The Reliable Source

Reliable Source columnists Amy Argetsinger and Roxanne Roberts were online Wednesday, Sept. 24, at Noon ET to discuss your favorite gossip, what you think about their recent columns or who you want to see them writing about in future ones.

In today's Reliable Source: What happens when things stop being polite and start getting political at the Pen/Faulkner dinner? It's official -- Lindsey and Samantha are dating. And look -- it's Alanis in the Glover Park grocery store!

In recent days: Sorry ladies -- Gilbert is officially off the market. The fat cats at the NSO gala snarl at Alan Greenspan. The story behind those homeless polar bears. Welcome back to Washington, Mrs. Reagan. Lobbyist makes gifts sweeter, skirts some dangerous metaphors, by wrapping presents in money. And R. Kelly ponders the definition of "teenager."

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Submit your questions and comments before or during the discussion.

A transcript follows.

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Amy Argetsinger: Good morning everyone. I'm liking the looks of this chat. It's not as disturbing as last week's. So far. Thanks for your questions, and keep them coming!

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Virginia: What Gilbert sends you guys an e-mail saying he's engaged? First of all how did any of you even know this in the first place?

Sunday was Laura's Birthday.

Amy Argetsinger: I wish I could say it worked that way. Instead, it's the way a lot of gossip works -- word was floating around over the weekend that he got engaged, and then the team reps confirmed it for us, and then we begged begged begged for some kind of comment and via an e-mail from his reps, that's what we got. I really shouldn't tell you that, though -- should just let you all think we have a regular e-mail relationship with Gilbert.

Roxanne Roberts: Don't believe a word of it. Amy and Gilbert are likethis. She's the second person he called, after his mother.

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Washington, D.C.: Perhaps I have been watching too much C-SPAN or maybe am just in dire need of a bailout, but am I nuts for thinking Hank Paulson is pretty sexy?

Amy Argetsinger: He is kind of handsome in a plutocrat kind of way. Did you know that he was an All-Ivy offensive lineman at Dartmouth?

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Separated at birth: Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson and John C. McGinley, Dr. Cox on Scrubs (if his head was shaved)

Amy Argetsinger: Hmmm... you think?

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Arlington, Va.: And here I thought Lindsay Lohan couldn't get any more media crazy. Is it now only a matter of time before she hits complete rock bottom, enters a years-long rehab program, and becomes a Born-Again Christian forever repenting her wild party youth?

Roxanne Roberts: Maybe--just maybe---she and Samantha are really a couple? And she's comfortable admitting it? Haven't seen any of the fall-down-drunk, get arrested stuff lately.

Then again, your point is excellent. She could become the Donna Rice of Hollywood.

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Beautiful Silver Spring, Md.:"If you was charged with something and you were found innocent, then you can't be found guilty for being found innocent."

I want to express my tremendous gratitude to you for bringing this quote into my life. R. Kelly may become the Yogi Berra of alleged underage sexcapades. (But who among us sees anything wrong with a little bump and grind?) Anyway, I plan on whipping this quote out at every conceivable opportunity ("As R. Kelly says..."). Thanks.

Roxanne Roberts: Awesome, wasn't it?

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Washington, D.C.: Did anyone catch the Emmys? Not only have I watched very few of those shows, but I have not heard of most of them, but to top it off, the show was dreadfully dull. The hosts were awful. Didn't there used to be a time when at least award shows could provide some entertainment?

Amy Argetsinger: I've never been an Emmys devotee and only managed to watch the last half hour or so of this episode. Had no idea until I read Lisa de Moraes's column that they had the reality show hosts up there the entire time, stinking up the joint, apparently. What I found striking about the awards this year is that they were handing out awards to shows I had literally never heard of before. "Breaking Bad," anyone?

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Washington, D.C.: Lindsay Lohan is dating a woman and Clay Aiken is gay. I never would have guessed. You got any other shockers for us? Yawn.

Roxanne Roberts: Hate to break it to you, but your 401k is in the toilet.

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Northeast D.C.: How about a shout-out for John Slattery, a graduate of local Catholic University of America, who was nominated and should have won an Emmy for being awesome in "Mad Men"? All of D.C. should be proud.

Amy Argetsinger: The meanies at Comcast are denying me AMC in an attempt to force me to upgrade, so I still haven't seen this show. Did you know that Slattery is married to the actress (Talia Balsam) who used to be married to George Clooney back in the early '90s? And that she is not only the daughter of Martin Balsam -- she is also the niece of Dick Van Patten? Thanks, Wikipedia...

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Gay Clay: So. Shocking. Clay is gay. Who would have ever guessed!?

His ridiculous denials where what made the fun. Now what do we do?

Who's the next "straight" but obviously gay celeb for us to have fun with?

Roxanne Roberts: Have to agree---it was one of the few remaining things interesting about him.

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Britney-Land: Lynne Spears confirms Britney will be going on tour in the winter. On a scale of 1-10, how excited are you? Or put another way, what other performer might you be more excited about coming to town?

Roxanne Roberts: Eehh, not so much. Never like her music much the first go-round, so can't imagine she'd be that interesting on stage now. She's someone who's MUCH more compelling off stage.

I like Prince, but missed his last concert. My bad.

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Homeless Polar Bears :: Is it possible this Jenkins fellow is your mystery art-thief-huckster person from a while back? How come people aren't smarter to save his art from the trash heap?

washingtonpost.com: Out on the Street, Bearing a Message

(Reliable Source, Sept. 22)

Amy Argetsinger: You suspect Jenkins the street-art sculptor behind the homeless polar bears is the same as The Collector? I don't see a connection... As for the fact that his sculptures end up in dumpsters -- apparently the artist doesn't care; they say that's the nature of street art.

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Annapolis, Md.: So when does McCain's do-over hit the front page like John Edward's 400 haircut?

Amy Argetsinger: I believe John Edwards's $400 haircut was covered in our very own page C3 column, just like the McCain makeup; I don't believe it was ever a front-page story, beyond perhaps a passing reference in a larger unrelated story.

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Enquiring Minds: What do you think of dogs at outdoor restaurants?

Roxanne Roberts: Hmmmm.....not sure what this has to do with train-wreck pop stars and reality hosts, but I'll bite:

Love them. Dogs are typically better behaved that many of the humans, and add a nice touch. I'm a big believer in shop cats and dogs, too. Basically, I'm a person who prefers pets (and pet hair on the couch )in my life.

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Fairfax, Va.: As a guy, I suppose I am a little troubled that I might have a better chance of scoring with Clay Aiken than with Lindsay Lohan.

Roxanne Roberts: Lindsay is way cuter -- and remember, this could be just a phase.

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Woodbridge, Va.: So, now that Constellation Energy is being bought by MidAmerican, maybe Henry Hager will be unemployed under the new management?

Highly unlikely, but still.

Amy Argetsinger: That was the first thing I wondered. But then we do tend to see the world through the lens of What Does This Mean for Jenna?

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Baltimore, Md.: Roxanne --

I just listened to this week's podcast of "Wait, Wait, Don't Tell Me," this morning, and I just have one question:

Is Peter Sagal really that geeky about "Star Trek?"

Roxanne Roberts: More. It was adorable. Part of him really was a broken-hearted 10-year-old when Leonard paid attention to me, someone who couldn't name more than two characters or one episode of the show. I'm always getting "Star Trek" and "Star Wars" mixed up, too. Killed him.

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John Slattery:. . . and Martin Balsam played Howard Simons, The Washington Post's managing editor in All the President's Men. So it all comes full-circle back to Washington. Congratulations to Mr. Slattery.

Amy Argetsinger: Anyone else ever get lost for hours following one Wikipedia link to another?

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Washington, D.C.: Luke Russert is a well spoken and mature kid for a 22-year-old, but he is way overexposed.

I see him giving commentary on TV, and without the Russert name, you would wonder what kind of credibility/experience does this kid have to be given a podium to voice his opinions.

I assume those are his opinions, or maybe they are the opinions of more seasoned people that he's been exposed to.

In any regard, I wish him the best, but these news stations (NBC and ESPN) are overextending themselves in trying to prop this kid up.

Amy Argetsinger: You raise some good points. On the one hand, the networks generally push someone out there through pure favoritism -- they've made a calculated judgement that this is a personality that can win viewers and boost ratings. On the other hand... you do kind of wonder whether it's too much too soon...

Roxanne Roberts: He's a great kid who's been thrown in the deep end of life in the last few months. Honestly, we can't know if this was a smart move by Luke or NBC for a while. I wish him nothing but good.

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re: And here I thought Lindsay Lohan couldn't get any more media crazy.: I suppose they really care about each other if they've been dating for 2 years, but most of the time when I see photos of them or hear about them in the news, I get a vibe from Lohan that she's doing stuff because she is totally desparate for media attention. Like she's looking around saying to herself, "Okay, who's watching me, who's watching me?"

Roxanne Roberts: Jeesh, I hope not. How sad is that?

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Baseball dirt?: Now that the season is pretty much over, do you know what the players do between now and spring training? I think the Zim lives in N. Va. Any tips on sighting him and/or others?

Amy Argetsinger: Not sure. I think the Nats spend the off-season busy being not recognized by anyone in Washington -- except for Zimmerman, who is probably mobbed whenever he goes out.

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Dogs in Restaurants: You were punk'd. Sietsema likes them, too.

Roxanne Roberts: You mean someone is double-chatting? The cad!

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Dopplegangers: So, should we write in if we see somebody's doppelganger? I was up in Shenandoah National Park last weekend and David Beckham's twin was eating dinner alone at Big Meadows Lodge. Since Becks no longer has long, lush locks I was pretty sure it wasn't actually him, but the resemblance was uncanny.

Amy Argetsinger: Hey, why not -- slow day. I wonder why he was eating alone. Did you approach him and say, "Does everyone tell you you look like David Beckham?" It's a great pickup line.

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Leonard Nimoy.: I was a strange child, I guess, but I always had a crush on him. What was he like?

Roxanne Roberts: Lovely. Very kind, well-behaved. No entourage or airs.

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Washington: For $5,583.43, I would think McCain would look just a little better. Is it a bad thing that I could not tell the $5,583.43 difference?

Amy Argetsinger: No, I think it's supposed to be subtle.

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RE: Anyone else ever get lost for hours following one Wikipedia link to another? : Yes, totally. Every time I read some fiction with any historical or factual references, I always get on Wiki to look up more info. Then I forget about the book for a while and before I know it, I've been reading about the Anastasia and the Russian Revolution for 2 hours.

Amy Argetsinger: I do that a lot when I'm watching a movie. I'll think, "How old was he back then?" or "What was it she was famous for again?" -- and next thing I know I'm glued to the laptop and paying no attention to the movie.

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Waldorf, Md.:"The meanies at Comcast are denying me AMC."

Me too! What should we do about this? I'm thinking about TP'ing their offices at Halloween, but that's just me...

Amy Argetsinger: Supposedly this is their strategy for forcing old people to upgrade. They also static out Turner Classic Movies, which you'd also expect in any basic-cable package.

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Speaking of Donna Rice: I saw Gary Hart on PBS the other night and my first thought was, wow, he got old. Which is completely ridiculous given that the scandal happened way back in the 80's. But still, for some reason it was weird to see him after all this time. He still had that roguish look on his face, like the one he had in that infamous picture of him and Donna Rice posing seaside.

Roxanne Roberts: Some things don't change. He's craggier, but that was always part of his appeal.

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S. Rockville, Md.: Amy, did you cross paths at UVA with triple-Emmy-winner Tina Fey? Finally some good news for our friends down in Charlottesville and some news that isn't about football.

Amy Argetsinger: The enduring mystery of Tina Fey -- she and I overlapped for two years at U.Va., and she was in the same class as many of my friends, but none of us ever even knew of her.

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Washington, D.C.: Are you guy as excited as the rest of the world for American Psycho, The Musical?

Amy Argetsinger: Truly, an idea whose time has come. Variety reports that they're going to turn the classic Bret Easton Ellis book/Christian Bale movie into a Broadway musical. Which is brilliant, because basically the songs have already been written: "Sussudio" and "I Want a New Drug."

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Dogs and outdoor restaurants: My husband and I took our dog to the deck at Old Angler's Inn a while back. He's really well behaved in these settings (as long as I keep nibbles of bread heading his way under the table). As we were leaving a lady who was lunching complimented his behavior and announced, rather loudly, "Clearly he is a pure-bred English Hunting Lab". If you have ever seen our dog, you'd understand why the other ladies began to snicker, then laughed hysterically when I answered "Nope, pound mutt".

Roxanne Roberts: Dog lovers take over the chat! Do you let strangers pet him?

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Paulsen lust: Newsweek had some photos of a young Paulsen and indeed he was/is a hunk. I don't think the other chatter is wrong to lust after him. Anyway, this is D.C. We have to find our hunks in think tanks, PACs, bureaucracies.

Amy Argetsinger: I gotta look up those photos. Speaking of which, reportedly our website got tons of eyeballs for the photo gallery "Todd Palin Through the Years." Link to follow.

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Cleveland, Ohio: I have been reading your paper's coverage of the financial crisis, it has been very well put together. Watching MSNBC discuss it the other, they interviewed a Post reporter named Neil Irwin. Not a bad looking guy. What can you tell us about him? Single?

Amy Argetsinger: You're in luck, ladies! (Or, uh, whoever.) He's available.

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Spock crush: Me too! When everyone else was drooling over Captain Kirk, I was pining for Spock.

Amy Argetsinger: Okay, I take it back; this is starting to seem like a weird chat after all.

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washingtonpost.com: Gallery: Todd Palin Through the Years

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Houston, Tex.: I could have sworn that I saw Eliott Spitzer at National Airport last Monday (day after Hurricane Ike, so I had no Internet access and could not ask you last week) getting on the Delta Shuttle. I recognized him as a N.Y. politician -- thought it was him and then thought I was confused until I googled him when I went home. Wouldn't he have gone underground after the whole scandal? Or was it his twin (just like David Beckham's in the park)?

Roxanne Roberts: Hard to say: On one hand, it could have been a small, nervous looking guy who just looked like Spitzer. Then again, I presume he's quietly regrouping, trying to make money, getting his life back on track---which could easily include a trip to Washington. Wonder if he stayed at the Mayflower?

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Doublechatting with Sietsema: It happens every day, baby. Or at least every Wednesday.

Roxanne Roberts: I feel so....used.

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Denver, Colo.: Which marriage will last longer: Agent Zero's, or the Levi-Bristol union?

Amy Argetsinger: What are you talking about. Both of these unions will last FOREVER.

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Re: Dog lovers take over the chat!: And admit it: We are all going to miss Barney when he leaves the White House. Loved his Christmas videos!

Roxanne Roberts: I am totally going to miss Barney-cam. But take heart---the McCains have all sorts of pets, and Obama promised his kids a puppy after the election. So, whoever wins, there will be the sound of little paws in the White House.

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Anyone else ever get lost for hours following one Wikipedia link to another?: Yes, and with the old encyclopedias in book form, too. It would take me hours to get the article I was looking for after reading all the cool stuff I found along the way. Unless it was X. There's not much cool stuff to read in X.

Roxanne Roberts: You got to X?!!!!

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Tina Fey: I like her and all, but she went to UVA and she majored in Drama? Who goes to UVA and majors in drama?

Amy Argetsinger: Oh, I'm sure the UVa drama department has graduated all sorts of notables... anyone else want to refresh my memory?

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Speaking of musicals...: I just read a rave review of the previews of Ken-Cen honoree Dolly Parton's new musical based on the movie "9 to 5." Guess Dolly's not resting on her laurels! BTW, did you ever figure out who the guy was who sat behind her that evening?

Amy Argetsinger: Huh, hadn't heard about that. That's actually a pretty good idea for a musical. Fun movie.

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Tampa, Fla.:"I might have a better chance of scoring with Clay Aiken than with Lindsay Lohan.

Roxanne Roberts: Lindsay is way cuter -- and remember, this could be just a phase."

Yes, just think of Anne Heche and Ellen DeGeneres (until the aliens called Anne back to the land of men).

Roxanne Roberts: I think Anne has her very own land where other people come in and out.

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Carrie Fisher: So are you guys going to be able to interview Carrie Fisher while she's in town at Arena? Forget Mr. Spock...for a certain generation, there was nothing hotter than Princess Leia in the gold bikini!

Amy Argetsinger: I'm going to go see the play on Saturday; however, the Style section already ran an interview with her a couple weeks ago. Link to follow. It's my understanding that she does not wear the gold bikini in her one-woman show.

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Dogs and outdoor restaurants again: Yeah, folks pet the mutt all the time. Dog owners, if you don't have it buy it: The Dog Lover's Companion to Washington, D.C. and Baltimore. It lists restaurants, parks, hotels and more that are dog friendly. We've found great places to take the Wonder Mutt. It includes NoVa and Annapolis.

Roxanne Roberts: Yappy hours, too. Weekend just did a piece on them. We'll post the link.

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Alexandria, Va.: I agree with the previous writer. Neil Irwin does a great job explaining the economy and the difficulties ahead. And a good looking guy. He is really the type of guy MSNBC should give a show to -- not the Keith Olberman types.

Amy Argetsinger: Thanks, Neil, for all your questions and comments today! You are indeed an econonomics explainer extraordinaire.

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washingtonpost.com: That Light-Saber Wit ( Post, Sept. 4)

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Doublechatting with Sietsema: Reading both posts is fine, but trying to get the same question answered on both is self-centered.

Amy Argetsinger: No, it's just disloyal. You're either with us, or you're with Tom. One or the other, you've got to pick.

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Bloomingdale, D.C.: Better looking team: Nats or D.C. United?

Amy Argetsinger: Anyone?

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Zimmerman mobbed everywhere he goes: Amy -- if Ryan Zimmerman walked by your desk right now wearing his Nationals jersey, would you recognize him?

Amy Argetsinger: Good question. Probably not. But I have a hard time recognizing anyone I haven't known for 10 years.

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Washington, D.C.:"Don't believe a word of it. Amy and Gilbert are likethis. She's the second person he called, after his mother." - Roxy

Uhhhh, Arenas is estranged from his mother.

Amy Argetsinger: Hmmm, yeah. Maybe that's what she was getting at.

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UVA grades (per Wikipedia): Sarah Drew, Col 2002 - Actress Tina Fey, Col 1992 - Head writer, actress, Saturday Night Live Jason George, Col 1994 - Actor Rod MacDonald, Col 1970 - singer/songwriter Stephen Malkmus, Col 1988 - Lead singer of indie-rock band Pavement Benjamin McKenzie, Col 2001 - Actor, Fox's The O.C. Georgia O'Keeffe (attended summer school) - Painter Amanda Paige - Playboy Playmate Sean Patrick Thomas, Col 1993 - Actor Skipp Sudduth, Grad 1983 - Actor Dylan Walsh, Col 1986 - Actor Nip/Tuck Stan Winston, Col - special effects Madeleine Rowan, Col 2007 - Youngest female ever to play in the World Series of Poker Boyd Tinsley, Violinist/Mandolinist/Backup Vocals for Dave Matthews Band Matt Charles, Col 1999 - Actor/Writer Ewan Chung, Col - Actor/Produer

Amy Argetsinger: I forgot about Sean Patrick Thomas. I had no idea about Dylan Walsh. And, duh, Ryan from The O.C.! How could I have forgotten that? So proud of him! Seriously. That show rocked.

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re: Lindsay Lohan: Why is it easier to believe that her sexuality is a phase than the wild behavior that preceded it? Isn't it possible that she was acting out because she was a young woman who was figuring out she was gay and didn't know how to come to terms with it? Particularly given her very public life? Many non-famous gay kids struggle and experiment and act out while they figure out their sexuality, so why is it that people are not willing to recognize that in Lohan? It seems like this relationship has actually made her a relatively stable person who is managing to resume her career, and the cynicism about it makes me feel sorry for her.

Amy Argetsinger: Good points, all of these. Who's to say that it's a phase? (Well, I did a couple weeks ago, and was rightfully scolded for it.)

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Better looking team: Nats or D.C. United?: Nats by a mile. Zimmerman, Kearns, the catchers - all hotties.

Amy Argetsinger: Thanks for your vote.

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I have a dog who is my heart and soul: but I think taking a dog to a restaurant is immature anthropomorphizing.

Roxanne Roberts: Whuh woh -- the fur is going to fly now. Even an outdoor patio at a casual place?

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Frtaternity life in 2008: Not exactly gossip, but I'd like your opinion. I work at a midwestern university. Today in front of my building there was the usual "register to vote" table staffed with assertive young people, and many posters advertising a "debate watching party" at a fraternity. The headline was "These are serious times" and you can come to watch Friday's Obama/McCain debate on their JUMBO screen. D'ya think they are totally jazzed about the election or looking to meet politically active women?

Amy Argetsinger: Maybe both.

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Washington, DC: I did see Mario Batali this Saturday walking through the National Gallery Sculpture Garden, with his family (I assume). Recognized the orange crocs!

Roxanne Roberts: And you didn't write/call? What were you thinking? We need you!

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Todd Palin, really?: Isn't Todd Palin like that guy in high school who sat on the roof of his car drinking Natty Light and discussing which girls put out? I mean, I haven't seen the back of him, but isn't he a hair's breadth from a mullet?

Dear God, there could be a mullet in the Observatory this time next year. Oy.

Roxanne Roberts: Democracy, baby.

Amy Argetsinger: That is so class-ist of you.

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Falls Church, Va.: I'm sorry, but even if I were tempted to vote Republican, after seeing Sarah Palin's shoes in pic 15 of that Todd Palin through the years slideshow, I'm all Obama, all the time.

Amy Argetsinger: Were those the red open-toe slides? I was fascinated by those. Who knew you could wear sandals in Alaska?

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Spock was smart: and always kept his composure. Sexy.

Roxanne Roberts: Like Bond with pointy ears. Except he didn't smile or wear a tux.

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Baltimore, Md.: I'm not a Trekker, but I understand where Peter was coming from. My wife still makes fun of me for crying at the end of "Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan" when Spock died.

Roxanne Roberts: No fair. If she cries at chick flicks, you get equal time for your tear-jerkers.

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Arlington, Va.: What does it say about me that when I read "Gilbert is off the market" I thought of Anne of Green Gables?

Obviously I don't follow basketball.

Amy Argetsinger: Alas, Gilbert Blythe has been off the market for about 90 years. I think he and Anne hooked up by around the time of "Anne of the Island."

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Carrie Fisher/Debbie Reynolds: Does anyone out there remember what event it was at (I assume it was honoring Debbie Reynolds, or at least had a segment honoring her) that Carrie was reading something she'd written about her mother, and Debbie was laughing so hard she had to sit down on the stage? I would love to rewatch that ... somewhere ... but can't remember the name, and can't find it using a variety of combinations of their names and other search words.

Amy Argetsinger: Anyone? If this actually happened then surely it must be on YouTube.

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The Katie and Sarah Show: Wasn't Katie Couric supposed to interview Sarah Palin early this week? What happened? Was not enough deference shown?

Roxanne Roberts: It's airing tonight on CBS.

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Bethesda, Md.: Rox -- I saw you on the Today show this morning! You were great. Will this become a regular thing?

Roxanne Roberts: Thanks---doubt it. It's not that often New Yorkers admit they're ga-ga over celebrities.

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Hartford, Conn.: Did you all see the Campbell Brown on CNN rant about keeping Sarah Palin from the press was due to sexism? Its all over the Internet today. Do you agree?

washingtonpost.com: Campbell Brown ( TV Newser)

Amy Argetsinger: Wow, that is quite a rant. Thanks for sharing.

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Todd Palin reprise:...plus, am I the only one who thinks referring to himself as 'First Dude' is just pathetic. He's trying way too hard to be cool, and it ain't working.

Roxanne Roberts: Uh---I think that's Sarah's pet name for him.

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Re: UVA Drama Alums: The guy who played Ryan on 'The OC', Ben McKenzie, is a UVA alum. Perhaps not the most notable, but it's something. I went to UVA at the same time and, while my friends say we met at a party, my memory is a little fuzzy. I just remember talking to a short dude for a little while...

Amy Argetsinger: He's supposedly tiny in real life, huh? But I'm a big fan. Thought he was great in "The O.C." and in "Junebug."

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Washington, DC: Aside from being the first vice presidential spouse who was a man, would he also be the first vice presidential spouse with native American ancestry (he has an Eskimo heritage)?

Amy Argetsinger: That one's going to take some research...

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Reston, Va.: I know this was discussed last week, but I was a little behind. Did you guys read the Vanity Fair story on Anne Hathaway's ex-boyfriend? I really started to like the guy. Initially, I was inclined to hate everything about him -- a bad person who was just ripping people off, spending their money, and doing it all by claiming links to the Catholic church and by dating a little starlet. By the end of the story, I no longer had any animosity toward him. It was like he was a complete naive little innocent, who was unaware what he was going was wrong. It was like he didn't no any better. And the poor guy was dumped by Hatahway.

Amy Argetsinger: Oh, absolutely read the story. It's a good one. It dind't make me like him, but it did make him seem less venal. He seemed more clueless than anything.

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Falls Church, Va.: Yeah, the slides. What's she going to do in the White House, wear her rain boots to cabinet meetings? Flip flops at press conferences? Tool around Walter Reed in footie pjs?

Roxanne Roberts: Sure--she's a hockey mom, remember? Think she's going to start prancing around in Jimmy Choos? (And trust me, I love my Choos---really the only comfortable killer heels.)

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Washington, D.C.: Has Connie Chung divorced Maury Povich yet for cheating a few years ago? That news sort of just went away.

Amy Argetsinger: Maury was hit with a sexual harassment suit a couple years ago; don't recall what happened with that, but he and Connie are still together.

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First Dude was Sarah Palin's creation?: That makes it even more pathetic, though I didn't think that was possible.

Roxanne Roberts: Or endearing, depending on your sensibilities. Gee, I wonder what his nickname for her is?

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Please help: I'm beginning to find Joe Biden somewhat attractive. I think it's the smile, but a lot of his gaffes are also weirdly charming to me. I found out the other day that he was apparently on Esquire's best dressed list a couple years back -- ranked better than Obama, even.

What do I do? This is beginning to be a problem.

Amy Argetsinger: I don't know what you do about that. That is indeed a problem.

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Who knew you could wear sandals in Alaska? : I was there in June and it was in the 70's in Juneau. I wore shorts.

Roxanne Roberts: And slides?

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Northeast: I don't know if UVA's Ryan from the OC competes with John Slattery from Catholic U. The Catholics might be ahead of you on this one.

Amy Argetsinger: Well, I think it's a draw on that particular matchup, but CUA has indeed produced more showbiz luminaries than U.Va.

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Even an outdoor patio at a casual place? : The type of restaurant doesn't affect the fact that animals aren't people. Dogs' entertainment is running, chasing, jumping, not sitting resisting distractions. It's an inappropriate placement of an animal in a human situation. It's called anthropomorphization because it inappropirately and illogically ascribing human attributes to dogs. And it's immature of the owner to not admit we all have to find balance in our lives for our different likes, responsibilities, wants, desires, moods. You can't have it the way you want all the time. You have to respect other people, be appropriate, and use your inside voice at the office. It's called being a grownup and being a good citizen of the world, respecting other people.

Roxanne Roberts: Point taken. But I still don't mind.

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Washington, D.C.: So, is Joe Robert more concerned about his real estate private equity company right now or finding more arm candy?

Amy Argetsinger: Hey, who says a fellow can't do both at the same time?

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Washington, D.C.: Does the election make your life easier or harder? First thought would be easier, but on the other hand, people are out of town, D.C. is a little slower when all the focus is on swing states, and there are fewer of those black tie cocktail parties the city has all the time in the winter.

Amy Argetsinger: It's a little bit of a trade-off. There are some fun stories that drift our way with all the election madness; on the other hand, it does feel like the town's been a lot quieter this year, and I have to think the endless campaign had something to do with that.

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Gilbert lover: I thought it was Gilbert from Anne of Green Gables, too, and I AM a sports fan! Had to follow the link to figure it out...

Amy Argetsinger: Seriously, that was the first Gilbert that popped into your mind when you saw that? Hilarious...

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Dogs in people places: It's like a lot of doable but tacky things. Just cuz you can get away with it doesn't make it right. You could take a snake to the opera and it wouldn't disturb one person, but it's JUST WRONG. Inappropriate. Unnecessary. Grownups know this, respect their neighbors and schedule together time with the snake at home.

Roxanne Roberts: Okay, okay---now let's talk about kids at restaurants!

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First Dude: Sounds like a bad movie.

Amy Argetsinger: No: Sounds like a GREAT bad movie.

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Choos: Roxanne, I love you but I totally disagree. Manolos are incredibly comfortable. It must have to do with foot shape, because Manolos are really, really narrow.

Roxanne Roberts: Could be.

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Oops, Luke maybe not ready for prime time (and speaking of UVa): this is what happens when you put someone young without a good self-filter on TV:

Luke Russert Apologizes For Saying Smart People Vote For Obama

(Wonkette)

Amy Argetsinger: Ooh, missed that one. Awkward!

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MCI Center: You get your Arenas Express card invitation to Agent Zero's wedding yet?

Amy Argetsinger: I'm sitting by the mailbox.

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D.C.: The husband of the governor of Kansas also refers to himself as "First Dude." So it's a lower 48 phenomenon (and a bipartisan one) too.

Amy Argetsinger: Really? That's great.

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Roxanne: Spitzer doesnt need to worry about making money, his father is worth $500MM plus, New York real estate.

Roxanne Roberts: Well, yeah, there is that.

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Palin Shoes: Well, I'm a mom too, and that is no excuse. Those shoes are just UGLY! They look like those old-lady sandals made with the fake vinyl that crinkles up. Next thing you know she'll be wearing "mom jeans" and we'll all say it's okay because "she's a hockey mom" -- I say she's a hokey mom!

Between that and flying home while in labor I have decided that Sarah Palin has absolutely no sense in her head.

Amy Argetsinger: Thanks for your vote...

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Anonymous: Amy Argetsinger: Were those the red open-toe slides? I was fascinated by those. Who knew you could wear sandals in Alaska?

Could she not have found a better-quality shoe? Those look like they're from the trying-too-hard rack. Has she never heard of Stuart Weitzman? Just saying...

Amy Argetsinger: So you're saying you want a vice president who only buys high-end designer shoes?

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Ballston, Va.: Excuse me, my collies know when to sue their indoor voices and don use their iPhones in restaurants. And they know how to behave whereever they are. Working a thousand sheep or take a snooze at my feet in an outdoor cafe. Get real and get a real dog!

Roxanne Roberts: Maybe there should be a separate chat just for this?

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Undecided voter, but...: Dude, Sarah Palin's prom, I mean Inaugural Ball dress, was fuschia??

Amy Argetsinger: Prom photos. Inaugural ball photos. Riveting stuff. That's why it got so many hits.

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Anonymous: You are delusional....there is NO SUCH THING as a comfortable high heel!!! You've just contorted your mind to pretend that it is.

Roxanne Roberts: La la la la -- I can't HEAR you ...

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washingtonpost.com: Late posting about dogs: A Happy Hour for You and Fido, Too ( Post, July 25)

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Amy Argetsinger: Okay, we've got to get back to work, and, frankly, so do you. Thanks for all your questions and comments, and join us back here next week. Stay in touch all week long at reliablesource@washpost.com.

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Jayne, Midlo, VA: UVA grads? How could you all forget Katie Couric?

She was my RA my first year.

Amy Argetsinger: I thought we were focusing on U.Va. drama students, no? I wish you'd piped up sooner -- would love to hear your stories about your RA.

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