The Reliable Source

Reliable Source columnists Amy Argetsinger and Roxanne Roberts were online Wednesday, Dec. 10, 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: Everybody's Vernon Jordan's friend! Glenn Close, Peter Gallagher, Quincy Jones and a lot of quips at the AARP awards. Patrick Fitzgerald is back and funnier than ever -- but does he know it? Check out Paul Bremer's new footwear!

In recent days: Fun times with the stars at the KenCen Honors. Fran Drescher for Senate?That darned elusive Oprah. Local guy Jeffrey Wright breaks out in starring role.Wit and wisdom of (clean shaven) Bill Richardson. The Bushes buy a house in Dallas Why Ted Leonsis won't be your friend anymore.

E-mail and bookmark Reliable Source Blog.

A transcript follows.

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Amy Argetsinger: Once again it's just you and me, so let's have our fun while we can. In fact, Marissa hasn't even shown up here yet, so please don't ask me any hard questions.

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Washington, D.C.: Yay for the return of Patrick Fitzgerald! Even if he is married, he's still way better looking than most of the guys giving press conferences these days!

Amy Argetsinger: And he's so.... hilarious! Does he know he's hilarious? Guys with humor that dry are maddening and intriguing that way.

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Washington, D.C.: I was on Oprah's audience reservation page all day yesterday, including from 11 to 12:45 and didn't see anything about tickets until about 2:15. At 2:15, I went on, filled out the reservation form (which included a 2000 word essay on why you want to be in the audience) and hit submit. Then nothing happened. The page expired and I didn't get any kind of e-mail confirmation. I went back to check if I could do it again and it said that tickets were no longer available.

How could I reserve tickets later, if it said that tickets were only available from 11-12:45?

Amy Argetsinger: I don't know. The Oprah folks told us the prompt was up from 11 to 12:45; in hindsight maybe they meant Central time -- so from 12 to 1:45?... Though that wouldn't account for the hassle you encountered, nor the many frustrations readers have shared with us about trying/failing to get tickets.

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Milwaukee, Wisc.: Is that kiss Mr. Bush gave to Barbra Steisand just another sign of what's been whispered about for some time now?

Amy Argetsinger: What's been whispered -- that they secretly adore each other? Sure hadn't heard that one!

Actually, it was impressive how they not only went through the motions of being polite but actually both seemed to genuinely enjoy the moment and the irony and the honor all at once.

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Sigh: Another political scandal, another appearance by dreamy Patrick Fitzgerald. Partisans take note: he's JUST as hot on the trail of a corrupt Democrat as he was chasing those leaky Republicans in the Plame case.

Oh, but he got married or something, didn't he. Well, bleep.

Roxanne Roberts: Yeah, he got married. Sigh.

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Chicago, Ill.: What's amazing about Fitzgerald and the FBI guy Grant is that you never see U.S. attorneys or, especially, FBI agents use the kind of language they did yesterday. They're always very circumspect in their language and think three or four times about what they say. Those two just let it roll yesterday.

Amy Argetsinger: No kidding. I was a little more surprised by Grant's comments about how Illinois is the most corrupt state in the union, or at least in the running to be.

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Roxanne Roberts: I'm here by the way, so you'll have to be nice to me now. Radar trap on GW Parkway. Ho ho bleep.

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Does he know he's hilarious? : He's BLEEPING hilarious. Is it funnier if he knows or doesn't know?

Amy Argetsinger: I don't know! There's great power in the art of deadpan. It's the reason Eleanor Holmes Norton just killed in those appearances on the Colbert Report -- she was so dry, such the perfect straightman that some viewers thought she was dead serious. But of course she was in on the joke.

I think Fitz is too. And his utter refusal to crack a smile during the proceedings makes it funnier.

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Feline gossip: Roxanne, I thought you would be interested to know that we recently spent about $3,800 in total to get one of our males treated surgically for a urinary blockage. Given the cost, my husband wanted to do the "final solution" but I said absolutely not.

Now that's luv.

Roxanne Roberts: True dat. It was just about this time three years ago when my adorable cat ate a long piece of ribbon, which resulted in major and very expensive surgery. The ribbon now stays under lock unless I'm personally using it, and I give him dirty looks when he even looks at it.

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Kanye West: You're a hip hip afficionado -- what's your take on his new album? It seems to have become something of lightning rod among hip-hop fans.

Amy Argetsinger: I haven't listened to the whole album yet, but by the second listen, I was completely hooked on "Love Lockdown." Weirdly haunting. Am excited to hear the entire album, "808s & Heartbreak," which our pal Chris Richards claims is not only the best album of the year but one that is going to chance the face of music forever. (link to his review to follow)

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So Roxanne is here?: Amy, I thought it was just you and me.

Amy Argetsinger: Oh, she just walked in. Be nice to her, okay?

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washingtonpost.com: Kanye West, in Perfect Auto-Tune (Post, Nov. 24)

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Taylor Swift: Am I the only who thinks new song of hers about small- town Romeo and Juliet is a truly great pop song?

Amy Argetsinger: I don't know if I've heard that one yet, but all of her stuff I've heard is pretty infectious, and pretty well constructed. She seems to be the real thing.

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Washington, D.C.: Can you tell Lisa Rinna that it is not attractive to see her armpits on the cover of her new book? Since when did this become cool?

washingtonpost.com: Photo: Lisa Rinna (Warner Books)

Amy Argetsinger: Sucker. You know why Lisa Rinna is flaunting her armpits to you? So you'll talk about her, like you're doing right now.

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I get no respect: My last date was a psychic. She dumped me before we met.

Amy Argetsinger: Thank you! You're here all hour, I hope?

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Springfield, Mass.: The Bush family apparently bought an 8,500 square foot, one story home in Dallas. I really struggle with the mental picture of 8,500 square feet and no second floor. Have you got anything to compare that to -- how many square feet on your floor of the Washington Post? Could Laura yell to the president to come help her in the kitchen?

Roxanne Roberts: Try thinking of it like a mall with rooms instead of little stores. If they use wood instead of carpet, they could roller skate around -- picture that.

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Anonymous: Any chance that Gov. Blagojevich and Sen. Craig could end up sharing a jail cell? More importantly, who would play them in the film about their downfalls? And do you think Robert Blake will visit O.J. Simpson?

Amy Argetsinger: Well, Sen. Craig never faced any jail time for his Minnesota misdemeanor, whereas Blagojevich is looking at some serious time for his federal charges, so... no.

I am very interested in hearing your suggestions for who should play Blagojevich. I'm thinking... Danza.

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Pathetictown: How sad is it and what a horrible statement on Washington that we are drooling over a Special Prosecutor/U.S Attorney!

Just for that I'm not even going to bother telling you about my long conversation with David Gregory while we sat next to each other at the hair salon.

Roxanne Roberts: What have you got against Patrick? He's very droolable, in an old school, "Mad Men" kind of way.

And c'mon, it's Christmastime: What does David do for treatment? Which salon? Before or after the big annoucement?

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Washington, D.C.: I was so sad to read about the death of Robert Prosky. I have lived in D.C. for years and was a little ashamed to know he was local -- I just enjoyed his roles in "Rudy" and "Mrs. Doubtfire." Did he actually live here year round?

washingtonpost.com: Robert Prosky; D.C. Actor Appeared on 'Hill Street Blues' (Post, Dec. 10)

Amy Argetsinger: Yes, his home was on Capitol Hill, though of course he traveled a lot for work. He was a great actor, and a real star of D.C. theater.

I was a little surprised to read that he was *only* 77 -- it seemed like he was already in his 60s by the time I was first aware of him 25 years ago or so! But it was interesting to read in his obituary that he felt like that was the secret to his success -- that he looked older, and could play 50 when he was 25.

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Lisa Rinna : Her pits are a lot nicer than mine. If I had her pits I'd show them off too.

Amy Argetsinger: Thanks for your vote.

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Fran Drescher for Senate? : Please no. It's already painful enough having to listen to Lieberman and Barney Frank talk. Get the three of them together and I'd have to cover my ears and yell "Nah, nah, nah, nah" to drown out their voices.

Amy Argetsinger: I think we can only dream of Fran Drescher making it into the Senate...

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Falls Church, Va.: So what's the going rate for a ticket ont he GW Parkway these days? Bummer.

Roxanne Roberts: It's a lot ($100 plus) -- although I didn't get a ticket today, thank the lord. The parkway is tricky, because the speed limit drops from 55 to 40 right before Key Bridge, and people zipping along don't notice. The park policeman was busy with three cars pulled over, and there was a ten minute delay caused by rubberneckers.

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Northeast: Never mind what Michelle will be wearing to the inaugural balls. Do you think that Barack will go with a tux, or white tie and tails? Sigh.

I've managed to miss the last two inaugurals, so I don't know what's being done these days.

Roxanne Roberts: Tux, we think. A union official said last week Obama ordered his first new tux in 15 years.

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re: Pathetictown: Hey, we're not Hollywood here on the East Coast. We have politicians and attorneys. We have to drool over the guys we've got, not the ones we wish we had.

Roxanne Roberts: You know, I don't think of our VSP Patrick as sloppy seconds.

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Wifely assistance: In your experience, are the wives of political heavy hitters as ...err... deeply involved as Mrs. Blagojevich seems to have been in her husband's business dealings?

Amy Argetsinger: Not unusual for wives to be involved in their husband's business dealings, felonious or otherwise. You may remember Maryland state Senator Tommy Bromwell, who was convicted of racketeering -- he's now doing seven years. His wife, who got a lucrative no-show job at a crony's business in exchange for the state contracts he directed to them, ending up doing a year in jail for her role as well.

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Ouch!: Seriously, I think it says good things about us that we drool over Patrick Fitzgerald... Because the drool is over the whole package, including brains. Truthfully, I'd rather drool over someone who looks like someone I'd see on the street and actually get to talk to (and enjoy talking to!) than someone who's super perfect and empty headed.

Roxanne Roberts: See?

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Playing Blagojevich.: I'm thinking one of the Baldwin brothers -- Steven, perhaps?

Amy Argetsinger: Hmmm, no. Maybe Daniel or Billy Baldwin.

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Facebook Friends: So, Amy and Rox, how many friends do you have on your Facebook page?

Amy Argetsinger: I love the presumption that we have a joint page.

Rox isn't on Facebook. As for me, I have... well, I'd say twice the optimal number.

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Cleveland Park, Washington, D.C.: re: who should play Blagojevich

Sean Astin

Amy Argetsinger: Oh, intriguing.

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Senator Kennedy: Given Caroline Kennedy's lifelong struggle to keep her life private and exist below the radar except for causes she considered important, why is she now apparently consenting to having her name bandied about for the open NY Senate seat?

Roxanne Roberts: Because rumor is that she really wants it. Her kids are mostly grown, and I think she's ready to do something that can have more impact than a strictly private role.

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Re Prosky: That is sad. He was evil personified in "The Natural"

Amy Argetsinger: I sort of forgot that he played the bad guy.

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Bethesda, Md.: Peter Mark's outstanding appreciation of Robert Prosky suggested that Washington theatergoers should honor fine actors along with the very wealthy people who have their names put on the building. Any chances of renaming an part of the remodeled Arena Stage after him?

washingtonpost.com: It Was Here Prosky Had True Presence (Post, Dec. 10)

Amy Argetsinger: Nice idea. Maybe someone will underwrite that idea.

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Online: My second chat today -- waiting on a delivery. On Anne Kornblut's chat Bobby Goldsboro of "Honey" fame was the closest celebrity look to Blagojevich. Not sure Goldsboro is an actor ...... Blagojevich looks a lot like John Travolta in "Saturday Night Fever".

Amy Argetsinger: Oh, Travolta is an excellent idea.

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Danza?: Although obviously not an actor Stephanopoulus looks a bit like him too. How about Tom Cruise? Their egos match. Would it have been better if he'd offered the seat on Craigslist do you think?

Amy Argetsinger: That would be an acting stretch for Cruise, don't you think?

Stephanopoulus just happens to have the hair for the job -- not much resemblence otherwise -- and it's all too easy for any other actor to get the right hairpiece.

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Ribbon vigilance: ARRGH. My male kitten ate the metallic ribbon off a refrigerator magnet resulting in stomach X-rays and pumping. My sympathies to those feline moms and dads dealing with ribbon addiction.

Amy Argetsinger: Rox, I think this one's for you.

Roxanne Roberts: What is it with cats and string, anyway? Any vet on the chat? My other cat recently gobbled a major length of yo-yo string. No operation this time, fortunately.

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Penn Quarter, Washington, D.C.: Um, Rox, the speed limit is 50, not 55. If you're going to speed, it helps to know how over the speed limit you are. Congrats on escaping nasty ticket-writing policeman!

Roxanne Roberts: 50? Yipes. Good to know.

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Pittsburgh, Pa.: What's former Congressman (and Terp star) Tom McMillan doing these days? Any word on whether there might be a place for him in the Obama administration? (Barack would probably enjoy scrimmaging with him once a basketball court is built in the White House).

Amy Argetsinger: He's a businessman; he's also on the University System of Maryland board of regents, or was... Haven't heard his name float up in politics much lately, so doubt it..

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Reversal of Fortune: Isn't it sad and odd that after playing Sunny Von Bulow, Glenn Close's career went into a coma?

Roxanne Roberts: I think Ms. Close would disagree, but I think we could have a lively debate. Nothing tops her crazy turn "Fatal Attraction" -- and that was 21 years ago.

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Blagojevich: That hair can't be real, can it?

Roxanne Roberts: No fake hair looks THAT bad.

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On the road to Oshkosh: Hi, I'm the guy from a few weeks ago who's tympanic membrane kept going bar-rumpa par-rum and you suggested I see a doctor. Thanks for the sound advice. I'm on my way to a full recovery. I have to post early, not sure I can make it to the chat on time and have some pressing questions: What's up with the 1 a.m. postings? Is that the madcap life of gossip girl reporters or insomnia? Will Chris Matthews have bigger carpetbags or moneybags if he gets into Pennsylvania politics? Can your Huckabee Variety show ever happen now that Huck clearly has his eye set on 2012 and Leno has stepped into the fray?

Amy Argetsinger: Our 1 a.m. postings -- no different from how our column used to go up on the web, with the rest of the morning's papers, after all the copy editors get done with it. So, no, we're working at that hour...

The reason Leno is moving to 10 p.m. is clearly a preemptive -- he's heard about my plans for The Huck Variety Hour, and he's feeling threatened and he's trying to lay claim to that spot first. Won't work. Meanwhile, I think Chris Matthews is publicly floating the Senate idea in an attempt to force me to sign him up to be Huckabee's sidekick on the show.

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One-story home: Maybe, like many boomers, the Bushes have bad knees and were hoping to avoid stair climbing? Is the ranch in Crawford a two-story home?

Roxanne Roberts: Good point, that. Don't know about the ranch, but try to find out.

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U Street: Wow, Lisa Rinna looks good! How old is she?

Working from home today and just have to say you two are my favorite chat every week. Thanks!

Amy Argetsinger: Lisa Rinna is... 45. I thought she was older! I guess because she has one of those soap opera careers that goes back to the dawn of time.

Thank you so much for joining us each week.

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Amy's Facebook friends: 756

Amy Argetsinger: Lord, that's obscene. Time for another purge, don't you think?

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Playing Blagojevich?: Mark Ruffalo - just with a new weave.

Amy Argetsinger: Huh. Not bad.

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Sean Astin: Yeah, they do look alike.

washingtonpost.com: Sean Astin (IMDb)

Amy Argetsinger: I'm liking this idea. Do we think our Sam Gamgee has the acting chops for the Blago role? Could be his big chance.

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Washington, D.C.: Wow, I had not even seen anything about Prosky until reading here a moment ago. I just saw him in The Price at Theater J a few months back. He was tremendous.

Amy Argetsinger: Really wish I'd seen that.

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Reston, Va.: By any chance do you remember a PBS cooking show called "Cooking Cheap"? It was produced in Roanoke back in the 1980s, and was the funnest thing I had ever seen.

I was trying to find a DVD of the show for a Christmas gift, but no luck. Is there any possibility of it making its way onto a DVD?

washingtonpost.com: Cooking Cheap

Amy Argetsinger: This sounds like a pretty obscure one. I think you're going to have to lead the letter-writing campaign.

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No fake hair looks THAT bad.: Rox -- you're defending the self-awareness and judgment of a guy who repeatedly said on that phone that people should not say inciminating things on the phone?

It's gotta be a bad wig.

Roxanne Roberts: No bleeping way.

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Alexandria, Va.: As exciting as the news about Blagojevich was, and the entertaining press conference, it is a shame that it had to swallow all the news of the day, such as the passing of Robert Prosky. Really sad. Even when a bad guy -- like in The Natural or Thief -- he was an endearing actor. D.C. really lost a great actor.

Amy Argetsinger: Please read Adam Bernstein's obit, which we've already linked to, and Peter Marks's thoughtful appreciation (link to follow).

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Taylor Swift: That "Love Story" song is on my "do-not-play-on-the-Metro" list. You know, the songs that make you want to sing or dance along. While there's nothing I like more than catching someone totally dancing to a song on his or her iPod, I don't really like being that person. It's just kind of embarassing. See also "Cupid Shuffle."

Amy Argetsinger: Will check it out, thanks.

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Center of the Universe: It just keeps moving to Chicago... presidential transition, political scandal, exploding companies, Cubs win the World Series. Oh, wait....

I bet Rox can't wait to come back.

Roxanne Roberts: I'm never there long enough -- no one has EVER offered me a bribe. I feel so ignored.

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Lisa Rinna's pits: They're also one of the only non-surgically enhanced things on her body... unless armpit enhancement surgery is the new thing. She's probably just doing it so you don't look at her lips!

Amy Argetsinger: I think armpit enhancement surgery is only a matter of time.

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washingtonpost.com: It Was Here Prosky Had True Presence (Post, Dec. 10)

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I'm thinking one of the Baldwin brothers -- Steven: I think Steven looks like him. Blagowhatever kinda looks like Barney Rubble to me, and Steven played Barney.

washingtonpost.com: Barney Rubble (Hanna-Barbera)

Roxanne Roberts: Isn't Steven the one found God and the GOP? Maybe he'll take the role, meet the Guv, and then Blago will be saved -- maybe even run for Senate on the Republican ticket after prison.

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Arlington Gay: Patrick Fitzgerald? Nah, don't see it. Not hot.

Amy Argetsinger: The elusive appeal of Patrick Fitzgerald... As best as I could tell, for many Washington women it boiled down to the fact that he was age-appropriate and still single -- yet, hey, not bad looking, reasonably fit, nice voice, and not the usual Beltway cheeseball. Yes, the bar was low. Anyway, now he's married.

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Glenn Close: Well, her movie career may have been in a coma since then, but her recent TV career has been quite a success -- she's won two Emmys, two Golden Globes and a Screen Actors Guild award for her TV movies and series.

Roxanne Roberts: Yeah, but could you name one if you were drunk? Besides Damages?

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They're also one of the only non-surgically enhanced things on her body: except for laser hair removal.

Amy Argetsinger: This conversation is getting gross. Let's stop it.

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Bridgeport, Conn.: Roxanne and Amy, because the president and first lady have elderly parents they decided it would be best to have the ranch in Crawford one level. I read it somewhere.

Roxanne Roberts: That makes perfect sense.

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Facebook: Amy -- I am unfriending you right now. Doing my part to help out. And with that many friends, I no longer feel special.

Amy Argetsinger: Thank you. We all need a Facebook sabbatical, don't you think?

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washingtonpost.com: It Was Here Prosky Had True Presence (Post, Dec. 10)

Amy Argetsinger: the appreciation

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Cruise: Yes, it would be an acting stretch for Cruise, but then again, what isn't? Valkyrie really?

Amy Argetsinger: Who here is looking forward to seeing "Valkyrie"? Are you going to see it before or after "Australia"?

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to Cleveland Park re Sean Astin: Very nicely played sir or madam er or Ms. or uh...

Roxanne Roberts: Cross chat compliment!

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Speaking of the radar trap: Why all the military vehicles on the American Legion Bridge Monday afternoon/night and all the cops on 66?

Amy Argetsinger: Hello! I think you might have gotten lost on the way into a Dr. Gridlock chat.

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Dallasite: The W and Laura are moving into a one story house because that's pretty much how houses are built in Texas. Why build up when you can build out? I grew up in Dallas and had only rarely seen stairs in houses until I moved here. No basements either!

Roxanne Roberts: No McMansions in Dallas? I find that hard to believe.

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Samwise as Blago: I have to cover up Sean's ENTIRE forehead to get the impression, but, yeah, he could do it.

He's only 37 to Blago's 52, but that's good for the 'early' scenes where he's learning how to be a corrupt congressman.

Amy Argetsinger: Exactly. We always make the mistake in these fantasy-casting games of picking actors who are older than the characters.

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Sighting?: I was at the Loretta Lynn show at the 9:30 Club Saturday, and could have sworn I saw someone who looks like the person who use to play Amy Argetsinger on the Tucker Carlson Show. Could that have been her?

Amy Argetsinger: Sigh -- my favorite cancelled sitcom.

Yes, that was one and the same. An excellent show, loads of fun. If you had told me that Loretta would hand the mike over to her kids for half the show, I probably wouldn't have bought a ticket -- but they were hugely entertaining, so glad I was there. See J-Freed's Post Rock link for The Other Side of the Story (link to follow)

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washingtonpost.com: Don't Go There: Rules Of The Road Vol. 6l (Post Rock Blog)

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Alexandria, Va. Fan: I just want to note that it is sad to me how few chatters seem to read the hard copy version of the Post. The paper is far superior to the NYT these days (the NYT really seems to have lost its way), and I hate to see it dying. Where do people think the talent behind the great Web site comes from? You are reporters and columnists first, and the paper trained you all. Plus, the paper has the funnies! All in a nice package -- three pages of funnies! For fifty cents, people!! Far less if you subscribe. Sigh. I am making myself sad. (and I do not work for any newspaper, just love them)

Amy Argetsinger: What you said. Thanks so much for buying the paper. We're very proud of our online presence -- but the print version is still where we make the money.

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Valkyrie: Why does Tom Cruise's accent seem strinkingly similar to his accent in Minority Report and Vanilla Sky? Isn't he supposed to be German in the movie?

Amy Argetsinger: Yeah, but obviously it's an English language movie -- why put on a cheesy German accent when you've already made the reasonable leap-of-imagination decision to talk English in the movie?

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I have to cover up Sean's ENTIRE forehead to get the impression,: Yeah, but they'll just add extra hair to cover up the forehead.

Amy Argetsinger: Blago's hair -- truly remarkable, isn't it?

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Cruise II: I'm afraid in spite of my snark and ugh at Herr Cruise, and here I'm in good company with the family of Claus von Stauffenberg, I will see Valkyrie, because it's an episode that is fascinating to me. Of course, I think the role is all about Tom Tom's image of himself as a heroic martyr, but Stauffenberg was truly courageous.

Amy Argetsinger: I'm hearing that the movie is actually pretty entertaining. Not great art, necessarily, but not a bad flick.

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I think Ms. Close would disagree,: I would disagree also; she won an Emmy for her F/X show "Damages" which returns on January 5

Amy Argetsinger: She's worked steadily, despite the paucity of roles for women above 40, and done quite good work.

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Who here is looking forward to seeing "Valkyrie"?: I am! My family and I go to the movies every Christmas and it's what my 21-year-old brother picked.

Roxanne Roberts: Well, then I hope -- for your sake -- it gets good reviews. The real history (if they don't take too many liberties with the truth) is quite interesting....

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"Do-not-play-on-the-Metro" list. : Hey, I have a "do-not-play-on-the-Metro" list too. But it's songs that make me cry. I just got back to work after being out on maternity leave, and with the sleep deprivation I get weepy really easy. I was listening to Christina Aguilera singing "I Am Beautiful" on the train and some tears came out! I had to shut it off. Another song on my do not play list is "Winter" by Tori Amos.

Amy Argetsinger: For me, as I discovered to my embarrassment at the Kennedy Center Honors -- "He Stopped Loving Her Today," by George Jones.

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Ugh.: So we've moved from Patrick Fitzgerald to casting for the Blago movie. Where is Marlene Cooke when we need her? I really miss the days of tales of her clinging to the hood ornament as the car zooms around the streets of Georgetown! Good times.

Roxanne Roberts: I actually heard a rumor she was in DC, but don't know if it could be true -- she's settled in Europe and hasn't been back here for years.

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Facebook: Amy -- I am unfriending you right now. Doing my part to help out. And with that many friends, I no longer feel special.: Amy's Facebook friends: 755

Amy Argetsinger: Oh, you'll come back. They always do.

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Cleveland Park, Washington, D.C., again: Thanks for the kind words, folks.

I think this is my best bit of casting since I mentioned Jon Hamm as Mark Trail on Michael Cavna's blog.

Amy Argetsinger: Jon Hamm as Mark Trail -- that is brilliant! Same shape head.

I am even more excited for "Mark Trail: The Movie" than I am for "Valkyrie" or "Australia."

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The Pokey: Actor to play Rod Blagojevich: Gary Cole. Of course I had no idea what his name was until I Googled it, but when I saw Blagojevich on the news, the first thing that popped into my head was the boss from Office Space. ("Um, yeah. I'm gonna need to you come in on Saturday...") The resemblance is uncanny:

Gary Cole (IMDb)

Rod Blagojevich (Wikipedia Images)

Amy Argetsinger: Ah, the brilliant Gary Cole. Has he ever played a good guy? Oh wait -- he did play Mr. Brady, didn't he? I think we've got to go with someone a little younger, though.

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Cruise III: Hmm. Wanna go? My only constraint is Sunday when I'm hosting a Cupcakes and Cocktails holiday happy hour. I don't like alliteration as much as that title suggests.

Roxanne Roberts: No -- but I want to know which cocktails you're serving with cupcakes. A dry martini seems wrong.

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Centreville, Va.: I'm looking forward to "Valkyrie," but mostly because of the cast around Tom Cruise (Branagh, Bill Nighy, etc.) I only wish that instead of Tom Cruise, they had used John Barrowman (Torchwood). (They look similar, but John's a lot taller. :D)

Amy Argetsinger: The supporting cast -- mostly British, right? Which may be the source of the accent crisis...

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Prosky: I ran into Mr. Prosky in his neighborhood Dunkin' Donuts, and while waiting in line, I engaged him in a conversation about "The Natural." A very nice man who was happy to listen to me babble on about the movie and comparisons of the director's cut. Of course, he was terrific to see on stage, but just a very friendly guy. It's really sad -- D.C. theater will miss him.

Amy Argetsinger: That's a nice story. I hope you bought him a doughnut.

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Bush home: People are missing the point. Its 8,500 square feet large. Some peoples' yards aren't that big. Sure -- one level is great -- but the house is huge and spread out.

Roxanne Roberts: Maybe George snores?

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Makin' a list?: What items are on your holiday gift lists this year? Besides world peace, of course.

Amy Argetsinger: Actually, I hope no one gets me world peace, because that's what I'm giving everyone this year.

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Travolta: And he's used to playing narcissistic politicians, after Primary Colors.

Roxanne Roberts: It's that redundant?

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Fitzgerald: Sure, he might be hunky and all, but how long could you put up with thayt South Side ayccent? Wouldn't thayt drayve ya nuts evayntsh'ly?

Roxanne Roberts: It's very authentic. Isn't he a Brooklyn boy?

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Cruise's accent: So if it is a movie that takes place in England, you are required to have an accent, right? Like the criticisms of Costner in "Robin Hood?"

Amy Argetsinger: Did Costner fake a British accent in "Robin Hood"? Or did he stick to his Cali drawl? I confess to never having seen "Robin Hood." Just seemed like a bad idea.

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Gary Cole: He's the same age as Blago...both born in '56

Amy Argetsinger: Huh. Okay, then, Sean Astin's got some competition.

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Amy Argetsinger: Liars! I still have 756 friends. And I treasure every one of them.

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Cocktails: There will be bourbon and perhaps spiked cider among other things. A dry peppermint martini might make an appearance.

Roxanne Roberts: I'm not sure about bourbon with cupcakes, but the rest sounds nice. And maybe hot buttered rum?

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Mark Trail!??: The comic strip? Awesome.

Amy Argetsinger: I'm sorry I missed that thread in Cavna's chat -- have to check that out.

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Cupcake happy hour: I'm not the host, but I think champagne would be very nice.

Roxanne Roberts: It would be, now that you mention it.

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Chicago, Ill.: I'm worried about Oprah's weight. Is there anything that we, as Americans, can do to help her out?

Amy Argetsinger: I think the best way we can help Oprah is to continue to pay more attention to her as she grapples with this personal dilemma in her ever discreet manner.

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Costner: "Did Costner fake a British accent in "Robin Hood"? Or did he stick to his Cali drawl?"

Both. At different times in the same movie. Hilarious.

Amy Argetsinger: Ha!

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Robin Hood: Oh no, it's craptastic and worth it to see Alan Rickman at his cartoonish best.

Amy Argetsinger: Alan Rickman is wonderful. You know what I finally saw? "Truly Madly Deeply." Very charming.

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Alexandria, Va. (originally from Evanston, Ill.): Blags HAS to be played by Rob Lowe, without a hair cut for six months, then perfectly coiffed.

Amy Argetsinger: Rob Lowe!?!? Too much pretty boy; not enough Chicago thug.

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Bourbon : It won't all be cupcakes.

Roxanne Roberts: Good. I was worried.

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Valkyrie: Sure, I'll probably see it at some point, but a Christmas film? Really?! I mean, nothing says "Merry Christmas" like Nazis and assassination conspiracies. Prediction: regardless of quality, the opening numbers will bomb based on timing alone.

(Obviously, someone wanted to go for Oscar eligibility but missed the window for a fall release...)

Amy Argetsinger: Yes, but we always watch "The Sound of Music" at Easter time, don't we? Nazi-centric entertainment goes hand in hand with our most important religious holidays. Whereas Thanksgiving is all about James Bond.

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Bill Hanbury's couch (Cont.): I posted last week about Bill Hanbury (CEO of DestinationDC) and how I figured out that he was my 8th grade Social Studies teacher. You encouraged me to e-mail him, so I did. He was really nice, claimed to remember me, and said that he loves his job and left teaching for a while because he got an invitation to the Buffalo Bills' tryout camp in 1973. I think he played pro football as Joe Namath's backup (I might have that part wrong) before he taught. You guys should do a story on him. His office is totally consumed with the inaugural these days. Never know what you might learn.

Amy Argetsinger: A very good idea... Thanks!

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Robin Hood: Costner didn't do a British accent in Robin Hood -- one of the many criticisms of the film. IMHO, Alan Rickman as the sheriff ran away with the movie.

Roxanne Roberts: Rickman runs away with most movies he's in. He's fabulous, in an evil, craggy way.

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Cupcake happy hour: I wouldn't mind a cosmopolitan with a red velvet cupcake.

Roxanne Roberts: I wouldn't mind one without the cupcake.

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Truly Madly Deeply: Okay, that might very well be his best work...so far.

Amy Argetsinger: "The sun ain't gonna shine anymore!" Love that scene.

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Prosky question: In those two stories you posted, how is that nobody bothered to get a quote from the one person who should have been mentioned? He played the father of Kirstie Alley in two separate TV shows. How could she not be interviewed here?

Amy Argetsinger: Wow, who knew?

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Ranch homes: When you live on acres and acres you don't need an upstairs.

Roxanne Roberts: I do. I don't like one story house, no matter what size.

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One-story home: Really hot dry places (like Arizona) just don't have ANY two-story houses cuz it's impossible to cool the second floor.

Amy Argetsinger: I guess it is a western thing.

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Re: I was worried: And I appreciate that. Thanks.

Roxanne Roberts: Reliable Source: We care.

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"Robin Hood": Craptastic is right. I loved that movie. Also has a young Christian Slater (I went through a Slater phase...) and the always awesome Morgan Freeman (as Robin's Moor sidekick -- but really just an excuse to cast Freeman). And a cameo by Sean Connery as Richard the Lionhearted!

Amy Argetsinger: Everyone went through a Slater phase. It's part of growing up.

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Acting Chops: Not only did he play Sam Gangee, he was also Rudy. Yeah, he's got the range. I think this is in his wheelhouse and he can always tap is 'rents for advice. Am I the only one that misses John Astin from the Addams Family?

Amy Argetsinger: So, just to review what we've accomplished in this chat:

1. Successfully cast Sean Astin to play Gov. Blago.

2. Inspired a letter-writing campaign for a DVD version of an obscure '80s Roanoke-based cooking show.

3. Put Jay Leno on notice that our Huck Variety Show is going to CRUSH his little endeavour.

I'm going to thank all of you when I'm accepting that Best Picture Oscar a few years from now. You've launched me on the path to become an entertainment mogul.

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Costner didn't do a British accent in "Robin Hood": He did, fleetingly, in a couiple of scenes. You gotta pay close attnetion -- he'd literally switch in mid-sentence. It is the ony good thing about the flick.

Amy Argetsinger: Netflix, here we come...

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Cupcake party: What kind of cupcakes are being served? Something fancy?

Roxanne Roberts: Cupcakes are by their very nature not fancy.

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Red Velvet Cupcakes: As a matter of fact that is what I'm making but with my own spicy spin on it for the holidays. Mmmmm cream cheese frosting...

Roxanne Roberts: Mmmmmmm.

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Ribbon and cats: My cats like to eat ribbon too. One day I had to pull a little of it out of one of the cat's you know what. I later read you can cause serious damage doing that because the ribbon might still be twisted around in their intestines. Luckily, she was fine. I never leave it out now.

Roxanne Roberts: TMI, but you are a good cat parent. Take note, all you cat-owning gift wrappers.

And with that, my friends, we have to end this edition of hot politicians and the actors who might play them. Behave yourselves, send tips to reliablesource@washpost.com, and don't wait until the last minute to shop for Christmas.

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