London Games: Gymnastics Drama

I don't think it gets any better than talking gymnastics with Michael Buckley of What the Buck?! fame. If you thought I was the biggest gymnastics geek, he certainly has me beat.  He gave us some great insight on what happened in today's Women's Gymnastics Team Finals.  Check out me and Stuart Brazell as we talk all things Olympics on Spreecast......

Join us tomorrow as we talk more London Games excitement with Josh Sussman (Glee) and Tess Hunt at 5PM PT/8PM ET.

Behind The Red Carpet Live: Episode 2

It happened. I made an official call on the Jennifer Aniston Baby Bump Watch.  Plus, I had a great guest, James A. Molnar, editor of The Gold Knight Blog and Film Editor of the Toledo Free Press.  We talked box office, the Olympics, and the crazy off-screen Twilight drama.

See the archive below and join me next week LIVE on Monday, August 6th at 6:30PM PT/9:30PM ET on Spreecast right here.

London Games Showdown: Episode 1

Well, we made it through our first show!  We discussed all of the drama surrounding the first three days with swimming and gymnastics.  It's tough being an Olympian!  Asha K. joined us to give her opinions on what has happened at the London Games.  Let us know who is your favorite Olympian of these Summer Games.  Tweet your answer or leave a comment below!

We will be back tomorrow at 5PM PT/8PM ET on Spreecast dishing all of the deets on the Women's Gymnastics Finals with two amazing guests:  Michael Buckley from YouTube's What the Buck?! show and WOOD-TV8's Jordan Carson.  It's going to be a great showdown.  Go, USA!

London Games Broadcast

Okay, this might be a bit of KB media overload the next two weeks, but we are going to have a lot of fun.   I will be co-hosting a Spreecast show Monday through the run of the London Games with Stuart Brazell.  We are going to bring in some special guests and discuss what we are all thinking about the Olympics from the showdowns in swimming and gymnastics to watching the Games on tape delay.  You can even interact with us from the comments section or we might even bring you on camera with us.  I will update the schedule here, but this is what is happening on Monday, July 29th:

5PM PT/8PM ET:  London Games Showdown with me and Stuart Brazell.
                               Special Guest:  Asha K.
                               Watch on Spreecast here.

6:30PM PT/9:30PM ET:  Behind the Red Carpet Live (entertainment news)
                                         Special Guest:  James Molnar of Gold Knight Blog.
                                         Watch on Spreecast here.

7:35PM PT/10:35PM ET:  Driving With Gass (Entertainment News)
                                           Listen Live on KWSS.
                                           I will answer questions on Twitter after the show.

The Friday Five: The 2012 London Olympics Edition

I cannot wait for the Opening Ceremony tonight.  I love everything about the Olympics from my favorite event to the heated rivalries to those fabulous "fluff" pieces that NBC produces about each athlete.  My Twitter feed will probably be flooded with references of Gabby and Ryan over the next two weeks, so I am dedicating this edition of The Friday Five to the things I'm looking forward to the most this week:

1.  Women's Gymnastics:  I've been obsessed with this sport since Mary Lou Retton vaulted to a perfect 10 and the Women's All-Around Gold Medal.  This year, I am rooting for Gabby Douglas to take the title.  She's lived away from her family over the last 18 months to achieve her dream, her dad has been overseas fighting for our country, and that girl is full of sass and strut with a smile during her floor exercise routine.  In the immortal words of Bela Karolyi, "You can do it!" (Try not to weep while watching the above video.)

2.  Lochte versus Phelps:  Michael Phelps is going to try to become the most decorated Olympian ever, but I am rooting for Ryan Lochte to be the hot one of the Games.  Oh wait, he's already hot....completely drool-worthy. (Rumor is that he is already hooking up with Australian swimmer, Blair  Evans.  Yep, I provide Olympic gossip too!) Regardless, this matchup is going to be one for the history books.  Go, USA Swimming!

3.  Opening Ceremony: In my dreams, I am an Olympian and I walk into that stadium carrying the American flag.  Can you imagine the pride and overwhelming feelings you would have realizing you are an Olympian?  Enough said.

4. Lolo Jones:  I love the athlete who is back to erase the bad memories of the prior Olympics:  enter Lolo Jones.  She's trying to win the gold after narrowly missing it in the 100-meter hurdles in Beijing after she stumbled on the 9th of 10 hurdles.  She's favored to win and she's on a mission. Watch her race in Beijing and hear how she's ready for redemption.

5.  Olympic Village:  I always want to know the inside scoop on what happens in the athlete's village.  When I met Olympic Swimmer, Aaron Peirsol, in Las Vegas a month after the 2008 Summer Olympics, I cornered him for about two hours while I peppered him with questions about what really went on after everyone's events were over.  It's exactly what you think.....drinking, hot bodies, and a lot of sex.  In fact, ESPN wrote a fascinating article about this exact topic.  You don't want to miss it.

 Have a great Olympic weekend!  I will be donning my red, white, and blue tonight so join me on Instagram for a photo or two: @KristynBurtt.  

My Behind The Red Carpet Live will again happen on Monday, July 30th at 6:30PM PT/9:30 PM ET here.  I would love for you to join me because we had so much fun last week!  I have already started gathering scoop, so feel free to contact me here with your burning entertainment news questions!

This Week In Instagram

Pouting with AJ Gibson after Brandon and Amber were dismissed from SYTYCD last night.  See our recap show here. 

I'm a little obsessed these days with Instagram:  taking photos, choosing the right filter, and commenting  on others photos.  It's more fun than Facebook and it's a great Twitter companion.  Here are some of my fun photos this week.  

Instagram:  @KristynBurtt (Be sure to leave your handle in the comments below so we can link up!)

Right before showtime with the awesome Comfort Fedoke, Season 4, 7, 8 of SYTYCD.  Photo courtesy of Logan Lee, Nadal PR.

ShoeDazzle has been spoiling me with a few items lately.  These are the to-die-for Fabiola shoe with a 6.5" heel and an affordable price:  $31.96.  I cannot wait to wear these to my next event!

My lovely ShoeDazzle ring that I cannot stop wearing. Find more piece like this here for $39.95.  

My kitty working hard during the day. 

Crossing my fingers before my first live Spreecast event last Monday. You can see the archive of the show here or you can come and join me on Monday at 6:30PM PT/9:30PM ET for a bit of interactive entertainment news.  

Disclaimer:  Items from ShoeDazzle were complimentary.  All opinions are my own.

Behind The Red Carpet: Get Your Celebrity Drink On!

We are hitting Episode 2 of Behind The Red Carpet and I tweaked the show a bit.....a tad shorter and one less question.  I pulled one question from my Facebook page and one question from my blog that came out of my live chat on Spreecast the other day.  So, a big thanks to Eric and Emmy for helping me out this week.  I talk about the hottest place to spot celebrities and what reporters/publications do when they have a hot story on their hands. If you have questions or comments for next week's episode, hit me up in the comments below.

If you missed my Spreecast from Monday, you can check out the show here.  We will be doing it again on Monday, July 30th at 6:30PM PT/9:30PM ET at Spreecast.  

Hot Topic Tuesday: Violence and Hollywood

After last week's tragedy in Aurora, Colorado, it was only a matter of time before we heard pundits hop on CNN and MSNBC and tout the "Violence and Hollywood" angle as a possible motive.  A secondary thread to this is "Violence and Video Games" and that is also another factor in this case.  Many folks want to take a look at MPAA (Motion Picture Association of America) ratings because PG-13 films have the same amount of violence, suggestive scenes, and language that a Rated R film did ten years ago.  Has violence in Hollywood movies escalated?  Sure.  I would hardly argue with that statement as torture porn movies like Saw came in vogue and sophomoric sex humor encouraged by the success of the Judd Apatow movies grew.  I think we have become accustomed to tolerating more in our PG-13 movies as trends and social mores have changed.

A movie studio often finds an R rating slapped on its film the kiss of death because it eliminates a younger moviegoing audience that would fuse a lot of cash into the box office.  They want that younger viewer to see the movie once and then love it so much that they pay the ten dollars (Or fourteen dollars if you are in a big city.) to see it again.  Can you imagine putting a rated R rating on The Avengers or Dark Knight?  Nope, it won't ever happen.  This is where it is up to parents to police what their kids are seeing and the games they are playing.  I imagine it is a constant struggle to figure out what is appropriate given that new movies and games are released each week.

However, the real question circles us back to what happened last week in Colorado:  Did the gunman's obsession with the Batman franchise inspire his violent acts?  Did his love for bloody video games take his role playing to another level?  While I know everyone loves to make Hollywood the scapegoat in these situations, I am actually going to have to defer to the fact that he clearly had massive psychological issues and while he wanted to recreate a scene from fiction and make it reality, the real issue is gun control.  While our Second Amendment to the Constitution allows us "to keep and bear arms", I think there has to be a limit.  Protecting your family with a handgun seems reasonable, especially after living in Hollywood with celebrities constantly dealing with stalkers.  If you are into hunting, I think owning a hunting rifle makes sense for your sport. (While I am not a fan, I get that some people want to participate in this centuries old pastime.) Yet, not one person has been able to answer this question for me:  Why does someone need a semiautomatic weapon/assault rifle in their gun collection?   Why are weapons like this even accessible to us in the United States?  In 2004, Congress allowed the Federal Assault Weapons ban to expire.  Well, Congress, I hope you enjoyed the fruits of your labor....twelve innocent lives were lost last week.

Your turn to chime in on this hot topic.  I realize that politics plays into this a bit.  I ask that you are respectful to people's views and let's calmly and rationally discuss gun control, violence, and Hollywood.

A Hot, Sexy Weekend!

Yep, visions of my hot, sexy weekend....caulking my shower and taking badass photos of my kitty. (With her quirky pigmented eye that she has had since she was a kitten.)


Who had a sexier weekend than I did? Give me the dish in the comments below!

Don't forget that you have two opportunities to catch up on entertainment news with me tonight.
1. 6:30PM PT/9:30PM ET:  My LIVE Spreecast chat will be happening right here.  It will be 30 minutes long where I hit the hot topics of the day and then I will answer your questions.  If this is a success, we will do this more often.


2.  7:35PM PT/10:35PM ET:  After my Spreecast event, head over to KWSS.org or 106.7 FM if you are in the Phoenix area for Driving with Gass.  Kevin Gassman and Cindy Love host a fun show where we debate the entertainment news of the week.  


If you missed my first appearance on The Radio Dish, have no fear.....it's archived!  I will be on the show twice a month.  So, hello, Kansas City!  I come in around the 19:30 mark on the show. 

The Friday Five: July 20, 2012

I skipped my Friday Five last week since I was recovering from Comic Con, but it's back this week with a lot of fun things to check out while you are wasting time on the internet instead of paying bills, doing laundry, or making your bed. (Don't worry, I love to procrastinate too!)

1.  Live Chat:  Okay, it's about time I did something like this.  Spreecast invited me to do a weekly live chat to discuss the latest in entertainment news.  We are going to do a Beta test on Monday, July 23rd at 6:30PM PT/9:30PM ET of Behind The Red Carpet. (If you missed my Wednesday taped segment, click here.) I will do a live chat for 30 minutes before I roll into my weekly appearance on Driving with Gass at 7:35PM PT/10:35PM ET.  I will do a hot topics segment of current stories and I know I have a few Jennifer Aniston fans eager to ask questions since I haven't been able to get to all of your comments.  You can RSVP here and ask questions ahead of time by logging in with your Facebook or Twitter accounts.  If you are too shy to post a public question, feel free to contact me here.  This live chat will be archived, so you can watch the rebroadcast if the time/day isn't convenient for you.

2.  They Called It Rock:  This one is for my SYTYCD fans, take a look at the incredible show created by my talented friends, Nancy Paris and Charles Yurick:  They Called It Rock. The show takes you back to 1978 with hot moves and a pulsating soundtrack from the likes of Bowie, The Who, and Led Zepplin. For SYTYCD Canada followers, Season 10 winner, Denys Drozdyuk can even be seen in the video on their Facebook fan page.  Like their page or click here for more information on the show.  You won't be disappointed!

Jenny bear c/o TG Bears

3.  TG Bears:  If you are looking for a cute gift idea, check out TG Bears.  I came across these cute little bears at the GBK Productions Gifting Suites during Oscars Week as a part of The Artisan Group.  I was lucky enough to have a Jenny bear gifted to me with a little KB placed on the paw and I love the articulated arms and legs.  So, head on over and check out these little guys for a sweet birthday, baby, or shower gift.  Tell Monica that KB sent you!

4.  The Radio Dish:  I heard a sneak preview of my new segment with the fun ladies over at The Radio Dish in Kansas City and I cannot wait to share it with you.  I am excited to announce that I will be doing bimonthly segments on the show giving you the hottest stories of the week.  This week we discuss the Tom Cruise/Katie Holmes saga and the revolving judges chairs over at American Idol.  You can listen to the show live on Saturday, July 21st at 10AM PT/1PM ET here.



5.  Moonrise Kingdom:  It's been a few weeks since I have passed along a film recommendation, so here is one to check out on those hot summer nights when you need to get out of the heat. This is the perfect antidote to all of the superhero movies we've seen this summer.  This flick comes from director, Wes Anderson, who is well known for his quirky films like The Royal Tenenbaums and Rushmore.  The movie is odd, sweet, and reminds me of simpler days gone by.  Don't miss this one.  (It's also the perfect date movie.)


Have a great weekend.  I have a very lazy weekend planned.  If you want to join my weekend adventures, find me on Instagram:  @KristynBurtt or check out a few photos I posted on Facebook only or enjoy my incessant chatter on Twitter.  See you on Monday!

So You Think You Can Dance Receives 6 Emmy Nominations

It was a big morning for So You Think You Can Dance as the Emmy nominations were announced.  The show walked away with 6 nominations including Best Reality-Competition Show and finally one for Cat Deeley for Host, Reality or Reality-Competition Show.  In addition, here are the choreography nominees:

Choreographer: Stacey Tookey: 
In This Shirt
Turning Tables  
Heart Asks for Pleasure First

Choreographer:  Christopher Scott:
Misty Blue
Velocity

Choreographer:  Spencer Liff
Whatever Lola Wants
Please Mr. Jailer
Where Do I Begin

The show also received a nomination for Lighting Design/Direction, Variety, Music, or Comedy Series.

I've been having such a blast hosting the after show of SYTYCD on AfterBuzz TV, so I hope you will take a look at last night's episode where we got the inside scoop from Season 7's Ashley Galvan.  She told us about the differences between her season and what is happening to the contestants this year.  If you are a fan of the show, you will definitely want to watch.  If you prefer to listen while you workout, download the show from iTunes here.

To see a photo from our show last night, click here.




My first episode of Behind the Red Carpet launched yesterday as I give you the inside scoop on what is happening in Hollywood behind the scenes.  I would love your feedback as I grow my little show!  View it here.

Behind The Red Carpet: I Went Commando!

It's here, it's here!  My first episode of Behind The Red Carpet is live.....finally!  You asked the questions and I delivered the juicy answers, so keep asking each and every week so I can give you the inside scoop on Hollywood.  This is a work in progress, so I hope each and every episode gets better and better.  This week, we talk about:

1.  Keeping your naughty bits under wraps on the red carpet.
2.  Revealing the secrets to becoming a star.
3.  Finding out if the grass is really greener for celebrities.



Join the conversation in the comments below and on YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, and Google +.  I want your feedback!

JJ, Shannon, and Leanne, contact me here, so I can send you a gift from the prize closet.  Thanks for your questions on my first episode of Behind The Red Carpet.

Hot Topic Tuesday: The Business Of Celebrity Babies

In the last few years, our country has endured a rough economy, layoffs, and a weak real estate market, but not in Hollywood. When a female star's career is waning, there is one key thing she can do to revive interest in her cooling career: get pregnant.  A baby bump has become a hot commodity in Hollywood and here are the ways a star can make money from having a baby:

1.  Paparazzi Photos:  Yes, this is Hollywood's dirty little secret, some stars (I'm looking at you, Lindsay Lohan and Jennifer Love Hewitt!) call their favorite paps and let them know where they are going to be.  Once the photographer sells that photo to media outlets, the star gets a cut of the sale.....and nothing sells better than a baby bump these days.

2.  Sponsored Baby Shower:  Yep, if you were famous, you could have sponsored baby shower filled with every trendy baby product on the market, all of your celebrity friends will attend (You probably have never met half of the attendees, but hey, they are famous celeb moms too!), and People will cover every precious moment.  You will go home with all of these free products and your baby nursery is now fully stocked.

3.  The Magazine Cover:  If the celeb is of A-List wattage, then several magazines will battle for that first sweet cover of mom, dad, and baby posing together.  Take a look at this article, it breaks down some of the numbers for celebrity babies:  The Brangelina Twins rang in $14 million, The Lopez-Anthony Twins were worth $6 million, and little Sean Preston Spears-Federline was worth $500,000.  Some of the celebrities donate the money to charity and some keep it all to themselves.

4.  People's Celebrity Baby Blog:  This is where the stars prove they are just like us!  They nurse, change diapers, have sleepless nights, and then get paid to blog about it!  If you look over the list of celebrity baby bloggers, you will find everyone from current TV stars to a few names you haven't heard of in years.  It's a great way to get your name back into the public eye.



5.  Weight Loss Contract:  There is nothing like eating your way through your pregnancy then receiving $4 million to lose those 70 lbs. from Weight Watchers like Jessica Simpson.  The pressure is on because she has to lose 20-30 lbs. by a certain date so they can film the first commercial.  Mariah Carey did the same for Jenny Craig last year.  I'm sure we would all like to get paid to lose weight, at least there is an incentive built in.

6. Hollywood Moms' Club:  This is currently a show (Now called Hollywood Moms Night.) on the TV Guide Network hosted by Alison Sweeney and Ali Landry.  However, this club started out as a non-televised neighborhood event with the duo plus Denise Richards, Lisa Rinna, Candace Cameron Bure, Brooke Burke, and Nancy O'Dell.  In fact, it was considered so cliquey and exclusive, that a few famous women who lived in the neighborhood started trying to get pregnant just to join the clique.   It sounds like junior high all over again.  Well, now this club is televised after a bit of a rift between the group (It's good gossip!), but the show goes on with only Alison and Ali and a few guest moms each week.

Don't you wish your baby bump garnered as much money and attention?  What are your thoughts on Hollywood's baby boom?  Join the conversation in the comments below or on Facebook, Twitter, or Google +.

My own disclaimer, I love babies, they are cute. I am sure lots of celebrities have babies because they want to start a family, but I am just disclosing ways they also make money from this endeavor.  


Join me tomorrow for my first video version of Behind The Red Carpet!  I've been taking your questions at all of the usual social media outlets listed above, so I hope you will join me tomorrow!

Behind The Red Carpet: I Need Your Questions!

I've been writing a lot about what happens behind the scenes in Hollywood from sources to press junkets to reality that isn't reality.  I've decided to take this series to video form and answer your questions.  I'll be doing a short video each and every Wednesday to give you an up-close and exclusive look at Hollywood. I will take a look at urban myths and find out whether they are true or false, but I can't do it without you!

Send me your questions in the comments section below or on Facebook, Twitter, Google +, or if you are shy and want to keep your question private, contact me here.

If your question is used in my first episode, I will send you a fun gift from the prize closet.  So start sending me your questions.........NOW!  I can't wait to see what you have in store for me.

If you want today's inside scoop and entertainment news, I will be on Driving with Gass tonight at 7:35PM PT/10:35PM ET.  You can listen in at 106.7FM in Arizona or online at KWSS.org.

What I Learned At My First Comic Con

Sooooo out of my element.

Okay, I made it to my first Comic Con. Honestly, this isn't my genre and I was totally out of place.  I might like Makeup Con or Dress Con or Shoe Con, but Sci-fi and comic book characters are usually off my radar.  I was fortunate enough to have a shoot down in San Diego on the first day of the Con, so I decided to head on over after we wrapped.  It was timed perfectly since I had a few friends speaking on a panel that I wanted to attend and I would still have time to walk the floor to check out all of the chaos.

Here is what I learned from the 7.5 hours I spent at Comic Con 2012:

1.  Crowds and Chaos:  I shot a quick video (Like 39 seconds short. Watch it!) of the floor for a friend and you can see how there is barely any room to move on the convention floor.  This was on a Thursday.  Can you imagine what Saturday looks like?

2.  Shoes:  I figure I walked about five miles in my few hours at the Con.  Ladies, this is not the day to break in a new pair of heels.  You walk a lot, so bring your most comfortable pair of shoes you own whether that is a pair of flats, sneakers, or your Crocs. (This is the only time I will ever recommend a pair of Crocs. Ever.) I wore my favorite Repetto flats and I was a happy girl.

3.  Cosplay:  Yep, you will see lots of costumes, wardrobe, and props at this show. It's hilarious, wondrous, and overwhelming.  In fact, people made fun of me for bringing my giant purse instead of a backpack (I don't own a backpack!) yet it is totally normal for a grown man to be dressed like Facebook. (Look at the photo!)  I couldn't even see my friends on the panel because My Little Pony was sitting in front of me.  (See photo below to witness the yellow pony with a pink mane.)

Overall, I was glad I attended to finally see what the Con was all about. I had fun socializing and supporting my friends, but I am not sure if this will be an annual trip for me.......but just watch, I'll be back next year.  That's what everyone is telling me.  

Behind The Red Carpet: Sources In Hollywood

Often times when I provide insider scoop on entertainment topics and state that it came from one of my "sources", I will receive comments asking, "Who is your source?" or "Who told you?"  I always chuckle because if the person wanted to be named, I would definitely name them.  In most cases, the information was slipped to me by someone who is in the inner circle of that celebrity which means I cannot reveal the source.  I try my best to deliver honest and reliable information from quality sources.  I have been fairly successful with scoop like this and this, however, this story continues to stump me.  I may just call off that Baby Bump Watch, but the real question is who are these sources?

In Hollywood, the information comes from personal assistants, stylists, makeup artists, publicists, chiropractors, fitness instructors, valets, hotel staff, waiters......well, you get the idea.  The juiciest stories tend to come from the nannies because they often reveal the struggle of being a working parent, a celebrity, and trying to balance the public versus private image.  It isn't easy.

If you work at a high end property or business, chances are you are going to encounter many celebrities.  Some places like Chateau Marmont are known for their discretion with its no photo/Tweeting policy, but almost everywhere else, it is open season for celebs.  Staff members at hotels supplement their income by selling their stories to the tabloids or provide tips to the paparazzi as to who is staying at the property. There is very little privacy when you are in the public eye. (How do  you think the paparazzi know about flight schedules at LAX?  Yep, some airline staff member sold that celebrity out.)

For someone like me, I develop relationships with people from all different sectors of the industry since I cover entertainment, fashion, events, and more.  I find that the more people know about my job, the more they dish.  Everyone wants to be on the inside and have information, so they like to share what they know.  I hear it all.  From a tabloid love triangle that constantly makes the press due to the Twitter war between the two women to the sweaty and gross film director who is rude to just about everyone he encounters, people love to talk. The worse the star's behavior, the more dish you get.

How do stars protect themselves? Well, the bigger the celeb, the more likely they are to make their household staff sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA).  Employees of A-Listers often have to sign binding confidentiality agreements because the actors need to trust those that are a part of their daily lives.  They do it to protect their reputation, their children, and most importantly, their safety and privacy.  While I am sure some staff members find loopholes in these agreements and sell off a story to TMZ (Have you noticed how accurate their stories usually are?  Remember, Harvey Levin is a lawyer, he's not messing around.), most staff members will take an NDA seriously. In fact, I have a friend who worked for one of the biggest stars of our lifetime and she still doesn't dish on the star. That NDA has kept her mouth shut for years and she had an enjoyable experience working for this person.  So, the next time you read People and they quote a "source", remember this article, you can guess who the source actually was.

What are your thoughts on Hollywood sources?  Does it change the way you think about fame and Hollywood?  Join the conversation in the comments below or on Twitter or Facebook.

I plan on moving the Behind the Red Carpet series to video, so I will be answering your insider questions each and every Wednesday.  Let me know what you want answered!  Leave it in the comments below and I will give you the insider scoop on how it all works.....Behind the Red Carpet!

Hot Topic Tuesday: Coming Out in Hollywood

Yesterday, The Wrap wrote a really insightful article about the celebrities coming out publicly with ease yet there are certain industries where it is still taboo to be out of the closet, namely big movie stars.  It seems so easy to be Neil Patrick Harris, Matt Bomer, and Anderson Cooper, all big television personalities, who came out in their own way whether it was a press release, a significant other acknowledgment in a speech, or a letter to the editor of an online publication.  The news made the headlines for a day and then we all moved on.  Living in Hollywood, I hear the rumors all of the time from the stars hiding behind the religion of Scientology to the actor in two huge summer action films to the Academy Award nominated actor who almost came out, but chickened out at the last minute. (Google Toothy Tile for a hint.) Are the rumors true?  I certainly don't hang out in celebrities' bedrooms, but with certain stars, where there is smoke, there is fire.

If telling the public has been so easy for television stars, why is it so difficult for big box office stars?  Here are some of the reasons:

1.  Box Office Dollars:  There is a lot more at stake for an actor who carries the weight of a $200 million budgeted film on their shoulders.  If audiences cannot separate a celeb's public life from their personal life, the celeb runs the risk of a slimmer bank account and a dwindling career.  In narcissistic Hollywood, people fear a dead career as much as aging in this town.  Rupert Everett has talked on record about how his open sexuality affected his career.  You can argue that he has made some bad movie choices, but only he and his agent know the type of offers that came in before and after he came out.

2. Politics:  As open-minded as cities like Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, and San Francisco are, there are plenty of cities and states that do their best to say anyone who is homosexual is "less than".  This is often your core movie-going audience and the heart of your fans, so this factor is taken into consideration for many stars and movie studios. Politics like California's Prop 8 (Or the antidote I support, NOH8) or the current power of the Christian right, play more into decision-making than you would think.  

3.  Image:  When you reach the stratosphere of superstardom like Brad and Angie, George Clooney, or Tom Cruise, so much of your image is controlled--from what you wear to whom you hang out with. If you buy into the system, part of your life will be ruled by this Hollywood image. (I will get into this more with in an upcoming Behind the Red Carpet post on certain behaviors of the A-Listers. )  So, if you remember back in the day when Rock Hudson married his secretary to keep his sexuality a secret, you better believe that there are a few marriages in this town that are arranged still to this day.  If I hear the excuse that "But they are married and have kids!" one more time, I might scream.  Hollywood is smoke and mirrors, things are arranged, people have a family, it's life and believe it or not, even in real life this happens too.

Will we see a major movie star come out soon?  I don't think so.  Like the country music, sports, and the hip hop industry, it's still tough for people to live their own truths.  Is it any of our business? Yes and no.  Yes, in that it is important to set a precedent for the next generation letting people know that it is okay to be who you are.  No, in that it is their private life and they should have the right to live as publicly or as privately as they want.  It's not a simple issue and it is one that won't be answered overnight.

What are your thoughts on this Hot Topic?  Do you think we will see a major movie star come out any time soon?  Chime in the comments below or join me on Facebook or Twitter.


Don't forget to join me tomorrow night on AfterBuzz TV for the So You Think You Can Dance after show with our special guest, Alexie Agdeppa from Season 7.  Check us out at 10PM PT on AfterBuzz TV. 

Media Updates: TomKat

Well, life moves quickly, doesn't it?  On Saturday, I discussed the TomKat divorce on Cocktails and Conversation and before you know it, the couple had settled their divorce.  While I think this is much better for their daughter and their personal lives, I have to say it is a bit of damage control on Tom Cruise's end.  No one has ever trumped him in the PR department......until Katie Holmes came along.  Her dad helped orchestrate an elaborate exit that was flawless and wise.  I wish them both the best and I hope their daughter emerges unscathed.

Listen to the Cocktails and Conversation "Hot Topics" show here.  It was a pretty juicy show!  I will also have Tom and Katie divorce updates tonight on Driving with Gass at 7:35PM PT/10:35PM ET on KWSS.org.  Just click on "Listen Live" on the home page.  If you are on Twitter, you can comment on the show live as well, just tweet me here.

I also want to thank StarCam for posting my interview from the red carpet of the 3rd Annual Thirst Project Gala.  It was a great evening and an incredible charity started by my friend, Seth Maxwell.  Clean drinking water is a human right, so learn more about their good works here.




Tomorrow is Hot Topic Tuesday where I will be talking about being "out" in Hollywood.  

The Friday Five: July 5, 2012

We reached Friday rather quickly with the holiday smack dab in the middle of the week.  My weekend will be filled with another visit to Disneyland (I know, I know!), a fun interview, and hitting the PopCon LA event at the Convention Center.  Here are the Top 5 things I'm musing about this week:







































1. Stella & Dot:  They have been making a huge splash in Hollywood lately with a big PR push.  I have seen their collections on countless celebrities in the last few months, so I was thrilled to see their Fall 2012 collection at the Fall 2012 Fashion & Accessories Preview.  I cannot stop raving about cuffs lately, so I now have one of their new cuffs to add to my collection.  The Lindsay Bangle in Turquoise is the exact splash of color you need to add to your summer wardrobe.  It is hand-poured enamel with silver accents and a simple yet clean clover design.  Take a look at their beautiful collections here.

2.  Online Deals:  It's been awhile since I talked about online shopping, but I got a great deal and I just had to share.  I need to purchase Philosophy's Miracle Worker with SPF 55.  On the Philosophy site, it is $57 with Free Shipping and 2.5% back from Ebates.  I decided to see if Drugstore.com had the same product in inventory.  They offered the same price with Free Shipping, a coupon for $5 off a $40 order from RetailMeNot.com, no sales tax and $3.67 off in Drugstore Dollars from a previous purchase.  (They always give you 5% back to use on a future purchase.) My total?  $48.33......but wait.....Ebates is going to give me 12% back!  Final Total:  42.53!  To join Ebates and get money back for your online purchases, click here.  You won't be sorry.

3.  PopCon LA:  I will be hosting two Q&As with celebrities during this fun pop culture convention this weekend.  If you are in the LA area, come join me at Noon for a screening of Nighthawks followed by a Q&A with the legendary Billy Dee Williams.  Or, see the sci-fi cult classic, Blade Runner followed by a Q&A with James Hong beginning at 2PM. It's going to be fun and I hope you will join me.  Purchase your affordable tickets here.

4.  Scientology:  Earlier this week, I broke down some of the myths and urban legends of Scientology.  To follow up my article, head over to The Hollywood Reporter and find out why experts have labeled "Katie Holmes 'Biggest Nightmare' in Scientology History".  It's a fascinating inside look at the religion/cult that strikes the fear in many.



5.  Daily Grace:  I think I have a bit of a girl crush on Grace Helbig from My Damn Channel.  She's so darn quirky and weird in the most hilarious way.  Let me know what you think of her amazing 4th of July song and the fact that she calls people, "Gorgeous Popsicles".   I'm so hooked, I subscribed to her YouTube channel, I bet you will too.

Let me know what you are up to this weekend and be sure to follow my adventures on Instagram: @KristynBurtt or join me on Facebook where this week I posted my Happy 4th of July photo.....very typical pose for me or Tweet me, I tweet A LOT.  


If you are on the East Coast, I will be on the Cocktails and Conversation show for a full hour beginning at 8AM ET (yep, 5AM PT, West Coasters!). We will be breaking down the TomKat fiasco and dishing on the latest entertainment news.  Join me here.  Happy Weekend, everyone!




Disclosure:  The Stella & Dot cuff was gifted to me.  All opinions are my own.

Fall 2012 Fashion & Accessories Preview

I was invited by BWR PR to check out their Fall 2012 Fashion & Accessories Preview to see where the trends are heading with brands like Ted Baker, Stella & Dot, ShoeDazzle, and La Mer Collections. The showrooms were set up to showcase the best of fall fashions, so I want to share with you some of my favorite looks from the Preview:

 La Mer Collections creates these gorgeous wraparound bracelet watches that not only serve a functional purpose, but make a beautiful fashion statement.  The timepieces add rich textures and colors to add to any jewelry wardrobe and they are the perfect Fall accessory.  Shop their collection here.

 It's no secret that I am a fan of Ted Baker's whimsical print dresses.  I picked up this dress at the Shop N' Style event in May, so you know I was excited to see the dress below with a fun holiday light pattern.  I think I know what I am wearing this Christmas.  Shop the Ted Baker here. (The have an amazing sale happening right now, so go and shop!)

 ShoeDazzle has done an incredible job delivering on trend shoes for a less-than-designer price.  I know you have all coveted the glittery Louboutins for the Fall and Holiday season, but the price is comparable to your mortgage.  Well, it's time to join ShoeDazzle and scoop up affordable, but sexy shoes for $39.95. Shop ShoeDazzle here. (They currently have a Buy 1, Get 1 Free Sale happening, so don't wait....shop now!)

 Finally, Jacqueline Nerguizian Jewelry might have been my greatest find at the Fall Preview.  I am always looking for sophisticated and elegant looks for the red carpet and Jacqueline's work definitely delivers.  The fluidity in the lines of her jewelry (Look at that serpent ring in the background. Stunning!) embraces a femininity that is perfect for any woman looking to have that focal piece to complete an outfit.  You do not want to miss this collection, take a look at Jacqueline's site here. (I am already thinking, Oscar jewelry?) 

I will be featuring my new Stella & Dot cuff tomorrow, but if you missed my feature on Low Luv by Erin Wasson, click here to see my new obsession to my jewelry wardrobe.  I haven't taken that piece off!

What is your favorite look for Fall?  Let me know if the comments below, on Facebook, or Twitter.




Disclaimer:  I was invited by BWR PR to cover the event.  All opinions are my own.

Happy 4th of July!

Last night at the Hollywood Bowl with Barry Manilow.

We're taking the day off, so be safe and enjoy Independence Day.  I'll be back tomorrow!

Hot Topic Tuesday: The Summer of Scientology

If you thought you knew everything you needed to know about Scientology, think again.  With the current controversies surrounding two of its high profile members, John Travolta and Tom Cruise, this is going be a summer blanketed with "insiders" who want to give us a glimpse into the world of Scientology.  The "religion" was original designed as a philosophy by L. Ron Hubbard. Somewhere along the way, this movement turned into a religion that does not make a lot of sense to outsiders with such revered figures like Xenu and Thetans. (Trust me, read the descriptions on the characters.  It will baffle you.)  Scientology is controversial and it should be as there are legions of allegations regarding violence, stalking, threats, and even death.  The church is powerful and it relies upon its celebrity members to bring in millions of dollars to keep the momentum going.  Here are a few interesting facts about Scientology that you might not have known before.

1.  Scientology and the IRS waged a twenty-six year court battle over their tax exemption status.  They regained their nonprofit tax exempt status in 1993, thanks to the Clinton Administration.  Since then, their coffers have exploded and their real estate portfolio has expanded.

2.  The group owns about $300 million worth of historic Hollywood buildings. These twenty-six buildings (The number so far, I imagine this number will grow.) are preserved and maintained, so the city of Los Angeles is a big fan of their efforts.

3.  Like most religions, members are expected to give 10% of their earnings to the church.  Of course, their members include high profile celebrities like John Travolta, Tom Cruise, Kelly Preston, Erika Christensen, Anne Archer, Giovanni Ribisi, Greta Van Susteren, Jason Lee, Jenna Elfman, Jeffrey Tambor, Kirstie Alley, Leah Remini, Lisa Marie Presley (Left the Church in 2012), Nancy Cartwright (AKA Bart Simpson), and Isaac Hayes. (And depending on who you talk to, Will Smith has some ties to the Church.)

4.  Isaac Hayes quit his role on South Park thanks to this infamous episode, "Trapped In the Closet", which hilariously spoofed the rumors that Tom Cruise and John Travolta are in the closet.  I personally find Tom Cruise rather asexual, but the John Travolta rumors are proving to be uhhhhh....."possibly" true given the latest round of sexual harassment lawsuits.  I say latest round because this is not the first time this has happened.  If you haven't seen the brilliant South Park episode by Trey Parker and Matt Stone, watch it here. (And read about the rebroadcast controversy here.  It seems that the Church put a little muscle behind delaying a second airing on Comedy Central.  The Mormons have handled their Broadway spoof way better than the Scientologists.)


5.  There seems to be a dark side to Scientology that is oft repeated by members who have left the Church.  The websites offer suggestions on how to leave the Church or tell stories of kids raised in the Church or offer spooky stories about missing members including the wife of David Miscavige, head of the Church of Scientology. (See Shelly Miscavige.  She's been missing since 2007 or by some reports, 2006.)


What are your thoughts on the Church of Scientology?  Is it a religion?  Is it a cult?  Are the celebrities being used for their public status and wealth?  I would love to hear your thoughts!

Disclaimer:  Let's see....I'm not promoting nor defaming Scientology.  I was raised Catholic and although my status probably falls in the "lapsed Catholic" category, I still identify myself as such.  This is just a healthy discussion on Hollywood and a controversial religion.  I think that covers it, right? 

Three Tips To Surviving Cars Land Crowds

Yesterday, I finally hit Cars Land at California Adventure to see what all of the hype was about.  The rumors that it's crowded are true, but here are three tips to take with you the next time you visit the park.  I also included some fun photos from the day.  I will be doing a few Disney posts throughout the year as I put my new Annual Pass to good use.

This ride is worthy of the hype--Radiator Springs Racers.

Three Tips to Maximize Your Cars Land Experience:

1.  Arrive Early:  I cannot stress this enough.  If the park opens at 8AM, this is the first place you go. Don't stop to eat, use the restroom, grab a map of the park.....just beeline straight to Cars Land.  In fact, map out your route before you go, so you know exactly what you are doing when you get there.  If you think this area will easily be a Fast Pass type of attraction, think again.  Fast Passes were gone by 8:30AM on a Sunday.  Make this area of the park a priority and spend your morning here.  Get it done and then enjoy the rest of your day at Disneyland and California Adventure. Annual Passholders, this is the time to register for your early entry to California Adventure.  Dates are very limited at this point, but it is a great perk for Passholders.

Lydia grabbing the beach ball at the start of Luigi's Flying Tires.....a ride not worthy of the wait.

2.  Single Rider Line:  Thanks to my friend, Lydia, who had been to Cars Land earlier in the week, this was the greatest cheat of the day.  If you are able and willing to split up your party, try this line first.  While the wait in the Standby Line was already at two hours for the Radiator Springs Racers within thirty minutes of the park's open, we easily breezed through the Single Rider Line in thirty minutes.  Yes, we did get split up, but only by a car or two.  This made the day so much easier for us since we hit the hottest ride in the park first.  This doesn't work on the other two attractions in Cars Land since there is only a Standby Line for the Radiator Springs Racers and trust me, you will wish there was a Single Rider Line for the ridiculous wait for Luigi's Flying Tires which is a mediocre ride at best.

The crowds at Cars Land on a Sunday.

3. Get The Heck Out:  After you have hit the three attractions (The third attraction is Mater's Junkyard Jamboree, more of a kiddie ride.), get the heck out of Cars Land.  It is so crowded since it is the height of the summer season.  This is not the place to stop and eat or shop right now.  If you live in the Southern California area and have the luxury of returning in the fall, wait to see the rest of the sights and save the photo-ops until September.  This area of the park can suck up so much time and take up most of your day if you don't plan accordingly.  California Adventure has upgraded the park in the last few years with fun attractions like Monsters, Inc:  Mike & Sully to the Rescue, Toy Story Mania, and The Little Mermaid-Ariel's Undersea Adventure, you want to make sure to hit all that it has to offer.  (Don't forget Tower of Terror and Soarin' Over California, my two favorite rides in the park along with the new Radiator Springs Racers.)

I hope these tips help your day at the park that much easier and stress-free.  Let me know if you have any great tips to maneuver through Cars Land that I missed.  I will be bringing you more ideas as the season progresses.

More photos from my day at Disneyland and California Adventure are available on Instagram:  @KristynBurtt.

 Under the sea with Ariel!

 It's always fun running into friends....Lydia, me, Hank Chen, and his friend, Christina.

 The Aladdin show complete with an elephant! 

 The view from the new Carthay Circle restaurant......so delicious!

 And I ran into more friends!  Seth Maxwell, CEO of the Thirst Project, was headed into Carthay Circle as I was headed out.