The Schwab Summary

Sadly, the job at Stump the Schwab ended on Thursday. I am still in denial about it ending because it was such an incredible experience. My greatest hope is that I'll be working with these people again sooner than later. Below are a few pics from the final Schwab days. Would like to point out this picture of Louie and I was used in the end of the season video, so everyone could see the love connection we formed. Jealous? Of course you are.

The Happy Couple


I'll Take Potent Potables for $400, Alex


Ladies and Gentlemen, Mr. Stuart Scott


The Schwab Crew


Quote of the Day:
"My idea of an agreeable person is a person who agrees with me." -Benjamin Disraeli

Highway Companion

Hanging with Louie was not the only exciting part of my day yesterday. After five years of eager anticipation, waiting at my doorstep upon my arrival home was the latest offering from Mr. Tom Petty, called Highway Companion.



Although technically a solo album, the feel of the Heartbreakers is all over the CD. The thankfully-not-looking-like-Adam-Duritz-anymore stylings of Heartbreaker lead guitarist Mike Campbell are ever-present. In my completely unbiased opinion as a Tom Petty superfan, Highway Companion is an excellent album and I recommend one and all to give it a listen.

With the exception of the rockin' "Saving Grace", the album leans on acoustic guitars and relaxing melodies. Perfect for that long road trip or a quiet time of reflection.

The best song on Highway Companion is a beautiful ballad called "Square One", seeking forgiveness and atoning for past mistakes. Even after only a couple of listenings, it has already landed a place my the all-time Tom Petty song list. This is definitely one to add to iTunes. It's the rare song that had me at the just the lyrics:

Had to find some higher ground
Had some fear to get around
You can't say what you don't know
Later on won't work no more

Last time through I hid my tracks
So well I could not get back
Yeah my way was hard to find
Can't sell your soul for piece of mind

Square one, my slate is clear
Rest your head on me my dear
It took a world of trouble
It took a world of tears
It took a long time
To get back here

Try so hard to stand alone
Struggle to see past my nose
Always had more dogs than bones
I could never wear those clothes

It's a dark victory
You won and you also lost
Told us you were satisfied
But it never came across

Square one, my slate is clear
Rest your head on me my dear
It took a world of trouble
It took a world of tears
It took a long time
To get back here

Besides it being a great song, there's something about the way he sings the lyric "Rest your head on me my dear", that is true perfection. Really. It is.

Trust me, Highway Companion is worth dedicating 45 minutes of your time to. I just hope I don't have to wait another five years to hear what Tom Petty has to say next.

Quote of the Day:
"Some artists are great simply because they do not write bad songs. Tom Petty is one of those artists" -Brian Heisler

Just Another Day at the Office

The only thing I have ever wanted to do with my life is to be involved in television. Now that I am ensconced in the biz, I sometimes question if this was the best decision. I'm always looking for a project. Money is not plentiful. The hours can be really long.

But then there are days like today that remind me why I wanted to be part of it in the first place. Days that rejuvenate my love for the industry and erase all doubt that working in television was what I was put on this earth to do.

This summer on "Stump the Schwab" has been nothing less that wonderful. The people are great and I truly love my job. Besides having a steady number of cakes, there is always something interesting happening. For example, today we not only worked with New York City icon, Naked Cowboy, I also met Louie the Chimp.



Louie is so awesome. I played with him and just fell head over heels in love. Although a little shorter and hairier than the guys I tend to fall for, I think I can make the exception. All the staff and crew could not get enough of him. He was extremely active and a pleasure to be around. Everyone had wide smiles on their faces, like little kids at Christmas. Seriously, isn't he the cutest thing ever??




What will tomorrow bring...? God bless television.




Quote of the Day:
"Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind." -Dr. Seuss

The Isle of Staten

I have bravely made the voyage from the mainland to the Isle of Staten a couple of times. This was the maiden trip for my friends Erin and Er. Tonight was my latest venture, and I think it's suffice to say, my last for awhile.

My friend Rick's band, Heather Hates You, had a stop on their East Coast World Tour at this place called Dock St. We walk in, and there are kids with multi-colored mohawks and fatigues on with spikes moshing their hard-core brains out. Erin looks completely freaked out, especially when one of the upstanding young gentlemen mosh into her. I find Rick and yell hello to him. Thankfully he had extra ear plugs with him to drown out whatever horrible garage band was playing. And to prove they were real hardcore punk rock, invited the lot to his swimming pool. I bet his mom even made cookies and lemonade.

After sitting through them and one other band, Heather Hates You took to the stage. Rick channeled his inner Henry Rollins, minus the tattoos. They did well, in what will be the final performance I will see them in. The Heather Hates You farewell show is July 29th in East Weymouth. You can read all about them at http://www.heatherhatesyou.com.

Feeling a bit out of our elements, Erin, Er and I decided to leave as soon as HHY were done. Unfortunately, I really didn't get a chance to talk to Rick much, but was happy to be able to come out and support my friend in something he has devoted so much time and effort to. Thankfully, my car was still in the parking space with all of its parts intact and we drove away. Very fast. To anywhere but Staten Island.

Quote of the Day:
"Candy is a treat. Please consume in moderation." -Hershey Bar Wrapper