co-host gig on ABC's popular chat-fest 'The View'?

Possibly, a source close to the Grammy Award winning R&B legend told 'The BV Newswire' today.

"She would definitely consider it," the insider said about the prospect of having the Philadelphia soul sister shake things up on a daily basis with Barbara Walters, Joy Behar and Elisabeth Hasselback.

The motor-mouthed diva would be a far cry from some of the other black faces - including Whoopi Goldberg, Sherri Shepherd and Gayle King - the beleaguered Walters-helmed talker has rolled out as guest co-hosts lately.

Since the headline grabbing Rosie O'Donnell vacated her seat as chief moderator of 'The View,' in May, there are still two slots to fill to make up the quintet. The show's original co-host Star Jones-Reynolds "prematurely" announced that she was departing the show a year before, causing a media stir for Walters.

LaBelle, who is enjoying a near 50-year career in the music business (in 1958, she formed the quartet The Ordettes), is no stranger for the talk-show television format. Aside from being a featured guest on every major chat-fest, the woman formerly known as Patricia Holt-Armstead voiced the theme to 'The Oprah Winfrey Show' for a few seasons in the late 1990s, following her numerous and memorable appearances on the show, while promoting her best-selling cookbook 'LaBelle Cuisine.'
The 63-year-old former Labelle front-woman, who is known to be one of the more outspoken personalities in her class, also hosts her own TV One show, 'Living It Up with Patti LaBelle.'

A spokeswoman for LaBelle was not available at press time.

Star wants to interview Rosie!

Access Hollywood
Star Jones Wants Rosie's View
NEW YORK, NY (July 16, 2007) – Rosie O'Donnell has lashed out at a number of people over the years. In March of 2006, the lashee was Star Jones and in particular, her "View" predecessor’s incredible weight loss.

"I just don’t think, being a fatty myself, I don't think you can lose over a hundred pounds doing pilates," O'Donnell said.

At the time, Rosie was commenting on Star's significant weight loss, which the former "View" lady wasn't spilling the secrets on.

O'Donnell's little comment certainly didn't help things between her and Star, but more than a year later, it appears Star may be ready to forgive all as she extends a big invitation to Rosie.

"I could do so many ideal first guests, anybody from Michael Jackson, to Don Imus, to Rosie O'Donnell," Star told Access.

Yes, you have that correct – a much more studious-looking Star Jones-Reynolds wants Rosie O'Donnell on her new Court TV talk show – "The Star Jones Show."

The personal invite would put the two ladies face-to-face for the first time since reports surfaced of a bitter feud.

"I actually don't have a turbulent past with Rosie," Star explained to Access. "That's a very interesting thing - the world thinks that there was this big feud. There was never a feud at all."

In fact, it's Rosie's outspokenness that is behind Star's guest request.

"Rosie's provocative and smart and in your face and no, I don't agree with everything she says but I would love to have her sit down and talk current events with me and go toe-to-toe," Jones-Reynolds said. "If nothing else, that's going to be good television."

In related Star news, in the coming weeks, expect the thinned down star to finally reveal the truth about her weight loss.

"By the time we go on the air, every question you might have had, you'll have answers to," she said.

In fact, Star has dished on her weight loss to Glamour magazine. All her secrets will be revealed in their September issue.

Still love u Rosie

This is from Rosie's blog re: defacing Elisabeth on her homosexual cruise ship...

person writes:
i just saw what you did to a picture of elizabeth on your cruise.don’t you think that is very immature?

seth rudesky did it

Lee writes:
I know the defacement of EH was Seth's idea. But why do you condone that and add to the maliciousness? Just curious. It was beneath you.

yes i agree
a bad decision


FYI naysayers, I know the cruise ship isn't gay. I just like to decribe it that way.

Sherri Shepherd struck down mute

I was actually enjoying todays ep without being irritated by Sherri Shepherd. She had a lot of relevant personal experiences to discuss in Hot Topics. I thought I was gonna have to eat my words. Well, they're only half eaten. In the past she has on occassion sat back and not offered anything in discussions with guests. It happened again today, in this case it was with Carl Bernstein. I'm left to think either she had absolutely no thoughts or opinions to contribute to the discussion, or she's forgotten she's actually a co-host and not part of the audience. Sherri, wake up girl!

I really want her to say more cause I'm waiting for her to come out with some of her trademark outrageous/ignorant/ridiculous comments. It's both infuriating and entertaining. Anyways, today I will admit I am becoming more resigned and accustomed to Sherri's presence. She'll probably do something soon enough to get me going though.

Star Jones wants more colour

It's been 12 months since the show had a permanent African American presence and Star Jones thinks it's about time that changes...

TV Guide
Star Jones: The View Really Needs a Splash of Color

New Court TV host Star Jones didn't want to comment on the recent turmoil of her former on-air home The View. But she couldn't help herself. Speaking to reporters at the Television Critics Assoc. tour on Sunday, she said she was "disappointed" that the ABC daytime chatfest still doesn't have a regular black panelist. "There is no person of color that has been placed as a permanent member of The View," she said. "You need to make it look like a fabric from society. That’s the only thing I would encourage, is a permanent person of color that is a professional, [who] would bring facts to the table."

Since Jones left the show a year ago, The View has had a number of black guests panelists. Whoopi Goldberg, Sherrie Shephard and Gayle King have all appeared and are candidates for a regular spot. Asked about Rosie O'Donnell's turbulent stint on the talker, Jones described her as "one of the smartest people on television" because of her ability to draw attention. "We didn't get to work together," Jones said. "I think it probably would have been good TV."

Jones, who's new live talk show for Court TV debuts Aug. 20, also said she will reveal details about her weight loss in an upcoming column in Glamour magazine.

So Star wants "a permanent person of color that is a professional, [who] would bring facts to the table". Can we assume that she doesn't mean Sherri Shepherd?

Trivia Fact: "Coloured" means mixed race in South Africa, not black.

Perez Hilton

Today's segment with Perez Hilton was a little unexpected. It played out like an ambush. But the question is, do they really have that big a problem with what he does? Because that interview today was a massive promotion for his website.

And as for their whole "think of the children!" approach...come on! It's trashy entertainment - it's supposed to be. The poor humour and comments no one else would say are what make him so appealing.

For example when I saw that picture of Adam Sandler's baby daughter she does look chubby/fat. It's such a bitchy and inappropriate comment to point it out. People find that 'oh my God, he went there' humour funny. The kid's not obese by any means, but it's just humourous for what it is. And Celine Dion's daughter-son is ripe for ridicule. Yes it's in bad taste, yes they're children, but that is the price of being in the public eye. Everything about you - your children included - comes up for public inspection. Yeah I'm sure it sucks. But many celebrities are paid millions of dollars simply for their image - Nicole Kidman is a millionaire because she's Nicole Kidman. You make yourself a public commodity. If you don't like it, go get a real job. And if you feel so compelled to act, go join a regional theatre. But don't bitch and moan because you've made yourself a public icon and you've bitten off more than you can chew.

People are bitches. It's in their nature. You wanna be a celebrity, then this is what being a celebrity means. Don't make films, don't go to award shows, don't do interviews, don't draw attention to yourself. Then no-one will pay attention. Until then, you reap what you sew.

Humour is found in all sorts of situations. But the truth is, the more inappropriate and controversial a bitchy comment is, the more likely it is people will laugh.

EXTRA: Something else stood out for me in the Perez Hilton interview. Elisabeth made a point of saying that Perez was forming opinions about her "even though he doesn't really know me". Is this the same Elisabeth who forms opinions about Paris Hilton without really knowing her? The same Elisabeth who gushes how much she loves certain celebrities even though she doesn't really know them? This isn't a high school debate Elisabeth. If you're gonna make a point, at least build it on something solid.

As a TV host you present your true self to the world every day. That is what you are judged by.

Chemistry

Here is the cast of seasons 7, 8 and 9 in another Vintage View moment. You'll notice Star Jones in her 'Indian princess' phase.

ABC: to censor or not to censor?

Elisabeth used the word 'f*ggot' in a pre-taped episode and was not censored. But if she were to use the word 'n*igger' (even in context) wouldn't she be censored? Of course she would. What an obvious double standard.

In the US there are now laws to protect African Americans. It is a crime to discriminate against them and treat them poorly. But there aren't all encompassing laws to protect homosexuals. And the government openly discriminates against them (don't ask don't tell, constitutional ammendments, etc). So faggots are fair game apparently, let the word out into the public. America, home of blatant discrimination. Hang on, that's not what it's supposed to be. Is it?

ABC does like to bring out their editing scissors though. A couple of weeks ago there was a guest on who was of the opinion that society is too politically correct. The guy was a smarmy right-wing jerk in my opinion. He didn't think people should refrain from making insensitive or potentially hurtful comments because Americans are "sacrificing the individualism that's been the hallmark of our nation." Wasn't racism and slavery one of the hallmarks of your society a while back? It's called social progression, genius. Attitudes change. What was once acceptable can later be considered hateful and hurtful. People need to try and find the balance in free speech, without being condemned for looking at a solution to evil words and deeds.

Anyways, the guy's comments were edited when the episode was re-broadcast. It wasn't about politcal correctness though. Seems he was edited because he made a detrimental comment about someone connected to ABC...

Philly.com
Michael Smerconish: How I Got Snipped By 'The View'

I think I got muzzled while appearing on "The View."

Ironically, I was on to talk about the need for less censorship and more-free conversation on matters of public interest.

Two years ago, I wrote a book called "Muzzled," in which I argued that political correctness is so pervasive in the United States that it threatens our ability to win the war on terror. The book briefly made the New York Times best-seller list, and its recent paperback release accounted for my invitation for a discussion with Barbara Walters, Joy Behar, Elisabeth Hasselbeck and Kim Coles (in Rosie's old seat).

I had the good luck of being booked on a show headlined by recent "American Idol" winner Jordin Sparks and runner-up Blake Lewis. We taped the show on June 11 for a June 14 airing.

During my segment, I made the case that society needs a thicker skin, and a freer exchange of ideas. Words and actions in this country have been muted by those who assert their political correctness while sacrificing the individualism that's been the hallmark of our nation.

I argued that, in the past, this sanitization of what we say and do would have been debate-worthy, but only a minor irritant to our quality of life. But now it's a cancer that's metastasized into the war on terror, where it threatens our very survival.

The ladies of "The View" seemed receptive to my comments, and the audience was psyched when they were told they would each get a free copy of the book. So far, so good.

So I was pleased when I learned that the program would re-air on July 4, a day when many Americans would be home to tune in. I certainly did. But what I saw was a slightly different broadcast. About 20 seconds of my comments were edited out, and not seemingly because of a time constraint.

In the June 14 version of the show, I said that my disdain for political correctness didn't forgive the far-out remarks of Mel Gibson, Ann Coulter or Isaiah Washington, at which point I was asked by Joy Behar about Don Imus' recent comments.

I said: "I believe that Don Imus said something boneheaded, and that the public flogging that he was enduring was punishment enough. And I had a difficult time accepting Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson as the arbiters of good taste."

The crowd applauded. I continued: "And look what happened. Al Roker is the guy who called for [Imus'] dismissal. Have you followed what's up with Roker? Roker made a comment last week about folks with epilepsy. And all of a sudden, he's apologizing...one of those phony apologies...'To the extent that I offended anyone...'"

(Roker had made the joke about epileptic behavior while discussing a video featuring the logo for the 2012 Olympics, which some claimed triggered epileptic seizures. Roker apologized the next day, saying, "If anybody was offended, I heartily and really humbly apologize.")

Walters cut in and said she didn't think Roker meant to offend anybody. She then told me she had to "muzzle" me due to the time, and the show ended.

But when the episode was re-broadcast, my comments about Roker were gone, edited out.

What possible reason would ABC have for deleting my comment about an NBC personality?

Well, unknown to me, but brought to my attention by many of my radio listeners, is that Roker's wife, Deborah Roberts, is a news correspondent for ABC.

Sherri Shepherd shoe-in?

Just a short entry to say that the schedule for next week has been updated. And Sherri Shepherd is on three days. It's hardly going to be a surprise if and when she is named as the permanent new co-host. Whatever. It will be interesting to see if she lasts more than a year.

Also Paula Abdul is on as a guest-host next week. Guess she's not holding it against the show for the defamatory comments Rosie made about her. Paula's such a trainwreck. Should be a good episode.

Something else of interest in regard to Sherri Shepherd: Barbara was actually in the studio on the day that Sherri and Whoopi Goldberg filmed their two episodes last week. So Barbara wasn't otherwise occupied and they deliberately chose to have two guest co-hosts.

Barbara Walters involved in a stoush (again)

Earlier this week Barbara Walters spoke about the passing of her dear friend Beverly Sills. Now it is being reported that Barbara is involved in a brewing conflict over plans for Beverly Sills memorial service. Here's the story...

Fox News
Beverly Sills: BFFs Fight Over Memorial

Should opera legend and ultimate New Yorker Beverly Sills' memorial service be full of music or speeches? Should it be produced by the Metropolitan Opera, her manager or best friend Barbara Walters? And was Walters even her best friend?

These are the questions that threaten to turn themselves into an opera of their own. Maybe it will be called "La Travesti."

Right now, all these parties, none of whom get along, are jockeying for power. Sills died on July 2 at age 78, but the memorial will probably not be held until the early fall.

Chances are it won’t happen until possibly right before the 2007 opera season premieres on Sept. 24 with "Lucia de Lammermoor."

Chief among the agitators, I am told, is Walters. You’d think that "The View" anchor-producer-part owner would be more interested in finding replacements for Rosie O'Donnell and the by then very pregnant Elisabeth Hasselbeck.

But the word is that Walters wants to help organize the memorial and choose the speakers. She, of course, would be at the top of the list.

This is amusing to at least one Sills insider who told me, "Now Carol Burnett, that was her best friend. Barbara had Beverly on 'The View' as her best friend, but you know, that was her 'view.' It wasn’t so."

Last week, all the components of Lincoln Center — the operas, the ballet and Philharmonic — took out a full page in the New York Times mourning the loss of Sills.

"Did you see the ad?" asked my source. "Don't you think it's those people who will decide about the memorial?"

Aside from Walters, another Sills friend who is said to be eager to get more involved is Shirley Lord Rosenthal, once hilariously dubbed "bosomy dirty book writer" by Spy magazine.

Rosenthal, say Lincoln Center insiders, has her own ideas about how Sills should be memorialized.

"And they don't necessarily mesh with Barbara's," says a source.

No word yet on Burnett's participation, or if she'll even get to voice an opinion with everything going on. Ironically, Sills — a true New York institution — was all about peace and tranquility. But even she knew that nothing is ever over until the fat lady sings.

Not so witty article from a biased news source? You decided.

Rosie O'Donnell: Prop Comic

Rosie O'Donnell entertains the guests aboard her family cruise vacation.

Rosie O'Donnell loses "War on Bitterness"

The following is rather sad if it is accurate. Rosie, pick yourself up girlfriend. Live on the brightside.

Access Hollywood
Rosie Lashes Out At Hasselbeck, Trump
NEW YORK, NY (July 10, 2007) - Rosie O'Donnell may have left "The View" two months ago, but she certainly hasn't gone away quietly, reportedly ripping former co-host Elisabeth Hasselbeck on a Gay Family Cruise and taking on once again – Donald Trump.

According to US Weekly, O'Donnell reported said she'd love to break into Donald Trump's apartment and rub her belly all over him. Rosie also used the same line at the finale of the 'True Colors' tour the Saturday before last in Los Angeles.

"Wow! That's very sexy, it's a very sexy thought," Trump said to Access, tongue firmly in cheek. "A little bit flirty, but that's ok. It's very nice and I know she meant that well."

At a press conference to announce his new line of office chairs through Staples, Donald threw out a barb of his own for Rosie – suggesting she should not sit in one on his new product.

"I said they are not strong enough we would have to make them out of steel," he laughed.

On the other battlefront, O'Donnell allegedly drew devil horns, a tail and a fiendish goatee on a picture of Hasslebeck. US Weekly quoted her as saying of Elisabeth – "her only fucking credit was 'Survivor!' Come on!"

Rosie went on to add that their last "View" face off wasn't fought on an even battle field, allegedly saying "I can't fight with pregnant people. Just go have your baby and have a nice life."

Representatives for O'Donnell and Hasselbeck had no comment on the story.

Gee, it sounds like such a pleasure cruise. I'm sure she's got all her fans there sucking up, pretending like they know her and encouraging her state.

How to manufacture publicity 101

Here we go again. The bright minds at The View are in full swing. A few days ago there was a rumour in the New York Post that Ivanka Trump was being considered as a possible permanent co-host. Seriously. I didn't mention it here because I thought it was just a ridiculous rumour. I'm now thinking it was floated by the people at The View in an attempt to create some excitement. Lame.


Ivanka has now responded publicly...

E!Online: "There's zero chance I would do that," Trump told E! News' Ryan Seacrest. "I'm working on the sexiest projects around the world. So, to me, to be on a television show every single day at a designated period of time just wouldn't work in terms of my schedule." [Brilliant.]

Entertainment Tonight: "I have no interest in being on 'The View,'" she says. "At the end of the day I'm not a television personality and I'm not willing to give up that amount of time towards a daily show." [Awww, poor thing.]

It seems that things may have calmed a little between camps Trump and Walters anyway. Ivanka described Barbara as "terrific" and offered the following: "She's done a great job. She has had differences with my father. I think his problems mostly lay with Rosie and somehow those problems boiled over. I think Barbara Walters is great and that show is much better than it was."

Why don't I want Sherri Shepherd?

I feel so strange. I don't know why I don't want Sherri Shepherd to join The View. I can't even justify it to myself. Most everyone else seems to be happy with the idea that she very likely will be one of the new co-hosts.

Don't get me wrong. I think she's really nice and a lovely person. But she's just not my first choice. Obviously Kathy Griffin is my #1. And after today's episode I'm really warming to Whoopi Goldberg as the moderator. The more she's on, the more she gets in the groove. But Sherri? I just don't know. She's got the personality and...actually she's probably gonna be a great co-host. I feel so bad. The truth is it's probably just because Sherri doesn't represent the views or values that I hold. She's strongly opposed to evolution, vocally supportive of religion and seems to be very anti-Democrats.

The way I see it the only two real candidates for moderator are Whoopi Goldberg and Gayle King, with Whoopi the clear front-runner. And the only two candidates for the second position (assuming they don't decide to keep the spot permanently open) are Sherri Shepherd and Kathy Griffin. It's becoming clear that Sherri is the front-runner. But I love Kathy Griffin. If she joined the show it would intesify my View-addiction ten-fold. The place comes alive when she's there and she brings back that spark thats been missing since Rosie left. [Is it possible Kathy's not scheduled to co-host at the moment because she's just not available? That's what I tell myself to get to sleep at night.]

Oh, I just don't know. Sherri Shepherd, why are you so good? You make it so hard. I'm all torn. But as an aside - how much was Sherri left behind when they got into politics? Seriously. Kathy Griffin would have been so all over that. But even I am realistic enough to see that having Joy, Whoopi and Kathy on the one panel would mean too many voices on the side of reason. But it might just be enough to drive Elisabeth over the edge. Hmmm...hehehe.

For goodness sake, announce something soon. I can't take the sleepless nights ;)

From D-List to short list

Here are two brand-new interviews with Kathy Griffin...

Winnipeg Sun
Griffin on 'short list' for gig on The View

Kathy Griffin would consider joining the full-time cast of The View, but she's worried the show might not "come up with the Griffin dollars."

Seriously, the veteran comedienne confirmed yesterday in an interview with Sun Media that she has heard she is on a "short list" to replace her good friend Rosie O'Donnell on The View (ABC/CTV).

"But that's what I love, that's why I'm on the D-list," said Griffin, whose reality show Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List runs Thursdays on the Comedy Network in Canada.

"They (the producers of The View) are not throwing piles of money at me. They're not begging. I love when you hear these actresses say, 'The producer literally got on his knees and opened a briefcase full of money.' With me, no. It's like, ehhhh, they might, they might not, if they do they don't want me to talk so much. Believe me, there are a lot of provisos.

FUN GIG

"But I don't know anything. I honestly don't know if they know what they want at this point. It would be a fun gig. But I'm not sure. We'll cross that bridge when we come to it."

Griffin said one thing she would have to consider if she were offered a job on The View is how it would impact her busy touring schedule as a standup act.

"Things couldn't be going better (on tour)," said Griffin, 46. "I'm going to play Madison Square Garden (in New York) in January. So we'll see.

"Honestly, I don't think they're going to come up with the Griffin dollars. But I'm happy to go and check it out and see what they want. I've done The View a bunch of times and it's a very fun show to do."

In other words, Griffin wouldn't blurt out "no" or "yes" to The View immediately, but she certainly would listen if a solid offer were made. "Exactly," Griffin said. "That's exactly right."

Brandon Sun
Note to "The View" producers from Kathy Griffin: be more like Rosie

TORONTO (CP) - Comedian Kathy Griffin has a message for the producers of "The View" as they ponder their choice of replacement for the outspoken Rosie O'Donnell: learn some lessons from O'Donnell herself.

"What Rosie proved is that soccer moms and stay-at-home women really do want to talk about the war and about how disappointed they are in this administration," Griffin says from California, where she's on tour for her standup act.

"As a viewer, I hope that whoever they choose, they don't stop talking about political issues. It was really exciting when Rosie brought up those issues."

Griffin, whose reality show, "My Life on the D-List," is airing in Canada on Thursday nights on the Comedy Network, is herself on the short list of candidates to replace O'Donnell. But that doesn't stop her from speaking honestly about the woman who could one day be her boss.

"Pursuing the Paris Hilton interview was a bad call," Griffin says of Barbara Walters's ultimately unsuccessful efforts to land Hilton's first post-jail interview last month. "It's just another chapter in the dumbing-down of America, and Barbara's someone who's interviewed every head of state and every president.

"I know that the ratings for Larry King were good, but believe me, I guarantee that the next one-on-one sitdown with Paris Hilton will be a bust. We all saw it, it was boring, she's a moron and a liar - people see through that."

Americans, in fact, want to discuss weightier issues than Hilton's self-made messes - something proven by O'Donnell, whose fiery stint on "The View" significantly boosted ratings.

"The audience would burst into applause when she said: 'Impeach Bush.' It shouldn't obviously become some radical show, but I hope it doesn't become 'and here's how to make a good omelette for your husband.' And if it does, someone else is going to scoop them. Rosie will do it somewhere else."

It's surprisingly clean straight talk from Griffin, 46, best-known for her brand of foul-mouthed humour on everything from celebrity culture to Scientology and politics. Her standup act, for example, features some deliciously dirty barbs aimed at Ann Coulter, the divisive and controversial right-wing pundit in the United States.

But fans of "My Life on the D-List" know that the red-haired Griffin is multi-faceted, and never more so than in Season Three, where she deals with the devastating breakup of her marriage and the death of her beloved father, a man who was a frequent fixture on the show during its first two years on the air.

It was difficult discussing on camera her growing awareness that she'd badly misjudged her husband, Matt Moline, Griffin says. The comedian has alleged that Moline pilfered money from her during their marriage.

"Believe me, I had absolutely no intention of crying and it's sort of embarrassing but what could I do?" Griffin says of her inability to hold back tears. "It all happened when the cameras were there and it's very raw. A marriage breakup sucks. It really sucks."

The death of her father, John, at the age of 90 was another terrible blow, Griffin says, yet a loss that made her grateful to be doing the Emmy-nominated "My Life on the D-List."

"The show really captured who my Dad was. One thing I am proud of is that the show really is real and nothing is fake and nothing is scripted, so it's actually a pleasure for my family and I to have that record of my Dad's last couple of years when he was really sharp and really himself."

Griffin is dealing with the losses by staying busy both doing the show and touring - with a stop in Vancouver on the horizon and hopefully additional Canadian cities.

"I love Canada," she says. "I think Montreal's my favourite because I love French food but it's all gorgeous, it's a great country that has absolutely everything. And you know what I've never done that I've always wanted to do? I've never done that thing where in the winter, you put maple syrup on snow and then eat it. That looks so good; I really want to do that."

She's also not paying much attention to the fact that at any moment, she could get a phone call asking her to become part of "The View."

"I think I have a chance, but to my knowledge they haven't even decided whether they want one person or two at this point," she says.

"But I am glad it's taking time right now because I couldn't get off my tour schedule even if I wanted to. I love touring. I'm playing Madison Square Garden in January and you can't top stuff like that."

In the wake of a Star

For some nostalgia I thought I'd revisit Star Jones' appearances and interviews in the wake of her departure from The View. As a preface here is the statement Barbara Walters made to explain why Star had been fired:

"They had done a great deal of research, and her negatives were rising. Not so much because of what she did on the air. It was things she did off the air. The audience was losing trust in her. They didn't believe some of the things she said." [Source: New York Times] That's kinda cutting. Definitely no love lost.

This coincided with Star's appearance on Larry King Live in which she told how ABC handled things and how it all played out from her perspective. To see a clip from this [I would say riveting - don't mock me] interview visit CNN.


Further to this was Star's lengthy interview with AOL's Black Voices in which she spoke again about how it went down and revealed exactly when Rosie was approached to join The View:

"Well, the last two months have been horrible. I guess I could fake it for you but I'm not going to. Now remember, I will draw you a picture. I told you April 21 is when they told me, and Barbara did not call me herself. Barbara called my agent. And after 9 years, she didn't call me. And then, that next Wednesday, I was supposed to get on a plane and go to the Emmy Awards, the Emmy Awards I had earned with my colleagues for a year of work. Then I was told in my office that Rosie O'Donnell was joining 'The View.' And I was told that they were going to use the Emmy Awards that my colleagues and I had earned to make the announcement. And, I was promised that nothing would leak and they would not use it as an opportunity to humiliate me, and if I would go to the Emmys. They begged me to go! As you can imagine, that was very hurtful. By the time I got to the airport, they had leaked that Rosie O'Donnell was coming to 'The View' and that they were going to announce it at the Emmys. On the day of the Emmys, 48 hours later, I had to walk that red carpet my best foot forward and sit in the front row as Barbara Walters walked Rosie O'Donnell out on that stage. And, this was particularly galling because I found out by sitting in that audience that Barbara had made a phone call to Rosie in the same week she'd viciously attacked me in print and on television and invited her to be co-host. The same week. Barbara ran into her at her event the same week Rosie had gone on her blog and on every single evening entertainment program and attacked me. Barbara used that week to call her and invite her to be a part of the show that I helped launch nine years ago, and I found that out sitting in the audience that night. And for Barbara to say she feels betrayed, (laughs), it's the height of hypocrisy. Because I sat there and for two months I came to work every day. It's so disheartening to me. I came to work every day. I held my head up. I operated in grace and dignity. I continued to share my life. I brought photographs of my family. One hundred percent professionalism for two months. And I sat there knowing they had conspired to hurt me professionally and personally. Remember this, I knew since April! But I still came to work."

It's doesn't exactly paint a pretty picture of Barbara Walters as far as loyalty goes. Star must have really rubbed her the wrong way. Kathy Griffin is right - Barbara never loses.

BTW New episodes from today! Finally :-)

Rosie memories

This is a picture of Rosie that I love. It's a reminder of the happy times she had on The View. I also thought it might be of use to the people at Fox News since they seem to have so much trouble finding flattering pics of her.

Schedule: July 16-20

Here is the schedule for the week commencing July 16th (at least part of it).

Schedule
16/7: Guest co-host Sherri Shepherd; Harry Hamlin & Lisa Rinna (Broadway's "Chicago").

17/7: Guest co-host Ross "The Intern" Mathews; Tony Award winner Kristin Chenoweth; beachwear alternatives.

18/7: Guest co-host Sherri Shepherd; Alan Alda ("Resurrecting the Champ"); musical guest Taylor Hicks.

19/7: Celebrity guest co-host Paula Abdul ("Hey Paula"); Glenn Close ("Damages"); bubble man Fan Yang.

20/7: Guest co-host Sherri Shepherd; Ashley Judd; ugly dogs; beach gadgets.

Blog entries about schedule listings will be updated when any changes or additions are announced. For example Mary Tyler Moore has been added to the coming weeks' schedule. She's probably on to talk about diabetes or people who used to be on TV or something charitable. Who knows. Anyway, is it just me or are the upcoming guests a little less than thrilling? Let's hope something interesting happens in Hot Topics.

On the campaign trail

The following is a clip of Kathy Griffin from one of her recent appearances on The View. It's a good example of why I love her so much and think she would be a fantastic addition to the show. In the clip she voices her thoughts about female presidential candidates, Condi Rice, and Republicans...



Keep an eye out for one of Elisabeth's trademark stupid observations. In this case she is concerned about white men now being the victims of discrimination. [Remember when she made that comment about Bush not scaring the children on 9/11? She's such a putz.]

Also there is a transcript of Kathy's recent appearance on Larry King up on the CNN website which you might like to check out. Remember, come election day, vote [1] Griffin.

Mix & Match

This is the latest from TV Guide about those in the running for co-host:

Don't place your bets on a guy replacement when Barbara Walters and her colleagues on The View announce who will take the spots vacated by Rosie and — at long last — Star Jones Reynolds. Despite the presence of Joy Behar's buddy Mario Cantone in the mix, TV Guide hears that his guest-hosting is more of a fun stunt than a tryout. When the winners are revealed, probably between July 9 and August 2, we predict the show stays ladies only. As Elisabeth Hasselbeck told TV Guide, "Women feel safe with women. It's just comforting." Fans should keep their eyes on three candidates who have cohosted numerous times: Gayle King, who won raves for her Meredith Vieira-style moderating last week, Whoopi Goldberg and fellow funny lady Sherri Shepherd, who are cohosting July 9 and 13. "There could be two African-American hosts, which would be great," says a source close to the show. King has one big plus going for her: She would probably bring some of her BFF Oprah's fans to The View. [Source: TV Guide]

It does seem as though Sherri Shepherd all but has the job and they're just trying to find a moderator to complete the line-up. It's too bad Gayle and Sherri weren't compatible. There's a good article up at E!Online which contrasts the two women. It's aptly titled "Class vs. Crass: Gayle King Smacks Down Shepherd".

Gayle King is exactly what this show needs if they want to earn back the credibility they had with the likes of Meredith Vieira. A capable, thoughtful and dignified host.

New set for The View?

Rumour has it that The View will have a brand new set come September. The following is from In Touch Weekly:

"The entire set will be destroyed and rebuilt from the ground up for next season," a crew member tells In Touch. "Producers want to clear the studio of the bad Rosie vibes when the new host joins the show in the fall, so they're dismantling the set and starting from scratch."

Vintage Quote: Barbara Walters' futuresight

Here's what Barbara had to say in September 2006 after Rosie was told to stop blogging about The View due to negative comments she made about ABC:

"I didn't like the blog. I'm counting on Rosie's intelligence and sensitivity and humor. This is, after all, an entertainment show. It is based on people who like each other and are having a good time, not on people who are arguing and unhappy."

Cue forward to May 23rd 2007. Hmmm. 'Barbara Walters sees writing on wall...doesn't read it.'

I miss Rosie.

Random Star Jones picture

She fascinates me. I don't know why.

Big Girls Don't Cry

Exploring Barbara Walters' complex emotions in the wake of Rosie's departure from The View...

Vote [1] Griffin

It's time to mobilize if you want Kathy Griffin to nab one of the co-host seats up for grabs. Sherri Shepherd's people are already on the move. She's campaigning hard and has encouraged all of her supporters to email The View's executive producer Bill Geddie.

There is no official campaign headquarters and very few people actually know of this blog, but I encourage everyone who supports Kathy Griffin joining The View to make their voices heard. She's hilarious, smart, politically aware and would make an excellent addition to The View.

If you are so inclined please email Bill Geddie and Barbara Walters at The View's official website. Barbara's email is on the main page and you can contact Bill Geddie by going to the 'Ask a ViewMaster' section.

This is the unofficial Kathy campaign logo, spread the word:

Schedule: July 9-13

The schedule is out for the week of July 9th.

New news? Whoopi Goldberg is still a front runner for the moderator seat.

Bad news? They're pairing Sherri Shepherd with a second guest co-host again which indicates she's a huge front runner. But dammit she just isn't right for The View. She'll bring the intelligence quota down. She refuses to accept evolution as a fact and she's anti-Al Gore. Argh!!!

Other news? Perez Hilton will not be a guest co-host as previously reported. He's only making a guest appearance.

Schedule
9/7: Author Jackie Collins; journalist Tina Brown; the book "21 Pounds in 21 Days"; guest co-hosts Whoopi Goldberg and Sherri Shepherd.

10/7: Actress Jaclyn Smith; actor John Ratzenberger ("Ratatouille"); guest co-host Alexandra Wentworth.

11/7: Actress Mary Tyler Moore; Kelly Rowland performs; Jason Thompson and Billy Dee Williams ("General Hospital: Night Shift"); guest co-host Debi Mazar.

12/7: TV personality Joan Rivers; cooking with chef Ingrid Hoffmann; guest co-host Mario Cantone.

13/7: TV personality Tom Bergeron; celebrity blogger Perez Hilton; backyard gadgets; guest co-hosts Whoopi Goldberg and Sherri Shepherd.

Hopefully Kathy Griffin will be back soon.

War of the roses (part 3 of 3)

Here is the concluding chapter of our journey through the most memorable tense moments in View history...


Us? Dysfunctional? [November 1st 2006]
In this episode from last year Joy and Elisabeth got into another one of their regular liberal vs conservative debates. The issue was John Kerry and his disparaging comments about people in the military. Elisabeth proclaimed "John Kerry talks like he's God." I'm sorry Elisabeth, are you not familiar with Dictator Bush? She spoke in support of the war, with Joy countering that people who support the war are stupid. Elisabeth took offense to the comment but Joy stood by it. As tensions got higher Rosie broke into song with Streisand's 'People'. When Rosie and Barbara tried to wrap things up Joy banged on the table declaring "I am not done!" Barbara stepped in and reminded everyone why she created the show: "I always wanted to do a show with different people of different generations and different points-of-view". Joy replied, "Ohhh. Barbara, stop it. It's old news okay?" The ladies then decided this was a good time to remind everyone to vote. Joy was brilliant as usual. And what was Elisabeth's pearl of wisdom for people going to the polls? "Either fight the war on terror or fight Republicans. Pick your battle." In the world according to Elisabeth everything is very simple. To check out a clip of this argument visit YouTube.

"Elisabeth, calm down dear" [August 2nd 2006]
Elisabeth became very passionate in a debate about the contraceptive pill which can be taken 72 hours after the fact. She got very hot under the collar and clashed with Joy about the sanctity of life. Elisabeth got louder and more worked up forcing Barbara to intervene and tell her in the most motherly way, "Elisabeth, calm down dear." Elisabeth wasn't having it and fired back that she was "emphatic" about her beliefs on this issue. Poor guest co-host Lisa Loeb was left looking on from the sidelines. Barbara was forced to explain to Elisabeth that there is a certain level of acceptable behaviour when having a discussion. Barbara told her not to "go so crazy" whilst giving her impression of what going crazy looks like. She explained that she had barely started talking - and rarely gives her opinion on these controversial issues - when Elisabeth fired off. Elisabeth wouldn't calm down leading Joy to put her hands on her head in frustration. Barbara tried to get through to Elisabeth that there are many opinions on the issue and explained that "we have to have a way of discussing this without exploding." Elisabeth smugly refused to take Barbara's comments onboard, claiming she has passion about this issue. The segment wrapped with Elisabeth tearing up her notecards. Not so unusual, but I'm sure somewhat symbolic of her frustration at being reprimanded by Barbara. You can watch a low quality version of this clip at YouTube.


"After much prayer and counsel..." [June 27th 2006]
Star Jones departure was explosive at the time. The other ladies were expecting to get into Hot Topics when Star interrupted with her special announcment. It had been speculated about in the media for awhile so Star decided now was the time to make her announcement. This was much to the shock of everyone else at the View who expected it to come later in the week. Her "after much prayer and counsel" speech is one of the most memorable in View history. Rosie even did a send up the following season after rumours of her departure were swirling. The other ladies were all taken aback by Star's move - Barbara was particularly pissed. Joy's response of "I'm shocked" seemed half sincere and half sarcastic. Star made it clear that ABC was not renewing her contract - in effect she was fired. Barbara and the producers were so outraged by Star's move that they promptly ended her association with the show - after nine years - and removed her from the opening credits and ABC website. The tension between Barbara and Star - which had until this point remained unseen - came to a spectacular head and led to the immediate dismissal. To see a clip of Star's shock announcement and Barbara's response the following day visit YouTube. A better quality copy of Barbara's response is also available at YouTube. [IMO Star deserves a lot of credit for going out with dignity and doing it in style. Whatever the reasons the producers may have had for getting rid of her, I for one miss her presence on the show.]

Oh, we used to be friends [May 23rd 2007]
What started with Joy reading a long list of Bush's mistakes and flaws ended with the most bitter argument in View history. Elisabeth tried to talk over Joy, to which Joy responded, "I let you talk yesterday now I'm talking." After the audience reacted Joy continued, "And I love her, but just let me do this." After finishing the list and proposing that Al Gore would make a much better president than Bush, guest co-host Sherri Shepherd kept repeating Al Gore's name in disbelief, questioning how Joy could think such a thing. [Seriously, if she's given a permanent co-host role I will not be happy. Don't upset the gays. Cause we'll go there.]

Rosie kept quiet throughout until she felt the moment was right to challenge Elisabeth and the conservative views she attempts to justify. The real issue for Rosie was something that had occurred earlier in the week. Rosie had posed the question "who are the terrorists?" which the conservative pundits used to make out that she was calling American troops terrorists [this flies in the face of the fact she has been one of their most vocal supporters]. Rosie asked Elisabeth to step up as her friend and straightforwardly answer "Do you think I called our troops terrorists?" Elisabeth wasn't about to give a simple "No, Rosie" and the whole thing turned very, very personal. The two women went at each other - splitscreen and all. Joy and Sherri made attempts to break the argument up but to no avail. This was something that had been boiling for a while. In the end Joy disbelievingly demanded "who's directing this show? Let's go to commercial!" Hands down the worst fight in View history. It wasn't entertainment or debates anymore, it was just really uncomfortable and disappointing to watch. It was the last show Rosie filmed and led to her ending her contract three weeks early. You can view the entire debacle on YouTube [Various clips of this fight have been viewed over 3 million times]. In the segment following the fight Alicia Silverstone came on to promote a vegan lifestyle. She made a point of deliberately snubbing Elisabeth out of loyalty to her friend Rosie. This was definitely one tension-filled hour of television. To watch a clip of Barbara announcing Rosie's early release from her contract in the following week click here.


An honourable mention goes to the ongoing Rosie/Star conflict which included a tense episode [that I haven't seen] in which Rosie was a guest and upset Star with a sweeping racial comment. Same goes for the Rosie/Trump feud in which the tensions mainly played out off-screen. One thing's for sure: with Rosie around things were never dull.

Memories of the way we were (part 2 of 3)

Join me as we continue to recollect some of the most memorable and tense moments in View history...

The reports of my death have been greatly exaggerated [March 27th 2006]
Reports in the media claimed that Star Jones had suffered a medical emergency after undergoing breast lift surgery. She called in during Hot Topics to assure everyone that she had only suffered a minor complication and was never in any real danger. She then proceeded to talk all about herself, blabbing on and on and on. Joy began to look highly irritated. She wrote a comment on a piece paper and tapped it with her pen, looking in Barbara's direction. The whole time Star kept talking about her favourite topic: herself. Joy finally spoke up saying, "OK, Star. That's enough about you. On to us. Bye. Keep your breasts perky!" Star was soon shafted but not before getting in one last swipe: "Even today, you are still a bitch." To watch a video of this fan favourite moment visit IFilm.


Don't call me honey! [June 16th 2006]
Sandra Bernhard [love her] made for an interesting guest in 2006 when she raised the ire of both Star and Elisabeth for attacking Mariah Carey and Laura Bush respectively. She made a joke about Mariah Carey becoming conveniently black in order to help her career. Star didn't see the funny side - neither did anyone else really...oops. Star defended Mariah's blackness and took Sandra to task. Star made some sassy comments and the interview progressed...sort of. Sandra then got on to the Bush administration and described Laura Bush as "heavily medicated." When Elisabeth went on the defensive Sandra made the mistake of calling her 'honey', which led to Elisabeth's classic one liner "don't call me, first of all, honey." Sandra was taken aback - after all, 'honey' is her word of choice - and Joy got up off the couch declaring she had to go. She headed off toward backstage but eventually came back. The segment pretty much collapsed there and was quickly wrapped up. Odds of Sandra Bernhard being invited back? Not good. It's a shame the full clip is no longer available on YouTube. It's gold. If anyone out there has it I beg you please put it back up. You can watch the Sandra/Elisabeth/Joy segment of the interview at Best Week Ever.

Star Parker knows everything...apparently [June 19th 2007]
I've already covered the whole Star Parker debacle here on the blog, but it's definitely one of those moments that needs mentioning in this list so here it is again. Star Parker - member of a conservative think-tank - guest co-hosted recently and earned herself the title of most annoying View co-host ever. She spouted off fundamentalist rubbish about gay marriage, evolution, social welfare and everything in between. If you really want to relive it you can watch the highlights on YouTube. She's best forgotten I say. My favourite moment was when Barbara stepped up and told her to wait her turn. Oh if only Babs would have slapped her. Considering she's a born-again Christian you would have hoped she'd be more sympathetic to others. Nope. Just hypocritical, judgemental and arrogant.

What will the final four moments be? Stay tuned for part 3.