Question: Did Scott Speedman really attend Keri's play? It has been suggested on another board that you make these things up. — Nancy Ausiello: Yes, he most definitely attended her play — and crashed at her Manhattan crib with Amanda Foreman afterward. And anyone who suggests I make things up is just jealous because I have Keri's digits and they don't.
Question: Any weight-loss tips to share? I need some help with my resolution to lose 50 lbs. — Carol Ausiello: Pretend you're Jewish and act like every day is Yom Kippur. It worked wonders for me.
Question: I was wondering if there was any news about a possible spin-off of Brad Garrett's character from Everybody Loves Raymond? — Jake Ausiello: Good question. The Raymond cast will also be participating in a press-tour panel next week, so I'll remember to toss this question at them.
Question: How many of the Smurfs are gay? — John Ausiello: Just the one — Vanity.
Question: Do you know why Jimmy Kimmel Live is scheduling reruns on Thursdays? — Gord McDougall Ausiello: Apparently, it's to allow "Jimmy more time to write and participate in comedy sketches," says the show's spokeswoman. Which is just a coy way of saying he's home watching The O.C.
Question: I was recently told that this season of Gilmore Girls will be its last. Something about Alexis Bledel mentioning in an interview that she wants to do something different in her career. — Anita Job Ausiello: Sorry about your employment situation, Anita. As far as GG goes, I'm, like, 90 percent sure it'll be back next year. But you can bet I'll pose that question next week at the mid-season press tour, where the cast will be participating in a panel discussion. If you gots any other questions for Lauren Graham & Co., send 'em in now and I'll do my best to get them answered.
Question: Just wondering exactly which issue is going to have your article on Keri? — Gwenn Ausiello: The one that goes on sale the week of January 24. Look for lots of fanfare in that week's "Ask Ausiello" — including Keri's first words on losing the role of Lois Lane to the actress whose name I dare not speaketh. (You're a fool, Bryan Singer. A fool, I tell ya!)
Question: I found your Oklahoma Sooner-bashing comment offensive ("Entertainment News" 1/4). Hopefully for you, USC will be able to score some points on the Oklahoma defense. — Robert Young Ausiello: I was never good at math, but, um, does 55 qualify as "some?" Rob? You there? Bueller?
Question: Just got TiVo for Christmas. What did critics and TV Guide writers do before TiVo? I rank it with the wheel, fire and the alphabet in human development. Over the top? — James Wester Ausiello: Not by a long shot. I think it's the best thing to happen since the birth of Jesus Chr... no, make that Keri Russell!
Question: I'm so glad Joan and Melissa will be back doing Globes coverage for TV Guide Channel, but I hope it will air like a real show and not just half screen. I mean, give the women some dignity. — Susan Ausiello: Yeah, Team Rivers will get the full-screen treatment during their red carpet revue, which kicks off Sunday at 6 pm/ET. I'm trying to get them to go full screen during my weekly "Big 5" segment — airing every Friday at 7 pm/ET — but so far, they won't budge.
Question: Do you know what ever happened to that beautiful actress from Tangerine Taxi, Roberta Weiss? Is she still working? — Millie Lauren Ausiello: If you're referring to Roberta Weiss of Santa Barbara fame, she recently appeared in the short film Audition, which can be viewed by clicking here. She's currently raising her daughter outside of Los Angeles, but returns to her old stomping ground whenever opportunity knocks. Let's hope opportunity knocks soon. (You're a fool, Bryan Singer. A fool, I tell ya!)
Question: So, what's this Charmed news you couldn't tell us last week? — T Ausiello: Titanic's Billy Zane has signed up for a three-episode arc beginning Feb. 13. He'll play an ex-demon who falls for Alyssa Milano.
Question: When is Summerland coming back? I just saw Carmen Electra doing an interview saying she taped six episodes of the show. — Kim Ausiello: We finally have a date — Lori Loughlin and Co. return Feb. 28. And yes, Carmen is joining the cast for at least six episodes as Johnny's (Shawn Christian) new love interest. I'm also hearing a member of the show's young set (of the female persuasion) is gonna get axed soon.
Question: Has ABC decided when they're going to air Eyes? I can't find a time and date anywhere. — Melissa Ausiello: They're still saying spring, but I'm hoping they reconsider and put it on sooner. It's by far the best mid-season show on any network — broadcast or cable. Part of me wants it to air after Lost and Alias at 10 pm Wednesday, but I'm not sure if my faint heart can handle that much quality on one night.
Question: Has North Shore been put out of its misery? — Heather Ausiello: This Thursday's episode is being billed as the season — not series — finale, so, technically speaking, Brooke Burns still has a career.
Question: So, I went to see Keri's play Fat Pig over the weekend (loved it) and spoke to Keri after the show. Cool chick that I am, I mentioned that I had to see the play based on your love for her. She smiled (genuinely) and told me she thinks you are the greatest guy. Happy New Year. — Riqie Ausiello: I thought I asked you not to mention my name?!? But since you did... What else did she say? Did she ask how I was? Did she mention that she gave me her digits? Spill, Riqie, spill!
Question: I just heard that The Mountain aired its last episode. Is that true? — Rick Ausiello: Yes, the show is dead. The series finale aired Jan. 2. Let's all observe a moment of silence for The Mountain.
Question: Does Fox sell the 24 shirt that you received ("Ask Ausiello" 1/6)? If so, can you link to it or post a picture? I'd love to get 24 gear. — John Berggren Ausiello: Nope, that's a swag exclusive. But if you send me your address I'll drop one in the mail to you — because I'm just that kind of guy. But I have to warn you John: If I don't hear from you today by 6:23 pm/ET, it's going to someone else. And by "someone else," I mean the first person who e-mails me about it.
Question: If you had to go to prison for any crime, what would it be? And no, Mariska won't be the one to lock you up. — J. Lerr Ausiello: Probably strangling the next person who asks me when Tru Calling is returning.
Question: Why did NBC run a repeat of Medium last Thursday when they promised us a new episode? Are they trying to tick off the "16 million" people that gave the show a chance? — Timothy Ausiello: Here's the statement NBC gave me: "We launched the show successfully on Monday so we had the luxury of saving the episode originally scheduled for Thursday for the regular time period and the long battle ahead versus CSI: Miami. We thought we made the change in time to avoid confusing viewers, and we apologize for any confusion." Clearly, viewers forgave the Peacock. All 16 million viewers who tuned in for last week's premiere returned for Episode 2 this past Monday. The moral of the story? Lying breeds loyalty.
Question: How good are you at getting current contact addresses for someone? I need to get in touch with an old friend that I've been trying to track down every single day for the last 22 years, and I will not give up until someone helps me. We met in 1983 and became friends. We lost contact (I found out later why) but I didn't know at the time! Please help me! E-mail me and I will explain the whole thing to you so you will fully understand. Thank you for your time! — G. Hall Ausiello: Is your friend's name Anita Medical Restraints? If so, she can be found by clicking here.
Question: Is Emilie de Ravin (aka Claire from Lost) leaving the show? — Joy Ausiello: I'm guessing not, since she — or rather, that demon spawn she's carrying in her womb — may very well be the key to this whole island mystery. I hear they're planning to rerun Claire's flashback episode Feb. 2, so don't be surprised if the pregnant Aussie returns the following week.