Watching Ugly Betty

Eric Mabius has joined in with the likes of America Ferrera, Ana Ortiz and Tony Plana to take a stand in the current presidential race. While Ana and Tony have been taken part in nonpartisan group to encourage minority voting America has been campaigning heavily for Hillary Clinton.

Eric on the other hand is featured in the music video We Are The Ones by Black Eyed Peas front man Will.i.am in support of Barack Obama. Some of the other celebrities featured include: George Lopez, Jessica Alba, Regina King, Macy Gray, Kerry Washington, John Leguizamo, Tichina Arnold and Ryan Phillippe.

Vanessa Williams in a recent interview stated support for both Democratic candidates but didn’t seem interested in making a public statement of support for either. I wonder what side the rest of the Ugly Betty cast will take?

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Congratulations to Kevin Alejandro and his musicisan wife Leslie. They welcomed a 7 lbs 2 oz baby boy on February 22 in Los Angeles! Kevin played Santos Hilda’s fiancee and Justin’s father on Season 1 of Ugly Bettyuntil his character was murdered in a robbery attempt at a convenience store. The baby announcement was given exclusively to People.

Salma Hayek was also recently discussing her beautiful baby daughter revealed that she was hoping for a boy at first. Worrying that mothers and daughters always have conflict between them but now is happy that she had a girl. “…I’m in a state of innocence where I love everything she does. If she does a poop and I have to change the diaper, I even love that moment!”

She also stated that she doesn’t really feel a need for marriage, though some people need a commitment her and Francois-Henri Pinault might just throw a huge party instead to celebrate their family. Even more interesting Salma shared that she and Valentina live in Los Angeles but Francois still lives in Paris.

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The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2 movie trailer is now available. All of the main characters have reprised their roles, America Ferrera, Amber Tamblyn, Blake Lively and Alexis Bledel. The story is set 3 years in the future from where the original Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants film ended.

The girls are in college, dating and face more adult problems complicated by their busy lives which keep them apart. The plot is based mostly on the fourth book from the series, Forever in Blue: The Fourth Summer of the Sisterhood. The film is expected to be released on August 8 and due to its more adult storyline carries a PG-13 rating. The books series is written by Ann Bashares and would be a great gift for the teen in your life.

Since the original Sisterhood film aired, America has gone on to play the critically acclaimed and award winning character of Betty from Ugly Betty. Blake Lively stars in the popular CW teen drama Gossip Girl, also based on a series of books. America and Amber are both currently campaigning for Hillary Clinton for president and Alexis Bledel starred in Gilmore Girls which just ended a seven year run last TV season.

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I am so jealous right now of all you Ugly Betty viewers who live in Los Angeles or surronding areas! You may have the oppurtunity to speak to NPR about Ugly Betty. A NPR producer contacted me to let me know they will be start reporting next week on fictional characters over the years and how they have influenced and been influenced by popular culture. Of course Ugly Betty made the list!

If you are a regular watcher of the show and live in the area, then they would like to hear from you. If you are part of a group of people who live in the area and watch the show together they really want to hear from you! To show your interest in taking part contact Skye over at NPR. Her email address is SRohde(at)npr(dot)org (use the symbol in place of the words in parenthesis) and phone number is (310) 815-4372.

Let me know how it goes!

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Congratulations to America Ferrera and Vanessa Williams who both won in their categories at the 39th Annual NAACP Image Awards, outstanding actress and supporting actress in a comedy series. Silvio Horta also picked up an award for outstanding writing in a comedy series. In young star news Marc Indelicato has received a nomination for a Young Artist Award for his work on Ugly Betty.

Their is some bad news though for some executive producers over at Ugly Betty. Reportedly Marco Pennette and James Haymen have been relieved from their duties. The third season executive producers will be Salma Hayek and Jose Tamez -both returning- and head writer and creator Silvio Horta. Oddly enough Pennette co-wrote the episode with Horta that won a NAACP Image Award, “A Nice Day for a Posh Wedding.” So it seems odd that both of them are leaving since they have had such a huge impact on storylines. It also looks like we will be getting an extended Season 3 of at least 27 episodes!

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WRAP UP LAST TWO WEEKS

Last week I had Jury duty, which was not as boring as you might be thinking. So a lot of good Ugly Betty tidbits were ignored, so enjoy 2 weeks of wrapups.

Vanity Fair:America Ferrera is on the March 2008 fold out cover of Vanity Fair. Only the first 4 women on the left can be seen before unfolding the cover. The cover is part of the annual Vanity Fair Hollywood issue, which comes on the heel of their announcement that they have canceled their annual Oscar Party. The photography by Annie Leibovitz’s, features pastels and whites showcasing old Hollywood glamour. The other 9 fresh faces on this years cover are: Emily Blunt, Amy Adams, Jessica Biel, Anne Hathaway, Alice Braga, Ellen Page, Zoë Saldana, Elizabeth Banks and Ginnifer Goodwin. Check out Vanity Fair’s slideshowof the annual covers by Annie Leibovitz. Besides America and Zoë the rest of these girls kinda fade into the background.

A Day in the life of Vanessa Williams: Vanessa gives Every Day with Rachel Rayan inside look at her life. Check out the scoop in the March 2008 issue of the magazine the B.L.D. (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner) section has all the info! Read all about how they got to snack on New York pretzels (in LA) and reveals her weakness for homemade bread with butter. Umm I’m having a craving now. To catch up on the latest news from the very busy Rachel keep updated at Watching Rachel Ray. Thanks to Erin for the tip.

Spamalot: Alan Dale is now on stage! Even though we miss his dark grittiness as Bradford Meade head honcho of the Meade family in Ugly Betty he has a great new role. Starring as King Arthur in the London version of Monthy Python’s Spamalot. The role has been played by many other notable actors including Tim Curry. I’m also still salivating to see Alan Dale make his Torchwood appearance. After seeing the Spike (James Marsters of Buffy fame) appearance in the Season 2 debut I can’t wait to see what they have in store for Alan Dale! Yes I know Spike is not a real person, I just wish he was!

Salma’s still hot: Askmen.comhas revealed their list of annual beauties officially called The Top 99 of 2008. Salma came in at Number 52 behind Hayden Pateriette of Heroes and right above one of the many women on this list I’ve never even heard of. Salma was down 20 places from last year but somehow I don’t think she’ll be worried. Number 1 on the list? Katherine Heigl of Grey’s Anatomy…

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Amazon and Universal Music Enterprises have a pretty sweet treat for all you romantics this Valentines. You can send a musical Valentine ecard featuring some of the best modern love songs. Of course Vanessa Williams signature hit is included! Save the Best for Last is one of 12 modern love songs available.

You can even create a customized Valentines puzzle by uploading your own unique picture and adding your own special message that the receiver unlocks when they solve the puzzle! Best of all, its FREE! For even more Valentines day gooeyness visit Amazon’s Lovers & Haters music page for those of you who hear birds chirping at this time of the year or for those of you who get queasy at the thought of the holiday.

Go to I Love That Song to create your personalized ecard.

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Even though this has really nothing to do with Ugly Betty,I wanted to take a minute to express my condolences for the death of Heath Ledger. The Oscar nominated actor was only 28 years old and is survived by his 2 year old daughter Matilda and ex wife actress Michelle Williams.

In his brief time he starred in both critically acclaimed and memorable roles. Including 10 Things I Hate About You with Julia Stiles, The Patriot with Mel Gibson, Monster’s Ball with Halle Berry and Billy Bob Thornton and The Brothers Grimm with Matt Damon.

Not to mention Oscar winning film Brokeback Mountain with Jake Gyllenhaal. The movie featured a groundbreaking portrayal of love between two cowboys and is considered to be some of Heath’s finest work. Ugly Betty star America Ferrera also had a small part in Heath Ledger’s 2005 film Lords of Dogtown.

Heath was an incredibly talented young actor that valued substance over profit and constantly challenged himself in roles that defied stereotypes. As an actor he constantly remade himself and seemed to be just reaching his full potential. As a major fan that has seen most of his movies I will miss his twinkling eyes full of kindness and that smile that radiated with warmth and lit up the screen. My thoughts go out to his family, friends, fans and his homeland Australia.

Lez keep it real blogger Lyndsey discusses the legacy of Brokeback Mountain.

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Check out the current poll at TV Guide where you can vote for your favorite TV couple including Betty & Henry of Ugly Betty. I would love for Betty and Henry to win but so far Mick and Beth of Moonlight (which I have never heard of till today) , Clark and Lois of Smallville and Bones and Booth of Bones are the couples in the lead. Betty’s way down in the pack. I was sure Meredith and Derrik of Grey’s Anatomy would have this in the bag but their in fifth behind Pam and Jim of The Office. So go ahead and vote!

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The Billionaire’s Club

Salma Hayek is truly living a blessed life. Just 4 months after giving birth she’s already back in top notch shape and showing off her figure. Even better a recent poll from In Touch magazinevoted Salma and billionaire fiancé Francois Henri-Pinault the richest couple in Hollywood, by far.

Salma is the executive producer of Ugly Betty, owns her own film production company and has starred in high profile blockbusters such as Desperados and Dogma. But Henri the chairman of the luxury goods firm that owns Gucci and Puma (among others) is worth 7 Billion! Wow. I’d be happy with just one billion; in fact I would be satisfied with one tenth of one percent of one billion dollars!

Rebecca Romijn and Jerry O’Connell are also rubbing elbows with billionaires. They will be partying with Sheldon Adelson, the guy who tops Forbes list as the worlds third richest man. From January 17 till 19 he’s celebrating the opening of his new property, Palazzo Las Vegas. Diana Ross and Seal are booked as performers. Flynet also has some cute pictures of the couple just being normal while out on the town.

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While everyone from Ugly Betty seems to be keeping pretty quiet since this strike Salma Hayek has signed on for a new movie role. In Cirque Du Freak Salma will actually play a bearded lady. If she can make a unibrow sexy (Frida) then she may be the only woman I know who can actually be a sex symbol with a beard. The movie is a horror film about vampires and I don’t know much more at this point.

But Salma is not just making movies she is also using motherhood to improve the lives of others. Salma has signed on a spokesperson for the “One Pack = One Vaccine” program campaign by Pampers. In partnership with UNICEF it will provide free tetanus shot vaccines for babies (and mothers) in Africa and Asia.

Applause to Salma for supporting such a wonderful cause. Tetanus is a nervous system disease that is completly preventable with vaccines. Globally a million people a year die from the disease with half of the deaths from newborns. Salma is also set to participate in a Gucci event that will raise funds for UNICEF.

Source: Find more info about Tetanus from Medline Plus

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This writer’s are really digging in their heels and the strike seems to be showing no signs of letting up. But we did get a new episode of Ugly Betty Thursday “Zero Worship” and unless it’s canceled we should be getting another new episode next week. So what will we do when January ends? To depressing to even think about.

The one good thing about this strike is its given me a lot of time to catch up on some areas of this blog that need updating. Look for expansion of my Trivia area and Actors Profile category. New Season 2 recaps are coming next week and if I’m really lucky I can update all the missing recaps from Season 1 that happened before I started blogging about the show (more on new categories for the blog next week.)

For more information on the writers strike read what fellow blogger Kim at TV Bloggin had to say. Also check out the Livejournal site for WGA Supporters.

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Extras Says Goodbye: Before Ashley Jensen played the loveable Scottish seamstress and Betty’s best friend at Mode in Ugly Betty she starred in the British and HBO hit Extras. The show revolves around two extras Ashley Jensen’s character as Maggie Jacobs and Ricky Gervais (from the British version of The Office) as Andy Millman and Stephen Merchant as Ricky’s inept agent. Maggie and Ricky struggle to make end meets while playing extras and looking for a big break. After filming two seasons the show has returned with a Christmas special series finale. Check out HBO for show times.

Alan Dale Leaves Us Wanting More: New episodes of Ugly Betty won’t air again until January 10, 2008 when the 11^th episode “Zero Worship premieres (more on that later). Episode 10 marked the end of Alan Dale’s role as Bradford Meade. After passing away Bradford Meade came back for two more episodes. First he appears to Betty to provide assistance and then in a final appearance in a video message to his children.

Oddly enough Alan Dale has been killed off of three television series with a heart attack. Besides Ugly Betty he died on Neighbours the long running Australian soap opera and on The O.C. from fatal heart attacks (Thanks to Wikipedia for this bit of trivia.) I loved Alan Dale and will definitely miss his dramatic performances on the show. At least I can look forward to seeing him again on the Doctor Who spin off Torchwood.

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Look’s like some of out favorite Ugly Betty stars will be joining the campaign to get you guys off you couches and at the voting polls. “Our Time To Vote” is a 5 million dollar campaign launched by leading cable provider Comcast. Both Tony Plana and Ana Ortiz have joined in the cause to educate and register to vote individuals.

The campaign is aimed at encouraging voters of different cultures and diversities. Other celebrities involved in the project include George Lopez, Lou Diamond Phillips, Malcolm-Jamal Warner and Margaret Cho all notable African American, Asian Americans, and Hispanics. Four public services announcements featuring diverse casts have been made in support of the nonpartisan campaign.

I think this campaign is a wonderful idea but am I the only one who thinks it’s odd that Native Americans have been ignored by a multicultural voting campaign?

To learn more: Visit Our Time To Vote

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Family Reunion: Wilhelmina’s younger sister Dominique is expected to make an appearance later this season on Ugly Betty. Dominique is a fun loving girl but has a sordid past. The guest star booked to play her? One of my favorite Hollywood actresses, Gabrielle Union! The appearance was almost destroyed by the writers strike. Finally a guest star I can really get excited about. Gabrielle has stared in Bring It On with Kirsten Dunst and Deliver Us From Eva with rapper L.L. Cool J. Maybe Daddy Slater will be making another appearance as well and give us the full family reunion? Interestingly enough no one from the Slater family was at the wedding including Vanessa’s daughter Nico.

Waiting for Baby?: Newly married Rebecca Romijn turned 35 on November 6, and is already ready to get pregnant. In fact she wants her Ugly Betty character Alexis to get fat so she could be pregnant at the same time. John Stamos, make that Jerry O’Connell is all for the idea. His cast mates on Carpoolers tease him about his relationship with Rebecca by giving him her ex-husband’s nickname Stamos, and Jerry is a secure enough guy to think that’s funny. Ok! Magazine is also speculating that the couple could already be pregnant. But I get the feeling their jumping the gun.

Showing her Pride: Ana Ortiz was honored November 16 by the Puerto Rican heritage organization, Comité Noviembre. Ana and singer Yolanda Monge received the Puerto Rican Pride Acknowledgement in New York.

Miracle on TV: Tony Plana thinks that the opportunity to play the head of a Latino family on TV is nothing short of a miracle. Tony thinks the shows has gone a long way to erode stereotypes of Latin Americans and has allowed them greater access in the industry.

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