If you love cake, then you must know about Carlo s Bake Shop, the site and location of the famed show “Cake Boss” where family members are constantly baking cakes, ranging from party birthday cakes to wedding cakes. The main appeal of this show is it’s very family oriented, since after all this show is run by a family, with Valastro as the “Cake Boss”. The Food Network has launched a competitor show “Ace Of Cakes” and TLC, who produces “Cake Boss” responded with yet another cake show “Ultimate Cake Off”. This comedy features Valastro, a proud, colorful Italian with a funny attitude and an accent to give his words a lot of punch. He also happens to be quite the comedian. Valastro himself doesn’t realize how real his show has become, in which he stars, when he witnessed a bride to be deface her own cake by squirting it with some unmatched colored icing. He told her that she “has got to be kidding” but later turned out the bride just thought it would be funny for the audience. Valastro says he meets all sorts of “crazy” personalities out there.

The most difficult part of running Carlo s Bake Shop is the long work hours and hectic schedule. He works 12 to 18 hours a day, 6 days a week. He normally wouldn’t mind such hours but he misses his wife and 3 kids, which is what really hurts him the most. The bake shop belonged to Valastro’s father, who bought the store from somebody else. Valastro’s father came to America when he was 13 with nothing but his shoes for possessions. Valastro says he is what the American dream is all about, and he’s right. Valastro is an avid baker, and he treats his profession like a science, referring himself jokingly as a mad scientist. While other people just mix, match, and shove something in the oven, Valastro does test batches of cakes until it comes out just right. His cake making skills command a hefty fee, he once made a rhino cake for a museum in New York, charging $8,000 for the job. What makes it so expensive is the precise, fine details that goes into the roses or indents, or creases on the cakes. Some call him a sugar artist but Valastro insists on calling himself a baker first, since baking after all is his passion. The large popularity of this show has TLC (The Learning Channel) signing this bake shop on for another season, and families all across America are tuning in every week because of the show’s characters, the family aspect of it, and of course, the colorful cakes. The personality that is reflected in each cake, is also within each baker, and the family togetherness of the show has enchanted many families throughout America. Carlo s Bake Shop is located in Hoboken, New Jersey.

Martial artist Mark Dacascos of Iron Chef fame is going to be part of the cast alongside former House Republican Majority Leader and politician Tom “The Hammer” Delay. Mark is chairman of the hit tv show “Iron Chef” and starred in “Crying Freeman” along with his wife Mrs. Julie Condra. Tom Delay on the other hand, was a politician in the republican party who had to step down due to some dicy legal issues. A short while ago, Dacascos has told his people that he will jump into the tv show, alongside with other famous people such as Donny Osmond, Aaron Carter, Kelly Osbourne, Michael Irvin, and Natalie Coughlin.

Born and raised in Hawaii, Dacascos was a fighter of martial arts throughout his early days and soon created fame and glory himself playing roles of the kung fu hero, similiar to David Caradine or The Karate Kid. His profile on IMDB shows that he has been featured, casted, and voice acted for several movies, tv shows, and video games. 4 years ago, he earned the job of chairman of Iron Chef, a culinary (cooking) competitive show that was originally created for Japanese audiences, adopted for American television. As is custom in every introduction, he is “the nephew” of the Japanese chairman, Takeshi Kaga. While Mr. Mark Dacascos “Iron Chef” knows how to cook, fry, cut, chop, and fly his way in and around the cooking room, he has yet to prove to the world that he can dance in a fashionable way, and of course how this relates to Tom Delay, well, we’ll just have to tune into Dancing With The Stars this fall, won’t we?

Well folks, Chuck Liddell is one of Dancing With The Stars newest cast members. It never occurred to me that I would ever hear the words chuck Liddell dancing with the stars in the same sentence.

Most MMA fans love Chuck Liddell. Nicknamed The Iceman for his quiet intensity, and yet fierceness in the ring. Perhaps, this season Bruno will use some restraint in his wacky commentary. I can already hear it now, “Iceman is right, Chuck you danced like you were frozen and stiff…”, unable to finish the sentence as Liddell puts him in a guillotine choke hold or an omoplata shoulder lock.

The only MMA fighter to rival Chuck Liddell, in popularity, would be the much beloved Randy Couture. Chuck Liddell and Randy Couture helped bring the popularity of MMA to the forefront, benefiting the sport and the careers of both fighters. Randy Couture has been in and out of retirement. Chuck Liddell has just recently retired from MMA fighting during April of this year.

Maybe Chuck Liddell being on Dancing With The Stars isn’t such a surprising move after all. We all know that Dancing With The Stars is an excellent way to jumpstart or revive a sagging career. And in spite of being retired it looks like Chuck Liddell has no intentions of lying on the beach or tinkering in the garden.

He has released an autobiography of his life entitled, “Iceman: My Fighting Life”, in 2007 he was the first UFC fighter to be on the cover of ESPN The Magazine. And he has made several TV and film appearances.

He has had some small parts in Blade: The Series, The Postman Always Rings Twice, and Cradle 2 The Grave. He also appeared as himself in Entourage, MTV-Punked, and Drillbit Taylor. He has made other TV and film cameos and interviews and was in the Nickelback video Rockstar.

So is Dancing With The Stars a stepping stone into a larger acting career for Chuck Liddell? Only time will tell. As a fan of both Dancing With The Stars and MMA fighting, I think this is a perfect combination, and I am sure Chuck Liddell with go on to do great things.

As far as Chuck Liddell Dancing With The Stars season 9. Having him on the show will only make it more interesting. Even if my above scenario with Bruno doesn’t happen. I am excited to see how Chuck Liddell does in a dancing venue, and the reaction of the judges, and how he reacts to being on the show.

This should be a really fun season and I hope Chuck Liddell hangs in there for the long haul because it should be fun to watch. Even a former UFC Champion should be able to find room on his mantle for the mirror ball trophy.

The new cast of Dancing With The Stars was revealed this morning by Tom Bergeron on Good Morning America. The 2009 Season of Dancing With The Stars will premier September 21. One of the things that makes Dancing With The Stars so fascinating is the cast members. Dancing With The Stars always has a diverse and well rounded cast, and this year is no exception.

The Dancing With The Stars New Cast for 2009 will be:

1. Kathy Ireland
2. Macy Gray
3. Melissa Joan Hart
4. Mya
5. Ashley Hamilton
6. Michael Irvin
7. Mark Dacascos
8. Donny Osmond
9. Kelly Osbourne
10. Debi Mazar
11. Chuck Liddell
12. Natalie Coughlin
13. Joanna Krupa
14. Louie Vito
15. Aaron Carter
16. Tom Delay

I have watched this show since Season One and what always stands out to me is how much we learn about the celebrities by watching the show. We get to see people who we may have preconceived notions about, perform in a more relaxed state. We get to learn a little bit about their lives and watch how they perform under pressure and react in an unscripted show.

Last season we learned what a nice guy Ty Murray is. He was always clever and funny and really tried his best. Plus, there were a couple of shirtless dances where he rivaled sexy Frenchman Giles Marini. We also discovered what a nice person Lil Kim turned out to be. Who would of thought that a rapper fresh out of prison would be so charming and gracious.

We also found out that Steve Wozniak was just as weird as we thought he would be, but, an all around sweet guy. Who actually did OK considering his age and stature. We also learned that Dancing With The Stars sweetheart Juliani Hough gets nervous when dancing with Fiance Chuck Wicks. In the previous season of Dancing With The Stars we discovered that Priscilla Presley was the class act we thought she was and Susan Lucci doesn’t get a Daytime Emmy for dancing.

So with Season 9’s diverse Dancing With The Stars New Cast, we should be in store for many interesting treats and new discoveries about the cast members themselves. Of particular interest to me is the addition of Chuck Liddell. Besides Randy Couture, Chuck Liddell is one of the most well known and beloved MMA fighters out there. We know he is in amazing shape and is plenty tough, but it should be fun to see his softer side come out while learning ballroom dance and working with the dancers and other stars.

Also I think choosing former House Majority Leader Tom Delay, a Republican no less, is an interesting choice. Politicians are uniquely qualified to be on Dancing With The Stars. After all of those years of dancing around the issues, they should be naturals at dancing around the ballroom. Another annoying but somewhat interesting pick is Donny Osmond. Donny seems very competitive and loves the limelight so I predict he will do well.

In the past athletes have done well. Gold medalists Kristi Yamaguchi and Apollo Ono have won, as well as NFl star Emmitt Smith. As well as race car driver Helio Castoneves. But there are usually break out stars who do really well. And others, who you expect a lot from, that don’t really cut it. Last season I was disappointed in the performance of former Girl Next Door, Holly Madison, but I think some of the blame goes to the teaching style of her dance partner. If Holly would have been paired with Dereck Hough, it would of probably been a whole different story.

No matter what happens Dancing With The Stars is a very popular show and Dancing With The Stars New Cast will not disappoint. The show makes a point to choose a diverse group of cast members that will attract diverse segments of society only increasing the shows popularity.

Lucy Bustamente is trying her hand at as Regis Philbin’s co-host on the “Live! with Regis and Kelly”, filling in for a missing Kelly.

Lucy Bustamente is a news anchor on New Orleans Louisiana’s WWL-TV where she got quite a bit of experience covering the hurricane Katrina disaster and it’s effects throughout Lousiana and especially in New Orleans.

Ms. Bustamente got her shot as Regis’ co-host during a viewer vote where the audience selected candidates from local affiliates to appear on “Live!”

Lucy started working on her career in TV news in college while still attending Loyola. Working her way up from a lowly intern to a full editor, Lucy was bitten by the broadcasting bug and has never turned back.

At 22, the lovely Ms. Bustamente, worked her first professional news story for WALA-TV in Alabama doing live reports during tropical storms. She recall fondly “getting her feet wet” in the news game.

Lucy Bustamente was one of 20 finalists, vying for the coveted position beside Regis Philbin. Even though the contest was for a “Co-Host for a Day”, who knows?

Regis is quite the ladies man, working his way from Kathy Lee Gifford to Kelly Ripa. The producers for the contest must be aware that eventually, Regis is going to need a new lovely lady to bounce his wise-cracks off of and perhaps this contest is a way to find some possible candidates?

Only time will tell.

Oprah watchers, THIS JUST IN. Oprah on Maui?

Thanks to our secret pal who monitors the Kahului Airport on Maui for letting us know that Oprah’s private jet touched down on Maui yesterday, and is still seen parked there today.

Kahului Airport is a municipal airport serving airlines and private traffic. It is located on Maui in Maui County near scenic Haleakala. Landings typically occur on Runway 2/20 and Runway 5/23.

At this time it is unknown whether passengers in Oprah’s jet left from the airport’s helipad or via roadway.

Were they heading off to Oprah’s private retreat?

Who comprised that jet set passenger list?

Do you suppose her best budette Gail was there?

How about beau Stedman?

Do you imagine she came to work on next season’s Oprah shows?

Or is this Rest and Relaxation time?

Island residents are used to celebrities and politicians alike.

Many Hollywood stars and celebs have taken a liking to the end of the road paradise known as Hanalei on Kauai.

Actor Kelsey Grammer purchased a lot in Pauoa Beach at Mauna Lani on the Big Island.

President Obama’s ties to the island chain are well-known. He got a bit of bad press, though, when he arrived and failed to wear a flower lei during the presidential campaign. Maybe he thought he wouldn’t appear presidential enough.

Oprah, Maui is lovely isn’t it? Enjoy!! Please consider some shows from Hawaii to help boost tourism to Hawaii. With the recession, it’s been tough on folks in Hawaii, with empty hotels, lost jobs, and all. Everyone would love to see a surge in tourism. So, how about it, Oprah? Can we look forward to some episodes of the Oprah Show from Hawaii this coming season?

It’s official Big Brother 11 Chima Quit. Without any indicators or advance warning female contestant Chima has called it quits and stormed off the set. Due to the fears of direct confrontational violence between Chima and certain guests that are probably responsible for this event, producers have taped the normally live show in advance.

Since a tv show’s basic sole purpose is to entertain us audiences (and therefore rake in advertising dollars to make big money) there is a lot of expectations and pressure placed on these people, naturally. When bad things happen between the stars and / or producers, the most professional way to handle it, if compromises or agreements cannot be reached is to resign from the post or show / movie or be asked to leave. It’s done this way so everybody saves face and nobody gets publicly damaged from all the negative press this almost always generates.

Now because Big Brother 11 Chima quit abruptly, suddenly, and with absolutely no other explanations, this probably means (in my humble opinion) that Chima was very angry and was ridiculously wronged, or at least her point of view is that she was wronged. The fact that Chima has not said a word yet, as of this writing, indicates great strength and enormous restraint on her part. The producers of the show are cognizant of Chima’s emotions and anger and whatever reasons for her leaving and do not want her near certain people for fear that they will get into a public fist fight that will just turn very ugly and be bad press for everyone. Based on these facts and opinions I think it is safe to say that Chima stormed off Big Brother 11 for the possible reasons:

1. She was cheated out of money promised to her in some way or fame and glory.
2. She was disrespected and wasn’t treated properly.
3. She is African American / Black (or looks like it) so racism may be a big factor.
4. Some side deals Chima made with other companies were messed up or interrupted by the Big Brother 11 producers

While such fallout may be fun to watch to the outside world, a lot of people do get hurt, and news media certainly has no problem capitalizing on it. Picture the tv crews, the website news updating blog posts about the latest updates on the Big Brother 11 Chima quit story, and of course, the cable and newspaper stations. “It’ll be the biggest story since Monica Lewinski” some would think, and everybody has to get 24/7 coverage of the Big Brother 11 Chima quit story all of a sudden. I would even venture further into suggesting that sometimes media actually hypes and accelerates the issue, hoping to inflame the situation even more so that there is more “story” to report.

I once was taught by an ex-NBC producer who I’ll refer to as Mr. Stein (not his real name). He taught a media relations class and he told me that one time he went out to cover a story on the CUNY baruch student protests in New York City, that the camera crew that was already there told him “Man [Mr. Stein], this @#$ sure is boring, when are these kids going to flip over a car and start a riot?” Mr. Stein told me he was taken aback but he proved the point that some people look out for horrible or potentially horrible stuff to report. Of course Mr. Stein pointed out that NBC does explicitly (and I hope they still do) tells the crews not to inflame the situation, because well that would be illegal or at least is going to piss off a lot of people and government oversight media officials (namely the Federal Communications Commission or FCC). Thankfully, there was no inflammation of the situation and nobody was hurt, and the protest went on to be ignored completely as usual. The Big Brother 11 Chima quit story may amount to nothing more than the usual hoopla and hype of some media outlets (not nbc of course) and if the usual thing occurs, there will be a lawsuit at worse case scenario, and best case scenario everybody forgets about this whole Big Brother 11 Chima quit story ever happening.

“St. Elmo’s Fire”, ABC’s hopeful for this years hit TV series to replace “Friends”. “St. Elmo’s Fire” will be a more dramatic comedy of the hit series “Friends”. ABC felt this was the perfect time to bring back an hour long brat pack series about friends. Read the full story

If you like Sea Shepherd Steve Irwin and the ship’s antic in Whale Wars with Captain Paul Watson, then don’t miss the new series that is out now. There are a number of reasons why the Sea Shepherd Steve Irwin programme, commonly known as Whale Wars, is an interesting television series as it has a range of different action packed and informative episodes that are jammed packed with the goings on of the volunteers aboard the ship as they go to the Antarctica and prevent Japanese whaling in the region.
Read the full story

Oh my gosh. She’s like the party guest who never leaves. Omarosa, more Omarosa, and just when you think you’ve heard the last of her she somehow manages to make news again.

Is this a coincidence? I think not. The talk sleek beauty is a master of publicity and buzz.

Now, the news is not that she’s coming back on tv (tho I suspect she might if someone were to ask her.)

This time the news is– are you ready????

They news is that she’s going to study for the ministry.

Omarosa?!?!?!?!

Our Omarosa?!?!?!

The mistress of mean.

If you had told me that she was going to go to work for the Joint Chiefs in the war room, I could have believed that.

She is the wizard of strategy and tactics.

But noooo-o!

It’s off to work for God and we wish her all the best with that. Goodness knows she’s taken her beatings in the press. Hopefully the ivory tower time will be a respite from the press.

I gotta wonder tho, how much school is enough. She has a B.A., and an M.A., and was reportedly working on a Ph.D. (piled higher and deeper). Now, more years of school??

Hard to imagine, but I guess given the state of the economy, she is probably not the only one who is chilling in academia.

Omarosa, Omarosa. We will miss you.

There aren’t that many people with a name as long as Omarosa
Manigault-Stallworth. Maybe that’s why The Donald picked her originally– she’s one of a kind.

What is Donald Trump going to do for fun if Omarosa is away at college at United Theological Seminary?

Maybe The Donald is paying for Omarosa’s education– do you think?? There was that stink that brought her back to the Apprentice after the first time– you know some kind of out of court settlement maybe, because she konked her head at one of Donald’s construction sites. Who knows. Just speculating.

The Donald could go to the university and they could have lunch together. What would they talk about? Although she’s portrayed as quite the vixen, Omarosa is one smart cookie and could no doubt hold her own in conversation with Donald Trump.

Well, Omarosa, we look forward to hearing from you again soon. Perhaps she will use the time to plan her next career step in the media. Gosh, it would be kind of hard to negotiate a deal for Omarosa naked photos with Playboy while studying to be a minister. So maybe that’s out.

I’m sure she will come up with some great ideas for her future, and look forward to seeing what she does on her uniquely Omarosa ministry path!

Dexter Season 4 is just around the corner but already the fans are getting sweaty hands as they wriggle and squirm in anticipation at what looks like being another killer season. John Lithgow (Third Rock From The Sun) fans have a major treat in store as this scarily nice actor takes on the role of a highly intelligent serial killer known as “Trinity” for his habitual triple slaughter tendencies. Lithgow will be in all 12 episodes of Dexter Season 4 which makes waiting for the first episode more frustrating than a bucket full of wasps in your underpants. Read the full story