Morning Briefing:
Ridiculous pet bites ridiculous celebrity: Paris Hilton spent a few hours in the hospital early Tuesday morning after her pet kinkajou, Baby Luv, sank its teeth into her arm. Like the heiress, the wound was only superficial, and Hilton was released after getting a tetanus shot. It's not the first time Baby Luv has attacked: Not long after Hilton bought him in Las Vegas in 2005, the little raccoon-like beast turned on her when she was out shopping for lingerie and a bullwhip. (TMZ, Gossip or Truth, N.Y. Post)
Mel's friend in need: When you're in the middle of a P.R. fiasco as big as the one Mel Gibson's dealing with right now, it helps to have friends in high places put in a good word for you, and Gibson must be incredibly grateful that none other than Focus on the Family founder James Dobson has finally spoken up on his behalf. In statement, Dobson said "we certainly do not condone that racially insensitive outburst," but added "Mel has apologized profusely for the incident and there the matter should rest." The really important thing here, he stressed, is that neither Gibson's drunken speeding nor his anti-Semitic outburst has anything to do with "one of the finest films of this era," "The Passion of the Christ." (Associated Press)
First photos of smudge that's possibly Suri Cruise: If it's indistinct, grainy shots of what might be Baby Suri nestled down for a nap within Tom Cruise's hulking mansion you long for, it's indistinct, grainy shots you shall have. In a series captured by a helicopter paparazzo's recent flyover of the Hollywood manse, we're treated to a scary figure standing at the window (Katie Holmes?) and a rather large-looking baby in the background, though Suri skeptics will hardly be won over. Even this enhanced shot fails to offer truly compelling evidence. (X-17)
Also:
Dustin Diamond, aka Screech from "Saved by the Bell," was mugged by a Mace-wielding female fan after a comedy show in his hotel room in Omaha, Neb., over the weekend -- though she came for his cash, she managed to make off with only his PlayStation Portable games before getting nabbed by cops. (E! Online) ... They announced their separation in July, but on Thursday Carmen Electra filed papers for divorce from Dave Navarro. (People) ... Black Eyed Peas singer Fergie -- whose solo album comes out in September -- watched her single "London Bridge" rise to the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart this week -- it's also at No. 1 on the digital chart. (Hollywood Reporter) ... On Wednesday, the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences defended Ellen Burstyn's best supporting actress Emmy nomination -- based on her 11-second appearance in the HBO film "Mrs. Harris" -- by saying, "Based on the popular vote, this is a legitimate nomination," but admitted it is willing to consider changing the nomination rules to require a certain minimum amount of screen time. (Fox News) ... And, of course, the inevitable Photoshop reaction to Thursday's terrorism alert, a faux poster for "Liquids on a Plane," with the catchphrase: "Who the fuck brought this motherfucking beverage on this motherfucking plane?" (Craphound via Defamer)
Money Quote:
Stephen Baldwin, in his forthcoming book, on his newfound mission in life: "God has called me to go and make disciples of the youth of America. That is what I am going to do. And if you try to stop me, I am going to break your face." (Lowdown)
-- Scott Lamb
Turn On:
Friday, BBC America premieres a new season of talk show/sitcom hybrid "The Kumars at No. 42" (9 p.m. EDT), which follows an Indian man who interviews real-life celebrities despite his meddlesome family. Saturday, Sundance kicks off a new season of the British 'toon "Monkey Dust" (9 p.m. EDT), and Tim Burton's "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" (8 p.m. EDT) comes to HBO. Sunday, "The Simple Life" (E!, 10 p.m. EDT) has its season ender, and Matthew Perry stars in "The Ron Clark Story" (TNT, 8 p.m. EDT), a TV movie based on the first year the renowned teacher spent working in a Harlem school.
On the Talk Shows:
Larry King (CNN, 9 p.m. EDT): Cat Deeley and Nigel Lythgoe
Charlie Rose (PBS, check local listings): Syrian ambassador Imad Moustapha, YouTube co-founders Chad Hurley and Steve Chen
David Letterman (CBS, 11:30 p.m. EDT): Denis Leary, David Wright, the Wreckers (repeat)
Jay Leno (NBC, 11:35 p.m. EDT): David Duchovny, Donovan Frankenreiter, Jeff Corwin & animals
Conan O'Brien (NBC, 12:35 a.m. EDT): Kevin Nealon
Craig Ferguson (CBS, 12:35 a.m. EDT): Michael Clarke Duncan, Laura Kightlinger, Rob Zombie
Jimmy Kimmel (ABC, 12:05 a.m. EDT): Rosario Dawson, Jesse Metcalfe, the Flaming Lips (repeat)
-- Lamar Clarkson
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