The Reliable Source

Gossip From Washington and Beyond

The Reliable Source is back, under the stewardship of Amy Argetsinger and Roxanne Roberts . Appearing in the Style section on Tuesdays through Fridays and Sundays, The Reliable Source brings you gossip from across the region and around the world -- candid looks at the lives and loves and hijinks of all your favorite bold-faced names, be they congressmen or millionaires,ballplayers or newsbabes, nightlife divas or master thespians, DJs or gadflies, has-beens or will-bes.

Argetsinger and Roberts are online each Wednesday at Noon ET to discuss your favorite gossip, what you thought about their recent columns or who you want to see them writing about in future ones.

Columns:

Take Me Out: The Nats' Opening Day Draws Some Heavy Hitters (Post, April 12)

Redskins' Brandon Lloyd, Rappin' Receiver (Post, April 11)

Sorry, You're Not on the List (Post, April 9)

Argetsinger is a veteran of all leafy-green, protein-rich sections like Metro and National while Roberts brought you the champagne and bon-bons of Style's society beat.

A transcript follows.

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Amy Argetsinger: Good morning. Sorry we're late. I overslept, which is a classic sign of depression. Because of the Bow Wow/Ciara split, you're thinking? No, because of you people. Because you didn't give us NEARLY enough Steve Carell sightings during the two and a half days he was in town, because you still fail to recognize Jenna with her new haircut, and because you are failing to place enough AI calls on behalf of Elliott.

Okay, got that out of my system. Cheery now, and so is Roxanne, and we're anxiously awaiting your questions and comments!

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Germantown, Md.: Which one of you went to the Nats opener?

Roxanne Roberts: Germantown, it was me! Guess you missed the photo credit in my dual role as reporter/photographer. Thank god for automatic focus! Speaking of which.....

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Washington, D.C.: In case you're having an extraordinarily slow news day ...

I arrived home last night to find my neighbors -- the new Design Within Reach in Adams Morgan -- hosting quite a hootenanny. The place was exceedingly loud and oozing with young, well-dressed people. When I popped over to ask what was up, the nice lady at the door told me it was a fundraiser for leukemia (I think that's what she said -- the music was WAY loud), and that the guest of honor was Wendy Pepper, of Project Runway fame.

Then I went home and turned my TV up to drown them out.

Amy Argetsinger: Thanks for the report! I almost went to that -- alas, other things conflicted, plus we already had a delightful catch-up with Middleburg's own Wendy Pepper in our column last fall. She's quite the party-hopper!

Here's what we wrote about her back then:

If you've ever wondered what it's like to be a reality TV star after the glare of the spotlight has passed on to some newer crop of hopefuls -- well, don't ask Wendy Pepper!

We found the 41-year-old Middleburg designer at the Mandarin Oriental hotel, holding court Saturday at a VIP reception for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation "Night of Hope" Gala (which raised $1.5 million). She described the opportunities that have come her way since she was eliminated on the February finale of the cult cable hit "Project Runway" (a kind of "American Idol" for fashion): First she did "Battle of the Network Reality Stars," now it's a winning stint on "Celebrity Poker Showdown," soon a judging gig on the next "Project Runway."

Wow, who knew D-list fame was so enduring?

"I'm very resourceful," she said.

Pepper -- glammed up and not looking a thing like her backstabber-nerd TV persona -- said she just started selling her own line of clothing at a Middleburg boutique. So, this reality TV stuff -- doesn't it, you know, undercut one's credibility within one's chosen profession? "Luckily, in the creative field," she said, "a little eccentricity is always important."

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Kensington, Md.: Roxanne, great pix from the Nats game, but in light of the Page Six scandal, I have to ask. How much did Fred Malek pay to keep that candid shot of him guzzling a Bud Light? How about that moment when Jack Evans had a ketchup mustache from his hotdog? What's the price on that? Clearly, the VPOTUS didn't pay up.

Roxanne Roberts: Hah! You should see the one of Cheney in the locker room!

Kidding! Everyone was using their most photo-rific best manners. Of course, it WAS the middle of the day.

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D.C. Cube farm: Googled your photo

Ms. Amy Argetsinger,

wow, you are a babe!

Amy Argetsinger: Aw, thanks... There might be some confusion, though. When I GoogleImages myself, I find no images of myself that are the least bit babe-ish. Then again, I should probably note that I am NOT the willowy 23-year-old Amy Argetsinger who played basketball for DePauw.

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Section 513, RFK: Ladies,

Thank you for being the ONLY reporters in the Post (actually most of the media) who got the story about Cheney correct. He was booed before, during, and after his throw. Even your distinguished colleague (and my favorite sportswriter) Barry Svrluga got it wrong. Let's make sure history gets this one correct: Cheney was booed when he was announced and while he walked out to the mound -- not just after he rolled the ball to Schneider.

Roxanne Roberts: Thanks, although I have to say I was surprised. He was there in a ceremonial role, so I thought the reception would be at least cordial. I was wrong.

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Washington, D.C.: As frustrating as it may be that you can't be as fast on the draw as some other gossip sites, how much are you loving Washington Post news values right now given the Page Six mess?

Amy Argetsinger: Hang on, trying to look up the proper spelling of "schadenfreude"...

Roxanne Roberts: Hey---nobody goes into print journalism for the money! How dumb is that? If we wanted to be rich, we would have gone the Katie Couric route. Worked well for her.

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Dupont Circle, Washington, D.C.: I was heading down Conn. Ave. last week on my way to the Dupont Metro and passed by Sara from ANTM - no big deal, as I knew she lived around here. Then, on Friday, walking around Georgetown, passed by her again walking with a very tall man, probably the boyfriend. Surprised to see her twice in two days, but still didn't think much of it. However, crossed the street not 3 minutes later and passed by Kari from ANTM, with a woman I assume was her mother. Any idea why she would be in town? Strange to have 2 ANTM contestants in the same city, neighborhood, etc on the same day, no?

Amy Argetsinger: Wow -- you mean Kari the Bardot-looking blonde who was wrongly dismissed a couple weeks ago instead of Gina, who they kept around another week for drama's sake? Sure it was her?

No idea why she would be here. Spring break with the parents? She's only 18.. .

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Washington, D.C.: Elliott = freaky smushed elf. I can't stand looking at him, so I refuse to admit that his voice isn't half bad.

My bottom three? Ace. Paris. Bucky. With Ace heading home. Fine by me. Too much makeup last night and his rosy cheeks are super creepy.

My favorite = Katharine. And Kellie just needs to evaporate. What a waste of oxygen.

Amy Argetsinger: Indeed, Elliott is a polarizing force. Yet don't you agree he is almost what the French would call "jolie-laid" -- so homely he's almost handsome?

Who on earth are all these people who *like* Kellie? I thought the entire world was onto her con by now.

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Fairfax, Va.: Never fear ladies!

I tried to vote for our boy Elliot several times last night and the line was ALWAYS busy. That has to mean good things, right?

Amy Argetsinger: For this week, anyway... I suspect Elliott will enjoy the one-week rebound experienced by a lot of folks who drop into the bottom three...

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Dupont Circle, Washington, D.C.: Why do you think celebs give their babies such weirdo names? Moses? Apple? Coco? Phinneas? Kal-el? I hate to call Britney "normal," but her choice of "Sean Preston" is the most acceptable of them all. I can't wait to see what Humongo Freakazoids Katie/Tom and Angela/Brad name their spawn.

Roxanne Roberts: Special people give their babies special names. It's a rider in their life contract, I think. Anyway, it always seems to backfire 15 years or so down the road, so take heart.

As for little Sean, the normal name makes up for the driving on mom's lap in the car and visits from Child Welfare. Yeah, he's gonna be just fine with those two as parents.

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Washington, D.C.: People who know their kids are likely to grow up to be nerds, give them normal names because they know life is going to be tough enough. Super cool people give funny names because they do not think their kids will ever have to worry about social acceptance.

Amy Argetsinger: Ah, very interesting theory...

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Bethesda, Md.: Strosnider's Hardware Store must be Cokie Roberts' favorite place! A few weeks ago I read in your chat a reader's submission about having seen her there. That same week, on a Saturday, I had to run in and pick something up at Strosnider's. I was in a big hurry, but as I left the check-out, I heard her unmistakable voice, as well as one of the clerks saying, "Cokie, how are you today?" Gotta love D.C. -- you never know who you might spot in the light bulb section at your local hardware store ...

Roxanne Roberts: Was that our chat? Can't remember it exactly, but Cokie is very just folks, which is always nice. Kinda makes up for the real estate prices, no?

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Washington, D.C.: Everyone in our office, which faces the old Convention Center site (now that bizarrely ornate parking lot), has been wondering what's going on down there with all those trucks, trailers and tents. We heard it was part of a movie set, and we can see make-up chairs, but we don't know anything else. Have you heard any details about the stars, etc?

Amy Argetsinger: Oh no -- not another film shoot! Honestly, it's hard to keep up with these things... Those three separate TV pilots that were filming here all started to blur together for us; then there was "Evan Almighty" filming here this week ever-so-briefly, as we reported in today's column.

Okay, tell me more, and we'll get on it. What's the intersection? How long have they been there, and are they still there today? Do you see any names on the trucks, etc.? If it's something interesting (as opposed to, say, an infomercial), we'll report it in the column and be extremely grateful that you tipped us off to it! reliablesource@washpost.com

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Washington, D.C.: You are right on Yamin, I think he's so goofy looking he is kind of cute. I'd give him a go.

Amy Argetsinger: See, what did I tell you? The ladies love Elliott. It's quite a phenomenon.

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Land of Confusion: Okay, pure speculation please: There is a lot of chatter about Katie Holmes faking her pregnancy. We may find out the truth or we may not. But what I can't figure out is 'why' she would bother, and if she did, why she would do it so badly. Does anything occur to either of you?

Roxanne Roberts: Whoa? Lots of chatter? We haven't heard much, and put it in the "too good to be true" category of gossip. TomKat has been a strange pairing since Day One, and suspect if only half of what's reported is true. Saying that, if the point of this relationship was to showcase Tom as a regular guy who happened to fall in love with a starlet two decades younger, I'd be shocked if the whole pregnancy is fake. If that's true, Cruise will enter the Michael Jackson Zone of Weirdness, losing whatever box office appeal he still has.

Amy Argetsinger: Defamer, one of my favorite gossip Web sites, has been promoting the "anatomy of a fake pregnancy" angle for the past week or so. Here's what they said:

"Coming out of Barney's New York, America's most suspicious expectant mother displayed all the classic indicators of an imminent fake delivery--skinny limbs, a face free of late third-trimester puffiness, and, most tellingly, a mid-sized beach ball inflated to the maximum pressure allowable by any respectable member of the National Board of Ersatz Obstetrics and Gynecology. Based on the above photo, it could be any minute now before a drone back at the compound silently pushes forth new life into the world, then watches as the baby is whisked away to its proud, commissioning parents before she can even sigh, "She has Genetic Material Injector #44477A's eyes."

There's no evidence here. It's just the gossip world's way of joking about how weird this whole relationship/pregnancy has been, who KNOWS what's really going on?

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RE: Elliot: Umm, is it bad that I love his voice but end up staring at my BF when he's singing? Sorry, but my BF is so much cuter!

Amy Argetsinger: I'm sure he is!

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Springfield, Va.: I don't care for Kellie but I don't think that is an act. I beleive she really is that naive. Example -- when Simon used the phrase "on paper" it totally confused her.

Amy Argetsinger: So YOU'RE the person voting for her then!

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Dupont Circle, Washington, D.C.: RE: ANTM: Was definitely Kari, and she looked slimmer than she did on the show -- Must have been listening to those judges! And Sara is TALL, I knew she was over 6', but WOW!

Amy Argetsinger: Yeah, some discrepancy on her height... Georgetown Web sites (she was a volleyball star) indicate she's an inch or two taller than she copped to on the show. I mean, it's dangerous territory you're venturing into at that height. As Miss Tyra said on the first episode, while fretting that Sara might be too tall: "You know, people think that models are all 6 foot, 6'1'', but they're really just like 5'10'', 5'11''"

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Fairfax, Va.: What effect will the controversy at Page Six have on your efforts here? Do you expect any special pressure from Post editors?

Amy Argetsinger: It will have no effect here. I mean, what was allegedly going on at Page Six was so completely beyond the pale. Even if you set aside the extortion part -- and, for the record, no, we here at the Washington Post don't extort people on our beat -- and go with what Jared Paul Stern says happened.... he says he was simply trying to work out a business deal with someone he covers (to get the billionaire to invest in his clothing line). And that's *completely* unethical. You don't do that. I mean, we don't do that. Credible journalists do not do that.

Roxanne Roberts: True--and although New York gossip is more cutthroat than Washington, even the tabloids have standards. Stern is a bad apple who will get drummed out of the gossip business and ....oh, sign a huge contract to write a book about New York gossip. Sigh.

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Bowie, Md.: Why haven't you guys reported some more information on Marion Barry's current squeeze, Chenille "Don't Like Microfiber" Spencer?

Amy Argetsinger: Okay, you're right, we need to get on the Chenille beat right away. They're very public -- she goes to his court appearances and everything. And get this -- she's 34!

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No More Wire Hangers!: Or Wendy Pepper, please. She is a no-talent hack and her 15 minutes are up.

Amy Argetsinger: Well, nobody's told her that yet...

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Charlottesville, Va.: Amy, 1991 UVA grad here. Steve Carrell has been all over our little burg while filming. He's been spotted at all the right places around town, and has even ventured out to Target. He's been great with everyone I've spoken with who's talked to him. C'mon down, I'm sure you'll see him at Harris Teeter next!

Amy Argetsinger: All right, then -- you got to promise to keep tabs on him for us. I love the fact that they're filming in Crozet -- and that the tiny little burg of Crozet is now so bursting at the seams with development that it can stand in for suburban NoVa. Sad, actually. Hey, have you been to Crozet Pizza lately? Is it still good?

"Evan Almighty" will also be filming next week in Staunton and Waynesboro. And at some point in Madison as well.

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Washington, D.C.: RE: "The ladies love Elliott. It's quite a phenomenon."

Hey I'm a guy.

Amy Argetsinger: All right! Then there really is no reason he shouldn't win.

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Alexandria, Va.: I was at the game yesterday, and I thought the booing of the VP was really tacky. It's baseball! I think it's really a disgrace to the game when people pull this sort of thing.

There was also that guy in the row in front of me that spent the entire time buried in his BlackBerry. What's with these people!

Roxanne Roberts: I think there's a difference between booing the vice president at a political speech and booing when he throws out a pitch, but his political batting average is in the tank, and the lines get blurred.

And I call it "CrackBerry." It's an addiction, like chocolate, and addicts should enter withdrawal slowly---go cold turkey, and they start staring at your cell phone with a gleam in their eyes.

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Kellie re: "on paper": My theory is that she was faking the "on paper" thing as a means of diverting what he was trying to say, which wasn't 100 percent complimentary. I think she feels like she has to insert some example of her ditziness every week, so we don't forget that she is a SIMPLE GIRL!

Gah! Hate!

Elliott rocks, by the way. And while he's not handsome, he looks way better without the funny little beard.

Amy Argetsinger: interesting thoughts, thanks.. .

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A.I. Kellie: If she wins, what does that truly say about A.I.? Two blonde, busty, beautiful country singers win in back-to-back years? We need Chris or Taylor to win and shake things up a bit.

Amy Argetsinger: I won't argue with you on that. However...

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Washington, D.C.: Ugh. Enough with the American Idol speculation -- I can't believe anyone is still watching that silly contrived show. American Idle is more accurate.

Amy Argetsinger: ooh, snap!

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Washington, D.C.: Hi! Love the chats! Roxanne, any tips on how to be selected as a participant on Wait Wait - I'm so excited to have tickets, but we'll be in the nosebleed seats (sigh.)

Roxanne Roberts: Thanks! Glad you're coming to the show, but the participants aren't audience members---they're regular listeners who contact the show to be on the air. There's more info on the Web site: http://www.npr.org/programs/waitwait

Good luck!

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Silver Spring, Md.: "I was at the game yesterday, and I thought the booing of the VP was really tacky. It's baseball! I think it's really a disgrace to the game when people pull this sort of thing."

Well some of us think a lot of baseball, a great American pastime, and think it's a disgrace to the game to invite people like the veep to open the game.

Roxanne Roberts: Fair point.

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washingtonpost.com: "Wait Wait" (NPR)

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Crozet Pizza: Shhhhh! That's supposed to be our secret! It was tough when the Sunday Source did an road trip that included them. C'mon down, I'll buy you a pie. Foxfield is in three weeks ...

Amy Argetsinger: Aw, don't tempt me... I'm guessing Foxfield is probably the same weekend as the White House Correspondent's Dinner, which is more collegiate-style drinking and dress-up than I can possibly cope with in a single weekend.

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RE: Angelina/Brad: So, when are these two going to "officially" tie the knot? Are they working out the legal stuff first?

Amy Argetsinger: Perhaps their love is so transcendent that it would be insulted by the petty legal definitions we mortals like to impose.

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Silver Spring, Md.: Dang Amy! You played Division I basketball! U Da Bomb!

Amy Argetsinger: What's most impressive is that I played Division I basketball while holding down a demanding Metro job at The Washington Post. People never give me enough credit.

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Re: Staunton: When exactly if Evan Almighty filming down there? I'm going there the weekend of April 21 -- will I miss him?

Amy Argetsinger: Not sure. My sense is that they're filming next week, no idea if it carries over into the weekend. So I hope you have other reasons for going to Staunton than to stalk Steve Carell.

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"on paper"": confuses Kellie Pickler, but 5 seconds later, she busts out "terminology" and pronounces it correctly. Hmmmmm. That's for real.

Amy Argetsinger: She's bad news.

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A.I.: I loathe Kelly Pickler. I would dial the phone until my fingers bled if I could vote her off. I almost ended my thirteen-year friendship with my best friend because she confessed that she "liked" Kelly and "thinks she's cute." Barf. The red state voters are ruining my TV time with their need to retain Kelly and Bucky.

Amy Argetsinger: Hey, no need to get partisan about it.

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Tai Shan Here: Hey, everyone come over a look at me!

Amy Argetsinger: Whew, was wondering when you'd show up!

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Rose: As a Commander in Chief watcher, I am pleased Geena Davis comes back on Thursday night. Do you think the new writers will help show her as more tough in handling the duty as president? Would you agree there was too much focus on the kids and now they might focus more on the president and how she would handle the real work of her office? Also, do you see more of a likeness of former college chancellor by MAC as compared to Condi from Stanford? Mac was also a foreign policy expert, so again, more like Condi. Would you agree the show could help the millions who have seen the show form a more supportive view of a woman president since Geena has performed so well?

Roxanne Roberts: Rose, the suits at ABC are LOVING you! If only they could clone you, maybe the show might limp into a second season--but don't hold your breath.

The problem is the writers haven't managed to make Mac very interesting doing anything, so the prospect of more desk/less kids doesn't get too many hearts racing. It would be great for viewers to focus on the skills of a female president, but if they're anything like me, they're wondering how her lipstick stays so perfect. Anybody know which brand she uses? Presidential Pucker?

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Booingtheveep: I BOOED AND I AM GLAD OTHERS DID too.

Enough of this pseudo fake Southern politeness bs we do in Washington.

Roxanne Roberts: Okie, dokie.

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Anonymous: Did Cheney throw a spitball?

Roxanne Roberts: No. Just a lame into-the-dirt lob.

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Maryland: The best response to Cheney's appearnace at the ballpark yesterday would've been deafening SILENCE from the crowd. It would've gotten the point across in a dramatic and non-redneck way. Don't you ladies agree?

Roxanne Roberts: Seems to make the point, but clearly other chatters disagree.

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A.I. Kellie: Oh Snap is right! Sometimes I can't believe I watch the show at all.

Amy Argetsinger: Likewise. Yet when "The Wire" isn't on, "AI" is the best thing on television. ("America's Next Top Model," naturally, running a distant second.)

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Crackberry, D.C.: Some of us couldn't get out the office for a 1:00 game without checking the CrackBerry every few minutes ... So excuse me!

Roxanne Roberts: Now, now...don't get defensive. Think back to the ancients who offended audiences with pagers, then cell phones. You're just part of the wave. One day, we'll all be wired 24/7, beeping our way through life. The real question is: When would turn the little sucker off?

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Rockville, Md.: A lot of people are making the comment about not booing the VP. Since he rarely makes a public appearance or gets out of the bunker in front of the little people, we have to take any opportunity to express our opinion. Plus, half the fun of baseball is the booing and cheering.

Roxanne Roberts: Another opinion....

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Alexandria, Va.: Well, whatever you may think of the VP personally, he IS the VP. When you boo the Vice President throwing out a ceremonial first pitch, you aren't booing Dick Cheney, you are booing the office. It's not like you're having to sit there and listen to his opinions. It's no different than booing during the National Anthem, in my opinion. Write a letter or something -- the home opener of a baseball team could not be further from an appropriate forum for political discourse.

Roxanne Roberts: Another....

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RE: Cheney/Baseball: "Well some of us think a lot of baseball, a great American pastime, and think it's a disgrace to the game to invite people like the veep to open the game."

But you're probably the same type of person who would cheer those former office holder who were playing with cigars (among other things) in the oval office and lying under oath. It's baseball Corky, he's you're VP whether you like it or not. Say something nice or don't say anything at all. (No, Boooo is not nice)

Roxanne Roberts: Another...

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Fairfax, Va.: I guess the veep throws about as well as he shoots ...

Roxanne Roberts: And one more.

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Long Beach, Calif.: If you were to pick a charity or cause for Paris Hilton to champion on Capitol Hill, what would it be?

Amy Argetsinger: Yappy little dogs, I guess.

Roxanne Roberts: Tax breaks for multi-millionaires with no actual talent.

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Crofton, Md.: I think the reason Cheney was booed is because not only are people tired of his act, but he lives in a bubble. If he actually appeared at political events, like town halls, as opposed to staged love-fests attended by the 20 percent who approve of what he's done, then I would agree that booing him at the ballgame would have been inappropriate.

Roxanne Roberts: The "he doesn't get out enough" theory.

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Gaitherburg, Md.: Have you ever had an encounter with a celebrity that was the complete opposite of their public image? (i.e., a perceived class act that was a total jerk or vice versa)

Amy Argetsinger: Yes. There was a certain down-to-earth boy-next-door heartthrob actor who was prickly and aloof and just radiated serious jerk vibes. And there was a national politician known for being dorky and aloof and socially awkward who turned out to be a charming, gracious listener with lovely manners. These were both long before I came onto this column, though... How about you Roxanne?

Roxanne Roberts: I'll have to mull over that one and share next week. In the meanwhile, duty calls. Everyone enjoy Passover and Easter--don't eat too many chocolate bunnies---and meet back here next week. And write us at reliablesource@washpost.com.

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Re: " The real question is: When would turn the little sucker off?": So the test of addiction is if you're having sex and your Blackberry goes off - - - what do you do?

Roxanne Roberts: Thought for the day, people. Now I'm REALLY outta here.

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