Hosted by Lloyd Grove Washington Post Staff Writer Friday, July 18, 2003; 11:00 a.m. ET
Got a rumor to dispel or confirm? Looking for dirt on your favorite or most-hated Washington celebrity? Ask "The Reliable Source" columnist Lloyd Grove. Grove, a 20-year veteran of The Washington Post, has been writing The Reliable Source column in the Style section since May 1999. Grove grew up in Los Angeles and Greenwich, Conn. He was an English major at Yale and worked for the Kansas City Times (now defunct, we think), the Corpus Christi Caller-Times and the Dallas Morning News before joining the Post on the Weekend section, where for a few years he reviewed practically every live theater show that opened in D.C., including a few in church basements. From there, he joined Style as a general assignment writer with a special interest in politics, and spent a year and a half covering the 1988 presidential campaign for the National staff. In 1991 -- after an ill-advised book leave -- he returned to Style and served as a political reporter, with occasional detours into television and movie coverage. He also has written extensively for Vanity Fair magazine. A transcript follows. Editor's Note: washingtonpost.com moderators retain editorial control over Live Online discussions and choose the most relevant questions for guests and hosts; guests and hosts can decline to answer questions.
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Lloyd Grove: Good morning, all. I see by some of your comments below that you've heard the news that I am leaving The Washington Post for the New York Daily News. FYI, I'll be writing the ol' column through next Friday, will report for work at the Daily News in September, and launch the new column in October. Bittersweet depature after 23 years at The Post, but I'm excited about the new thing. One last thing: To the Washington Power Grid: This, gentleman, is my last LiveOnline show. You won't have Lloyd Grove to kick you around anymore.
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Jack, Potomac:
No. 1, with everyone else reporting that you're leaving, including crosstown rivals The Washington Times, why the hell haven't you said anything to the readers who have supported you in the Post? It seems a pretty bad p.r. move to have everyone else reporting that you're leaving -- and you even talked to the Times about it -- but you haven't said anything to the Post readers. Also, why leave the Post for New York City? Is it really so much better -- some would quickly say no, it's worse. And why go from the Post to the Daily News? Many would say that's a step down -- a huge step down. What about your girlfriend in D.C.? What about your child? And, finally, why go to a paper where there's already two gossip columnists? Basically, all in all, this move seems ill-timed, ill-conceived and poorly-handled. It just doesn't make any sense. The Daily News? That's laughable. What's the real story here, and when do you plan on informing your readers in the Post about it?
Lloyd Grove: Talking about trying to curb my enthusiam!
To take your points one by one:
It would have been awkward for me to be reporting on myself, and this didn't all happen until this week.
The Post is the best paper in the world, as far as I'm concerned, but in the end I couldn't resist the glitz and the glitter of New York City. I think everyone is entitled, once in his life, to go crazy.
I am looking forward to working alongside George Rush and his wife Joanna Molloy-the two excellent gossip columnist to whom you refer--in order to provide New Yorkers the best gossip package in the city.
I expect that in my final column, July 25, I will have something to say on all of the above.
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washingtonpost.com: Lloyd, we'd love to get you to do one more show for us so we can send you off in Style, so to speak. Could we wistfully request the last show be held next week? -- Live Online
Lloyd Grove: Hey can't you guys take a joke?
I was just kidding.
NowhatImean?
yes, of course, I'll do a show next week. If you want, I can continue throughout the transition period to let all of you know about the drama and adventure of removing stacks of yellowing newspapers from my apartment in trendy adams morgan in preparation for renting it out.
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Washington, D.C.: Friday mornings at 11 will never be the same. Man, this stinks. I guess I'm happy for ya, Lloyd (alright, I am), but the selfishness in me leaves me a tad bitter. D.C. to NY is like Jan Brady to Marcia Brady. They ALWAYS have it better than us. Marcia, Marcia, Marcia!
Lloyd Grove: First thing I'll do is get my hair blonded and my nose fixed.
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WonkGirl: Nooooooooooooooooo! It can't be! You must stay!
WonkGirl, typing through tears
Lloyd Grove: I am touched. But change is our friend. You will become equally attached to my excellent successor, I promise. And I will never forget y'all's loyalty, support and the occasional piece of juicy dirt you sent my way.
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Felicitaciones, Lloyd!: You'll be deeply missed, but I imagine you'll also be well received in NY and find lots to dish. Godspeed and good health!
Lloyd Grove: Many thanks.
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Gainesville, Fla. (formerly Oxford, UK): Lloyd! How could you betray us like this? The Daily News? I'm originally from New York, and I've never heard of it. Who am I going to moan about philosophy to?
Lloyd Grove: Well, maybe we'll do an online show up in new york...I haven't discussed it with the bosses up there, but I'll raise it.
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Trendy Adams Morgan, Washington, D.C.: How much you want for your place in the trendy spot of town (and is there parking included?)?
Lloyd Grove: You quickly found the achilles heel of the situation. No off-street parking, but there is never a problem during the day finding a space on my street and overnighting there. If you are truly interested you are welcome to email me privately. grovel@washpost.com
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Boston, Mass.: It seems to me a job like yours is all about having a huge network of sources or people who feel confortable calling you up -- lots of schmoozing, etc. Aren't you concerned that you'll have to create a whole new network in the Big Apple to be successful?
Lloyd Grove: Yes. And that will take time. But I am eager to do it.
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Washington, D.C.: Why New York? Do you have to live there more to know the people?
Lloyd Grove: Why New York?
IT'S THE GREATEST CITY ON THE PLANET!!!
And I'm sure the longer I live there the more people I'll know.
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Gainesville, Fla.: Furthermore, Lloyd, I can assure you that nothing gossip-column worthy ever happens in New York. What are you going to report on, "Sanford Weill leaving Citigroup"? Come on. You've got Washington; what are you thinking?
Lloyd Grove: I think New York is a gossip Mecca. Not just the Hilton sisters, but celebs and powerbrokers of all kinds, to say nothing of really REALLY rich people. I'm not worried about having nothing to write.
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New York, N.Y.: Oooh, I gotta know what neighborhood you've chosen!
Lloyd Grove: If nothing slips between the cup and the lip, I am about to sign a lease on a decent one-bedroom apartment overlooking the park at Central Park West at the Reservoir. Great view.
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Kensington, Md.: Well, you'll be missed but good luck to you. Any word on your replacement and whether or not he/she will host a similar show? What else is a bored housewife to do on a Friday morning?
Lloyd Grove: I'm sure the editors here will take whatever time they need to find the best person they possibly can. If I am asked, I will say it is absolutely necessary to have a regular online show such as this one.
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Washington, D.C.: Do Cindy Adams and Liz Smith know about your coming?
Lloyd Grove: I'm certain they do. It was in their own paper, The New York Post. And Liz gave a very generous quote to a certain magazine, for which I called and thanked her. I look forward to having lunch with her soon in the big city.
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Clarksburg, Md.: But Lloyd, whom pray tell will I share fruit with? Say it ain't so, my good friend. I'm getting weepy already....
Lloyd Grove: Share fruit with?
Fruit, by the way, is excellent for health and digestion.
I appreciate very much your sentiments, and I promise you that the next person in this chair will be fruit-worthy.
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New York, N.Y.: I'll be sad to see these chats go away but as a New Yorker I am excited to have you come up here and give a new perspective on the gossip scene. (we are badly in need of new reporters in that area) I only request that you PLEASE don't report on the Hilton sisters, we have quite enough of that.
Lloyd Grove: I certainly will factor in your comments. But I don't want to commit myself to a course of non-action until I have a chance to get the lay(s) of the land.
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NW:
I may actually have to work from 11-noon on Fridays now! -GASP-
I've enjoyed our times together Lloyd and will miss all of the 'dirt' the Washingtonian lives to print about you.
Happy trails, good buddy.
Lloyd Grove: Thanks very much.
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Enough with the LLoyd LoveFest: Okay...sad to see you go. We'll read your new stuff. that said.....Let's get to Gossip!!
Lloyd Grove: But...MOM!!!
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Bawlmer, Md. hon: Lloyd, I went from D.C. to NYC to Bawlmer. Best move I ever made was from D.C. to NYC and am still kicking myself for leaving two years ago. Got any room in your fab new apt overlooking the park?
Lloyd Grove: No, but you're welcome to the grate on the sidewalk in front of the building. (See, I'm already morphing into a New Yorker!)
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WonkGirl: I'll never love anyone the way I loved you, Lloyd.
Lloyd Grove: Yes you will!
You strumpet!
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washingtonpost.com: Oh great, your Live Online chat room isn't even cold yet and you're already talking about a new show from some fancy shmancy New York computer. Man, this is like getting dumped.
Lloyd Grove: Gosh, so many darned FEELINGS involved.
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Chevy Chase: Lloyd,
Although I'll miss your columns and chats, I am insanely jealous. Washington may be the capital of the free world but New York is it's heart. Best of luck and maybe you can be a Live Online guest sometime and give us some dish on NYC.
Lloyd Grove: Sounds like a plan, if this is acceptable to the exposed nerve-endings of my LiveOnline life-partner.
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[Sigh]: Lloyd, I am a gossip hound and completely understand the lure of NYC. That said, however, you will be -greatly- missed.
That said, however, can I have your job?
Lloyd Grove: Not for me to decide.
But thanks for the kind words.
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Capitol Hill: We'll miss you and your daring exposes of silly, self important Members of Congress. Best wishes in NY and can't wait to read the new column...you should get a chat up there, too...
Lloyd Grove: many thanks!
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Eastern Market, Washington, D.C.: Lloyd, I'm going to New York next weekend. Should I go see The Producers, Hairspray or the new off-Broadway one-woman show with Brett Somers talking about her life in showbiz?
Lloyd Grove: Ask me in October, when I will be less of a rube, I hope.
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Laurel, Md.: Lloyd, I'm a government employee and make $78k/yr.
How much would I have to earn to live in NY as well as I do here?
Lloyd Grove: There are cost-of-living Web sites (just type cost of living into your thingy up there), and they'll give you a range--I would think anywhere from $120K to $150K--or perhaps more, when you factor in the higher taxes.
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Kensington, Md.: Lloyd, considering the fact that Peter Jennings for years was an admired journalist even though he was not a citizen, who really cares about the nationality of Jeffrey Kofman? I haven't read any bits about Jennings being criticized for introducing stories suggesting that some intelligence may have been "sexed up."
Lloyd Grove: Actually, Jennings regularly took heat for refusing to become a citizen (and was regularly criticized for harboring liberal "Canadian" biases). By the way, I have just learned this morning that among some in the gay community, the phrase "I didn't know he was Canadian!" is a euphemistic reference to sexual orientation.
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Good Lord, people!: This can't really be a surprise to anyone. Seriously, the rumors have been flying about you for weeks, Lloyd. Let's all get over ourselves. Lloyd is moving to NY. Can we please have a little gossip this morning instead of all the boo hoos? Sheesh.
P.S. That said, I am going to miss you, big guy.
Lloyd Grove: Thanks much!
As for gossip, I am happy to go with the flow this morning. Though I certainly am fascinated with the subject of ME.
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Way out West: Lloyd,
Be sure that you get a better picture of yourself for the new gig. You are a cutie and your reading public needs to know it.
Lloyd Grove: I am told there's a W profile in the works, for the September issue it's possible, and that the picture might be marginally more acceptable.
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Virginia: Just curious, but does Drudge ever call or check on anything that he writes about? Particularly since he is gay, wouldn't he be a little curious as to whether or not this is true and if the journalist is out or not. (I mean, for nothing but pragmatic reasons, hearing about someone's sexual orientation might expand his dating pool. Of course, he still is Drudge.)
It's just another doubleshot example of the new inneundo (actually three: gay, liberal AND Canadian!). Sad sad sad. Thanks for pointing it out.
Lloyd Grove: Number one: My friend Matt Drudge has never confirmed his sexual orientation one way or the other. Crazily enough, he wants to keep some semblance of a private life.
Number two: He does call and check stuff before publishing, at least in my experience. I think he learned a lesson from the Sid Blumenthal screwup years ago.
Anyhow, my sense is that the White House is having to deal with the reaction to this morning's item.
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Downtown D.C.: Lloyd, my boss just bought us a toaster oven for the office. I'm so excited! If The Post would've bought you one, would you have considered staying?
Lloyd Grove: Yes!
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F'Burg, Va.: Lloyd, sorry to see you go ... what's up with the WH resorting to a whispering campaign re the gay, Canadian reporter. That was just low, low, low
Lloyd Grove: A lot of folks agree with you, I am hearing.
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Arlington, Va.:
Lloyd, back in the '60's, I had a temporary job as a comparison shopper at Macy's. One of my fellow employees also wrote a gossip column for something called the Midtown News full of information on how he had run into Greta Garbo or Bernard Baruch on his travels up to Bloomingdale's to check out the price of underwear or whatever. There are eight million stories in the naked city and I'm sure that you'll get more than your share.
Lloyd Grove: Maybe I should hang out at department stores.
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Good Luck in NYC: Lloyd:
Will your successor have access to your many D.C. sources?
Lloyd Grove: Well I will leave my Rolodex behind. Actually it's not a Rolodex, it's a phone list on the computer.
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Here's a NY question for you: Lloyd, I have to go to an event near Long Island in August. It's a 6 p.m. cocktail gala and the attire is "Hamptons Traditional." A gossip guy like you has seen an event or two in his time, no? So, what's a mixed-gender couple to wear to such an event?
Lloyd Grove: You are just trying to taunt my with my own ignorance, aren't you?
This is one of many unknowns that I will have to work to discover.
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Baltimore, Md.: Lloyd, here is some gossip if I must. Saw Joe Theisman coming out of Dulles airport when I was going in. He seemed very friendly and said hi to me when I said hi. Also, shook hands with the curb baggage handlers and told them it was great to see them again. Looked like he was coming back from a golf trip and just stood at the curb like a regular Joe (so to speak) waiting for his ride. Now for you, who would his ride be these days? Haven't heard much from him after the Kathy Crosby fiasco. Is he hitched?
Lloyd Grove: Gosh, I haven't see Joe Theisman in the flesh since his press conference at Sibley Hospital concerning his broken leg 20-odd years ago. I'm flatfooted on this one. Anybody?
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Arlington, Va.: Maybe you need to get a makeover for your new gig. Call Weingarten and find out where he went! Get a brazilian wax! Oh, wait, that was so last year.....
So what do you think the shift will be like covering more gossipy socialite and celeb gossip than D.C./political gossip? Do you have the connections to get yourself into places like Nobu to check out the action?
Lloyd Grove: I actually had drinks with Drew Pieropont (sp?) the owner of Nobu, at Cities several weeks ago. Nice guy, very smart--though I probably will need to show him a financial statement to get a table there. I will have to buy a bunch of suits, I fear, and I will have to use what connections I have to their maximum advantage,
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Washington, D.C.: Could you take Tim Robbins in a fight?
Lloyd Grove: You mean, a 6'5" sharp-elbowed hockey player?
Only if I got off the first punch and connected.
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Washington, D.C.: Are James Kimsey and Queen Noor still going out together?
Lloyd Grove: Unclear. I recently saw Mr. Kimsey squiring Jennifer Grossman, who looks like a younger version of Her Majesty, at a blacktie dinner at the State Department.
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Fairfax, Va.: One thing about New York City, is, it isn't just one thing. Washington is a 'company town', and you can cover government like the industry it is. In New York, you've got entertainment (electronic and performance -dance,theatre), advertising, business, fine arts/museums, corporate, Wall Street -- even restaurants have their own stars and gossip--the universities ... then there's the neighborhood scene--SoHo, the Village (what's left of it), etc....which is what makes it a fascinating place with MUCH better parties (you're not assessed by how close your job is to the White House). BE sure and give yourself some time to sort it all out, and don't cop out by sticking to the entertainment crowd!
Lloyd Grove: Good advice.
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15th and L: So, are you going to ride out of here on a big white horse the way Letterman did on his last show at NBC?
Lloyd Grove: I think, in my case, it will be bichon frise.
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Mark, Your Adams Morgan Neighbor: Lloyd, Hate to hear the news, really.
But life goes on. So, what's up with your apartment? My landlord just told me last week that she's selling my place... which means I am looking for a new rental in the trendy hood.
Could you provide the scoop on what your plans are for leasing out the Grove estate?
Being completely serious here! I am the world's best tenant.
Lloyd Grove: I invite you to email me privately and we can talk!
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Baltimore, Md.: Dude, New York is so NOT the greatest city in the world. Yes all the money is there, but since Guili-nazi's crackdown on nightlife in the late 90's it is a mere shadow of it's fabulous past self. Have fun watching the Hilton sisters make asses of themselves and P.Diddy try and pass for society. LAME!
Lloyd Grove: I refuse to have my hopes and dreams dashed by you!
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Hampton Traditional: I thought everyone in NY only wore black (there's a law I think). That said, I think anything black would work.
Lloyd Grove: Hmm. I would have thought beach-y colors. Miami CPI-ish, maybe. or is it CSI? I can't get that particular synpapse to fire properly.
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Somewhere, USA: SIGH...The only time I was in New York was during a former life in which I was a wardrobe lady in the Broadway theatres. NEW YORK IS FABU; you'll love love love it!
Lloyd Grove: Many thanks for the good wishes.
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Gossip about you. . . : Will your better half be going too?
Lloyd Grove: She is going to continue in her high-powered job in the U.S. Senate, and Amtrak and Delta will be taking a lot of our money.
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Accounting Department: Mr. Grove:
Speaking on behalf of the entire accounting department, we will miss you. You submitted the most creative vouchers of anyone on staff, which generally caused us great merriment before denying them in their entirety.
Lloyd Grove: LOL.
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Somewhere, USA: Dear Carolyn,
I have an online "relationship" with "Lloyd."
I fear it soon may be over. My question:
What's a Nobu, and do they hurt when you
touch them?
Lloyd Grove: I Ms. Hax's absence, I can tell you the answer is yes--very painful in the wallet area.
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New York, N.Y.: Now for the real questions of import:
Yankees or Mets? Giants or Jets?
Lloyd Grove: As in D.C., I intend to work both sides of the aisle.
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Seattle, Wash.: Dear Lloyd,
As president of your Seattle fan club I am so thrilled for you and your new career venture. I hope that once you are settled in New York you'll find time to do a new online chat. I will miss your Friday morning program until then, but I am confident you will take the Big Apple by storm.
Lloyd Grove: Many, many thanks!
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Albertville, Ala.: I hate it when someone moves my cheese (that would be you Lloyd, sharp chedder) but I too wish you the best of luck. And New York is WONDERFUL. But what made your column more than mere gossip was its political edge(the NOW fund receiver who's really a male chauvinist, etc.) Will there be any political gossip reporting from New York?
Lloyd Grove: Absolutely. I will be very interesting in Hillary Clinton and Chuck Schumer, as in: Enough about Hillary Clinton, whats does CHUCK SCHUMER think about Hillary Clinton?
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Psst...: Didja hear that a certain GOP committee chair just called the cops on a bunch of Democrats who walked out on a meeting? High drama on the Hill!
Lloyd Grove: No. That's fabulous. Can you email me the details? I'll be at my desk in the next 40 minutes.
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Manassas, Va.: Lloyd,
I'm going to miss you. A3 just won't be the same. (sigh)
Best of luck in your new venture. Keep your dukes up; I bet there will be many more Tim Robbinses up there in that mean ol' city.
EK
Lloyd Grove: Many thanks. But isn't it C 3?
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Stuck on the Vinyl Slipcovers in College Park: I was appalled to read in Page Six that Katie Couric is a Monster towards her "underlings". Heard any such rumours? She seems so darned Nice! Ever meet her?
Lloyd Grove: I know Katie and I am sure she is properly demanding of those who work for her, but monster??? sounds like she has somebody in her employ who want want to look around for another gig.
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Washington, D.C.: Oooh -- view of the Reservoir, nice choice!
Gonna miss you, but then again, I still miss Lois Romano.
Any early leads on the new RS?
Lloyd Grove: Lois was in the office yesterday, and she looks terrific. I am also excited about my view. And I'm afraid I will be a bystander in what I know will be a successful search for somebody to take over this column. Anyhow, thanks, everyone, for your kind words, and I will be back here same time same place next Friday for one last show. Have a great weekend. Bye.
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washingtonpost.com:
That wraps up today's show. Thanks to everyone who joined the discussion.
Stay Tuned to Live Online:
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• 1 p.m. Speaking Freely:
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