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Access Atlanta > Blog > Archives > 2007 > October > 20
Saturday, October 20, 2007
A little bit of country, a lot of painkillers
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
When we learned of CMT’s latest reality show on Friday, two thoughts crossed our migraine-pained brain: There’s not a lot of meaningful post-“American Idol” employment out there for Diana DeGarmo, and former Alpharetta resident Bobby Brown must be feeling better after his recent trip to the hospital.
Early next year, CMT is threatening to release something called “Gone Country” in the atmosphere. We’re told that the incredibly in-depth concept centers on non-country singers who will live in a mansion and compete to see who could best adapt to becoming a country singer.
The celebrities (and we’re using the term loosely here) include Snellville’s own former Idol contestant DeGarmo, as well as the soon-to-be ex-hubby of Whitney Houston, ex-Wilson Phillips singer and “Surreal Life” alum Carnie Wilson, “Brady Bunch” and “Celebrity Fit Club” alum Maureen McCormick, Sisqo (“The Thong Song”), Julio Iglesias Jr. and Dee Snider (Twisted Sister’s “We’re Not Gonna Take It”).
Production is currently under way in Nashville, according to a story posted on Cmt.com.
The celebrities will bunk together in a Nashville mansion together a la “The Surreal Life” and will compose songs with Nashville songwriters.
The cast “will compete against each other in challenges that will test them musically and physically to adapt to a country music lifestyle, both on and off the stage.” John Rich of Big & Rich will be among the judges.
The show is set to air over six episodes in January, which means we all have plenty of time to purchase pain relievers with codeine and set our TiVos…
How justice rolls
Attention, Wal-Mart shoppers: That man parking his massive motor coach near you just might be Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas.
Speaking Thursday at an Atlanta Press Club luncheon, the Georgia native confirmed that yes, he has a big RV that’s a bit like a big, fussy baby (“You put, like, 150 gallons in it.”). And yes, when he and his wife, Virginia, take it out for spins, they sometimes overnight in Wal-Mart SuperCenter lots with people who know them as just plain, petro-guzzling folk. “Someone told us some of the best people in the country are in the RV parks, and it has
been a delight,” Thomas
said.
Less delightful: That time he drove it through Atlanta. “I’ll avoid that now,” Thomas said to hoots of laughter. “There’s a lot going on around Atlanta on the interstate.”
Tell us something we don’t already know, Mr. Justice.
Winfrey school matron suspended
A dormitory matron at Oprah Winfrey’s school for disadvantaged girls in South Africa has been suspended amid allegations of serious misconduct.
No details were disclosed about the alleged offense at the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls at Henley on Klip, just south of Johannesburg.
Police confirmed they had been informed of the allegation, but weren’t investigating at this stage.
Chief Executive Officer John Samuel said an internal inquiry had been initiated “based on one serious claim of misconduct involving a dormitory parent.”
The accused was no longer on campus, Samuel said in a statement Friday, and immediate action had been taken “to ensure the safety and well-being of the academy’s learners.”
“Nothing is more serious or devastating to me than an allegation of misconduct by an adult against any girl at the academy,” Winfrey said in a statement.
South Africa’s Child Protection Services have been notified, and U.S. and South African private detectives have been engaged to investigate, Samuel said.
To ensure an impartial investigation, the head of the academy has agreed to take a paid leave of absence, Samuel said, making clear the woman wasn’t the subject of any allegations.
The school was opened in January amid much fanfare.
SICK BAY
Porter Wagoner has been hospitalized with an undisclosed ailment and is in serious condition, his publicist says.
Darlene Bieber said the 80-year-old Grand Ole Opry star “is asking for prayers from his friends and fans.”
She had no other information, Bieber said.
WSMV-TV reported that Wagoner was admitted to the hospital earlier this week for observation.
He was hospitalized for two weeks in July 2006 after suffering a stomach aneurism. In May, he celebrated his 50th year on the Grand Ole Opry.
CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS
Today: Actor William Christopher (“MASH”) is 75. Musician Tom Petty (above) is 57. Actor Viggo Mortensen (“Lord of the Rings”) is 49. Rapper Snoop Dogg is 36.
Sunday: Actress Joyce Randolph (“The Honeymooners”) is 82. TV judge Judy Sheindlin (“Judge Judy”) is 65. Guitarist Charlotte Caffey of the Go-Go’s is 54. Actress Carrie Fisher is 51. Keyboardist Charlie Lowell of Jars of Clay is 34. Actor Jeremy Miller (“Growing Pains”) is 31. Actor Will Estes (“American Dreams”) is 29.
Contributing: Rodney Ho, Jill Vejnoska and news services. buzz@ajc.com.
If you have a tip, call 404-526-2749. Or fax 404-526-5509. Or e-mail: buzz@ajc.com.
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