Conan Obrien on The Huffington Post

Lance Armstrong Talks Muscles, Fake Penises And More On "The Tonight Show" (VIDEO)

2009-12-23T09:33:27Z

Lance Armstrong stopped by "The Tonight Show" last night to talk about his new book, Comeback 2.0, with Conan O'Brien. The pair discusssed everything from Armstrong's muscular legs to the Whizzinator, a prosthetic penis used to circumvent drug tests.

Armstrong talked about his family, telling O'Brien that his kids are the last in their class to learn how to ride bikes, and jokingly took a couple of shots at Ben Stiller, who has launched StillerStrong, an organization that bears remarkable similarities to Lance Armstrong's charity LiveStrong. Scroll down to watch the full interview with the seven-time Tour de France champion.

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Conan Works At Best Buy: Doesn't Sell Much, But Eats Tons Of Spaghetti (VIDEO)

2009-12-18T12:36:57Z

In the need of some extra spending money, Conan took a seasonal job at Best Buy (which he jokingly referred to as a "local store"). Blue shirt on his back, Conan did the job the only way he knew how: by dancing with customers and eating a full Tuscan lunch. He even made a sale. Sort of.

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Jon Chattman: Hair 's Allison Case: 'Replace Fear With Love'

2009-12-15T14:45:56Z

If you've seen the Hair revival on Broadway, you know just how infectiously joyous the cast is and how strong their message of love still is. Their energy beams from the orchestra to the nosebleeds every night at the Al Hirschfeld theater. One cast member, however, managed to stand out to the crowd when the show opened - a near impossible feat considering the original cast of the revival is among Broadway's best ever.

With a smile ten Broadway blocks wide, Allison Case became sort of the poster child for everything the show represented. Her face has been emblazoned on Broadway billboards, and has radiated in the numerous television spots the cast has performed on (watch her gleam next to Conan O'Brien on a fall Tonight Show pitstop) and rallies they've taken part in.

While the actress had to leave the show due to injury, there's a pretty good chance you'll see her crooning Frank Mills again as Crissy. If not, no worries - she'll be on your television sets on Showtime's Nurse Jackie and you can see the delightful redhead on those "Hi, I'm a Mac...and I'm a PC" commercials. I spoke with the Orange County native, who made her Broadway debut as Sophie Sheridan in Mamma Mia!, and asked her all about work, peace, love, and understanding.

How life altering has the experience of "Hair" been for you? It's evident by the smile that has been permanently on your face since you did.
The first concert back in 2007 was the beginning of my Hair journey. It was my first show in NYC and my first glimpse of being in theater that deeply can effect people and make them feel. It's literally been the most amazing experience. Hair is not only a musical but a movement in itself. Everyone is so passionate about the piece, about each other, and about spreading the messages we deeply think are important. We believe in it 100 percent. We protest in the show, and then go out and do the real thing in real life. Recently we were at the National Equality March and it was really incredible.

Are you amazed at the positive reaction the show has had on Broadway and the world?
I am amazed. Eventhough in my heart I knew it was something big and it was something very special, I could not have imagined the impact it would, again, have in the world. People can't get enough and that is amazing. They come and are moved, are questioned, are made to feel... and that''s the kind of theater I only hope to be a part of. Spring Awakening did that for me a few years ago. I can't believe i get this opportunity to reach out now. The whole thing is very inspiring, you know. We are in a time of fear which only creates more fear. You can feel it everywhere. I hope we can replace that fear with love only to have more love resonating everywhere so we can enjoy this life we get! If people walk out of "Hair" feeling more love- that's the best thing i could hope for.

Why did you leave the show - are you set to come back?
I left the show because of a hip injury back in August. Being detached from the show and that family while in pain every day was a very difficult time in life. With the help of beautiful teachers and healers, family and friends, I am able to realize how much I can learn from this whole situation that happened suddenly. I miss the show with my whole heart but also realize I still have so much to be grateful for, I do not have a set date to come back right now.

What was your first show like? What was opening night like for you?
Craaaaazy. We all got to the theater hours and hours early, sat in a circle on the stage, did a warm up together, walked up and down the halls looking for people to hug. Really. We were so thrilled to be there. For most of us it was a two-year journey with "Hair" before this Broadway opening night. Everyone everyone everyone was bouncing off the wall and crying every two minutes.

Did you grow up listening to Broadway tunes? In other words, did you always know you'd end up on stage?
I always hoped I would. I studied straight drama and loved to sing on the side. My brother and my dad are both musicians. I grew up around music- listening to The Beatles, Joni Mitchell, Bonnie Raitt, Steely Dan, etc... I loved it. I got very, very lucky to have ended up on Broadway.
Life is very, very kind.

What's next for you? TV? Movies? Another show?
I'm going to do a little appearance on the Showtime show Nurse Jackie. Filming it soon but it will be in the later half of season two next year. So excited! And then who knows...

How did the Mac commercials come about?
My commercial agent sent me out for an audition and it somehow happened. I was very surprised and very excited. I actually dropped my iPhone on the floor without a case (get a case!) and it cracked down the middle. The next call i got on it was my agent telling me I got the apple commercial. Amazing.

Is there a dream role for you? If so what is it?
Any work I can do to make people feel. I'd love to write a one-woman show. I'd love to do TV. Film. Plays. Musicals. There are so many amazing niches in our industry- I hope to do them all!

Lastly, do you think the message of Hair is as important now as it was in 1970?
Absolutely. There are obvious parallels in societies around the world, but I think once again it's another generation of people who believe there is more to life then what they are told - by the government or whoever- people want to embrace life and explore it, have experiences, and be present. No conformity... just run to the top of a mountain and run around like a child. I think again we are running on fear- i mean we can't let two people of the same sex who love each other get married. Whaaaaaaat? It does not hurt anyone or anything. It is all fear and it can become nasty. Replace fear with love! Love and kindness always win. They did then and they will now.

The Mormon Song: "The Tonight Show" Sings To Orrin Hatch (VIDEO)

2009-12-15T13:13:51Z

With Utah Senator Orrin Hatch's rollicking "8 Days Of Hanukkah" tearing up the charts, Max Weinberg decided to return the favor and write a holiday song specific to Mormons. The only problem? Max (along with Andy and Conan) know nothing about Mormonism.

Set to the tune of "The Dreidel Song," the lyrics consist only of what the guys could muster up online: references to "Donny and Marie," "Big Love", Ms. Pac-Man (apparently Mormon related). Their cluelessness is forgiven when they welcome the Mormon Tapper-nacle Choir to bring the house down. We don't know if they're their real, but they tapped up a storm. Orrin would be proud.

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Sarah Palin Vs. William Shatner On "Tonight Show" (VIDEO)

2009-12-11T16:33:20Z

Since Conan O'Brien took over the "Tonight Show," one of his best recurring sketches has been interpretive performances by Emmy Award winner and master thespian William Shatner. On Friday, Captain Kirk took on Sarah Palin's "Going Rogue."

Then Palin did her own reading of Shatner's autobiography, "Up Till Now."

This isn't Shatner's first interpretive reading of Palin's great works on the "Tonight Show." He has also performed her Alaska Governor resignation speech as poetry and some of Palin's tweets.

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Conan O'Brien Takes His Kids To Disney Concert (PHOTO)

2009-12-06T09:59:00Z

"The Tonight Show" host Conan O'Brien spend his Saturday at a Disney concert with daughter Neve, 6, and son Beckett, 4.

The kids looked pretty excited as they posed backstage with some of the performers from Disney's Imagination Movers at Club Nokia in Los Angeles, California.

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William Shatner Deep Fries Turkey, Catches Fire (VIDEO)

2009-12-01T11:52:54Z

"Messy" was how William Shatner described his Thanksgiving to Conan O'Brien Monday night. Charged with cooking the family bird, Shatner said, he decided to deep fry it and something went terribly wrong.

"I had forgotten one major rule," he said. "You use peanut oil and you have this fire going under the five-gallon thing of peanut oil and you take the turkey and immerse it in the oil. You're supposed to keep the neck down and the reason for that is that with the neck up, it forms a spout. And boiling oil could come squirting up and catch fire and act like a volcano."

Of course that's exactly what happened, but luckily Shatner's family was on hand to help save him.

"The oil squirted up, and I ran for my life, and I caught fire," he said. "The whole family knew something amusing was going to happen so they all stood around and threw things at me, some of which were fluids. And they put the fire out."

After all that, the turkey was "quite good."

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In The Year 3000: John McCain's Libido, Speidi's Celebrity Status, and More! (VIDEO)

2009-12-01T10:24:01Z

After waiting on LaBamba, who seemed legitimately surprised to be taking part in the classic segment, Conan and Andy took a deep look into the future. What did they see? An opportunity to go to mock John McCain, "Dancing With The Stars," and Speidi, who will finally get their comeuppance.

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Michael Bialas: No Grinch will ruin Carrie Underwood's Holiday

2009-11-19T18:11:59Z

The Fox network is wishing you -- the home television viewer -- a very Carrie Christmas. And they're gift-wrapping two hours of entertainment in a special package titled Carrie Underwood: An All-Star Holiday Special that will air December 7 (8-10 p.m. ET/PT).

Of course, Fox, the network that brings you American Idol, has the gift that keeps on giving with Underwood. The country vixen from Checotah, Oklahoma, who broke through to national fame by winning the fourth season of A.I., has reason to be in the holiday spirit.

Her third album, Play On, was released November 3 (19 Recordings/Arista Nashville) and debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, and she's making all the talk show rounds this week, from Conan O'Brien on Monday to Ellen Degeneres (Wednesday) and Jimmy Kimmel (Thursday).

Last week, she completed her second straight stint co-hosting the Country Music Association Awards show with Brad Paisley, performing "Cowboy Casanova" in hot pants (one of her 10 costume changes), cracking jokes, and taking a not-so-subtle shot at Taylor Swift nemesis Kanye West ("Brad's idea," Underwood said on The Tonight Show).

If only those Grinches disguised as tabloid gossips weren't around to spill the eggnog. Underwood, during a Monday conference call to promote her special, took time to set the record straight when asked about the ending of the very entertaining CMAs last week.

"I just want to say that was really hurtful," Underwood said of tabloid reports and Internet gossip that she was miffed with Swift's runaway success that night and interrupted Paisley's closing comments in order to turn the spotlight back on herself. "My brain would never operate that way at all. I have so much respect for every single person that is in that room. Whether they're, I mean 'cause most of the people there are in the music industry. They are part of it. I would never dream of doing anything like that."

Underwood, 26, only received two CMA nominations this year, but had the chance to win Female Vocalist of the Year for the fourth consecutive time. The streak ended as the 19-year-old Swift won en route to sweeping all four categories in which she was nominated, including Entertainer of the Year. She became the first woman since Shania Twain in 1999 to capture the CMA's most prestigious honor. Swift's all-male competition included Underwood's co-host, along with Kenny Chesney, George Strait and Keith Urban.

At the end of the show, Underwood is seen hugging Swift in the background as Paisley takes center stage to wrap it up. "How 'bout that? Nineteen years old ... Congratulations, Taylor. What a night. I can't even imagine a better ... night than this."

Still clapping, Underwood returns. When Paisley briefly pauses after the word "better," she jumps in, "And how were we? We were awesome," she says with glee, offering a hearty laugh while the crowd applauds. Paisley ends with "Thank you for coming everybody. God bless you," while Underwood, smiling broadly and waving, adds, "Good night, everybody. Thank you so much. Good night."

It's hard to believe someone would mistake Underwood for a sore loser after watching that. Yet she witnessed a similarly misguided stance at the CMAs three years ago, when Faith Hill was taken to task for expressing mock anger after losing to Underwood in the female vocalist category.

Hill even released a statement through her publicist in response to her suddenly harsh critics. "The idea that I would act disrespectful towards a fellow musician is unimaginable to me. For this to become a focus of attention given the talent gathered is utterly ridiculous. Carrie is a talented and deserving female vocalist of the year."

This time around, it was Underwood who had to defend herself.

"Like I said, my brain does not work that way ... And it was really, really hurtful to see such a great night and such a great moment be turned into trash ... And it made me sadder for ... I feel like stuff like that kind of takes away anybody's moment more than, I don't know, more than anything else. Because that's turning somebody's great moment into a tabloid headline. And it's sad."

And it's a shame Underwood felt she needed to address it Monday while closing out an otherwise joyous occasion. After all, her variety special should be worth celebrating. The show will include performances from her new album, along with previous hits and holiday classics. Guest stars include Paisley, Dolly Parton, fellow American Idol champion David Cook and -- for comedic relief -- Kristin Chenoweth and Christina Applegate. (Underwood, middle, performs with Chenoweth, left, and Applegate.)

Earlier in the call, Underwood was asked about her relationship with Paisley, who performs on his own and with his CMA co-host for the upcoming special, although he couldn't be in Los Angeles for the taping. "Brad and I have a bit of a history together; I got to co-headline a tour with him not too long ago; he's just a great guy ... The more we're around each other, the more we get comfortable with each other. Things just get better and better ... It was a lot of fun co-hosting the CMAs again. I felt like we did a good job. I was really proud of both of us for managing to, I don't know, not cause any major problems (laughing, perhaps not knowing what was yet to come). It was just a lot of fun.

"From a host standpoint, it makes three hours fly by."

Underwood said two of her favorite moments on the special were with Parton and Cook.

Underwood was also happy to say "Hello Dolly" for the first time. Expect what she calls "an impromptu, fun moment," with the fun-loving country legend. "I never met her before this so I was so excited to get to talk to her and obviously get to sing with her. It was a dream come true," Underwood said "... [W]hen Dolly's there, you kind of step out of the spotlight, and let her do her thing because no matter how hard you try, she's going to steal the spotlight. She's great; that's the way it should be." (Parton, left, is shown with a well-endowed Underwood, right.)

Of Cook, 2008's American Idol winner, she said, "We sing together; the first time we sang together was last year -- was it last year? -- gosh, it seems like a long time ago. At the opening in Disney World of the American Idol attraction. They asked us to sing together and we did and it was like, 'Hey this is really good; this feels really good.' So, we kinda rocked out for a minute. And got to sing together again. It was probably one of my favorite moments in the show because I just love him to death."

She also continues to hold a special place in her heart for the show, even though it has been more than four years since she defeated Bo Bice for the title. Asked if she still watches, Underwood exclaimed, "Of course. I will always have just the biggest love for American Idol as a participant and as a fan. And now, you know, it's so crazy for me to watch it and think, 'Oh my gosh, I was on that show.' I love the people on it, I love the people working on it, I love to go back and talk to the contestants; and, I mean, I feel ... I vote, too, just like everybody else I sit out there and I vote. So it's great to understand being a fan and being a participant, I get to see both sides."

Among other recent American Idol performers, Underwood said she enjoys Season eight winner Kris Allen, who's from Conway, Arkansas ("He seemed really genuine and he was kinda from my neck of the woods"), and Danny Gokey ("just the sweetest person").

While her iPod includes everything from classic rock groups such as the Rolling Stones and Creedence Clearwater Revival to more eclectic choices, including Ne-Yo and Thousand Foot Krutch ("They're people that deserve more credit than they get"), Underwood also said it's filled with "a lot of other Idols."

Her Idol worship notwithstanding, Underwood offers firm words of advice to those alums still trying to make it in the music business. "Any contestant that comes off Idol that does well on Idol has to make sure they know what people voted for," said the blond singer who is the best-selling American Idol winner with more than 10 million albums purchased. "I've seen it happen a few times where people are one thing on the show and then they get off the show and try to do something else. And it's really strange because Idol is one of those things that ... they're telling you what they want. People are telling you, 'We love this person as is.' And it's the best testing forum that you can possibly have.

"So I think it's really important to remember why people voted for you. And, of course, cross your fingers and say a little prayer and hope that people dig what you're doing."

It's beginning to sound a lot like Christmas.

Credits
• Photos from Carrie Underwood: An All-Star Holiday Special by Michael Becker/Fox.
• CMA Awards photos by Rick Diamond/Getty Images.

Conan O'Brien Responds To Kirstie Alley: "My Penis Is Not On The Weight Watchers Diet" (VIDEO)

2009-11-19T09:18:38Z

Conan O'Brien responded to an angry Kirstie Alley last night after she tweeted that the "Tonight Show" host acts like she "bit his d**k off." The tweets were part of conversation with Star Jones who bemoaned being called fat and ugly on TV. Alley responded with this:

Kirstie: I'll tell you ONE BITCH I'm gonna knck [sic] out next time I see her is CONAN O'BITCH O'BRIAN..that guy acts like I bit his dick off

O'Brien acknowledged that he regularly mocks the actress for her weight issues and showed clips of several jokes to prove it. He got one final insult in ("My penis is not on the Weight Watchers diet--I looked it up. She can have a shake, one slice of wheat bread and then a sensible penis.") before promising to lay off her. Instead he says he'll use Alan Garcia Perez, the heavyset president of Peru, as a punchline for any fat jokes.

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Kirstie Alley Slams Conan O'Brien: He "Acts Like I Bit His D**k Off"

2009-11-18T17:14:17Z

Conan O'Brien should watch out when he makes fat jokes. Kirstie Alley, now filming a reality series about her current weight loss venture and working on a line of products, went after the "Tonight Show" host on Twitter in a tweeted conversation with Star Jones, part of which is below. She says he "acts like I bit his dick off" and refers to him as Conan O'Bitch O'Brian [sic].

It's not the first time she's slammed him, as she also did back in July.

Star: Like I don't know what it is to be called FAT, UGLY & LAZY. Hell...people called me that on TV & in print! I'm not preaching...I'm sharing!

Kirstie: WHAT!!!! SOMEONE OUT THERE "ACTUALLY" MAKES FUN OF FAT CELEBRITIES? NOOOOOOO!!!!! I'M SHOCKED!!!! lol
Star: 1st laugh this morning! You NUT. LOL

Kirstie: I'll tell you ONE BITCH I'm gonna knck [sic] out next time I see her is CONAN O'BITCH O'BRIAN..that guy acts like I bit his dick off

Star: You know Conan probably "wanted some" and you chumped him...I know a few brothers from Brooklyn who owe me! LOL

Kirstie: lol...maybe it's because I wouldn't go on his late late late late night show..who knows..the bitten dick makes more sense..lol

Sample joke from Conan's "Tonight Show" this summer:
"Earlier today in California millions of people took part in a massive earth quake drill. Either that or Kirstie Alley's jazzercising again."

Zach Galifianakis Gets Conan O'Brien Between Two Ferns (VIDEO)

2009-11-17T07:59:41Z

The latest installment of "Between Two Ferns" did not go well for guest Conan O'Brien who got absolutely no laughs from host Zach Galifianakis or his friend Andy Richter. He was so offensively unfunny to Galifianakis that the "Hangover" star repeatedly played cricket sounds to let O'Brien know how badly he was doing.

In all fairness to O'Brien, none of the interviews that take place between two ferns go well. Charlize Theron called Zach a "fat garden gnome" and he told her he hoped her dog died. When Zach's "Hangover" co-star Bradley Cooper was trapped between two ferns, Galifianakis didn't even seem to recognize him. So even though Zach and Andy were openly hostile to Conan, at least they knew who he was.

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In The Year 3000: Sammy Sosa's Face, Lou Dobbs's New Job, And More! (VIDEO)

2009-11-13T12:19:04Z

The revival of the beloved "Late Night" segment (plus 1,000 years) gets off to a hilarious start with a wardrobe malfunction of sorts and, of course, LaBamba's sweet-sounding voice. Conan and Andy rip on Levi Johnston, Jon Gosselin and other current media stars who, apparently, are going to be alive for a very long time.

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A-List Celebs Line Up For Concert For Autism

2009-11-12T12:15:56Z

What do Jerry Seinfeld, Bruce Springsteen and Donald Trump have in common? They, along with a bunch of other A-List celebrities are making appearances at the Autism Speaks Concert For Autism on November 17 at Carnegie Hall in New York City.

This year's star-studded event will feature comedian Jerry Seinfeld, with a special appearance by "The Boss", Bruce Springsteen. The evening will be hosted by NBC's Meet the Press moderator, David Gregory, on November 17, at world famous landmark Carnegie Hall. Your participation in this global cause will benefit the families and individuals who live with autism every day by supporting research, awareness and family services initiatives.

We love celebrities supporting a good cause and this one has no dearth of them: Jamie Foxx, Ellen DeGeneres, Tina Fey, Conan O'Brien, Seth Rogen, Martha Stewart, Katie Couric, Meredith Vieira, Glenn Close, Celine Dion, Will Ferrell, Edie Falco, Troy Aikman, and Harry Smith are a few of the many committee members supporting the event.

Larry King even twittered about the event earlier today.

Read more about the event at Autismspeaks.org or see if you can snag a few last minute tickets by e-mailing ConcertforAutism@AutismSpeaks.org. The site has some great information about autism and how it affects children and families.

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Conando O'Brien Saves Distressed Damsel In "Tonight Show" Telenovela (VIDEO)

2009-11-12T09:57:52Z

In a stunning display of bravery Conando O'Brien rescued a damsel in distress last night from an
evil man with dastardly plans. Little did the mustachioed menace know that Senor O'Brien always gets the last laugh, even if has to use a stunt man to do it. Unfortunately, Conan saved the girl, but didn't get her. She reserved her love for a special guest.

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Levi Johnston Demands NBC Retract "Tonight Show" Skit Mocking Fake Tweets

2009-11-05T13:05:44Z

Levi Johnston's supposed Twitter account has received much attention — most recently on the "Tonight Show," where William Shatner performed a dramatic reading of @LeviJohnston05's tweets. However, Johnston's lawyer says it's not him tweeting, and now he's demanding a retraction from NBC.

TMZ reports that Rex Butler, Johnston's attorney, is demanding a retraction given Conan O'Brien's quote introducing the Tweets, when he said, "All real ... we did not make these up."

Butler told TMZ that he is "in the process of dealing with Twitter first. I think they have an obligation once something like this happens to make some kind of corrective measure."

Watch Shatner's dramatic reading here.

Puppies Dressed As Frankensteins: A Mini Dose Of Joy (VIDEO)

2009-10-31T07:49:17Z

To follow up on the raging success of "puppies dressed as cats", Conan unveiled a new Halloween-themed mini-dose of joy last night: Puppies dressed as Frankensteins.

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Kathy Griffin: I'm Pregnant With Levi Johnston's Baby, Barbara Walters Is My Chris Brown (VIDEO)

2009-10-27T08:54:16Z

Kathy Griffin appeared on the "Tonight Show" last night and talked in detail about her "relationship" with Levi Johnston, her time on the "View" and her one and only date with Conan--who apparently didn't know it was a date. Suffice to say, she claimed she preggers with Levi's baby and that Barbara Walters beat her regularly.

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Conan, NBC Universal Donate $100K To Newark Organization

2009-10-17T16:16:43Z

In the second half of Conan O'Brien's interview with Newark mayor Cory Booker on The Tonight Show, the pair discussed Newark Now, an organization that works with recently released convicts to help them reintegrate into society and family life.

Though Conan had poked fun at Newark in previous weeks, he revealed at the interview's end that he and NBC Universal had each written checks to Newark Now for $50,000.

"It was one joke," joked O'Brien, "and, man, was it expensive."

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Triumph The Insult Comic Dog Takes On Absurd Animal Products (VIDEO)

2009-10-17T13:03:09Z

Triumph visited a doggie boutique for the "Tonight Show" recently, and played with all the insane products for pups. After diving into some doggie beer and spritzing himself with puppy perfume, Triumph called other dogs gay and pushed a blond woman who works in the store to the edge of tears.

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Facetious Feuding: Cory Booker & Conan O'Brien Quash The Beef On The 'Tonight Show' (VIDEO)

2009-10-17T08:30:17Z

(VICTOR EPSTEIN, AP) NEWARK, N.J. — Conan O'Brien and Newark Mayor Cory Booker turned their frivolous feud about the gritty city into comedy on NBC's "Tonight Show" on Friday.

The chatty 40-somethings worked off one another like a comic duo. But the jokes eventually gave way to a plug for Booker's efforts to fashion a national blueprint for urban transformation in Newark, long an icon for urban decay, and a $100,000 donation to his Newark Now charity from O'Brien and NBC.

Booker's appearance on O'Brien's show culminated a facetious feud that began Sept. 23 with O'Brien joking that Booker's new health care program consisted of a bus ticket out of Newark, which is just west of New York City and is often scarred by violence. The mayor responded with a humorous video on YouTube in which he banned O'Brien from Newark Liberty International Airport.

"Many jokes are made about Newark by comedians," O'Brien said on Friday's show. "You honed in on me like a cruise missile. Why me, Mayor Booker?"

"When there's a herd going after you, you have to sort of look at the weakest gazelle," Booker joked.

The 15-minute segment, taped in California, confirmed Booker's newfound status as a national figure in U.S. politics, said Robert Thompson, a Syracuse University professor of television and popular culture.

"They were like Abbott and Costello," Thompson said. "Those two could go on the road."

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The symbiotic relationship comes at an ideal time for O'Brien, who took over as "Tonight" host in June, after Jay Leno's 17 years on the job. The show averages about 2.6 million viewers a night with O'Brien, compared with more than 4.5 million for Leno, and has been trying to attract younger viewers.

Booker already is a darling of that demographic thanks to a new media pedigree that includes 839,000 followers on the Twitter online social network. His first response to O'Brien on the YouTube video file sharing site has been viewed more than 183,000 times.

Those numbers dwarf Newark's 281,000 residents.

The 40-year-old Booker is one of the youngest elected leaders ever invited onto the iconic show, whose usual political fare consists of senators and former presidents. U.S. Sen. John McCain, who lost to Barack Obama in the November presidential election, was the last political guest in the studio.

Booker has become an entertainment media darling the past year with appearances on HBO's "Real Time With Bill Maher" and "The Colbert Report" on Comedy Central. He's also featured prominently in the Sundance Channel's "Brick City" documentary series.

He's the first Newark mayor to appear on the "Tonight Show" and the first to garner positive national attention for the city, said Steve Adubato, a local political power broker who allied himself with Booker this year after a lengthy rivalry.

"The only time a Newark mayor made national headlines before Cory Booker was when they were indicted or went to jail," Adubato said.

Booker's three predecessors have been in trouble with the law. One of them, Sharpe James, is in prison for his role in the cut-rate sale of city land to a former mistress.

O'Brien admitted admiring Booker, who described himself Friday as a longtime fan of the "Tonight Show."

"Sometimes on the toughest days you make me laugh," Booker said.

There's no shortage of tough days in Newark, whose port, warehouse, trucks and airport keep nearby New York City humming.

Homicides are down 36 percent since 2005, when James was in office. However, Newark is still periodically convulsed by shocking violence, like the execution-style slayings of three college-bound students in the summer of 2007. Its unemployment rate was 14.7 in August.

O'Brien, 46, is the latest in a long line of celebrities to embrace Booker and what the former Rhodes Scholar is trying to accomplish in Newark. Their ranks include Jon Bon Jovi, media mogul Oprah Winfrey, basketball player Shaquille O'Neal and actors Brad Pitt and Ashton Kutcher.

"It was one joke," O'Brien quipped, "and, man, was it expensive."

Cory Booker Vs. Conan: The Pre-Game Ustream

2009-10-16T10:04:31Z

In late September, Tonight Show host Conan O'Brien quipped that a program to improve the health of Newark residents would involve a "bus ticket out of Newark." The joke, referring to Newark's historically high crime rate aroused the ire of mayor Cory Booker, who immediately put Conan on Newark airports No Fly List. "Try JFK, buddy," Booker said.

Not one to back down from a potential feud, Conan has invited Mayor Booker to join him on The Tonight Show tonight. Before appearing with Conan, however, Booker hosted a live broadcast on Ashton Kutcher's Ustream account alongside Jason Pollock to discuss how Newark's communities are growing and how public service is helping to strengthen the city.

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Lesley Stern: How to Live On $0 a Day: Bailouts for the Rest of Us

2009-10-15T16:46:05Z

Maybe you have to pay your past due Citicard balance down so you can charge some food on it. Or you need an emergency appendectomy but your insurance company canceled your policy because you need an emergency appendectomy. Or you desperately need a new corporate jet. It doesn't really matter why you need the money, all you know is that life as you know it will cease to exist if you don't get your hands on a big chunk of cash. Yesterday.

Now, if you're the corporate jet guy, you can always go to the Fed and get some help. But what about those of us who aren't too big to fail? Where are our windfall opportunities?

First, the obvious
Make sure that your dog or child doesn't have any unused credit lines from when the credit card companies were giving credit to anything with a name. An acquaintance found thousands of dollars of unused credit on the family dog's (Barkie Von Barkenburg's) forgotten Chase Mastercard. Apparently, Labradoodles are a great credit risk. The funds were a lifesaver, allowing him to buy a month's worth of Celexa, some blood pressure medicine, groceries, a tank of gas and a nice box of Milk Bone for Barkie.

Look for forgotten stock certificates, Oxycontin, Michael Jackson paraphernalia (a potato with his face on it is now going for more than one with Jesus') and sell them on the open market.

Search your mouth for gold crowns (worth almost as much per ounce as Oxycontin). If you're plum out, check your family and friends' mouths while they're sleeping. Wear a scary mask so if they wake up during the extraction process, they'll just think it's a bad dream. A couple of gold crowns could solve a lot of your problems.

Hire a pretend lawyer (or become one)
Lawsuits are a great way to make a buck without actually working (especially for lawyers). Try using this time-honored American tradition with a twist. Forgo the expense of engaging a lawyer or purchasing a neck brace for your court appearance. Just threaten to sue and go for a quick settlement.

You'll have to learn a few fancy legal terms and start thinking like a lawyer, but it's preferable to the consequences. Don't forget to add "Esq." to your name on all correspondence.

Be on the lookout for things that can lodge in your throat and cause damage. Bottle caps, dry cleaning tags and bits of packaging (ie: candy wrappers, the cotton on top of the aspirin bottle) are always good bets. We've already seen what a shrewd businessperson can do with a hot cup of coffee. Keep your eyes open for wet floors, loose tiles and rugs to slip or trip on.

Before you go to the trouble of choking, slipping and otherwise hurting yourself, make sure your target has quick access to money. In other words, your best bets are banks, pharmaceutical and insurance companies.

Sadly, gone are the days when banks gave out free toaster ovens that you could easily electrocute yourself on. But be alert for potentially harmful pens, candies and monthly statements. Not long ago, my bank was giving away free nickels. I still regret not taking the opportunity to choke on mine.

If you don't want to go the corporate route, just hurl yourself in front of an expensive car driven by someone who is text messaging while driving. If you survive, you'll be in for a hefty settlement. If you don't, at least your financial problems will be over.

Cashing in on guilt
Have your parents contributed to your present dysfunction? Have they ruined your life in any way? Of course they have!!! If they have money and they're selfishly spending it on themselves, it's time to start dredging up the past.

Have a coffee with your mom (she'll pay). Share a warm memory of that sunburn you got when you were 2 years old that undoubtedly led to premature wrinkling and a constant fear of skin cancer. Muse how these days, parents lose their children for less. If that's not enough to get her to fork over some cash, you might want to mention that the photo of poor adorable you at 2, all red and blistered, could be worth a lot in a court of law. Or on Oprah.

If you don't have physical evidence, focus on emotional damage. It can be anything from how they spanked you (which made you unable to form lasting relationships), they didn't spank you (you never learned discipline and limits, making you unemployable), they forced you to go to private school (setting you up for unrealistic success and continual heartache), they forced you to go to public school (setting you up for failure and continual heartache) or they forgot to go to your ballet recital when you were four which destroyed your burgeoning career as a dancer. The possibilities are endless.

If the situation is reversed and you're a needy parent with solvent children, use the same approach. Let them know that you gave up a burgeoning career as a dancer/Nobel prize winning scientist/Pulitzer prize winning journalist/pick your favorite profession, to raise them. Make sure they know that their years of poor grades and shoplifting precipitated your drinking problem. If you're divorced, let it slip that it's all their fault. Unless they're callous, amoral ingrates they'll be cutting you a check in no time (do not try this if your child is an insurance company executive). At the very least, they'll renovate the room over their garage for you to live when you're evicted from your retirement community.

The same concept can be applied to non-family members. Introduce a now happily married ex-lover to an adorable child obviously conceived during the time of your affair. If you don't have an adorable child of your own, borrow one from a friend or relative (never try to rent a child or borrow from a stranger unless you need free room and board in jail). If you've ever slept with a politician or celebrity, that's always a great place to start (mention your good friend who works at TMZ). The success rate for this method is much higher if you're a woman.

Extortion is such an ugly word
I prefer to call it "threatening to educate the public." If you have any information on a celebrity, now's a good time to let them, and possibly the world, know about their sick, deviant behavior. Even if the celebrity calls the cops and gets you busted, the celebrity's transgressions will be the focus, rather than your crime. You'll probably get a book deal or a spot on dancing with the stars. Win/win.

Psssst: Conan, call me.

Cartoon Characters Who Have Posed Nude (VIDEO)

2009-10-14T09:20:13Z

In a surprisingly gross segment, Conan O'Brien showed us other cartoon character who have posed naked for magazines in honor of the news that Marge Simpson will grace the November cover of "Playboy." Unfortunately, the characters Conan chose are the last ones you'd ever want to see in the buff.

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Jason Alexander Talks 'Seinfeld' Reunion, Still Gets 'Shrinkage' (VIDEO)

2009-10-13T09:19:52Z

Jason Alexander visited Conan O'Brien Monday night and talked about the 'Seinfeld' reunion on 'Curb Your Enthusiasm.' Conan asked if people still identify him as George Costanza ten years out.

"It depends where we are in the world," Jason said. "There's a lot of 'shrinkage.' If I'm in the pool I get a lot of 'these pretzels are making me thirsty.' If I'm in the Middle East I get a lot of 'Jew! Jew!' Nothing to do with the show, but it's what they yell out."

The 'Seinfeld' reunion began on Sunday on 'Curb' and will run for five of the season's eight episodes.

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