I’m not sure if I was disappointed with Michael Phelps recent appearance on Jay Leno because I don’t think I expected much to begin with. I was certainly disappointed with his choice of wardrobe - what seemed to be a sweatsuit and sandals - and his lack of decorum in pulling his leg up on the chair. There seemed to be no respect for the level of talk show he was on. Even a novice interviewee (which he isn’t thanks to those eight golds) should know better…or at least “his people” should… or his mother, who I’m sure with her newfound star status, isn’t wearing the same clothes SHE wore in Beijing. Now, I know he hasn’t been home since June 25, but this was The Tonight Show afterall, and he did just get that million-dollar bonus. He could have done some shopping!

Throughout his appearance Phelps was low-key, straight-forward and humble, which brings me back to that million bucks - he has donated it to the Michael Phelps Foundation, which he started to “promote the sport of swimming and take it to a new level and promote a healthy and good lifestyle.” So we’ll take back the shot about having enough money to buy some better threads, but he does need help in that department.  Even his hosting gig on SNL proved that he is slightly wardrobe challenged.

All that being said when Jay asked about the future of his Olympic records being broken, he graciously said “records are made to be broken, I hope so.”  A classy perspective from one of the world’s greatest athletes.  Next time, just kick it up a notch.

Hayden Panettiere is the thinking man’s Paris Hilton…although Paris’ ensemble would have had more flair and color than Panettiere’s conservative, drab cowl neck sweater and tight-bunned hairstyle.

Panettiere’s first few minutes with Dave, smacked of Paris’ vapid, giggly persona, but then they started to get serious (deadly with Dave if you’re a hot young woman) and began talking about her summer trying to save whales in Japan.  They talked and talked and talked.  Not that her intentions weren’t good, but the stories about almost being hit by long poles and her vivid explanation of the bloody harpooning not to mention her feeling of imminent arrest, just didn’t play on Dave’s stage. Panettiere almost missed her objective of promoting the return of her series, Heroes, until Dave saved the day with a last minute exit plug.

Yes Hayden, we understand you aren’t just a kick ass cheerleader, you are a real, caring and intelligent person! Blah, Blah, Blah – next time save it for you Barbara Walters pre-Oscar special.  On second thought, have you considered blogging?

Kobe Bryant has been through a journey in his life - from amazing, humble, kid basketball player who got drafted by the Lakers to cocky self-absorbed pro with a certain degree of um…legal entanglements, and finally it seems, back to semi-humble, adult basketball player who’s appeared to learn some life lessons.

Such was the image he portrayed when he paid Jimmy Kimmel a visit recently. With a gold medal in his pocket, (probably the ultimate bling) Kobe looked quite dapper in his dark suit with pink tie and hankie. When the audience wouldn’t stop chanting MVP, Kimmel asked if Kobe gets tired of hearing that…Kobe said “no!” with a big smile.

Bryant was really the perfect mix of playful, sincere and serious. He spoke of Olympic basketball and how the world has embraced it, as well as his surprise at his popularity over in China (he couldn’t get off a plane because it had been swarmed by fans and his jersey is the nation’s number one seller).

Bryant did speak about working with Britany Spears on the MTV awards saying “that stuff makes me nervous.” They discussed his turning thirty in Beijing, his family, and his choice not to have surgery on his finger (too much recovery time away from the Lakers).

All of this was said with the right degree of humbleness and truth. He listened well, reacted even better and allowed us to want to like him, which we did. He even ended the interview telling Kimmel he had a bone to pick with him. He went on to complain about not being invited to Kimmel’s house for the Sunday NFL viewing party, saying “[sure, when the] camera comes on and he’s my buddy-buddy, and then he doesn’t invite me. I just want to know what’s going on!”

This appearance certainly marks an up swing in the control of Bryant’s public image and caps off an amazing season of talent on the court.

It’s so nice to see the up-and-coming generation of actors confident, relaxed and NOT cocky in interviews. Such was the case when Adrian Grenier visited The View. Dressed casually in jeans, black shirt and hi-tops, Grenier flashed his winning grin as well as his coy smirk and immediately brought us in and won us over. Whoopi lead off the segment with a reference to the just-viewed clip of his returning show, HBO’s Entourage, which was what he was there to promote. He spoke hopefully about both its future and his own. And we were right there with him.

When the subject of sex came up, which it did several times, Grenier was playful, not obnoxious, and even differentiated himself from his character’s free-spirited sexcapades saying he has “the monogamy gene.” Subtle and clever as it allowed even those who don’t know his character to help define him beyond the show’s hype.

So, here’s a charming, funny, understated young actor who we then find out not only makes documentaries, but has a show on The Green Channel called Alter Eco all about saving the earth and “helping the planet without sacrificing our lifestyles.” Wow! Adorable, smart, thoughtful and an environmental activist?  Maybe the future is brighter than we thought. And if his future is as successful as he was on this talk show, it’s all good. And there we are…with him all the way.

Shannen Doherty made quite the first impression on Dave Letterman recently…an impression that started before she had even entered the building. Prior to her actual appearance on the show, Dave and Paul watched video of Doherty exiting her car and crossing to sign autographs for fans. Cameras captured her every move, from her short, shiny dress glinting in the sun to her high heels with the red soles, as wolfishly commented on by Dave and Paul in the slow-mo replay. Unfortunately, first impressions don’t always lead to good second impressions or good interviews.  Doherty wasn’t as “put together” this night as is necessary for a successful appearance on the Late Show.  The look and prep that guests put into hair, make-up and fashion goes a long way on Dave’s turf.  Perhaps, a long day of promotion in New York may have taken its toll.

(Note to publicist: I know schedules are tight and big apple hotel rooms mid-week prices are high, but isn’t a good appearance on Letterman worth one more night in town? – she must at least be getting a decent per diem from the CW based on the money they’re saving on Tori!)

Dave and Doherty did chat about her new show, redux 90210, so she achieved that goal. However, while she did have a few funny stories and retorts (several revolving around shoes), overall she was trying too way hard to be provocative.  You got the feeling she had planned the “spontaneous” moments and even though Dave helped when he could, she couldn’t quite pull it off.  Maybe that’s why she hasn’t been on the show in 13 years.

Doherty needs to learn to lighten up, get a little more rest, and be herself. That would leave the right kind of lasting impression.