KB Linkapalooza

My view in Chicago......

I am enjoying a nice fall weekend in Chicago away from the heat of LA and the onslaught of Carmageddon, Part 2, Electric Boogaloo (for all of you '80s kids out there.)  It's been a busy week, so take a look at what I've been up to.  Pick your path and enjoy the ride!

I summed up my time at the Emmys backstage gifting suite for the presenters here for Starpulse.

We are kicking some nice butt with our Afterbuzz TV recap show for The New Normal.  It continues to be in the Top 5 on our iTunes podcast list.   Watch last week's episode here.

I'm super excited about this opportunity!  I will be co-hosting the after show for Dancing With The Stars: All-Stars this season on AfterBuzz TV.  We are going to have amazing guests from the show all season long.  Check out our first episode with my co-host Suri Serano and our guest, Karl Warden.  

Some of my favorite articles this week from SheKnows:
Experience the Oscars red carpet firsthand
Arnold Schwarzenegger opens up about his affair (See my photos with the Governor from 2010 and get your mind out of the gutter.....they are work-related!)
Brooke Shields caught smoking pot?

Finally, one of my favorite gigs lately is with The Radio Dish in Kansas City.  Here is my entertainment segment, The Hollywood Bling, at the 21:00 mark.

Okay, that's it for this week!  Let me know what you liked the most so I know where to focus all of my crazy energy.

What's In My HBO Emmys Gift Bag?

You might have seen some of my photos from Emmys weekend which included an invite to the HBO after party.  I have written about the gifting strategy with celebrities quite a bit. (In fact, here's my recent article about the Presenters Lounge backstage at the Emmys for Starpulse.)  However, I haven't written much about the gift bags celebrities receive on the way out of big events and parties.  So, I thought it might be fun to take a peek at the gift bag I received from HBO.  If I were a guy, I might be disappointed, but for me, it was a happy day when I saw what was inside:

 An HBO cookie prepared by Wolfgang Puck.  I'm Gluten Free, so I didn't take a bite, however, my friend who was the lucky recipient of this cookie said it was "delicious".

A reusable HBO bag, Dry Bar shower cap, a gift certificate for a free scalp massage at Dry Bar, Peter Thomas Roth Instant Firm Eye (temporary eye tightener), Deborah Lippman nail polish in Purple Rain. 

If you live in a city with a Dry Bar, you know this was the greatest gift created by the hair gods.  For $35, you get a wash and blow out that's perfect for events, weddings, or that hot date when you just want your hair to look good.  Copycat blowout bars are popping up everywhere, so look for one in your city.  Trust me, it's so worth it.  (At the HBO party, Dry Bar was offering hair touch ups after a long Emmys night. Awesome!)

This might have been my favorite part of the gift bag, Stila Cosmetics.  Like Dry Bar, they are offering free touch ups at the party, so I was excited to see a few free gifts in my bag:  the Foliage Lip Glaze Trio in Delicate, Loganberry, and Fawn, Forever Your Curl Mascara, and the Smudge Crayon eye shadow and liner in Pink Violet plus a 20% off coupon and a makeup bag.  Score!  

If you haven't tried Stila Cosmetics before, it truly is a great brand with quality pigments and brushes.  It is pricier than a drugstore brand, but it is a good one to use when you are saving up for a splurge.  In fact, I used to represent the brand on QVC.  See my appearance on my host reel at the 2:41 mark.  

What do you think of my beauty haul?  Do you have any favorite products in the lot? Let me know in the comments below.

Dancing with the Stars fans, I will be co-hosting the after show tonight on AfterBuzz TV beginning at 7pm PST/10pm EST.  I hope you watch along with us live as we will have members of the cast each and every week!  It's going to be fun.

Photos From Emmys Weekend

I'm still recovering and finishing articles from the crazy Emmys weekend, but here are all of my photos from the set-up to the parties to the backstage gifting lounge.  What was your favorite part of the Emmys show?  Did you think Jimmy Kimmel was a good host?  

 Stand-ins for the real celebs in preparation for the red carpet show.  See the faux Ashley Judd here!

 It's so good to be a rich celebrity, you get more free stuff.  They were giving away these beautiful Aquaswiss watches.  I want one!

 This might be my favorite Shellac name color ever. It won't be out until November, but it's called "Midnight Swim" by CND. Thanks for the manicure, Lisa!

 I totally scared Matthew Perry who then followed me to the NBC party on Saturday night.

 Oh look!  It's the real Ashley Judd at the HBO party.

 Lena Dunham is quirky and interesting, but she deserves a better dress.

 My former colleague at ShopNBC, Charlie Lapson.

Outside The Awards Lounge Party with Gordon Vasquez of Real TV Films.

 It's a guy with an Emmy!

Outfit:  

Dress: Laundry by Shelli Segal 

Shoes:  Nine West

Jewelry: All costume jewelry probably totaling less than $50

And yes, I've worn this dress before!

Join me tonight on AfterBuzz TV at 10PM for our live chat about The New Normal. 

Top 5 (Snarky) Superlatives On The 2012 Emmys Red Carpet

Here's a quick recap of tonight's Emmy Awards red carpet before I head off to the HBO after party.  I will have more inside scoop and photos in the next few days.  Here we go!

1.  The award for "Things may look good in real life, but don't look great in photographs" goes to:  Heidi Klum.  Her hair is pretty, the sea foam color is divine, but the cut of that dress is not.  I think one slit would have looked elegant, but two high-cut slits on the leg look cheap with a low-cut décolletage.  I would have liked a little less matchy-matchy with the shoes and the earrings, but I'm glad Heidi took a risk with a color other than her usual red.  Dress by Alex Vauthier.  

2. The award for "please lay off the Botox by 50%" goes to Nicole Kidman.  Enough said. 

3.  The "It's fine you don't use a stylist, but please do a mirror check before you leave" goes to January Jones.   I am always hard on January, but if you are going to take big risks....make sure they work.  The hair and the makeup ruined an otherwise stunning dress by Zac Posen.

4. The "It looks good on the runway and in real life" award goes to Leslie Mann.  The color was nicely balanced with a pop of turquoise in the jewelry.  Leslie is petite, so it's great to see a dress translates well on the tall and the short.  Stunning gown by Naemm Khan and the second gown Leslie has worn by Naemm recently.

5. The "I'm sorry your marriage is over, but you look incredible" award goes to Amy Poehler.  She's never looked better and Stella McCartney helped her do it.  Again, I don't wish divorce on anyone, so please don't yell at me.

Runner-Up:

"Thank you for eating this year" Award goes to Julie Bowen.  Phew.  I almost sent you a year's supply of In-N-Out Burger after this photo.  Yes, she's still thin, but she at least she's lean versus skeletal.

What are your thoughts on tonight's Emmy Awards red carpet?  Hit me up.....you know where to find me.  

KB News Network

After all of my hard work this week, I promise I did have fun.....The Book of Mormon at the Pantages was just the kind of dirty laughs I needed!

What a week it has been!  I've been all over the place working and talking about the Emmys plus wrapping up a long season of SYTYCD.  In order to keep everything straight for me and for you, here is where you can find all of my entertainment scoop from the week. You can pick and choose your adventures along the way.  You guys are awesome and I appreciate all of the support.  It's been a crazy ride to get here, but I feel like it is all coming together.  If you comment somewhere, let me know......I always respond back!

Spreecast:  Emmy Predictions in the Comedy and Drama Categories with me, AJ Gibson, and Stuart Brazell:

AfterBuzz TV: So You Think You Can Dance Finale with Emmy-Nominated choreographer, Spencer Liff.  This was my favorite broadcast all week because Spencer has done four Broadway shows.....I'm such a musical theatre nerd.



AfterBuzz TV:  The New Normal with me, AJ Gibson, Lauren Leonelli, and Anna Koppel.  We break down two episodes on a series I am not completely sold on yet.  There are an awful lot of stereotypes being thrown around here.  Do you agree? Watch here.

Spreecast: Behind the Red Carpet Live with Cheeks, creator of the online series, Husbands.  We did a lot of comparison between his show and The New Normal.  His show was created first and originally dubbed "the new normal" by This American Life back in October 2011.  Interesting, no?  Watch here.

SheKnows. com:  I began my first week on the job!  Here are a few of the articles I wrote:  Amanda Bynes is a mess, Demi Moore is a mess, and oh yeah, Chad Johnson is too.

Tom Barnard Podcast:  Tom is a legendary broadcaster in the Minnesota area and I was fortunate enough to make an appearance on his show this week talking all about Emmys Week.  You can listen here and I will hopefully be on another show soon.

I will be covering the Emmys official gifting suite this weekend plus I'm off to the NBC, HBO, and The Awards Lounge parties, so follow me on Instagram:  @KristynBurtt, Twitter, or Facebook for all of the updates.  

Hot Topic Tuesday: Botox In Hollywood

Nicole Kidman finally admitted to using Botox after years of denial.  She swears she doesn't use it anymore.  This photo is from the 2012 Golden Globes....natural or Botox? She's 45.

Ah, ladies, let's get right down to the nitty gritty on this topic:  EVERYONE is doing Botox in Hollywood.  Everyone.  From TV stars to men to women younger than 30, it's a phenomenon that was quickly accepted in the digital age.  With high definition (HD) the standard in home entertainment centers, no one wants their crow's feet and neck wrinkles to show in glorious HD.  When you hear a celeb say, "I never use Botox", most likely they are lying and it annoys me.  Why?  Well, it sets up a false standard for people who look at Hollywood stars and think they are perfect. It's no different than saying, "I never diet" or "I never workout".  Chances are, the celeb is starving herself all while employing a trainer five days a week.  Some stars insist they used it once and never again, yet when I interview them on the red carpet, I can see the Botox block on their forehead.  It's as smooth as a baby's bottom and yet, the star is over 40.

Honestly, I see nothing wrong with using injectables as long as you are doing it for the right reasons, you understand the risks, and you do it under medical supervision.  I do mind when stars pretend like this trend isn't happening in Hollywood because it's happening all around us.  Why do you think sites like Groupon and Living Social offer discounts on Botox or Juvaderm?  It's because it's a popular dermatology service.  It's why dentists are suddenly offering Botox with a cleaning.  It brings in money and clientele to their offices.  

Marica Cross is 50 years old.  Botox or Natural?

If you think this trend is going to go away, it's not.  Cosmetic injectables are here to stay as society constantly seeks the secret elixir to staying young.  We are living longer and we want to look as good as possible.  Is it narcissistic?  Perhaps, but if it makes someone feel better then there really is no problem with it.  Just do it sparingly so you look refreshed, not frozen.  And Hollywood, stop lying about it, it doesn't have to be such a dirty little secret.

What do you think about Hollywood and Botox?  Is it a bad trend or do you even care?  Let me know in the comments below or on Twitter or Facebook.  

New Adventures With SheKnows.com

I've been hinting at new adventures a lot lately.  Normally, I would be with my Toyota team gearing up for another season of Toyota Live.  This year, I am staying put in Los Angeles to cover all things entertainment.  A new season brings new changes and I alluded to some of the changes last week.

Well, I can officially announce that I am joining the SheKnows.com team as a trending entertainment writer.  I will be posting daily news stories about the hottest scoop in entertainment.  I will let you know when my first story posts, but you can find SheKnows entertainment here or on Twitter or Facebook.  I will, of course, cross post all of the articles on my social media sites to make it as easy as possible for everyone to find me.  So, you will see a lot more entertainment news coming your way.

I have a few more tricks up my sleeve, so make sure to watch this space for more announcements. Thank you all for your support over the last year, it's been a fun ride so far!

Don't forget, I will be on Driving with Gass tonight at 7:35PM PT/9:35PM ET on KWSS. org or 106.7FM in Phoenix talking about the weekend's hottest entertainment news.  

Oscar Picks: The Master

We are getting closer and closer to awards season which is hard to believe, but I am ready to sink my teeth into some good, juicy Oscar-worthy films again.  Don't get me wrong, it was fun covering Magic Mike and Rock of Ages this summer, but the fall always brings out the best in Meryl Streep and George Clooney.

One film that I have my eye on is Paul Thomas Anderson's The Master.  Some are saying it is a look into Scientology and the rise of L. Ron Hubbard while others say it has nothing to do with the controversial religion.  Either way, Mr. Anderson has supposedly shown his work to his friend, Tom Cruise, and they did not see eye to eye on the film.  I can read into that a million ways, but it seems like this is the year Scientology has taken a bit of a beating:  divorce, the Vanity Fair article, and now this.

Watch the trailer and let me know what you think of The Master:  Scientology-bashing or just a film about a cult leader?



One of the young stars of the film, Madisen Beaty, is making a huge splash in this film.  I interviewed her in 2011 at the Kids Choice Awards GBK Gifting Suite, so it's nice to see her star rise even more in the industry.  See my interview with her here. 

I am up in Napa this weekend, so I will be posting some fun photos on Instagram:  @KristynBurtt.
Have a great weekend and I will see you on Monday!

Kate Middleton Is Super Skinny Or Pregnant?

It's a new season and I guess it's time for a new Baby Bump Watch 2012.  The question of the week:  Is she or isn't she?

The clues:

1.  Toasting twice with water versus alcohol.

2.  William said he would like two kids.

That's all we have to go on.  The media is going crazy.  What do you think?

Update:  Was Kate creating a distraction because she knew the topless photos were coming out? See the Gawker article here.  Remember, it is NSFW.  View at your own discretion.

I'm kind of rolling my eyes on this one, kids. 

Falling Into Fall

Last night on AfterBuzz TV......

I am slowly making my way back into work mode after a trip to Europe and a quick jaunt to Chicago.  I have a lot of irons in the fire this fall and things will be changing a bit around here, but it's all moving in the right direction after ending my road warrior status last spring.

Some of the things in the mix that I can talk about right now include:
AfterBuzz TV:  SYTYCD (ends September 18th with choreographer, Spencer Liff)
                          DWTS (starts the week of September 24th)
                          The New Normal (Tuesdays at 10PM PT--See our host photo here.)


Cocktails and Conversation:  Talking VMAs, SYTYCD, and Hollywood divorce.

I will also be going back to my roots with an appearance on one of the electronic retailing networks in October. Can you guess which one?

Finally, I will be doing an Emmys week countdown with Stuart Brazell on Spreecast, so there will be a lot to keep up with this fall.  Be sure to check my News/Appearances page for the latest updates.

Enjoying the Chicago skyline from the Trump Tower.

SYTYCD On AfterBuzz TV With Kent Boyd

 AJ Gibson, Corrinne Williams, Kent Boyd, and me after the show.

The big joke last night was, "I'm back, Bitchezzzzz"!  Yes, it was nice to be back on AfterBuzz TV with my co-hosts, AJ Gibson and Corrinne Williams for our So You Think You Can Dance (SYTYCD) wrap-up show after a 3-week absence.  Season 7 runner-up, Kent Boyd, joined us in studio and he could not be more adorable.  He gave us really honest insight as to what goes on behind the scenes and some of his thoughts on the format changes with Season 9.  To add even more fun to the mix, Alex Wong, also from Season 7, called in to give Kent a hard time.  We were tweeting up a storm last night with fans and sending kudos to the unbelievably talented Comfort Fedoke, who danced with Top 4 finalist, Cyrus, last night.  I hope you enjoy the episode because we had a ball.

We have only 2 more episodes of SYTYCD, but I will be co-hosting the after shows of Dancing With The Stars and The New Normal this fall.  Stay tuned for more information!

My lovely co-hosts gearing up for the show.

Advice To Aspiring Entertainment Journalists

Throughout the year, I receive emails from broadcast journalism students and young reporters early in their career seeking advice and support in this industry.  It is a tough field that has become even tougher.  The explosion of internet media has quadrupled the talent pool in Los Angeles alone.  I used to audition with the same 30 people only a decade ago.  So, with more opportunities comes more competition and it is important to stand out in a field that is overcrowded with wannabe Giuliana Rancics and Ryan Seacrests.  

Ashley Woodrum from Z-TV contacted me via Twitter awhile back regarding her host reel.  I offered her some feedback and then she asked if I could answer a few questions for her.  I asked for her permission to use her name and her questions here on my blog because I think it is helpful for so many to hear the responses to what she is asking. So, thank you, Ashley, for inspiring this post! 


1. What made you want to be in the entertainment broadcasting industry?

Originally, I set out to work in musical theatre, so working in the broadcasting industry was never on my radar.  In 1997, I was hired to host a children's dance video on how to Electric Slide and Hokey Pokey based on my dance background.  The video (Yes, it was on VHS!) was a success and I received a few other host offers.  My work is really, really raw in that video, so I sought training with Larry Conroy in NYC to go along with my on-camera enthusiasm. I made the big move to Los Angles in 2000 to make my mark in the industry.  

So, my path was not a traditional one, but if you want to work in the entertainment broadcasting in 2012, here are a few recommendations:
     -Broadcast Journalism degree
     -Know how to write, produce, shoot, and edit your own pieces.
     -Be social media savvy:  this includes a Twitter, public Facebook, and Instagram account.
     -Intern anywhere you can to meet and network with people in the industry.
     -Find a mentor whom you can go to for advice and guidance.

2. If you don't mind me asking, how long did it take to really get your first full time job?

My first full-time job came in 2002 when I was hired as a network host for ShopNBC.  It was about 5 years into my career and 2 years into my time in Los Angeles and it required a move to Minneapolis.  While home shopping was not my dream job, it became such a valuable tool in terms of working with an IFB on live TV with a cue card only giving you 5 bullet points on each product you were selling.  My ad-lib skills are so strong as a result of this job.  


3.  What did you do to reach that goal of yours?

The person that changed my career was Marki Costello.  I began taking her host boot camp weekend in the Spring of 2001 and then I continued with ongoing classes throughout the year.  She is a tough teacher, but coming from a dance background, I was used to that type of teaching format:  perform, get constructive feedback, and then do it again the RIGHT way.  Now, Marki is an empire with multiple classes and boot camps all over the US, so I am not sure the focused individual attention from her is on the curriculum as much.  However, there are other great media trainers out in LA that I would probably recommend more now, yet I owe my career to Marki Costello.


4. Could you offer me any other advice in regards to employment? I know this field takes patience, but like I said I'm still looking for that one person to notice me! Sometimes I get a little disheartened because I work so hard, and have yet to have someone pick me up if you know what I mean.

All of the clichés are true here:  "Don't ever give up", "Believe in your dreams", and "Success is when opportunity meets preparation."  You have to know what makes you unique in a very crowded field.  What is the one thing that you get complimented on in regards to your on-camera work?  What do you have to offer an employer that no one else can bring to the table?  If you know what that is, you can work on enhancing that even more on your reel, your blog, and most importantly, your brand.  Even though this is a creative field, it is still a business, so think like an MBA student when it comes to your career.

Also, I find that creating a vision board with personal and professional hopes and dreams helps make my goals a reality.  I keep it in my walk-in closet where I can see my everything I want right in front of me several times a day.  It keeps me accountable for continuing to grow my career.  

5. Also lastly, I was wondering if you could look over my resume and maybe offer me some tips or advice on that? I understand you must be very busy but any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

Yes!  Send it on over.  I am happy to help.  You have my email.  If anyone else wants to contact me with more questions, feel free to use the tab above, hit me up on Twitter or Facebook, or comment below. I would be happy to continue this discussion with you and other hosts/entertainment reporters.    

I also do coaching/mentoring sessions that run $100/hour.  If you mention this article, I will give you 20% off.  I am available for in-person consulting in the LA area or via Skype for those who are out of town.  

The Dork Forest: Supplemental Olympic Reading

I'm back in LA and I am full of jet lag.  I am writing this at 3AM since I just can't sleep.  It's Noon to my body, so I actually want lunch.  Unfortunately, I have been gone for three weeks (New Jersey, then Europe), so the cupboard is bare.  I am really tempted to watch my DVR filled with the Real Housewives series, but I know it's going to involve a lot of screaming and yelling over wine.  Instead, I am writing this post in the peace and quiet of middle of the night.

While I was away, the amazing Jackie Kashian posted our interview for her awesome show, The Dork Forest, where we talked about my love for the Olympics.  I listened to the podcast on the train ride from Munich to Prague just days after I had visited the Munich Olympics site and the Dachau Memorial site. So, here is some supplemental reading/viewing if you listened to my interview.

While I was overseas, someone tweeted me the link for an incredible Oscar-winning documentary about the Munich Massacre called, One Day In September.  It's hard to watch, but it is a moving account of how and why this event happened.  The documentary is about 90 minutes long, but it is so compelling.  If you don't think that politics has a place at the Olympics, think again.  It will always play a part in the Games.  In fact, politics played a huge hand in this year's Opening Ceremony when the IOC refused to have a moment of silence for the 11 Israeli athletes to honor the 40th Anniversary because they felt it favored the Israeli nation over the Palestinian nation that also lost citizens that day.  Um, they lost terrorists.  Israel lost athletes and coaches.  It's sick, but it's true and I spoke with a man from Palestine while I was at the ESC Congress, and let me tell you, they don't like the US for siding with Israel.  He made it very clear to me in a conversation that was unprompted by me.  He knew I was American and started laying into Obama within minutes of meeting each other. Say what you want about Democrats versus Republicans, but this was a conversation about how a country views Americans.  Scary.



Also, I picked up a book on the 1936 Berlin Summer Olympics while I was in Germany which explains Hitler's role in the Games.  It's a fascinating look at how global politics played into the rise of Nazi Germany in what became a "coming out party" for Hilter at those Summer Games.  If you read the book first, you will see how the 1936 Games were a big factor in the decisions made in the 1972 Munich Games.  It's hard to imagine how one would affect the other, but if you are an Olympics history  buff, read/watch in this order.  I would love to hear your thoughts on the documentary, the book, and my interview!

Interview: The Dork Forest
Book:  Berlin Games:  How the Nazis Stole the Olympic Dream by Guy Walters
Documentary:  See Above YouTube link.

September 5, 2012 marks the 40th Anniversary of the Munich Massacre.  The athletes and coaches from Israel represented the best in their sport in their country.  Their lives should not be forgotten.

Thank You, Munich! Thank You, Prague!

I am headed back to the States today, but what an adventure it has been.  Traveling to Europe is always a treat for me because I love to wander the streets, get lost, and think.  It's a great way to clear my head and tackle the last quarter of the year.  There really wasn't much to think about because everything I wanted was already right in front of me.  This trip just confirmed it.

I hope you enjoyed my photos because I enjoyed sharing them with you!  I will post a few travel tips for these two cities this week, but it's back to business on Tuesday with a return to AfterBuzz TV.  See you all online and in the right time zone this week!

One last epic shot in Prague with my friend, Meredith.

Forget the photo of me.  Look at the guy surfing in a RIVER in the Englischer Garten in Munich.

Weird and Wacky in Prague

I'm pretty sure he enjoyed this photo. 

Yesterday, I showed you some of the fun sites in and around Prague. Now, I am here to show you some of the wacky sites in the city.  I am warning you right now that a couple of the photos are Not Safe For Work (NSFW).  They certainly aren't pornographic, but I don't want to offend anyone, so this is your warning.  Enjoy the weirdness of Prague.......

Sculpture garden...what is this?  A hot dog?

Even from Prague, I was Eastwooding.....

 Exactly what you think it is......perfect souvenir for Mom?

 You can visit this place or The Torture Museum.....

 One of the sex machines in the lobby of the museum.  Look carefully, because the bottom unit spins around.  I did not go in, by the way.....

 Man's favorite pastime:  peeing on each other's territory....

 His penis is mechanical and moves up and down.  Yep.

 Big baby butts!

 Don't let your day turn out like this....

 Sinners all around me!

 Bad day at the office?

 I'm pretty sure I am possessed in this picture.

 The art of defenestration.  The Czechs have this mastered.

 Because posing by a door handle seemed like such a great idea at the time. 

 Kafka lived here.  This is my Kafka pose.

Look under his leaf.  Something is peeking out.