The Reliable Source

Welcome to "The Reliable Source" with 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 news babes, 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.

Reliable Source Columns

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, everyone. Are these exciting times or what? So much HOT celebrity news that we're thinking about breaking away from this hidebound newspaper thing -- with all of its old-fashioned prattle about, oh, I don't know, weather and sports and Iraq -- and starting our own gossip tabloid. Except all multimedia and synergistic and stuff).

Just look at the Reliable Source newsflashes of the past couple days:

VP's Gay Daughter is Pregnant!!!

Jessica Simpson Has KenCen Meltdown!!!

Laura Bush Forced to Change out of $8000 Gown When Three Other Women Show Up In it!!!

Dave Chappelle Crashes Wonky D.C. Office Party!!!

Patrick Kennedy on a Date with "The Nanny"!!!

And all of this in the same week that Lance and Reichen split up, and Maryland's lame-duck governor breaks into show-biz with a speaking role as State Trooper #1, and Britney shows us too much of her special private places. (In Sunday's column, we rounded up some good advice for her from a stylist, and etiquette coach, and a waxer.)

And we haven't even begun to address the day's REALLY big story. I refer, of course, to NBC White House Correspondent David Gregory cleaning out the Cleveland Park Giant's supply of Jell-O pudding snacks. That, and the breakup of Jen and Vince.

We await your questions.

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Washington, D.C.: So. Was Jessica having support issues with her dress at the Kennedy Center in addition to being nervous? If she were nervous, I would think both hands would have had a death grip on the microphone instead of one hand clutching her stomach. Poor thing.

Amy Argetsinger: That was my immediate assumption -- she was wearing a black strapless dress, and all I could figure was that she was having trouble keeping it up. But apparently that wasn't the case -- she was just nervous as a cat.

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Takoma Park, Md.: Did Jennifer and Vince ever confirm they were a couple before recently confirming that they split up?

Amy Argetsinger: Good question. Best as I can tell, they never really confirmed that they were dating until the tabs several weeks ago started reporting that they were finito, and Vince's lawyers started putting out stern warnings, i.e. how dare anyone claim that this couple had broken up.

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Y'all forgot one thing ...: Many years ago Ted Danson DID show up at ex-girlfriend Whoopi Goldberg's roast in black face. And told very naughty jokes about their sex life.

washingtonpost.com: Baltimore's Channel 13, Preempted by Channel Faux ( Post, Reliable Source, Dec. 6)

Amy Argetsinger: Oh, yes, and thanks for the memories. We were running short on space, and that whole crazy Ted Danson episode takes a few words to describe, but the DatelineHollywood spoof was clearly a reference to that incident.

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Mourning in L.A.: Please, may we have a moment of silence for George Clooney's pet pig, who passed away Friday. After 18 years with his pet, this was Clooney's longest-running relationship.

Amy Argetsinger: Good idea. Silence, everyone.

Okay, thanks.

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Reality-ville: Where's the reporting on Jane Doe from rural Virginia or Jane Doe from Baltimore City having a baby? Who cares, other than the Cheney family, that the Cheney daughters are having a baby? You are only helping in this whole "putting celebrities up on a pedestal" world we live in. Is that a good thing? No, of course not. It's the same as giving a drug addict their next fix as opposed to getting them into rehab to help their problem. Gossip doesn't help further this country or the world but I guess it pays the bills.

Amy Argetsinger: Uh, thanks for your thoughts. If you're bothered by news of celebrities, you can always just skip over our column, or refuse to join these chats. My feelings won't be hurt.

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Arlington, Va.: Was Noah Wyle in town over the weekend? My friend swears she saw him at the National Gallery. I was too invested in my gelato to find out. But Dr. Carter? Was he here?

Amy Argetsinger: It's possible. He's been filming a movie up in Baltimore the past few weeks, "Boy of Pigs." Will give you a link to our previous Noah-Wyle-in-the-region coverage.

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washingtonpost.com: HEY, ISN'T THAT . . . ? ( Post, Reliable Source, Nov. 28)

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A.U. Park, Washington, D.C.: Any word on where the Poe-Cheney's have registered?

Amy Argetsinger: Alas, no. I'm counting on one of you agile web-surfers will alert us the moment you find the baby registry, though.

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Amy Argetsinger: Well, look what the cat just dragged in! It's Ms. Roxanne Roberts! Thanks for joining us, Rox!

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Kensington, Md.: Total speculation, but if Maryland courts overturn the gay marriage ban, I wonder if Mary Cheney and Heather Poe would consider a move to The Other Suburbs.

Amy Argetsinger: We can only wonder.

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Washington, D.C.: Any truth to the Jay Z/Beyonce weekend wedding rumors?

Amy Argetsinger: Jay hasn't called me, but Jay also didn't pick me from the crowd at his Howard University concert to join his entourage on his seven-city-in-17-hour tour the other weekend, so all's we know is what Page Six of the New York Post is reporting this week....

"WILL Jay-Z and Beyonce Knowles finally tie the knot during his 'surprise' 37th birthday party next weekend? Knowles, Jay and some Def Jam executives were at STK on West 12th Street on Saturday talking about the four-day 'party' - but insiders say it will be more than a birthday celebration. 'Beyonce is throwing Jay a four-day birthday party, but it's really a wedding,' said one source. Guests, including family and close friends, were told to have passport applications filed by last Friday so they can attend the bash on a yacht in St. Barts. But insiders said the guests will also be ferried over to Anguilla for the wedding at Cap Juluca, a five-star resort with Moorish villas. Another spy said Knowles and Jay-Z had toured the site earlier this year and approved it for their nuptials. Reps for Knowles, Jay-Z and Cap Juluca didn't return calls or e-mails. The rapper/mogul has dated the lovely Knowles, now bigger than ever with her star turn in 'Dreamgirls,' for four years."

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Charlottesville, Va.: Congrats on getting front-Web page status with the Mary Cheney news! How often does the gossip column get to hold major, 18-pt headline status?

washingtonpost.com: washingtonpost.com

Amy Argetsinger: Not nearly enough! Thanks...

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Philadelphia, Pa.: As far as I'm concerned David Gregory can have all the Jell-O Pudding Snacks he wants. It takes a lot of energy to be the new Sam Donaldson in the W.H. Press Corps.

Amy Argetsinger: Yeah, I'm not buying that whole "my kid knocked his tooth out" thing. If I had that many vanilla-chocolate pudding snacks in my possession, I'd be disinclined to share.

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Let's talk clothes: Shouldn't the first lady get some kind of exclusive on a dress? Should Oscar de la Renta sell a dress to other D.C. socialites? Don't rich people have this all worked out already?

Who else at the Kennedy Center awards was notable for fashion?

Roxanne Roberts: The dress (actually a jacket and long skirt) was sold in Oscar's boutiques around the country, so I don't think there was really any way of knowing all four women (two who live out of town)would choose the same outfit for the same event. The first lady is actually pretty casual about her wardrobe---she looks good, but she doesn't obsess about it. And she wasn't bothered by the fact that other women were wearing the same thing---but she changed because she was worried they'd be uncomfortable.

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Sad: I can't believe Rachel Bilson and Adam Brody broke up. Tell me they're lying to get O.C. ratings up!

Amy Argetsinger: This is what US Weekly was reporting yesterday on their Web site. Very sad indeed. But for anyone who's been watching this season (that would be me and, uh, one other person in America), it's been painfully clear that Seth and Summer are growing apart.

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Washington, D.C.: Tell Roxy she's excused from being late.

Amy Argetsinger: What-ever.

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Boy of Pigs: You're kidding, right? That can't really be the title of a movie.

Amy Argetsinger: It's true! It's the story of a young teenager's coming-of-age in Washington during the Kennedy administration, hence the name. So bad it's good, huh?

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Alexandria, Va.: Hi! Re: Laura Bush changing dresses before TKC Honors gala ... I don't think it was 'wrong' for her to change, but I'm thinking it would have been more wonderful for her to keep the same red dress as the three other guests ... after all, they couldn't go home and change!

I'm also thinking Reese Witherspoon was empathetic with the situation, after she wore the same dress that was supposed to be exclusive a while back. I guess that the first lady doesn't get gifts from designers, but don't you think Oscar would be a little red-faced, perhaps the same shade as the quartet of his dresses, and want to make some sort of amends?

washingtonpost.com: A Flock of Frocks and One Weepy Warbler ( Post, Reliable Source, Dec. 5)

Roxanne Roberts: That's one way of looking at it----I'm guessing the other buyers were more embarrassed than the first lady. I sorta hoped the first lady would have scooped up the other women for a group portrait---that would have been fun. In any event, it's actually a great compliment to Oscar's popularity among the upper crust.

I suspect the next Oscar creation for the first lady will be an exclusive---or an early version of something slated to sell in the stores later.

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Foggy Bottom, Washington, D.C.: First, I love you two. You're a bright spot in the middle of the week. Second, I have to go to meeting. Silly work, interfering with reading a chat. Third, apparently even fictional boxers don't know when to quit.

Amy Argetsinger: We love you too! Sorry about the meeting, but come back and check the transcript when you're done.

Has anyone else seen the trailers for "Rocky Balboa"? I hate to say it, but I secretly think I want to see the movie.

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Washington, D.C.: Hi,

Regarding Jessica's meltdown, I think she has general problems with remembering song lyrics. A friend of mine that works for the USO said that more than once Jessica flubbed lines while singing for troops. I don't think it's really nerves. Also, I have seen her perform in other places and she clutches her midsection for dear life so I don't think she was having any dress issues. I think the Kennedy Center fiasco was just more embarrassing because so many high profile people were present.

Amy Argetsinger: So you're saying that she's maybe incompetent and lacking in professionalism?

All I know is that last year, Beyonce was having horrendous microphone problems, and she just kept going and kept smiling like nothing was wrong. Not that we should be holding mere mortals to Beyonce standards.

Roxanne Roberts: Damn those live performances!

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Other Reliable Sources: So which is more reliable: People or Us Weekly? Personally I don't believe anything until I see it on People (or TMZ lately, for that matter) but what do you both think?

Amy Argetsinger: As a scholar of both publications, I'd have to say that US Weekly goes a little further out on a limb than People, which is generally a little more cautious.

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Laura's dress: Got any links to photos? I wanna see it!

washingtonpost.com: A Flock of Frocks (Laura Bush Dress) and One Weepy Warbler ( Post, Reliable Source, Dec. 5)

Amy Argetsinger: There you go.

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A Dressing Question: So when the First Lady spends $8K on a dress, does the money come from a taxpayer-funded budget, her own pocketbook, or the dress get comped because she's the FLOTUS?

Why do I care? Shouldn't I be mourning Vaughiston or the fate of Britney's kids?

Roxanne Roberts: No tax dollars here----can you imagine the howls? No, Laura pays for her clothes, and can afford to spend that much on a special gown. Most designers would happily give the dresses to her, but Nancy Reagan got in trouble for the same thing, and so most first ladies shy away from anything like that.

As for Jenn and Vince: I'm sick of them.

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Severna Park, Md.: Thanks fer the Wire updates.

When will work on the next (reportedly last) season start?

Amy Argetsinger: I think I heard they'll start up again in the spring. They haven't finished writing the fifth season yet. I'm going to have a hard time adjusting once the current season ends on Sunday. It's given my life a lot of structure and meaning.

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Beached nuptials: The Beyonce-Jay-Z Caribbean wedding made me wonder. Do the locations of celebrity marriages impact the outcomes? Pam Anderson has been married on the beach (like Sex-on-the-beach without the alcohol) several times and we know how that ended. Anna Nicole Smith drank that cocktail too and we can predict how it will end.

Amy Argetsinger: Good point but.... you're talking about Anna Nicole and Pam Anderson, here! Whereas Jay-Z and Beyonce? That's gonna last forever!

Roxanne Roberts: If only it were that simple. The stupid/implosive factor is probably not site specific. Exhibit A: Ms. Brit.

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Jessica Simpson: Why was she even included? She just doesn't seem in the same class as that crowd. Just a flavor of the month.

Roxanne Roberts: To attract young viewers, the golden goose of advertisers.

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New York, N.Y.: Hi! I need your help. I read your bit about Dave Chappelle being at the BNA holiday party. My mom works for BNA, but I'm sure has no idea who he is. How do I explain who he is, and how do I tell her that it's significant that he was at her company party?! Thanks for your help!

washingtonpost.com: HEY, ISN'T THAT . . . ? ( Post, Reliable Source, Dec. 5)

Amy Argetsinger: Well, he's a rising young comedian whose Comedy Central show became a huge cable hit, and which had everyone talking about his hilarious Rick James impressions, and who made headlines when he abruptly walked away from the show last year.... Actually, looks like his show is on DVD now, so you can rent that for her on Netflix.

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Indianapolis, Ind.: It's so comforting to know, that even in these uncertain times, there is a source we can all turn to with all of our pudding snack questions. God Bless you both.

Roxanne Roberts: We'll be in the history books with that one, I tell you.

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Rockville, Md.: The new governor of Alaska was apparently once a beauty pageant contestant, and some Web sites and newspapers are running pictures of her when she was 18 or 19 - -and she was pretty dern cute.

Amy Argetsinger: It's true. AP says: "She will be Alaska's youngest and first woman governor and likely, the first former pageant queen and former point guard on a state championship basketball team to hold the job."

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Germantown, Md.: Hey Roxanne, George Clooney's pot bellied pig recently died. I bet if you sent him something warm and fuzzy, he would take notice. Just some advice ...

Roxanne Roberts: Catch him while he's vulnerable and in need of comfort? I like the way you think......

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Re: Chappelle: What do I have to do to get Chappelle to come to my office's holiday party?

Although, having attended BNA's party in the past, I can easily see how it would've happened. Three floors of people milling around, no name-tags. VERY easy party to crash.

Amy Argetsinger: Cool -- let's meet there next year, then!

In response to your first question... apparently you have to hire jazz harmonicist Frederic Yonnet to play at your party, and then Chappelle will follow.

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Mr. Blackwell: So what do you ladies wear while you're working in the office during the day and doing these chats? Do you have the same fab gowns and high-heeled shoes you wear to all the glamorous balls and cotillions and night clubs you attend at night to gather your news? Or are you sitting at home right now, staring at the computer while wearing flannel shorts and an old worn out "University of Wherever" T-shirt?

Amy Argetsinger: Oh, you want to know what we're wearing right now, do ya? Nuh-huh. First you have to tell us what YOU'RE wearing right now.

Roxanne Roberts: There's only one way to answer "What are you wearing?"

"Perfume."

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Re: Mary and Heather: Isn't a not-very-well-kept secret of Washington social life that many conservatives are perfectly OK with gay people in private, while bashing them in public?

Amy Argetsinger: Interesting point.

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Eye of the Tiger: Anyone who loves any of the Rocky movies (I love ALL of them, because I am a true fan) must see this movie. It may be a pleasant surprise. Sly's not stupid. I mean, Rocky 5 was pretty bad, yes. But it's COMEBACK TIME, baby!

Amy Argetsinger: Thanks!

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Winchester, Va.: So, Eva Longoria and Tony Parker are engaged. The last thing I remember reading they were "cooling off" or "taking a break." Did absence make the heart grow fonder?

washingtonpost.com: LOVE, ETC. ( Post, Reliable Source, Dec. 1)

Amy Argetsinger: They do seem to have a complex relationship.

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Woodbridge, Va.: In my opinion, Britney should re-marry her first husband Jason Alexander and move back to Louisiana to have the quiet country life she apparently now so desires.

Amy Argetsinger: Good idea! Let's see if we can conference call her right now. Girl needs an intervention.

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Bethesda, Md.: The latest report about Britney Spears is that Child Services for L.A. or L.A. County is asking to meet with her about the care of her children. And Spears's family is so concerned about the young kids, they're considering an intervention. And it's amazing that the people consulted for Sunday's column didn't say what everyone in the real world is saying more to the point: This woman has two young kids at home, and the last place she needs to be is drunk and stupid running around with the likes of Paris Hilton, who just had a DWI, and Lindsey Lohan, who just entered AA. Fat, drunk and stupid is no way to go through life.

Roxanne Roberts: I actually feel a teensy sorry about Brit, who is getting slammed for being drunk and stupid. It may be true, but The kids are probably safely at home with nannies---not ideal, but not in danger. There are millions of parents screwing up left and right, and Brit's meltdown is unfortunate but no reason for Child Services to get involved (probably just a nasty rumor floated in the divorce battle. Like K-Fed would be better? Please.)

But you're right: She's hanging with the wrong crowd.

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Bowie, Md.: Wow. Has any celebrity coupling screamed PR stunt more than Vaughniston? (Okay, wait, I guess the answer would be Michael Jackson and Lisa Marie Presley). Every mention in the news of this break-up is quickly followed by, "yeah, like they were really a couple anyway."

Amy Argetsinger: Yeah, the whole "Nooooo! don't look at us!" strategy -- totally begging for attention.

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Potomac, Md.: Who was the most drunk at the Honors dinner?

Amy Argetsinger: Honestly, they served dinner and drinks so late -- like, after 11 p.m. -- I don't think anyone had time to get drunk.

Roxanne Roberts: The only practical time to get drunk is BEFORE the show. Didn't notice anyone looking weavy, though.

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Kennsington, Md.:

Regarding the Cheney's daughter and the upcoming birth -- Well, as the Right Wing would say, "God Works in Mysterious Ways."

God bless the new grandchild!

Amy Argetsinger: God bless!

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Leesburg, Va.: In your piece on the Kennedy Center Honors, you reported Andrew Lloyd Webber talking to a redhead seated between Josh Groban and himself. Who was it? Was she with Lloyd Webber or Josh?

washingtonpost.com: A Flock of Frocks and One Weepy Warbler ( Post, Reliable Source, Dec. 5)

Amy Argetsinger: If we knew, we'd have told ya!

Don't tell anyone, but Rox developed a huge crush on Josh Groban that night. I'm pretty sure she didn't act on it, but I left before she did.

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Anonymous: If Paris Hilton weren't¿t an heiress, or lost all the money she has, would she live in a trailer park? I think it was Jay Leno who the other night referred to her as a 'skank'(during a joke about her turning down an appearance on an awards show since she felt some of the jokes written for her made other people look bad -- which is pretty funny in itself, since she makes everyone around her look bad).

Amy Argetsinger: If Paris Hilton weren't an heiress, then she'd have different and presumably less crazy parents, and .... well, we could have a whole nature/nurture debate if we had more time.

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Britney: This partying spree can't be good, can it? How old is that baby, two months? Then again, we could just consider her like any other working mother and count her wild, is-there-a-breeze-here nights as time on the clock. Seems like she's not exactly shoring up her custody case.

Amy Argetsinger: Seriously, anyone else want to get in on this intervention we're going to do for Britney? We can't just continue to sit by and let this happen.

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Roxanne Roberts: Re Josh Groban: He's adorable and half my age. Fran Drescher beat me to him.

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The Hill: Are you ever overcome with a crisis of conscience from realizing that so many of us are "multitasking" at work because we can't miss your session?

Amy Argetsinger: Oh yes. We try to use our powers for good, not evil. Hate to think we're causing a great nation's productivity to grind to a hat.

Roxanne Roberts: One day, in some meeting, you'll casually drop a tidbit you picked up in this chat, and everyone will think you're a well-rounded genius.

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Love Dirda: What is he really like?

Amy Argetsinger: Oh, you don't want us to puncture that shroud of mystery that the best Post writers maintain so well.

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Jessica: It was just weird, though, because a few (maybe 5) years ago she sang at the Christmas in Washington thing (some special that gets broadcast every year). The president and first lady were literally about 10 feet away from her and there were a lot of other really important people there and she did a wonderful job and sounded amazing. So it was just so odd to me that she was so "nervous." I wonder if she had something else going on that threw her off her game.

Amy Argetsinger: Good point. Wonder what's going on with her. I think I remember hearing that she's had some romantic ups-and-downs in the past year or so -- some high-profile breakup or something? Eh, I forget...

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Albany, N.Y.: Great for Mary Chaney and her partner and we all hope everything goes well, but what makes it our business? I suppose a future pregnancy by Chelsea Clinton or one of the Bush twins would get the same treatment; but can't two people, regardless of whose daughter one of them is, decide to have a child without attaching a lot of public and political baggage to it?

Amy Argetsinger: She's a prominent figure in D.C. who is pregnant. Hard to say that's not worthy of taking note of, at least in a bold-faced names column.

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Washington, D.C.: After reading about the pudding pak sighting, I bet Lloyd Grove is regretting his move to NYC. He'd never get a scoop like that!

Roxanne Roberts: We have have to start a special header for Pudding Patter.

Amy Argetsinger: Did someone say pudding? I'm hungry.

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Normalcy, U.S.: It seems there's a spate of high profile divorces or splits lately where children are involved. In addition, other celebrity lives don't seem so "kid-friendly."

All I can think of is UGH for the children involved. In my "poor things" category:

- children of Britney Spears and/or Kevin Federline

- children of Pam Anderson, Kid Rock, or Tommy Lee

- child of Anna Nicole Smith

Have you met any celebs whose children you DON'T feel sorry for?

Amy Argetsinger: There are some celebrities who do an amazingly good job of keeping their kids so completely out of the limelight that you don't even know they have kids. I would argue that this is probably the best tactic.

Roxanne Roberts: Again, stupid parents are not limited to celebrities---they're just the ones we hear about.

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22033: I saw the video of Jessica Simpson at the Kennedy Center Honors and it wasn't nearly as bad as everyone made it out to be. Thoughts?

Amy Argetsinger: I agree completely. There were lots of news reports about how she had "badly flubbed" her performance, etc. But from my vantage point in the furtherest back row on the uppermost balcony, she basically did fine. Other than the mysterious clutching of her stomach, I didn't pick up on any missed words or anything. If she had just smiled and taken a bow and walked proudly off stage no one would have noticed anything was wrong. But SHE called attention to it by mumbling some weird apology and running off stage. Very unprofessional.

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David Gregory and Sam Donaldson: Two serious heads of hair.

What is Sam up to these days?

Amy Argetsinger: He's doing a lot of cancer fundraising these days. He hosts a show on ABC's web programming, and he's a regular panelist on "This Week."

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Bethesda, Md.: What's the final verdict on Michael Richards' behavior? Was he genuinely racist? Nuts? Trying to pull off an act? And why was he reduced to performing at the Laugh Factory? You can talk about the 'Seinfeld Curse,' but Jason Alexander keeps working. He's got the KFC ads, he does guest spots on sitcoms, he does character roles in movies. Why wasn't Michael Richards able to do the same?

Amy Argetsinger: I had a rant about this a week ago or so, and I'll just summarize: Actors are crazy.

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Fo, MA: How are Mary and Heather going to arrange custody and parental rights since this is blatantly illegal in Va.? Any chance of them moving to a more liberal state?

For the record, I wish both parents and baby good health and a safe pregnancy. Tender love stories like this choke me up. Give us more details on how they met playing hockey.

Roxanne Roberts: Actually, it's not clear what rights Heather has in Virginia as the non-biological parent. I doubt they'll move---they've created a home in Great Falls, and knew what they were getting into when they moved to Virginia.

Ditto for the best wishes for them all. Alas, I have no further details on their first meeting---but wouldn't a little hockey stick be a cute baby gift?

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Washington, D.C.: So Amy -- what's it like having your own theme song? Do people start singing "A-meeeee ... whatcha gonna do ..." whenever you walk into the room ... like "Hail to the Chief"?

Amy Argetsinger: Actually, most people don't know that, but my official theme song -- which they play when I come up to bat in home games, or when I'm walking out to my seat on late-night talk shows -- is "Hate It Or Love It" by 50 Cent and The Game. It replaced Willie Nelson's "Whiskey River" last year. That little Vince Gill ditty is just a WTWP thing.

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Annapolis, Md.: Surely Josh Groban is half of Fran Drescher's age too? Besides, that's not a problem anymore. It gets you automatic entry into the Demi and Cameron club, which is pretty cool.

Roxanne Roberts: Nah---I'd feel like I was babysitting. Then again, he would be an instant pal for my kid to play video games with....

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Farragut West, Washington, D.C.: What was the cause of yesterday's horrendous morning traffic around the White House? Roads blocked off everywhere, gridlock, short commute took one hour at 9 a.m. Please don't tell me Sly visited the 43 -- he was in town.

Amy Argetsinger: Sounds like a normal morning in downtown D.C., no?

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Doesn't it seem funny ...: that so many people seem to be criticizing you (us) for gossiping while participating in a GOSSIP CHAT!?

Just sayin'

Amy Argetsinger: Peculiar, isn't it?

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Oink: Would you two have fallen over yourselves so embarrassingly over George Clooney if you'd known he had a pet pig? I mean, a pig? You may have to reassess your tastes in men.

Roxanne Roberts: I knew! And loved him for it. I've liked pigs ever since I read "Charlotte's Web." Besides, Max was a little pot-belly pig---like a dog, but not really. Oink!

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Theme Song: And what about Roxanne's theme song?

Rooooxanne ... you don't have to put on the red light ...

Poor Roxanne!

Roxanne Roberts: I'm surviving---somehow.

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Gaithersburg, Md. : The buzz -- I gather out of Hollywood is that Rocky may be pretty good and may be a good film to conclude the franchise.

I am related to a low-level screenwriter wannabe

Roxanne Roberts: Good for Sly, then. (I'm in the annual grip of good cheer.)

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Eastern Market, Washingtion, D.C.: Regarding Mary and Heather's baby: As Don Rumsfeld would say, "Stuff happens."

On a totally unrelated note, it appears that Michigan Sen. Carl Levin has given up his Ford Escape Hybrid SUV in favor of a Chevy Impala Flex Fuel sedan. It's nice to know he divides his loyalties among domestic carmakers and shows environmental concern at the same time. (FYI, I saw him and his wife getting out of the car on Sunday morning after his "Meet the Press" appearance.)

Amy Argetsinger: Stuff happens, indeed!

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Photos from the Kennedy Center?!: I want to see the red carpet! Why didn't the Post post the photos?

washingtonpost.com: The Kennedy Center Honors

Amy Argetsinger: There you go.

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White House: Traffic yesterday was because some lady threw an envelope over the fence of the office building next to the W.H. It turned out to be nothing.

For this, they closed something like eight blocks. It affected 17th street up to L street!

Nooo, we're not overreacting at all.

Amy Argetsinger: Oh, that. Right.

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Is it too late for a Sly story: Many years ago, my sister who works in the entertainment field was in the Brill Bldg and got on the elevator.

There was just room enough for her as five tall, burly men were also there and they seemed to be surrounding something in the corner of the elevator but she couldn't tell who or what it was.

The elevator stopped and the group got off and who was there way back in the corner too small to see? Yes, Rocky himself.

Amy Argetsinger: Yeah, they say he's just a wee fellow.

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Roxanne Roberts: Don't you all have to sneak out and do a little Christmas shopping? (14 days and counting.....) Time for us to dash and see which celeb is buying diamonds or pudding for their loved ones. Send us your favorite sighting at reliablesource@washpost.com. Next week, everyone---I'll bring the eggnog.

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