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

The True Love

I know most of you already think I have odd taste in men. This post will do nothing to change that. In fact, you will probably question it even more. David Letterman is "the Idol" . Steve Martin: "the Ideal Man". Cal Ripken: "the Hero". Matthew Perry: "The Future Husband". However, all these men, truth be told, don't hold a candle to the one who has been at the top of The Hierarchy all of these years. And after 18 years of total love and worship, today, June 24, 2006, I finally met him. He is none other than "The True Love", the Hot Rod himself, "Rowdy" Roddy Piper.



It started innocently enough. I began watching pro wrestling when I was 10 years old because I had a crush on a boy who watched it. The crush soon faded, but my love of watching did not. I loved the gimmicks and the toned bodies and the personalities. Randy Savage & Elizabeth, Ted DiBiase, Mr. Perfect, Jesse Ventura, Bobby Heenan, Jake Roberts, the Honky Tonk Man became became fixtures I couldn't get enough of. I was completely hooked. And then one day I saw Roddy Piper and my whole world changed.

Whatever that something is that creates love at first sight, Roddy had in spades. He was handsome, intelligent, articulate and funny. And to a pre-teen who was mad at everything and thought the world was against her, Roddy became the lone bright spot. He made me happy, and for that alone, I am forever indebted to him. It became my mission to learn everything I could about him. Weekends were spent at the video store renting videos of old matches. I collected everything I could, from magazines and books to t-shirts to action figures to miscellaneous stuff (him singing, a coloring book, collector coin, etc...), absorbing everything about him like a sponge. I sacrificed hours of my life watching straight-to-video movies like "Jungleground", "No Contest" and "Hell Comes to Frogtown" and D-list TV shows, "Walker, Texas Ranger", "Silk Stalkings" and "Robocop: the TV Series" among others, solely because he was in them. True love knows no bounds.

The years passed, and I developed other "admirations" and interests and watched wrestling less, especially since Roddy wasn't around as much. Yet when he makes a TV appearance I'll still make it a point to tune in. Hearing the bagpipes and seeing him smile never fail to light that spark of pure happiness. Since my teenage years, many loves have come and gone, but there's only one first True Love, and he will always have a special place in my heart because of that.

When I read that Roddy was going to be in New York at this comic book convention, I had mixed feelings. The 28-year old didn't want to be caught anywhere near this convention. But ultimately I had no choice but to go. I had to do it for the 10-year old. I owed it to my childhood.

I waited in line for a half hour or so. There were some scary costumed people, and grown men who cared about X-Men a little too much. And I can say with absolute certainty that I was the most attractive person there -- by far. It was extremely humid inside and between the heat and the rain, I was hoping I would have looked a little better (still though, the MOST attractive person there...).

Finally my turn came. I introduced myself, and the 10-year old in me completely took over. I gushed and thanked him for all the joy, happiness and inspiration he had brought me over the years. He was very nice and complementary. And not thinking it was even possible, more handsome in person. He gave me a kiss and a hug and then we took the above picture. Then Roddy Piper hugged me again. The 10-year old couldn't of asked for anything more.

I don't expect many of you to understand just how important this was for me. The best comparison I can think of is to just think of someone who is significant to you. And for a few moments, you know you matter to them. All I've ever wanted was to one day meet him and thank him. I feel so incredibly fortunate to have finally been able to do so.

Quote of the Day:
"Just when you think you have the answers, I change the questions." -Roddy Piper

***

Below are some more pictures I took. Yes, that is Virgil and Captain Lou Albano. I felt kinda bad for them because while the Roddy line had a constant stream of people, their lines were painfully short. The Roddy line even overshadowed the Steven Seagal line. Thankfully, even the scary comic book people have some taste.

Catching Up

So much to talk about, so little free time...

Sarah & Paul's Wedding:

I headed down to Washington last weekend for my high school friend, Sarah's, wedding. The wedding was held at Ft. Meyer, an Army base adjacent to Arlington Cemetery once ran by Gen. Patton. It was a hot, muggy Washington day. The ceremony was at one and Sarah looked so beautiful. It was a brief ceremony. My friend Karen and I noticed Sarah's brother was nowhere to be seen. We found out afterwards that he was hospitalized that morning for appendicitis. That was theonly downer.

After the ceremony, we had 5 hours to kill before the reception. Karen, her boyfriend Ryan and I drove to nearby Georgetown and had lunch with Jenn at J Paul's and watched the World Cup. Sans Jenn, we then walked around some (Ryan had never been to DC before) and took a quick jaunt to Arlington Cemetery.

Since it was still super muggy, we only went to see JFK's grave. Here's the view of DC from the grave:



All around the cemetery, there are signs asking visitors to please have respect for the premises and to keep voices to a minimum. And around JFK's grave, there are bonus signs reading "SILENCE! RESPECT!". Apparently, one tourist was illiterate because from 30 yards away, she was yelling to a guard, "EXCUSE ME, EXCUSE ME GUARD??? WHERE IS THE WHITE CROSS?? THE WHITE CROSS??". The guard, looking mortified at the woman, put his finger to his mouth and asked her to speak in hushed tones. Her classy response, "Why do I have to be quiet? There's nothing but DEAD PEOPLE around here!" Personally, I think the woman should have been shot on sight, or at least fined $100. 50 feet away is the white cross, which denotes RFK's grave. Across from the grave is a little monument and reflecting pool. Despite signs asking visitors from touching the monuments, that didn't stop ANOTHER tourist from leaning on the monument, on her CELL PHONE, yelling, "I'm at the cemetery. *pause* The CEMETERY." Karen, Ryan and I were horrified by all of this. Such disrespect. This is why other countries hate us.

Finally, the reception came. We ate, we danced, we talked. Below are some pics from the event. The first is of Karen and I. Number 2 is of Sarah, Paul and I and number 3 is the WJ posse that attended the wedding:





Congrats Sarah & Paul!!!

Tom Petty #8

Voyage #8 to see Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers at Madison Square Garden last night was exactly the same as voyage #7. The concert was more sing-a-long than the Virginia show. Tom played the exact set and wore the exact outfit. I was stupid and forgot to recharge the batteries on my camera to take any additional pictures. I just stood and danced and enjoyed the show. The new song "Square One" is really good. "Refugee" and "You Wreck Me" are two of my favorites.

I also bought a hooded jacket commemorating the 30th anniversary of Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers. Alas, there were no tour programs.

I Scream

I love my job. I've been there for a little over two weeks and in that time, have been given free ice cream 4 times. The first 3 came from Cold Stone Creamery ice cream cakes. Today was Tenant Appreciation Day in my building. In the lobby, we were given free Good Humor ice cream bars and a raffle to win an iPod or digital camera. Luck has been on my side so far. Let's just hope it continues.

Quote of the Day:
"Some people like my advice so much that they frame it upon the wall instead of using it." -Gordon R. Dickson.

Wordplay

Thanks to the good people at Time Out New York, I was able to see a free screening of the documentary Wordplay the other night. It's about crosswords and the people who love them. Among those who do, Mike Mussina and Jon Stewart, who both appear in the film. I love them as well, but am not in the film.

Crossword puzzles have been a staple in my life for the past 15 years. I find them relaxing and fun and it was nice to see people who share my passion for them...even if they are a little more extreme than I.

If you love the documentaries Spellbound and Word Wars, then Wordplay will be right up your alley. Even Erin, who doesn't do crosswords, found the documentary funny and interesting. Go see it!!

Quote of the Day:
"Intellectual growth should commence at birth and cease only at death." -Albert Einstein

Tom Petty #7

Last night I made my 7th pilgrimage to see Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers. This is a special tour, with the band celebrating their 30th anniversary. I took the train down to Washington, DC and headed to the Nissan Pavilion. What made the night even extra special was going with Jenn, who had never seen Mr. Petty before. She was even treated to see the rare side of me called "Super Happy Fun Ellen". Tom Petty shows are the rare occasions I let Super Happy Fun Ellen appear.

We had awesome seats (thanks TomPetty.com pre-sale!!). Trey Anastacio of Phish phame opened. I haven't listened to much Phish in my day, but did enjoy his set. Tom was as awesome as ever. Stevie Nicks came out for a couple of songs. Although an incredible concert, I have seen better TP&TH shows. Still, lots of fun. Only 9 more days until Tom Petty #8 at the Garden.

Here are some pics from the big evening.








Quote of the Day:
"Redemption comes for those who wait / Forgiveness is the key" -Tom Petty, "Lonesome Sundown"

Pardon the Girly-Girl Gushing

I am in love. I am totally and completely in love. That's capital L-O-V-E. And like so many men before, he doesn't know and doesn't care. Tonight, Cheryl and I made a pilgrimage to the Barnes & Noble in Union Square to meet the uber-dreamy CNN journalist Anderson Cooper. He was there promoting his new book. Thanks to Cheryl saving a seat, I was saved an extra 45 minutes waiting in line. I also learned that Cheryl, is in fact, really Cynthia Nixon. I had no idea I was among the famous all this time.

When it was my turn, he shaked my hand. A very nice, warm, firm grip. I really had nothing to say to him, unless it was to make a complete fool out of myself and declare my undying love for him. Instead, I spent my few precious moments with Anderson blatantly staring at him and looking into those beautiful, piercing (though not quite at the Cal Ripken echelon) blue eyes. He thanked me for waiting in line and I went on my merry way.

Take a look at these pictures and tell me he's not the cutest thing ever. Anderson Cooper. *sigh*




Quote of the Day:
"I love that if you have a crush on a boy, you can call your agent and get to meet him. That's probably the biggest perk." -Claire Danes on Being Famous

Change of Address

Fear not, I am not leaving the comfy confines of Hoboken, but I am changing addresses of sorts. My tenure at ABC News was very-short lived, with Friday being my last day. No, I wasn't fired for any incompetence, rather quit on my own volition because....

...I got a better job offer. On June 5th, I will start a new job as a researcher for the ESPN game show, "Stump the Schwab". I'm really excited and think this is going to be a great opportunity.

However, I have many friends still working on the Medical Mysteries series at ABC. So when it's on in July, be sure to watch.

Quote of the Day:
"When in doubt, make a fool of yourself. There is a microscopically thin line between being brilliantly creative and acting like the most gigantic idiot on earth. So what the hell, leap." -Cynthia Heimel

New Job

Yesterday I started my new job at ABC News. I'll be working on stories involving brain injuries AND werewolves!

Quote of the Day:
"Sanity is a madness put to good use." -George Santayana

You Paid $22,000 For That?!?!

Yesterday was Cheryl & Ellen's Day of Fun: Part Deux. We left Hoboken and headed to the big city. Upon our arrival, we went to Christie's auction house. The purpose was to see an Impressionism and Modern Art preview, but because I have no concept of time, realized we were 2 days early for the preview. After looking at some silverware, we poked our heads into an actual auction that was going on.

It was a photography auction and there were a lot of fancy looking people holding paddles. During the auction, Cheryl and I learned two things: 1) A world exists where money really is no object. 2) Cheryl and I really missed our calling. There was a close-up photograph of a cigarette butt that sold for $22,000, while a photo of Marilyn Monroe & Arthur Miller only went for $2,000. There were some creepy photos that went for obscene amounts of cash and some pretty ones that were a steal. The auctioneer was British, so that added to the fun. I had so much fun and would love to go to auction again.

After pounding the pavement a bit, we ended up at a furniture store so Cheryl could find a wedding gift. I found the most comfortable chair ever. Alas, I didn't have $3,500 to buy it. Perhaps I can sell a photograph or something.

Alas, the Day of Fun: Part Deux had to end at some point. Hopefully Cheryl & Ellen's Day of Fun: The Wrath of the Day of Fun will happen soon.

Quote of the Day:
"I have often wondered how it is that every man loves himself more than all the rest of men, but yet sets less value on his own opinions of himself than on the opinions of others." -Marcus Aurelius

New York Billy #5

This was, without question, THE GREATEST CONCERT I HAVE EVER SEEN!!!! This tops Tom Petty at the Tweeter Center on July 6, 2001 -- a setlist that included "TIme to Move On" and "The Best of Everything" played acoustic. This tops Ella Fitzgerald in June 1991. Hell, this tops my very first Billy Joel concert when I was sitting in the front row. Looking at tonight's setlist, you'll see why, followed by many, many comments.

Cold Spring Harbor:
* Everybody Loves You Now

Piano Man:
* YOU"RE MY HOME
* Piano Man

Streetlife Serenade:
* The Entertainer

Turnstiles:
* Angry Young Man
* Summer, Highland Falls
* Miami 2017
* New York State of Mind

The Stranger
* Movin' Out
* Scenes From an Italian Restaurant
* Only the Good Die Young

52nd Street:
* Stiletto
* Zanzibar
* Honesty
* Big Shot
* My Life

The Nylon Curtain:
* LAURA
* She's Right on Time
* Allentown
* Goodnight Saigon

Glass Houses:
* All For Leyna
* Sleeping With the Television On
* It's Still Rock & Roll To Me
* You May Be Right

An Innocent Man:
* Keeping the Faith
* An Innocent Man

Greatest Hits Vol. I & II
* The Night is Still Young

The Bridge:
* A Matter of Trust

Storm Front:
* We Didn't Start the Fire
* AND SO IT GOES
* The Downeaster Alexa

The River of Dreams:
* RIver of Dreams

Bonus:
* Highway to Hell (Chainsaw)
* Pop Goes the Weasel

* I don't know where to start. My Wish List is finally complete. I actually teared up (or it may have been excessive sweat) when he started playing "You're My Home". It was the only song I hadn't heard live that I really, really, really wanted to. After that, he immediately went into "Miami 2017". I was dying. Later in the show, he did "Sleeping With the Television On" and "All For Leyna" back-to-back and I was near hysterical.

* There were 2 girls sitting next to me when I took my seat. 5 minutes later, they got selected to be upgraded to the front row, While I felt a twinge of jealously, I was happy for them and knew I had a little more room to dance around.

* The show was being recorded for a live CD entitled 12 Gardens Live. Yay!!!

* After the second song, a banner was raised to the rafters to celebrate Billy's 12 sold out Garden shows. A balloon drop followed.

* Usually during "Goodnight Saigon", crew members who were in the military come up on stage. Tonight, current armed forces were up there. Everyone gave them an extended ovation.

* Billy gave the roadie Chainsaw a motorcycle after "Highway to Hell".

* This was the first time I have ever heard "Laura", "Honesty" or "And So It Goes" live. "And So It Goes" is one of my favorites, so that was a real treat. I hadn't heard "A Matter of Trust" on this tour, so that was great to hear too.

* He played 5 of my 6 all-time favorite songs: "Summer, Highland Falls", "Miami 2017", "All For Leyna", "Sleeping With the Television On" and "Angry Young Man". Tonight was the closest thing to a perfect setlist. Only the additions of "Captain Jack" and "Sometimes a Fantasy" would have made it truly perfect. But this was really ideal. And what added to the ideal-ness: No "I Go To Extremes". No "Don't Ask Me Why". No "Big Man on Mulberry Street".

* The man played for 3 HOURS!! He didn't get off the stage until 11:20pm. By far the longest show I've seen. The crowd was completely into it.

* I was jumping and dancing and singing and yelling the entire time. I was completely soaked and quite thirsty by the end of it. This has been such a great 4 months getting to see Billy all these times. He's a legendary performer and I feel so lucky to have the opportunity to see him perform in his hometown with fellow diehards. I've gotten use to seeing him every few weeks. It's going to be a letdown to not see him at the Garden every once in a while.

* The Tom Petty concerts begin in June. Billy set the bar really high. Should be a fun summer.

Quote of the Day:
"Don't take any shit from anybody." -Billy Joel

How Do You Get To Carnegie Hall?

I know, you look at me and think, "rock & roller". True, I loves my classic rock, but I am more than a one dimensional music fan.

Around my junior year of college, I started listening to classical music, after Top 40 radio annoyed me more than entertained. I found it so relaxing, and it was a great way to listen to a long span of music without commercials. Seeing as I didn't go to parties, clubs or date much on Saturday nights, I usually turned to the radio for my weekend entertainment. I would listen to the live broadcasts from Symphony Hall, hearing Keith Lockhart conduct the Pops or Seiji Ozawa conduct the BSO. It soon became something I eagerly anticipated.

Even now, if there's nothing on TV, I'll turn on the Light Classical station and peruse a pile of magazines or snuggle with a new book of crosswords to occupy my time. It's probably the closest thing to meditation I know.

So when I came across an e-mail saying the BU Symphony & Chorus were going to perform at Carnegie Hall to commemorate the inauguration of new BU president Robert Brown, I thought it would be fun to check it out. I found cheap tickets and dragged Erin with me. I've always wanted to go to Carnegie Hall and this seemed like a good event to make my maiden voyage.

After walking many, many, many stairs, we took our seats in the nosebleed section. I must admit, it was awesome to be in the same room all the great performers from Billie Holliday to Andy Kaufman have played in. However, the excitement of being in the venue dissipated pretty quickly.

Considering this was supposed to be a celebration, the music was among the most depressing I have ever heard. The show opened with a trumpet/trombone duet, creating a wall of sound, which it did, just not in a Phil Spector good way. It went downhill from there. During Act II, they had a movement entitled "the Angel of Death". Welcome to BU, President Brown!

Erin and I considered leaving early, but good manners got the best of us. If nothing else, at least I know how to get to Carnegie Hall.

Quote of the Day:
"It is by acts and not by ideas that people live." -Anatole France

The Big 5-9

Let us take a moment to wish a happy 59th birthday to the patron saint of the Genius Switch, Mr. David Letterman.

I had an excellent birthday yesterday. the highlight was dining at Naples 45 with Erin, Meg, Cheryl and Suzanne. We had a great dinner (including a free 2nd pizza for me). It was topped off by a trip to Cold Stone Creamery. Yay ice cream.

A great big thank you to all who wished me a happy birthday. As I said last night, turning another year older is a lot easier when you have great friends around you.

Quote of the Day:
"Dave is not a little weird. He's a quirky genius" -Rob Burnett on David Letterman

The Big 2-8

Happy Birthday To Me,
Happy Birthday To Me,
Happy Birthday Meeeeeeeeeeee,
Happy Birthday to Me.

YAY!!!!

Quote of the Day:
"If the facts don't fit the theory, change the facts." -Albert Einstein

David Sedaris is F'n Awesome

In August of last year, I came across an ad saying David Sedaris (bumping Dave Barry as my favorite writer on the Hierarchy) would be doing a book reading at Town Hall for March 31, 2006. On September 10th, I bought tickets. After a 6 month wait, the day finally came.

Erin and I went to Town Hall. We sat in the 6th row and received our programs. Already excited and thinking it couldn't get better, it did. Sarah Vowell, author of the brilliant book Assassination Vacation and The Partly Cloudy Patriot, would be doing the introduction.

Just as the lights dim and Sarah comes on stage, 2 people two rows in front of me take their seats. My first reaction was the same as anytime people get to their seats, especially good ones, at the last minute. I'm annoyed for them not getting there earlier and why be so late if you have good seats. Of the two women, one looks really familiar. Lo and behold it's Amy Sedaris, David's sister, star of Strangers with Candy and frequent favorite Letterman guest.

Sarah's intro was very funny. David comes on stage wearing a blue & white stripped shirt and an orange and white tie. The first essay he reads was in the New Yorker a couple of months ago, regarding a sheep and a crow. The second was a truly brilliant essay to be published in an upcoming New Yorker about his family's experience with a baby-sitter while he was 11. The family stories are always my favorite and even better with Amy sitting so close. She has such a distinctive laugh, and interesting to see family react to his stories. The third was about going to the doctor in Paris. He then read some entries from his diary and did a Q&A before calling it a night.

Town Hall was packed -- not an empty seat to be found. All to hear a man read. And paying good money to hear a man read. I have all of his books, not only on tape, but audio is well. And as amazing he is to read, hearing him gives his essays a whole new dimension. With the Q&A he is so quick witted, making even the most banal question interesting.

Amy was wearing a green and white dress with black fishnets. I'm not sure if I should find it amusing or creepy that a 40-year old woman carries a Sylvester the Cat pencil bag in her purse.

All in all an A+, 5 star, two thumbs up evening. I highly recommend reading David Sedaris' work, especially Me Talk Pretty One Day and "the Santaland Diaries" from Holidays on Ice. "Santaland" is the funniest piece of work I have ever read -- ever.

Quote of the Day:
"A fanatic is one who can't change his mind and won't change the subject." -Winston Churchill

Curling

I know this may come as a surprise to my post- high school friends, but once upon a time I was quite the athlete. I was a star on the soccer field, was a dominant competitor during Garrett Park Elementary's Field Day and was the Virginia-Maryland District Bowler of the Month November 1995.

Before 8th grade, there was an announcement that all after school sports were cancelled due to county budget cuts. I was saddened by this because I loved playing sports and being outdoors. I had been known for being a bundle of energy - wanting to be involved in absolutely everything.

By that second year of middle school, all that changed. I became a latch-key kid. It was during this time I started getting into soap operas. It became much easier to go directly home, turn on the TV, make a Mama Celeste pizza and get my homework done before the evening. The spark of laziness was lit.

Over time, it just became easier to be lazy and stay in the confines of the house. Any athletic ability I had had dwindled and that bundle of energy dissipated.

However, I had a bit of a reawakening on Friday, when I joined Beth and Frank at an open house for the only Olympic sport I actually watched, Curling. Yes, curling.

We drove to the center of entertainment Plainfield, NJ. We signed forms and had one shoe duck-taped. Then, we went onto the ice. We were given a very quick tutorial on how to release the stone. Then we got to take turns doing so. You can see my curling form in the photo below:




Unfortunately, due to the number of people who also wanted to experience the joys of curling, we were unable to sweep or do anything else. Regardless, I think it is a safe assumption that you will not be seeing me in Vancouver in 2010. But we did have fun and that's the most important thing.

So has this experience renewed my interest in exercise and competition? In a word: no. But it is fun to leave the house every once in awhile.

Quote of the Day:
"Everything is funny as long as it is happening to Somebody Else." -Will Rogers

Peter Tomarken

I didn't have cable growing up. One of the few things I looked forward to visiting the family in New Hampshire was watching cable -- especially the USA Network. As a child, the USA network had everything I could possibly want in television. The Cartoon Express gave me Richie Rich, Shirt Tails and the Laff-A-Lympics. At night, it was WWF Prime Time Wrestling with Bobby Heenan and Gorilla Monsoon, doubling the amount of wrestling I usually only got on Saturday mornings at home. But the afternoon game shows were my favorite part of the day. I watched Sale of the Century (which, at 6 years old got most of the questions right), $1,000,000 Chance of a Lifetime, Jackpot and my most favorite game show of them all, Press Your Luck.

I cannot begin to describe the pure love I had for that game show. The lights of the big board, the schemes of the Whammies, the big red button -- everything about Press Your Luck was perfection. Another vital element to the show was the host, Peter Tomarken. He wore loud, plaid blazers with wide, striped ties. He read corny odes and limmericks to Whammies at the end of every show. Bottom line: Peter Tomarken was awesome.

Because of my fond memories of Press Your Luck and Peter Tomarken, it brought sincere sadness to read of his passing from a plane crash yesterday. He was 63 years old. His wife and another passenger were also killed. What brings even greater sadness, is that he was flying for a wonderful cause. Tomarken owned the plane and donated its use to Angel Flight West, which provides free transport for needy patients. The plane was en route to San Diego to pick up a passenger when it crashed. Early reports site engine trouble as the cause.

Reading the news, it always seems like the bad people outlive the good. It's not fair.

Quote of the Day:
"The superior man is modest in his speech, but exceeds in his actions." -Confucius

Oscar Observations

It was a return to glamour...for the men at the 78th Academy Awards. While the men have been on the rebellious side of formal wear in recent years, it was nice to see the traditional black tux make a comeback. Nobody epitomized this better than Mr. George Clooney, who was true perfection.

As for the ladies, they played it safe for the most part. I don't see any of these dresses going down in Dress Hall of Fame -- in both the Best and Worst dressed categories. If I had to give a top 3 they are:

1. Salma Hayek
2. Meryl Streep
3. Sandra Bullock

And the bottom 2 are:

1. Charlize Theron
2. Naomi Watts

Amy Adams had the best earrings. Michelle Williams had the best make-up. Felicity Huffman had the best accessory (other than her husband William H. Macy), for the broach pinning her bun.

I think Dolly Parton needs to stop seeing Joan Rivers' plastic surgeon.

It was wonderful to see my man Jack Nicholson back at the Oscars. It hasn't been the same the past couple of years without him. Also glad to see David Letterman and Steve Martin make cameos at the beginning. Jon Stewart got off to a shaky start, but improved greatly as the show progressed. I very much enjoyed the Robert Altman segment. A fitting tribute to a long overlooked director.

I could have done without the 20 minutes of monologues. I hated the music that played throughout the speeches. I was disappointed for the Academy not recognizing Don Knotts, Darrin McGavin and John Spencer during the tribute to all those we lost in the past year.

Overall I was satisfied with the show. Not the best, not the worst. Until next year...

Quote of the Day:
"The best way to make fire with two sticks is to make sure one of them is a match." -Will Rogers

New York Billy #4

Last night was Billy's record-tying 10th show at Madison Square Garden. I got to hear 3 of my 5 favorite songs. You know the drill by now...:

Cold Spring Harbor:
* Everybody Loves You Now

Piano Man:
* The Ballad of Billy the Kid
* Captain Jack
* Piano Man

Streetlife Serenade:
* The Entertainer

Turnstiles:
* Angry Young Man
* SUMMER HIGHLAND FALLS
* New York State of Mind
* Miami 2017

The Stranger:
* Only the Good Die Young
* She's Always a Woman
* Movin' Out (Anthony's Song)
* Scenes From An Italian Restaurant

52nd Street
* Zanzibar
* Big Shot
* My Life

Glass Houses:
* Sometimes a Fantasy
* It's Still Rock & Roll To Me
* You May Be Right

The Nylon Curtain:
* Allentown
* Pressure

An Innocent Man:
* Keeping the Faith

Storm Front:
* We Didn't Start the Fire

River of Dreams:
* The River of Dreams

Extra:
* Highway To Hell

* The first that I've heard "Summer Highland Falls" on this tour. It's my favorite song so that was a highlight it itself. The one-two punch of that and "the Entertainer" got me super hyper. And with "Sometimes a Fantasy" and "Captain Jack" soon to follow, he really got the place going.

* The most energetic crowd thus far. Legendary record producer Phil Ramone was in attendance.

* I think Billy might of had a cold or something, because he played a couple songs less than the other concerts. Luckily, one of the songs cut was "I Go To Extremes" because I really don't like that one and usually use it as my bathroom break.

* Tonight I was sitting dead center in the back, so I took that opportunity to look at the lighting of the show and realize just how wonderful it is. Then again, everything with his show is top notch.

* I must admit that I was a little disappointed he didn't do something a little more tonight seeing it was a Saturday and it was the 10th show, but the cold might have had something to do with that. Although his voice was in fine form. With that said, if I hadn't gone to the last show and was hearing "Summer, Highland Falls", "Miami 2017", "Sometimes a Fantasy", "Captain Jack" and "the Entertainer" at the same show for the first time here, I would be declaring this the best show ever

* What is so interesting, the moment that really gets the crowd going is when the roadie Chainsaw comes out and covers "Highway to Hell". After that, the crowd is on it's feet for the rest of the show.

* Still no "You're My Home". I have one more show on April 24th to hear it. This has been such a great winter to have all these opportunities to see all of these Billy shows. Only in New York...

Quote of the Day:
"It's a wonderful night for Oscar. Who will win?" -Billy Crystal

Good Night, Featherbed

Taking a break from the grind of finding work, I took a little jaunt to Boston. Once again I stayed with my friends Robin & LoveBunny. I admit, there was an agenda to my visit. With the arrival of a new BabyBunny in August, the guest room I stay in is being converted to BabyBunny's Big Girl room. So I had to get up there for one last slumber in the most comfortable bed in the world:




Yes, I did do other things in Boston besides snuggling in featherbed comfort. I got to see my friend Britt, who works at the new Agganis Arena and got a tour. It is so awesome and a perfect size for a concert. I would have been a frequent visitor had it be around when I was a student. Of course it was built afterwards. Of course. The highlight of that was being within a few feet of legendary BU Men's Hockey Coach Jack Parker. Alas, no camera for that moment.

I also got to see my friend Jill. She is still working at WGBH and doing well. Always good to catch up with friends.

A quick trip, but a good one. Back to the job search...

Quote of the Day:
"Words are, of course, the most powerful drug used by mankind." -Joseph Rudyard Kipling