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If you watched ESPN's coverage of the draft, then you know the Bulls drafted the son of former French Open champ Yannick Noah, and Miss Sweden 1978. Certainly you heard the announcers mention that once or twice? Yeah, they're special-ordering a jersey to fit all that on the back of.
The young man actually has a name- it's Joakim Noah. And he has an awful lot to say. I mean a lot to say.
http://www.myspace.com/pattomasulo
Finally, I've met a professional athlete whom I might look more intimidating than. Of course, he could punch the crap out of me quicker than any other athlete I've met, but who has time to argue semantics?
The pound-for-pound king of boxing, Floyd Mayweather, is in Chicago for a 3-day victory tour celebrating his May 5th win over Oscar De la Hoya. If you don't know much about Floyd, he is Apollo Creed and Don King combined- part boxer, part promoter, all brash. He's the sports biggest villain, and it's best fighter in 15 years.
That's why so many people hate him.
It's also why they buy all of his pay-per-views.
He doesn't trave lightly. His entourage included about 9 people- his business managers, PR people, two gigantic men who grunted "Hey" to me when I said hello (bodyguards?). I had met Floyd once before in Miami during Super Bowl week, and his entourage was just as large. It's a nice thing to have in case a flag football game breaks out.
Before the De la Hoya fight, Floyd announced it would be his last- he was retiring. Less than 2 months later, he told us he's ready to come back.
The folks at Red Eye did not print this column. They said Red Eye readers were not interested in history. For those of you who are....enjoy.
***
The upcoming Fourth of July celebration is as much a tribute to George Washington as it is to our independence.
Washington was hailed as a hero for his courage in battle, and even considered divine by some. But the question remained---would he be as courageous as a leader of a nation? This is where many turned on Washington. Here's the political battle that you never got to in your high school history class....and it is one that features storylines, parallel to the ones in today's headlines from the nation's capitol that bears his name.
What many people don’t realize is that by the end of his life, many people despised Washington. Just ten years from the end of the Revolution, war veterans were toasting to his speedy death. Why? There were some who wanted another war with Britain, to evict them from the new frontier (now the Midwest) where the Brits were teaming up with certain Native American tribes to attack settlers.
Washington knew his young nation was not ready to fight a sequel against the Red Coats, and wanted to cut a deal known as the Jay Treaty. The terms were very favorable to the British and Washington wanted to keep it secret . according to the book Presidential Courage, by presidential historian Michael Beschloss.
“ A lot of Americans found that treaty humiliating and they said they wanted Washington dead or impeached,” Beschloss said. “ But what Washington was trying to say of later presidents is, 'Your job is just not to be popular. You've got to make tough decisions the same as I do.'”
Word of the treaty leaked and people protested everywhere. When Alexander Hamilton tried to defend the treaty in front of New York City Hall, people threw rocks at him and bloodied his face.
Beschloss quotes Washington:
Washington found it embarrassing for Britain “to see the people of this country divided” with such “violent opposition” to “their own government.”
The showdown in Congress came in 1796. John Adams predicted that both sides would “bite like savages and tear like lions.”
And then, a Federalist named Fisher Ames would change history. He had been very sick, and presumed near death. People gasped as he limped onto the House floor. Without notes, he delivered a speech that has become one of the most powerful in American history. He acknowledged that this bit of diplomacy was far from perfect, but better than the alternative.
“You are a father? The blood of your sons shall fatten your cornfield! You are a mother? The war-whoop shall make the sleep of the cradle! While one hand is held up to reject this treaty, the other grasps a tomahawk…I listen to the yells of savage vengeance and the shrieks of torture.”
90 minutes later, he fell back in his chair. Both sides weeped.
(Beschloss notes that one Congressman told Ames he should’ve ended his speech by dropping dead. Never again would he have ‘an occasion so glorious.’ )
The House voted. It was a 49-49 tie. The tiebreaker would be Republican Frederick Mulenberg, a pastor from Pennsylvania. Republican opponents of the Jay treaty could taste victory. But Muhlenberg shocked everyone by supporting the Federalist treaty. He committed political suicide (and his brother-in-law nearly killed him when he stabbed him after the vote.)
Washington’s political courage paid off, and perhaps inspired lesser-known representatives to show courage as well.
“The old man had the thankless job of dispelling many Americans’ illusions that they had the strength to stand up to the British once again,” Beschloss wrote. “Like a prophet, he warned that the country must not prematurely embarrass itself in war.”
This is what made the founding fathers great---not simply spewing patriotic quotes to polish their image, but through their wisdom, they were able to persuade the masses that certain sacrifices would be better for all of us, in the long run.
It seems today, there is a vaccum of vision. Politicians can’t make a decision without consulting polls. Politicians want to be loved, and more importantly, reelected. But, in time, their names will be lost for the ages, and history will secure only those whose courage defends their convictions to advance America’s story of freedom and liberty.
MORE Q & A with Michael Beschloss
LP: The presidents you profile all "win" in the end. You mentioned in the on-air interview that you couldn't assess President Bush's courage for another 20 years, when historians would have a better perspective on the war on terror. But isn't it possible to still demonstrate courage in a losing battle?
MB: It sure is possible to demonstrate courage in a losing battle, but I'm using the term "Presidential courage" to specifically mean the kind of bravery that is used to advance a cause that later Americans admire. For instance, Woodrow Wilson lost in his effort to get the U.S. into the League of Nations, but we admire the fact that he tried -- it might have saved the world from Adolf Hitler.
LP: Is it supposed to be a 'given' that the presidents you profile in the book became winners because of their wisdom or vision? Is there any room for just plain dumb luck and if they were lucky, does that diminish their accomplishment?
MB: Luck is always a big factor in a President's accomplishment, as it is for all of us. For example, if General Sherman hadn't conquered Atlanta before the 1864 election, giving Northern voters the sense that they were close to Civil War victory, Lincoln would have lost. But if a President doesn't have courage and wisdom, luck won't help much.
LP: I wonder what good courage is, if you do not have wisdom and instinct as a foundation. Is there some common thread among these presidents in their vision or wisdom that separates them from other presidents?
MB: You're right -- guts without wisdom and instinct don't help much either. Nixon had guts to bomb Cambodia in 1970, but in retrospect it wasn't very smart, because it widened the hopeless Indochina War. The other common thread in these Presidents is this: everyone I write about, except John Adams, got reelected or regained popularity. The reason is that each had the ability to persuade Americans that they were doing the right thing. Lincoln, for instance, told Northern voters, "You might not like my promise to free the slaves -- but it has attracted 200,00 African-Americans from the South to the North, where they are helping the Union war effort. If we lose them, we'll be defeated."
Rating- ***
I don't know at which point during my life I became an animal lover, but today I might as well carry a badge ID'ing myself as one. I'm not the kind of animal lover who'll protest a quail hunt or boycott hamburger, but I will maul your dog if the mood strikes me.
I have a dog- her name is Elle. She's part German Sheppard, part Moron, and I love this dog to pieces. She is the only living thing I've allowed back in my bed after peeing it. When I look into her soulful eyes, I can't imagine how people can abuse or strike dogs, or any animal for that matter.
Without provocation, that is.
For instance, what if an animal gets out of line and strikes you? What do you do- turn the other cheek? I was always taught never to start a fight, but if someone starts one with you, it's OK to finish it. I warn every animal I meet that these are my rules. You scratch me, I'll throw you in a head lock.
Now, these rules don't apply to my dog. Would you apply them to your own son or daughter? But if we were just acquaintances, or better yet co-workers, I might do as jockey Victor Molina did.
Rating- A flat
My name is Tyra Martin. In the near decade I've spent working with the good folks here at the WGN Morning News, I've had some great days and some not so great days.
Today, was one of the latter.
As Entertainment Producer, it's my job to deal with celebrities...More often than not, they're wonderful. It's their "people" who suck.
The "people" are the publicists and managers who exaggerate, over schedule and make crazy demands on behalf of the celebrities.
Today, I dealt with lots of "people."
We were all excited about today's show.. Lots of great guests were booked, including hip hop legend Kurtis Blow and movie star Daryl Hannah.
As a kid of the 70's and a lover of hip hop's origins (Even at 35 years old, I still have a mean up rock… for the record) I was anxious to meet Kurtis Blow.
Then there's Daryl Hannah, a gifted and socially conscious actress, who was so convincing in the movie "Splash" that for just a second, I thought the strange woman wandering downtown wearing no shoes or pants, squeaking and clicking like a dolphin -- may actually be a mermaid. Closer inspection however proved that lady had not been near any water, for a very, very long time.
Pardon me, I digress. Back to the "people."
It was the "people" who kept me, nay the world, from enjoying those talented artists this morning.. Here's what happened.
Sometimes we go after guests, but Daryl Hannah's "people" called us... and were happy to oblige. Things were fine until her "person" started changing things around and getting snippy and LYING. I can deal with everything but the lying. Daryl's "person" made a series of ridiculous requests regarding the segment's scheduled time. Because I TRY not to gossip (shut up) I won't get into details, but just know that it was one of the most RIDICULOUS conversations I've had in a long time.
Now, if you surf channels in the morning, you may have noticed that sometimes celebrities make the rounds, stopping by every station to promote their concert, movie, album, book signing, tree climbing, etc.
That's fine, here at WGN we know we're the best, so it doesn't matter what they do with the rest. The ever increasing number of viewers tuning in to the number 9 each day back that up. And the "people" know that, that's why THEY CALLED US. Long story short, we looked up and saw Daryl on a way lower rated show at the time she was originally scheduled to be here. Her "person" lied to me, and there's a trail of p-r "people" I've dealt with who can tell you that's not a good idea.
I called them before they made the trek from the un-named, way lower rated show and sent them home.
Now onto Kurtis Blow, who I was giving directions to on the phone as this Daryl Hannah thing was unfolding.
Mr. Blow may be great on the microphone, but he could use a little help with Mapquest.
First he and his crew were on their way to WGN Radio, which is nowhere near WGN TV. Then they headed south.. Even further away.
They got here about 5 minutes AFTER the time they were scheduled to appear. Still, I was geeked when he walked through the door, I mean it WAS Kurtis Blow. The shiny jacket, gold chains and gheri curl were gone, clearly a gracious act of God, to whom he has recently devoted his life. That's right, Kurtis Blow will soon be Reverend Blow.. He's studying theology and plans to use hip hop to build his ministry. It actually worked out, since I needed a lot of prayer this morning.
Anyway back to the "people." Since Kurtis and his "people" were late, they missed the opportunity to appear live. But we offered to tape a performance in our studios and put it on the web. Now you and I know the website is popular, but maybe they didn't. My offer was met by frowned faces, mind you these faces were filled with the free bacon, eggs and biscuits they were eating in our cafeteria at the time… but frowning all the same. I couldn't help but laugh out loud as Blow's signature song "These are the Breaks" played on a constant loop in my head all morning.
A few minutes later, I get a call from Kurtis in the cafeteria. "Yeah, Tyra… I think we're just going to go." That breeze you just felt is my head still spinning. You're an hour late, you just ate free breakfast and you're leaving? I grabbed my Executive Producer, Allison Hunter and went to the cafeteria, where we found the guys getting up from the table and the driver on the way to get the car. I tapped my well heeled foot while Allison diffused the situation. They apologized, stayed and gave the great performance you can watch on our website right now.
So that was my day.
I've got to go now… in a few minutes I'll be interviewing the wonderful Geena Davis. This morning her "people" sent me an email requesting that I "only refer to Ms. Davis as an actor, not an actress."
I love the "people."
In the words of our dear friend Kurtis Blow, "Errrah!"
Rating- ***
M-S-N-B-C took a look at whether journalists contribute to politicians or political parties.
It looked at contribution records from the FEC and identified 144 journalists who made contributions from 2004 through the current campaign.
Here's the breakdown:
125 jouranlists gave money to the democrats.
17 contributed to the republicans.
2 journalists gave to both parties.
It should be noted that this study represents about 1% of newsroom workers.
When it comes to credibility---perception is everything. If people see me riding a bicycle built for two, with Mayor Daley, or shooting marbles with President Bush, they might have the idea that I'm good friends with those politicians, and would slant my reporting to favor them.
Journalists should know better about contributing to political campaigns.
Having said that... it does not mean that these reporters/producers cannot be fair in writing stories about politicians. As humans, we all have our own way of looking at things, but when we put on the journalist hat, we are required to be fair and balanced.
If I am covering a Hitler youth rally, I don't feel the need to slant the story so viewers don't hear the horrible ramblings of these little Nazis. Every story has two sides----and that always makes for a better story.
. . . as in outSIDE, and proud to be REPRESENTING WGN at the Pride Parade.
Hey, I've been corrected concerning the use of a gift sent to me by two nice gentlemen from East Lakeview. The "Stratford Boys" mailed be something they felt would come in handy for this weekend's event- an item which I displayed on the show this morning (see video below).
Anyway, that change purse is gonna come in handy!
This will be my first appearance aboard the WGN float in this parade. I was out of town the last 2 years, and it's not like I can choose not to go anyway. I live in the neighborhood, so unless I can secure a helicopter, I'm not getting out! I will enjoy, though, being on one of the only moving vehicles in Lakeview.
It's supposed to be hot on Sunday, like 90 degrees. Man, would I love to be outside shirtless, getting some color. How 'bout we make a rule- everyone in the parade goes topless! Hah, just kidding! A parade isn't the proper place for that!
I'm not sure what to expect on Sunday. I understand it's a fairly long procession, and it passes by my favorite gyro place in the city (Yango's on Broadway). Other than that, I suppose there will be a few high school marching bands, a couple of Pop Warner cheerleading squads, maybe Santa Claus aboard a fire truck?
Yeah, fire trucks! I always loved seeing the big red trucks in my hometown's parades. They'd even have real firemen riding along and waving!
You think that'd fly at the Pride Parade?
UPDATE
Video from the Chicago Pride Parade:
I've been covering the trial of five guys who ran the Chicago Outfit in the 70's and 80's. In opening statements, federal prosecutors said 'This is not The Sopranos. This is not The Godfather. This is real life.' Well, it would definitely make a great movie. After the jury was picked and sworn in, Judge Zagel asked all the lawyers to introduce themselves. The Feds started. "I'm so and so, a prosecutor." "I'm so and so, Special Agent FBI." Then it was the defense's turn. Each one stood with his client. They all made eye contact with the jury and said "Good morning." Just like regular guys who's mothers raised them well. Just like the guy in front of you on line at Starbucks. "Hey Rosie, I'll take a Venti lattee with lots of sugar." Prosecutors would have you think the 'regular guy' would strangle Rosie in a heartbeat if she added a little too much sugar. It's really weird! I mean here are these guys accused of horrendous crimes right in front of me. I make eye contact with James Marcello, reputed mob boss. Frank Calabrese Sr., the mob's alleged hitman, looks like someone's grandfather. Joey "The Clown" Lombardo slumps in his chair in the back row of defendents, taking notes and talking to his lawyer.
I wonder what the jury is thinking? There are 12 jurors and 7 alternates. Ten women and 9 men. 4 African American, 15 white. These are people who are giving up at least three months of their lives to sit on this jury. They range in age from probably early thirties to early 70's. They are to remain anonymous, only referred to by number. Does that scare them? Do they really know who they're dealing with? On Tuesday, a fake bomb was found at the suburban house of one of the defendent's sons. A prank or a message? I'm saying the latter, but that's just me. I always think the worst. I've seen The Godfather too many times.
Stay tuned.
Marcella
Rating- 80s stars
http://www.myspace.com/minisodenetwork
Wow...
I just came back in from the WGN-TV party celebrating our partnership with Weatherbug.
As I imagine you may have heard, our partnership with Weatherbug gives us real time weather data from well over 100 sites in Chicagoland and thousands of places around the country.
Now that is a good reason for a par-tay.
Let me just make this statement.
Until you have partied with the WGN-TV Weather Wieners...you have not partied.
Holy Crap!!!
My memory is not too clear of what happened...but let me try to paint a picture.
Skilling was on the move.
Shakin' and bakin' on the dance floor.
The crowd is cheering
"Tom Skilling...The Forecast...Tom Skilling...The Dewpoint...Tom Skilling...Our hero."
It was totally nuts.
Women were all over him.
Then comes Jim Ramsey.
The guy is a machine. Automatic.
He has his shirt unbuttoned all the way.
Working the room.
Pretty soon he and Skilling are on the dance floor together.
Ramsey is up on Skillings shoulders shouting something about straight line winds in Oklahoma and El Nino.
The rest of us weather schmoes knew to just stay back and let masters
work their magic.
Finally, late into the night...and I mean late...we all went back to Skillings place and watched the Weather Channel until like 8pm.
WGN Weather. We rock the world...
Konrad
Party...Party...Party.
p.s. Look for pictures to come soon in the photo gallery. I doubt they caught the best stuff.
Rating - 3 stars
www.thesmokinggun.com
Chris Rock once did a bit about his friends who are "addicted to strip clubs"- you know, the kinds of guys who go there for the hot lunch buffets. If that describes you, then chances are you've stood in line behind Pacman Jones while he loaded up a plate with barbecue meatballs and potato logs.
This is the guy recently given a one-year suspension by the NFL after being arrested 5 different times, and questioned by police 10 times.
Number 11 is imminent.
This time the cops want to talk to Jones about a shooting outside an Atlanta strip club. You may recall, Pacman's last reported visit to a strip club was during NBA All Star Weekend in Vegas, and ended with someone being shot and paralyzed.
I suppose going to a movie during his down time is out of the question?
Pacman even had the chance to reduce his NFL ban to 10 games if he adhered to some guidelines set forth by the Commissioner, guidelines which I can only assume included NO GOING TO STRIP CLUBS!
No big deal. Pacman's rich. He could have had his favorite spot install a webcam! But the experience just wasn't complete for him without the scent of baby powder mixed with beer, and the sound of blaring '90's club music.
That's a true addiction.
Well, I've decided....today was my last flight in Skycam 9.
With me being 6 and 1/2 months pregnant now, it's just getting a tad bit uncomfortable for me and lil' Max.
I'm actually surprised I lasted this long up there.
But since I like going up in the air so much, I didn't want to let it go.
I'll still give you traffic reports, just from the studio in the comfortable AC.
Thanks to everyone for all the well wishes and congrats after my announcement last week.
And yes, Zoe, is excited to be having a baby brother.
She tells me everyday "Mommy, I want your baby to come out NOW!"
I tell her...no you don't...not yet!
She has to wait to October, like the rest of us.
Stay tuned....
Ana and I are working on some cool maternity stories all you pregnant moms(and those of you not pregnant) will enjoy.
Get ready for the ride.
We are going to make the best of these last 3 and 1/2 months.
Val
"Fantastic Four: The Rise of the Silver Surfer"
Finally, a comic book adventure without deep meanings, profound subtext and especially no bloated running times. What you get from FF2 is good old-fashioned comic book fun that might even be a little better than the first Fantastic Four movie.
"Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer", really is fantastic in the sense that it's solid movie making with cool effects and plenty of action; but not so fantastic is that it all takes a while to get going. If you're looking for Paddy Chayefsky in your Marvel movie going, this may not be the film for you. If not, you'll be more than satisfied.
At only an hour and a half, Mr. Fantastic, Sue Storm, The Thing and Johnny Storm are enjoying the celebrity life when bad guy, Victor Von Doom, returns along with the new bad guy, The Silver Surfer, voiced by Laurence Fishburne, to disturb the calm. Actors, Michael Chikilis, Ioan Gruffudd, Jessica Alba, Chris Evans and Julian McMahon all are back and turn in credible jobs that won't score them Oscars...but it's all about excitement and some fun here.
Mission accomplished with this Dean's List "B."
“Nancy Drew”
While Paris Hilton, Lindsey Lohan and Brittney Spears are showing young girls what not to do, positive role model emerges...an old friend, "Nancy Drew."
You may have read the books or seen the TV or old movie versions back in the day, but now, Emma--niece of Julia---Roberts, reprises the character stumbling on a mystery in an old Hollywood mansion that she and her father are renting.
There are a few laughs in this predictable but also charming and refreshing story that’s nice for the kids and not too painful for the grownups.
It’s rated PG for mild violence and a little language. A Dean's List "B."
Movies:
Bridge to Terabithia
Gray Matters
Longford
Miss Potter
Reno 911: Miami
Die Hard Collection
Pacino: An Actor's Vision
Author! Author!
TV:
Animaniacs: Volume Three
Batfink: Complete Series
Daniel Boone: Season Four
Lovejoy: Season One
Perry Mason: Season Two
Picket Fences: Season One
Pinky and the Brain: Volume Three
Powerpuff Girls: Season One
Silver Spoons: Season One
Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea: Season Three
Cosby Show: Season 2
Close to Home
Rating- ***
100 Movies, 100 Quotes, 100 Numbers
Most gifts are about as useful to dad as a sterling silver golf tee, which, by the way, I discovered is actually available at Tiffany’s for $95. Dads seem to either have everything-- or at least seem to be comfortable with that dress shirt from 1981 (which may actually have cycled back into fashion once or twice.)
"See. I told you aviator Ray Bans would come back in style!"
At a certain age, we realize that life isn’t about stuff, it’s about experiences. What better experience than a big old laugh. With that, I present my annual RedEye Father’s Day Gift Guide.
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Have a blast
Your dad’s investment in that town house in LaGrange may never pay off, but here’s one that’s a sure thing: prime real estate in Hawaii. Lo’ihi Development company plans to offer waterfront property for $39.95! But there’s a catch. It is currently an underwater volcano and won’t emerge for a few thousand years. But here’s dad’s chance to finally get in on the (below) ground level. $39.95 gets you the land, brochure and deed.
www.petroglyphs.com/loihi/future.htm.
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Hold the anchovies
Dad has always wanted to sleep with his secret true love--and now he finally can without feeling guilty. Give him a night of saucy dreams with the pizza pillow. $29.95
www.brightandbold.com/piza-shaped-pillow.html.
Celebrity cookies
Dad will never be able to sleep with Angelina Jolie, but he can do this: snack on her likeness in the shape of a cookie. For the old-school dad with a sweet tooth, check out animal cookies shaped like Bruce Willis and Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen. That hint of vanilla really makes Will Smith shine. 24 boxes for $21.60
http://likeums.com/products02.htm.
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Office space
Protect your laptop in style with this foam envelope that looks like a shirt-and-tie combo. Stylish—if your dad dresses like Andy Sipowicz from "NYPD Blue." $35
http://barrysfarm.net/store/single_view/43.
Dad’s anatomy
Inventor Ron Zittler of Round Lake, Ill., has worked with a urologist to invent a post-vasectomy recovery kit that will have dad back in action in no time. It combines form-fitting underwear with "an inner shelf for scrotal support and an outer pouch to hold a custom-fitted ice pack." $29.95
Mmm, bacon
If your dad is more Homer Simpson than Pierce Brosnan, you might get him this for the next black tie event: The Uncle Oinker’s Bacon Scented Bacon Print Tuxedo—yes, it’s bacon scented! The red-carpet never smelled so good. $99.95
www.mcphee.com/resources/april/items/bacontux.html
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Have a laugh
Dads love to read in the bathroom and toilet-books are usually quick reads on fun facts. But local author Michael Ryan takes it a step further with "The Dirtiest Toilet Humor Book Ever." $8.95
Rating - 3 stars
http://www.hallmark.com/fathersday
Yes...I am pregnant!
Some of you have stopped me out and about, and asked.
Others of you have called the station, wondering.
Well, here's all the 411.
I'm 6 months.
I'm due October 2nd.
It's a boy.
His name is going to be Maxwell ??? Warner.
I have a daughter already.
She's 4 1/2.
She'll be 5 and in kindergarten, by the time Max gets here.
What else???
Oh yeah, I'm not the only one preggers.
Ana is pregnant too and we are 10 days a part.
How crazy is that?!!?!?!
I'll let her tell you all her details.
Needless to say, it's fun to have two pregnant women in the newsroom, so close together.
Well, I'm sure you can expect weekly updates now, from the two of us, as we count down the days to October.
Lord knows it can't come soon enough :-)
MOM-TO-BE for the 2nd time!
Rating - 2 stars
www.aaronackerson.com
Yes, after a long time I can finally see my cheek bones again! What an amazing feeling! The Bally Fitness Challenge may be over but I am on the workout bandwagon for good! I'm crossing my fingers anyway! My team of Pat Tomasulo and Keenan Smith came in third but we lost 40 pounds all together.
My trainer, Kay, took before and after pictures of me. The before ones were horrible! I was so embarrassed! Especially the ones she took of my back. Not a pretty sight! I told Kay if those pictures ever showed up on the internet I will kill her. But there is a remarkable difference. I can tell I've gotten alot leaner and more toned. I am so happy I participated in this challenge! I never would have been able to do it without Bally's help.
So ten more pounds to go! I showed Kay a picture of me when I was about 24 and wearing a bikini. I've had it on my refrigerator for motivation. Kay said she can make me look better than that! I can't wait! And the next time I have a flat stomach, I definately won't think I'm fat.
Thanks to all of you who supported me!
--Marcella
Everyone knows I love to shop.
Even if I'm not doing it for myself, I still enjoy it.
So, I went looking for great gift ideas for dad this Father's Day and found too much to put on the air.
So I saved some of the good stuff for you blog lovers!
Happy Shopping!
Val
I've been gone from the show quite a bit in the last week or two, and while there are numerous reasons for my absence (covert missions for the CIA, training for the 4th of July hot dog eating contest, penning my memoirs), mainly I was gone to attend a good friend's wedding in New Jersey. How good a friend?
I went back to New Jersey for his wedding.
I'm sure the ceremony and all the traditional wedding rites were beautiful, but the image from this weekend that's seared into my mind is that cocktail hour spread- that wonderful, beautiful, bountiful cornucopia of delicacies I never dreamed would be available to me ALL AT THE SAME TIME!
Sushi, suckling pig, and salami. Made-to-order stir fry, pasta dishes, and bruschetta. A full martini bar, a full martini bar, and a full martini bar.
That could be why I only remember cocktail hour.
This was easily the most extravagant wedding I've ever feasted at, and this from a guy who spent 3 years DJ'ing nuptials at some of the Jersey Shore's finest catering halls. As good as the stuffed shells were at the Leonardo Fire Hall, this place blew 'em away.
But as lavish as this wedding was, multiply it by 50, and that's apparently what a celebrity wedding is like.
Rating - 3 stars
www.tvobscurities.com
"Sopranos' creator David Chase sent America running for their remotes thinking that their cable went out at the critical moment of the series finale last night. Suddenly, the screen went black. No audio. All across the country people thought, "oh no, did I forget to pay the cable bill?"
With the over-used Journey song, "Don't Stop Believing" on the juke box, the HBO hit abruptly went to black and faded into TV history with an open-ended ending.
Throughout the hour there was a bit of suspense, some signature laughs and only one whacking; a head crushing, memorable one, instead of the blood bath that many of us predicted.
If you like movies whose endings are unclear and up for discussion, you probably liked the finale. I was disappointed and thought that Chase copped out with a lazy, unfulfilling finish. I wanted the writers to end the show with the same genius writing that hooked me for the past 8 years.
Other reaction includes TV Guide, disagreeing, saying, "there was no moral messaging...just Tony, keeping on….perfect David Chase."
Entertainment Weekly says, "Chase had a grand time in his almost playful home stretch... not so much a conclusion as a curtain coming down."
But, the Chicago Tribune's Maureen Ryan added, "that was the ending of "The Sopranos?"
Rating - ***
http://Okgo.net
First there was "March of the Penguins".... then "Happy Feet." Our tuxedo-like feather friends are hot, but the latest penguin-entry may tone down the craze.
"Surf’s up" is a harmless and not very creative story, done mockumentary-reality show style, about a young bird named Cory who has a passion for surfing thanks to his idol penguin, the Big Z. None of the other penguins understand his obsession.... so he takes off to enter a surf competition where he comes face to face the best and sometimes most arrogant penguin surfers in the world. A kindly old surfer takes him under his wing and teaches the impatient hang-ten-er about what's important in life.
It’s an OK story that kids will like better than parents. The writing and computer animation is flat with uninteresting characters for the uninspired voices of Shai La Beouf, Jeff Bridges and James Woods to work with.
The biggest kiddy laughs come with the half dozen or so body function jokes. Now, that's comedy that washed ashore a long time ago, even for kids.
I was bored with "Surfs Up" but at least it'll distract your little ones for an hour and half. A Dean's List "C"
The Oceans boys are back.... this time on a revenge heist. That’s “Oceans 13.”
When Elliott Gould’s character is bilked out of big bucks by a cut throat casino owner, played by Al Pacino...Clooney, Pitt, Damon and company call out the troops to get even and break the new casino's bank.
All of the regulars are back...each with a little something to do...sometimes too much to do. mirking up the story, just to get everyone in.
Andy Garcia, arch-enemy of the boys in the previous movies, joins forces with the boys to bring down Pacino, who tones down his usual Pacino-ness to a tolerable, effective level.
Also new to the cast are Ellen Barkin and Eddie Izzard; each ok...but I miss the dame-power of Julia Roberts or Catherine Zeta Jones.... and nothing compares to the sizzle on screen when Clooney, Pitt and Damon are at work. The superstar trio's almost inside joke of a movie is worth the price of admission.
"Oceans 13" is close to being ho-hum with an excess of watering itself down...and like Spiderman, Shrek and Pirates, a possible tired trilogy; but the fun when the boys are at work make "13", a lucky number.
It’s not quite "11"...much better than “12”...a Dean's List "B."
Popes, presidents and other powerful people are surrounded by the finest trappings as they make important decisions that affect our lives. So we tend to think they live in a world much different than ours--more holy, more pristine, more worthy.
After all, no one is going to write a book about you or me. However, Karl Shaw’s book, "5 People Who Died During Sex: and 100 Other Terribly Tasteless Lists," lets you peek into the lives of the world’s greatest rulers, inventors and artists. Their bizarre behavior might make you and your dysfunctional family seem almost normal.
Shaw is a journalist-turned-freelance author who has written other books on history. This book contains dozens of lists, from "12 Celebrity Celibates" to "History’s 10 Least Appealing Dinner Dates." Here are some of my own lists, gleaned from Shaw’s book.
5 THINGS I LEARNED ABOUT HITLER
> Who knows what made him tick, but we do learn that Hitler (like Napoleon and Mussolini) was afraid of cats.
> Hitler became a vegetarian in 1931 when his doctors put him on a meatless diet to cure him of flatulence and a chronic stomach disorder.
> He once tried to cure his chronic flatulence by drinking machine-gun oil
> The fuhrer suffered impaired virility, so his physician injected him with a compound containing hormones from crushed animal genitalia.
> His trusted commander, Erwin Rommel, decided on the eve of D-Day that it was so quiet he might as well go home and celebrate his wife’s birthday. As the allies closed in on his bunker, Hitler married Eva Braun, and the next day they celebrated the honeymoon by swallowing poison. That's the beginning of the end for the Nazis, Hitler's romance, and his flatulence.
4 THINGS I LEARNED ABOUT THE CHURCH
> Pope Alexander VI (1492-1503) had 10 illegitimate children.
> Pope John XII was bludgeoned to death in 964 with a hammer by an irate husband who caught His Holiness in bed with his wife.
> In 1100, the Dominican Church advised women to spit three times into the mouth of a frog, or to eat bees, immediately after intercourse to prevent conception.
> Some of the causes of the Black Death, according to the Church, included Jews poisoning the wells, going to the theater and olive oil.
3 THINGS I LEARNED ABOUT PRESIDENTIAL SEX
> JFK enlisted staff to help organize nude swimming parties in the presidential pool.
> Lydon B. Johnson was aggrieved that JFK’s reputation as a stud was greater than his and reportedly complained to friends, "I’ve had more women by accident than he’s had on purpose."
> Grover Cleveland ignored his staff’s advice and admitted to fathering an illegitimate son. His enemies circulated a leaflet accusing him of bestiality and wife-beating, but he was re-elected with a healthy majority.
This book isn’t going to give you the perspective of a typical biography. You are not, for example, going to learn how a young Albert Einstein, who was slow to speak, became the great genius of the 20th Century.
However, this catalog of factoids may change your perspective on people of power.
Some seem more human, others are less deserving of that description. It shows that wearing a crown, or getting one’s name in a history book, is no true measure of greatness.
What could be better than a video of the WGN Morning News looking at the WGN Morning News Blog? Only a post of the video of the WGN Morning News looking at the video of the WGN Morning News looking at the WGN Morning News Blog (to come soon, hopefully).
Well, if you haven't been reading Larry's blog updates about the morning show ratings, suffice it to say that the month of May was very good to us.
In fact, Larry - or "Ricky Ratings" as we like to call him - has been bragging about how his new suits really put us over the top this rating period.
Given his modesty, it's oddly apropos that when the big boss - the very handsome and powerful Tom Ehlmann - came in with breakfast to congratulate the crew, Ricky had the day off.
Sorry, Ricky. We saved you a piece of fruitcake.
-- Robin Baumgarten
Rating - 3 stars
http://www.morphthing.com
How do you define success? It is an important question. At 16, I would’ve said “a Porsche.” Of course, that’s ridiculous----unless you’re a Porsche owner and if that is still how you define success at 35, you are more likely a Porsche owner who also lives in his Porsche.
In the context of your work, it is important to know what your goal is. This is typically a major tension in the broadcast business.
I may define “success” as a morning show that features an all-star lineup: INXS, Henry Kissinger, Charro and the St.Luke’s Bottle-Blowing Band---now that’s a green room I want to spy on!
As a reporter, I defined it as doing an investigative report that makes a difference. Many people are surprised when I tell them my most memorable moment working at WGN was not interviewing Mel Gibson, but doing an investigative report where we went undercover to test security at a hospital after a crime had been committed there.
Most finely-manicured big-shot TV executives don’t care much about any of this. They care about profits. Our ratings on WGN Morning news are up 40% 6-9am from a year ago. To me, that is a separate issue to whether we’re doing a good job. To TV execs, it is the only issue.
Rick Kaempfer, who was a well known radio producer for Steve Dahl and Garry Meier, as well as John Landecker, has written a satire about the broadcasting business. This hysterical critique on corporate morality is called “$everence.” The main character is a morning Chicago DJ who battles management through painful budget cuts. He wants to get fired and collect his severance, but management is trying to make life so miserable that he’ll just want to quit.
In a fit of frustration, the DJ sends a sarcastic email about how to cut costs: it includes firing everyone except sales, and hiring a security officer to guard the office supplies. Instead of getting fired, the CEO takes the email plan seriously, and promotes the DJ to COO.
Budget cuts might not be a big deal if you are selling staplers, but broadcasting is different. It includes a major responsibility in a democratic society as a watchdog for authority.
“That’s my big problem with corporate controlled media. In media, they’re entrusted with informing the electorate and when they cut cost, they do so at the expense of people not finding out what is going on in the world.”
Kaempfer notes, as he does in his book, that while people often complain about a “liberal news media” the people who run and own broadcast stations are more republican-business types; but the real issue for these media barons isn’t politics, it’s profits.
“Rupert Murdoch may own Fox News but he also came up with putting naked women on Page Three in England.”
A message to all you bean counters: profit-watching may be important, but it is short-sighted. I like to think the good ratings (or profits) follow a good product. If you let a problem fester too long, eventually, it catches up with you and consumers lose confidence. Once you lose them, it is very difficult to regain their trust.
So how do you cope with a boss who cares more about profits then people or the product?
Here’s Kaempfer’s plan:
#1: Praise the boss' rivals.
"Boy did you hear the kind of numbers ol' Joe Schmo is pulling in at the Kansas City Office."
#2: Call every woman in the office by the name of the boss' ex-wife.
"Hey Myrna, can I borrow your... oh, I'm sorry, Bernice. Why do I keep getting that wrong?"
#3: Find out the boss's favorite pastry and eat it for breakfast in front of him every morning.
"Mmmmm. I tell ya. This strawberry bismark must have been made by angels."
Or in the end, you can do what Kaempfer does. He now works for himself, writing a daily humor blog at rickkaempfer.blogspot.com.
“It started as fun---now I get 10,000 hits a week---not bad for a guy in his basement.”
Norbit
Trading Places & Coming to America
Dean Martin & Jerry Lewis Collection: Volume 2
The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert ("Extra Frills" Edition)
Fantastic Four: Extended Edition
World War II Collection Vol. 2: Heroes Fight for Freedom
TV on DVD:
Chappelle's Show Greatest Hits
Mission Impossible: Season 2
Hogan's Heroes: Season 6
Seinfeld: Season 8
CHiPs: Season 1
The Cosby Show: Seasons 3&4
Rescue Me: Season 3
The Fall Guy: Season 1
“Knocked Up”
It’s a great movie weekend. One great drama...and one great comedy...in fact, the funniest movie of the year.
“Knocked Up” comes from the team that brought you "40 Year Old Virgin" and "Talladega Nights."
Now, they've assembled some of their players for a story about a hot TV reporter, played by Katherine Heigl from "Gray's Anatomy" and "Roswell", who celebrates a promotion by getting going out for some fun and winds up drunk where she hooks up with a stoner-loser, Seth Rogen, Cal, one of the electronics store buddies from “40 Year Old Virgin.” A pregnancy results from their careless one night stand.
They are two people who just don't belong together and outside of their Jose Cuervo-induced night of passion, they have nothing in common but they've decided to have the baby and are going to try make a go of it. He, with his house full of comic book reading, porn-obsessed, stoner, loser roommates, all hilarious. She, with her with her “butting in” sister and a whipped brother in law, Leslie Mann and Paul Rudd, both “40 Year Old Virgin” veterans and both hilarious.
Just like “Virgin”, “Knocked Up” has all of the 15-year-old boy laughs that you’ll love but is also thoughtful and charming with very likeable characters.
Director Judd apatow has done it again...a smart, quotable, hilarious, Dean's List "A."
“Mr. Brooks”
In "Mr. Brooks", William hurt plays the cleverly conceived subconscious voice of "great guy by day"..."compulsive serial killer-unable to control his addiction to killing" by night.
Kevin Costner plays opposite his Mr. Good Guy role as a killer who thrills on the sensation of the perfect kill. One night a random photographer, Dane Cook...amazingly good doing drama, snaps him in the act, is intrigued by it all and blackmails him.
Demi Moore is a troubled cop who is investigating the killings.
All of the performances are good, especially William Hurt. There may be a little too much fluff on all of the sub-stories...but the meat here is solidly creepy.
This one reminds me of an old fashioned 1940's thriller...a white knuckling, dean's List "B plus."
Gracie
I didn’t see it and they didn’t send clips so I haven’t even been able to see a little of it. Reviews from critics that I respect are not good. Most people saying it's a very predictable sports movie about a teenaged girl who wants to play soccer on a boy’s varsity team.
What have you seen? What have you liked?