Celebrity Extra: Vanderpump Rules
By Dana Jackson
Q: Is it true that Lala Kent and Tom Schwartz from "Vanderpump Rules" are a couple now? I wonder what Katie thinks? -- K.C.
A: Rumor has it (as well as recent cryptic posts and pictures on Lala Kent's social media) that the former "Vanderpump Rules" co-stars are now dating. Since they won't be part of the "VP" reboot, many have accused them of faking the new relationship in order to secure permanent spots on "The Valley," a spin-off featuring friends of Kent and Tom Schwartz's.
Photo Caption: Lala Kent and Tom Schwartz ("Vanderpump Rules"). Photo Credit: Courtesy of Bravo Media
As for Schwartz's ex-wife, Katie Maloney, she is with her new beau who is not on a reality show. However, she remains friendly with Schwartz and even appeared on his podcast "Detox Retox" back in April.
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Q: Whether we are watching reality shows, TV series, game shows or sporting events, the accompanying music and bass sound effects have made dialogue or announcer's words very difficult to hear/understand. Do any of the celebrities who perform offer their concerns that audiences are not hearing them speak? -- C.L.
A: Several actors have agreed with viewers about how frustrating it is that the dialogue on their favorite shows and movies has become so muffled and/or drowned out by the background music. Sir Ian McKellen ("The Lord of the Rings") is one, having been vocal in telling actors to speak up. He says that mumbling can happen when an actor is not confident in their lines.
Oscar-winning director Christopher Nolan has been criticized for blasting music over dialogue, but he believes in the audience getting the full-body experience, according to his sound designer Richard King. "Dialogue is only one facet of the sonic palette," King stated.
However, at home on the couch when we're watching our televisions, we should be able to hear dialogue without resorting to subtitles! Fortunately some companies are listening. For example, according to an article in IndieWire from 2023, Amazon Prime Video released a new AI-powered "dialogue boost" feature that "increases the volume of dialogue relative to background music and effects."
IndieWire also wrote that another reason why it's harder to hear the actors now is due to thinner TV sets: "Most internal speakers are now built at the bottom of the set or backward from the rear ... [leading to] the sound getting dampened or absorbed by the set's surroundings."
Definitely explore the settings menu on your TV. Look for something like "Dialogue Enhancement" if you have a Roku TV, "Amplify" if you have a Samsung, or "Dialogue" if you have a Sony. You can also invest in an external soundbar or a set of bluetooth headphones. Talk to your local Walmart, Target or Best Buy employee for assistance.
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Q: Is "Ice Road Truckers" still on the air? I searched for it but only found reruns. -- J.A.
A: Yes, the long-running reality series about daring truck drivers in the desolate tundra of Northern Canada is back with new episodes. The series seemingly concluded in 2017 with its 11th season, but it's now back on the History Channel with new episodes releasing on Oct. 1. Veteran truckers Lisa Kelly and Todd Dewey are back with some all-new rookies!
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