Issue Date: November 5, 2006
I saw Mandy Barnett, one of Nashville's best-kept secrets, sing at the Grand Ole Opry. She mentioned a CD of '40s and '50s music. When will it be out?
Ken Kostyra, Arlington Heights, Ill.
Next year. Barnett tells us she'll produce it herself because "the last major deal I had, the person who signed me got fired a week later, and I got tossed over to a young guy who didn't know what time it was." Barnett, 31, spent last summer in California recording the new CD but is content now at home on her 5-acre Nashville spread with her three dogs.
Is Ian Wright from the Travel Channel's "Globe Trekker" the voice of Geico's Gecko?
Min Gonzales, St. Augustine, Fla.
No. It's Jake Wood, the British actor seen recently in "The Illusionist." But the folks at Geico, who first replied, "The Gecko is the voice of the Gecko," really do not like to give that away. Oh well. Let's now put to rest all speculation that it is Kelsey Grammer or Irish actor David Kelly. Wood is the guy.
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In his new book, "Spoiled Rotten America," comedian Larry Miller compiles observational essays on American life. Collectively, they make the point: We have it great in America. "The book is saying it's good to be alive, to have the chance to comment," Miller, 53, says. He also is in "For Your Consideration," due Nov. 17. It's his fourth film with Christopher Guest and regulars including Catherine O'Hara and Eugene Levy. "That group of boneheads is wonderful," Miller says. "You feel a loss when it's time to leave."
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He's virtually unknown in the United States, but "Lost's" latest castaway, Rodrigo Santoro, 31, is a star in his native Brazil. He has even been called the "Brazilian Tom Cruise." We've seen him in small roles in "Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle" and "Love Actually," but "Lost" will give him major recognition. "To leave my life behind -- my friends, my family, my career -- it had to be something strong and interesting enough, and 'Lost' is," Santoro says. He also left girlfriend and Brazilian model Ellen Jabour, who has a busy career. "It's not ideal, but we make it work," Santoro says.
I first saw Joss Stone perform an incredible Janis Joplin tribute with Melissa Etheridge at the 2005 Grammy Awards. Any chance Stone will play Joplin in a movie?
Mark Jaynes, Roscommon, Mich.
There's nothing in the works. But you can watch Stone, 19, channeling Joplin all over again at YouTube.com (search for "Janis Joplin Tribute"). That night, Stone proved she has the voice and the hippie tresses to play Joplin, should Hollywood decide to chronicle the rock 'n' roll queen's short life. Stone's in the upcoming movie, "Eragon," from the best-selling novel. It's due Dec. 15.
Some of us old duffers who are still in love with Sally Field want to know where our girl is.
Jack Symons, Highland, Calif.
Your "girl" sent her youngest son to college this fall but tells us her new TV family on ABC's "Brothers and Sisters" "kind of filled in that space." Plus, she's a babysitting grandma of three who doesn't hide her age. "It's not easy to say, 'Glory, hallelujah, that's who I am, and I'm not going to fake it,' " says Field, who turns 60 this week. So that rules out plastic surgery? "There comes a point when you look bizarre," she says. "I'd rather be droopy."
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Victor Garber wasn't looking for a show so soon after "Alias," but when Jerry Bruckheimer calls, you answer. "He knows what people want to watch," Garber, 57, says. Bruckheimer's new Fox drama, "Justice," has Garber as the head of a defense "dream team." At least the show is easy to follow, unlike "Alias." That was a frustration even for the close-knit cast of "Alias." Garber and former co-star Jennifer Garner, 34, "talk all the time. We have a strong bond," he says. Does he offer her career advice? "Maybe I'm just immature, but she gives me the great advice."
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BIRTHDAYS
November 5: Corin Nemec, 35; Tatum O'Neal, 43
November 6: Rebecca Romijn, 34; Ethan Hawke, 36; Maria Shriver, 51
November 7: Jeremy and Jason London, 34; Joni Mitchell, 63
November 8: Parker Posey, 38; Mary Hart, 55; Bonnie Raitt, 57
November 9: Tom Weiskopf, 64
November 10: Miranda Lambert, 23; Mackenzie Phillips, 47
November 11: Leonardo DiCaprio, 32; Calista Flockhart, 42; Demi Moore, 44
Contributing: Gayle Jo Carter, Ashley Parker, Jon Tollestrup
 Ask Lorrie Lynch a question about a celeb!
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