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New Rule: Tom Cruise Diplomacy

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We're big fans of Bill Maher and his weekly Real Time on HBO. The hour-long show features a panel of distinguished guests discussing politics and pop matters of the day with Bill, but the highlight of each show is the "New Rules" segment, in which Maher introduces a set of hilarious new rules. (Also, highly recommended is the book, or audiobook of the same name.) The "New Rules" above are from Friday's episode -- Maher even proposes a solution to the ongoing Britain-Iran standoff -- bartering Tom Cruise's "wife" and "baby" for 15 captive British sailors!?!

As the name of the show suggests, Real Time is shot and aired live in Studio 33 (come on down, it's also the Price is Right studio) at CBS Television City. For a good time, call 323-575-4321 (or fill out the online form) to get yourself and some friends in the audience (hint: locals often luck out by calling midweek and picking up on cancellations). Alternatively, get on the guest list for the Thursday evening dress rehearsal at tvtix.com (where you can also score audience spots for other live tapings). Recent Real Time guests included DL Hughley, John Legend, Dan Rather, Jason Alexander, Chris Rock, and Roseanne Barr.

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