Russell Simmons is a character.

He's the man who co-founded Def Jam Records, and gave us the likes of Run-DMC, LL Cool J, and the Beastie Boys, among others. Then he diversified, launching a clothing line, moving into TV, even presenting a debit card.

He's a yogi who will curse you out in a second. He's a father of two girls who pursues much younger models with abandon. He's a major philanthropist, who's all about making money.

Characters can be great fodder for reality TV. But sadly "Running Russell Simmons" (Oxygen, 10 tonight) wasn't great.

Happiness has gotten into "The Celebrity Apprentice" (NBC, 9 tonight)
and last week's episode had us talking about who was the was the worst offender on the let's-beat-up-on-Cyndi-Lauper bandwagon.

Let's look at the candidates:

Michael Johnson, the Olympian who thinks good leadership means not listening to anyone and going with your gut, even if you don't know what the heck you're talking about.

As long as you take responsibility for your foolishness, it seems, you're OK. And Donald Trump seemed to co-sign that definition.

Worse, when Lauper tried to explain why Johnson's failed advertorial didn't work, he rudely cut her off using the words of the next candidate...