Pet Rock: The Pop Culture Blog

NKOTB photos

And yes, Long Island girls-turned-women, they're coming to the Coliseum, so get out the aerosol cans and get that hair high!

May 16 - New York City: The Today Show
May 17 - East Rutherford: Izod Center
May 18 - Boston: Tweeter Center

Sept. 20 - Montreal: Bell Centre
Sept. 21 - Toronto: ON Air Canada Center
Sept. 23 - East Rutherford, Izod Center (Pre-sale: May 5, 10 a.m.; on sale: May 12, 10 a.m.)
Sept. 24 - Nassau Coliseum (Pre-sale: May 5, 10 a.m.; on sale: May 12, 10 a.m.)
Sept. 26 - Boston: TD Banknorth Garden
Sept. 27 - Atlantic City: Borgata (on sale May 17)

Oct. 4 - Chicago: Allstate Arena

Look for updated dates as they announce them at nkotb.com/tour

Way back when we started Old School Tuesday, we said use photos, videos and stories dating back to the 1970s to help tell stories and have some fun in the world of pop culture.

Up to this point, it's been all videos, but this week, it's time to share a story.

Last Wednesday, after a hellish day of working in one county, then shooting video in one borough and editing it in another then coming back to a different county -- with audio issues in between, I needed a nice walk around town to destress.

One problem: I left my iPod at work. Damn!

So I dug up my Sony Walkman (yes, I still have it) and popped an old mix tape from my DJ days. No luck. Even with fresh batteries, it wouldn't play.

So I dug even deeper into the early 1990s and found my Discman, the one with the 35-second anti-skip technology. I still can't believe I have that. Fresh batteries and TLC's "CrazySexyCool" CD and we're good to go.

I creeped and chased waterfalls for a little bit. But while walking around town -- on flat ground, mind you -- it started to skip. I caught every fifth word of Left Eye's raps, Chilli's smooth hooks and T-Boz's sexy, raspy voice.

What the heck happened 35 seconds ago to cause this skip? Was there an earthquake that only my Discman could detect? Did I walk by an invisible construction site with pounding jackhammers?

God, discmans suck these days. Remember when we thought they were cool? When pushing a button to change songs was all we know? Now that is old school!

And it's all bad.

Usually we use Old School Tuesday as a nostalgic look back. Not this week. If the old expression is "the greatest thing since sliced bread," then I vote for the iPod to be next on that timeline. A few generations from now, we'll be hearing "the greatest thing since the iPod."

Arguably the greatest host of "Saturday Night Live" ever (all due respect to Steve Martin, Christopher Walken, John Goodman and Justin Timberlake), Alec Baldwin gets another moment in the sun Tuesday night (April 29) at 8:30 p.m.

NBC has put together the Best of Alec Baldwin on "SNL," which will no doubt leave us paralyzed from laughter for 90 minutes or so.

Legendary skits such as Canteen Boy, Pete Schweddy's balls and my favorite, Baldwin as an elf re-enacting his "Glengarry Glen Ross" speech, no doubt will make the cut tonight. With any luck, a few Dr. Burner and Dr. Zinger skits, too.

Just to get you in the mood, watch the video below.

- La Monica

By Adam Abramson

I grew up playing all kinds of video games. I still play video games on occasion. I've played the older Grand Theft Auto games since 1998, and they're all a good time.

But part of the intrigue to the GTA series is the intricacies of the video game. GTA San Andreas was extremely intense and fun because of the challenge it presented. I remember playing the game for countless hours, checking to see my progress only to find out I had completed 30% of the game.

Eventually I decided to switch it up and throw in Rockstar's versions of up, up, down, down, left, right, left, right, B, A, select, start. It was like getting a new game.

I've tried the reverse. I immediately found the codes upon the release of a game, and guess what? I never played the game without the codes.

My advice: Wait. Rockstar spent all of this time developing the game for your enjoyment.

Give it some time, THEN find the codes and shred away with unlimited health, or whatever strikes your fancy.

OK, folks, here you go. Look below and see the June 2008 Vanity Fair photo of Miley Cyrus, shot by Annie Leibovitz, that has the world a-buzzin'.

I don't get all the hullabaloo about it. Yes, she's 15 and a role model to girls younger than that. But her family was there at the time and these photos were all sanctioned by Daddy Montana.

I don't have daughters, so maybe I'm missing the boat on this, but if I did have daughters, I want to think I'd be fine with them still watching Miley Cyrus' show, listening to her music, buying her posters and idolizing all she does.

Didn't Brooke Shields go topless for much of "The Blue Lagoon" when she was 14? And wasn't there a nude scene or two in "Pretty Baby," when Shields was 12?

Have a look at the behind the scenes photos from the shoot on Vanity Fair's Web site and you'll see a harmless situation where her family was there with her.

What are your thoughts on this issue?

P.S. If you're wondering how to find the mag on newsstands, look for this cover:

According to several reports running around online, Puck, oops, I mean Spencer Pratt, and Y2K Tori Spelling, oops, I mean, Heidi Montag, taped a spot for this Tuesday's "The Tyra Banks Show" (April 30) in which they confirmed their earlier rumor-spreading that Lauren Conrad's ex-fella Jason was shopping their sex tape.

“I would never watch that,” Pratt told host Tyra Banks, who asked Pratt if he had actually seen the tape, according to BuddyTV.com. “I would rather throw up … but I know for a fact, and I would take a lie detector test.”

True or not, who really cares anymore? How/why does Spencer get airtime and normal people don't? What kind of lack of talent do we need to get some shine?

Lauren Conrad photos

Heidi Montag photos

Flipping through the Sunday circulars for good coupon deals (you know you do it, too), I came across Reason No. 37 to love America.

Americans have long been infatuated with humanizing their dogs. We're not judging here at all. In fact, my brother and I used to tie a "Hulk Rules" bandana around my dog's neck when we were kids. (Yes, it looked awesome!)

Rather, it's the idea of a dog in a polo shirt that had me rolling on and off the couch. I almost went out and bought a dog, just so I could then buy a doggie polo shirt for him. Seriously, look at the photo above one more time. I dare you not to laugh.

• See more photos of dogs at play

- La Monica

For all you gamers out there (and nongamers who just like to watch awesome trailers for video games), enjoy our double-feature sneak peek of "Grand Theft Auto IV," which hits stores Tuesday, April 29.

Yeah, so I'm pretty much a loser and got stuck at work late Thursday night, thus putting the kibosh on my Thriller at Tribeca plans. Trust me, that stinks.

Luckily, Journalista friend Lauren went with a camera and shot this vid. Enjoy.

By Adam Abramson

FHM magazine has tabbed Megan Fox as the world's sexiest woman. No problems with that.

Some thoughts on the list:

100. Britney Spears (Really?)
13. Eva Mendes (Way hot.)
77. Paris Hilton (Is it me or is she just lame now?)
17. Kim Kardashian (Don't get it. Does she get like a 2,000 rating boost because she has a sex tape and is with Reggie Bush?)
6. Emmanuelle Chriqui (Has a strong case for No. 1. La Monica would agree)
56. Tara Reid (Hasn't she become the poster child for "Used to be hot, then went off the rocker and looks awful"?)
73. Carrie Underwood (Her first year on the list, but 73 is a slight to her).
10. Hayden Panettiere (I really don't get it...Top 10?!)

Click the picture for some photo highlights.

Popular New York disc jockey Wendy Williams is getting her own TV show.

Starting July, Williams will appear every day on Fox affiliates in New York, Los Angeles, Dallas and Detroit every day for an hour known as "The Wendy Williams Show."

Williams will broadcast from New York, where she's hosted a radio show for 15 years. Her show will dive into the entertainment world and tackle topics such as celebrity gossip and news events, as well as interviews and fashion. Williams will also be dishing out advice to audience members and viewers on issues such as sex, relationships, money and dating.

Talk show veteran Rob Dauber will serve as executive producer of “The Wendy Williams Show” along with Williams and her husband-manager, Kevin Hunter. Dauber has worked with Martha Stewart, Oprah Winfrey and Commack native Rosie O’Donnell.

The show will air for a six-week trial beginning July 14.

I've only heard Williams' radio show a few times, but I do know what's on TV nowadays ... might be worth a shot.

In the past few weeks, there have been way too many MC Hammer sightings in the pop culture world. Is it a coincidence, or am I just watching all the wrong shows and reading all the wrong things?

Either way, the subliminal marketing worked because it's Old School Tuesday and you can't touch this. Such a great song back then, such a great song now. The dance moves are still impressive. The clothes, eh, not so much,

- La Monica

OK, so this may be the coolest thing we hear about and then do this week, perhaps even this month.

This Thursday (April 24) at 7:30 p.m. at the TriBeCa Drive-In (North Cove at the World Financial Center), they will celebrate the 25th anniversary of Michael Jackson's epic "Thriller" music video.

This was a groundbreaking event in 1984, and all these years later, it remains the greatest video ever made. A bold statement, to be sure, but name one that is better.

“Thriller” video director John Landis will be on hand during the screening and the classic "Making of Thriller" video to follow. Folks will teach you the Thriller dance -- as if you don't remember it -- and then join in for the world's largest zombie disco. There's a face-painting station, too, so ghoul it up, son! P.S. It's free!

Get more info here and watch the entire video below -- the ENTIRE video just the way it debuted on MTV in 1984 -- just because you know you want to kill a few minutes at work today. (Note: The video player takes a few seconds to load and you might get hit with a 15-second commercial firs, but "This is Thriller, Thriller Night" and no one's gonna save you from the commercial beast that's about to strike, so deal with it.)

- La Monica

What do Canada, Alan Thicke, former pop-sensation Tiffany and James Van Der Beek all have in common? Yes, they are all things no one cares about anymore. However, they are also all featured in the new Robin Sparkles video "Sandcastles in the Sand."

The folks at "How I Met Your Mother" may just have another hit on their hands.

Watch the video here

By Adam Abramson

After a weeklong vacation, Howard Stern returned to the Sirius Satellite airwaves with longtime comedian Artie Lange in the studio.

Stern opened the show by taking calls from listeners pining for news about Lange, who tendered his resignation after an on-air fight during the last show before the scheduled break. Some put the blame on Stern for pushing the envelope and letting the fight develop -- claims he laughed off.

The two had a conversation during the week in which Lange told Stern, "I'm not a violent guy."

The suspense actually lasted longer than listeners could want, with Stern waiting nearly 4 minutes to reveal Lange was in the studio.

Once Lange's presence was made known, both Stern and Lange said they were happy it was happening this way.

The group then rehashed the actions of the on-air explosion.

Stern asked Lange if he wanted to make a statement.

"The only thing I want to say is of course I'm sorry. I'm very, very sorry. It's all my fault. This week, I have been overwhelmed by how nice people have treated me. I feel like I'm part of the family ... I got calls from everybody on the staff here. I really feel like I'm part of a family and that is such a touching thing ... Howard's call really meant a lot to me. I apologized to him a thousand times. I apologize to the fans. ... I ---- up in a major way ... I've been ---- up my whole life."

"The show is the only thing that's really keeping me a live," he joked. He also said he received calls from friends David Spade and Jimmy Kimmel.

He then went on to say his assistant Teddy is not stealing money, as he originally claimed in the argument, but did acknowledge the two had money issues.

Lange also said he did not blame Stern for the fight, something he claimed the Thursday before the show went on vacation.

He also said he reached out to Teddy, as did Stern after the fight. Teddy had concerns about keeping his job with Sirius radio, but the both assured him he was to remain part of the staff.

Lange said at the time of his resignation it was the most emotional he had been in his life, calling it an "emotional blackout."

A report of a listener who spotted Lange at The Brooklyn Diner after the explosion was false. Lange said he had a mozzarella omelet with sausage, rye toast with butter and jam and two chocolate milks, coffee and a chocolate chunk cookie from Starbucks at a diner in Hoboken, instead. The gorging was followed by a weekend in Amsterdam.

After rehashing the trip to Amsterdam, Stern spoke on the matter saying he had "the worst week of vacation."

Stern killed the replay of the show and HowardTV from the Thursday show, a move for which he received heavy criticism. Stern said he was very scared for both Artie and Teddy. He said he wanted "to do the right thing." Stern even said part of him felt he should follow Lange out of the studio to make sure he was in a healthy mental state -- even saying was afraid he was going to commit suicide. Stern said that was his main concern and the reason he kept replays off the air.

Stern asked Lange if he would object to the show appearing on HowardTV, something he has not watched yet. Lange said he actually wanted to see the tape and thinks the audience has the right to see such a dramatic moment from "the greatest reality show ever."

Stern said he received voice-mails from Lange before boarding the plane to Amsterdam confirming his on-air resignation. The two didn't speak until Lange returned from Europe, sharing their desire for the in-studio group of Stern, Lange, Fred Norris and Robin Quivers to remain intact.

Quivers chimed in, saying she didn't think Lange had any more chances, something Stern also believed.

By Adam Abramson

Want an easy laugh? Watch mascots do people things.

Want an easier laugh? Watch mascots do things that people look funny doing ... and get knocked out doing them.

Example below: Toronto Raptor vs. Minnesota Timerwolf. Two words: Sumo suits.

"The Colbert Report" had a few special visitors on Thursday night's episode on location in Philadelphia. Watch the clips and see who will get the famous "Colbert bump" in the polls.

Note: You may or may not have to sit through a commercial first. We apologize for that, but it's beyond our control

Hillary fixes Colbert's technical difficulties.

Barack Obama on the big screen.

John Edwards

Read the story from political reporter Glenn Thrush.

I've been struggling with this list for the past two weeks, ever since I found out the April 18 release date of Al Pacino's new movie, "88 Minutes."

We all know Pacino is among the best actors of the past two generations, perhaps even three. And the old Pacino-DeNiro debate usually ends in whichever actor's movie you've seen last. So, if you watched "Goodfellas" this week and "Scarface" two weeks ago, you're more likely to say DeNiro is better, and vice versa.

But here in Top 5 Thursday, we don't have that luxury. Here in Top 5 Thursday, we have to rank Pacino's five best characters. Yes, that's impossible. So, for one week only, we're going to Top 8 Thursday, partially because Pacino is that good, and partially to play off the "88 Minutes" movie title.

Before I countdown what I believe to be Pacino's eight best characters, please understand that we're talking about just that: Pacino's characters, not the movie overall. And also understand that with a resume such as his, some characters may jump out at you but are not listed here. In that case, ask yourself this question: Which character would you replace with your choice? Feel free to post your comments.

Usually, I throw a little comment after each item the lists, but if you don't know these characters, then you should stop reading now.

And now for the top 8 Al Pacino characters:

8) Lefty Ruggiero in "Donnie Brasco"
7) Lowell Bergman in "The Insider"
6) Ricky Roma in "Glengarry Glen Ross"
5) Tony Montana in "Scarface"
4) Lt. Col. Frank Slade in "Scent of a Woman"
3) Frank Serpico in "Serpico"
2) Sonny in "Dog Day Afternoon"
1) Michael Corleone in "The Godfather Part II"

- La Monica

And now for some video clips of Pacino on Inside the Actor's Studio.

Here's the video of Nikki Sixx and the boys announcing and discussing Crue Fest, as we promised earlier. Watch it and then go smoke in the boys room.

Aside from sports scores, buckets of email and free unmentionables, click the T-Pain-Akon artwork below to learn why the Internet was invented. Nice work, repcodes.

By Adam Abramson

With The Howard Stern Show on vacation this week, all has been mum on the Artie Lange front.

The show adjourned Friday with Lange, Stern's longtime comedian on the show, tendering his resignation and Stern accepting.

The resignation came after Lange lashed out at his personal assistant on the air over several issues, most notably money.

A request for information from Sirius was not returned, but Robin Quivers, a fixture on Stern's show for more than 20 years, appeared on Fox's "Good Day New York" to promote a charity function.

On the show, Reid Lamberty asked Quivers about the in-studio squabble. Stern's newsreader addressed claims and theories that the bit was staged to generate interest in the Sirius Satellite Radio show, saying "I only wish it was [a publicity stunt] because then we'd be having a good time with it. But it was a very real experience."

Quivers said listeners would have to tune into the show on Monday to hear how the situation has developed.

Lamberty and Quivers then went on to talk about her relationship with comedian Jim Florentine that transpired on air, her drastic weight loss and her charity, Girls Night Out.

Click the photo to watch Quivers' appearance on "Good Day New York."

Looks like we guessed right on Monday (although, admittedly, it wasn't too hard to figure out) with Motley Crue's big announcement.

Get your glam rock ready because the most notorious rock band of the past 30 years is going back on the road this summer with Crue Fest, a monster metal rock fest featuring the Crue (and all four of its original members), Nikki Sixx's new band Sixx:A.M., Buckcherry, Papa Roach and Trapt.

The tour, run by Live Nation, starts July 1 in West Palm Beach, Fla.

Can't wait to see how much havoc these guys wreak when they come to Jones Beach on July 8. Oh, did I leave that part out? Guess you didn't read the news in the . . . So Ho Tribune! Yep, the Crue kickstarts Long Island's hearts on a Tuesday night. Someone please find out where the afterparty is, and then someone introduce me to a lover in a cellophane dress!

Boss friend Jon, consider this my e-mail asking for July 9 off -- I should have a few personal days left to take. Blog reader Lisa, the Crue is indeed coming to Arizona: Aug. 1 at the Cricket Wireless Pavilion in Phoenix. Here's the full schedule of Motley Crue's summer tour.

Please tell me I'm not the only one fired up for this. I was too young when they were the biggest band on the planet, or at least that's what my parents would have said. So it's rebound time for me and Motley, which is quite all right by me. I'm on my way, I'm on my way.

The band also set a June 17 release date for "Saints of Los Angeles," their ninth studio album. As with most bands performing in concert, they will likely play a few tracks off the new record. Normally, I get a little grumpy during those points of the show, even though I fully understand and respect their right to plug the new stuff.

I get the feeling however that I'll let that slide so long as I get to hear a little "Kickstart My Heart," power ballad "Don't Go Away Mad (Just Go Away)" and the rest of their classics. Of course, maybe I'm just saying that now since I've got the Motley blasting through the iTunes.

To fully understand what Motley once was on tour, you'll need to read Tommy Lee's "The Dirt" and/or Nikki Sixx's "The Heroin Diaries."

If you can't find your leather pants, I'm sure you can find them in the merch section of Motley.com.

- La Monica

P.S. You know I can't leave you without a party, so it's the same ol' situation now.

File this one under outrageous, ridiculous, ridiculous, outrageous and "Damn, I wish I thought of that first!" Cross-reference this one with "Yeah, it's of British origin, but I'm reading this in America, and we were once owned by the British, so it qualifies somehow under 'Reasons to Love America.'"

This woman, Tricia Walsh Smith, is taking to YouTube to post videos that will perhaps increase her chances at winning a nice settlement in her divorce case.

I now present you with Reason No. 6 to love America. Enjoy your day. Note: There may be a few words used in this video that you may not agree with.

-La Monica

No, this isn't a joke. Heidi Montag turns freestyle rapper on MTV's TRL. This either marks the end of the world or the beginning of a new era in life. We're not really sure.

The over-under on ribs cracked from laughing/puking at this is 2.5. I took the over . . . and my insurance carrier is furious about that.

Oh, but wait, there's more. Turns out Lil' Miss Montag is now a fashion designer. Peep the photos below from her "Heidiwood" show last Friday night in L.A.

Indeed, it's true: Flavor Flav has a new sitcom debuting this Wednesday, April 16, on MyNetworkTV / 9. (That's just regular channel 9 for those of us in the tri-state area).

As you keep that fact in your thoughts today, along with memories of Flav, Brigitte Nielsen, Hoops, New York and other moments from his reality show heyday, add one other thought to your brain.

Back in the day. Flavor Flav was a great hype man and an integral part of one of the three greatest rap groups of all time: Public Enemy.

So, Old School Tuesday salutes a time when Flav was on point, rap music was good and videos told stories.

- La Monica

There's a big announcement coming this Tuesday (April 15) at 7 p.m. from Motley Crue. So big, they revamped their Web Site on Monday to prove it.

We're not quite sure what it is but the guess here is that it's time to dig our wigs, makeup and leather pants out of storage and get ready for a summer of Motley, with tour dates and a new CD.

Again, that's just our guess. Here's one more guess: This tour will make a stop at Jones Beach this summer. Again, just a guess.

FuseTV will air the presser live and commercial-free (DirecTV 339 / EchoStar 158; cable subscribers, check local listings).

And Motley.com will air it online. However, if you're a real Crue head and can't wait that long, you can become a Motley online fan club member for $40 and get the news ahead of time, or so that's the claim on their site.

We hope to have video from the presser for those who miss it on Wednesday morning, provided our contacts come through. In the meantime, enjoy the monster ballad below.

- La Monica

This just happened to me a few minutes ago, and I don't know how it really fits into pop culture but I had to alter my Saturday to report this to you.

A Toyota Tundra drove by me. Ooh, exciting stuff. huh? Let me rephrase.

A Toyota Tundra with a spoiler -- a freakin' spoiler! -- on it.

So the next time you get one of those "You know you're from Long Island when . . ." emails, before you forward it to people, add "When you drive a Toyota Tundra with a spoiler" to that list.

- La Monica

By Adam Abramson

Links:
Artie Lange explodes on The Howard Stern Show
Robin Quivers appears on Fox and disucces Lange
Howard Stern photos

With The Howard Stern Show in limbo until Monday, April 21, speculation will be brewing about the future of comedian Artie Lange with the flagship program of Sirius Satellite Radio.

Lange exploded in a fit of rage during Thursday's episode of the show and offered his resignation, which Stern accepted. If this holds, Lange's 6 1/2-year tenure with the show would come to a sad ending for many, including Stern, Robin Quivers and the rest of the staff.

Should he leave the show, Lange would follow Jackie Martling as comedians to hold the chair and leave the show.

It can be assumed that a search will begin to find a replacement to ride out the remaining stint of Stern's five-year contract with Sirius.

Here is a look at five possible replacements:

1. Greg FitzSimmons
Greg is no stranger to the studio, often making appearances and often sitting in on Robin Quivers' daily news segment. FitzSimmons brings a somewhat different style than Lange, throwing out subtle, yet funny, jokes. This would be a change from Lange's classic tales from his days past in New Jersey, Los Angeles and on the road as a comic. FitzSimmons is a family man, which would also be a change from Lange -- who often provides detail-heavy stories of weekend trysts with escorts.

FitzSimmons hosts a show on "Howard 101," Stern's second channel featuring round-the-clock Stern-related programming. The show has received welcoming reviews from fans and FitzSimmons has pulled in big names as guests.

2. Nick Dipaolo
A long time friend of the show, Dipaolo's brash delivery actually resembles Lange. Like all of the names on this list, Dipaolo and Lange are good friends and have worked often together in the past. While Dipaolo will not bring tales of heavy drug use, eating, drinking and hookers to the table, he has a good track record of making the staff and listeners laugh with his subdued tales.

3. Bob Levy
Serving as the staff's "Roast Master," Levy is a very familiar personality to Stern fans -- appearing on the show often. He is the founder of the "Killers of Comedy" featuring several personalities from the show, including Shuli, Sal the Stockbroker and Richard Christy. Levy also appears on the "Miserable Men" show, a weekly program on Stern's "Howard 101" channel.

Like Lange, Levy's addictions have been well-documented on the show. He's undoubtedly a no-holds-bar personality who appears often in studio.

However, it wouldn't be shocking to hear Levy's current role is solidified as a good friend of the show who makes many appearances.

4. Jim Florentine
Two reasons say Florentine is not a front-runner for the possible vacant chair:

A. Lange has often referred to Florentine as one of his closest friends in the business. In a world featuring personalities full of high jinks, it can be argued that Florentine is seen as the most normal friend of the show. If Florentine were to be offered a daily spot on the show, it would likely create a rift between the new show comedian and the former.

B. Florentine is involved with Quivers. The courtship began several months ago when he pitched the idea of taking Stern's good friend and longtime newswoman on a date. What first appeared as a bit for the show soon turned into a legitimate romance. Florentine's last appearance on the show was marked by playing Stern's version of the "Newleywed Game" with Quivers.

5. John Hein
A current show staffer, Hein hosts the "Wrap Up" show with producer Gary Dell'Abate. He is very in-tune with pop culture, having created and run www.jumptheshark.com before TV Guide bought the site.

Hein is respected around the office, especially by Stern, who is very complimentary of his work on the usually hourlong show.

However, Hein is not a comedian -- the occupation that has manned the chair for years. This could be what keeps him from getting into the studio every day.

Lindsay Lohan photos

Apparently, our fave gal Lindsay wants to prove she's a "serious actress" by doing a nude scene. And even better, the Daily Mail in London, says she's only getting 40,000 pounds for it.

True or not, I'm fairly certain she's worth quite a bit more than that. Any chance that this is a work of Pop Fiction, that new "Ashton Kutcher messes with the paparazzi and celeb rag mags" show on E!?

By Adam Abramson

Howard Stern Show fixture Artie Lange walked out of the studio after an argument and subsequent outburst at his personal assistant on the air.

Lange, who became a part of the show's daily routine in October of 2001, was spotted disputing with his assistant in the hallways off the air. When it was brought up to Stern, he asked the assistant Teddy to come into the studio and discuss the situation on the air.

Lange began to express his disdain for his assistant of nearly two years because of recent money issues. Teddy retorted by implying there's more to the job than meets the eye.

Howard Stern photos

As the argument continued, Lange became enraged and physically lashed out at Teddy, but the physical confrontation was apparently defused by other members in the studio.

When Lange returned, he said Teddy would be "dead" had he reached him and he would be in jail.

Stern then expressed his feelings on the situation, saying he cannot condone Lange's actions. The comedian, who has had a similar outburst on the air in the past, said he cannot guarantee he can refrain from acting out in the future. Upon hearing that, Stern said he cannot have Lange around with the potential of such actions looming.

Artie then offered his resignation; Stern accepted, but told Lange to leave and cool off. Just before Lange left he told Stern: "I'm not a good person ... I gotta leave ... I love you"

Teddy returned to the studio several minutes later and said there was overreacting from everyone, but did not downplay the seriousness of the situation.

Show producer Gary Dell'Abate came in to analyze the situation, but he and Stern admitted they "did not know what to make of it all."

Stern does not host a live show on Fridays and the crew is on vacation next week.

If Artie is booted, who will replace him? We have some ideas.

The good people of this Internet space have spoken. OK, more like clicked their mouse button, but they voted nonetheless.

And the winner of Sitcom Madness is . . . "The Honeymooners."

With an easy 558-490 win over "All in the Family," Ralph Kramden and company took home the subjective title of greatest sitcom of all-time. Below are some clips from the show. Thanks to all who played along.

View the complete bracket

If you're a sports fan, watching One Shining Moment at the end of the NCAA Tournament is a must-do. Doesn't matter if you hate the teams playing or if your team lost in the final.

It's just something you need to do. If you don't get goosebumps while listening to Luther Vandross sing and college players play, then you have no soul.

And with today's technology of TiVos and DVRs, if you watch it less than four times on Monday night, turn your extra Y chromosome in at the door. Watch this year's edition below.

- Mark La Monica

We had to go way back in the day to find a clip of Adam Sandler before he started being the same character in every movie he makes.

Alas, Operaman. Enjoy today's turn on Old School Tuesday.

P.S. You may or may not have to sit through a 20-second commercial before the clip. We apologize if you do, but it's an NBC thing and that's how they help pay the bills. But since you're already here wasting time instead of working, what's another 20 seconds, know what I'm saying?

Here we go, folks. It's the championship round. From 64 to 2 shows. Who will Sitcom Madness? Who knows, but this 64-show tournament has taken on an old-school feel.

The Matchup: "All in the Family" vs. "The Honeymooners."

The Bracket: View the updated bracket

The Voting Schedule: Poll open from 12 p.m. April 7 to noon April 9.

We'll announce the big winner and celebrate at 12:30 p.m.