Watching Rachael Ray

The whole team at the Rachael Ray show is celebrating today - as they have been since last night, when the show beat out Ellen to take home the Outstanding Talk Show - Entertainment award! Ellen didn’t leave empty handed, of course, nabbing the Outstanding Talk Show Host for the gazillionth (3rd) time in a row. Ellen joked that it was weird to only be carrying one trophy, but then high jacked the microphone to announce Rachael Ray as she came into the room.

When her named was announced, and Rachael Ray had this to say, “Wow! Holy cat! I really can’t breathe!” before giving the traditional thank everyone and their brother little speech - in which she gave most of the credit to her fans for making her show as big as it is.

Of course, everyone wants to know about the dress, right? Was Rachael a fashion do or don’t at the Awards? I think she was definitely in the ‘do’ category this time around, even if I wouldn’t have picked a dress that hugged her bodacious behind quite as much. She looked MUCH better this year then when she presented last year, and though her hair could have been styled a bit better, all in all this is the best she’s looked at an awards show yet. Well done, wardrobe team! Now if they could just get John to brush his hair and discover what his razor is for…

In other news, almost a year after we mentioned it the first time, Rachael and John finally closed on that cute little (hahahahah) house in the Hamptons. There was apparently a boundary line dispute between the previous owners and the nearby golfcourse, and it took until now to get settled in the courts, allowing Rachael and John to close on the $2.9 million property. Congrats on the award and the new digs, Rachael!

I recently received an comment from a reader asking about the wine cork background shown on an episode back in February and if I had any pictures of the segment in question. So I went searching! Here you go, Juli, this one’s for you!

The show included Kate Walsh and cool kitchens – my recap is here. The kitchen in question is the one designed and built by Michael and the video with KC and Michael can be seenhere, where they talk about the backsplash made form the wine corks he and his wife had saved throughout the years. And – if there’s problems with the video for some reason, here’s some screen caps for you too:

In other news, just a reminder – Watching Rachael Ray is a site run by a fan, for fans. I am not Rachael and have no affiliation with Rachael Ray or any of her affiliates, so emails to me that are meant for her – I won’t be able to answer them, or get them to her. To contact Rachael Ray’s people directly, please see RachaelRay.com and use the contact methods found there.

Of course, if you have questions about her, or the show, that I CAN answer, I most certainly will! So keep those comments and emails coming, I love them! But, you know, I’m not Rachael. Just to clarify, and all. (grin)

And, though the show is on hiatus for the summer, I’ll still be around covering other things Rachael Ray, as we know she’s everywhere so there’s always something to talk about.

Once again, I have to admit defeat under the oppressive extremists that will look for any little detail to give them a reason - usually imagined - to spout their idiocy to the world. Normally people pick on Rachael Ray for her excessive use of EVOO and her weight, or they question her marriage and the taste of her husband when it comes to women. They’re divorcing, they’re doing fine, she is not a size 6, she IS a size 6, god help us she looks healthy and we can’t have that she needs to be stick thin like the bobble head Giada else we can’t possibly like her… It is never-ending. People love her, or hate her, and everyone jumps on one side of the train or another to trash or treasure Rachael Ray and all her enterprises.

Which brings us to today. It seems some extreme right-wingers* have decided that she supports terrorists via Dunkin Donuts commercials. (*or is it left-wingers? Forgive me for my hatred of politics and those that perpetuate the stereotypes while ignoring the little people that actually live in the country) How was this horrendous faux pas perpetrated? Well, our ever-perky spokesperson wore a black and white paisley scarf. Observe:

I’m quivering with indignation at the sight of such an offensive accessory - it’s… wait, what did the nut job call it? Oh yes “hate couture”. For those unused to my special brand of snark - that’s called SARCASM. No, I will not link to said nut job, you can find her on your own - a search for Michelle Malkin and Charles Johnson will give you more ammo then examples then ever before of human idiocy and hateful ignorance. It seems that they have decided that this paisley scarf - which, for the record, does not at all resemble the patterns found on the keffiyeh, which is more of a chain-link, geometric pattern - is screaming anti-Semitic messages of hate and supporting terrorists too boot.

Now, I’m sure that the keffiyeh is truly a symbol, and perhaps somewhere, someone is actually selling them to either make money, or make jokes, and I’m sure there’s some politician that’s shaking their head at my hatred of politics and human idiocy that they use to make their living, but COME ON PEOPLE. It is a SCARF. An Accessory! And not a hidden message of hate. Unfortunately, Dunkin Donuts has bowed to the pressure of the idiots, and pulled the ad, apologizing for any misunderstanding and trying to explain themselves. Of course, no one will listen, because they’re already too far hidden within the realms of their own a…views.

Despite the fact that I’ve always found paisley to be rather ugly and never owned any because of it - I can guarantee that a black and white paisley patterned scarf is in my future (Ok, maybe not, maybe hanging on my wall because ew ugly, or not at all, but it’s the THOUGHT THAT COUNTS!). If that makes me more of a RR lemming in your eyes, so be it. If you believe any of this nonsense of terrorism support in your search to spread hatred and fear - well, let’s just say I’d rather be a lemming.

And if everyone who’s searching THIS HARD for a reason to be offended decides to boycott Dunkin Donuts, that simply leaves more for the rest of us to enjoy the sweet sticky treat in something they’ll never understand…

Peace.

ETA: In other news - Mr. Ashley Simpson is the same kind of terrorist too. How come folks aren’t yelling at HIM? Come on, nutjobs - get with the program!

Yes, that’s the SAME EXACT Scarf. That’s just a scarf. Is no metro-sexual scarf wearing trashy celeb safe from Rachael’s influence? (Just don’t tell me what they do with their EVOO, kthxbai.)

ETA June 1st: This? is bloody well hysterical. Take your pictures and join in the fun! Now, if only I had a white and black paisley scarf….

….to be jealous of IPhone owners! As if it didn’t already to everything but babysit your kids, and do your dishes, now you can indulge your need for magazines in the palm of your hand, too! Texterity, Inc has launched a beta version of the first digital magazine interface portal designed for the Apple iPhone. This is the first time users will see complete magazines, including Everyday With Rachael Ray.

Texterity’s Digital Magazine iPhone Interface & Portal provides a collection of magazines that can be viewed through Texterity’s interface, which leverages the Safari browser built in to the Apple iPhone. No additional applications, downloads, or other software is required. Users can instantly view entire magazines as they were originally published, with all pages completely readable. As part of a beta test Texterity will provide free and open access to a great selection of consumer and business magazines to all iPhone users.

The iPhone Interface & Portal enables publishers to reach the increasingly mobile reader by providing iPhone users with immediate access to their magazine issues. The system leverages the iPhone’s ability to view a complete magazine in a portable format that can be viewed virtually everywhere. With one tap, an iPhone user can read their favorite magazine at any time.

As if I weren’t jealous enough. They provided a demo. Sigh!

On Friday’s Rachael Ray Show!
It doesn’t get much bigger then this! Big mouth Sexy Handyman Ty Pennington is back with video from his summer vacation, and important information about a disorder that affects the lives of many kids and adults, including himself — ADHD.

Lara Spenser’s got all the goods from the red carpet must-have products at the Emmys, and Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs drops by with a special gift for Rachael!

And if that’s not enough - style Guru Time Gunn will give a teacher a makeover using her own clothes! It’s a big day, folks - don’t miss it!

What’s for dinner? Creamy Tarragon Tuna over Egg Noodles and Spicy Tomato and Tuna Pasta.

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From EVOO to Pots and Pans, to cutlery - Rachael Ray has run the gamut of Kitchenware, and she’s not done yet! Town and Country announced recently that they’re preparing for a new Rachael Ray textile and table linen line.

The Food Network-TV chef recently paired up with Town and Country, a $163 million table linens and $65 million kitchen textiles supplier, to create for launch this market a collection of kitchen textiles donning the Rachael color palette. The table linens line is still in the works and is slated for unveiling at the February market.

Judi Alexander, Town and Country’s vp of licensing and marketing, told HTT the kitchen textiles were made to coordinate with Ray’s cookware, cutlery and dinnerware lines. There will be two design styles for the launch – a striped group and a contemporary floral collection. They come in four colorways – orange, blue, yellow, and green.

“It’s very fun and very fresh,” Alexander said.

Price points are still in development, but the line targets department and specialty stores.

“She has such a strong connection with the American consumer and our products help round out the total Rachael Ray lifestyle for her customers,” said David Beyda, Town and Country chairman.

At least they won’t be all orange!

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No, no no - not the turkey, the Magazine! Stuff Magazine has a list of the Hottest Women on the Food Network on their website. Unsurprisingly, since Rachael Ray practically IS the food network, she made the list. Surprisingly, they found 7 other women on the network!

Rachael comes in at a measly number seven on the list of ten. I agree with the ones she beat out - but some of the others? Oh my… Here, judge for yourself! I give you the list, and their reasons!

10. Ina Garten of he Barefoot Contessa. Mainly, because she’s rich and cooks.
9. Sara Moulton of Sara’s Secrets and Cooking Live. For culinary hotness. Ooooh…kay…
8. Cat Cora of Iron Chef America. She knows more about crawfish then Emeril.
7. Rachael Ray of every show on the network. From frumpy to white castle date worthy.
6. Ellie Kreiger of Healthy Appetite. For her nymph-like hair and huge smile.
5. Robin Miller of Quick Fix Meals. Huge eyes and smile that’s sweet yet sultry.
4. Sandra Lee of Semi-Homemade Cooking. Eerily smooth skin and powdered sugar.
3. Nigella Lawson of Nigella Feasts. She fills out her sweater. That’s all it takes. ha.
2. Paula Deen of Home Cooking and Party. …..I.. I can’t even paraphrase without thinking.. WHAT? SERIOUSLY? because she smells like fried chicken and butter, apparently.

and at number 1 - Giada De Laurentis, or as I like to call her - the Bobblehead.

How is it that Rachael is only number 7 on that list? I mean seriously… Paula DEEN, people!

I’m.. speechless. Ok, not really, as this is clearly in jest, but.. Paula Deen?! Oy!

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..to the top… of the Hamptons, at least! The New York Post’s Page Six reported Sunday that Rachael Ray and husband John Cusimano are in contract to buy a place in Southampton fir just under $3 million.

Included in the 6.2-acre Tuckahoe Lane estate, bordering the Southampton and Shinnecock golf courses, are a three-bedroom main house, two-bedroom pool house with sauna, separate guest cottage, pond, heated pool and lush gardens.

Somewhat disappointing is the minuscule kitchen pictured in the Prudential Douglas Elliman listing.

If this is the kitchen they’re referring too? Um, sign me up! That’s bigger then my living room!

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Do you obsess over sneakers? Do you simply have to have the latest in great footwear? Well then have I got a deal for you!

Alright, not exactly. However, all around New York city there have been commemorative Sneaker statues, 3 feet tall and 5 feet long, popping up to help aid the Blue Planet Run to raise awareness of Global Water shortages which are being auctioned off via Ebay. Some of the designers of the statues include: David Arquette & Courtney Cox-Arguette, Rosie O’Donnell, Rachael Ray, Mena Survari and the New York Giants Football Team. Each Sneaker Statue is a one-of-a-kind, and proceeds of the auction goes to benefit the Blue Planet Run Foundation, which funds water and sanitation projects to help people around the world who lack access to safe drinking water.

To create the statues, each celebrity designer received a standard-sized sneaker along with art supplies and inspiration about the official Blue Planet Run athletes. The designs were then transformed into larger-than-life sneaker statues and placed all over New York City to mark the start of the 2007 Blue Planet Run®.

Unsurprisingly, Rachael Ray’s sneaker is bright orange with red accents. You can bid on her sneaker until July 20th, as well as 17 other celebrity designed Sneaker Statues! What are ya waiting for?

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Today, Rachael Ray and Dunkin Donuts celebrated those who serve the American public with the first-ever “Running of the Cups”. Fifty costumed people dressed as giant iced coffee ran through Manhattan delivering coffee and baked goods, paying tribute to police officers, firefighters, nurses, construction workers and train conductors.

At the event, Dunkin’ Donuts and Rachael Ray announced the launch of the Dunkin’ Brands Community Foundation Serving Heroes program, an ongoing program in which customers across the United States can nominate the hero who serves their community, especially in times of crisis. Nomination forms will be available at www.ServingHeroes.com. Each month one hero will have his or her story prominently featured on the website and will be awarded with a year’s worth of free Dunkin’ Donuts coffee. Submissions will be reviewed and selected by the Dunkin’ Brands Community Foundation.
[...]
“I’m thrilled to be part of the celebration, and to present $25,000 to the Leary Firefighters Foundation — a cause I personally support — to help rebuild firehouses in New Orleans,” said Rachael Ray. “We know that there are everyday heroes doing extraordinary things everywhere in this country, and the Dunkin’ Brands Community Foundation “Serving Heroes” program is designed to help recognize the hard work and support that these men and women provide their communities.”

There will be many other “running of the Cups” events in other cities in the coming weeks. Find out more about the organization at Serving Heroes and nominate your home town hero!

As a bonus - While talking to access Hollywood about the event and cause, she also talks about those pesky divorce rumors. Check it out here!

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Doing some traveling this summer? Looking for the hottest hot spots, and ready to take a Bite Outta America? Well check out the Everyday with Rachael Ray Magazine website for her new Mapped Out feature!

There, you can pick a destination, or see them all at a glance, and discover some of Rachael Ray and her crew’s favorite spots to stay, eat, shop and play! They’ve a demo to show you how it all works though it’s all pretty self-explanatory. Not only that, but you can submit your favorite destinations and spots as well and get yourself on the map!

Take Chicago, for instance! Are you headed there in a couple weeks with all of the BlogHers for their 2008 conference? Check out some of the hotspots and must sees - as well as find great places to eat!

What a fun and interactive tool to help plan your vacation! Oh yeah - while there, don’t forget to enter to win the Wild Week at Pikes Peak prize package, too!

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Obsess much, darling? Yes, Perez Hilton has posted not once - but TWICE this week already (and it’s only Monday!) about Rachael Ray and the rumors (that he gleefully helped start and spread!) of her impending divorce. The Queen of Mean has even pointed to the New York Post who is also spitting out ‘details’ and ‘confirmations’ that things are rocky, without a Ray of Hope to be seen! Says the NYP:

A source close to the couple told Page Six, “Her mother is in town from Lake George to help Rachael find an apartment.” Rumors of their split have been circulating ever since the National Enquirer reported last November that Cusimano paid Jeaninne Walz up to $500 a session to spit on him and rub her feet on his face in 2000, before he met Ray. Rumors are also circulating that Rachael “has been flirting” with Colby Donaldson, the ex-”Survivor” cast member who joined the “Rachael Ray” show in February, on and off the set.

First off - who WOULDN’T flirt with Colby Donaldson? Raaaaaaawr! (And I say that as a Survivor Addict, too!) The NYP does continue to quote the reply by Rachael’s rep as well, who of course denies the accusations and rumors. Now, as Perez says, reps are paid to lie - so he continues to believe that things are still going south.

Secondly - Really, who believes the National Enquirer? Do people SERIOUSLY really and truly believe that stuff? Tsk, tsk, tsk.

But it looks like Rachael Ray has come forward to Entertainment Tonight to finally refute the rumors herself:

“It’s ridiculous,” RACHAEL RAY tells ET of the reports she and husband JOHN CUSIMANO are splitting.

She explains that she first heard about the rumors when a friend text messaged her there were reports on the Internet that said she and John were ending their 2 1/2 year marriage.

“We were planning our anniversary when we got that text message,” she reveals. “We are extremely happy — couldn’t be happier.”

Rachael, who just returned from a trip in the Hamptons with John, says it boggles her mind where gossip like that begins. “I don’t know where something that outlandish comes from,” she says.

And it’s certainly not something that is bogging her and John down. “[It's] not hurtful at all,” she admits of the reports. “It’s hysterical!”

Well, WE know where such outlandish reports come from!

But there you have it! Of course, one could point out that ET is essentially a television tabloid, but what’re ya gonna do? The same thing the rest of us are - wait and see!

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The man everyone loves to hate has once again revealed that his insider ’source’ has told Perez Hilton the ever popular tidbit that Rachael Ray is this close to filing for a divorce from her husband John Cusimano. Rachael and Jon aren’t strangers to controversy, having been the subject of reports of sex and drug scandals (all on his side, of course) for some time. Leave it to Perez Hilton to jump on the bandwagon and point fingers!

But don’t worry fans! It seems that this report was near instantly rebutted by US Magazine, where reportedly Ray’s rep told them:

“”There is no truth to it and it’s a non-item….Rachael and John are happily enjoying the holiday week up at their cabin.”

So, as with all Perez Hilton’s “news” - take it with a grain of salt. With some extra thrown over the shoulder for luck, of course.

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WWD.com announced today that there’s been another shakeup at Reader’s Digest Association. Siobhan Hardy, the creative director of Every Day with Rachael Ray since it’s launch has left.

[Hardy will] be married this week and plans to move to France in July. Hardy will be replaced by outgoing Redbook creative director Tracy Everding, who starts on June 25.

Don’t forget! The 34th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards will be broadcast live from Hollywood TONIGHT at 9pm on CBS.

Daytime talk-show host Rachael Ray tries her hand at prime time as the host of Friday’s 34th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards.

Daytime Emmys are handed out in 58 categories, though only those awards that are handed out in high-profile categories, like best soap opera and best daytime talk show, will be shown.

The night’s presenters include Barbara Walters, Alex Trebek, Ellen DeGeneres, Tyra Banks, All My Children’s Thorsten Kaye and Cameron Mathison, and Phil Donahue, who once had his own daytime talk show but is now working the lecture circuit.

Not only is Rachael Ray the host - but she’s also up for 7 Emmy’s for The Rachael Ray Show!

A Salute to Summer - NEW
Break out the barbecue! Rachael’s got the top tips for great grilling. Then, get ready to entertain outdoors — Kristan Cunningham shows you how to do a big backyard makeover on a small budget. And Rachael’s “goin’ fishin’” in the kitchen for a new type of burger.

Montel Williams - Repeat
In an inspiring kitchen table chat, Montel Williams shares the story of his battle with multiple sclerosis, and how you can live so you’re getting the most out of every day. Then, see what happens when a viewer tries to connect with her deceased mother who never got to meet her new son-in-law.

One Meal, Many Ways - Repeat
Rachael and Gretta show you the rules for what to keep vs. toss, and how to update any wardrobe! Plus, one woman confronts her darkest fears, and a mom who serves one meal all week long learns how to add variety while still keeping it simple!

Food for Thought - Repeat
Ever wonder what you should be eating? The doc is answering your questions and revealing the one food that can help you lose weight. Plus, tips on how to get the perfect haircut, and The Office star Jenna Fischer is making a 15-minute chili!

Curvy Girl Fashion - Repeat
Find out how curvy girls can wear all the skinny girl trends and look great! Plus, crafts that even the un-crafty (like Rachael!) can tackle, a bottom-of-the-jar recipe, and Joan Cusack stops by for some chat and chow.

Are you an AT&T Cellular Subscriber, as well as a Rachael Ray Fan? Ever gotten to the store only to realize you forgot your shopping list to make that new recipe you wanted desperately to try? Well have I got an announcement for you!

Introducing Rachael Ray Recipes on the Run!

Recipes on the Run is a new wireless application that can be used by subscribers to download “Yum-O” recipes direct to their mobile phones! It’s the ideal cooking aid and shopping list for busy families looking for the balanced and easy to make meals.

Ray says that “with Recipes on the Run, I hope to inspire more home-cooked and healthy meals in today’s hectic lifestyle and bring fun back into the kitchen.”

Features of Rachael Ray Recipes on the Run:

Delicious Recipes - with 40 new ones added every month!

For the first time, both fans and foodies alike can have Rachael Ray’s easy-to-prepare meal recipes, cooking tips and customized shopping lists at their fingertips. For a low monthly fee, subscribers nationwide enjoy 40 new recipes every month, with the functionality to browse recipes by main ingredient or category and receive personal preparation tips directly from Rachael.

My Shopping List - automatically adds recipe ingredients to your wireless shopping list!

Once recipe selections are made, shopping is easier than ever. The “My Shopping List” feature allows subscribers to add recipe ingredients directly to a shopping list on their wireless device. When more than one recipe is added, the service will automatically combine quantities of identical ingredients, and advanced interactivity allows subscribers to add custom ingredients and mark off items as they shop.

Rachael’s Quick Picks - Spin the EVOO Bottle to get Yum-O inspirations!

Subscribers also can choose their favorite recipes or try “Rachael’s Quick Picks!,” a fun, random-recipe generator that allows them to spin Rachael’s “EVOO” (extra-virgin olive oil) bottle to get “delish!” meal inspirations.

My Keepers - Favorite Recipes at your fingertips for easy reference!
Recipe Sharing - Email directly from your phone to family and friends!
Rach’s Handy Tips and Tidbits!

Favorite recipes can be easily saved using the “My Keepers” feature, storing them to subscribers’ wireless phones for easy future reference. Or, recipes can be e-mailed to friends and family using the “Recipe Sharing” function.

During the initial 60-day launch period, AT&T Wireless will be the exclusive provider of Rachael Ray Recipes on the Run. Contact AT&T for more details, or your own provider to see when this feature will be made available for you!

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