Rosie Talks....About Not Blogging, Ann Coulter and Drinking

Rosie O'Donnell visited Sirius satellite radio show, 'Whatever with Alexis and Jennifer' and made quite a stir.... addressing her embarrassments of 2008. The comedian bluntly talked about why she's no longer blogging, how her variety show reviews almost turned her into an alcoholic and why Ann Coulter has passionate, "deep-seeded" rage.

Excepts from Rosie's Radio Interview
(In Her Own Words)

Why she quit blogging: "I started the blog four years ago... See, I was a kid from Long Island, who said I was going to be rich and retire at 40. Now I'm 40. So I started to do a blog. It was a wonderful way for me to have an outlet to express myself. It got bigger and bigger to the point where whatever I would say or do would end up as one of the soundbites on one of the entertainment shows in the evening. It became more of a drain than an inspiration."

What she misses about having a blog: "Fame robs you of being able to talk to people one on one like at the mall. The blog gave me that outlet. There are people I've been e-mailing for four years and become friendly with. That part I miss - the people. But I don't miss the public part of it. It got a little bit draining."

Why she decided to quit drinking alcohol: "My little daughter, Vivi, came to me on her birthday and said, 'I wish that you would not drink beer.' And I was like, 'Oh my god!'... I stopped drinking beer. I'm off the beer. I haven't [had beer] for about a month and a half... Anyway, beer gets to be so fattening when you get older."

How her drinking has fluctuated throughout her life: "I didn't drink one time in my 20s for about nine years. From 20 to 29, I didn't drink at all. I was dating a woman at the time who was a shrink, and she told me, 'I think you have a drinking problem.' I went to an [Alcoholics Anonymous] meeting and heard all these people's stories about leaving their kids in the car... so I quit."

About her bad variety show reviews: "I wanted to hit the sauce after I read the reviews. What was disconcerting was in the room, it was great. Everyone, even reporter Liz Smith was like, 'What are you going to do?' Smith thought it was fantastic. Everyone at the party said it was genius. Then, I got home and turned on the blog. My blog people - the devoted ones - didn't like it. It was 'too dark.' I was like, 'Oh my. Half the people didn't like it.' Then I knew. Until that point, I had no idea. I was like, 'I could totally hit up a six-pack of Sam Adams right now.'"

Rosie's thoughts about Ann Coulter: "She's angry if you ask me. She's full of rage. When you see someone like that, you have to go back to what happened in their childhood ... You don't know what went on in their household. Sometimes, people with very controversial views, there is some part of their humanity that you can relate to. Even though they think differently than you do, you can still reach them as a human being, but she's not one of them for me."

On whether Coulter really has extremist views: "Yeah, I really do. I don't think it is a show. The passion from which she spews it... It's deep-seeded. It's bizarre."

So, there you have it. There will be no more blogging. I could 'almost' see it coming when she quit blogging for the entire month of August 2008. However, she would occasionally slip in a new header image or a few lines of 'her wisdom'... just enough to keep her fans coming back to check on her blog. And, we did....daily. She acknowledges, in the above interview, that her fans are Devoted to her. Never has anyone captured such a diverse following as Rosie O'Donnell.

We will miss you and your blog, Rosie....especially your 'talkie' blogs. For a few minutes each day, we could connect with you. I really hate that the media has contributed to taking that away from us/her. She's right though....no matter what she talked or wrote about on her blog, you could damn sure count on hearing about it on one of the entertainment shows.

Enjoy your family, Rosie. You will be missed...and I think you know that!

Rosie O'Donnell - Interview on Today Show - Nov. 24th

Rosie O'Donnell stopped by the Today Show for an interview with Meredith Vieira. She talks about her new variety show ... 'Rosie Live' ... and the ongoing feud with Barbara Walters. As a former co-host herself, I'm sure Meredith didn't need any explanations.

Rosie O'Donnell's Search for 'AMERICA'

From Entertainment Tonight, the story of how Rosie O'Donnell found the lead actor for her new film 'America'. She was in Detroit looking for a teenage boy to play the film’s lead role....and found him at Small Plates, a restaurant where he was having lunch with his family. That kid was certainly in the right place at the right time! Can you imagine being approached by Rosie O'Donnell and having her ask you to play the lead role in a movie? The Lifetime Original movie will air in February 2009.
*Note, I had the video posted from Entertainment Tonight. However, they had a hidden 'auto start' code embedded in the video. When my page would load...the video automatically started playing. I prefer to give my readers the option of watching a video...or not. In my web surfing, if I come across a site that has auto start videos, I leave. I find it very intrusive...especially if there is a written article to go along with the video. That being said...you can see the video on ET's website. In the mean time I am trying to fix the problem.

Rosie O'Donnell - Executive Producer/Star of 'America'

In 2002, shortly after having E.R. Frank on her TV show, Rosie O'Donnell purchased the film rights to America.

Fast forward 6 years: Rosie is in Detroit Michigan making a movie. Shooting started yesterday.

Rosie O'Donnell will star in and executive produce America, Lifetime's look at a 15-year-old boy's struggles within the foster-care system.

America reunites O'Donnell with producer Larry Sanitsky and scribe Joyce Eliason, with whom she worked on CBS' 2005 'Riding on the Bus With My Sister'.

Yvez Simoneau (HBO's Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee) will direct the telepic, which hails from Sony Pictures Television.

Scheduled to premiere in February, the made-for-TV-movie is based on E.R. Frank's book. Rosie O'Donnell will play the therapist who guides the pictures title character, America, beyond his troubled past. O'Donnell is joined by Ruby Dee, who co-stars as one of the boy's caretakers.

Tanya Lopez, Senior VP, Original Movies, Lifetime Networks remarked, "We are truly inspired by Rosie's passion for this project. She's an incredible advocate for reforming the foster care system and a strong voice for children. She adds, "Rosie really understands the issues of these kids 'aging out' of the system without any resources to prepare them for life on their own and this film shines a light on this tragic crisis."

Rosie O'Donnell to Host Variety Show on NBC

Rosie O'Donnell has been quite mysterious the past couple of months. First, she announced at the end of July, that she would be taking the month of August off from blogging. Her reason was: "to see if I can"....and "to find the balance". Seems she felt she was becoming addicting to blogging and...the computer, in general.

As promised, she returned to her blog on Sept 1, 2008. Although, she DID post several little articles during August...just not any ASK RO comments. Her fans were disappointed but soon realized that even Rosie needs some time to herself and respected her decision.

Her blogging has been sporadic since her return...only updating a couple of times a week. Some of the ASK RO questions asked if the rumors were true about her return to television. She didn't give away any information other than to say..."i heard that rumor." Then, there was this one that I had my suspicions about:

just sayin Writes:

There is nothing good on TV to watch 2nite. U know what we could use? A cool variety show, Carol Burnett style, hosted by some funny comedienne. Wow that would be great!

Rosie's Reply:

i agree
that would be something

Seems to be a rather cryptic message there. As posted on the blog today, Rosie is indeed returning to television next month when she hosts her own variety show, appropriately titled Rosie's Variety Hour.

Rosie's NBC special – airing Nov. 26, the night before Thanksgiving – will consist of celebrity guests, comic turns, musical acts and a prize giveaway for both the show's in-studio and at-home audiences.

Here's the real kick in the ass. It was also stated (on the internet...not her blog!), if the hour-long show catches enough viewers' eyes, it could become a recurring event next year. Are you kidding me? With the numbers she pulled in while on The View....this Variety show will be a huge success. Go Rosie!!

Note: I know Rosie said she would never have a face lift. I apologize, in advance, for giving her one with Photoshop in the photo used for this post.

Rosie on Rachael Ray Show

Rosie O'Donnell and her Broadway Kids (RBK) appeared on the Rachael Ray show yesterday. It was Rachael's 40th birthday celebration and they surprised her with a special birthday song. Rosie had previously mentioned, on her blog, that she would be appearing on the show. However, everyone thought she would be on this coming Friday, Sept. 12,2008....as per her blog entry.
In case you missed it yesterday, here's a little video of Rosie and the Kids. They did a fantastic job.

Rosie Unplugged

As per her post today, On We Go, Rosie will not be taking nor answering any questions throughout the entire month of August.

One can only speculate as to why. Many are reading a lot of non sense into this proclamation. There are rumors of trouble between Rosie and Kelli. Personally, I think that's ALL it is .... just rumors. My God, they have been together over 10 years.

I think Parker's recent skateboard accident, which resulted in a broken wrist, has put Rosie into Mommy mode. She writes of how she felt at the hospital and how all the memories and emotions came flooding back to her. I'm sure it was a bit overwhelming.

Perhaps she just needs some time away from the blog AND the computer. She must get at least (I'm guessing by the number I have been at times) 5,000 questions per day on her blog. I can't even begin to fathom what that must be like for her. She does the best she can do with answering the questions and yet, there are those who get pissed when she doesn't acknowledge them with a 'Hi' or 'Hello'.

Ms. O'Donnell told People magazine:

“It gets to a point where it’s too much. It’s too draining,” she says. “There’s too much incoming of other people’s opinions and I’m like, ‘Okay, you know what? I’m gonna stop.’ ”

Feedback on the blog has also affected her ability to lock in future projects, including a talk show or variety show she has hinted may find its way to television. “Career-wise, something will be rumored or leaked and then I’ll have 5,000 questions: “Is this true?’ So I’m gonna stop for a while.”

In the last year, since she left "The View," traffic on her site - which once approached 650,000 visitors a month - has fallen more than 85 percent to under 100,000.... according to the Web measurement company compete.com.

We all need a break from time to time. There's nothing wrong with admitting it. Sure, we will miss Rosie and her blog...but, hey.. she's still around. She knows how much her fans love and admire her. So....let's all wish her a month of wonderful family time, lots of boat rides, fresh air and sunshine. I think we could ALL use this time to get re-acquainted with our loved ones.

Rosie O'Donnell on Million Dollar Password

Rosie O'Donnell was spectacular on Million Dollar Password. She and contestant Dante were definitely 'in the zone'. When he reached the $50,000 rank and asked Rosie what to do..her advice to him was..."That's a lot of money. I'm going to give you my best but that's 50 grand...you think about your life." Go Rosie!! You were great.

UPDATE: Sadly, this video has been deleted by CBS. Shame on them!

Rosie O'Donnell Interview with Howard Stern

Known as the 'Shock Jock' of talk radio, Howard Stern lived up to his moniker on Tuesday, June 3, 2008 when he interviewed Rosie O'Donnell. Never one to sugar coat words, he asked the questions that many would have loved to ask. It could have been called..."Everything You Always Wanted To Know About Rosie....But Were Too Polite To Ask." Rosie didn't falter with her answers. She delivered! The entire interview is in five parts, each one about 10 minutes long, and can be heard here.
UPDATE: The 'Day After' Comments on Rosie Odonnell / Howard Stern Interview can be heard here.

Rosie Answered Me

For those who don't already know, I am a HUGE fan of Rosie O'Donnell and have been for many years. She is my stranger / friend. Of course, the friendship is all in my head. I like to think that she reads all my comments I submit to her blog in the Q&A section. However, she gets so many, it's likely that I get 'flushed' on a regular basis.

On May 27th (last comment - bottom of page!) .... Rosie not only saw me ... she answered me! And, I got more than a one word answer. People tell me she put it last so that her readers would see it and say....hmmm, wonder what that's all about? Or, who is this sissorwizard person. Sounds just like something Rosie would do. Whatever the case may be...I'm grateful. It was more than just a brief connection....it was validation.

Thank you Rosie.

Happy Birthday - Kelli O'Donnell

Happy Birthday Kelli


Kelli Carpenter-O'Donnell born May 24, 1967....is a former Nickelodeon marketing executive and co-founder of R Family Vacations. Her life partner is actress and former talk show host Rosie O'Donnell.

Court Overturns Same-Sex Marriage Ban

Photo from Rosie.com
Congratulations Rosie and Kelli O'Donnell !!

California's Supreme Court today struck down the state's statutory ban on same-sex marriage, finding the state's constitution "properly must be interpreted to guarantee this basic civil right to all Californians, whether gay or heterosexual, and to same-sex couples as well as to opposite-sex couples."

In a 4-3 ruling, the majority — with a 121-page opinion authored by Chief Justice Ronald George, joined by associate justices Joyce Kennard, Kathryn Werdegar and Carlos Moreno — found the fact that California law assigns a different name for the official family relationship of same-sex couples compared with the name for the official family relationship of opposite-sex couples "raises constitutional concerns not only under the state constitutional right to marry, but also under the state constitutional equal protection clause."

Read the story in it's entirety here.

Rosie Celebrates Cinco de Mayo on Today Show

Rosie O'Donnell - Today Show

For those who missed the first part of the broadcast. Enjoy!

Rosie O'Donnell - Crafty U - The Today Show

I hope all of you tuned in to see Rosie on the Today Show. If you missed it, here is a video clip of the Crafty U part of it.

Rosie O'Donnell - TV Appearances

UPDATE:

Schedule of TV appearances for Rosie O'Donnell.

Don't miss Rosie’s Crafty U TV appearances and signings!

May 2nd

* The Rachael Ray Show

May 5th

* The Today Show - 10AM Hour

Rosie On Comedy Central-Sunday April 13,2008

Rosie will do stand-up on Comedy Central tonight. Night of Too Many Stars is a live comedy show to benefit autism education and research. Hosted by Jon Stewart, this star packed special will be televised LIVE from The Beacon Theatre in New York City tonight from 8-10PM EST. Tune in...call in...make a donation to this very special event that is so near and dear to Rosie's heart.

Rosie O'Donnell Book Signing

Write it....and they will come! Rosie posted a video of another Crafty U book signing today. The fans came out in record numbers as witnessed by the long lines. Congratulations Rosie! Another best seller.

Rosie O'Donnell on GMA 4-08-2008

Good Morning America



Crafty U Book Signing

Rosie's New Blog

Rosie.com is undergoing another change. Her site will be down until tomorrow. Apparently, she didn't like the 'feel' of the latest design..among other issues with it. Her fans seemed to have some issues with it as well. There were always questions about where to look for something in the 'Ask Ro' section of the blog. It didn't have the familiar feel that her old blog style had.
For a few minutes today, there were some test questions and a glimpse of the new layout. It did seem a little easier to navigate but I saw some things that will most assuredly cause the questions to fly again. I've always heard..."If it isn't broken, don't try to fix it." That might good advice in this case.