Elton John Viewing Party - 2010

Writing this recap seems a bit self-indulgant, but hey - that's me. plus some friends asked that I do this, so here goes.


Unlike when I go to the Emmys, Neal wasn't with me, so getting ready wasn't nearly as fun. It's hard not having my side-kick! Gary and Cyrus aren't into celebrity stalking as much as Neal or me -- they actually watched the Oscars! (By the way, who won???)

And keep in mind that we arrived at 4 p.m. and I left at 1 a.m. That's nine hours of open-bar time. 'Nuff said!

I'm trying to look famous here!

Trueblood's Sam Trammell (Sam Merlotte) was great! So was his wife. Loved her dress (sorry, no pic!) - she said that Sam didn't, and I told her straight men have no taste.

Cyrus with Michelle Rodriguez (Avatar/Lost) and ... someone else who is probably famous that I don't know!

The outside 'smoking'/drinking/eating area

One of my FAVORITE people ever! Betty White was so nice! I told her I've been a fan since The Mary Tyler Moore Show. "You couldn't possibly have been born yet!" (HA!) I also told her that I live in Oak Park (her home town) and that I think she's a national treasure!

Perez Hilton took the time to put his Blackberry away for two seconds to pose with me. I told him that I read his blog, but I didn't say I was a 'fan' of his 'cuz A.) I'm not. He's a jerk. And B.) I want his job!

Shawn Pyfrom (Desperate Housewives) was the guy I saw all night - there's always one. LOVE him. Soon after I took this, I saw him smoking outside. "That's a bad habit!" He agreed, and said he'd quit - until his girlfriend cheated on him and they broke up.

Paul: That bitch! I'm so sorry!

Shawn: Thanks. Well, it was after I told her that I told some other girl I loved her.

Paul: Huh?

Shawn: Well, I was drunk.

Paul: When you told the girl you loved her, or when you confessed that to your girlfriend?

Shawn: Both.

Paul: Okay. Totally understandable. But she's still a bitch.

Looking delicious! And the chocolate looked okay too. Believe it or not, I had not one piece.

Kara DioGuardi (American Idol) was nice. Later, when I saw/bothered her at her table, she stared looking around and asked me where her husband went. "I have no idea who he even is. He's probably mad that you keep drooling over that blond guy every week on the show!"

Katie Price and me. I always skip items that Perez Hilton and and the D-Listed guy write about her 'cuz I have no idea who she is. But when I read she was going to be there, I Googled her to see who she is. Apparently, she's a British celebrity/former model. And she and Victoria 'Posh Spice' Beckham hate each other.

US Olympic figure skater Johnny Weir

Hayden Panettiere (Heroes) took this picture of us. (Could my skin look any more sun-damaged next to hers???) She was fun - I ran into her a lot and we always chatted. The funniest was when we were waiting in line for a port-a-potty together (okay - these are the nicest 'port-a-pottys' EVER) and we saw two guys coming out of one together.

Hayden: I hope you guys cleaned up in there after you finished!

The room!

Sharon Osbourne, Kelly Osbourne and Nicole Ritchie

Right after I took this, I asked Nicole to turn for a picture. She looked at me and turned away. I then - very deliberately stepped on the train of her dress. She again looked at me, and I said, "So very sorry." About to make Nicole trip!

I'm not sure who the guy looking at me is, but Perez has almost the same photo on his site.

Back outside, I see my pal Shawn Pyfrom smoking again. This time I bummed one from him. (Please, no lectures - I had a slip-up!)

Shawn: But you quit!

Paul: It's okay.

Shawn: I feel bad!
Paul: Don't!

Shawn: Hey, do you know my friend Chase?

::: there he was - Gossip Girl's Chase Crawford! OMFG! :::

Paul: Hi, Chase!
Chase: Hi! How are you?

The three of us talked and smoked for a while. I asked them if they hated Perez Hilton.

Chase: Not really. He's pretty nice to me.

Shawn: I don't really read his crap.

Paul: Good for you!

Chase Crawford and me

Paul: Wow. I thought I looked okay until I see myself standing next to you in this picture.

Chase: You look fine.

HA!

Back in the main room, I wandered past Elton John's table. Betty White is on his right, and True Blood's Ryan Kwanten (Jason Stackhouse) is to his left.

Admittedly ... over-served, I swear Sir Elton and I are making eye contact. Did he nod me over? I don't know. (Let's go with that!)

Paul: Hi. You look like you're afraid of me.
Elton: Not at all! Are you having fun? (AS HE KISSES ME ON BOTH CHEEKS!)
Paul: Oh my God! Yes! It's such an honor to be here and I can't believe I'm meeting you ... ::: gush, gush, gush :::

I asked for a photo and he promised - when he 'makes the rounds' he'd be happy to oblige.

I ran back to the table (where I just stop back to eat once in a while) to share the good news with Gary and Cyrus. Gary has explained to me - over and over - you DON'T ask Elton for a photo.

Gary: To me, when you ask a celebrity for a photo, it changes the relationship.
Paul: Relationship? I'm not looking to be their friend! I want the damn photos!

Sure enough, Sir Elton John came through! And I got some more kisses from him.

Gary must have decided to throw his 'rule book' out, 'cuz there I was - following Gary and Cyrus with their camera as they chased Elton down! Thankfully for them, I got the photo.

After a costume change, I got another photo with Johnny Weir - his publicist took a blurry one earlier in the night.

I asked Matthew Morrison (Mr. Schuester from Glee) what being on the show is like. "Like winning the lottery!" Or maybe it was Cory Monteith - Finn Hudson from Glee who told me that. Someone did, and I'm sure he was from Glee. I think. Did I mention there was an open bar?

Glee's Cory Monteith

Salma Hayek is gorgeous, but like Nicole Ritchie, she didn't seem too interested in posing with me. Luckily for her, I decided to spare her dress!

Strolling around once again, I spotted Victoria Beckham and Heidi Klum at their nearly empty table, chatting away like two school girls.

Paul: Hi!
Heidi: Hey there.
Victoria:
Paul: Posh! You look so young in person! Not that you're not young! But ... you know. Actually you both do.
Victoria: Thanks.
Paul: Heidi, I've met you before at the Emmys. I'm sure you don't remember, but I stepped on your dress accidentally (really!) one year and your husband (Seal) kind of ... well, he wasn't too happy!
Heidi: Oh, that's funny! He's not here, so don't worry. (Apparently, David Beckham wasn't there, either :-(

I gushed on and on and on ... and when I said good-bye, Heidi said, "It was nice to see you again. And thank you for all of those nice compliments!"

Heidi Klum, me and Victoria Beckham

Back outside, I ran into Eric McCormack (Will and Grace), his wife - and I think John Waters. I'm kicking myself for not getting a photo of John - if it was, indeed, him. I'm pretty sure it was. Damn!

Eric McCormack, the In-N-Out burgers and me

I reminded Eric that we've met before - he lied and said he remembered. Also mentioned that I know Sean Hayes from 'way back' ... A delivery guy was just bringing some In-N-Out burgers. They kindly offered me one (I declined) but I did jump in for a pic with Eric.

Simon Cowell was pretty nice to me, despite his facial expression.

Paul: It's weird, but I'm finding myself agreeing with almost everything you say this season.

Simon: That's because you're smart.

Paul: Not a great group this year, huh.

Simon: Terrible.

I kept seeing some guy who I knew was famous, so I finally went up to him.

Paul: I keep seeing you and I know you're famous. Who are you?

JC Chasez: ::: crickets :::

Some randon guy: He was in N' Sync!

I've alwas liked Rob Lowe. I saw him when he arrived and I yelled, "Don't leave Brothers & Sisters"! I was deterimed to be photographed with him. Even though Gary would probably say it would hurt our relationship. But I was confident it wouldn't. I had faith in us!

So when I happened upon his table - with many available chairs, I sat one seat away from him. But I'd had too many diet Cokes in a row and my liquid courage was waning. I was about to talk to him, when he got up and walked away. Like any good stalker, I followed, but then I spotted Jason Lewis - Jared Smith from Sex and the City.

He was a sweetheart. He posed with me, and even thanked ME! "Without fans like you, I'd be nowhere." LOVE HIM! And he confirmed what I had read - he'll be in the next Sex and the City movie. Yay!

Jason Lewis

Then I saw Lance Bass (N 'Sync) and Josh Groban - not together!

Lance Bass

Josh Groban

$5 to anyone who can tell me who these people are. Especially her. (No, it's not Heidi Montag!) His name is Cody and hers is Cassidy and I'm sure they're not Kathy LeeGifford's kids. (Ha). She claimed to be on some ABC show. I didn't care - I was hanging out with them, Kelly Osbourne and Johnny Weir for a while and they were fun. Cody and I did shots, you know, 'cuz that's how we kids roll.

It was at that time that Kelly Osbourne asked me to watch her stuff while she took pics with fans - other fans. (Why did she ask me? Your guess is as good as mine!) She left her purse, iPhone and camera just sitting there while no one was around. Now look, I'm a good guy - but even I was tempted - just for a moment to look at her photos and scroll though the phone numbers on her cell. Finally - after 5 minutes - I went over to her.

Paul: Kelly! You shouldn't just leave your stuff out like that. Anyone could take it.

Kelly: Oh my God! You're right. I'm terrible about that sort of thing!

Moments later she returned and announced that they (they = not me) were going to the Vanity Fair party. Bitch!

But then I saw my BFFs Shawn and Chase again, so I felt better.

Paul: Okay guys, I have to admit - I think Desperate Housewives has gotten awful, and I stopped watching Gossip Girls a while ago. They didn't seem to mind. True friends don't care about that stuff! ;-)

Chase yelled, "G'night Paul!" On his way out of the party later. That kind of made my year. That's not too sad, is it?

BFFs!

I spotted Hayden Panettiere and Ryan Kwanten again - so I got in for a pic. I laugh everytime I see Ryan - even though he's a God - but I'll never forget Neal telling him at the Emmy's that he's 'so small' (not as muscular) in person. He must be a great actor 'cuz he is timid in 'real life' - nothing like his charchter on True Blood!

Paul: Awww, thanks. This may be my new Facebook profile pic.

Ryan :

Hayden: Ewwwww, that really endears you to me. (Heavy on the sarcasm).

Maybe Gary was right. Maybe Hayden and I won't be best friends now?  

Ryan Kwanten, me and Hayden Panettiere

Never got any of this stuff -- too busy!

As soon as I realized I'd never gotten my picture with Rob Lowe, I headed back to his table (after another vodka soda!) and just went for it.

Paul: Hi! Big fan. I yelled to you when you came in. Are you really leaving Brothers and Sisters?

Rob: I'm afraid so.

Paul: 'Cuz they're giving you shitty storylines?

Rob: Well ... it's just time to move on.

Paul: Well good luck in whatever you do next.

Rob Lowe - finally!

As I was walking back to my table (code for getting another drink!) I spotted Miley Cyrus. I'm not a fan - she really bothers me - but I just had to ask for a photo.

Paul: Hi! I'm a big fan. I mean, I know I'm kind of old to be a fan of yours, but ...

(Not a total lie - I like Party in the USA - but I didn't know it was a Miley song until I went to download it from iTunes!)

Miley: It's okay.

Paul: Can I get a photo of us?

Miley: Ya, fine.

Miley's friend: I'll take it.

Miley: No. I'm really good a this.

So she took my camera, held it out, snapped a pic, handed me back my camera without another look and turned away. I wanted to tell her that I think her dad is hot, but I decided not to.

Just being Miley!

I should mention that Grace Jones performed and she was really good, but I wasn't all that into it.

Grace Jones

But as I was walking back to the table, I noticed Kathy Griffin in front of me.

Paul: Kathy!

Kathy: Hi!

Paul: What are you doing?

Kathy: We're causing a scene! (I suddenly realized that she was at the end of a conga line, behind Johnny Weir and his BFF Kelly Osbourne.

Paul: Can I join?

Kathy: Sure!

I looked around for the cameras - I was sure she had her film crew there. If you watch My Life on the D List, you know this is exactly the sort of stunt she would include in her show. No luck - but it was fun anyway!

Kathy Griffin - inviting me to join in!

She and her group (Johnny, Kelly, etc.) landed at some open seats at our table, of all places! Of course, I had to talk to her again - like I have so many times at the Emmys.

Paul: I tell you this every time I see you, but I'm from Oak Park and I used to sometimes sub for your niece.

Kathy: She's in college now.

Paul: Ugh. I'm 100!

Kathy loves her gays!

Paul: I just met Miley Cyrus - she wasn't that nice. (I showed her that pic).

Kathy: She's a little bitch. But Johnny Weir is the real deal.

Paul: Ya, we were smoking earlier (SLIP UP!) He's great. And look at Grace Jones. Nothing is jiggling!

Kathy: I know. And we just figured out she's like 63!

Like I said ...

All in all, it was a fabulous night and an amazing party! I hope that Gary invites me next year :-)

I'm sure I'll remember lots of great anecdotes as soon as I 'publish' this. Oh, well. And if there's a way to spell-check this, I can't figure it out, so please excuse any typos.

Later ... Thanks to Peg for proofing this :-)

Thanks for reading.

xxoo

Paul

Emmy Recap 2009

EMMY RECAP 2009 – aka “Lost and Found (kind of) Oh, Drama!”

This year was a bit of a throwback, as it was just Neal and me – the first time since 2006! But as the old saying goes – the more things stay the same, the more they change. Or something like that.

What remained was the prepping before the ‘Big Event’ Emmy day. Facial masks, hair and make-up, last-minute wardrobe changes – you know – what all the celebrities must go through ;-)

NO COMMENT!

Even though Neal now lives in Los Angeles, I decided it would be more fun to stay at the Hyatt – where we pick up the tickets and take the bus to the Emmys. (And honestly, I needed central A/C and more bathroom space!) Had I known there would be a used condom in between our beds there, and that the fire alarm would go off in the middle of the night, I may have decided to save a few (hundred) dollars!

All we got were two free breakfasts!

Before getting on the bus, I tossed a vodka soda down my throat. Neal laughed when (hands shaking) I told the bartender I was an alcoholic, I was having the shakes and to HURRY THE HELL UP! (He did).

Dressed in our tuxes and our gym shoes (and feeling like Ellen DeGeneres, thanks to Mikey Facebook comment!) Neal and I were off …

We were worried about the new venue – change can be bad! We had the ‘system’ at the Shrine Auditorium down to a science. This was unchartered waters. And the ship was going to be rocky!

As always, we were worried about getting our cameras in. I decided to bring my ‘man purse’ and put mine in the ‘secret’ pocket. Of course I had a disposable in my sock just in case. Neal had his in his jacket pocket by his phone, so when the metal detector went off, he could claim the cell phone was the culprit.

In line for the red carpet security check, Neal spotted Kathy Griffin getting out of a limo.

Paul: KATHY! Your gays are here! (Very original, huh? I’m sure she has never heard that one before.)
Kathy: Oh.
Paul: I’m from Oak Park!
Kathy: Tiffany! Fix my dress!

Neal stole a pic of me talking to her before she had to rush off … we thought we were off to a great start.

Kathy!

We got the cameras through security without incident – the only thing that beeped on me was the PLASTIC disposable camera! But the security people let me keep it anyway.


The red carpet (as always) was exciting! But HOT – we heard it was 105. All I know is, I had to pee really badly when we got on the red carpet, but an hour later I must have sweated it out, ‘cuz all that was left was a headache.

So … back to the red carpet: One of the first people I saw was Bryan Batt (“Sal” from Mad Men.) He was so nice, and even stopped to pose with me for a pic and a quick chat.

Paul: I love your character on Mad Men! When is Sal going to come out?
Bryan: Good question! The 70’s?
Paul: I hope the show is on that long! (I think it’s 1962 or so now?)

"Sal" and me! Go MAD MEN!

Neal spotted Stephen Moyer (“Bill” on True Blood.) He looked great – even with the lighter hair!

Vampire!

I saw Jorge Garcia (Lost’s “Hurley”) and yelled to him.

"Hurley"! from Lost

When I spotted CSI: Miami’s Eva LaRue, I freaked!

Paul: EVA! HI! Remember me? I met you at the All My Children 35th Anniversary party?!
Eva: Oh ya! Hi!
Neal: Bawhahahahahaha!

We also got very close to Seal and Heidi Klum – but I didn’t get close enough to step on her dress and piss off Seal like I did in ’07 – which is good.

Seal and Heidi

Neal was excited to see Elizabeth Perkins.

Neal: Elizabeth! I love you! You’re my favorite and funniest character on television!
Elizabeth: Thanks.
Paul: She’s a bitch. Didn’t you read my recap from 2007?

Elizabeth Perkins

Then I saw Kyle MacLachlan.

Paul: Trey! I mean KYLE!
Kyle: ::: turns around :::
Paul: I love you on Desperate Housewives and Sex and the City and … whatever else you have ever been on!
Kyle:

Meanwhile, the security guards were rushing us through

Security Guard: MOVE people! This is NOT a photo opp!
Neal: If this isn’t a photo opp, what is?
Paul: Right?

Neal

At this point, we were going to go into the Nokia Theater to cool off … when I realized I was missing something. MY EMMY TICKET!

It was nowhere to be found. I was dehydrated, hotter than a whore in church, and in a panic!

I found Ashley and Mike (our ‘Emmy gurus – they’re awesome!) but there wasn’t a lot they could do. So Neal went to get help while I waited OUTSIDE of the red carpet area. My stomach was in a knot. It didn’t seem right – I had been keeping Neal organized since my arrival – he joked that I was his personal assistant. And now I lose my freakin’ ticket?

Mike and me

Thankfully, Neal found two fabulous girls who work for the Emmys who helped me – I got a duplicate ticket …

Unfortunately for me, Neal saw Rob Lowe while I was outside. Boo!

But the good news was that for the first time ever, Neal and I were able to loop the red carpet again … and again. At least five times before we had to go in.

Red Carpet, baby!

In that time, we saw Bob Newhart, (I kept telling people we saw Bob Hope. No one seemed to remember that he died in 2003), Chris O’Donnell (looking great!), Dana Delany and more. Including Billy Bush, who gave me a 'thumbs up'!

"Thumbs Up" from Billy Bush

Bob Newhart (not Bob Hope!)

At long last, we entered the Nokia Theater. And were immediately upset to learn that our tickets were color-coded. Let’s just say, if we were on the Titanic, we would have been goners! We were told to go upstairs to our seats, and we knew all of the ‘important’ people were on the main floor. And we looked over the railing and there was even a lower level. WTF?

But thankfully, I saw Daniel Dae Kim – “Yin” from Lost.

Paul: Hi! I’m a big fan!
Yin: Thanks.
Paul: I hope you find Sun!
Yin: Thanks.

"Yin" and me from Lost

But that was it. No more celebs to be found, and it was time to go in to see Neil Patrick open the show, and Kristin Chenoweth win an award.

Back in the upper (crappy!) lobby, Neal and I were determined to get down a level.

But nothing seemed to work. We kept trying to sneak past the security guards by quickly flashing out tickets, but they were on to us. So I did what any desperate person would do: I put a $20 bill in my hand with my ticket and walked up to the security guard who seemed like the most compassionate. He laughed.

Trying to sneak in by using the stairs ... to no avail

But it was worth it!

Security Guard: ::: nodding me over :::
You want to get in?
Paul: You think?
Security Guard: Here’s what you do. Take the elevator down to the basement and go up the escalator.
Paul: Really? That’s it?
Security Guard: Yep.

And it worked!

The 61st Annual Primetime Emmys!

Neail Patrick Harris and me - Flashback to 2007

So … thanks to the security guard’s tip (no, he didn’t take my $20 ‘tip’) – Neal and I were on the main level at last!

I first spotted Kathryn Joosten (“Mrs. McClukey” from Desperate Housewives.) I’ve read she’s battling lung cancer, and suddenly felt very guilty for telling one of the security guards earlier that *I* have cancer, just to gain a bit of sympathy that didn’t work anyway.

Neal and I were starving and thirsty, so we got the worst poor excuse for a pretzel that I have EVER had the displeasure of choking down, and a drink.

Better.

In the men’s room, I saw Jesse Specner (“Dr. Chase” on House) – like I do every year. He and I must be on the same cycle, or he was cruising for some action! I waited until we were back in the lobby to get a photo.

Jesse and me

And then Neal and I ran into our Emmy buddy and gossip columnist Billy Masters! (http://www.billymasters.com/) Love him! Both Neal and I have ‘made’ his column in the past, and hung out with him and his friend –stalking celebrities – on and off - all night.

Neal and Billy

While Neal was chatting up a cute guy, I spotted Adrian Grenier (“Vincent” from Entourage!)

Adrian and me

Paul: Neal! Stop wasting your time talking to non-celebrities! We can do that any time.
Neal: But he was really cute!
Paul: True. But still …

And then we saw Kevin Dillon (“Drama” from Entourage) and Eric Murphy (“E”)

Kevin and Neal

Paul: I’m a big fan of you both. Do you think he would mind a photo?
Kevin: Who?
Paul: ‘E’. Um … What’s his real name?
Kevin: Eric. I don’t know. Ask him. (I did, and he didn’t.)

Me, Eric and Neal

Paul: OH. MY. GOD! It’s Marky Mark!!!
Neal: Get him!

Mark Wahlberg was with a security guard and was in a hurry, but we were able to get a photo with him.

Neal and Marky Mark!

We were beginning to realize that certain celebrities were hanging out in the lobby (like Adrian Grenier, who was obviously looking to pick up some ‘tail’), while others were not so willing to be seen or photographed.
One we missed was John Slattery (“Roger Sterling” from Mad Men.)

Paul: It’s the guy from Mad Men!
Neal: He’s the guy from Sex and the City who wanted to pee on Carrie!
Paul: Exactly! That pig.

Sarah Jessica Parker: You’re so sweet.
Paul: I miss you!
SJP: If I wasn’t busy filming the sequel to the 'Sex and the City' movie, I’d be hanging out there with you and Neal.
Paul: Really?
SJP: Probably not.
Paul: I still love you!

Another lobby hanger-outer was Eva LaRue. I was glad I got a chance to talk to her again!

Paul: Eva! Hi again!
Eva: Hi!
Paul: You really don’t remember me, do you? I wouldn’t expect you to.
Eva: You look familiar.
Paul: I crashed the All My Children party in 2005. You introduced me to your mom and everything! You were so sweet.
Eva: I remember. I just forgot your name.
Neal: Paul is the biggest General Hospital fan ever.
Eva: That’s a good show too, but I was on All My Children.
Paul: ::: dirty look to Neal :::

Eva and me (looking like a midget!)

Feb. 2005 - when I was taller than Eva!

She was very sweet – again. She introduced us to her hot boyfriend and we chatted a little more.

Chatting with my BFF Eva

Then I spotted Jason Segel from How I Met Your Mother, I Love You, Man, etc.

Jason - I love him, man!

Paul: Oh my God! I love you!
Jason: Thanks man.
Paul: I love you in everything you’re in. I even bought the I Love You, Man DVD.
Jason: Nice!
Paul: People tell me I look like Paul Rudd but I don’t think so – I wish.
Jason: Hmmm, you do look a little like Paul … around the eyes.
Paul: I am Paul!

After I looked at the photo Neal took of Jason and me, I was horrified. I looked greasy and off-color.

Greasy Face and Jason

Paul: WHY did I let you talk me into wearing make-up? Again.
Neal: It’s tinted moisturizer. Not make-up.
Paul: If it comes off in your hand and stains a white wash cloth, IT’S MAKE-UP!

I didn’t feel like having a fight in front of a celebrity, like we did with Justin Chambers (“Alex” on Grey’s Anatomy) in 2006, so I walked away.

So after a bathroom run where I wiped my face with several toilet seat covers (unused!) I felt a bit better …

Neal spotted SNL’s Seth Meyers and got a photo with him. He seemed very nice and was in the lobby a lot.

Seth and Neal

Neal: OMG! Come on! Get your camera!
Paul: Why?
Neal: It’s some guy from The Office! HURRY!
Paul: I watch The Office and he’s not on it!

We got the picture, even though I had no idea who the guy was – just that he isn’t on The Office. Later we found out it was Stephen Colbert – of The Colbert Report.

Neal and Stephen

Speaking of The Office, I spotted Melora Hardin (“Jan”) waiting to get back inside the auditorium. She was really sweet and I told her I loved her episode on Gilmore Girls.

Paul: Will you be back on The Office this season?
Jan: A little bit.

Neal, Melora and me

Also from The Office, I once again saw B.J. Novak – “Ryan.” He was a lot nicer in 2007! My buddy Mike confirmed this. He and his friends (they’re all straight) jokingly asked him for a kiss, and he turned and walked away.

B.J. and me

Mike also saw Rainn Wilson (“Dwight”) from The Office and said he was a douche bag. (He was cool when I met him a few years ago … maybe the stars hated the new venue as much as Neal and I did?)

Mike: Are you a fan of Chace Crawford? (“Nate” from Gossip Girl.)
Paul: WHY?! IS HE HERE?
Mike: No. But he’s a buddy of mine. We were in the same frat.
Paul: No way!
Mike: I have his number – it’s in my cell.

Me, Mike and Neal

I only remember the area code, which is 917. I think. Damn! I should have taken the damn phone and ran!

During another scope of the lobby, we spotted Jennifer Love Hewitt.

Paul: Hi! I’m a big fan of yours!
Jennifer: Thanks.
Paul: Can I have a quick photo with you?
Jennifer: I’m in a hurry.
Paul: Please?!?!
Jennifer: ::: walking away :::
Paul: I’m NOT THAT BIG OF A FAN, ANYWAY! Bitch.

Another person too self-important to stop and pose was In Treatment’s Gabriel Byrne.

Paul: That show is like watching paint dry.
Neal: Ya.

And then I saw her … Sandra Oh! (“Cristina” from Grey’s Anatomy)

Paul: I love you!
Sandra: Thank you! (She took my hand)
Neal: You’re so beautiful!
Sandra: Thanks!

Sandra and me

LOVE HER!

Neal and Sandra Oh!

SJP: As much as you love me?
Paul: Never! But Sandra is kind of a Goddess.
SJP: Ya, I’ll give you that. And no one ever accuses of her of having a horse face.


And speaking of Grey’s, (Or Private Practice) I saw Kate Walsh again this year. I didn’t talk to her as long as I did a few years ago, but it was exciting to see her … but I was already photographed with her ;-)

Kate and me

The only 30 Rock person I saw was Judah Friedlander (“Frank.”) He was nice enough. When I asked for a photo, he had a ton of stuff in his hands so he asked me to wait. I told him I’d wait all night! Luckily, I didn’t have to.

Frank and me

Speaking of waiting … Neal spotted Conan O’Brien.

Neal: Now THAT’S an A-lister!

The longer we waited to get a photo with him, the more the crowd around him grew, so we just snapped a pic of him …

Conan

At some point, we sneaked into the main level and sat close (enough) to the stage for a bit. We saw Glenn Close win her award for lead actress in a drama series, and then we headed back to lobby!

Neil!

NOT our original (crappy!) seats


Gordana Gehlhausen (from the current season of Project Runway) told Neal she loved his white patent leather Converse sneakers.

Gordana: I love your white patent leather Converse sneakers!
Neal: You just said that.
Paul: No, I just typed that.
Neal: Oh. Thanks.
Gordana: I am so tired. I flew in from New York yesterday.
Paul: But you look great!

Hmmm, does this mean she’s the winner?

Neal, Gordana and me

And then I saw Jason Segal again, with my pal Billy Masters.

Paul: Hi again! Can we have another photo? I look like a hot, greasy mess in the first one.
Jason: Sure!

Better ...

Paul: Hey, was that really your penis in Forgetting Sarah Marshall?
Jason: Ha! Yep!
Paul: Well, congratulations on whoever gets to … umm, enjoy that. (Which perhaps was Chloe Sevigny from what the tabloids are hinting at?)
Jason: Thanks, man!

Then we did a little ‘slappin’ da bass, man’ bit from the movie. I should have had Neal take a video clip of that …

I have to say, I think Jason was my favorite of the evening, or close!

Paul: Look! It’s the gay guy in I Love You, Man! Paul Rudd’s on-screen brother!
Neal: Let’s get him!
Paul: Hi! I loved you in I Love You, Man!
Andy: Thanks!
Paul: Are you Adam Sandler’s brother?
Andy: No.
Paul: I don’t know why I thought that.

Me, Andy and Neal

A few minutes later, I heard someone say, “There’s Adam Sandler!” We couldn’t find him. But there was Andy again. Andy SAMBERG. No wonder I was confused!

Neal: FOLLOW ME!
Paul: Who is it?
Neal: Only the hottest guy on the planet – JASON STACKHOUSE! (True Blood's Ryan Kwanten.)
Paul: GET HIM!

Me, Ryan and Neal

As it turns out, he was another ‘lobby whore’ – out there the whole time.

Neal: We LOVE you! You’re like the hottest guy ever!
Ryan: Thanks.
Paul: Where in Australia are you from?
Ryan: Sydney
Paul: I love Sydney!
Ryan: Cool.
Paul: I don’t hear any accent.
Ryan: You mean no Australian accent or no southern accent?
Paul: No ... any accent.
Ryan: Hmmm.
Paul: Hey! I met your sister "Sookie" a few years ago at the Emmys!

"Sookie" and me - Flashback to 2007

Neal: You’re so muscular on TV …
Ryan: Ha. Thanks.
Neal: But you’re so small in person!
Paul: ::: evil glare to Neal :::
Ryan: It’s all smoke and mirrors.
Neal: I mean, you're like ... so small!
Paul:
Ryan:
Neal: I just can’t get over it …
Paul: Neal! Enough!

Ryan was with a guy and a woman all night. Could the guy be his boyfriend? The woman is obviously his publicist. My new friend Joe, who was obviously also at the Emmys, posted this on his Facebook wall:

Joe F.
Ryan Kwanten (True Blood) was at The Emmys and says, "Hopefully I'm never in a Lifetime movie." I replied "I was, and it's nominated for an Emmy, 'Prayers for Bobby'. Are you nominated?" He looked so embarrassed, eyes blinking, then his publicist gave me her card and said I was fabulous. I still love him.

And then … it was time to go. It’s exhausting to be there, but it always end too soon.

When the Emmys were held at the Shrine Auditorium, the stars would exit out front, but not at the Nokia. Many of them go to the Governor’s Ball after the Emmys, and this year they were ushered through a different exit. (And of course Neal and I tried – again – to get in, and we made it pretty far, but … )

On the way out, I saw a black woman who I knew from somewhere. I thought she was on American Idol, but alas, it was Korto Momolu, from Season 5 of Project Runway.

Paul: Korto! Congratulations!
Korto: Thanks. (She didn’t have the heart to tell me she didn’t win I guess!)
Paul: Photo?
Korto: Sure! But make sure you tag me on Facebook!
Paul: You have to add me first!

Me and Korto

Hangin' on the red carpet!

And no trip to the red carpet would be complete without a photo lying down ON the red carpet! Too bad there was no ice sculpture to lick.

Tradition!

I spotted Project Runway's Gordana Gehlhausen again.

Paul: Get some rest!
Gordana: ::: looking at me :::
Paul: Not that you look tired! You don't! You look great! You were just saying earlier ...
Neal: Let's go.

We were almost back to the bus to take us back to the Hyatt, when we saw the ‘sister-wives’ of HBO’s Big Love: Jeanne Tripplehorn (“Barb”), Chloe Sevigny (“Nikki”) and Ginnifer Goodwin (“Margene”.)

Paul: I love you girls! Can I have a photo with you?
Jeanne: Ummmm …
Paul: Please! It would make my night!
Ginnifer: Sure!
Paul: Thanks!

Neal, Chloe, Ginnifer, Jeanna and me

Guy who took photo: How did the photo come out?
Paul: Well, it’s kinda …
Chloe: (whispering) He’s one of the creators of the show.
Paul: It’s perfect!
Guy: Good!
Paul: Ginnifer, I love your pixie hair cut! (I hated it, but she’s adorable.)
Ginnifer: Thanks!

A few minutes later, back with Mike, Ashley, Aubrey and the rest of the ‘Emmy People” – the girls walked by again and I got a great photo of them with Mike.

Mike with the 'sister-wives' - who honestly seemed joined at the hip! (Maybe they ARE in a three-way relationship?!)

Once back at the hotel, Neal and I ordered room service, went through our photos and jotted down anecdotes for the recap while watching the Emmys …

All in all, it was a great experience and we plan to back!

Thanks for reading!

xxoo,
Paul (and Neal)