Neil Patrick Harris
AWARDS ON - The Awards season kicked off in earnest with CBS’ People’s Choice Awards. The show, which originally began as the inspiration of Daily Variety’s late-Army Archerd (with Bob Stivers) in 1975, has been hosted for the last several installments by the loquacious Queen Latifah, who certainly brings the show well into new millennium in fine fashion. It’s an interesting show in that the results are decided upon solely by the audience; whereas most of the other shows are ones voted on and decided on by the industry. It’s certainly not the alcohol-laden event like the Golden Globes (coming up next week); where the main attraction seems to be of being invited to a closed-industry event. Almost at the top of the show, none other than Elton John showed up to present the Favorite Country Artist; going to Taylor Swift, who seemed genuinely moved to the presented an award by John. It’s was actually John’s first public appearance since his adoption and the crowd gave him a terrifically warm reception. That’s the uncanny trick of the show, to present some of the more interesting personalities in the entertainment industry Sure, there’s far too many promo-plugs (this year for Kyocera phone), but, it’s fun. It was also terrific to see Glee’s Jane Lynch emerge victorious as the Favorite Female Comedy Performer. I think this show is out-and-out terrific and she certainly shines every time she’s on screen. It was also great to see the re-boot of Hawaii Five-O win. This show certainly went against the norm; as the re-boot is a heartfelt, terrific production; from the wonderful Alex O’Loughlin to the brilliant scene-stealing Scott Caan. It was also nice to see Conan O’Brien win as best talk show; as he said in his speech “Thanks for making what could have been the worst year of my life … the best.” Well said. Also, TV’s Fringe ( Favorite Sci Fi Show) and Johnny Depp (Favorite Movie Actor) ; Adam Sandler (Favorite Comedy Star) Katy Perry (Favorite Female Star) ; Neil Patrick Harris (Favorite Comedy Actor); Usher(Favorite R&B artist); Hugh Laurie (Favorite TV Drama) ; Lisa Edelstein (House) ; and, Zac Efron (Favorite Movie Star Under 25) , were also winners. OK, let the awards season begin …****
Today Shows Meredith VieraTHE MAN WITH A GOLDEN THROAT – Have you been following the story of then-homeless man Ted Williams? As recent as this past Monday he was begging for donations on a street in Columbus, Ohio … and, after a reporter from the The Columbus Dispatch did a story on his situation, as well as filming an online video … he’s been besieged with work offers. He fell prey to alcohol and drugs opening years of abuse for him. He opened up the Today Show with his golden voice introducing Matt Lauer and Meredith Viera. He confirmed on the show that he'll be the new voiceover announcer for Kraft Macaroni & Cheese. He’s in NYC to reunite with his 90-year old mother, Julia, who still lives in the Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood he grew up in. Williams said he fell in love with radio on a school visit and worked at WWRL-AM, which was a Top 40/Soul Station at the time. He also appeared on The Big Show with Scott & Todd (WPLJ) as well. An American-story if there ever was one? I predict scores of offers yet to come his way with even a possible movie. Just goes to show you that this country loves a good story of redemption.
