In the debut, the four men barely grieve after a gruesome factory accident opens up a prime job. At their co-worker’s funeral, they piggishly ogle Tracey, a hottie staying at Smitty’s house. It’s OK, because she’s no relation to Smitty, they decide; she’s his “ex-wife’s stepdad’s sister’s daughter.”

Back at work, the guys fantasize about Tracey and plot against each other to get that job.

It’s a predictable set-up, but because almost all of the show is improvised, there are some great, unexpected moments.

These four schlubs aren’t as fabulous as Carrie, Samantha, Miranda and Charlotte, but their deadpan banter is.

Posted at 4:30 p.m. Friday, June 27

I called Sharon Gless on Friday morning to talk about the July 10 return of the USA Network series “Burn Notice.” But this being gay Pride Weekend in Chicago, we kind of got sidetracked.

“Oh that’s great. I wish I were there,” she told me over the phone from Miami, where “Burn Notice” films. “Chicago is where ‘Queer As Folk’ was sneaked to me under a table. I was doing a play at the Victory Gardens Theater for one of your playwrights, Claudia Allen.

“I flew out of Chicago one day, went and saw the [‘Queer As Folk’] producers, came back and it was mine.

“Chicago has a very large piece of my heart.”

Gless cemented her standing in the gay community playing rainbow flag-waving mom Debbie Novotny in “Queer As Folk.” But she isn’t sure about being called a gay icon. Actually, it’s the “icon” part that troubles her.

“People have been using the words ‘icon’ and ‘legend’ around me in the past few weeks,” she told me. “I’m not old enough, am I?”

“It’s certainly flattering,” she continued. “I have a great affection for the gay community.”

Gless first rose to fame in the 1980s as Chris Cagney in the ground-breaking female cop series “Cagney & Lacey,” a role that she says had a huge lesbian following, mostly because viewers thought Cagney—and Gless—were gay.

“I mean, people still don’t believe that I’m not gay, and I don’t fight them. I just say, ‘OK, whatever,’” she said.

She says gay fans helped reverse a downward turn in her career post-“Cagney & Lacey.”

“I’ve always given credit to the gay community for keeping my career alive,” she said, adding that “Queer As Folk” changed not only her career, but also her life.

Gless said she feels honored to have played Debbie because of fan reaction and support. After episode tapings in Toronto, she said, fans would gather outside the studio and ask her for hugs. One young fan hugged her and began sobbing.

“All I could think about was the damage that must have been done to this boy. I held him for three or four minutes until he stopped crying.

“I was the lucky one who got to play that role.”

PHOTOS: Above, Sharon Gless stars in USA's "Burn Notice". At right, Gless as Chris Cagney on "Cagney & Lacey," and onstage in the Victory Gardens Theater's "Cahoots" in 2000. [ USA photo/CBS photo/Tribune file photo ]

Click below for more from Gless. And be sure to check back; I’ll post more about what Gless had to say about the new season of “Burn Notice,” in which she plays meddling mom Madeline Westen.

Posted at 8 a.m. Friday, June 27

Like their characters in Spike TV’s “Factory,” the sitcom’s four stars know each other too well.

Mitch Rouse, David Pasquesi, Jay Leggett and Michael Coleman mock and interrupt each other—when they’re not finishing each other’s thoughts. The actors got their comedy training in Chicago’s improv scene in the late 1980s and early ’90s.

In “Factory,” Spike’s first original comedy debuting at 9 p.m. Sunday, the longtime friends play, well, longtime friends who went to high school together and now live in the same town—the actors claim it’s called Wet Dirt, Ill.—and work in the same factory.

“We are precision machinists,” Pasquesi and Coleman told me over breakfast with all the guys at the W Hotel on Thursday.

“But we can’t fix broken hearts,” Rouse said, earning an “Awww” from his pals.

The show follows the four buddies as they spend most of their work hours razzing one another, talking about women—doing anything but their jobs. Things aren’t much different outside work, when the guys get into trouble separately at home or, in the second episode, when they go to a college party.

Rouse, a co-creator of “Strangers with Candy,” stars, directs and produces the mostly improvised sitcom. He and the others have done improv, TV and movies together and always are looking for other projects, he said. Rouse came up with the idea for “Factory,” he said, and then they all tossed the premise around until they came up with the pitch.

“It could just as easily been one of these other guys [who had the idea],” Rouse said. “It wouldn’t have been as good though.”

The actors’ teasing, mischievous relationship comes through in “Factory,” which is “95 percent improvised,” they said. According to the guys, any actors could jump in and out of a scene as it is being shot.

“And there are no bad moves—except for Dave,” Rouse said. Only general details are sketched out for the scenes, then everyone cuts loose. It’s the same way things were done at Improv Olympic and Second City.

“Chicago is the common thread,” said Coleman, who is the only Sox fan in the group and seems to be constantly harassed by the others. “Even though we work differently, we just know how to work together.”

They also tap into the pool of Chicago-trained improv actors that seems to be working all over Hollywood.

“I’m always proud of Chicago ...,” Leggett said. “There was hardly a week that went by when at least one or two guest stars weren’t [Chicago-trained.]”

Come back in the next few days for another post about the “Factory” guys, who told me about when they lived in Chicago and other tales. Read my review of "Factory."

PHOTO: Jay Leggett, Mitch Rouse, David Pasquesi and Michael Coleman star in "Factory." [ Spike TV photo ]

Posted at 9:45 a.m. Thursday, June 12

Joey Kovar chose his health over Hollywood.

The muscle-bound, recovering addict packed up his things and returned to Evergreen Park on Wednesday night’s episode of MTV's "The Real World: Hollywood."

"I'm so [bleeping] stressed out," he told his grandmother on the phone. “I feel like drinking more than ever."

Kovar's roommates were shocked to learn that he had done cocaine on the night earlier in the season when he went on a rampage. The incident led “Real World” producers to help him get into rehab.

They were also clueless about all he had been through before coming to Chicago—living with his parent’s addiction, his own addiction, a suicide attempt. Some of the roomies didn’t seem to be that supportive anyway: On his first night out of rehab, they left him home as they went out and partied.

Kovar told me earlier this season that he has remained clean since coming back to Chicago. And he does, despite what he said in Wednesday’s episode, still want to pursue and acting career.

It just may take a little more time.

“Right now the approach I’m taking is I keep working on the Internet all the time to see if there are any acting gigs right here in Chicago,” Kovar told me. “… If I can save [money] over the next couple of years, hopefully I can move out to Los Angeles and really pursue my acting career.”

Read my earlier interview with Joey here. And don't be surprised if Kovar shows up at the "Real World" house again this season.

Posted at 8:15 a.m. Thursday, June 12

Tim Meadows says it may seem like his character’s story arc on “The Bill Engvall Show” is autobiographical, but that was strictly coincidental.

“I think he’s like me like right now, what I’m going through in my own personal life: being divorced and being single again and dating and all that stuff,” Meadows said of Paul DuFrayne, the hair-replacement specialist he plays on the TBS sitcom, which returns at 8 p.m. Thursday.

The 47-year-old Second City and “Saturday Night Live” alum said that when he was initially approached for the role, he didn’t tell producers anything about his personal life.

“It’s kind of funny because every week we get these scripts back, and I’m like, ‘Wow, I’ve been there before; I’ve done that,’” he said.

Viewers will see more of Meadows on the show this season. Paul not only works in the same office building as the series’ main character, family counselor Bill Pearson (Engvall), he will move into the same gated community where the Pearson family lives. Which means he’ll be more involved with Bill and his family.

TBS’ top-rated hit allows Meadows to draw on his experience 20 years ago in Chicago’s improv scene, where he worked with comics such as Chris Farley, Amy Sedaris, Jane Lynch, Stephen Colbert, Jeff Garlin and Steve Carrell, among others.

“There’s like so many people I can’t even keep track,” he said. “It was fun. It was a fun time to be in Chicago.”

Meadows, who still lives part-time in Chicago, talked more about “The Bill Engvall Show,” his Chicago history, The Ladies Man and “Walk Hard.” Don’t miss the Q&A below.

Posted at 10:15 p.m. Wednesday, June 11

Stephanie Izard was a lion with her lamb Wednesday—and the Chicago chef became the first woman to win Bravo’s “Top Chef.”

“What? Really? Oh my God thank you,” Izard said after the announcement.

Izard was nearly undone by her ricotta pound cake dessert, which the judges called “nothing special.” Overall, the judges enjoyed the other three courses she created—especially her third course of medallions of lamb with Maitake mushrooms, braised pistachios, blackberries and olive tapenade.

“Holy [bleep],” she said in the post interview. “My life’s about to change.”

It was a night of ups and downs for all three finalists, including Richard Blais and Lisa Fernandes.

The chef-testants were paired with three world famous chefs to work as sous chefs on the first day of preparation. Then came the curve ballt: The sous chefs “called in sick” on the second day of the challenge.

Fernandes stayed calm and collected throughout the challenge, while Blais and Izard scrambled.

At judges table, Blais said he choked, and at least one judge—Tom Colicchio—agreed. “He made a few mistakes,” the head judge said, mentioning Richard’s pork belly third course.

The judges debated at length, rating each chef’s courses against each other. In the end. Izard pulled it out.

“I’m so glad I was able to pull through,” she said. “This is what I was meant to do in life.”

Izard will chat with the Chicago Tribune at 1 p.m. Thursday. If you have a question you’d like to hear Izard answer during the live video chat, send an e-mail to chicagotribune.com/topchefchat. Then come back on Thursday to the same address to watch the live chat.

Posted at 8 p.m. Wednesday, June 11

Don’t expect to see any scenes shot in Chicago when TBS’ sweet sitcom, “My Boys,” returns at 8:30 p.m. Thursday.

The show, about a tomboyish Cubs writer PJ Franklin and her group of friends living in the Windy City, shot entirely in L.A. for its second season, according to star Jordana Spiro.

“Trust me, I can speak on behalf of the entire cast,” she told me during a recent conference call. “We wish we could shoot the whole show in Chicago. We shot a week and a half there, collectively, so far.

“For this batch of nine episodes we’re not going to go to Chicago at all, unfortunately.”

When Spiro visits Chicago—which she often has—she said she tries to catch a Cubs game. Beyond going to Wrigley Field, she’s not interested in things PJ would do, she said.

“Every time I go I try to check out new things,” she said. “I would go to like the Art Institute, and I’ve gone to see some concerts and to Bucktown—just checking out different restaurants and things.”

What you should expect from PJ and her boys is more laughs—and what guy PJ invited along on a romantic trip to Italy in last season’s cliffhanger.

And no, I’m not telling. What I can say—what Spiro said—is PJ doesn’t get any luckier at love.

“She struggles this season. She really does,” Spiro said. “I think PJ’s a little bit in that lost time in her life where she doesn’t totally know where exactly she should be going next or what she should be doing next.”

PJ kind of get in her own way when it comes to love, Spiro said, because she loves her life and doesn’t want it to change. She loves playing poker or drinking beer with the guys—Bobby (Kyle Howard), Brendan (Reid Scott), Kenny (Michael Bunin), Mike (Jamie Kaler) and her brother Andy (Jim Gaffigan), as well as her BFF Stephanie (Kellee Stewart).

The new season will focus on that dynamic, and whether PJ breaks away from it. In fact, we won’t see PJ at Wrigley Field at all this season, a fact that disappoints the actress.

“I can see why they’re not going to be doing that ...,” she said. “The show is about the group of friends that sit around the poker table and the girl happens to be the sports writer. It’s not about a sportswriter who happens to have a group of guys sitting around a poker table. You know what I mean?”

Don’t miss the rest of the interview on the jump.

VOTE IN REDEYE'S TOP SONG OF SUMMER ONLINE TOURNEY

Posted at 5:15 p.m. Wednesday, June 11

Apparently Kathy Griffin’s feeling very A-listy these day: Girlfriend’s reps did not call me back to set up an interview with the reality star.

As Kathy herself would say: Whatever.

I was hoping to talk to the Oak Park native prior to the fourth season of her Bravo show, “Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List,” which has its premiere at 8 p.m. Thursday. But no, I wasn’t connected with her.

I guess that’s what winning an Emmy Award does to a home girl. What am I, a D-list TV writer?

I feel like Kathy must feel when celebrities snub her on the red carpet. And hey, I’m even one of her gays.

Despite the diva-licious attitude, I still enjoy the rude, crude, obnoxious ’tude the comic brings to her show. Well, to her life. In the season opener, she goes off on Britney Spears, Oprah Winfrey and Discovery Channel’s “Planet Earth” series. (The series topped Griffin’s at the Producers’ Guild Awards earlier this year.)

She spares Anderson Cooper, the decidedly A-list personality with whom she hosted CNN’s New Year’s Eve in January. Despite her best efforts, she manages not to get a fatwa put on her during the telecast—but she can’t keep her posse from getting plowed. (They play a drinking game: Every time Kathy calls Anderson “Andy,” they have to drink a shot.)

The funniest bits are of Kathy with her boyfriend at the time, Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak (right). She takes him to the Producer’s Guild ceremony, where she is presenting. It’s another A-list event for Kathy, but she lowers the bar—hilariously.

During the ceremony Kathy flips off other presenters and bags on everyone from Winfrey to Christina Applegate to “American Idol” creator Simon Fuller. Afterward, she and “Woz” are shown chatting in her limo.

“Woz could care less about Hollywood,” Kathy says in her voice-over. “But give him something nerdy to do and he’s like a kid in a candy store. A really, really, really rich kid in a very nerdy candy store.”

Cut to Wozniak as he tells Kathy people would make fun of her for not “hacking into [her own] iPhone.”

“Can you do it for me?” she asks.

“Welcome to App Store. You are now ready for third party applications ...” he says, reading the phone’s screen as he sets it up. Kathy looks at him glowingly, as if she’s falling deeply in love.

“You really have an aptitude for this,” she says. “You’re like a throbbing brain with a tie.”

Apparently the throbbing brain came to its senses. The pair has since broken up, according to news reports.

No, no, I’m just messing with you, Kathy. Love ya. Call me, ’K?

See Kathy before she joined any list here. Go to Scott Kleinberg's blog for all your iPhone news. But before you do, don't miss these video previews of "D-List" provided by Bravo.

In this video, Kathy gets a visit from Michael Levitt, producer of the Producers Guild Awards.

Posted at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 11

Chicago’s Stephanie Izard cooks for the “Top Chef” title at 9 p.m. Wednesday against Richard Blais and Lisa Fernandes. No matter how she finishes, Izard will be chatting with folks at the Chicago Tribune—and with you—at 1 p.m. Thursday.

If you have a question you’d like to hear Izard answer during the live video chat, send an e-mail to chicagotribune.com/topchefchat. Then come back on Thursday to the same address to watch the live chat.

Posted at 6 p.m. Thursday, June 5

I have to laugh at the controversy swirling around CBS’ new series, “Swingtown.”

Earlier this week the Parents Television Council issued a warning about the drama, which depicts couples in 1970s suburban Chicago partaking in sex, drugs and, um, easy listening. The group said the show “drives a stake through the institution of marriage and family, and that children should not be allowed to watch the show.”

And as you can see from the news report in the video above, the complaints haven’t stopped.

Honestly people, “Swingtown” is not that bawdy. I have more vivid visions of sex in the seconds after my alarm goes off in the morning than the series opener—at 9 p.m. Thursday—shows in its entire hour. There’s more sex and drugs on ABC Family shows, for that matter.

All the squawking almost makes me want to root for “Swingtown,” which I didn’t really enjoy because it’s such a tease. (What it needs is more sex, not less—and more humor. Don't miss my review.)

But CBS couldn’t ask for better free publicity. With everyone complaining that “Swingtown” is too sexy for network TV, everyone’s bound to tune in—until they see it ain’t all that.

Posted at 1:20 a.m. Friday, May 30

Fred Weller doesn’t have to stretch too much to play a U.S. marshal named Marshall Mann on USA Network’s new series, “In Plain Sight.”

“I could, probably, very easily kill a man,” Weller told me last week via phone from upstate New York. “But Marshall has a certain dorky element to him, which obviously I’m completely void of. So that would be where we differ.”

Weller was joking—I hope, anyway—but he does bring his own brand of humor to the hour-long drama premiering at 9 p.m. Sunday.

“In Plain Sight” centers on the complicated life of Marshall’s partner, Mary Shannon (Mary McCormack), who’s excellent at her job but can’t get her family life under control. She has to deal with a dingy mom, a lazy sister and her own grumpy attitude about life.

She also has to deal with Marshall, who, according to Weller, “carries a torch for her.”

“Sometimes I think my affections may be secretly requited, although Mary McCormack seems to think otherwise,” he said. “There’s definitely some tension I would say.”

As if that’s not enough stress for Mary, she and Marshall are charged with protecting witnesses entering the Federal Witness Protection Program in Albuquerque, N.M.

“It’s a pretty cool job,” Weller said, adding that a retired marshal serves as a technical adviser on the show. “I learned that the U.S. marshals with WITSEC are a lot more badass than I had imagined—apparently the best in the country in terms of, well, being able to protect people.”

But the new series isn’t all drama. Although it’s a little more serious than USA’s other jokey dramas such as “Burn Notice,” “Monk” and “Psych,” Weller said there’s plenty of comedy—often supplied by his character.

“He’s a trained badass, but wears pajamas with little planes on them, you know? I mean it’s pretty fun.”

It was also fun filming last fall in Albuquerque, Weller said, adding that it has a “funky” main drag.

“There’s something rather interesting about having a town with just three great bars and three great restaurants,” he said. “Limited [choices], but quality.

“I really got into it.”

Filming in the city where the action actually is set also added authenticity, he said.

There is one other reason Weller has fond memories of the city. “My daughter was born there,” he said. Weller and his wife, actress Ali Marsh, welcomed Azalia in November.

“It was beautiful and the child seems to be perfectly intelligent.”

“In Plain Sight” is Weller’s first gig as a series regular since he filmed “Missing Persons” in Chicago in the early 1990s. Go to the jump for Weller’s take on the Windy City and to hear more about his new show and character.

Posted at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, May 24

RedEye’s ready for its close-up.

Check us out at midnight Saturday/Sunday on WMAQ-Ch. 5’s around-the-town show “24/7 Chicago.” Co-host Billy Dec recently visited RedEye with a camera crew and reveals the magic that results in your daily dose of RedEye—from the editorial offices to the delivery system.

I the same episode, actor Peter Stormare—who starred in “Prison Break” and those hilarious VW commercials—gives a tour of his fave Chicago neighborhood, Andersonville.

Q101’s Alan Cox, host of the Morning Fix, also is featured.

For more on “24/7” go to this Web site.

Posted at 8:45 p.m. Monday, May 19

Melvin Davis faces Titan on the Joust. Davis didn't do too well.

Melvin Davis proved he was Chicago’s top cop, at least on Monday night’s “American Gladiators.”

The 42-year-old police officer pulled a surprising upset, coming from way behind in the final event to beat his partner, 31-year-old David Moore.

"Age just doesn't matter when it comes to the Eliminator," host Hulk Hogan said after the event. "It's Melvin Mania."

Moore was at least 3 obstacles ahead of Davis in the Eliminator, but got hung up on the last hurdle, the Travelator. Davis caught up and pushed ahead to win the event.

Even if his Eliminator time of 10 minutes, 33 seconds doesn’t strike fear into opponents’ hearts, Davis moves on to the semifinals, where he could face fellow Chicagoan Randee Haynes.

Posted at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, May 19

Chicago cops and partners Melvin Davis (center) and David Moore (right) face Toa (left) in Power Ball.

Chicago folks have been reality TV darlings lately, and Monday night will be no different.

Three Windy City men will try to woo “The Bachelorette,” DeAnna Pappas, at 8 p.m. on ABC, just after two Chicago cops are pitted against each other at 7 p.m. on NBC’s “American Gladiators.”

All this comes just a week after Chicago’s own Randee Haynes (left) won the first semifinal spot in Season 2 of “Gladiators.” He didn’t face gladiator Rocket, a.k.a. former champ and Fox River Grove native Evan Dollard, but he easily won the Eliminator just as Dollard did last year.

“I’m ecstatic with my performance,” Haynes told host Hulk Hogan last week after finishing the new, tougher Eliminator in 2 minutes, 6 seconds.

On Monday, Chicago police partners David Moore and Melvin Davis face off against each other—and the gladiators—for another semifinal berth.

When the fourth installment of “The Bachelorette” debuts Monday, DeAnna Pappas will meet three guys who live in Chicago: Patrick C., 26, a financial analyst (from left); Fred, 30, a lawyer; and Patrick D., 27, an internet marketer.

They are among the 25 men who include a trio of professional athletes, a pair of teachers and a guy named Twilley.

Pappas, 26, was picked and then dumped last fall by “The Bachelor” Brad Womack, who opted not to even continue their relationship.

Huge viewer response led ABC to resurrect “The Bachelorette” for the first time since 2005—when, coincidentally, Chicagoan Jen Schefft opted to stay single rather than pick one of her two final guys.

Posted at 3:45 p.m. Friday, May 9

Chicago’s Evan Dollard—last season’s champ of NBC’s “American Gladiators”—is much happier being a gladiator than a competitor.

“I can go out there and just have fun,” Dollard told me last week during a phone chat. “I can compete as a gladiator and know that the only thing at stake is my pride.

“And I will say this too: It’s a lot more enjoyable to chase somebody on The Wall than to be chased. It’s so much more rad to be the pursuer.”

Dollard’s talking about his best event from last season, the climbing wall, which he says will be more difficult when Season 2 opens at 7 p.m. Monday with a two-hour premiere.

“The Wall itself is 10 feet higher [making it 50 feet tall] and much wider,” said Dollard, who is returning to the show as one of three new gladiators. His gladiator name is “Rocket.” “It just looks sick. It’s absolutely insane.”

Producers have made the entire show much bigger this season, according to NBC. Action will take place in an all-new, “state-of-the-art” Gladiator Arena built within the L.A. Sports Arena. They’ve added seven events as well, including Rocketball and Vertigo, which are revealed in the premiere.

Dollard—Rocket, I mean—takes part in Vertigo, which has competitors climbing a 30-foot, swaying pole, then racing from that pole to seven more poles until they reach the finish.

“It’s a fun event and it looks great on camera,” Rocket said.

Rocket got a little Chicago face time this season. Three of the male contenders hale from the Windy City—Randee Haynes, David Moore and Melvin Davis.

“It was fun having them in the arena, to have that Chicago love,” Rocket said. “For Chicago to represent one more time was an absolute thrill.”

Dollard also told me how he and producers picked his name, what it was like getting to know his gladiator “nemesis” Wolf and what he’s up to in his acting career. Go to the jump for the entire interview.

Read all about Dollard and his road to becoming a Gladiator.

Posted at 3:30 p.m. Friday, May 9

Three Chicagoans compete in the new season of "American Gladiators": Randee Haynes (left photo) and Chicago cops David Moore (left, above) and Melvin Davis, who compete against each other on May 19.

“American Gladiators” announced the 40 contenders who will go up against the gladiators when Season 2 begins at 7 p.m. Monday.

Three of those contenders are from Chicago—and they may have to face one of the new gladiators—Chicago’s own Even “Rocket” Dollard.” They’re competing to win $100,000 and a spot as a gladiator in the following season of “America Gladiators.”

Here are NBC’s bios of the Chicago contenders:

Randee Haynes is a 25-year-old carpenter. He hails from a family of 13 kids whose names all begin with "R." He admires and appreciates his parents, and as a father of two, strives to be half the father his dad was. Haynes’ silly and lovable demeanor proves that you don’t have to train hard to be a good athlete.

David Moore is a 31-year-old police officer. He is a true family man who does everything for his son and wife. Moore is a health nut who believes in staying fit and eating right. He loves to joke around with his buddy Melvin Davis, a fellow police officer and contender on this cycle of "American Gladiators."

Melvin Davis is a 42-year-old cop that has been in the Chicago Police Department for fifteen years. He became a cop to help the community and give back, and he loves his work. He has also been a bodyguard for actress Jennifer Hudson.

Re-posted at 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 7

Did you see me on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” on Tuesday? If you missed me, check out the clip above.

The arrow is pointing at me ... standing behind Ellen ... during the show. That arrow follows me around everywhere. Hate it.

Anyway, hanging with Ellen—sort of—while she was in Chicago was a riot, even though it was, as guest Robin Williams said, “so cold even the Wrigley Building has nipples.” Seeing myself behind Ellen also got me thinking about how short she is—I mean how tall I am.

I wanted to offer you folks the opportunity to win a little piece of my Ellen experience. During the show, Ellen’s warm-up guy Tom Riles tossed out several “I Danced with Ellen” T-shirts. One happened to bounce off several frozen fingers before falling at my feet. You can see the T in the photo on the right.

Like I said, I wanted to give you a chance to win that T-shirt. It’s 100 percent cotton, a size large and, best of all, is stained with tomato sauce from the Pizano’s pizza served to the audience after the show. From Oprah, and Ellen. (I tried to clean it, but there’s still a stain.)

But my innocent little contest was stopped when lawyers got involved. You know how that goes: What should take 30 minutes to figure out will take weeks, months or years. Exhibit A: The R. Kelly trial. Anyway, since I can no longer offer you this lovely stained T-shirt as a prize, I’m going to send it to my Mom for Mother’s Day.

You’re welcome, Mom. Thank the lawyers, and the possibly litigious contest participants they fear.

Feel free, dear readers, to answer the one question I had planned to ask you in the T-shirt contest. But now you’ll win a simple “Good job, you!,” from me. All you need to do is go to the comments section below and enter your answer to this question:

What is the height difference, in inches, between Ellen and Curt?

Happy height guessing! And sorry you won’t be getting a prize.

VOTE IN REDEYE'S "BEST CHARACTER ON TV" ONLINE TOURNAMENT

Posted at 12:30 p.m. Monday, May 5

Mayor Richard Daley, Ellen DeGeneres and Maggie Daley at the Saturday taping. Click on the photo to view the Ellen in Chicago gallery. [Michael Rozman photo/Warner Bros.]

Ellen DeGeneres and Mayor Richard Daley pulled a fast one on Chicago.

When the mayor introduced Ellen on Saturday for the Chicago taping of “The Ellen DeGeneres Show,” he called her Helen.

Apparently it wasn’t one of Daley’s famous blunders, as Chicago media—including me—reported over the weekend.

The mayor was in on the whole thing.

"He knows her name is Ellen," Jodi Kawada, the mayor's deputry press secretary, told me Monday. "He's been a fan of hers for a long time."

Ellen on Monday released this statement, according to her publicist: "I love that the Mayor calls me 'Helen.' It's a little running joke we have. Thank you Mayor Haley."

According to the publicist, when Ellen called Mayor Daley during her April 15 episode, he jokingly called her Helen before correcting himself. It’s been an ongoing gag on the show since then, the publicist said. Kawada, who wasn't at the taping Saturday, confirmed that.

Apparently I haven’t been watching the show enough.

“I guess we assumed everyone would know it was a joke,” Ellen's publicist said, referring to the mayor’s “flub” on Saturday.

Ellen played up the joke throughout the taping, at one point even explaining how he might remember her name.

“The city has a whole transportation system named after me. ‘L’-En,” she said from the stage. The mayor was laughing down below.

The gag grew even larger when guest Robin Williams took the stage. He called Ellen several names, and even told the crowd he was “Reuben.”

The Chicago show is supposed to air at 3 p.m. Tuesday on NBC5/WMAQ. To read my original report about the taping, go here.

Posted at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, May 2

Ellen DeGeneres opens her Chicago show on Saturday. Click on the photo for my "Ellen in Chicago" gallery. [Michael Rozman photo/Warner Bros.]

I danced with Ellen DeGeneres on Saturday, and I got a T-shirt to prove it.

I also received a free piece of Pizano’s pizza, wet clothes and cold fingers.

About 3,000 fans attended the first-ever Chicago taping of “The Ellen DeGeneres Show,” which took place on Michigan Avenue between Tribune Tower and the river. It featured guests Robin Williams and “American Idol” rejects Michael Johns and Carly Smithson, who sang two songs together.

Lesa Kypuros, 30, of Beecher, camped out next to Tribune Tower at 8 p.m. Friday to get in line early Saturday. She and a friend ended up with the first two stand-by tickets.

“We just want to see Ellen,” said Kypuros, who called herself a big fan. “It’s her first time in Chicago. We gotta welcome her.”

And despite the cold, wind and rain, everyone seemed to be having a great time—including Ellen. She was just as charming and funny as she is on TV. Wait, she was filming to be on TV.

“I guess the saying ‘If you don’t like the weather, stick around for five minutes,’ is not a joke,” she told the crowd, then showed a doctored photo showing what was supposed to be her in a bikini. “This is what I had on during rehearsal earlier [when the sun was out].”

At the end of the 1-hour, 25-minute taping—when the rain really started coming down—Ellen thanked the crowd for standing in the rain.

“I love this town so much.”

I don’t want to give away too many details about the show. You’ll have to tune in at 3 p.m. Tuesday on NBC5/WMAQ to see the episode. And watch for me standing behind Ellen when she introduces the “Idol” stars. I’m wearing a hat.

Some highlights from the taping:

IT’S ELLEN, MAYOR DALEY, NOT HELEN

Mayor Richard Daley fumbled his welcome for Ellen, introducing her on camera as Helen DeGeneres.

“For some reason he thinks my name is Helen,” she said, adding that he might remember her name by thinking of the city’s public transportation.

“It’s like the ‘L,’” she suggested. “‘L’—En.”

SINGING IDOLS

Rejected “American Idol” contestants Michael Johns and Carly Smithson showed that maybe they did get voted off the show too soon. They were pretty good together—singing U2’s “One” and Sam & Dave’s “Hold On, I’m Coming.” Read more at the Vital Idol blog.

NO OPRAH RIVALRY

Despite Ellen fan Brent Dansby’s feelings, there’s no rivalry between Ellen and Oprah Winfrey.

“We’re helping [Ellen] beat Oprah,” the 30-year-old told me before the taping, suggesting that was the reason he and Tucker Holley, 30, stood in line to get into the event. The Printer’s Row residents had ticket No.s 685 and 686 before the taping, and expected to be standing in the back for the show.

Oprah wasn’t there in person, but welcomed Ellen to Chicago via a taped message. She also sent Ellen and her crew Oprah’s favorite pizza from Pizano’s. Ellen upped the order—for her entire audience. (Thanks Ellen!)

ELLEN SHOWS HER BADONKADONK

One segment of Ellen’s show is right up RedEye’s Word on the Street blogger Tracy Swartz’ alley. In “What the hell are these kids talking about,” Ellen has explained to viewers the definitions of such words and phrases as shawty, boo and “drop it like it’s hot.” On Saturday, she explained what a honky tonk badonkadonk is—by wiggling her behind.

ROBIN WILLIAMS-WAAAAA!

Chicago native Robin Williams took over the show during his chat, er, monologue with Ellen. I’m not sure how much will actually make it into the episode, but his jokes—all funny—were a lot like this one: “It’s so cold even the Wrigley Building has nipples.”

HARDEST WORKING MAN IN THE BIZ

Tom Riles, the guy who warms up Ellen's audience before the show and between segments, must drink a whole lot of coffee. He hardly stopped moving from about a half hour before taping began to the end of the show, at least two hours if not more.

Tom explained all the rules—phones off, hug the person next to you, give the person in front of you a back rub, tell your neighbors you love them. He and DJ Stryker also got us on our feet and dancing. And Tom's the guy who tossed out the "I danced with Ellen" T-shirts, one of which I happened to catch.

One of the most endearing things about Tom, who is from Chicago, is how he sings the wrong lyrics to songs, or the right lyrics at the wrong times.

So he wouldn't make it on "American Idol." He does just fine on "Ellen."

Posted at 10 p.m. Friday, May 2

Ellen DeGeneres tapes a segment at Giordano’s in Chicago on Friday. Photos by Michael Rozman/Warner Bros.

Ellen DeGeneres began her invasion of Oprah territory on Friday.

The talk show host taped a segment for an upcoming episode of “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” show at Giordano’s downtown. According to the show’s publicist, she played “Deep Dish Dig” at the restaurant.

DeGeneres will tape her show outdoors Saturday afternoon on Michigan Avenue between Tribune Tower and the Chicago River. The publicist said she expects an audience of 3,000 to attend. Sorry, no more tickets are available. I was out there on Friday, and it looks like a majority of that crowd will be standing—unless they hadn’t set up all the chairs yet.

DeGeneres will chat up Chicago native Robin Williams, as well as present a “TV exclusive” duet by “American Idol” rejects Michael Johns and Carly Smithson.

I’m going to the taping, so check back later this weekend and I’ll tell you how it went. The episode is scheduled to air at 3 p.m. Tuesday on NBC5/WMAQ.

Posted at 9 p.m. Thursday, May 1

Sen. Barack Obama continues his pop culture appearances Thursday with a stop on “Late Show with David Letterman.” The Democratic presidential candidate delivered the Top 10 list for the episode, which was taped earlier in the day and will air at 10:30 p.m. on CBS.

And here it is, from the home office in Wahoo, Nebr., of course (courtesy CBS):

Surprising Facts About Barack Obama
10. My first act as President will be to stop the fighting between Lauren and Heidi on “The Hills.”
9. In the Illinois primary, I accidentally voted for Kucinich.
8. When I tell my kids to clean their room, I finish with, “I’m Barack Obama and I approved this message.”
7. Throughout high school, I was consistently voted “Barackiest.”
6. Earlier today I bowled a 39.
5. I have cancelled all my appearances the day the “Sex and the City” movie opens.
4. It’s the birthplace of Fred Astaire. (Sorry, that’s a surprising fact about Omaha)
3. We are tirelessly working to get the endorsement of Kentucky Derby favorite Colonel John.
2. This has nothing to do with the Top Ten, but what the heck is up with Paula Abdul?
1. I have not slept since October.

Posted at 8:30 a.m. Thursday, May 1

Call it the return of the king. Chicago's Evan Dollard is back in Gladiator arena—as a champion and new “American Gladiators.”

Dollard, who scored the nickname the Evanator last season—now goes by Rocket in the Gladiator arena. He is one of three new warriors who’ll battle contestants when the NBC competition returns on May 12, along with Season 1 women’s champ Monica “Jet” Carlson, and Jennifer “Phoenix” Widerstrom.

According to TV Guide, Dollard and the other newbies have been working hard at Gladiator Boot Camp with up to five hours of physical training a day.

I’m guessing Dollard will specialize in The Wall this season. The rock climbing enthusiast blew away Wolf every time in Season 1, scampering up The Wall in record times.

Watch for more Chicago connections this season too. In the May 19 episode, Chicago cops and partners David Moore and Melvin Davis go up against each other.

I’m trying to set up a chat with Dollard, so check back later. Until then, view his Season 1 photo gallery by clicking on the photo here. Read all about Dollard and his road to becoming a Gladiator.

Posted at 5:40 p.m. Tuesday, April 29

Farmer Matt Neustadt and his pecs drove a group of models around Hollywood on Tuesday to promote "Famer Wants a Wife."

It took a lot convincing for me to believe that farmer Matt Neustadt of the CW’s new reality matchmaking show, “Farmer Wants a Wife,” is, indeed, a farmer.

I’m from Nebraska and I’ve seen a lot of farmers—even farmers’ sons, and I don’t recall any of them not having red-neck-and-arms farmer’s tans, sweat-matted hair and less-than-fit bodies.

Which isn’t to say I haven’t seen cute farm boys. Neustadt, however, has none of the above traits and is beyond cute. His abtacular, gym-toned body and all-over bronze tan are the traits of a man who spends his days bedding women in a soap opera, not driving a tractor—even if he’s doing it shirtless.

But if you watch “Farmer Wants a Wife” when it debuts at 8 p.m. Wednesday on the CW—and I’m not suggesting you do—be assured that he is a real farmer. (I’m still guessing he has a home gym on the farm, however. You don’t get those abs from throwing hay bales.)

According to a New York Times story, Neustadt and his family own a farm about 25 miles north of St. Louis, in Portage Des Sioux, Mo.

That’s where, in the dating show premiere, 10 “city” women—including Chicago residents Amanda and Ashley—travel to meet the farmer of their dreams. That some of these women are willing to give up city life is another reason to doubt the authenticity of this show. You’ll see they clearly love their own lives by their reactions to the farm. “Do you have an actual toilet in here?”)

It’s up to Neustadt to whittle these women down to “the one.” If you like the idea of watching 10 gals catch and cage chickens in order to woo a hot farm boy, you’ll tune in. Me? I’ll wait until I visit the parents in Nebraska.

Read more about the Chicago contestants on the jump.

Posted at 8:30 p.m. Saturday, April 19

Chicago-area B-boys and girls, MTV is looking for more dance crews for the second season of “Randy Jackson Presents: America’s Best Dance Crew.”

The network will audition dance crews beginning at 8 a.m. Saturday, May 3, at Visceral Dance Chicago, 2820 N. Elston Ave. The line starts forming at 8 a.m., auditions run from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and callbacks are set for Sunday, May 4.

According to an MTV press release, series backstage correspondent Layla Kaleigh, celebrity choreographer Napoleon and casting director Michelle McNulty will be on hand for the try-outs.

Casting calls are for crews of 5-7 dancers (ages 18 and older) who should come prepared with a choreographed routine and have a copy of their music to leave with producers.

For more information, go to dance.mtv.com/casting.

Posted at 9:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 16

June 11, 2008: