If anyone saw Forgetting Sarah Marshall, the highlight of the film was Russell Brand's character, Aldous Snow. What could have been a one-dimensional role as a egotistical, sex-obsessed rock star was actually given depth and humor by Brand's portrayal of Snow as a recovering alcoholic with a little more self-awareness than perhaps any of the other characters in the Apatow factory churn-out.

American audiences might not have been in on the joke, which is that Brand himself is a comedian and musician, and that his public persona of a disheveled, disorderly rock star was never just an act; the Brit has struggled with a heroin problem, alcoholism, and sex addiction, all of which he has "kicked with professional treatment." But with Amy Winehouse having to phone in her Grammy performance earlier this year, and Britney Spears' infamous performance at the VMAs in 2007, why have producers pegged Brand to be the host of the MTVs Video Music Awards this year? And more importantly; who is really in on the joke:

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BATTLE OF NORMAN-DY, OVER MTV chief Christina Norman is leaving the company, at the end of February, after 17 years with the network. She'll be replaced by MTV Networks Music and Logo Group president Van Toffler. And lest you believe any of those official statements about her "amicable" departure, know that Norman hasn't been happy at her job for months. Something about feuding with Toffler and MTV programming head Brian Graden? Nah! [B&C]