by Laura Saltman

Tonight ABC hands out that ugly mirror ball trophy to either Mario Lopez or Emmitt Smith. I've always said that they could at least give some money to the winner's favorite charity and make it a little more exciting. The celebrities are all being paid to be on the show anyway. So, why not spread the love? Considering over twenty-one million are watching, I'm sure ABC could afford to give away a little chunk of change and make a charitable donation.

by Laura Saltman

Dancing Kings -

Whoa! Joey Lawrence's "Blossom"-ing dance career came to an end last night. I know. Bad pun but hey it works. I have to say that Joey really did carry himself with class and dignity the entire show. No scandals. No drama. Just good clean dancing.

Immediately after the show, I caught a glimpse of Joey with his wife, Chandie, who was fighting back tears. Joey told us he wanted to win this show mainly for her, "She's just been such a rock for me. I haven't been home a lot and she has just been such a wonderful mother. She has taken the brunt of the responsibility with Charlie, our daughter. It's just nothing but real."

We were one minute away from feeding our show to satellite today when news broke that Britney Spears had filed for divorce from Kevin Federline.

Obviously that meant a "mandatory refeed" to all of our affiliates. For me, add to that missing a meeting with the producers of my new NBC primetime show "Grease: You're The One That I Want" and voting.

My mood noticeably changed from generally upbeat to sullen. Mostly because I do not enjoy feeding this type of story to millions of people, especially when I feel it happens too often.

by Laura Saltman

The first thing I noticed when I sat down for an interview with Taylor Hicks about his new album was how good he looked and how thin he had gotten. So, it was no surprise to me when he agreed with me he had definitely thinned down over the past few months. So, how did this self professed "meat and potatoes lover" do it? Taylor shared his slim down secret with me, "A little bit of working out and exercising and touring. I mean that did it. Touring was a big part of it. You are on the move always. A lot of it has to do with diet for me. I was always a pretty healthy eater. I love salads and stuff, cutting the carbs out a little. Just walking and just trying to stay active."

by Laura Saltman

The first thing I noticed when I sat down for an interview with Taylor Hicks about his new album was how good he looked and how thin he had gotten. So, it was no surprise to me when he agreed with me he had definitely thinned down over the past few months. So, how did this self professed "meat and potatoes lover" do it' Taylor shared his slim down secret with me, "A little bit of working out and exercising and touring. I mean that did it. Touring was a big part of it. You are on the move always. A lot of it has to do with diet for me. I was always a pretty healthy eater. I love salads and stuff, cutting the carbs out a little. Just walking and just trying to stay active."

(November 3, 2006) -- I just interviewed Demi Moore. Wow. This woman blew me away.

She is not only flawless in her beauty, and blessed with the most alluring rasp in her voice, but she is convincing. I believe what she says because there is conviction and passion in what she says. Her eyes lit up and stared right at me as I ventured off the topic of the film and into this one-of-a-kind harmony she's created with her current husband and ex.

by Laura Saltman

After a three-week absence, I'm finally back to dish. I wish I could tell you I was off on some glorious tropical vacation but alas, I was off having eye surgery. Don't worry there is a celebrity connection here. My doctor is the same guy who did Kevin James' from "The King of Queens" Lasik surgery.Oh, and it gets better, my follow up doctor is apparently the Spielberg family's eye doc as well. I mean really, I just can't get away from celebrities no matter what I do.


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(November 1, 2006) -- 'A Good Year.' I must say, a very good year!

Monday evening, I attended the Women and Wine screening of Russell Crowe's new movie, 'A Good Year.' It's a Russell we have never seen. Gone are the bulging biceps of Maximus from 'Gladiator' and the intense and troubled John Nash in 'A Beautiful Mind.' Okay, I'm going to say it, 'A kinder, gentler Russell Crowe.' Finally, a Russell I can get on board with. And I love, just love, the spectacles that he wears. Tortoise shell'need I say more' His character is Max Skinner, a London day trader in a Saville Row suit and crisp white shirt. Ooh baby. Inherits a vineyard in Provence. Geez! In spite of this, I do think Monsieur Crowe was mis-cast but on to more appetizing dialogue.