Q and A: Week of July 16

Q: Can you tell me what one of my favorite rock stars, Bret Michaels, has been up to lately? — Rhiannon G., via e-mail

A: The Poison lead singer has been touring with Def Leppard and Lita Ford this summer, as well as promoting his new line of pet clothes, toys and accessories. Bret Michaels’ Pets Rock collection is available only through PetSmart (in stores and online at petsmart.com). As the owner of the cutest Boston terrier in the world, I couldn’t wait to speak with Bret about his new line of doggie-wear.


Bret explained the collaboration between himself and PetSmart: “They’d all come up to my house (in Arizona, where PetSmart is based), and I would show them a design, and I’d show them the stuff my pets were playing with. We would talk about it and we would draw some stuff up, and then they would take it back and work on it. It was very collaborative. As you know, safety is a huge factor, along with durability.”


But just because Bret had a hand in designing a doggie tutu, it doesn’t mean he’s gone soft. He told me: “In the music business, you might get lucky for a record or two, but you’re not going to survive 25, 26 years unless you know the business side of the entertainment business, which is really tough. It really gave me a thick skin. I’ll say this about any musician who’s lasted more than two years: You’ve really gotta be on your game. It’s tough to get into the business — to get that break — but it’s way tougher to stay there.”


Check back here later this week for my full interview with good-natured and funny frontman.

Q: One of my favorite shows this season, “Pan Am,” was canceled. Is it on DVD? — Pat S., via e-mail

A: “Pan Am” is not yet available on DVD; however, you can own all the episodes via Amazon. The show is available for instant viewing on your PC, Mac, compatible TV or other device. Simply go to amazon.com and search “Pan Am” to learn more.

Q: Is it true that a movie is in the works based on the “Shattered Union” video game? — Vinnie P., Springfield, Ohio

A: Jerry Bruckheimer is in the very early stages of development. He has joined with Disney and screenwriter J. Michael Straczynski (creator of “Babylon 5″) to bring the video game to life, perhaps sometime in 2013.

Q: I loved Frances Conroy on “Six Feet Under” and “American Horror Story.” What else can I see her in? — Deanna R., via e-mail

A: Frances is all set to play June Carter Cash’s mother, Maybelle Carter, in the Lifetime original movie “Ring of Fire,” which is set to air later this year. The movie stars Jewel as June and Matt Ross as Johnny, and centers on June and her rise to fame, from singing with her sisters to her solo career to her third (and longest) marriage to Johnny Cash.

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More Wedding Bells

Penelope Cruz and Javier Bardem (pictured, left) married earlier this month in a private ceremony in the Bahamas. They have been dating since 2007.

Actress Vanessa Marcil married CSI: NY star Carmine Giovinazzo this past Sunday night. She returns to General Hospital next month, and will be using her married name, Vanessa Marcil Giovinazzo. Vanessa was previously married to Corey Feldman from 1989 to 1993 and has a son with ex-beau Brian Austin Green, who married longtime girlfriend Megan Fox on June 24.

Also, Bret Michaels is reportedly NOT engaged to his babies' mama, Kristi Gibson, as earlier erroneous reports had stated. "No. We are not engaged yet," Bret, 47, said on Wednesday's CBS Early Show, promoting his new CD, Custom Built. "We're a work in progress."

Describing the ring that Gibson wears, Bret called it "a promise ring ... a friendship ring, with benefits. That's what we call it."

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Bret Michaels Has "Warning Stroke"

(from the Associated Press)

LOS ANGELES — Bret Michaels is receiving outpatient care after being hospitalized for what doctors called a "warning stroke."

His publicist, Joann Mignano, gave no other details Friday in an e-mail to The Associated Press.

Mignano had earlier confirmed that Michaels suffered what doctors call a "warning stroke" and has been diagnosed with a patent forum ovale, or hole in the heart.

The 47-year-old rocker-TV reality star was hospitalized after experiencing numbness on the left side of his body, particularly in his face and hands.

Doctors said the condition is operable and treatable and likely unrelated to the brain hemorrhage he suffered last month.

UPDATE: A rep for the rocker told E! news that Bret intends to appear on the live finale of The Celebrity Apprentice.

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Bret Michaels Still in ICU, Suffered Brain Hemorrhage

(from KTLA News)

LOS ANGELES -- Rocker turned reality star Bret Michaels remains in critical condition at an undisclosed hospital after suffering a brain hemorrhage Thursday night.

Doctors are still trying to find the source of his brain hemorrhage, and the 47-year-old former Poison front-man is under 24-hour surveillance, according to an update on Michaels' website.

"Further testing this week will help locate the source of the bleeding," Monday's update stated.

The rocker's tour manager, Janna Elias, has been posting the online updates.

"As we all know Bret is a fighter and we are hopeful that once all is complete the slurred speech, blurred vision and dizziness, etc. will be eliminated and all functions will return to normal. Everyone at Michaels Entertainment would like to thank all fans and friends for their continued thoughts and prayers through this difficult time."

Though there were reports circulating that Michaels' condition had stabilized, Elias, who is reportedly at the rocker's hospital bedside, said on Sunday that he remains in critical condition.

"There are several incorrect reports on Bret's condition. Bret remains in critical condition at an undisclosed location. Further tests are being ran and information will be updated in the coming days," she said in a statement.

The rocker is currently a contestant on Donald Trump's NBC competitive reality series, "The Celebrity Apprentice." He has also starred on VH1's "Rock of Love."

Donald Trump said in a statement Friday that he was "deeply saddened" to hear of Michaels' condition.

"He's a great competitor and champion, and I hope he will be fine," Trump said.

On "Celebrity Apprentice," Michaels has been concerned of late with his daughter's health.

She has been tested for diabetes after Michaels said recently "she is showing all the signs."

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