I don’t think Amy Poehler should be the guest host for the season premiere of “Saturday Night Live.”
In the two years since she left the show, she’s been back numerous times to do stints on “Weekend Update,” imitate Hillary Clinton, and guest star on the Betty White special. She still seems like a member of the cast.
Why bring her back now as a “guest host,” especially when the show is introducing four new cast members?
The two new girls — Vanessa Bayer from Second City and Taran Killiam from The Groundlings — will already have to fight tooth and nail for every moment on stage, since most female roles seem to go automatically to Kristen Wiig.
Now you’re adding Amy Poehler to the mix…so all they can hope for is the rudimentary waitress role or maybe the face-in-the crowd scene. If they get lucky, they’ll be a reporter asking a question from the audience.
Wow — that rocks.
Don’t get me wrong. When you consider all “Saturday Night Live” femmes — current and former — Amy is near the top of the list. She’s not only an amazing improviser, character actor and comedienne, but in all interviews and conversations, she appears to be a down-to-earth, nice person.
That is a rare compliment indeed in that business.
But half the fun of “Saturday Night Live” is bringing in an A-list celebrity who’s not the first name in comedy and seeing what they can do. Remember how unexpectedly great Peyton Manning was as a guest host? Or Brian Williams from “NBC Nightly News”? Even a great dramatic actor can quickly lose his footing on SNL — or be amazing like Christopher Walken. And that’s what we want to see…not a very-very-recent cast member who seems like she never left.
So, while I’m sad Amy’s sitcom “Parks and Recreation” is on hiatus until mid-season — and she’s no doubt looking to fill her schedule — I think there are plenty of other celebs out there (not to mention the new cast members, hello) who are chomping at the bit for the opportunity to show what they can do in the comedy arena.
But Amy? Girl, you’re good to go. Give our best to Will and the boys.
Posted in Blogging, Celebrities, Comedy, Commentary, Entertainment, Humor, Internet, Life, News, TV, Television
Tagged comedy, comedienne, Saturday Night Live, SNL, Television, celebrities, Weekend Update, entertainment, Humor, news, Betty White, mid-season replacement, Kristen Wiig, TV, sketch comedy, Second City, commentary, Parks and Recreation tv show, Amy Poehler, guest host, new SNL cast members, season premiere, Saturday Night Live season premiere, Hillary Clinton imitation, Vanessa Bayer, Taran Killiam, The Groundlings, sketch comedy roles, improviser, improvisation, character actor, hiatus, Will Arnett, A-list celebrities
During the brief rain delay in Friday afternoon’s US Open tennis tournament coverage, I switched over and watched a bit of the Deutsche Bank golf tournament from Boston.
They were dealing with some weather issues of their own, and while the commentators discussed past winners, the name “Adam Scott”, the 2003 champion, jumped out at me.
Adam Scott…a professional golf player? Adam Scott doesn’t play golf. Adam Scott is an actor. I knew him first as Henry in the exceptional Starz cater waiter comedy “Party Down,” but he made the leap to the NBC sitcom “Parks and Recreation” last season.
(Good decision on his part, too, because Starz canceled the comedy, the bums.)
So, I checked Wikipedia — ’cause if it’s there, it’s gospel — and sure enough, Adam Scott is a golfer from Australia. It’s funny, though — when you look at the promotional pics of Adam Scott the golfer and Adam Scott the actor, it’s not immediately obvious which is which (unless you already know).
Take a look yourself.
See what I mean?
If you don’t know, there are some clues. Adam Scott the golfer [on the left] has a killer tan and a bit more muscle definition — he works outside, so it stands to reason. (No offense intended, Adam Scott the actor. Chances are, you are much, much funnier.)
An interesting side note — Adam Scott the golfer is no stranger to the movie biz, either; he dated actor Kate Hudson back in the day.
Man — don’t you love sports??
Posted in Celebrities, Entertainment, Humor, Life, Sports, TV, Television
Tagged golf, US Open, tennis, rain delay, NBC, Boston, Television, celebrities, entertainment, Humor, Sports, Starz, life, US Open Tennis Tournament, Party Down tv show, TV, tennis tournament, Deutsche Bank, Deutsche Bank golf tournament, golf tournament, Adam Scott, Adam Scott golfer, Adam Scott actor, golf commentator, Parks and Recreation tv show
I’m attending the US Open tonight. Maria Sharapova and Novak Djokovic are slated to play (not each other) on center court at Arthur Ashe stadium.
It’s always a thrill to watch the top seeds LIVE under the lights.
But if you’ve caught any of the tournament coverage to date, you may have noticed a bizarre preoccupation on behalf of the announcers. Not on stats or seeds or rivalries or revenge.
This year, it’s all about ‘what you’re wearing.’
John and Patrick McEnroe have anointed themselves the unofficial Joan and Melissa Rivers of ESPN2. They’ve been doling out fashion advice to male and female tennis players pretty much every match.
Nadia Petrova’s striped tennis dress was deemed ‘too loud; she really needs to seek out some help.’ They seemed to find her outfit a bigger problem than her defeat to Andrea Petkovic. I’ll admit — the stripes aren’t my favorite, either. But going on and on about her outfit seemed a bit like rubbing salt in the womb after she lost in a three-set tiebreaker.
Rafa Nadal’s neon tennis shoes were ‘a risk, but a good one.’ They did match his outfit, which I thought was cool since there wasn’t a stitch of white on him. But his match with Teymuraz Gabashvili of Russia was surprisingly competitive — I would have liked to have heard a bit more about this relative unknown.
Even in Andy Roddick’s late night upset by Janko Tipsarevic, there was as much talk about the many tats that Tipsarevic was ‘wearing’ as the lack of energy in Roddick’s game.
I know this is a change of pace for me. Here I am asking for depth when shallowness is being offered.
But we’re talking John McEnroe here — the snarliest man in sports telling people how to dress and shape their image on the court. Granted, both his look and personality have improved with age, but I don’t think anyone thinks of him as a style icon.
As we say in the country, ‘it’s hard to escape your raising.’
Posted in Beauty, Celebrities, Comedy, Commentary, Entertainment, Fashion, Humor, Life, News, Shopping, Sports, Summer, TV, Television, Travel, Vacation
Tagged comedy, US Open, Andy Roddick, Television, John McEnroe, celebrities, entertainment, shopping, Fashion, Humor, Sports, news, life, vacation, beauty, Joan Rivers, TV, summer, US Open tennis, Maria Sharapova, Novak Djokovic, Arthur Ashe stadium, tennis tournament, tennis under the lights, tennis announcers, tennis clothing, tennis fashion, Patrick McEnroe, Melissa Rivers, ESPN2, Nadia Petrova, Andrea Petkovic, Rafa Nadal, Teymuraz Gabashvili, style icon
I rarely speak of new music here on The Egg (because I’m rarely aware of it).
But Katy Perry has been hard to avoid. She’s everywhere. I’ve seen her all over the talk show circuit promoting her new album “Teenage Dream,” and more recently hosting the Teen Choice Awards, which I’m not ashamed to say I watched.
(Okay, maybe I have a little shame.)
If you haven’t seen the album cover, Katy is lying in a cloud of pink cotton candy, which I assume inspired the scented CD.
That’s right. When you open it up, your nose is tickled by the sugary-sweet smell of everyone’s favorite carnival/circus/baseball game confection. Even if you’ve gotten sick on cotton candy in the past — hasn’t everyone? – it will no doubt inspire a memory of a good day.
Which begs the question: why aren’t more things out there scented?
In the movie “Legally Blonde,” Elle Woods scents her resume and prints it on pink paper. She says it ‘gives it a little something.’ Her instructor and future husband both seem to agree.
What other items would benefit from good smells? We obviously add scent to detergents and candles and body splash. But what about movie posters on display at the theater? Or Playbills handed out at Broadway shows? Or how about best-selling hardback novels?
Would scent add ambiance or irritation? Inspire comprehension or incite allergy attacks?
Add a ‘little something’ or ultimately, take away?
Posted in Advertising, Books, Broadway, Business, Celebrities, Entertainment, Humor, Internet, Life, Magazine, Movies, Music, News, TV, Technology, Television
Tagged Movies, books, Broadway, Television, Internet, advertising, celebrities, entertainment, Humor, The Sticky Egg, news, talk show, Katy Perry, life, Music, technology, Business, talk show circuit, TV, magazine, new music, Teenage Dream album, Katy Perry album, Teen Choice Awards, cotton candy, pink cotton candy, cotton candy cloud, scented CD, scented items, confection, Legally Blonde movie, Elle Woods, scented resume
Well, it’s over.
After all the anticipation and prognostication, the Emmy Awards are behind us. Even though I was happy with how they turned out — can we get a ‘woot woot’ for Jim Parsons winning Best Actor in a Comedy? — I still feel this enormous letdown that the awards are over.
I can only imagine how the stars must feel. They had their careers invested in the process — not just viewing parties and salty snacks — and I’m guessing they were up a bit later than I was, too.
So for everyone who’s finding it a bit hard to get started this morning, I offer this bit of entertainment news…because it certainly gave me a reason to live.
Ryan Reynolds and Bradley Cooper are going to share top billing in an upcoming movie.
That’s right. As if one of them isn’t enough eye candy for a film, the two will team up in what is being described as an “edgier, R-rated version of the Lethal Weapon series.”
What an embarrassment of riches. And you know it’s going to be hilarious, too.
Ryan and Bradley — if you’re listening — I thank you. I bless you. And I want to assure you…
I am so there.
Posted in Celebrities, Comedy, Entertainment, Friends, Humor, Life, Movies, News, TV, Television
Tagged Movies, Emmy Awards, Emmys, Television, celebrities, entertainment, Humor, news, life, friends, Ryan Reynolds, TV, Jim Parsons, The Big Bang Theory tv show, Emmy Best Actor in a Comedy Series, entertainment news, Bradley Cooper, eye candy
Could this be the story behind the story?
The Internet has been buzzin’ that this just might be the year that Steve Carell snags the Emmy for Best Actor in a Comedy….especially on the heels of the announcement that he’s leaving “The Office” at the end of season seven.
When asked in interviews why he is exiting the show, Steve has used the age-old excuse, “I want to spend more time with my family.” Uh huh. But could the real reason be he wants some Emmy bling?
Could the nicest guy on television have evil Emmy envy in his good-as-gold heart…and know that his departure might elicit some voter appreciation?
He is human, whether we believe it or not.
Industry pundits — and popular poll results on several entertainment web sites — seem to be leaning toward Jim Parsons of “The Big Bang Theory” to take away the statute at this year’s awards ceremony…and I would have to agree. (Sorry, Steve.)
Jim’s portrayal of King Nerd Sheldon is spot-on brilliant, and now that “30 Rock” is no longer the new comedy sensation, I think Alec Baldwin’s command of the category is fading.
Who will win? Tune in and see!
CAN’T WAIT!!!!!!!!
The Emmy Awards will be broadcast LIVE tonight @ 8PM ET on NBC.
Posted in Celebrities, Comedy, Entertainment, Humor, Internet, Life, News, Summer, TV, Television
Tagged comedy, NBC, Emmy Awards, Emmys, Television, Internet, celebrities, entertainment, Humor, news, Steve Carell, The Office tv show, life, TV, summer, Jim Parsons, Best Actor in a Comedy, Emmy voters, web site polls, entertainment web sites, The Big Bang Theory tv show
Dear Lorne Michaels:
It’s been over a decade since we never met in your office at “Saturday Night Live.” I conferred instead with your creative director on the greeting card line Hallmark was developing to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the show.
However, I did sit in your chair, so I think we made a connection.
That’s why, lo these many years later, I feel I can talk casting with you…now that Will Forte has announced he’s leaving the show after eight seasons.
Hire Tim Mason.
You know Tim. He’s a comedian on the main stage at Second City in Chicago. I recently saw him perform in the new show “Spoiler Alert: Everybody Dies,” and was blown away by his command of the stage and range of characters. He was funny, funny, smart.
Plus, I know SNL has to cast by type — just like any other show — and I think Tim is a ringer to fill Will’s slot. I mean, seriously — take a look.
Perfect, right?
Full disclosure: I know Tim from his early improv days in Kansas City. You know Kansas City — the town that produced Jason Sudeikis, Paul Rudd and Rob Riggle.
That’s a pretty impressive pedigree.
Return to the well, Lorne. You won’t regret it.
Posted in Celebrities, Comedy, Entertainment, Humor, News, TV, Television
Tagged comedy, Saturday Night Live, SNL, Lorne Michaels, Kansas City, Hallmark Cards, Television, Jason Sudeikis, celebrities, entertainment, Paul Rudd, Humor, news, TV, sketch comedy, SNL 20th Anniversary, SNL casting, Will Forte, Will Forte leaving SNL, Tim Mason, Second City, Second City main stage, Second City Spoiler Alert Everybody Dies, improv comedy, comedy characters, comedy sketches, Kansas City improv, Rob Riggle
I lived in Boston for six years, and never knew Lizzie Borden’s house was just down the road.
(Random learning from the Internet #725)
Turns out Lizzie Borden and her poor, axe-murdered parents were from Fall Rivers, which is an hour outside of Boston. Their house has been turned into a museum and bed-and-breakfast, and was recently chosen by The Huffington Post as one of the “10 Strangest Lodgings to Stay Around the World.”
I would second that notion.
Visitors can take a “time tour” of the murders — even see the carefully preserved skulls of the Bordens – then stay overnight in Lizzie’s room or the rooms of her dearly departed mom and dad.
Well, that certainly sounds restful.
Of course, we have to remember that Lizzie was found not guilty at the murder trial. But the made-for-TV movie, “The Legend of Lizzie Borden” starring Elizabeth Montgomery, is what is burned on my brain.
There she was — sweet, nose-twitching Samantha — spooky scary as Lizzie Borden. After watching her re-enact how the police thought the murders had taken place, I was never more certain in my life that any woman was a cold-blooded killer. Based on her performance alone, there is no way I would stay overnight in that house.
If the ghost of Lizzie Borden doesn’t get you in your sleep, I’m pretty sure Elizabeth Montgomery will.
Posted in Celebrities, Entertainment, Humor, Internet, Movies, TV, Television, Travel
Tagged Travel, Movies, Boston, Television, Internet, made-for-tv movies, celebrities, entertainment, Humor, TV, Massachusetts, Fall Rivers Massachusetts, Lizzie Borden, Lizzie Borden murders, axe murderer, Lizzie Borden house, museum, bed-and-breakfast, The Huffington Post, lodgings, murder trial, The Legend of Lizzie Borden movie, Elizabeth Montgomery, I Dream of Jeannie tv show, cold-blooded killer
Until recently, I’d never given much thought to how Facebook got its start.
Now the trailers for “The Social Network” are appearing on television and in theaters, and I am beginning to get a hint of what the founders had in mind when they created Facebook.
Sitting in their Harvard dorm rooms, they imagined this hip insiders’ guide to the Ivy League experience. So I have to wonder — what do they think of what Facebook has become?
People posting pictures of their evening meal. Their children’s first day of school. Extremely cute dogs and cats. And status updates ranging from the mundane to the ridiculous.
And let’s not forget all the business that is now being conducted on Facebook. (Did you know some people use it to promote their blogs and improv shows? Whackadoodle. 
)
Facebook today is simply as boring or as exciting as we are, because Facebook has become a very detailed reflection of our day-to-day lives…of everybody’s lives.
Not so insider, huh?
Oh well, they pocketed billions. I’ll bet that kinda dough has even tempted them to ‘like’ a Sunday church service shout-out from time to time.
Posted in Advertising, Blogs, Business, Dogs, Entertainment, Family, Friends, Humor, Internet, Life, Movies, News, Philosophy, Relationships, TV, Technology, Television
Tagged Dogs, Movies, Facebook, Television, Internet, advertising, Relationships, entertainment, television advertising, blogs, Humor, news, movie trailers, life, technology, friends, Business, Facebook friends, TV, family, movie theater, philosophy, The Social Network movie, Facebook founders, Harvard University, Ivy League, Harvard dorm room, Facebook status update, Facebook photos, Facebook advertising, Facebook like button
Judging Amy
I don’t think Amy Poehler should be the guest host for the season premiere of “Saturday Night Live.”
In the two years since she left the show, she’s been back numerous times to do stints on “Weekend Update,” imitate Hillary Clinton, and guest star on the Betty White special. She still seems like a member of the cast.
The two new girls — Vanessa Bayer from Second City and Taran Killiam from The Groundlings — will already have to fight tooth and nail for every moment on stage, since most female roles seem to go automatically to Kristen Wiig.
Now you’re adding Amy Poehler to the mix…so all they can hope for is the rudimentary waitress role or maybe the face-in-the crowd scene. If they get lucky, they’ll be a reporter asking a question from the audience.
Wow — that rocks.
Don’t get me wrong. When you consider all “Saturday Night Live” femmes — current and former — Amy is near the top of the list. She’s not only an amazing improviser, character actor and comedienne, but in all interviews and conversations, she appears to be a down-to-earth, nice person.
That is a rare compliment indeed in that business.
But half the fun of “Saturday Night Live” is bringing in an A-list celebrity who’s not the first name in comedy and seeing what they can do. Remember how unexpectedly great Peyton Manning was as a guest host? Or Brian Williams from “NBC Nightly News”? Even a great dramatic actor can quickly lose his footing on SNL — or be amazing like Christopher Walken. And that’s what we want to see…not a very-very-recent cast member who seems like she never left.
So, while I’m sad Amy’s sitcom “Parks and Recreation” is on hiatus until mid-season — and she’s no doubt looking to fill her schedule — I think there are plenty of other celebs out there (not to mention the new cast members, hello) who are chomping at the bit for the opportunity to show what they can do in the comedy arena.
But Amy? Girl, you’re good to go. Give our best to Will and the boys.
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Posted in Blogging, Celebrities, Comedy, Commentary, Entertainment, Humor, Internet, Life, News, TV, Television
Tagged comedy, comedienne, Saturday Night Live, SNL, Television, celebrities, Weekend Update, entertainment, Humor, news, Betty White, mid-season replacement, Kristen Wiig, TV, sketch comedy, Second City, commentary, Parks and Recreation tv show, Amy Poehler, guest host, new SNL cast members, season premiere, Saturday Night Live season premiere, Hillary Clinton imitation, Vanessa Bayer, Taran Killiam, The Groundlings, sketch comedy roles, improviser, improvisation, character actor, hiatus, Will Arnett, A-list celebrities