REVISED and UPDATED – White Powder Scare at Late Late Show
On Tuesday evening, Craig Ferguson sent out a tweet that got the volcano buzzing:

Ack!Someone mailed my show white powder & claimed it was anthrax. I’m not a big fan of that sort of thing. #thanksFBI&LAPD&LAFD&CBSsecurity.

It happened at around three in the afternoon, when an intern at CBS Television City tasked with opening fan mail opened a package.  Interviewed later on the show, the intern said she saw some white powder (which Craig said later appears to have been corn starch) and got some on her shirt.  Taping of the show was delayed while authorities, including the local police and fire departments and the FBI investigated.  Craig talked in detail about the incident on Tuesday’s show.  Authorities say the package contained threats and appeared to come from Europe… on the show, Craig said it came from France.  Authorities say the powder is not dangerous but are testing it to learn more about its origin.

Reports on the incident appeared in the Associated Press, the New York Times, the Los Angeles Times , Monsters and Critics, Zap2It.com and E! Online.

Similar scares involving the use of white powder were more common about a decade ago, when several turned up at various government offices and post offices around the country.  A package with what turned out to be talcum powder was sent to Dancing With The Stars last year at CBS Television City, containing threats to contestant Bristol Palin.  In a reassuring way, LLS Producer Michael Naidus tweeted on Tuesday night:

Tonight’s show something special. Enjoy, all.

Craig’s assistant Rebecca Tucker commented:

Finally some office drama that isn’t about Craig’s hair! FYI: The hair is hot. Anthrax scare, not so much. Also hot: LAPD/LAFD. Thanks guys!

And Craig’s sister Lynn Ferguson has a suggestion:

People- when you’re annoyed at stuff try sending a big letter with boo on it. That’s clear enough #Tuesdayyou’retakingthepiss

And CBS promoted that Craig would talk about it on the show:

2nite – @CraigyFerg discusses today’s big scare at the #LateLateShow studio. Plus @TheLewisBlack & @amoslee visit! 12:37am ET/PT

We will continue to monitor reports and update as details are released.

Coverage of Hugh
Hugh Laurie‘s appearance on Monday’s Late Late Show caught the attention of New York Magazine which reported on Hugh’s conversation with Craig about how fun it would be to have John Goodman or other actors fill in as Dr. House.  Also talking about the show was the website Monsters and Critics which caught Hugh’s comment about wearing a lot of makeup on the show.

Television Without Pity Awards
The website TelevisionWithoutPity,com has announced that nominations are open for its annual Tubey Awards.  Among the categories is one for best late night talk show.  Just pop onto the page, check the 9-12 tab under the awards section and cast your vote.




Doc Martin Movies on DVD
As we reported earlier this week, the two “prequel” TV movies to set up the ITV series Doc Martin are now available on DVD and DVDTalk.com has a review.  The character of Doc Martin was created by Craig for his movie Saving Grace.

T-Shirt Signed
The RSA”s @BobbinTheSaget was in the audience for Monday’s taping at CBS Television City and was able to get an autograph on his T-shirt from Craig himself.

Geoff’s Arm
Geoff Peterson‘s arm suffered another setback on Monday, popping loose at the beginning of the show.  Geoff’s voice, Josh Robert Thompson tweeted:

When @GeofftheRobot hurts, I hurt. Kinda like Elliot & E.T., minus the glowing distal phalange. #code

Tonight’s Guests
Tuesday on the Late Late Show, comedian Lewis Black returns, along with singer/songwriter Amos Lee.  On Wednesday, watch for TV host Regis Philbin and actress Vera Farmiga.

Lewis sent a tweet:

With Craig Ferguson after the LLS taping tonight – http://yfrog.com/h4hqd3j

We hope all of our east coast roboskelly friends made it through Tuesday’s earthquake with no ill effects.

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