SueTube – Let’s talk TV with critic Susan Young

James Logan High School grad Joey Gaytan looked like the kind of guy you might not want to meet in a dark alley.

But after having a nice conversation with Joey last week, I knew it was all just an act. The Union City native says he’s living the Hollywood dream.

“It’s like winning the lottery, but I encourage anyone who has a dream of coming to Hollywood to do it,” says Joey, who turned 29 on Sunday. “People would say I was too short, or too fat, or just not cool enough. But look at me now.”

Joey, who got his first big break in 2005 when he won the reality series, “Wanted: Ted or Alive” hosted by rock legend Ted Nugent, says being cast on a top-rated show like “CSI: Miami” was exciting.

And he wants you to share in that excitement, so he posted a video on My Space which shows you what it was like, from his trailer to the stage.

I was going to embed the video, but since it contains language my company might not approve of, I decided to just give you the link instead.

So my friend Dave Walker at the New Orleans Time Picayune was a little shocked last week to discover that his name was dropped on “Private Practice” – as a man with a drinking problem.

TV writers love using TV critics’ names as characters. My first encounter was a “Law & Order” episode in which Susan Young was riding with her boyfriend when he committed a hit-and-run.

Sweet.

When I was checking out YouTube, there was a clip from “CSI:NY” from last Dec. when my name was used as a murder victim:

It’s all done in fun. But couldn’t I just once be the gorgeous blond that someone like Sawyer has been lusting for?

Well, you’ve seen my picture. I guess not.

Mark Curtis has been doing a great job at KTVU-Channel 2 and it looks like he won’t be around for much longer.

Mark Curtis

After reading the original post, Curtis responded to the blog item about him leaving:

Thanks for the kinds words. I have loved my 14 years at KTVU and am sad to be leaving. This was NOT my choice or decision, but these things happen in the world of TV. Thanks to the viewers for making our show #1 for so many years. God Bless you!

In an e-mail, Bob Smith wrote:

Mark was FORCED out…and will only be a reporter until his contract ends in January. This “transition” stuff is BS.

So what can a viewer do? Contact KTVU here.

Has Ryan the temp-now-corporate-honcho-with-a-beard turned evil?

Ryan (B.J. Novak) hitting on Pam (Jenna Fischer)

Angela Kinsey, who plays frosty Angela in accounting, says no, not really.

“He’s not evil,” says Angela. “He’s just this hot shot in New York, and as we say in Texas, he thinks his poop don’t stink.”

On last night’s show, Michael told a little story about a foreign exchange student he called his brother took Michael’s blue jeans with him when he left to go back home.

Which meant that poor Michael spent the winter wearing shorts in the snow. And that’s how Ryan is now.

“He’s a fake brother who steals your blue jeans,” Michael says.

Pam and Jim are now outed as an office romance, which means things can only go bad from here.

Jim (John Krasinski) and Pam (Jenna Fischer) share a moment in the Oct. 18 episode where the two go to Dwight’s family farm,which is now a bed and breakfast. NBC Photo: Justin Lubin

And how much did you love Angela and Dwight deciding to go to dinner at a public place, only to have the ghost of Sprinkles rise up from the freezer?

Speaking of that freezer, when talking to Angela last week, she says she was a little disturbed by the line in last week’s episode when Dwight said he put the dead cat in the freezer and she wondered why there were claw marks in the frozen french fries.

“It’s bad enough that he did that, but what was Angela doing with frozen french fries in her freezer?” Angela asks.

Good question.

SHAMELESS PLUG FOR VODCAST/STORY:
You can read the article I wrote for the Bay Area News Group about Jennie (officetally) and Angela, or check out the vodcast

Also, you were directed to a site at the end of last night’s episode, if you missed it here it is: dundermifflininfinity.

Angela shares a moment with Andy (Ed Helms) in next week’s episode.

I couldn’t wait to watch all three of the new episodes sent out for review, and I love the show.

But I’m a little concerned about this new twist involving Landry and Tyra and I think the producers were a little quick to shut down the romance between Matt and Julie.

Pictured: (l-r) Adrianne Palicki as Tyra Collette, Zach Gilford as Matt Saracen, Jesse Plemons as Landry Clarke — NBC Photo: Bill Records

But what do you think?

In the meantime, here’s the SueTube vodcast I did with sports writer Dennis Miller, who gives his opinion on why people may not be watching the show.

Dave Clark’s in and Mark Curtis is out as the co-anchor of KTVU-Channel 2 ‘s Morning News, which airs from 5 to 7 a.m. weekdays.

Dave begins his new assignment on November 1.

“We are very excited to have Dave join the KTVU News team,” says Tim McVay, KTVU Vice President and General Manager. “He brings with him 35 years of outstanding broadcast journalism and a genuine commitment to the community.”

As for Mark, Timsays he will stay on as a reporter for the station.

“Mark will transition to a reporter role,” Tim says. “As you know he is an excellent journalist and tremendous contributor to the community.”

Dave comes to the Bay Area from Los Angeles where most recently he has been an Anchor/Reporter at KCAL9 TV and KCBS TV. He also worked at KNBC TV.

A native of Philadelphia, Dave is married and has three children.

“We are really looking forward to moving to the Bay Area as a family,” Dave says.

Can Angela Kinsey be any more adorable?

We think not. On a recent trip to San Francisco,where she met up with officetally tireless blogger Jennie Tan, Angela talked about herself and “The Office.”

You can read the article I wrote for the Bay Area News Group about Jennie and Angela, or check out the vodcast

But it would have been nice to include all the great stories Angela told during our time together. She told us that Joss Whedon of “Buffy” fame will be back directing an episode in the next two weeks. And that the reason why she doesn’t make eye contact with co-star Rainn Wilson on the set is simple: He makes her laugh.

And we thought it was to protect the office romance.

Our favorite was when she talked about the anniversary present she and her sibs were giving to their parents.

Angela’s parents live in Archer City, Texas, where “The Last Picture Show” is set. And it’s right in the middle of what’s known as Tornado Alley. Angela says the skies are so bright and clear, they decided to buy their parents a telescope.

But mom thought for sure they were going for something else.

“My mom said, `I know what you all are going to buy us,’ ” Angela says. ” `You’re going to get us a ‘fraidy hole.’ I told her I didn’t even know what a ‘fraidy hole was. We don’t have them in California. She didn’t believe me that I didn’t know what one was or that I wasn’t going to get that for her for their anniversary.”

Angela’s sister clued her in on just what this might be.

“Basically, it’s a storm cellar in your backyard where you can go when the tornadoes come through,” Angela says. “Maybe we should have gotten one for them. We had a tornado at our wedding. My husband is from Connecticut, so he doesn’t know about tornadoes. I just looked at him and said, ‘Babe, this doesn’t look good.’ But luckily it went to the town next to us.”

Well, lucky for everyone except the town next door.

Mud wrestling with half naked men and women, but mostly women, in the reward challenge tonight.

Ashley Massaro, Erik Huffman, Sherea Lloyd and Dave Cruser, during the reward challenge,”Chinese Checkers.” Photo: Monty Brinton/CBS

In fact, make that bare-breasted women. Amanda, who lost her top, got it right when she said, “My mom is going to kill me!.”

Before going on, I’d like to make a shameless plug for my vodcast on the breast issue on SueTube.

Moving on, we had the first alliance formed on the Fei Long clan with Amanda, Aaron and Todd. Todd seems to be getting the vote of confidence in the tribe.

Amanda Kimmel, Todd Herzog and Aaron Reisberger team up. Monty Brinton/CBS

After Leslie got the clue from “kidnapped” Jamie about where to find the immunity idol, she immediately told Todd so he would help her.

How can these people trust the Todd???

But perhaps the best quote of the night was when lazy snore-boy Jean-Robert explained that he may not do much physical work, but “I contribute with my mind.”

Oh, and I kissed my five bucks good-bye tonight when Ashleygot tossed.

Ashley Massaro just couldn’t stop feuding with Dave, and it got her booted.

Just the other day, my editor Kari and I were wondering when ProRun was returning, and today a lovely e-mail arrived.

10 p.m. Nov. 14 on Bravo. Oh, the joy. The happiness.

The fourth season has our beloved Tim Gunn returning with Heidi Klum, Michael Kors and Nina Garcia with 15 new designers.

“It is very exciting to be going into our fourth season of Project Runway, and I think it will be the best season yet — I’m sure the audience will enjoy it,” said Klum. “Fashion is such a difficult business, and besides being great TV, we’re proud that the show allows some very talented designers to have a platform.”

The 15 “Project Runway” contestants will be whittled down to the finalists who will show their own line in front of an audience of fashion industry movers and shakers at New York Fashion Week.

As part of the winner’s prize package, an editorial feature on the winning designer will run in an issue of ELLE and will be shot by ELLE’s International Creative Director Gilles Bensimon, the winner will walk away with a cash prize of $100,000 seed money from TRESemmé professional hair care to start their own line, and will have the opportunity to sell a fashion line on Bluefly.com. Saturn will award the winner a 2008 Saturn Astra.

Following are the 15 new “Project Runway” designers, with a bit more on the SF connected designers:

– Carmen, 37 – Hometown: Charlotte, N.C.; Resides in N.Y.
– Chris, 44 – Hometown: San Francisco; Resides in N.Y.
– Christian, 21 – Hometown: Annapolis, Md.; Resides in N.Y.
– Elisa, 42 – Hometown: El Paso, Texas; Resides in Santa Fe, N.M.
– Jack, 38 – Hometown: Seattle, Wash.; Resides in N.Y.
– Jillian, 26 – Hometown/Resides In: Selden in Long Island, N.Y.
– Kevin, 30 – Hometown: Fairfield, N.J.; Resides in N.Y.
– Kit, 26 – Hometown: Los Angeles; Resides in Los Angeles
– Marion, 39 – Hometown: Tyler, Texas; Resides in Dallas, Texas.
– Rami, 31 – Hometown: Ramallah, Jerusalem; Resides in Los Angeles
– Ricky, 35 – Hometown: Escondido; Resides in N.Y.
– Simone, 32 – Hometown: San Francisco; Resides in Los Angeles
– Steven, 30 – Hometown/Resides In: Chicago, Ill.
– Sweet P, 46 – Hometown: Los Angeles; Resides in Glendale
– Victorya, 34 – Hometown: Winchester, Virginia; Resides in N.Y.

CHRIS
AGE: 44
HOMETOWN: San Francisco, CA
EDUCATION: Self taught
FAVORITE DESIGNER: Dior
FASHION MUST: Bright colored anything

Chris is a freelance Costume Designer in New York City with a client list that includes Cirque du Soleil, Madonna and Thierry Mugler. Originally from San Francisco, he has always kept his eye on a career in fashion.

Chris’ work on the giant trademark hats and wigs of America’s longest running show, “Beach Blanket Babylon,” earned him great acclaim. Without any formal costume or fashion education, he garnered an impressive client list. His love of costuming, fashion, and acting, led him to pursue his fashion design dreams in New York, where his achievements include a “Drama Desk Award” nomination for outstanding costume design. Chris has created looks and styles for many designers that have appeared on “Entertainment Tonight,” “Martha Stewart,” “Rachael Ray,” “Tyra,” “Today,” E! and MTV.

Classic designers like Dior and Chanel, as well as trailblazers like Thierry Mugler, Vivienne Westwood and John Galliano inspire Chris. However, he says he’s always had an unmistakably unique vision and talent that includes sculptural lines, lush fabrics, humor and an unpredictable use of materials. Chris says he designs for the woman who wants to stand out in a crowd.

JACK
AGE: 38
HOMETOWN: Seattle, Washington
EDUCATION: University of California at Berkeley with a double degree in Fine Arts and Sociology and Parsons School of design
FAVORITE DESIGNER: Diane Von Furstenberg, Alexander McQueen (For Men)
FASHION MUST: A sugar daddy

Jack, 38, originally from Seattle, Washington is a swimmer, model and fashion designer. He graduated from the University of California at Berkeley with a double degree in Fine Arts and Sociology. In 1991, Jack moved to New York to attend Parsons School of Design where he studied fashion design. Fresh out of Parsons, Jack opened a menswear store in the uber chic West Village called “Jack.” There, he showcased new designers alongside upscale brands such as Gaultier Junior, Diesel and John Richmond. In 1997, he went to work for Tommy Hilfiger and then designed for the Slates brand, which is under the Levis umbrella. For the past 4 years, Jack has been the Design Director at Weatherproof Active Wear.

Beyond his professional achievements, Jack has also received national recognition as a competitive swimmer. He has three All-American titles to his name and set a national record in the summer of 2006 in the breaststroke leg of the 4 x 50 meter medley relay. As a fitness and fashion model through the 1990’s, Jack appeared in such magazines as “Paper,” “DNR,” “Men’s Fitness,” “Men’s Journal,” “Genre,” “Blue” and several others. Jack has also always been very open about his positive HIV status. Since his diagnosis in 1990, he has tried to combat the stigma of HIV by living honestly and being a role model through professional and athletic achievements.

Currently Jack is developing his own line of men’s dress shirts and dress pants and hopes to expand into all aspects of men’s sportswear. He is also working on a memoir about his life experiences.

SIMONE
AGE: 32
HOMETOWN: San Francisco, CA
EDUCATION: Parsons School of Design, Paris
FAVORITE DESIGNER: Dries Van Noten
FASHION MUST: Organic wool and cashmere

Originally from Northern California and currently living in Los Angeles, Simone, 32, has been making¬¬ clothing since she was a child. Raised in an environment of creativity where artists, designers and musicians were an integral part of daily life, she was encouraged to experiment with every type of material that she could get her hands on. Simone quickly developed an obsession with fabric, form and its natural connection to the body.

While studying at CCA in San Francisco, Simone delved into sculptural and artesianal techniques, gaining appreciation for the historical and the handcrafted traditions of eras gone by. Simone’s love for fashion and history led her to Paris, where she studied at Parsons and assisted a young and accomplished couturier. She says Paris offered a perfect experience for her with dedicated craftsmanship, high-minded fashion and many historical treasures to be discovered.

When Simone returned to the U.S., she began a career of freelance design, personal styling and creating one-of-a-kind pieces for a select clientele. In 2006, this path led her to San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, where she was commissioned to create a custom collection, as well as explore traditional craft and production techniques throughout the region.

Simone currently resides in Los Angeles and is designing custom pieces, as well as TS BLOOM, her collection of women’s wear using organic and surplus fabrics.

“Project Runway” fans can log onto BravoTV for bonus clips of the show, listen to Gunn’s podcast, watch the designers’ audition videos and read blogs written by Gunn and Garcia.

Also on BravoTV.com users will have the chance to compete in online challenges by sending in photos of their take on each week’s challenges. Users will once again be able to “Rate the Runway” and vote on which designs they think should have been “in” or “out” after every episode.

On their mobile phones, fans will be able to access the “Project Runway” WAP site at wap.bravotv.com (or text BRAVO to 27286), for exclusive video diaries, photos, fashion tips from contestants, guest judges and more.

The former King of Thursday comedies gives “30 Rock” a boost at 8:30 p.m. Oct. 4 in the show’s season opener that has conniving network head Jack (Alec Baldwin) digitally inserting Jerry Seinfeld into the network’s fall shows to goose up the sagging ratings.

Seinfeld finally agrees, but not before getting in plenty of plugs for his new animated film, “Bee Movie,” including a breaking-the-fourth-wall moment when he reminds us it opens on Nov. 2.

Not that there’s anything wrong with that.

When Seinfeld was in San Francisco last week hawking the movie _ complete with a bee-decorated trolley car and a yellow carpet arrival _ he says he still has a soft spot for his old network.

“What are they in, like, fourth place? I still love them,’’ Seinfeld says.

So why is it so hard for NBC and the other networks to capture the comedy magic?

“People sometimes are a little overconfident in what it takes to make a good show,” Seinfeld says. “ I remember when Larry (David) and I were doing the show, and we’d hear that some successful producers were signed to put two more on the air. We’d scratch our heads. Two? It was impossible just to do one.”

SEINFELD ON “30 ROCK”