The Reliable Source

This week, The Reliable Source explored the mysterious friendship between Teri Hatcher and George H.W. Bush, thanks to some gracious e-mails from Teri herself. We watched fiery confrontation between Sen. Lindsey Graham and Abu Ghraib commander Janis Karpinski. And we stalked a dead-ringer for LL Cool J in Georgetown who may or may not have been LL Cool J -- he's not really being straight with us about it.

We also dissected Gilbert Arenas's tastes in sushi and got Terry McAuliffe to explain the "Beer Test" for U.S. presidential candidates and why he thinks Hilary Clinton passes it. And we asked Miss America some difficult questions -- like, "Does it annoy you that people think you're Miss USA?"

And in special Valentine's Day news, we uncovered Woodrow Wilson's S-E-X-Y secrets, mourned the loss of one of the nation's most eligible bachelors -- filthy rich, handsome Chris Heinz, who got married this weekend -- and brought you luuuuv tips from the nation's most accomplished drag queen, the beautiful Lypsinka.

E-mail us at reliablesource@washpost.com; bookmark us at washingtonpost.com/reliablesource, and please bring us your questions right now.

Submit your questions and comments before or during the discussion.

Reliable Source Columns

Reliable Source Columns

A transcript follows.

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Washington, D.C.: With the Anna Nicole / Howard K. Stern story being so big, can we now expect mass public confusion over Howard Stern's announcement this morning that he's marrying Beth Ostrosky?

Amy Argetsinger: I've been confused by the Howard Stern/Howard K. Stern thing from Day One. Did we ever imagine that someone would come along that radio-host Howard Stern might legitimately complain is tarnishing his good name?

For those of you who missed radio-host Stern's big announcement on his Sirius show this morning, he proposed to Beth Ostrosky last night, saying "Do you want your Valentine's gift now?" He then ordered her to strip -- she complained that she's too fat, but once she was naked he brought out the 5.2 carat diamond ring. What a guy!

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Amy Argetsinger: By the way, a belated good morning to all of you. Thanks for submitting so many good questions on this frigid Valentine's Day -- but please, keep them coming.

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washingtonpost.com: Howard Stern Is Engaged ( People, Feb. 14)

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Kensington, Md.: Someone help me. I'm so confused. I ... I ... agreed with Oliver North this week. Please, don't tell my family. My parents and husband know nothing of this ... sob. ... sniff ...

washingtonpost.com: Lypsinka on Love: Make It a Triangle With Moi! ( Post, Reliable Source, Feb. 14)

Roxanne Roberts: Come over here sweetie and let me give you a big hug. Life is funny that way. I, too, agree that Ollie should get a shot at filming his documentary in front of the Enola Gay, and that the Smithsonian deal with Showtime is a little too cozy, if ya know what I mean.

Now, if you start telling me Mitt Romney is hot, we'll have to talk.

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Teri Hatcher and George H. W.: So, what "good works" do those two actually have in common? Of course, it definitely helps his profile to have pics of the kiss on the cheek out there!

washingtonpost.com: A Star-Quality Pal for the Ex-Prez ( Post, Reliable Source, Feb. 13)

Amy Argetsinger: Well, let's see... she mentioned something about an Alzheimer's charity, a "leadership program" in Texas, and something about disaster relief. Haven't really checked any of that out. Of course, I can't really explain why I'm friends with some of my friends either.

Roxanne Roberts: Good work: Keeping gossip columnists busy. The woman is a saint.

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He should have read "Reliable Source": I don't care how smart the publisher of the San Francisco Chronicle is -- on this week's NPR show, "Wait, Wait, Don't Tell Me," he didn't know the answers to his quiz. What would have helped? Reading the Source column on the former White House pastry chef! I read it and impressed my family by knowing all the answers!

Roxanne Roberts: I couldn't agree more. Those years with Sharon Stone messed him up bad, man.

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Valentine's Day Question: Who have you covered lately do you think will have the best Valentine's Day? Who will have the worst?

Amy Argetsinger: Excellent question. I think Gavin Newsom will have the worst Valentine's Day -- what with rehab and the revelations of his affair with a friend's wife. And I think LL Cool J will have the best Valentine's Day -- no particular reason, other than he probably always does.

What does anyone else think?

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Washington, D.C.: What did you guys think when it was reported that the singer James Brown left his longtime partner and his 5-year-old son out of his will? Not only that, but they were locked out of his mansion after the funeral. She also accused him of battery while he was still alive.

Roxanne Roberts: Honestly, I thought it was awful but not surprising. These relationships are complicated by fame, money, greed and children from previous marriages. We don't know if Brown was just sloppy about updating his will (oddly enough, it happens a lot) or deliberately left his youngest son out of the money. In any event, the older kids have no love lost and appear quite happy to freeze the poor kid out---and they're still squabbling about who controls the estate. Look for years of lawsuits before this is over.

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Washington, D.C.: Talk about having it tough as parents. Brandy, the R and B pop singer caused the accident that killed someone a few weeks ago and may be charged with vehicular manslaughter, and now her brother, Ray J, is coming out with a porno starring himself and Kim Kardashian, the daughter of O.J.'s deceased lawyer.

Amy Argetsinger: This Ray J seems to be quite the guy. Isn't he the younger man that Whitney Houston has been rebounding with?

Whitney: Don't let him bring out the video a video camera, okay?

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Fairfax, Va.: Worst Valentine's Day?

Mrs. I. Lewis (Scooter) Libby

Amy Argetsinger: Good point. And not a very happy V-Day for him either.

And maybe not for Patrick Fitzgerald -- though if the defense does rest today, I guess he *might* have chance to celebrate. Though whether he has a special lady here in D.C., we simply don't know.

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Re: Mitt Romney: Have you noticed that of all the Republicans who have announced for the presidency, the only one who has had just one wife is the Mormon?

Amy Argetsinger: Ha ha ha!

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Butterstick: How is Butterstick holding up in this weather? Or is it part of the species' normal winter environment?

Roxanne Roberts: Awwwwww. I still have the picture that ran a year ago today with the little guy playing with his mom in the snow. Pandas are fine with cold weather. All that fuzzy fur, you know.

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Wheaton, Md.: Can we start an online petition to convince Beth Ostrosky to put Howie getting a hair cut in the prenup?

Amy Argetsinger: Do you think he'd actually look better showing more of his face?

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washingtonpost.com: Photo: Tai Shan Rolls In Snow with Mei Xiang at National Zoo

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Hearts Afire: Worst Valentine's Day -- Astronaut (former) Lisa Nowak -- can't be much fun with an ankle bracelet on and the sweetie permanently off-limits.

Best Valentine's Day -- Tai Shan -- cavorting in the snow at National Zoo today. Snow to pandas is better than roses, chocolate, and bling.

Amy Argetsinger: Oh, so true. Probably not the happiest Valentine's Day for William Oefelein and Colleen Shipman either...

Funny, isn't it? A week ago all we could talk about was the stalker lady astronaut. Really thought that story would have legs. But then the next day Anna Nicole Smith died, and it completely eclipsed all other news...

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Washington, D.C.: So the Cohens wrote a book ... what other D.C. power couples do you think will follow suit? The Stephanopolouses? Norah O'Donnell and Chef Geoff?

Amy Argetsinger: Now, granted, the Cohens write a book about every 60 days or so -- our former Defense secretary is more prolific than Franklin W. Dixon and Carolyn Keene put together -- but this is the first time they've written about their own love affair...

Good question -- who would you like to see shine a light into their deepest feelings and most intimate moments? -- besides, of course Alan Greenspan and Andrea Mitchell. Obviously, we all agree on that one.

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Kensington, Md.: Re: Worst Valentine's Day: Laura and G-Dub. According to the British tabloids, they're going through a trial separation. And you KNOW how reliable those periodicals are!

Roxanne Roberts: Oh, pleeeezzzee. The "George and Laura split" story is getting really old. The two have been a team for 30 years, and seem to interact the same way today as they did when they first dated. Even if it were true, the last thing they're going to do is open their private lives to that kind of speculation. Until we get some actually facts, this rumor is just silly.

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Washington, D.C.: Chris Heinz is filthy rich because of his father, but when did he become handsome? Granted he was on People's most beautiful, I think, but he looks like a poser and a JFK Jr. wannabe.

Amy Argetsinger: He does have that John-John look, doesn't he? I'll admit he didn't exactly dazzle me in the photos, but a lot of other people think he's a babe -- maybe something that comes across more in person. He's done quite well with the ladies -- Gwyneth Paltrow, Diane Kruger...

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Downtown: What do we know about Nancy Pelosi's yesteryears? Any word on what kind of a girl she was back in Charm City?

Amy Argetsinger: Good question, Downtown. She was the youngest of six kids in a political family, and she went to Catholic school, which all adds up to being a very good kid, doesn't it?

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Bill and Hillary: That would be THE marriage tell-all we would want to read.

Amy Argetsinger: OH, yes. But they'll never tell.

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Kensington, Md.: I think I'm having the best Valentine's Day. The hubby and I got our wires crossed last night about who was taking the day off with the kids. So he's outside playing in the snow with our twins while I sit here in my PJs, sipping a mimosa, eating Godiva and enjoying this chat for the first time in AGES! I know I don't qualify, since you haven't reported on me. Maybe you should. I'm livin' the life up here!

Roxanne Roberts: That sounds awesome. Make the kiddies hot chocolate and settle them in with a long movie. Aren't snow days the best?

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Alexandria, Va.: Hi,

Where has Eve Ensler been these days? I know that she advocated that Feb. 14 be V-Day: Awareness about Violence Against Women Day, and that she's supposed to release a new project. Does anyone know?

Amy Argetsinger: She was traveling the country with a new play last year, her follow up to Vagina Monologues.... "Awareness about Violence Against Women Day"? Sounds like fun. What kind of card are you supposed to buy someone that day?

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Downtown D.C.: Just finished knocking the snow off my boots. Today you all quoted sage advice from Lypsinka (alter ego of the actor John Epperson)about how a woman can get a man to like her:

"Straight men want to have sex, and straight women want to have romance -- flowers, candy, shopping, a restaurant and going to the theater," he said. "And you have to give the man what he wants."

It would seem to follow, then, that for a man to get a woman to like him, he'll have to give her what she wants -- flowers, candy, shopping, dinner at a restaurant, etc.

First, do you all agree with this advice? And if you do, why, then, is Valentine's Day -- the day when this kind of quid pro quo is most overt -- a day of misery and frustration for so many people, rather than a source of joy and anticipation? I'll take my answer off the air ...

Amy Argetsinger: All I know is that the evening described by Lypsinka sure sounds fun.

And really -- don't you agree that Valentine's Day is only a day of misery and frustration if you DON'T have a special someone to quid pro quo with?

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Morningside Heights, N.Y.: Wow, you worked Franklin W. Dixon and Carolyn Keene into the chat. Don't see those kind of literary references everyday.

Don't get too highfalutin on us, now.

Amy Argetsinger: My sporty blue roadster doesn't handle too well in this kind of weather.

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Pittsburgh, Pa.: Saw Chris Heinz in person at a Kerry rally here in the Steel City in April 2004. Trust me, Chris is a hottie.

Amy Argetsinger: Thanks for the endorsement.

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D.C. power couples book: Liane Hanson and Neal Conan, both of NPR.

Amy Argetsinger: Had no idea they were a couple. But Roxanne says it's true, so it must be.

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Re: Nancy Pelosi: Must of the Catholic school girls I know weren't as good as they appeared to be, but I would rather not say where I learned that information.

Amy Argetsinger: Or how you learned that information, I think you mean.

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Stephanopoulouses: Shouldn't that be "Stephanopouli"? Seriously, though, I'd like to see Alan Greenspan's and Andrea Mitchell's book.

Amy Argetsinger: Any other nominations?

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Poor Whitney: That woman may have the worst taste in men since Pamela Anderson.

Roxanne Roberts: Worse.

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Arlington, Va.: Is it really Valentine's Day? I just see it as another day. I need to get my hair cut.

Oh, and as for celebrity news -- what's your take on Sienna Miller? Are her and Diddy more than 'just friends?'

Amy Argetsinger: Hey, it's also the day that American Idol announces who the top 24 finalists are!

I don't think the Sienna-Diddy thing was anything more than a couple of lens-catching celebs exchanging cell numbers. But I wasn't there.

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Arlington, Va.: I heard Hillary and Bill are having a Valentine's Day dinner in D.C. tonight ... any idea where I can spot them?

Roxanne Roberts: You hear? Pray tell so we can share with all the loyal chatters.

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Who is having the best Valentine's Day?: The lawyer who gets to draft Howard Stern's pre-nup with Beth O. That's gonna require a lot of billable hours ...

Roxanne Roberts: Pre-nup? From a romantic guy like Howard?

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Arlington, Va.: DJ AM and Mandy Moore? Seriously? What does she see in him? I mean come on, he smokes!

She is/was supposed to be a good girl and have some morals and then she goes out with him -- I don't get it.

Amy Argetsinger: Oh, come on yourself. What do we really know about her other than she's very adorable and fresh-faced looking? And what do we know about him, other than that he was on-again off-again with Nicole Richie for so long.

What really bothers me is that there seems to be a tragically small pool of date-able men for today's starlets. Seriously, there are about a dozen of them who have had to trade D.J. AM, Wilmer Valderamma, Stavros Niarchos, Joel Madden, and one of those guys from "Laguna Beach" back and forth. I'm thinking we need an emergency shipment of Capitol Hill guys sent out to Hollywood, pronto. Any volunteers?

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New York, N.Y.: Amy: "Awareness about Violence Against Women Day"? Sounds like fun. What kind of card are you supposed to buy someone that day?

Wow. Are you seriously joking about domestic violence? PLEASE show some heart and write an apology. Or consider rehab. D.V. is not a joking matter.

Amy Argetsinger: Domestic violence is not a joking matter. But bogus "awareness" days are fair game.

Roxanne Roberts: Plus, I hate it when silly holidays get hijacked into very serious events. It's hard to eat bonbons and think deep thoughts at the same time.

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Anna Nicole Smith: Okay, maybe I'm a little dense, but why are they preserving her body until all the paternity stuff is done? Is there some doubt as to whether she's the mother? We all saw those photos in the hospital in the day after she had that baby, and she looked as worn out as the rest of us did when we delivered!

Amy Argetsinger: I don't know, I don't know -- it makes my head hurt. We'll try to figure that out for the print column.

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Re: Bill and Hil tell-all: While I respected his policies as president, if President Clinton and Senator Clinton wrote a book, it would be wordier than an unabridged dictionary.

Roxanne Roberts: And it would sell big time, too.

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Bad Valentine's Day: Mark Foley.

Amy Argetsinger: Ah, so true. According to our colleague Al Kamen, he was seen cleaning out his Capitol Hill bachelor pad this week.

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Fairfax, Va.:"their deepest feelings and most intimate moments?"

Why, the Rummys, of course ...

Hahahahahahahaha

Amy Argetsinger: Yes, looking forward to that book too.

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All Anna All the Time: Stern's lawyer in Florida has petitioned for immediate release of her body for burial in the Bahamas. Ewwww, and they just said that medical examiner has said that custody of the body needs to be embalmed, that it's decomposing, so custody needs to be established ... blah!

Roxanne Roberts: So glad we worked Anna Nicole into the discusssion because really, what's more romantic than a grieving not-quite-husband who refuses to give a DNA sample and wants to quickly bury his beloved?

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Midlothian, Va.: The point of a DNA sample from ANS is to make sure that the baby presented for paternity testing is the same baby that she gave birth to. Otherwise, any baby's DNA could be offered up and -- oops, sorry, Larry, not your kid.

Amy Argetsinger: so says someone else...

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Bethesda, Md.: DNA test for ANS is to make sure they don't switch the babies. Test mom and then test the dads. You can imagine how alike lots of babes look ... it's just to make sure that doesn't happen. H. Stern could rent a babe, and sends its DNA to "other sads" who would obviously be ruled out. Sad but true these days.

Amy Argetsinger:... so it must be true. Actually, that does make sense, doesn't it? Much weirder things have happened in this saga than swapped babies.

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Anna Nicole: Don't bother trying to figure it all out. Can't we all just stop? I would much rather you focus your efforts on some nice meaty gossip about our local elite. This is D.C. -- where people are more excited to meet Barack Obama than Will Smith.

Amy Argetsinger: People in D.C. have remarkably broad and disparate interests -- we've got to satisfy all those demands.

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Starlet datables?: Zach Braff would nicely straddle the gap between Hollywood 20-somethings and Washington staffers. Oh, right, Mandy Moore already went that route. Never mind.

Amy Argetsinger: He's kind of made the rounds, hasn't he? Didn't he date Natalie Portman? Ah, I get all confused...

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ANS not the mom: The only way Anna Nicole Smith could not be the baby's genetic mom is she had secret IVF with a donor egg.

And how much would THAT rock?

Amy Argetsinger: For what it's worth, we've received way more questions and comments today about Anna Nicole Smith than Barack Obama. Don't know what that means, just putting it out there.

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Washington, D.C.: My candidates for a great Valentine's Day: Senator and Mrs. Obama

Not so great: P. Diddy/Puff Daddy or whatever he calls himself and Kim Porter. Despite 12 years and three kids together, she'll get the bling, but he STILL won't give her that ring!

Amy Argetsinger: Oh, well, there's one.

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Roxanne Roberts: Since many of you will be, despite the sleet and snow, staring across a table at your sweetie in some romantic restaurant, we ask you to break away just a minute and look around the room: Some Washington VIPs will undoubtedly be enjoying their annual romantic dinner, and it's your job to write us at reliablesource@washpost.com to share the love. Stay warm. Get cozy. Pass the chocolate. See ya next week.

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Hoping he'll move to D.C. permanently: Any gossip on Harold Ford?

Amy Argetsinger: He's taken a job in finance and he's going to chair the Democratic Leadership Council. But that's not the kind of gossip you were looking for, was it? Alas, these young politicians are fairly discreet in their personal lives these days.

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This one's for you, Roxanne: Who's having the best V-Day? George Clooney, of course. Although I'm not sure it's any different than the rest of the year for him, if you know what I mean.

Amy Argetsinger: Like what I said about LL Cool J. It's probably just another day for him -- but a pretty good one.

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Amy Argetsinger: Okay, now we're really done. Go shovel your sidewalks, okay? And stay in touch through the week at reliablesource@washpost.com.

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