Amy Argetsinger and Roxanne Roberts
Washington Post Staff Writers
Wednesday, October 11, 2006; 12:00 PM
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.
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 all. It's been a busy week, what with all the stars wandering through -- Mark Wahlberg (filming the movie "Shooter"), Robin Williams (promoting his new movie), Lil' Kim (trying to help the kids) and John Legend (breezing through his advertised Zanzibar appearance so he could get downtown to hang out at a bar with Bill Maher).
Today we outed Chris Wallace as a Democrat, showed you pictures of Alexander Ovechkin and his girlfriend (sorry -- print version only!), showed you how they're making up Angelina to look like Mariane Pearl, and gave you the latest on Barbra Streisand (cussing out hecklers, and preparing to bring a GWB imitator to D.C.)
So bring us your questions -- where are they? Are you guys still worn out from last week's Foley discussion?
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Silver Spring, Md.: Submitting early as I have a job interview during your chat. So, like, has anyone told Madonna she's no Angelina? Is this the newest celebrity craze? Adopting kids from poor countries? Great way to get publicity I guess but at what cost? It just seems kind of smarmy to me. It's not like these kids will be raised by either Angelina or Madonna, but a series of nannies while they're on a shoot or on tour.
Roxanne Roberts: It's tough being a world famous humanitarian---not counting Mother Teresa. The good news is that celebrities can use their fame to shed light on real global issues. The bad news is that it often looks like a photo op. Madonna is indeed in Malawi, where there are conflicting reports whether she is, in fact, adopting or just founding an orphanage. And I think you're being unfair to Angelina---she's spotted with her kids all the time, and from all reports is very hands-on as a mother----the kids are reportedly with her in India right now. Sure, they have nannies, but so do a lot of children with not-famous parents.
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Bethesda, Md.: Would you know if Marlena Chalmers -- Jack Kent Cooke's 2X ex -- is still in the area?
Roxanne Roberts: She voluntarily left Washington for Italy several years ago after a long deportation battle with the INS. Miss her----how many woman drive through Georgetown with a boytop on the top of a Jaguar these days? Not enough for Reliable Source!
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Leesburg, Va.: RE: Robin Williams and alcohol rehab ... has he actually said what caused him to slip? I mean, he was close with Dana Reeve and this seemed to follow her death. Just conjecture, but it's difficult when we see the dark side of funny people.
Amy Argetsinger: Robin Williams went into rehab in August; his publicist said that he did so as a "proactive" step when he found himself drinking again after 20 years of sobriety.
I don't think he's given any more statement on it, but I'm also not sure it's ever very useful to try to ask *why* someone turns to alcohol or drugs. A lot of people who have had addictions in the past say that even after they've beat the addictions, staying sober can be a day-in, day-out struggle -- they're always at risk of relapsing, that's just the nature of the beast -- doesn't necessarily have to be some dramatic trigger event.
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MK15, Arlington: Any update on TomKat moving to Middleburg
Amy Argetsinger: No, Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes are not moving to northern Virginia. (Should we say "sorry!" or "whew!"?)The exact nature of the rumor was that they were moving to a $22 million estate in Upperville. But the rumor was not true. So far as we know, it never had a whiff of truth.
Still, it's an interesting case study in the nature of rumors and gossip. There is no worse breeding-ground for fake rumors than expensive real estate. People see a stupendously expensive house for sale and immediately think "Well, who on earth could possibly afford that? Must be Oprah/Spielberg/Bill Gates!" And next thing you know, the speculation has turned into a rumor that it's actually happening. For professional gossips, it then becomes very tricky because of all the secrecy involved in real-estate transactions -- it's as impossible to disprove the rumors as it is to prove them. Completely maddening. We wasted a whole lot of time on the tantalizing rumor circulating last winter about Hollywood A-listers supposedly buying a place in Kalorama. The rumor would not die -- though history will now reflect that they never moved here.
The Washington Examiner put the TomKat-in-Upperville rumor into last Wednesday's paper, citing sources. The next day, they ran an item conceding that the rumor wasn't true (everyone involved denied it).
Big props to the Examiner for coming clean about that -- but shame on all the news outlets and Web sites that picked up on their first story, and then ignored the retraction. That's why the rumor is still floating around -- and you're still asking about it -- a week after it was debunked.
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Ellicott City, Md.: Any scoop on Lloyd Grove's new position? Are you guys worried?
Roxanne Roberts: Lloyd is now a New Yorker, plans to stay up there, and will land on his feet making far more money than we do. We wish him well.
Amy Argetsinger: Lloyd's a smart and resourceful guy, and a gifted writer, so we're not worried for him at all.
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Seat Pleasant, Md.: I have to agree with the first poster re Madonna trying to be Angelina. Throw in Britney while you're at it.
It's sad that kids have become a vehicle for celebrity attention.
Roxanne Roberts: True, and yet-----I'd rather see a celebrity using their money and fame to do some good than buying yet another $$$$$ house or diamond. Certainly, it had to give them some perspective on how lucky they are, and how they can do some good in the world.
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Washington, D.C.: Re the Daniel Pearl movie: I respected the man and his wife, but I have no intention of seeing this film. I couldn't think of more dismal depressing subject.
Roxanne Roberts: Sad, yes----and heroic and topical and all that other stuff that makes a great dramatic film. There are a zillion ways to screw up a movie, but this could be very good if all the pieces fall in place.
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Washington, D.C.: Didn't Barbra promise to retire? I'm calling fraud!!
Amy Argetsinger: This is supposedly her "farewell" tour. Supposedly.
Does anyone else remember The Who's "farewell" tour back in, what was it, 1982?
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Washington, D.C.: Ladies, will the reason for Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman's divorce ever be known? Or will it remain Hollywood's best kept secret? (do you two know?)
Roxanne Roberts: Yeah, Nic was crying on the phone every day for years, spilling all the juicy stuff about Tom used to......nah, I can't lie. Haven't a clue, because she's got the grace to keep their private life private. I suspect more details will emerge, but for now all be can do is guess. Which we do, about one a week.
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washingtonpost.com: Yeas and Nays ( Examiner, Oct. 11 )
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Washington, D.C.: Who drives Jaguars anymore?
Roxanne Roberts: Does Jaguar make an SUV version?
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Virginia: So, how does one get tickets to the Miss Adams-Morgan event? Sounds like fun! Or don't we "little people" get to go?
Roxanne Roberts: It's a blast! I was invited to attend once by a friend, with the strict rule I did not write about the party. It's wildly popular, invitation only, and sells out every year, so you should ask friends and see if you can beg an extra ticket and tag along.
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Pittsburgh, Pa.: So I'll admit I was a bit amused when I heard that Streisand told a heckler to "shut the ...." But, come on Babs, people come to hear you sing, not complain about the prez. We all know what your political views are, but that's not the point of your CONCERT! I certainly wouldn't have heckled the woman, but I would have been ticked off to think I had spent $$$ to see a political skit in the middle of her show.
Amy Argetsinger: The critics and reporters who attended Streisand's Madison Square Garden show and provided the accounts of her showdown with a heckler seemed to agree that the audience's restlessness was more a factor of their wanting to hear her sing again rather than a problem with her politics. This was Manhattan, after all... The critics seem to like Steve Bridges' GWB impression, but most have said that the skit he does with Streisand is a little sleepy. And they're annoyed that she wraps two of her best songs -- "Get Happy" and "Happy Days are Here Again" -- into a schticky duet with the comedian.
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Cedar Grove, Md.: Mom told me to write back and apologize for being snarky two weeks ago because she loves you both like the children she never had.
I'm sorry.
And Ma, sorry for totaling your car 12 years ago, but I'm still your child. I think ...
Amy Argetsinger: Ah, Cedar Grove -- we remember you! Glad to have you back in the chat. All's forgiven.
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Long Beach, Calif. : I thought Robin Williams started drinking again when he figured out he wasn't very funny anymore? Is this a rumor then? Thanks.
Roxanne Roberts: I did read something about him saying it slowed him down, which makes you wonder what's he like au natural. The man's brain is in overdrive, which is great for us but maybe exhausting for him and the people around him. Anyway, hope he's happy and sober.
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Fairfax, Va.: Not to suck up or anything, but your chat is way more fun than Lloyd's ever was.
Roxanne Roberts: Oh, suck up. And thanks.
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Washington, D.C.: Yesterday I saw two cars filming a man on a Vespa turning onto 16th St. from Euclid in NW. Any ideas about what they were filming? In addition is there a movie being filmed on 16th and Belmont this weekend? They have the streets shut down from 4 p.m. to 1 a.m. on Friday evening.
Amy Argetsinger: At the moment don't have an answer for you, though possibly this is something we'll pin down for the column later this week -- so e-mail us with more details of what you saw at reliablesource@washpost.com.
Our understanding is that the Mark Wahlberg-Danny Glover-Stephen Hunter film "Shooter" wrapped up its D.C. set at the end of last week, but maybe they stuck around longer... We also know that Dreamworks is scheduled to come to town around now to shoot "Transformers" with director Michael Bay, but no stars expected to come to town for that one.
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Pittsburgh, Pa.: Can the Aniston-Vaughn relationship really be over if, according to them, it never really existed in the first place? And did she have to give back the non-existent 500k engagement ring from the non-proposal?
Roxanne Roberts: If Vince falls in a forest, does Jen make a sound? Deep, man. Don't know about the ring, but figure the non-relationship tanked and denials make it easier to duck the questions about Poor Jen Again.
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Los Angeles, Calif.: How old is Barbra now? Or is that a state secret?
Amy Argetsinger: She's 64. No secret.
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Moonbat: I think ambitious real estate agents often spread false rumors about celebrities looking at their properties to up their exposure by implying they deal with stars and to attract attention to an expensive property. Can't you see one of those heavily made-up, clanking bracelet-type real estate mavens wink-winking that she's been talking to someone very big in Hollywood, but I can't say any more!
Amy Argetsinger: Ha! I can't vouch for that -- hasn't been my personal experience -- but a brilliantly sinister theory. Thanks!
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Central Casting Office: Who plays Kim Jong Il in the movie version of the Korean missile crisis?
Amy Argetsinger: Ooh, good question. Anyone?
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New Haven Conn.: I was stuck in traffic yesterday so I had a lot of time to stare at the H3 in front of me. Much to my amazement, he had a World Wildlife Foundation sticker on his rear view window. Do you think he was being ironic? I nearly caused a five-car pile up but I managed to sneak a look -- the driver was a balding guy in his 50s.
Roxanne Roberts: Maybe he has a thing for Hummers AND pandas. Both are big, unwieldy and endangered.
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Washington, D.C.: In one of your previous chats, you made a comment that million dollar donations are everywhere in D.C. so it was no big deal that Brangelina made one to a non-profit in the area. I am the accountant for a poor social service non-profit, where can I find these million dollar donations as just one of these would take care of most of our budget for the fiscal year? I have walked around town since you made that comment and none have hit me in the head. Thank you.
Roxanne Roberts: I feel your pain. True, there are plenty of huge donations to all sorts of Washington charities, but never enough to go around---especially for the non-glam social service organizations. Keep the faith---you're doing good work.
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Alexandria, Va.: Hi Ladies! Just curious anymore fun filming in the D.C. area in the next few months? And do you by any chance know how one would become an extra?! Just curious as to how all that works! Thanks!
Amy Argetsinger: I answered part of this earlier... As for becoming an extra, I know there are a couple agencies around the region that specialize in providing extras to TV and movie shoots around here. Don't have time to Google around for you, but you can probably find them.
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Bowie, Md.,: Lloyd Grove making $300,000 to gossip? I'm sure you guys are not far behind.
Roxanne Roberts: HA HA HA HA HA! Good one!
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Foggy Logan re: Kim Jong Il: Michael Myers has been hoping to land the role as a start to his "dramatic" acting career.
Amy Argetsinger: There's an idea...
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Re: Casting office: Kim Jong Il would be played by Margaret Cho! For real, I like her, too. I bet she already has the trendy sunglasses.
Amy Argetsinger: all right...
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Kim Jong Il...: Horatio Sanz?
Amy Argetsinger: Thanks!
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Who plays Kim Jong Il in the movie : A: Danny DeVito
B: Mini-me
C: Tom Cruise -w/o lifts]
Amy Argetsinger: Brilliant!
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Alexandria, Va.: While the two of you are in fact better than Lloyd Grove, you can't come close to the whirlwind that was the Mighty Quidnunc. I had a take a nap after he was done on here.
Amy Argetsinger: We'll tell him you said so!
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Washington, D.C.: What's a boytop?
Amy Argetsinger: Roxanne can't type: She meant "boy toy."
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Kim Jung Il: Dennis Hastert, in shades.
Amy Argetsinger: Interesting...
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Kim Jong Il:: Dan Snyder?
Amy Argetsinger: Ooh, you're going to get us in trouble!
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Richmond, Va.: Gee, no one complains when Charlton Heston or Ted Nugent crows about their political beliefs.
Roxanne Roberts: Yes they do, Richmond. Lots of equal-opportunity bitching on both sides of the creek, depending on your political and musical tastes.
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Re Aniston-Vaughn: I never understood that in the first place. She's gorgeous and funny and he's -- what? The forgettable guy in Dodgeball?
Amy Argetsinger: I thought he was pretty hilarious in "Old School."
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Wayne, N.J.: Any scoop on CNN's Peter Bergen? Married/single?
Amy Argetsinger: Single, and last I ran into him had a gorgeous woman on his arm.
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Springfield, Mass.: Any news on Jenna Bush's job in South America or her boyfriend?
Amy Argetsinger: No new news, just the same old news -- still moving (or has moved) to South America, still dating Henry Hager so far as we know...
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Re: jaguars: You know, I thought the same thing recently. Really, who drives them? They're Ford crap -- do people think the same about Aston-Martin? Someone name a person that drives a Jag so I can put this to rest.
Roxanne Roberts: Let's see----Smithsonian head Larry Small used to drive one, but traded it in for a Corvette. Need for speed and all that.....
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What is Vince Vaughn?: Are you kidding me? He's hot, tall, hot, snarky, hot, and smooth.
Amy Argetsinger: The ladies love him!
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Vince Vaughn: Now, now ... I'm sure he has a great personality. Ahem.
Amy Argetsinger: He seems to have a lot of personality at least.
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Dupont, Washington, D.C.: How did Mark Cuban end up at Smith Point on Thursday? Also, I've seen a lot of press about LateNightShots lately -- their auction at Smith Point that Cuban went to, the founder in the Sunday Washington Post Magazine, blogs doing profiles of him/them. What's the deal?
Amy Argetsinger: I was wondering the same thing! That party they had last week was linked on every Web site in town (and Korin wrote up the mysterious Mark Cuban appearance in Saturday's Names and Faces)... So it cracked me up to see their founder written up in Sunday's Post magazine (for his habit of drinking a gallon of milk and a bunch of Ensures in lieu of breakfast and lunch) just days later. The magazine is put together weeks in advance, so I think that was just a lucky extra publicity coup for them...
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Vince Vaughn: And he was money in Swingers.
Amy Argetsinger: Wasn't he thin back then!
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Austin, Tex.: Where the heck is Jenna teaching? How about the other twin ... any recent sighting? Is she living with her parents? If not where?
Amy Argetsinger: We need to start a FAQ file around here.
Question #1: Where's Barbara Bush these days, and what is she up to?
Answer: As we reported last spring, she moved to Manhattan and got a job in educational programming at the Cooper-Hewitt Design Museum.
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Washington, D.C.: Do either of the Bush twins have a paying job? Not that volunteering isn't great but ... any moves towards regular employment? Grad school? Maybe just waiting to get an M.R.S.?
Amy Argetsinger: See previous answer about Barbara Bush. We don't know if Jenna Bush's new teaching gig somewhere in South America is a paid or volunteer position, but her old job at the Elsie Whitlow Stokes Charter School here in D.C. paid her at the same rate as any other young public-school teacher.
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Washington, D.C.: Ever think of doing a reunion chat with Grove, Leiby, and anyone else who qualifies? You don't really need to be all together to do it, but it would be fun to imagine you all together.
Roxanne Roberts: And Lois and Ann and Annie-----maybe we should organize a huge gang chat for Reliable Sources 15th anniversary next year.
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Houston, Tex.: When your chatters talk about humanitarian celebs, why is Angelina always the one who gets held up as the gold standard? Many other famous people have done far more good works for far longer. I'm just sayin'.
Roxanne Roberts: Because she's the hottest? TOTALLY unfair.
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washingtonpost.com: Reliable Source ( Post )
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Kim Jong: Jackie Chan
Amy Argetsinger: Could not be more off the mark.
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Reliable Source Giveaway Possibilities: A set of dishes?
But I still like the shovel concept. Works on many levels.
Roxanne Roberts: We only give out dish, not dishes.
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RE: Korean Missile Crisis Movie: Amy Poehler did a great job on SNL playing Kim Jong Il!
Amy Argetsinger: She also did a good job last week playing Patti Smith and Rosie Perez. In fact, I daresay she may be carrying that entire show on her shoulders these days.
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Wayne, N.J.: Regarding Bergen's date: Do you mean gorgeous by D.C. standards? (meaning slightly above average?)
Amy Argetsinger: No, I mean gorgeous by Wayne, N.J., standards.
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RE: Madonna is no Angelina: (I doubt you'll post this.) Am I the only one not cynical enough to believe that they love these children? What is it about the children that make people so uncomfortable? Where they're from? That you're not doing as much as you can for the less fortunate? Or, is this really just idle water cooler chat, where people forget celebrities are real people who put on their pants on one leg at a time like you and me? People have adopted children from less fortunate countries before. It has never been treated as one celebrity's sole proprietary right until now says something about the society we live in.
Amy Argetsinger: Why would we not post this? I'm having a hard time following your argument, though... Roxanne's previous answer was very non-cynical, so we're probably all on the same page.
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Gang Chat: I like that. Sounds kinky.
Amy Argetsinger: Doesn't it?
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Roxanne Roberts: Gotta fly----no telling who Babs blasted in the last hour. We'll write the dish, you'll keep tips flowing to reliablesource@washpost.com so we can share the wealth. Many thanks.
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Amy Argetsinger: Hey, where were all the Alexander Ovechkin fans who in previous chats begged us for details on his love life? We actually deliver a picture and a name of his amazingly hot girlfriend, and where's the thanks?
Meanwhile, thanks to our sports blogging colleague Dan Steinberg who tipped us off to their hot date at the Wizards game, and check out his blog (link to follow)
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Kim Jong Il: Samuel Jackson "I'm tired of these --- snakes and want to nuke them."
Amy Argetsinger: And you know, I think he's THAT good an actor -- he could pull it off...
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