Watching Ugly Betty

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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This is too cute! You can now have your very own Ugly Betty doll to cuddle with. As part of the 2008 Madame Alexander collection a range of Hollywood dolls are available. Desperate Housewives is the only other TV show mentioned but popular movies and classics are also available. Casablanca, The Wizard of Oz and Gone With the Wind are just a few of the dolls they offer. The Ugly Betty doll comes in two options a squeezable 18″ cloth version, and an 8″ version. You will have to wait a while before you can enjoy this doll though. Both are available now to preorder at Angelic Dreamz but aren’t available until summer! The braces are a nice touch as well as the infamous Guadalajara! poncho.

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See America Ferrera get down for her political party! Both she and Amber Tamblyn interviewed Hillary Clinton. It’s a very interesting interview, they manage to discuss Barack Obama, Tyra Banks and why Hillary really wants to be president. Daughter Chelsea Clinton is their as well.

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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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 Actors William Petersen & Vanessa Williams presenting at the SAG Awards show 

The Screen Actors Guild Awards were held on Janurary 27. Most of the cast of Ugly Betty were in attendance. Even though the show was up for three awards they lost both. But the greate news was cast looked great and their were a lot of different styles of dresses worn, but this time somebody stole the show. Keep on Reading to find out!

Dressed in Black

Michael Urie went with the classic look and pulls it off. Judith Light looked regal in black silk and diamonds. Mark Indelicato is too cute in his vest and pants. By far the most interesting look was Ana Ortiz, a sleeveless form fitting floor length black number. Even more impressive than the dress. The half a million dollars worth of diamonds by Kwait Ana is wearing! Diamond cluster earrings, vintage diamond and platinum bracelets and a even a diamond broach in her hair.

Flashy & Sassy

Both Ashley Jensen and Rebecca Romijn opted for glittery dresses. Ashley’s grey dress is floor length with gathering. The dress is slightly ill fitted and the draping is surprisingly frumpy, it just kills her natural sparkle. Rebecca’s kneelength with lace at the edges in shades of gray and black is head turning.

Best Looks

These 3 ladies have been shopping in the closets of Mode and it shows. 3 completly different looks but all look incredible. Becki Newton wears an all white tiered Elsie Katz dress that is dainty and flirty. Sparkles cover the gown, soft curls frame her face and give the dress a grown up fairytale vibe. America Ferrera proves that gray isn’t boring. Her charcol gray Monique Lhuillier dress with delicate lacing is accented by her bright pink lipcolor and a simple gathered hair style. Even her skin seemed to glow thanks to Lancôme*. My favorite look of the evening had to be Vanessa William’s strapless yellow dress. She proves that a yellow dress dosen’t have to be scary. The bright shade of yellow by Escada compliments her bronze skin. The side tied black belt and split gives the dress a nice silhoutte. Pulling the hair off her face and smoky eyes complete the look.

*Copy America’s makeup look thanks to Spoiled Pretty.

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1979-2008

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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Congratulations to Ugly Betty on being nominated for outstanding comedy series for the 19th Annual GLAAD Media Awards. Fellow ABC programs Brothers & Sisters and Desperate Housewives were also nominated. In fact ABC lead broadcast and cable networks with 9 nominations, Logo was the second most honored channel with 5 nominations.

Spanish language channel Univision raked up 10 nominations with Aztec América tying with ABC for 9. Betty’s competion for the catergory includes The Sarah Silverman Program on Comedy Central (which makes sense) and The War at Home on FOX (which is awful).

Post Rewind: Betty won outstanding comedy at the 18th Annual GLAAD Media Awards

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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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 The Golden Globes was a wilted down version of their normal alcohol party with crazy dresses and lots of bling. After failing to reach a compromise with the Writers Guild of America the Golden Globes were a boring press conference that few bothered to watch. Even though America Ferrera was nominated in Ugly Betty’s sole recognition (Yes I am holding a grudge) for best actress she lost to Tina Fey of 30 Rock.

Luckily for us Ugly Betty fans other awards shows were wiser The NAACP Image Awards and The Film Independent’s Spirit Awards have both received waivers and will go forward as planned.

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It’s 2008 and that means its time for every celebrity in Hollywood to start telling us why we need to vote for their favorite candidate for president. Now I for one am so happy that finally, we get to get rid of George W. Bush but when celebrities get involved they same to do more harm then good. Just having certain celebrities endorse your campaign is enough to make anyone who dislikes them angry enough to vote for the other guy.

Now America Ferrera has gotten involved in the presidential race. Both she and Amber Tamblyn (Joan of Arcadia) have announced their official support of Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton. Together they will serve as national co-chairs of the “Hillblazers” the youth outreach program of the Clinton campaign.

Both America Ferrera and Amber Tamblyn starred in the youth friendly film Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants and both are Emmy nominated actresses (with America Ferrera winning.) But the question remains, will their endorsement of the Clinton campaign help put our first female president in office?

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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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