Q and A: Week of Feb. 27

SHARES

BY Unknown 11:11 0

Q and A: Week of Feb. 27

Q: I really love watching “Chelsea Lately” and “After Lately” on E! The shows’ casts really seem to have fun and get along. Please tell me this is the case! —George T., Altoona, Pa.

A: That certainly is the case. I spoke with series star Heather McDonald recently, and she told me: “We really do laugh all the time, and we really do like each other so much. So many times we’ll be laughing about something and I’ll just go, ‘Oh, don’t we have fun?’ I think it all stems from the example that Chelsea (Handler) has set, and I think that’s important. We’re like a little family where she’s the Mom, and she doesn’t allow jealousy, and she doesn’t allow any real kind of unhealthy competition in any way. We truly believe that each of our success only helps the other.”

And following Chelsea’s example of getting into the publishing industry, Heather has written her own NYT best-selling humorous memoir called “You’ll Never Blue Ball in This Town Again,” and I have to say, the book is deliciously funny. And check back later this week to read my entire interview with Heather. You don't want to miss it!

Q: Like most of the world, I was shocked and devastated to hear of Whitney Houston’s death. I really thought she was on the right path, and about to make a music and movie comeback. Did drugs play a part in her death? — Deena R., via e-mail

A: While there has been no official word as of this writing, TMZ is reporting that according to family sources, Whitney, 48, was killed by a combination of Xanax and other prescription drugs mixed with alcohol. Although she did die in the bathtub, the family was told by the coroner’s office that there didn’t appear to be enough water in her lungs for drowning to have been the cause of death. The L.A. Police Department has determined that there were no signs of foul play.

Whitney will star posthumously in the feature film “Sparkle,” which is slated for an Aug. 12 release. She also recorded two songs for the movie, which will, of course, be on the soundtrack.

Q: Is it true that two of my favorite comedians, Will Ferrell and Zach Galifianakis, are making a movie together? — Samuel D., via e-mail

A: It is indeed true, and I couldn’t be happier to see these two onscreen together. Will and Zach star in “Dogfight,” a comedy about two battling politicians from South Carolina who each have presidential aspirations. The movie is set to premiere Aug. 10, and also co-stars Jason Sudeikis, Dylan McDermott, Dan Aykroyd and John Lithgow.

Q: “Harry’s Law” seems to have vanished. What’s up? — Echo H., via e-mail

A: There has been a little shuffling over at NBC. At the end of January, “Harry’s Law” took about six weeks off. But don’t worry, Kathy Bates and company will return with new episodes March 11 on its new night and timeslot, Sundays at 8 p.m. ET.

Joplin Tornado Relief eBay Charity Auction

SHARES

BY Unknown 11:55 0

Joplin Tornado Relief eBay Charity Auction

Joplin Tornado Relief eBay Charity Auction to Benefit United Way of Southwest Missouri

With one-of-a-kind items and experiences from Coldplay, The Office, Chelsea Handler, Yoko Ono, Maroon 5, Wilco, Bon Iver, Robyn, Dave Matthews Band, Fox NFL Sunday, Friday Night Lights and more

 

LOS ANGELES, CA – June 13, 2011 – On May 22, Joplin , Missouri was hit by a tornado that would later come to be known as the deadliest in American history.  While images of the devastation are burned into our consciousness, the city has focused their energy on rebuilding their community and their lives.

Today, the public can do their part to support Joplin by visiting the Joplin Tornado Relief eBay Charity Auction at www.ebay.com/givingengine, with proceeds benefiting the United Way of Southwest Missouri and Southeast Kansas .

The first round of the auction, powered by premiere auction management company Giving Engine, is currently up and will take place through Monday, June 20th. Notable items on the digital auction block include:

 

• An all-expenses-paid trip to Lollapalooza donated by Coldplay and a meet and greet with the band
• Meet and greet with Maroon 5 and four tickets to any show (except NY or LA) on their US tour
• A visit to the set of NBC’s hit show The Office
• 2 VIP tickets to the set of Fox NFL Sunday for an afternoon of football with Terry Bradshaw, Michael Strahan, Jimmy Johnson, Howie Long and the gang
• Friday Night Lights package including the Dillon Panthers letter jacket worn on the show by Matt Saracen (Zach Gilford)
• 2 Tickets to the season finale taping of NBC’s The Voice
• 64GB iPad 2 with 3G personally donated by Yoko Ono with a signed postcard
• 2 VIP tickets to any taping of Chelsea Lately and two guest gift bags
• Signed limited edition Wilco poster
• 3 day pass to Dave Matthews Band Caravan in Atlantic City
• 2 tickets to any Major Lazer show in North America , meet and greet and a one-a-kind drawing of you and the Major Lazer cast of characters (in round two)
• Signed DJ Hero turntable by Eminem
• And even more one-of-a-kind items and experiences from Tim McGraw, Bon Iver, Lonely Island, MLB, the Los Angeles Lakers, OneRepublic, EA Games, the NFL, Jack Johnson, Robyn, and many many more!

 

The auction was initiated by Joplin native Tyler Childs, a Los Angeles-based music manager who hopes to celebrate the resilient spirit of his hometown and do his part to help them rebuild, despite being miles away from the devastation. Childs enlisted the help of his friends in the music and entertainment business to help him secure big ticket items for the auction.

“Like so many people, I was stunned by the footage I saw,” says Childs. “It broke my heart to see the familiar places of my childhood left in ruins, but I knew just sitting around being sad wasn’t going to help anyone. I’m incredibly thankful to have a support system in Los Angeles that can help me give back to a place that gave so much to me.  Friends and colleagues like Kevin Weaver, Caitlin Youngs, Sarah Smith and Malia Hall played a major role in helping to secure incredible experiences and items for everyone to bid on.  Without people like them, this auction would not have been possible.  Now go bid on something!”

For more information on the United Way of Southwest Missouri and Southeast Kansas , please visit their website at http://uwswmo.org.