IN THE KNOW THIS WEEK WITH VIVA – 08-06-2010


Connie Britton, Emmy nominee for “Friday Night Lights” says growing up she would watch “I Love Lucy” and “The Mary Tyler Moore” shows and that they became strong influences on her.  “They were led by strong women, in very different situations, but both using humor and comedy to get through the day.”

It was all about fashion, fun and philanthropy at the Hollyrod Foundation for Help and Hope event held on billionaire Ron Burkle’s Beverly Hills estate.  The event hosted by Holly Robinson Peete and hubbie Rodney Peete raised money for providing medical, physical and emotional support to those suffering with life challenges related to Parkinson’s Disease and Autism.  Celebs on hand included:  Donald Trump, Lindsey Price, Sugar Ray Leonard, Eva Longoria Parker, Alan Thicke, Steve Harvey, Cedric the Entertainer, Nancy O’Dell and more.  Among the award recipients for the evening was Chaz Dean who received an “Angel on the Path Award” for his support and generosity.  Along with his generous donation, Chaz is recognized for his WEN hair products that contain no harsh chemicals or detergents, replaced by natural botanical ingredients to nourish and attain healthy hair and scalp. Holly has been a longtime client of Deans along with some of the most beautiful hair in Hollywood.  

Avril Lavigne reality star?  The Canadian pop and edgy songstress is dating reality actor Brody Jenner since her October split from Sum 41 lead singer, and Jenner isk een on signing up as a couple for a reality show.  The former “The Hills” and “Bromance” guy is almost begging Avril to sign on the dotted line with him, but Lavigne is hesitant to play out her life in front of the cameras.  Avril is so in love with Jenner – she even has his named tattooed next to her right breast – that she might just go along with the idea.  

Soup for You!  Remember the Soup Nazi from “Seinfeld”?  Well, the Manhattan soup stand that inspired that infamous episode just reopened after its famously brusque former owner shut it down and licensed his recipes to a franchise company.  The shop looks basically the same as in the days before Jerry Seinfeld and his friends made it a Hollywood icon and saying, including its strict ordering rules, now posted in 9 languages.    

“Cameo Stars” is now bringing celebrities to life on facebook pages.  This first-ever application that enables celebs to make virtual cameo appearance in fans’ social network pages and mobile devices welcomes Carmen Electra, Tony Romo, Drew Brees and Reggie Bush as some of the first.  “I had a blast creating my cameo star”, says Electra.  “It is such a clever concept and an innovative way for me to virtually socialize daily with millions of people and to be a fun addition to the important events in their lives.”    

What a sight!  Courteney Cox and hubbie, David Arquette were in a definite partying mood recently as they both hopped on top of the banquettes at New York’s Avenue and began dancing away as if nobody else was around.  And nobody stopped them, seeming to enjoy the show.  

Sheryl Crow has put together her summer playlist and it starts off with Lynyrd Sknyrd’s “Sweet Home Alabama” because it reminds me of hanging out on the lake with my friends and going waterskiing.”  Others that follow:  “Miss You” by the Rolling Stone, “I Wanna Be Your Love” by Prince, Edgar Winter’s “Free Ride” and Three Dog Night’s “Celebrate.”  

Was that Beyonce shopping at Harrod’s, London’s upscale department store, last week?  No.  Actually, Beyonce took her shopping marathon across the street to London’s trendy Topshop where everything is a fraction of the Harrod’s price.  Of course, no Chanel, Prada or Gucci at the popular discounted clothing store, but everyone from Madonna to Kate Moss and Gwyneth Paltrow are often seen shopping the racks and leaving with several bags of goodies.   

Twilight’s Ashley Greene is adamant about keeping her body in tiptop shape.  Last Tuesday, she was seen leaving the gym in Studio City, California with a bottle of water and juice drink.  The very next day, she was spotted all fresh and ready to go as she entered the same gym with yoga mat under arm.  

Emmy nominated Matthew Fox of “Lost” says if he was ever deserted on an island, his must-haves would be:  his iPod music collection, a portable solar charger and a box of lighters.  After six years on “Lost” and six years on “Party of Five”, Fox says he is leaving TV for the time being wanting more flexibility in her career, but if he could step into the character of any of his fellow lead actor nominees, who would it be?  “Michael C. Hall’s role in “Dexter” would be very interesting.  To play a serial killer in a lead role, that’s pretty cool!”


Making the Scene:  Fergie and Josh Duhamel eating sushi and sipping white wine at Chicago’s Hub 51.    Eating ice cream cones:  Adam Sandler out with his girls, Sadie and Sunny, in L.A..   Katie Holmes in gladiator sandals, Suri in pink ballet flats and stepdaughter in sandals walking around Toronto.  Tim Robbins strumming a few tunes at a charity fundraiser in Los Angeles.   Sean Astin playing golf at AFTRA’s inaugural Frank Nelson Fund Celeb Golf Classic at L.A.’s Mountain Gate Country Club.  Jennifer Aniston launching her new fragrance at Harrod’s in London.


Did You Know….Tori Spelling opened a Twitter account for her 3year-old son, Liam.  Zac Efron says the first thing he does every morning is take a cannonball into his pool to wake up.   Hugh Hefner has a large cardboard cut-out of himself sitting next to his dining room table.  “Rules of Engagement” co-star Megyn Price cans her own apricot jams.   Jenny McCarthy’s #1 slimming trick is snacking on 2 gluten-free, casein-free cookies and a cup of tea before heading to bed.  

 
Now you’re in the know this week with VIVA.