Jim Thistle

I was extremely saddened this afternoon when I heard about the passing of Jim Thistle. Jim Thistle was a professor of mine during my senior year at Boston University. He taught Broadcast Journalism for Non-Majors. Prof. Thistle was a pioneer in the Boston local news industry and each story, each lesson was given by a true master.

During one class, I was assigned a story about the pigeon problem in Provincetown (say that three times fast). It was an end-of-the-newscast type of story, so I made it light and funny. It was really hokey. While I was trying to read the story during the newscast, Prof. Thistle kept making these coo-ing sounds in my earpiece. It was impossible to keep a straight face.

As graduation neared, I often turned to Prof. Thistle for advice and he readily gave it. His experience in television was immeasurable and I was smart enough at the time to know that each story had a reason, a purpose. Each was like gold.

Soon after my Red Sox internship ended, I was incredibly stressed about what I was going to do for work. I had run into Prof. Thistle shortly before my internship ended, once again asking for advice. He told me to send him my resume and I did. Within a week he called me saying that WLVI-TV (Channel 56) was looking for an Assignment Desk Editor and passed along my resume. I interviewed and got the job. Prof. Thistle saved the day. I only ended up staying there for a couple of months, but because of that opportunity, it opened the door to other jobs I would have never have known about otherwise. To Prof. Thistle, I am eternally grateful.

My thoughts and prayers are with the Thistle family. They can take comfort in knowing Jim Thistle was a man of great integrity and with the purest heart. His satisfaction came from the success of others. He will be greatly missed.


WCVB Tribute
BU Tribute/Donations to the Jim Thistle Scholarship Fund

Quote of the Day:
"The smallest good deed is better than the grandest good intention." -Duguet

Billy #22 (Last Play at Shea #2) - THE GREATEST CONCERT EVER!!!

Honestly folks, I am still shellshocked over what I just saw. I wrote in April 2006 after the last Madison Square Garden show that I would be content not seeing another Billy show, because it was so close to perfect. Scratch that, because I saw Billy play WITH FREAKIN' SIR PAUL MCCARTNEY AT SHEA STADIUM!!!!!!!!!!!! There might be a mention of this in the notes. Here's the setlist:

Star Spangled Banner
Miami 2017
Prelude/Angry Young Man
My Life
The Entertainer
Summer, Highland Falls
Zanzibar
Allentown
Ballad of Billy the Kid
New York State of Mind (with Tony Bennett)
Root Beer Rag
Goodnight Saigon
Don't Ask Me Why
Keeping The Faith
The Downeaster "Alexa"
This Night
Movin' Out
Under The Boardwalk/An Innocent Man
Shameless (duet with Garth Brooks)
She's Always A Woman
Captain Jack
Lullabye
River of Dreams/A Hard Days Night
Walk This Way (with Steven Tyler)
We Didn't Start The Fire
It's Still Rock 'n Roll To Me
My Generation (with Roger Daltrey)
You May Be Right
Scenes From An Italian Restaurant
Only The Good Die Young
I Saw Her Standing There (with Paul McCartney)
Piano Man
Let It Be (with Paul McCartney)

* FREAKIN SIR PAUL MCCARTNEY!!!! IN SHEA SHADIUM!!!! I SAW A BEATLE IN SHEA STADIUM!!!!!!! Cheryl is my witness, when Billy announced Sir Paul and he came out on stage, I voiced this guttural scream that I did not know I was capable of making. There were rumors, but to actually see Sir Paul come on stage, in Shea Stadium and start playing "I Saw Her Standing There", it was truly unbelievable. And before playing "Let It Be" Sir Paul made a couple of comments and you could hear a pin drop. 60,000 people were silent to hear Sir Paul speak.

* Also unbelievable, seeing Steven Tyler, on stage with Billy Joel. This was a total surprise. Steven sang "Walk This Way" and was excellent. Another highlight was seeing Billy play with the scarves on the microphone stand after Steven left the stage.

* I love the Who. And when Roger Daltry came out to sing "My Generation", I was in hysterics. At the end, Billy pulled a Pete Townsend and smashed a guitar. So amazing.

* "Shameless" is a favorite Billy song and I had never heard it live. It was great to see Garth Brooks too. That was nice.

* "Summer, Highland Falls" is always a treat. It is my favorite Billy song.

* There were times the stadium was actually shaking. The energy was absolutely amazing.

* Cheryl and I had MUCH better seats for this show. Though it pained me to pay more than face value, StubHub came though and we got really lucky with our seats. There were 4 seats down from us empty the whole show. It makes me sad that 4 Billy fans probably missed out on great seats because of greedy, greedy scalpers.

* God, this was such an incredible show. I feel so lucky to have seen it.

Quote of the Day:
"She was just seventeen / if you know what I mean" - Sir Paul McCartney's first words in Shea Stadium, July 18, 2008, "I Saw Her Standing There"

Billy #21 (Last Play at Shea #1)

This was a big Billy event at Shea Stadium. Cheryl and I had a great time. Setlist followed by notes:

Star Spangled Banner
Miami 2017 (Seen The Lights Go Out On Broadway)
Prelude/Angry Young Man
My Life
Everybody Loves You Now
The Entertainer
Zanzibar
Allentown
Ballad of Billy the Kid
New York State Of Mind (w/ Tony Bennett)
Big Man on Mulberry Street
Root Beer Rag (Instrumental)
Movin' Out
Goodnight Saigon
Don't Ask Me Why
This is the Time (w/ John Mayer)
Keeping the Faith
Downeaster "Alexa"
Stand By Me into An Innocent Man
Boys of Summer (w/ Don Henley)
She's Always a Woman
Captain Jack
Lullabye
River of Dreams w/Hard Days Night interlude
Pink Houses (w/ John Mellencamp)
We Didn’t Start The Fire
Still Rock and Roll
You May Be Right
Please Please Me
Scenes From An Italian Restaurant
Only the Good Die Young
She Loves You
Take Me Out To The Ballgame
Piano Man
Souvenir

* Cheryl and I were far, far away. We had to rely on the video screens to see the Piano Man. Also, the lights stayed on where we were sitting and had some chatty people in front of us.

* This is my 21st time seeing Billy Joel and I heard three songs for the first time: Root Beer Rag, This is the Time and Souvenir. See, this is why I keep going.

* It dawned on me about the time Billy said he hasn't put out new material in 15 years that I have officially been going to Billy shows for half of my life.

* Throughout the show, I camera guy came around our section and the section next to us, shooting b-roll for the DVD. If I do make it to the DVD, I really hope I'm not dancing. That would just be a bad situation for everyone.

* It was a completely sold-out filled stadium. It really was a sight to see. It was so great to be amongst so many people who appreciate Billy's music as much as I do.

* Highlights were Captain Jack and This is The TIme. The one-two punch of Miami 2017 and Angry Young Man was a real treat.

* I am so excited for Friday. The bar has been set very high.

Quote of the Day:
"Some folks like to get away / take a holiday from the neighborhood" -Billy Joel, "New York State of Mind"

Tom Petty #10

#10 was definitely a treat. Tom was looking pretty stylin' tonight with a maroon blazer and purple shirt. And to celebrate my 10th Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers show, they played "Gloria", my absolute favorite Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers cover. It's been six years since I last heard that song live.

Setlist, then notes:

YOU WRECK ME
LISTEN TO HER HEART
I WON'T BACK DOWN
EVEN THE LOSERS
FACE IN THE CROWD
MARY JANE
END OF THE LINE
BAND INTRO
SAVING GRACE
FREE FALLIN’
YOU DON’T KNOW HOW IT FEELS
SWEET WILLIAM
LEARNING TO FLY
DON'T COME AROUND HERE NO MORE
REFUGEE
RUNNIN' DOWN A DREAM
GLORIA
AMERICAN GIRL

* This was my first time at the new Prudential Center in Newark, NJ. A beautiful arena. My seat was way closer to the stage than last night and cost me $30 less. Got there just in time to see Steve Winwood perform "Gimme Some Lovin'". I knew then, the show was going to be changed up a little bit.

* Gloria, Gloria, Gloria. Seriously, I almost knocked over a guy holding beer. I was so excited. I was jumping and screaming and it wasn't until a minute in that I had my digital camera with me. Got it out and was able to record the audio for most of the performance. This is the one song that hasn't been publicly released and I have not found a bootleg with it. I am so happy. Hearing Gloria was worth the price of admission alone for both shows.

* Pretty much the same setlist as last night. The show was under two hours, but it was less jamming, so I could deal.

* I really want Benmont Tench to be my friend. He is so awesome.

Let the Tom Petty withdrawl begin. I just hope I don't have to wait another two years to see them again.

Quote of the Day:
"Yes I've been your fool before / and I probably will again" -Tom Petty, "Ways to Be Wicked"

Tom Petty #9

When: June 17, 2008
Where: Madison Square Garden - New York, NY
Opening Act: Steve Winwood

Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers concert #9 was good, if not a little uneven. Below is the setlist, followed by comments:

YOU WRECK ME
MARY JANE
I WON'T BACK DOWN
EVEN THE LOSERS
FREE FALLIN'
CABIN DOWN BELOW
SWEET WILLIAM
END OF THE LINE
CAN'T FIND MY WAY HOME (w/Steve Winwood)
GIMME SOME LOVIN¹ (w/Steve Winwood)
SAVING GRACE
FACE IN THE CROWD
HONEY BEE
YOU DON'T KNOW HOW IT FEELS
LEARNING TO FLY
DON'T COME AROUND HERE NO MORE
REFUGEE
RUNNIN' DOWN A DREAM
MYSTIC EYES
AMERICAN GIRL

* Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers didn't go on stage until 9:35pm. Tick tock, tick tock.

* The crowd was so energetic and so into it for the first five songs. Probably the most diehard crowd I can remember. There was even chanting. But after those first five songs, it seemed the band - not the crowd - took themselves out of the intensity. They went into lesser known songs, Cabin Down Below and Sweet William, a song only released in Europe. It really deflated the crowd and it took some time to get that level back.

* Seeing Steve Winwood perform Gimme Some Lovin', one of my favorite songs, with the Heartbreakers was a highlight. That and Even the Losers.

* Ya know what makes Benmont Tench so cool: the man wears a suit and tie when he comes on stage. Love ya Benmont.

* Mike Campbell is continuing his transformation into Adam Duritz. Seriously. He has the white-guy dreds and the big beard. His bad taste in fashion is countered only by his incredible guitar mastery.

Looking forward to Newark tomorrow!

Quote of the Day:
"Tell me why you lay there / revel in your abandon" -Tom Petty, "Refugee"

F*****g Playwrights

In the past week I took in two plays by two of our most noted playwrights -- both of whom have writing styles of the, um, colorful sort.

First up was "November" written by David Mamet. I saw Mamet's Glengarry Glen Ross a few years ago on Broadway and have seen scads of his films through the years. It helps that William H. Macy, Mamet's friend, former student and co-founder of the Atlantic Theatre Company, appears in most of his work. It's a fair statement that I became a fan Mamet because of my tremendous fandom of William H. Macy. Mamet has such a knack for dialogue, peppered with curses and swears, not for arbitrary reasons, but because they belong.

"November" stayed in that Mamet tradition, though lesser so than in other works. The play starred Nathan Lane as a fictional president. This is the first opportunity I've had to see Nathan Lane on stage, so I did all I could to take it all in. It also stars Dylan Baker, who I saw in Mauritius and who creeped the hell out of me in "Happiness", as well as Laurie Metcalf, best known as Jackie on "Roseanne". This play would have been a lot better had it come out at the beginning of President Bush's second term instead of the end. Still, the points were still on the mark and did play for many laughs. Nathan Lane truly is a master of the stage and it was a treat to finally see him in his element.

Next up is Reasons to Be Pretty a brand new play by Neil LaBute. This was third play in his trilogy of plays about women and appearance. The first, The Shape of Things, I saw as the movie, not the play. The second was Fat Pig, staring Jeremy Piven, I saw a couple years back and now, Reasons to Be Pretty. Besides liking LaBute's work, the other draw to the show was Allison Pill, my current favorite stage actress who I saw in Blackbird and Mauritius. She has such immense talent and it is a treat anytime I can see her on the stage. This was my favorite play of the trilogy. The focus is on beauty and how it exists and the pressures of coping with beauty and/or lack thereof. It was both wonderfully acted and written. Huge kudos to all.

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

Billy #20

Last night I trekked to lovely Mohegan Sun to attend my 20th Billy Joel concert. Here's the setlist followed by notes:

Prelude/Angry Young Man
My Life
The Entertainer
Downeaster Alexa
Allentown
Zanzibar
New York State of Mind
Movin' Out
Keeping the Faith
Don't Ask Me Why
She's Always a Woman
Captain Jack
River of Dreams
Highway to Hell
We Didn't Start the Fire
It's Still Rock and Roll to Me
You May Be Right
Scenes from an Italian Restaurant
Only the Good Die Young
Piano Man

NOTES:
* This 20th show was the most disappointing. I was really excited since Mohegan Sun's arena only holds about 10,000 people and this would be the most intimate venue I have seen him in. I guess I got spoiled from all the Madison Square Garden shows, because this was largely a clunker.

* The highlight was the one-two punch of "She's Always a Woman" and "Captain Jack". It's always a treat to hear "Captain Jack" so I savored those moments.

* I saw the Child Bride watching in the wings, wearing a grey shirt and jeans. Billy was glancing at her throughout the show.

* Overall, Billy appeared to be on automatic pilot. He looked bored and just going through the motions. The show was under two hours and that included his banter and encores. He stayed at the piano for most of the show and didn't move around the stage like he usually does.

* It was definitely older crowd than concerts past, and maybe that had some kind of impact.

* I still enjoy seeing him in concert because its fun and even his worst songs ("Don't Ask Me Why") are better than a lot of other music out there. Let's hope this was an off-night and the next time will be better.





Quote of the Day:
"People seldom do what they believe in. They do what is convenient, then repent." -Bob Dylan

The 30s So Far

It is inexcusable that I have gone so long without posting. My apologies. Please find it in your hearts to forgive me.

I had the bestest birthday ever! Erin, Lucy, Cheryl and Jenn joined me in lovely Las Vegas. We really had the most wonderful time. I was a winner, went to my first nightclub and experienced first hand what its like to be a VIP.

Vegas was more magical than I had remembered. And it's grown so much since I was lat there 14 years ago, so it really was like going for the first time. That and the whole now-being-legally-allowed-to-gamble thing. I stuck to penny and nickel slots mostly. I tried the tables, but expect for one good run on blackjack, they were not good to me The slots, however, were. At one point I was playing this one penny slot and all the sudden, there are these six panthers on the screen throwing gold coins at me. The numbers kept going and going and going. When they stopped, I had 17,000 credits or $176! I also won $100 on a Press Your Luck nickel slot. My dreams of saying "No Whammy" at an apropos moment finally came.

The highlight of the trip was dinner at Prime in the Bellagio. It's a Jean-Georges restaurant and the finest steakhouse in Las Vegas. The restaurant was so elegant and service was beyond impeccable. I had shrimp wrapped in bacon for an appetizer and the waiter didn't even laugh at me when I ordered my Shirley Temple. Jenn and Cheryl had gotten me a tiara, showing everyone that I was the birthday girl. Had one of the most delicious steaks ever. Just when I thought the evening couldn't get better, the maitre de, Phillipe, invited us to sit on Prime's private patio for dessert and to watch the fountain shows. We followed Phillipe onto the patio and escorted to the front table complete with a "reserved sign". The view of the Strip was fantastic. We ordered dessert and took in the views, conversation and friendship. Phillipe then gave us VIP passes to The Bank, the finest nightclub in Bellagio. Not that I'm exactly a nightclubby person, it was still to have the passes, even better to walk by all the people who didn't. The dinner exceeded any expectations I had for the trip. I was a VIP on a Saturday night in Bellagio Las Vegas. It doesn't get much better.

Mother Nature blessed us with perfect 80 degree days. I could not asked for anything more.

And then I went right into my new job at "Who Wants to Be A Millionaire". It's been great. I've been reunited with friends and doing work I truly enjoy. All is well.

Nothing overly exciting since. Trivia has made its triumphant return to the Grasshopper, which makes me very happy. I had greatly missed my sliced steak sandwich... and the guys too. YooHoos and SnoBalls have had their moments of dominance again. We have a pair of second places and a third. We're pacing ourselves for a big comeback.

I'll try and be better with posting. Although work, home, dinner, TV day after day doesn't seem noteworthy enough to write about. I'll see what I can do. Below are a few Vegas pics.









Quote of the Day:
"There is nothing like returning to a place that remains unchanged to find the ways in which you yourself have altered." - Christopher Marley

Final Answer

Things are coming together.

Since January, I have been fortunate enough to work on a great new History Channel show called "Extreme Trains". This has been one of my most positive work experiences. I've met people who are not just co-workers, but true friends as well. So, it was with sadness and anticipation that I gave my two week notice on Tuesday because...

...I accepted an offer to be a researcher for "Who Wants to Be A Millionaire". I am beyond excited for this. My love of game shows is well documented and this is the genre of television I want to work in. After passing the "Millionaire" test twice to be a contestant but not getting picked for the show, I decided the only way I was going to make money from this show was to work for them. I've been trying to get in for quite some time now, and on Tuesday, that effort and determination paid off.

So here's what my next couple of weeks look like: finish things up at "Extreme Trains". Fly to Las Vegas. Turn 30. Start new job.

Let's hope all of this good luck holds up in Vegas!

Quote of the Day:
"It was such a lovely day I thought it a pity to get up." -W. Somerset Maugham

One Year

This is a momentous anniversary for me today. It has been one year since I have had a caffeinated beverage -- no Cherry Coke, no Dr. Pepper, no Pepsi. It's a wonder the soda companies have not crumbled because of this.

I have always loved soda with every fiber of my being. It was as commonplace in my home as water and milk. It was not uncommon for me to drink at least 20 ounces a day. Each sugary sip was better than the last. It became a necessity which I thought I would never be able to do without.

Last year, seeing the age of 30 looming, decided to curb some of my bad habits. I still eat badly, and that is more of a gradual process. Exercising is still an effort for me, so although something I want to improve, not something to dedicate to fully. That left my one beloved vice -- soda.

It was hard. I can only imagine trying to quick smoking or alcohol, because the withdrawl from soda sucked and I'm sure is tenfold with other vices. I had huge headaches and went to bed even earlier than I do now. I longed for one more sip of Cherry goodness, but willpower took over. I plead guilty to the occasional root beer or Shirley Temple, but those were seldom and caffeine-free. Weeks turned into months and months into this one year.

I am proud of my accomplishment. I know a lot of people have bigger demons to conquer, but this was a big thing for me to give up. Next up, that pesky gambling problem. Probably not a good thing the NCAA tournament is starting and Las Vegas is right around the corner...

Quote of the Day:
"I never intended to be a run-of-the-mill person." -Barbara Jordan

Girl About Town

I need to renew my driver's license. So yesterday I got up early to be at the DMV right when it opened. I present my birth certificate, social security card, bill and bank statement. The woman behind the desk says my birth certificate is not applicable because it was the hospital issued, not the government issued one. Ugh! I leave renewal-less. Call my Mom, who finds the copy but not the original. So now I need to contact Vital Records and get a copy. Here's the thing: the license expires February 29th. I really, really hope it comes in time.

When I'm not mad at government bureaucracy, I am at the theatre. Last week I went to see the Broadway revival of Sunday in the Park with George. A fan of the original, this version definitely held up. The staging was absolutely incredible, and the actors had amazing voices.

Last week I was at the Paley Center (formerly the Museum of TV & Radio) to see a tribute to Gary David Goldberg, the creator of "Family Ties", "Spin City" and "Brooklyn Bridge". The panel consisted of Gary David Goldberg, Michael Gross, Meredith Baxter-Birney, Michael Boatman, Richard Kind, Marion Ross and as an unannounced surprise, Michael J. Fox. "Family Ties" is one of my all-time favorite shows, and Alex Keaton one of my all-time favorite characters. My favorite moment of the evening was Michael J. Fox telling a story about how this hedge fund manager recently came up to him at a dinner. He went on and on about how Alex was an inspiration and he got into finance because of this character. And in a way of honoring what Alex Keaton did, donated five million dollars to the Michael J. Fox Foundation. Michael J. Fox found this interesting considering he disagreed completely with Alex's philosophies and questioned Alex's morals and ethics. But karma has a way of working everything out.

Today I was at Carnegie Hall attending a performance of solo piano. It was amazing. It was so relaxing and a quiet sereneness surrounded me. I would definitely go to something like this again sooner than later.

On the work front, I am once again among the employed. I am a researcher for a new History Channel show called "Extreme Trains". Over eight episodes, it shows how the railroads built America and how they remain vital today. I am working with an incredible group of people and have no doubts this will be a show worth watching.

Quote of the Day:
"Pick battles big enough to matter, small enough to win." -Jonathan Kozol

Hail To The Redskins!!

Congratulations to Art Monk and Darrell Green, two of the finest men to ever play for the Washington Redskins, on their election into the Football Hall of Fame. Art Monk, finally getting in on his 8th try, is not only my all-time favorite Redskin, but my all-time favorite football player. This is an overdue honor and I could not be happier than he is finally getting his bust in Canton.

Darrell Green was also an exceptional cornerback for the Redskins. Not to mention an incredible class act.

This is a proud day for the Sons of Washington. Hail to the Redskins.

Quote of the Day:
"Whether I deserved to play in the NFL or deserve even to be in Hall of Fame, I just loved the game, loved to play, loved being out there." -Hall of Famer Art Monk

Coach Joe Gibbs

I love Joe Gibbs. In my completely unbiased, SuperFan opinion, Joe Gibbs is the greatest coach in the history of professional sports. He's been the leader of my beloved Washington Redskins for the majority of my life. So it broke my heart to see him resign this morning.

I understand his reasoning, and I accept that. But to realize that I will never see Coach Gibbs guiding the Redskins on the sidelines, is still hard for me to grasp. After his first retirement, we Redskins fans always hoped for his return, and eight years later, we got our wish. With retirement #2, we know he's not coming back.

It's been a tough season both on and off the field. And despite the various obstacles, we were still a good team. Hopefully whoever takes the reins will build upon the team Gibbs created.

Joe Gibbs is truly a man among men, and a gentleman in every sense of the word. I will miss him as Head Coach of the Washington Redskins more than words could ever possibly express.

Hail to the Redskins.

Quote of the Day:
"I love the Redskins. I'm a Redskin. I'm a Washingtonian. So much of our lives [are here]. This is what we love." -Coach Joe Gibbs at his farewell press conference

Post Christmas

First and foremost, a huge congratulations to my beloved Washington Redskins for securing a playoff spot by defeating the hated Cowboys last night. I've had confidence in my team all season. We had a few heartbreaking losses and the tragic death of Sean Taylor, but still we managed to forge on. We have Seattle on Saturday and I shant wave my optimism. Go 'Skins!

I was home for a week or so celebrating the holidays. This was nice because I really haven't had the chance to be home for awhile. The week pretty much consisted of eating, eating, shopping, eating, returning, eating, sleep. The big event of the week was the celebration of my Dad's 70th birthday. Yes, the Big Guy turned the big 7-0. And although I ate possibly the largest meal ever (nothing shows my true appreciation better than taking full advantage of him), it didn't stop me from gorging myself the rest of the holidays.



And the holiday season wold not be complete without being forced out of bed at 5:30am the day after Christmas to be the first at the mall for post-Christmas slashing sales. And although getting up early is not my first choice, it is ultimately the best decision. Macy's was not crowded and I actually had my own personal shoe guy. Clothes were neatly hung on racks untouched and rampaged by the masses. Prices were really slashed and the hardest thing to resist was buying for the sake of immediately eBay-ing. After much restraint, I was successful in buying what I needed and leaving the extraneous to other bargain shoppers. By the time I finished my mall rounds at 10:30am, I felt like I already put in a full day.

As for New Year's Eve, I am continuing my tradition of rockin' it in with Dick Clark and falling asleep soon after. I hope the rest of you are spending this New Year with friends and loved ones. Be safe and have fun!

Quote of the Day:
"I like coincidences. They make me wonder about destiny, and whether free will is an illusion or just a matter of perspective. They let me speculate on the idea of some master plan that, from time to time, we're allowed to see out of the corner of our eye." -Chuck Sigars

Now I've Seen Everything

I was walking in Times Square tonight and outside of the Charmin public restrooms there was a person dressed up as a toilet next to someone dressed as the Charmin bear.

It was the saddest thing I have ever seen.

Quote of the Day:
"Regardless of what I do, I'm a hero." -David Letterman

The Farnsworth Invention

I had high expectations going into seeing the Farnsworth Invention on Broadway last light for the following reasons:
1. It's a play about the guy who invented television.
2. It's written by Aaron Sorkin
3. It stars Hank Azaria.

And what made it even better was that my ticket was free. Free always bumps things up a notch.

The play itself was pretty good, although not Sorkin's best work. He tried cramming a lot of information about the men and situations, and as a result, made the scenes a little clunky. I probably enjoyed it more because I was familiar with the subject. All in all, a good show. I would not recommend if you care little for television and/or science.

Quote of the Day:
"We did not change as we grew older; we just became more clearly ourselves." -Lynn Hall

Random Thoughts and Ramblings

It's been awhile and I don't want to deprive you of yet another edition of Random Thoughts and Ramblings. Let us begin:

* The Writer's Guild Strike really, really sucks. It sucks for multiple reasons. First, many of my friends are in the WGA and it saddens me to have them not work. This is a worthy strike though, and they should continue until their demands are met. Second, this lessens the available jobs for me in an already small market. And finally, I am in Letterman, Conan, Daily Show, Colbert withdrawl. I need new episodes. I missed Dave and his Mom play "Guess the Pie" on Thanksgiving. My favorite moment of the year. And too many bonehead politicos have had their actions go unobserved by Jon Stewart. So please mega-corporations, give the writers what they want.

* Top Five Songs Played on iTunes:
- "Radio Nowhere" by Bruce Springsteen
- "The City of New Orleans" by Arlo Guthrie
- "There's Always Someone Cooler Than You" by Ben Folds
- "Almost Lover" by A Fine Frenzy
- "Shelter From the Storm" by Bob Dylan

* Steve Martin recently released his autobiography focusing on his childhood through his stand-up career. I have not had the opportunity to read it yet, but I think it's a safe assumption that this is an absolute get and a must buy.

* Last night Cheryl and I went to see a screening of Walk Hard: the Dewey Cox Story, starring John C. Reilly. I probably haven't laughed this much in a movie theatre since seeing a sneak preview of There's Something About Mary almost ten years ago. I great broad comedy about biopics. Afterwards there was a Q&A with John C. Reilly, Kristen Wiig and the producer. It was as good as the movie.

* A couple of weeks ago I was walking on the upper west side and this woman stops and asks me for directions. It takes me a second to realize it's 70s supermodel Lauren Hutton.

* I really hate those store coupons in which half the coupon is small print in all the departments and items that are NOT applicable. Seriously, what's the point of printing the coupon when there are more restrictions than uses.

* Top 5 Non-Late Night TV Shows
- Pardon the Interruption
- How I Met Your Mother
- Dirty Sexy Money
- Project Runway
- The Biggest Loser

* Also striking are the Broadway stagehands. I feel so bad for families who have planned holiday trips to New York, revolving around a Broadway show, only to have it cancelled. One benefit though -- many restaurants that are impossible to get into, have zero waits. Might as well enjoy John's Pizzeria and Virgil's BBQ while I can.

Quote of the Day:
"Independence is my happiness, and I view things as they are, without regard to place or person; my country is the world, and my religion is to do good." -Thomas Paine

Loser

It is with great sadness in which I announce that I did not win the New Yorker Caption Contest. According to the readers of the New Yorker, "Give him a martini when he wakes up" was deemed funniest.

I would like to give a tremendous and appreciative thanks to everyone who voted for me. Next time, my friends. Next time.

Quote of the Day:
"In everyone's life, at some time, our inner fire goes out. It is then burst into flame by an encounter with another human being. We should all be thankful for those people who rekindle the inner spirit." -Albert Schweitzer

Congratulations Abound!

The past couple of days have been full of love. I have been in the midst of so much love, that even I am becoming an optimist. With that said, here's why...

Congratulations and much love to one of my oldest friends Nathalie and her husband Armen on the birth of their daughter, Taleen Alice McOmber.




This is Nat's first child, and the first of the childhood friends to spawn. Taleen is very lucky to have Nat as a mother.

Yesterday, I drove to Pennsylvania to attend the wedding of my friends Jenn and Kevin. This was an all-around wonderful day. While being seated, a pianist was playing the score from "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown". Jenn looked absolutely beautiful. During the ceremony, and to celebrate Kevin's Quaker heritage, we had three minutes of silence to envision our good thoughts for the couple. This was followed by any family or friend who wanted to speak their sentiment aloud to do so. The ceremony ended with a lone bagpiper, and as we all know, I loves the bagpipes. The afternoon also gave me the opportunity to see some friends from "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy". I don't get to see them very often, so that was a treat in itself. The reception was just as lovely as the ceremony, with Jenn and Kevin really adding their touch to the occasion.

The Bride and Groom







Finally, a big, appreciative thanks to everyone who voted for me in this week's New Yorker's Caption Contest. The results will appear in the November 26th issue, and I will be sure to make a announcement if I prove victorious. If I don't, you shall never hear another word about it ever again, while I sink into a mire of pity and dispair.

Quote of the Day:
"There is only one happiness in life, to love and to be loved." -George Sand

The New Yorker Caption Contest

I am a finalist the New Yorker's Caption Contest this week. Please click on the link below to vote for me. Let's validate to the New York intellectual elite what you all have always known -- that I am very funny. Also, please forward the link to all family, friends, co-workers, random people you see on computers to also vote for me. I need all the help I can get.

Much thanks!!

http://www.cartoonbank.com/CapContest/CaptionContest.aspx?tab=vote&affiliate=ny-caption

Quote of the Day:
"For me, being funny is the best revenge." -Art Buchwald