Ox Notes: December 19, 2007

The Dancing with the Stars Tour has lost yet another dancer, although perhaps only temporarily. Cheryl Burke flew home today to meet with doctors about a possible case of appendicitis.

Karina Smirnoff, who's filling in as Drew Lachey's partner on the tour while Cheryl recovers, gave an entire interview to E! about boyfriend Mario Lopez's butt. (The linked article includes a picture that may not be safe for work).

In news of other DwtS vets, Apolo Anton Ohno returns to the speed skating track this weekend in an attempt to make the U.S. World Cup team. And Cameron Mathison let OK! tag along as he distributed Toys for Tots.

If you think your steps are up to snuff, Fox has announced the six cities that will host tryouts for the next season of So You Think You Can Dance: Dallas, TX; Charleston, SC; Washington, DC; Los Angeles, CA; Milwaukee, WI; and Salt Lake City, UT.

Jimmy Kimmel has announced that his show will return with new episodes on January 2, the same night that Jay Leno and Conan O'Brien make their returns.

In March, NBC is planning on bringing over Law & Order: Criminal Intent, Monk, and Psych from the USA network.

Hollywood studios seem to be under the impression that, if the strike lasts a long time, TV viewers will flee their couches, preferring instead to sit at a desk in front of a small screen and watch Internet-based programs. I think the studios are undervaluing DVDs, video games, and books, not to mention comfy sofas.

Ahead of tonight's new episode of Project Runway, here's an interview with Jack and two with Steven, from People and TV Guide.

In the TV Guide interview, Steven references his current place of employment: the Museum of Science and Industry. If you're ever looking for someplace in Chicago to entertain kids between the ages of 6 and 12, this is it. And their annual "Christmas Around the World" display is always pretty.

Finally, I confess to finding the sequence of headlines at People's website particularly funny today. Near the top of the page: "Britney's Teen Sister Jamie Lynn Spears Pregnant." Further down the page: "Lynne Spears's Parenting Book 'Delayed Indefinitely'."