So, how does the actress manage playing both roles without getting her wires crossed? “They’re completely night and day, so one never really falls into the other,” she said. “It’s very easy to keep them apart.” Talk about well-rounded!
|
|---|
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Michelle Trachtenberg Compares Her ‘Gossip Girl’ Bad Girl To Her ‘Mercy’ Nurse
On Monday nights, you might know her as the evil and conniving Georgina on “Gossip Girl,” but actress Michelle Trachtenberg is more than just TV vixen. Michelle recently joined the cast of NBC’s “Mercy,” a hospital drama, where she plays Chloe, a nurse with a heart of gold.
“Chloe is a first time nurse, first time in a hospital, really saving lives and she’s someone that’s wanted to do this her whole life,” Michelle explained to MTV News. “So she’s got a lot of dreams and aspirations.” Sounds like her two alter egos come from opposite worlds!
So, how does the actress manage playing both roles without getting her wires crossed? “They’re completely night and day, so one never really falls into the other,” she said. “It’s very easy to keep them apart.” Talk about well-rounded!
So, how does the actress manage playing both roles without getting her wires crossed? “They’re completely night and day, so one never really falls into the other,” she said. “It’s very easy to keep them apart.” Talk about well-rounded!
Friday, October 30, 2009
New Spoiler
Question: What’s this I’m hearing about Bart Bass returning from the dead on Gossip Girl? Is he alive or is it a flashback? —Fernanda
Ausiello: It’s neither. Totally unrelated question: Are you a fan of A Christmas Carol, Fernan?
Ausiello: It’s neither. Totally unrelated question: Are you a fan of A Christmas Carol, Fernan?
Thursday, October 29, 2009
The Grandfather: Part II
Behind The Scenes of “Somebody To Love”
Shot in NYC, the elaborate video was directed by Zoe Cassavetes, and will feature appearances from Laker Girl Vanessa Curry as well as one of Leighton’s producers, Shahine Ezell.
The song is avalible to buy on iTunes, so download it now.
Gossip Girls To Attend City Of Hope Event
looktothestars.org:
On Friday October 30, 2009 a group of young professional philanthropists known as “Future of Hope” will join City of Hope’s fight against women’s cancers with a Halloween-themed benefit called A Night of Mischief at Marquee in NYC.
Celebrities are joining Future of Hope’s efforts in raising the awareness of City of Hope and its mission to find cures for cancers and other life-threatening diseases. Appearances will include cast members from hit television series such as Gossip Girl and The City.
Lending her considerable clout to the cause will be Tinsley Mortimer as she films her new CW reality series “Empire State”. This new reality show will air this winter chronicling Tinsley’s travels, adventures and causes that include finding a cure for women’s cancers. The CW will be in attendance filming Tinsley and her friends as they join together with New York’s Future of Hope. The evening will be dedicated in loving memory to Amy Salm.
The City of Hope, a National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, is one of the world’s leading research and treatment centers for cancer and other serious diseases, including diabetes and HIV/AIDS. The work conducted at City of Hope is shared with medical centers worldwide, touching the lives of millions of people everywhere, including the New York Metropolitan Area.
Tickets are $99 in advance and $120 at the door based on availability. Guests are asked to dress in costume. The night features an open bar with sponsors such as Innocente Tequila, Three Olives Vodka and Manhattan Beer Company. A decadent dessert bar to satisfy even the sweetest tooth comes compliments of the Cupcake Stop and Milk & Cookies Bakery. There will also be a live raffle with over 30 fabulous prizes to be won such as Valentino Handbags, Roundtrip JetBlue tickets, Equinox gym memberships, Private Dinner Catered by Chef Rob of Hell’s Kitchen fame, and Knicks and Rangers Tickets. Spinning all night will be the incomparable DJ NVM.
You may purchase tickets in advance by logging on here.
For more information about City of Hope, please visit the official website.
On Friday October 30, 2009 a group of young professional philanthropists known as “Future of Hope” will join City of Hope’s fight against women’s cancers with a Halloween-themed benefit called A Night of Mischief at Marquee in NYC.
Celebrities are joining Future of Hope’s efforts in raising the awareness of City of Hope and its mission to find cures for cancers and other life-threatening diseases. Appearances will include cast members from hit television series such as Gossip Girl and The City.
Lending her considerable clout to the cause will be Tinsley Mortimer as she films her new CW reality series “Empire State”. This new reality show will air this winter chronicling Tinsley’s travels, adventures and causes that include finding a cure for women’s cancers. The CW will be in attendance filming Tinsley and her friends as they join together with New York’s Future of Hope. The evening will be dedicated in loving memory to Amy Salm.
The City of Hope, a National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, is one of the world’s leading research and treatment centers for cancer and other serious diseases, including diabetes and HIV/AIDS. The work conducted at City of Hope is shared with medical centers worldwide, touching the lives of millions of people everywhere, including the New York Metropolitan Area.
Tickets are $99 in advance and $120 at the door based on availability. Guests are asked to dress in costume. The night features an open bar with sponsors such as Innocente Tequila, Three Olives Vodka and Manhattan Beer Company. A decadent dessert bar to satisfy even the sweetest tooth comes compliments of the Cupcake Stop and Milk & Cookies Bakery. There will also be a live raffle with over 30 fabulous prizes to be won such as Valentino Handbags, Roundtrip JetBlue tickets, Equinox gym memberships, Private Dinner Catered by Chef Rob of Hell’s Kitchen fame, and Knicks and Rangers Tickets. Spinning all night will be the incomparable DJ NVM.
You may purchase tickets in advance by logging on here.
For more information about City of Hope, please visit the official website.
Kristen Spoilers
Rebecca: Spill it! Who’s the dead father who’s coming back? My money is on Christian Shephard of Lost!
Nope. It’s actually Bart Bass of Gossip Girl. How crazytown is that?! A source tells me that Robert John Burke (the senior Basshole) will be returning to the show in December, just in time to make it a very special Gossip Girl Christmas. P.S. When I hinted that “two blondes will be atwitter” I was referring to Lily Rhodes van der Woodsen Bass Humphrey and Gossip Girl herself (Kristen Bell), who will certainly Twitter the news!—but of course Serena also would count. Whaddya think of that twist?
Margo in New York: Will Carter be back on Gossip Girl? I loved him with Serena! And is Georgina gone for good?
My friends at the CW tell me there are currently no plans to bring back Carter (boo!). And Michelle Trachtenberg is starring in that other show that’s not Parks & Rec or Community and was just picked up by NBC (Mercy), so she’s otherwise occupied at the moment. We took your question to her, and she answered: “Georgina has taken a little trip. She’s gone off with who she thinks is a Russian prince. But as Georgina goes, you never see the end of her. She always comes back and torments.”
Nope. It’s actually Bart Bass of Gossip Girl. How crazytown is that?! A source tells me that Robert John Burke (the senior Basshole) will be returning to the show in December, just in time to make it a very special Gossip Girl Christmas. P.S. When I hinted that “two blondes will be atwitter” I was referring to Lily Rhodes van der Woodsen Bass Humphrey and Gossip Girl herself (Kristen Bell), who will certainly Twitter the news!—but of course Serena also would count. Whaddya think of that twist?
Margo in New York: Will Carter be back on Gossip Girl? I loved him with Serena! And is Georgina gone for good?
My friends at the CW tell me there are currently no plans to bring back Carter (boo!). And Michelle Trachtenberg is starring in that other show that’s not Parks & Rec or Community and was just picked up by NBC (Mercy), so she’s otherwise occupied at the moment. We took your question to her, and she answered: “Georgina has taken a little trip. She’s gone off with who she thinks is a Russian prince. But as Georgina goes, you never see the end of her. She always comes back and torments.”
Sherri Saum joining the cast of Gossip Girl
hollywoodreporter.com:Sherri Saum has landed a recurring role on the CW’s “Gossip Girl.”
She will play Holland Kemble, a powerful business executive-turned-Upper East Side trophy wife and could be trouble for Lily (Kelly Rutherford) and Rufus (Matthew Settle).
Saum, who recurred on HBO’s “In Treatment” last season and previously co-starred on FX’s “Rescue Me,” is repped by Abrams Artists and Benderspink.
FIRST LOOK: Lady Gaga on Gossip Girl
tvwatch.people.com:What’s a new NYU student to do when she’s no longer queen bee? Work her connections to get Lady Gaga to play a private show, of course! That’s what Blair (Leighton Meester) does in an upcoming episode of Gossip Girl set to air Nov. 16.
PEOPLE was on set while the pop star filmed her performance — set to her new single, “Bad Romance.”
“My little sister is the hugest Gossip Girl fan ever,” Gaga (with Penn Badgley and Meester) tells PEOPLE.
For more on her thoughts on the show — and what it was like to perform in a 30 ft.-long stage dress — check back with People.com on Nov. 16.
Gossip Girl airs Mondays (9 p.m. EST) on the CW.
Leighton @ Z100’s Jingle Ball 09??
Leighton posted this to her twitter account today:
itsmeleighton Wooop! RT @jjkincaid: Today’s the day…at 4pm myself and @itsmeleighton reveal Z100’s Jingleball 2009 lineup…oh my gaw!!!Possibly, Leighton may be performing at the Z100’s Jingleball, or she could also just be presenting or annoucing. Anyhow, to keep in check, listen to the show today, or visit the Jingleball homepage at Z100.Com, later today to check out the full line up.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Best New Cars of 2009
1. Cadillac CTS-V
Photo © Aaron Gold
The hot-rod Caddy isn't just one of the best new cars of 2009, it's one of the best cars I've ever driven. Its handling is laser-fine and remarkably unflappable, while the power from its supercharged V8 (556 hp/551 lb-ft) is the stuff Bible stories are written about. Remember, this is the car that beat the BMW M5 around Germany's grueling 17.5-mile Nürburgring race track. The CTS-V runs 0-60 in 3.9 seconds, yet it's posh and genteel enough to ferry your fickle mother-in-law to high tea with the Ladies' Aid Society. With a pricing starting just over $60k, the CTS-V delivers a bang-for-the-buck quotient of nuclear proportions. All this, plus it was conceived, designed and built right here in the US of A. Take that, Germany!
2. Chevrolet Corvette ZR1
Photo © Aaron Gold
No question, the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 is the most thrilling car I have ever driven. The acceleration produced by the 638 hp supercharged V8 is almost beyond the scope of human comprehension, while the handling is supercar-sharp yet incredibly forgiving. With styling that looks nearly identical to the base-model Corvette, it's easy to forget how much engineering intelligence is packed into the ZR1, or what an incredible bargain it is -- $105,000 is a heck of a deal for a supercar that goes 0-60 in 3.5 seconds and on to 200 MPH, let alone one that includes a lightweight aluminum skeleton, magnetic-fluid shocks and carbon-ceramic brakes. Mark my words: History will remember the Corvette ZR1 as one of the all-time great cars.
3. Dodge Challenger
Photo © Aaron Gold
Technically, the Challenger was introduced in 2008, but only in limited-run automatic SRT8 form. 2009 sees the introduction of the full lineup -- SE, R/T, and manual-trans SRT-8. I love that the base-model SE looks every bit as mean and nasty as the big-dog SRT8, while the R/T delivers 95% of the SRT8's thrills for 75% of the price. And the six-speed manual transmission with its modern-day pistol grip shifter is the best thing to happen to the Challenger SRT8 since... well, since last year. Sure, the Challenger has flaws -- plenty of 'em, in fact -- but I don't think I'll ever grow tired of driving it...or of seeing it parked in my driveway.
4. Honda Fit
Photo © Aaron Gold
The second-generation Honda Fit is on this list for the same reason the first-gen Fit made the list in 2007: It's a brilliant example of space and fuel efficiency. Tiny as the Fit is, it's still the only subcompact that can accommodate four adults and their luggage in comfort. Leave at least two of those adults at home, and the Fit can accommodate all manner of cargo, thanks to a trick back seat that flips and folds nine ways to Sunday. The Honda Fit is reasonably priced, nicely equipped, and has a zippy little engine that returns great fuel economy -- plus it's a right handsome little devil.
5. Hyundai Genesis
Photo © Aaron Gold
If you still have any lingering doubts that Hyundai can produce a decent car, you need to check out the Genesis, a full-size luxury sedan that comes frighteningly close to out-Lexusing the Lexus LS460. The Genesis is big, beautiful, quiet and smooth, and since it's a Hyundai at heart, it's a great deal -- $33,000 for starters and $42,000 with goodies like a leather-covered dash, dial-operated navigation system, a 17-speaker stereo by Lexicon (the folks that make sound systems for Rolls-Royce), and a fantastic 375 hp V8. Frankly, this car would make the Best Of list no matter who built it -- but I just love the fact that it's a Hyundai.
6. Mazda6
Photo © Aaron Gold
The 2009 Mazda6 is my new favorite mid-size family sedan. Why? First of all, it does family-sedan stuff brilliantly well. It's roomy and fuel-efficient with a great cabin and a very reasonable price tag. Second, it makes safety a priority, with six airbags and electronic stability control standard in all models, even the cheapest one. And third, it's brilliant to drive. The standard four-cylinder engine delivers plenty of power (the optional V6 delivers tons more) and the road manners are fantastic -- the Mazda6 is amazingly fun in the curves, yet it has a smooth, quiet ride that makes it a pleasure to live with on a day-to-day basis. If there's a downside to this car, I haven't found it yet.
7. Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG
Photo © Aaron Gold
I'll admit it -- I'm a sucker for the AMG-designed 6.2 liter V8 that powers all of Mercedes' 63-series AMG cars. The engine is strong as an ox and makes fantastic noises whether it's running full-bore up a freeway onramp or just idling at the curb. Take all that motoriffic goodness and pack it into a rich man's tin-top convertible, and, well, that's the Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG. Fast, loud and beautiful -- what's not to love?
8. Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart
Photo © Aaron Gold
The Lancer Ralliart is Mitsubishi's first attempt to take on Subaru's mid-level WRX, and it's a good 'un. With a two-liter turbo engine, all-wheel-drive, and twin-clutch automatic transmission (an interesting and somewhat controversial choice), the Ralliart fits in between the happy-go-lucky Lancer GTS and the take-no-prisoners Lancer Evolution -- but it feels more like a toned-down Evolution than a tuned-up GTS. The Ralliart delivers big-time thrills in a sensible, family-friendly package -- that's my kind of car!
9. Pontiac Vibe
Photo © Aaron Gold
There are a lot of reasons to love the Pontiac Vibe. First, it's versatile, with a tall, roomy interior, mini-wagon body, and a hard-plastic-lined cargo bay. Second, it's safe -- all versions of the Vibe have electronic stability control as standard, and all-wheel-drive is optional. And third, it's a Toyota. Okay, it's not actually a Toyota -- the Pontiac Vibe is a joint collaboration between Toyota and General Motors, but the mechanical bits are Toyota-sourced and the car is built at the joint GM-Toyota NUMMI plant in California, which has been turning out high-quality cars (including the Toyota Corolla and Tacoma pickup) for over twenty years. Toyota has their own version -- the also-new-for-2009 Matrix -- but the Pontiac Vibe is better.
10. Volkswagen Jetta TDI
Photo © Aaron Gold
The diesel-powered car is one of those great ideas that Americans just haven't latched onto yet -- but the VW Jetta TDI is certainly doing its part to help. Its all-new 2-liter turbodiesel engine produces near-hybrid fuel economy with stronger acceleration and less electro-mechanical complexity, plus it runs on low-sulfur "clean" diesel fuel and meets 50-state emissions standards without the need for any sort of AdBlue-type fluid. VW has wrapped this engine it in the Jetta, one of my favorite family sedans. Thanks to a $1,300 federal tax credit, the Jetta TDI actually costs less than a comparably-equipped gasoline-powered Jetta -- and it gets double the fuel economy.
11. Honorable mention: Porsche 911 Carrera
Photo © Aaron Gold
The 911 Carrera isn't all-new for 2009, though it has been significantly updated: Revised styling, new engines and a new twin-clutch automatic transmission. It's the last item -- which Porsche calls PDK -- that brings it to this list. PDK is what a twin-clutch transmission ought to be. It provides near-instant upshifts and downshifts with absolutely no interruption in power, and I mean none -- PDK can downshift from 7th gear directly to 2nd without even the slightest jolt. It's a truly amazing transmission -- and the 911 has the power and the handling to really put it to good use. I still prefer my Porsches with three pedals, but the 911 PDK is the best automatic-transmission-equipped sports car I've ever driven.
12. Honorable mention: Subaru Impreza WRX
Photo © Aaron Gold
The Subaru Impreza WRX gets our Most Improved Player Award for 2009. The WRX was actually all-new for 2008 -- and it was good enough to earn a spot on the 2008 list -- but the reception from the public at large was lukewarm. As a result, Subaru has fortified the '09 WRX with a serious power boost (41 horsepower and 18 lb-ft of torque), a stiffer suspension, and new summer performance tires. End result: The WRX is more fun than ever, especially in the curves. The WRX is a loveable car that's gotten a whole lot more loveable for 2009.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
