When you are a leader, it's good to send people off your trail by having a bit of a loon serve as second in command.
Some people feel Barack Obama may have done just that when he selected Joe Biden as vice president.
Biden, you might recall, reportedly plagiarized speeches and was known for saying nutty stuff BEFORE becoming VP.
If Gary Busey was auditioning for the job as Trump's VP on this season of "Celebrity Apprentice", then The Donald should have just two words for him:
"You're Hired!"
Busey, after all, was brilliant in getting more than his share of attention on his short stint on the program.
Meat Loaf, for one, was plenty baked at Busey and wanted to tear the actor apart after one disagreement.
And you thought people didn't like Dick Cheney?
In standing up to Busey, Meat Loaf showed in that instance he would make a strong secretary of defense in a Trump administration.
Speaking of more potential cabinet members, poor LaToya Jackson, bumped off the most recent episode in favor of Nene and Star Jones, is a soft-spoken person who could best serve as secretary of state.
Word is, however, that Meat Loaf already got word of the potential appointments and approached Trump about them.
"Mr. Trump," said Meat Loaf, with a hint of a tear rolling down his eyes. "I like your decisions on having LaToya and I serve in your cabinet but I have to disagree with you wanting to make Gary Busey your vice president!"
Trump took a moment and then calmly and coolly replied ... "Meat Loaf ... don't be sad, you of all people should know ... that two out of three ain't bad!"
thanks for reading and tty Monday.
TV and Video Guide
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Friday, April 29, 2011
"All Things TV" Prince William and Kate were great
I don't like focusing on the negative as I have much of this week with the axing of Paul Reiser's show, John McEnroe's continued boorish behavior or the easy to dismiss "The Talk".
Really I don't.
So the royal wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton was a nice break from some crummy television and the continued troubling news from around the globe.
With the world watching, England delivered a mighty event with equal touches of flair and friendliness.
Everyone looked wonderful, seemingly behaved well and all the waving from everyone involved in the wedding party in the procession of cars was a nice touch.
It was a grand event, and the UK didn't disappoint.
I only wish the wedding could have been held on a Saturday so I could have seen more of it.
That's not something I expected to write, but job well done Jolly 'ol England.
On another note, I am getting ready to leave this blog for one on beliefnet.com.
Thanks for reading and I hope you'll follow me.
Really I don't.
So the royal wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton was a nice break from some crummy television and the continued troubling news from around the globe.
With the world watching, England delivered a mighty event with equal touches of flair and friendliness.
Everyone looked wonderful, seemingly behaved well and all the waving from everyone involved in the wedding party in the procession of cars was a nice touch.
It was a grand event, and the UK didn't disappoint.
I only wish the wedding could have been held on a Saturday so I could have seen more of it.
That's not something I expected to write, but job well done Jolly 'ol England.
On another note, I am getting ready to leave this blog for one on beliefnet.com.
Thanks for reading and I hope you'll follow me.
Thursday, April 28, 2011
"All Things TV" Not exactly 'The Talk' of the town....
Perhaps in a bid to cash in on the concept of 'The View', another group of women decided to get together for another talk show called 'The Talk'.
Not sure if we needed another show from a woman's point of 'view', if you will, but from my small sampling 'The Talk' doesn't really stir up anger or make a person think.
"The Talk" doesn't do much at all, in fact, but listen to itself 'talk'.
OK ... enough with the puns ... it just didn't seem like the subject matter on "The Talk" is particularly meaty.
While "The View" has hosts and guests you can either truly like or dislike and issues that can make your blood boil, "The Talk" seems pretty milquetoast by comparison.
For instance, while "The View" will have Bill O'Reilly or Rudy Guiliani as guests, "The Talk" hosts are discussing what kind of secrets they keep from their spouses.
Ho-hum!
I rarely, if ever, watch "The View" but I at least know it's on and I know why I usually don't want to watch it.
"The Talk" though should be better than it is with a dynamic and accomplished woman like Holly Peete Robinson as one of its five hosts.
Julie Chen is OK as host of "Big Brother" and the other three women, like Sara Gilbert, must have some interesting things to discuss in their lives.
Where are those juicy topics and controversies going on and why aren't you discussing them?
Perhaps "The Talk" should be silenced ... soon.
Thanks for reading and tty Friday.
Not sure if we needed another show from a woman's point of 'view', if you will, but from my small sampling 'The Talk' doesn't really stir up anger or make a person think.
"The Talk" doesn't do much at all, in fact, but listen to itself 'talk'.
OK ... enough with the puns ... it just didn't seem like the subject matter on "The Talk" is particularly meaty.
While "The View" has hosts and guests you can either truly like or dislike and issues that can make your blood boil, "The Talk" seems pretty milquetoast by comparison.
For instance, while "The View" will have Bill O'Reilly or Rudy Guiliani as guests, "The Talk" hosts are discussing what kind of secrets they keep from their spouses.
Ho-hum!
I rarely, if ever, watch "The View" but I at least know it's on and I know why I usually don't want to watch it.
"The Talk" though should be better than it is with a dynamic and accomplished woman like Holly Peete Robinson as one of its five hosts.
Julie Chen is OK as host of "Big Brother" and the other three women, like Sara Gilbert, must have some interesting things to discuss in their lives.
Where are those juicy topics and controversies going on and why aren't you discussing them?
Perhaps "The Talk" should be silenced ... soon.
Thanks for reading and tty Friday.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
"All Things TV"---Mad about view, Reiser's show dumped
Where's Helen Hunt when you need her?
That could be what Paul Reiser's thinking after his self titled show was dumped by NBC after just two episodes.
The former "Mad About You" co-star, with the aforementioned Hunt, was never my cup of tea ... I kind of saw him as a poor man's Jerry Seinfeld ... but he was a proven star who deserved better treatment from NBC.
I only caught the second episode of "The Paul Reiser Show" and it was more bad than good with just a few funny moments.
Still, for fans of his brand of "everyman" comedy the show had a few flickers of laughs and it was better than a "Seinfeld" episode in its first two seasons.
Who can't relate, for instance, to the sound of a screaming/screeching cat keeping you up at night like his TV wife dealt with in episode two?
Thanks to my wife, who loves our "munchkin" to death ... I can certainly relate.
(I love munchkin too, after all... and can't wait to have nice memories of him someday ... there's a joke in there somewhere.)
Reiser deserves credit for still appearing on "The Tonight Show" earlier in the week when he was initially scheduled to promote his comedy ... before it was dubbed a "cat-egorical" failure and axed by the network.
In the end, Reiser has something in common with my cat ...
Both seem very content in retirement and should be left that way.
thanks for reading and tty thurs!
That could be what Paul Reiser's thinking after his self titled show was dumped by NBC after just two episodes.
The former "Mad About You" co-star, with the aforementioned Hunt, was never my cup of tea ... I kind of saw him as a poor man's Jerry Seinfeld ... but he was a proven star who deserved better treatment from NBC.
I only caught the second episode of "The Paul Reiser Show" and it was more bad than good with just a few funny moments.
Still, for fans of his brand of "everyman" comedy the show had a few flickers of laughs and it was better than a "Seinfeld" episode in its first two seasons.
Who can't relate, for instance, to the sound of a screaming/screeching cat keeping you up at night like his TV wife dealt with in episode two?
Thanks to my wife, who loves our "munchkin" to death ... I can certainly relate.
(I love munchkin too, after all... and can't wait to have nice memories of him someday ... there's a joke in there somewhere.)
Reiser deserves credit for still appearing on "The Tonight Show" earlier in the week when he was initially scheduled to promote his comedy ... before it was dubbed a "cat-egorical" failure and axed by the network.
In the end, Reiser has something in common with my cat ...
Both seem very content in retirement and should be left that way.
thanks for reading and tty thurs!
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
"All Things TV"---Still John McEnroe, after all these years
I saw some of John McEnroe in myself as a youngster, and that wasn't all good.
As a kid growing up on Long Island, like McEnroe, I enjoyed playing tennis.
Although McEnroe went on to become one of the sport's all-time greats, I didn't though we had one very similar quality on the court:
We were both jerks who ruined the experience for ourselves and others around us.
Although I rarely pick up a racket anymore, I do see the err in my ways and don't think I would behave like that again.
I am not perfect, by any stretch of the imagination, but I think I have matured a bit.
That makes one of us ...
McEnroe, now playing on a senior tennis tour currently airing on Comcast Sports networks, is still playing and still acting like a horse's backside to put it nicely.
Although the matches have little value or consequence and are attended by sparse crowds, Johnny Mac is still Johnny Mac and it's as unpleasant a sight as ever.
See Johnny Mac miss a shot, see him berate an official or act otherwise foolishly by yelling, screaming or mistreating his equipment.
See Johnny Mac still get rewarded with plum tennis analyst assignments on CBS though and one realizes he has never really faced consequences for his poor behavior.
I once asked him to defend his on-court behavior on a conference call and he responded in his usual bully-ish ways and rejected my question.
That's fine, because I'm NO John McEnroe ... and in some ways, thank goodness for that!
Thanks for reading and tty Wed.
As a kid growing up on Long Island, like McEnroe, I enjoyed playing tennis.
Although McEnroe went on to become one of the sport's all-time greats, I didn't though we had one very similar quality on the court:
We were both jerks who ruined the experience for ourselves and others around us.
Although I rarely pick up a racket anymore, I do see the err in my ways and don't think I would behave like that again.
I am not perfect, by any stretch of the imagination, but I think I have matured a bit.
That makes one of us ...
McEnroe, now playing on a senior tennis tour currently airing on Comcast Sports networks, is still playing and still acting like a horse's backside to put it nicely.
Although the matches have little value or consequence and are attended by sparse crowds, Johnny Mac is still Johnny Mac and it's as unpleasant a sight as ever.
See Johnny Mac miss a shot, see him berate an official or act otherwise foolishly by yelling, screaming or mistreating his equipment.
See Johnny Mac still get rewarded with plum tennis analyst assignments on CBS though and one realizes he has never really faced consequences for his poor behavior.
I once asked him to defend his on-court behavior on a conference call and he responded in his usual bully-ish ways and rejected my question.
That's fine, because I'm NO John McEnroe ... and in some ways, thank goodness for that!
Thanks for reading and tty Wed.
Saturday, April 23, 2011
"All Things TV"---Not a weekend without CBS Sunday Morning
I never used to understand why my Uncle Gerry used to watch "CBS Sunday Morning" every, well, Sunday morning.
The then-Charles Kuralt hosted program seemed so deadly-dull with its news and feature stories and peaceful segments on nature.
That's not to say I still wouldn't take the train from Port Jefferson to Seaford though for my aunt Lois' delicious breakfasts.
I just didn't understand why Gerry, a large and gregarious man with a voice that could barrel through Brooklyn, could sit there for an hour and a half contently and quietly watching that program.
After the passing of Kuralt some years back, Charles Osgood took over as host and nothing changed.
Except me, thank goodness.
Being a little bit older and SLIGHTLY more mature now, I get why Gerry Gallagher, who also unfortunately passed in recent years, enjoyed the program so much.
The best way to describe it is like opening a Sunday newspaper without getting all the ink all over your hands.
Osgood, and a cast of fine reporters, deftly take the viewer through features on news, politics, history and culture and thanks usually to Bill Geist, a laugh or two as well.
The show's recent piece on a goose that befriended a man at an L.A. park was simple but brilliant.
Perhaps that's the best way to describe CBS Sunday Morning, as well.
Simple but brilliant ... tty Monday.
...............................................
This column is in memory of my cousin Timothy Gallagher, who left this earth far too soon recently after suffering a heart attack. Thank God for a great aunt and uncle, and for all my cousins too!
The then-Charles Kuralt hosted program seemed so deadly-dull with its news and feature stories and peaceful segments on nature.
That's not to say I still wouldn't take the train from Port Jefferson to Seaford though for my aunt Lois' delicious breakfasts.
I just didn't understand why Gerry, a large and gregarious man with a voice that could barrel through Brooklyn, could sit there for an hour and a half contently and quietly watching that program.
After the passing of Kuralt some years back, Charles Osgood took over as host and nothing changed.
Except me, thank goodness.
Being a little bit older and SLIGHTLY more mature now, I get why Gerry Gallagher, who also unfortunately passed in recent years, enjoyed the program so much.
The best way to describe it is like opening a Sunday newspaper without getting all the ink all over your hands.
Osgood, and a cast of fine reporters, deftly take the viewer through features on news, politics, history and culture and thanks usually to Bill Geist, a laugh or two as well.
The show's recent piece on a goose that befriended a man at an L.A. park was simple but brilliant.
Perhaps that's the best way to describe CBS Sunday Morning, as well.
Simple but brilliant ... tty Monday.
...............................................
This column is in memory of my cousin Timothy Gallagher, who left this earth far too soon recently after suffering a heart attack. Thank God for a great aunt and uncle, and for all my cousins too!
Friday, April 22, 2011
"All Things TV"---Pepper spices up "The Kennedys"
Greg Kinnear is good, VERY GOOD, as JFK in Reelz TV's "The Kennedys".
But the cast of characters around him, especially Barry Pepper as Bobby Kennedy, is arguably even better.
While Kinnear does a nice job portraying JFK's mostly level-headed approach to the most important job in the world, his New England accent isn't quite thick enough and he constantly GD's.
While it's probably historically accurate that JFK often took the Lord's name in vain, Kinnear is a big enough star to refuse doing it.
But it's not an issue for the actor, as his work in other movies has shown.
I don't recall Bobby/Pepper EVER GD'ing and his performance is perhaps even stronger than Kinnear's.
That might also be historically accurate, as RFK was probably a stronger Catholic than JFK and had far fewer "dalliances", ahem, than his brother.
Pepper is terrific in showing Bobby's support for his brother, love of his wife Ethel and the pain of being Jack Kennedy's son.
Which leads to Tom Wilkinson's spot-on performance as Jack Kennedy.
Jack is a tough and demanding sonuvagun, but he loves his sons and isn't afraid to tell them.
He also stands up to Frank Sinatra in one unforgettable part.
I wish I could go on and on, but I have to conclude with Katie Holmes who was terrific as Jackie Kennedy.
'
If anyone doubts Tom Cruise's wife's acting ability after her role in "The Kennedy's" they are as nutty as Gary Busey.
Holmes looks great in Jackie-esque dresses and is believably supportive but tough with her husband.
Well done Reelz ... makes me hunger for a miniseries on Bobby Kennedy.
But the cast of characters around him, especially Barry Pepper as Bobby Kennedy, is arguably even better.
While Kinnear does a nice job portraying JFK's mostly level-headed approach to the most important job in the world, his New England accent isn't quite thick enough and he constantly GD's.
While it's probably historically accurate that JFK often took the Lord's name in vain, Kinnear is a big enough star to refuse doing it.
But it's not an issue for the actor, as his work in other movies has shown.
I don't recall Bobby/Pepper EVER GD'ing and his performance is perhaps even stronger than Kinnear's.
That might also be historically accurate, as RFK was probably a stronger Catholic than JFK and had far fewer "dalliances", ahem, than his brother.
Pepper is terrific in showing Bobby's support for his brother, love of his wife Ethel and the pain of being Jack Kennedy's son.
Which leads to Tom Wilkinson's spot-on performance as Jack Kennedy.
Jack is a tough and demanding sonuvagun, but he loves his sons and isn't afraid to tell them.
He also stands up to Frank Sinatra in one unforgettable part.
I wish I could go on and on, but I have to conclude with Katie Holmes who was terrific as Jackie Kennedy.
'
If anyone doubts Tom Cruise's wife's acting ability after her role in "The Kennedy's" they are as nutty as Gary Busey.
Holmes looks great in Jackie-esque dresses and is believably supportive but tough with her husband.
Well done Reelz ... makes me hunger for a miniseries on Bobby Kennedy.
Thursday, April 21, 2011
"All Things TV"---Spray it ain't So! I'm a 'Wipeout' fan!
I have to admit it, when I first saw ads for the ABC show "Wipeout" I thought it would be pretty stupid.
I'm not really a big fan of watching people make idiots of themselves on television a la "America's Funniest Home Videos".
That show, and its host Tom Bergeron especially, seem SO forced ... with people so desperate for fame or fortune they'll hurt themselves or their pets in all kinds of ways.
"Wipeout" contestants aren't preening to the camera or trying to yuk it up for laughs.
They're too busy trying to make it through a water-soaked obstacle course without getting knocked down or out.
It probably hurts them a little bit, but contestants aren't really in danger ... only of being embarrassed a little.
Hosts Jon Anderson and and John Henson make the show a pretty funny watch too with their corny comments.
Jill Wagner, who initially gained fame starring in car ads, provides on-course interviews while trying to stay above the fray.
The show provides pretty much guilt-free pleasure, and not too many programs today can say that.
When it comes to Thursday nights on ABC, I'm never too wiped out to watch "Wipeout"
I know ... that was TOO easy.
Haaaaaaaaaaaa "Wipeout"!
Hey ... be sure to follow me over to beliefnet.com in the coming weeks as I begin blogging about television for that major website.
I am very excited about the opportunity to be a small part of that operation!
I am also getting ready for my second sports report on tvandvideoguide.com and will let you know when that airs, too.
thanks for reading and tty Friday.
I'm not really a big fan of watching people make idiots of themselves on television a la "America's Funniest Home Videos".
That show, and its host Tom Bergeron especially, seem SO forced ... with people so desperate for fame or fortune they'll hurt themselves or their pets in all kinds of ways.
"Wipeout" contestants aren't preening to the camera or trying to yuk it up for laughs.
They're too busy trying to make it through a water-soaked obstacle course without getting knocked down or out.
It probably hurts them a little bit, but contestants aren't really in danger ... only of being embarrassed a little.
Hosts Jon Anderson and and John Henson make the show a pretty funny watch too with their corny comments.
Jill Wagner, who initially gained fame starring in car ads, provides on-course interviews while trying to stay above the fray.
The show provides pretty much guilt-free pleasure, and not too many programs today can say that.
When it comes to Thursday nights on ABC, I'm never too wiped out to watch "Wipeout"
I know ... that was TOO easy.
Haaaaaaaaaaaa "Wipeout"!
Hey ... be sure to follow me over to beliefnet.com in the coming weeks as I begin blogging about television for that major website.
I am very excited about the opportunity to be a small part of that operation!
I am also getting ready for my second sports report on tvandvideoguide.com and will let you know when that airs, too.
thanks for reading and tty Friday.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
"All Things TV"--What What I Do? ... I'd watch
One of the better shows on TV is ABC's "Primetime: What Would You Do?"
The John Quinones-hosted program, that airs Friday nights, often puts people in uncomfortable positions to see how they would react ... do they do what's right, or just walk away from a tough situation?
The show is at its best when it sticks to values everyone can agree on, like treating other people decently, or not stealing.
One episode tried to get the reactions of people walking by when a boy was attempting to steal a bike vs. how people respond when a pretty girl was attempting to do the same thing.
People were tougher on the boy, not surprisingly, yelling at him and asking if it was his bike or not. They were easier on the girl, with some even stopping to help her cut the bike free of chains.
Kinda funny, kinda revealing.
Another episode focused on how the public sometimes mistreats waiters and waitresses and had actors treat wait staff poorly to see if anyone would come to their aid.
Many people did, and that was refreshing to see.
Quinones does a good job, for the most part, at not being too heavy handed or judgmental about people and their reactions to difficult situations.
The show veers a bit however, when it gets into larger topics at times.
I just read up a bit on Quinones and learned he is a fraternity brother of mine from San Antonio.
"What Would I Do?" if I saw him coming at me ... probably shake his hand for a show well done.
A good place to watch all kinds of news, sports and entertainment programs is on the "TV and Video Guide".
Just click the link above, pay the incredibly low price of $25 for the year (or $2 and change per month) and get access to TV you can't get anywhere else ... except for hundreds more dollars ... like NFL games, NBA, MLB and NHL.
My oldest brother and I both have it ... and we love it!
Thanks for reading and tty Thursday!
The John Quinones-hosted program, that airs Friday nights, often puts people in uncomfortable positions to see how they would react ... do they do what's right, or just walk away from a tough situation?
The show is at its best when it sticks to values everyone can agree on, like treating other people decently, or not stealing.
One episode tried to get the reactions of people walking by when a boy was attempting to steal a bike vs. how people respond when a pretty girl was attempting to do the same thing.
People were tougher on the boy, not surprisingly, yelling at him and asking if it was his bike or not. They were easier on the girl, with some even stopping to help her cut the bike free of chains.
Kinda funny, kinda revealing.
Another episode focused on how the public sometimes mistreats waiters and waitresses and had actors treat wait staff poorly to see if anyone would come to their aid.
Many people did, and that was refreshing to see.
Quinones does a good job, for the most part, at not being too heavy handed or judgmental about people and their reactions to difficult situations.
The show veers a bit however, when it gets into larger topics at times.
I just read up a bit on Quinones and learned he is a fraternity brother of mine from San Antonio.
"What Would I Do?" if I saw him coming at me ... probably shake his hand for a show well done.
A good place to watch all kinds of news, sports and entertainment programs is on the "TV and Video Guide".
Just click the link above, pay the incredibly low price of $25 for the year (or $2 and change per month) and get access to TV you can't get anywhere else ... except for hundreds more dollars ... like NFL games, NBA, MLB and NHL.
My oldest brother and I both have it ... and we love it!
Thanks for reading and tty Thursday!
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
"All Things TV"---Your turn to comment ...
Right from the beginning my friend Deb from California has been here, or there, to support my blog ... and I really appreciate her!
Smart, savvy, well written, well-spoken and she looks a bit like Anne Hathaway too.
She has tons of opinions too, so it would be a shame if I didn't share some of them.
Deb agreed, for instance, with my blog about radio guys being unfit for TV.
"A voice on the radio lets you use your own imagination. Seeing the people sitting there taking calls on the radio loses all the charm and mystery of radio. Obviously the people behind this venture never heard the words in the song "video killed the radio star".
Well put, Deb.
Doug, who I used to work with in Sacramento, pointed out that radio "personality" Don Geronimo appears on a local TV show there.
Don, of "Mike and Don" fame is loud and talks alot, but really isn't too funny.
My fraternity brother Scott had this to say about my blog on all the unnecessary judge shows on TV:
"I miss Doug Llewelyn's hair." (He of course was the court host/interviewer on "The People's Court", a role copied many times since).
I think we all do Scott ... we all do. (That hair was big enough to hide Judge Hatchett and Judge Alex, I think)
That show also spawned Harvey Levin, who went on to host and create 'TMZ', which asks dumb questions of celebs as they arrive at the airport or leave a restaurant.
That, as I have said before, could be a whole 'nother blog.
Smart, savvy, well written, well-spoken and she looks a bit like Anne Hathaway too.
She has tons of opinions too, so it would be a shame if I didn't share some of them.
Deb agreed, for instance, with my blog about radio guys being unfit for TV.
"A voice on the radio lets you use your own imagination. Seeing the people sitting there taking calls on the radio loses all the charm and mystery of radio. Obviously the people behind this venture never heard the words in the song "video killed the radio star".
Well put, Deb.
Doug, who I used to work with in Sacramento, pointed out that radio "personality" Don Geronimo appears on a local TV show there.
Don, of "Mike and Don" fame is loud and talks alot, but really isn't too funny.
My fraternity brother Scott had this to say about my blog on all the unnecessary judge shows on TV:
"I miss Doug Llewelyn's hair." (He of course was the court host/interviewer on "The People's Court", a role copied many times since).
I think we all do Scott ... we all do. (That hair was big enough to hide Judge Hatchett and Judge Alex, I think)
That show also spawned Harvey Levin, who went on to host and create 'TMZ', which asks dumb questions of celebs as they arrive at the airport or leave a restaurant.
That, as I have said before, could be a whole 'nother blog.
Monday, April 18, 2011
"All Things TV"---Radio guys on tube ... a tough watch
Someone in recent years had the "bright" idea of airing telecasts of radio guys doing their show on TV.
If it sounds painful to watch ... it's because it pretty much is.
It probably started with the original sports radio team of "Mike and the Mad Dog" in New York when the YES Network decided to simulcast their WFAN show a few years back.
Unless they were going to verbally spar, which they sometimes did, there was really no reason to show them on TV.
With the duo split up for over a year now, there is even LESS of a reason to see just Mike Francesa cut off his callers and look at his producers in the radio booth.
Francesa and Mad Dog were still easier to watch than "Boomer and Carton", the same station's morning hosts. "Boomer" is Boomer Esiason, the NFL analyst and ex-quarterback who is a genuine sports fan and decent guy.
Carton is Craig Carton, a controversial radio "personality" from New Jersey, who says inappropriate things about women and sucks up to athletes to be friends with him.
Difficult enough to listen to ... never mind watching. It's a good thing MSG Network is knocking itself off the air on so many cable and satellite providers.
In conclusion, Imus ... who never seems to have a conclusion to his radio career has his shows simulcast on FOX Business channel.
There is nothing like watching the rapport between Imus and his news man Charles McCord.
Nothing! ... and no sarcasm there ...
If it sounds painful to watch ... it's because it pretty much is.
It probably started with the original sports radio team of "Mike and the Mad Dog" in New York when the YES Network decided to simulcast their WFAN show a few years back.
Unless they were going to verbally spar, which they sometimes did, there was really no reason to show them on TV.
With the duo split up for over a year now, there is even LESS of a reason to see just Mike Francesa cut off his callers and look at his producers in the radio booth.
Francesa and Mad Dog were still easier to watch than "Boomer and Carton", the same station's morning hosts. "Boomer" is Boomer Esiason, the NFL analyst and ex-quarterback who is a genuine sports fan and decent guy.
Carton is Craig Carton, a controversial radio "personality" from New Jersey, who says inappropriate things about women and sucks up to athletes to be friends with him.
Difficult enough to listen to ... never mind watching. It's a good thing MSG Network is knocking itself off the air on so many cable and satellite providers.
In conclusion, Imus ... who never seems to have a conclusion to his radio career has his shows simulcast on FOX Business channel.
There is nothing like watching the rapport between Imus and his news man Charles McCord.
Nothing! ... and no sarcasm there ...
Friday, April 15, 2011
"All Things TV" Running out of soaps
I am ashamed to admit this, but I will anyway:
I used to LOVE soap operas.
Especially back in the 80's when dealing with the drudgery of high school it was cool to come home and escape into the world of The Cassadines and Luke and Laura on General Hospital.
Both story lines dragged on WAY too long, but GH was pretty good television and a good way to connect with my mother and brother ... awww!
And One Life to Live, the soap before it, was interesting too with all the goings-on of the Buchanan's, even if they were a bit of a rip-off of The Ewings.
Perhaps I started to live my own life, pardon the pun, or the soaps started getting too soapy but I eventually turned them off for good.
Good call, and viewers will soon have two less shows to choose from after Thursday's announcement of the cancellation of "One Life to Live" and "All My Children".
Good thing, if too long in the making, as soaps have been too tawdry and lacking in any value for years. It often makes me wonder who comes up with the empty and shallow material contained in these shows.
Two fewer soaps on television?
Good riddance and change the channel on the few that remain...for "These are the Days of Our Lives"...don't waste them on dopey soap operas.
Thanks for reading and ttyl.
I used to LOVE soap operas.
Especially back in the 80's when dealing with the drudgery of high school it was cool to come home and escape into the world of The Cassadines and Luke and Laura on General Hospital.
Both story lines dragged on WAY too long, but GH was pretty good television and a good way to connect with my mother and brother ... awww!
And One Life to Live, the soap before it, was interesting too with all the goings-on of the Buchanan's, even if they were a bit of a rip-off of The Ewings.
Perhaps I started to live my own life, pardon the pun, or the soaps started getting too soapy but I eventually turned them off for good.
Good call, and viewers will soon have two less shows to choose from after Thursday's announcement of the cancellation of "One Life to Live" and "All My Children".
Good thing, if too long in the making, as soaps have been too tawdry and lacking in any value for years. It often makes me wonder who comes up with the empty and shallow material contained in these shows.
Two fewer soaps on television?
Good riddance and change the channel on the few that remain...for "These are the Days of Our Lives"...don't waste them on dopey soap operas.
Thanks for reading and ttyl.
Thursday, April 14, 2011
"All Things TV"---Local car ads . . . drive me crazy
Why do local auto dealer ads have to be SO painfully bad?
From Long Island, New York to Los Angeles, California their commercials are SO poorly done you almost have to watch.
Like a car crash . . . if you will.
The latest local car dealership ad that caught my attention is by Mark Jacobson of Raleigh, N.C..
As if his slogan ("Mark Jacobson Toyota . . . for all the right reasons") and shameless use of a poodle in all his ads aren't enough, Jacobson recently hired author Matthew Goodman to "co-star" in his TV spots.
Jacobson, who told the News & Observer that Goodman is his nephew, utilizes him for a take-off on the court scene of "A Few Good Men".
Instead of "A Few Good Men", the ad could use a few good actors instead.
"Hold Love Strong" is the name of Goodman's book . . . well hold onto your barf bag while watching this stinker of an ad.
Jacobson is not alone in trying to be cute . . . Chuck Swift and Cal Worthington have tried the approach for years in California.
Worthington with his signature drawl and use of his "dog" spot were so famous he earned several appearances on Johnny Carson.
(makes sense . . . you can't have Carson without Cars, right?)
"Go see Cal, go see Cal, go see Cal," his ads repeat and repeat and repeat.
You wouldn't WANT to visit some car dealerships on Long Island, either.
New York car salespeople are pushy on top of being pushy.
Ads that try to portray them as friendly, ordinary folks would never make "a dent" with me.
Couldn't resist . . . thanks for reading and ttyl.
From Long Island, New York to Los Angeles, California their commercials are SO poorly done you almost have to watch.
Like a car crash . . . if you will.
The latest local car dealership ad that caught my attention is by Mark Jacobson of Raleigh, N.C..
As if his slogan ("Mark Jacobson Toyota . . . for all the right reasons") and shameless use of a poodle in all his ads aren't enough, Jacobson recently hired author Matthew Goodman to "co-star" in his TV spots.
Jacobson, who told the News & Observer that Goodman is his nephew, utilizes him for a take-off on the court scene of "A Few Good Men".
Instead of "A Few Good Men", the ad could use a few good actors instead.
"Hold Love Strong" is the name of Goodman's book . . . well hold onto your barf bag while watching this stinker of an ad.
Jacobson is not alone in trying to be cute . . . Chuck Swift and Cal Worthington have tried the approach for years in California.
Worthington with his signature drawl and use of his "dog" spot were so famous he earned several appearances on Johnny Carson.
(makes sense . . . you can't have Carson without Cars, right?)
"Go see Cal, go see Cal, go see Cal," his ads repeat and repeat and repeat.
You wouldn't WANT to visit some car dealerships on Long Island, either.
New York car salespeople are pushy on top of being pushy.
Ads that try to portray them as friendly, ordinary folks would never make "a dent" with me.
Couldn't resist . . . thanks for reading and ttyl.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
"All Things TV"---Yesterday is Today on NBC w/Katie visit
The timing couldn't have been better for Katie Couric to visit her old stomping grounds of NBC's "Today Show" Wednesday morning for a sit-down with her former co-host Matt Lauer.
Couric, there to plug her new book "The Best Advice I Ever Got" about how famous people have dealt with adversity in their lives through advice from mentors, was just about her old bubbly self in talking to Lauer.
The pair undeniably shared an on air connection that helped build "Today" into the powerhouse morning show it remains to this day, despite competition from two networks, cable outlets and local news shows.
Lauer will reportedly need another co-host soon as Meredith Viera may leave the show to be with her ailing spouse.
Couric made a huge career error when she left "Today" to host the "CBS Evening News" several years ago, but her ego to make her own mark in television may have drove her to the Tiffany Network.
Although not everyone's cup of tea, particularly due to their left-leaning politics, especially Couric, the tandem are a special on-air duo and "Today" is easily the best-produced morning show around.
(I watch it for the opening itself, though that could be another blog entirely.)
Lauer didn't ask Couric about a return to "Today", which would be an awkward question, but she did indicate she would make a decision on a career move in the coming weeks, months ahead.
Her best move would be to crawl back to NBC and get her old job back.
After all, there's no time like "Today".
Couric, there to plug her new book "The Best Advice I Ever Got" about how famous people have dealt with adversity in their lives through advice from mentors, was just about her old bubbly self in talking to Lauer.
The pair undeniably shared an on air connection that helped build "Today" into the powerhouse morning show it remains to this day, despite competition from two networks, cable outlets and local news shows.
Lauer will reportedly need another co-host soon as Meredith Viera may leave the show to be with her ailing spouse.
Couric made a huge career error when she left "Today" to host the "CBS Evening News" several years ago, but her ego to make her own mark in television may have drove her to the Tiffany Network.
Although not everyone's cup of tea, particularly due to their left-leaning politics, especially Couric, the tandem are a special on-air duo and "Today" is easily the best-produced morning show around.
(I watch it for the opening itself, though that could be another blog entirely.)
Lauer didn't ask Couric about a return to "Today", which would be an awkward question, but she did indicate she would make a decision on a career move in the coming weeks, months ahead.
Her best move would be to crawl back to NBC and get her old job back.
After all, there's no time like "Today".
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
"All Things TV"---Not to Judge, but...
One could argue there are still a few too many "Judge" shows on television.
It was one thing initially when there was Judge Wapner doling out justice on cases similar to what would be handled by small claims courts on "The People's Court".
He was almost doing the public a service by taking them off dockets and saving taxpayer money.
I'm not sure it worked that way, but it seemed like it and having a grandfather figure like Wapner to watch was acceptable.
As society has gotten more shrill and nasty though, so have these TV judges.
From Judge Judy's gravely voice and angry tone to Judge Mathis' willingness to mix it up with his "litigants" about their unseemly lifestyles and affairs, it is hard not to "judge" the crude nature of these shows.
Sorry, but I want my judges to be "above" me in terms of their demeanor and knowledge...if not, my cousin Fred might as well rule on how much my ping pong table was worth before it was destroyed in the backyard wrestling event.
OK, so Judge Hatchett and Judge Ross are nicer than Judy and Mathis, but they too lack the gravitas I am looking for in my judges.
To borrow a part of an old song "Where have you gone Judge Wapner?"
tell me what you think and tty Wed.
It was one thing initially when there was Judge Wapner doling out justice on cases similar to what would be handled by small claims courts on "The People's Court".
He was almost doing the public a service by taking them off dockets and saving taxpayer money.
I'm not sure it worked that way, but it seemed like it and having a grandfather figure like Wapner to watch was acceptable.
As society has gotten more shrill and nasty though, so have these TV judges.
From Judge Judy's gravely voice and angry tone to Judge Mathis' willingness to mix it up with his "litigants" about their unseemly lifestyles and affairs, it is hard not to "judge" the crude nature of these shows.
Sorry, but I want my judges to be "above" me in terms of their demeanor and knowledge...if not, my cousin Fred might as well rule on how much my ping pong table was worth before it was destroyed in the backyard wrestling event.
OK, so Judge Hatchett and Judge Ross are nicer than Judy and Mathis, but they too lack the gravitas I am looking for in my judges.
To borrow a part of an old song "Where have you gone Judge Wapner?"
tell me what you think and tty Wed.
Monday, April 11, 2011
"All Things TV"---More Sunday fare
I recently blogged about the high quality of shows on Sunday night, including The Amazing Race, The Apprentice, Shark Tank (recently moved to Fridays) and, of course, 60 Minutes.
I forgot about a couple of shows I like, however, including "Secret Millionaire" and "America's Next Restaurant".
I go through about 17 boxes of tissues a week watching "Secret Millionaire", the ABC show in which a wealthy person goes from his/her opulent surroundings, usually in L.A. or Florida, to do charity work in a rough inner-city environment like Compton or Detroit.
The wealthy, but usually big-hearted people, receive eye-opening experiences and wind up giving away tens of thousands of dollars.
Nice stuff...even through all the pain, heartbreak and sorrow many people are going through.
"America's Next Restaurant", on the other hand, is about a group of 10 contestants who are trying to get a group of four famous restaurant entrepreneurs to invest in their idea/concept for the next great chain.
Steve Ellis of Chipotle and celebrity chef Curtis Stone are two of the people the contestants are trying to impress. I am not sure what it is, however, but this show lacks something.
Whether it's a fiery chef throwing pots and pans around or an eccentric character like Donald Trump or Mark Cuban it just needs another ingredient.
Tell me what you think and tty again Tuesday!
I forgot about a couple of shows I like, however, including "Secret Millionaire" and "America's Next Restaurant".
I go through about 17 boxes of tissues a week watching "Secret Millionaire", the ABC show in which a wealthy person goes from his/her opulent surroundings, usually in L.A. or Florida, to do charity work in a rough inner-city environment like Compton or Detroit.
The wealthy, but usually big-hearted people, receive eye-opening experiences and wind up giving away tens of thousands of dollars.
Nice stuff...even through all the pain, heartbreak and sorrow many people are going through.
"America's Next Restaurant", on the other hand, is about a group of 10 contestants who are trying to get a group of four famous restaurant entrepreneurs to invest in their idea/concept for the next great chain.
Steve Ellis of Chipotle and celebrity chef Curtis Stone are two of the people the contestants are trying to impress. I am not sure what it is, however, but this show lacks something.
Whether it's a fiery chef throwing pots and pans around or an eccentric character like Donald Trump or Mark Cuban it just needs another ingredient.
Tell me what you think and tty again Tuesday!
Saturday, April 9, 2011
"All Things TV"---Holly is Yoko Ono of 'The Office'
First she ruined Michael, then an entire show.
The character of "Holly" on 'The Office' returned to steal Steve Carrell's heart this season, and now she threatens to take an entire show with her.
Sound familiar anyone?...perhaps like Yoko Ono did with John Lennon of The Beatles?
True 'The Office' still has a great and talented cast, but Amy Ryan swooped in and chopped the head of a good show off and walked away with it.
I never liked their sickly-sweet pairing, but I was hoping for a different outcome.
Perhaps like Amy Ryan finding a different job or returning to her ex.
Will Ferrell is hysterical, but he doesn't seem "right" for 'The Office'.
It just seems like a desperate move to keep a big-money show going.
Hey, if they wanted to maintain a crazy office environment why not hire Charlie Sheen?
Charlie Sheen in Scranton...in one word....Winning!
The character of "Holly" on 'The Office' returned to steal Steve Carrell's heart this season, and now she threatens to take an entire show with her.
Sound familiar anyone?...perhaps like Yoko Ono did with John Lennon of The Beatles?
True 'The Office' still has a great and talented cast, but Amy Ryan swooped in and chopped the head of a good show off and walked away with it.
I never liked their sickly-sweet pairing, but I was hoping for a different outcome.
Perhaps like Amy Ryan finding a different job or returning to her ex.
Will Ferrell is hysterical, but he doesn't seem "right" for 'The Office'.
It just seems like a desperate move to keep a big-money show going.
Hey, if they wanted to maintain a crazy office environment why not hire Charlie Sheen?
Charlie Sheen in Scranton...in one word....Winning!
Friday, April 8, 2011
"All Things TV"---New late night king....Jimmy Kimmel!
He doesn't have the gravitas of NBC's Jay Leno or CBS' David Letterman, and isn't as well known as TBS' Conan O'Brien but to me the new king of late night is . . .ABC's Jimmy Kimmel!
OK, that is a lot of call letters, but to me Kimmel is simply the freshest thing going on late-night TV and has the best combination of solid interviewing skills and funny skits around.
Perhaps the most important gauge I have for enjoying Kimmel the most is that I often search for his segments on the internet. I also still go around the house yelling "Barbra Streisand!" "Tom Hanks!" or "We're going to Australia!" thanks to a recent clip his show put together on Oprah.
Luckily my wife knows why I am yelling, though the cat often runs away from me in fear. If only munchkin knew there was nothing to fear because "Oprah's here!"
And I OWN that, by the way...which could be a Dr. Phil'ism...but back to my point.
Being from NY, I never cared for Leno's act of trying to be a regular guy and having lived in Sacramento for many years Southern California was not my kind of place.
I LOVED Letterman growing up, but in recent years he has become bitter and kind of sleazy and I think it has crept onto the air to some extent.
I miss his cute and funny side and wish he would have avoided tearing down Sarah Palin and stayed away from politics...though that could just be me...lol.
I knew I would have trouble following Conan to TBS, and I have...so I have to say that Kimmel is now my fave late night host.
He has traps to fall into too, however, as Kimmel's ex is the far-lefty Sarah Silverman and one of his best friends is the "anything goes" atheist Howard Stern.
I hope Kimmel avoids going down either of these paths on the air, or I will find Conan again.
And I mean it...COCO!
OK, that is a lot of call letters, but to me Kimmel is simply the freshest thing going on late-night TV and has the best combination of solid interviewing skills and funny skits around.
Perhaps the most important gauge I have for enjoying Kimmel the most is that I often search for his segments on the internet. I also still go around the house yelling "Barbra Streisand!" "Tom Hanks!" or "We're going to Australia!" thanks to a recent clip his show put together on Oprah.
Luckily my wife knows why I am yelling, though the cat often runs away from me in fear. If only munchkin knew there was nothing to fear because "Oprah's here!"
And I OWN that, by the way...which could be a Dr. Phil'ism...but back to my point.
Being from NY, I never cared for Leno's act of trying to be a regular guy and having lived in Sacramento for many years Southern California was not my kind of place.
I LOVED Letterman growing up, but in recent years he has become bitter and kind of sleazy and I think it has crept onto the air to some extent.
I miss his cute and funny side and wish he would have avoided tearing down Sarah Palin and stayed away from politics...though that could just be me...lol.
I knew I would have trouble following Conan to TBS, and I have...so I have to say that Kimmel is now my fave late night host.
He has traps to fall into too, however, as Kimmel's ex is the far-lefty Sarah Silverman and one of his best friends is the "anything goes" atheist Howard Stern.
I hope Kimmel avoids going down either of these paths on the air, or I will find Conan again.
And I mean it...COCO!
Thursday, April 7, 2011
"All Things TV"---If you are going to criticize...
I recently decided I wanted to push myself in an effort to draw more readers to this blog and also see if I was still any good at being on camera.
I got in touch with Dick Woelfle and asked for some ideas. Woelfle runs the successful tvandvideoguide.com channel, which provides links to live news, sports and entertainment TV channels.
It's an amazing resource that costs just $25 per year. Just the NFL football package on DirecTV costs $300 or so bucks, for instance, and with this you get so much more...and for so much less dough!
Anyway, Dick was good enough to offer me a slot each month to talk about what is going on in the world of sports and pump up my blog spot. It was a very generous offer from a person I had never talked to before.
I am going to do my best not to let him down and do a decent "job".
Let me know what you think ... go to tvandvideoguide.com and try to catch my sports segment beginning Thursday night.
Feel free to laugh at me, with me or just give me a tough time for my New York accent.
If I mumble, stumble or fumble over my words....blast me!
Whatever you do, however, don't sign up for tvandvideoguide.com there...do it HERE instead to help support me...lol!
thanks for reading and tty Friday!
I got in touch with Dick Woelfle and asked for some ideas. Woelfle runs the successful tvandvideoguide.com channel, which provides links to live news, sports and entertainment TV channels.
It's an amazing resource that costs just $25 per year. Just the NFL football package on DirecTV costs $300 or so bucks, for instance, and with this you get so much more...and for so much less dough!
Anyway, Dick was good enough to offer me a slot each month to talk about what is going on in the world of sports and pump up my blog spot. It was a very generous offer from a person I had never talked to before.
I am going to do my best not to let him down and do a decent "job".
Let me know what you think ... go to tvandvideoguide.com and try to catch my sports segment beginning Thursday night.
Feel free to laugh at me, with me or just give me a tough time for my New York accent.
If I mumble, stumble or fumble over my words....blast me!
Whatever you do, however, don't sign up for tvandvideoguide.com there...do it HERE instead to help support me...lol!
thanks for reading and tty Friday!
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
"All Things TV"---Glenn Beck...you will be missed!
You stood up for President Bush for being the good man he is and great leader he was.
You also took on the task of warning Americans about the threat of the deficit and the fear you have about America walking away from Jesus Christ and His values.
For those two reasons alone you will be missed Glenn Beck.
Beck issued a press release today indicating he would be leaving FOX News and his 5p nightly program.
I did not watch him all the time, nor even often of late, but I praise Beck for fighting the good fight for as long as he did.
We are in deep trouble as a country no matter how hard we try to avoid looking at the issues and the problems we face.
You didn't avoid controversy, and often tackled the most difficult topics around.
Thanks Glenn Beck...I'll miss you!
tty Thurs....
You also took on the task of warning Americans about the threat of the deficit and the fear you have about America walking away from Jesus Christ and His values.
For those two reasons alone you will be missed Glenn Beck.
Beck issued a press release today indicating he would be leaving FOX News and his 5p nightly program.
I did not watch him all the time, nor even often of late, but I praise Beck for fighting the good fight for as long as he did.
We are in deep trouble as a country no matter how hard we try to avoid looking at the issues and the problems we face.
You didn't avoid controversy, and often tackled the most difficult topics around.
Thanks Glenn Beck...I'll miss you!
tty Thurs....
Monday, April 4, 2011
"All Things TV"---Great night in sports
This HAS to be one of the best nights of the year to watch sports.
The NCAA title game, for starters, should be terrific with the legendary UConn coach Jim Calhoun matching wits with a guy half his age in Butler's Brad Stevens.
Can Kemba Walker lead UConn to another big win, or will Butler tear down the net in its second straight finals appearance?
The game will air on CBS around 9:30 p.m. ET
By then, I will be in either a good mood or foul one, pardon the basketball pun, depending on what "my" N.Y. Rangers do against the "Bahston" Bruins in a Monday night tilt on Versus.
The Rangers will either strengthen their bid for the playoffs or continue their maddening up and down play.
That game starts at 7 p.m. on Channel 9124 on U-Verse...just kidding, it's channel 1640.
No....not 1940 you Islanders fans!
Much easier to remember at 1640, right?
I am sure I am forgetting stuff, but my last game of interest takes place at 7p when the Yanks and Twins square off on ESPN.
The Yanks are off to a pretty good start at 2-1 and would love to put some early season distance between them and the Red "Sawx", who are off to a blistering (NOT!) start at 0-3.
Uneasy lies the head of the favorite, which Boston clearly is this season according to many pundits.
An easy way to enjoy all the games is with tvandvideoguide.com. Click the banner above and get great sports and entertainment programming year round for just $25.
An amazing deal from an amazing website...which I hope to appear on soon with my own sports segment!
That should help sales...or put an end to my career...lol!
Great night in sports...to heck with another Boston reference...that is the replay of the Kennedys series on Reelz!
Perhaps more on that Tuesday....thanks for reading!
The NCAA title game, for starters, should be terrific with the legendary UConn coach Jim Calhoun matching wits with a guy half his age in Butler's Brad Stevens.
Can Kemba Walker lead UConn to another big win, or will Butler tear down the net in its second straight finals appearance?
The game will air on CBS around 9:30 p.m. ET
By then, I will be in either a good mood or foul one, pardon the basketball pun, depending on what "my" N.Y. Rangers do against the "Bahston" Bruins in a Monday night tilt on Versus.
The Rangers will either strengthen their bid for the playoffs or continue their maddening up and down play.
That game starts at 7 p.m. on Channel 9124 on U-Verse...just kidding, it's channel 1640.
No....not 1940 you Islanders fans!
Much easier to remember at 1640, right?
I am sure I am forgetting stuff, but my last game of interest takes place at 7p when the Yanks and Twins square off on ESPN.
The Yanks are off to a pretty good start at 2-1 and would love to put some early season distance between them and the Red "Sawx", who are off to a blistering (NOT!) start at 0-3.
Uneasy lies the head of the favorite, which Boston clearly is this season according to many pundits.
An easy way to enjoy all the games is with tvandvideoguide.com. Click the banner above and get great sports and entertainment programming year round for just $25.
An amazing deal from an amazing website...which I hope to appear on soon with my own sports segment!
That should help sales...or put an end to my career...lol!
Great night in sports...to heck with another Boston reference...that is the replay of the Kennedys series on Reelz!
Perhaps more on that Tuesday....thanks for reading!
Saturday, April 2, 2011
"All Things TV"---He "A-Piers" To Be Trying Too Hard
Piers Morgan is good...maybe even VERY good on television.
But the newly-minted CNN talk show host is certainly not great and may not ever reach that level.
I write this because Piers tries to put off an aura of greatness that he simply can't deliver on, not yet, and perhaps not ever.
That isn't a knock, because the former "Celebrity Apprentice" winner and "America's Got Talent" judge is Simon Cowell-esque in the presence he brings to the programs he appears on.
Like him, or hate him, you can't ignore Cowell...or Morgan, who took over for Larry King, for that matter.
Well, actually, Morgan is fairly easy to ignore since he appears for just an hour per weeknight with some of the most important entertainment and news figures around.
Piers may find this hard to believe, but his impact on the TV world is pretty slim due to competition from FOX News and all the other programming on at night, however.
Morgan is a good interviewer, even if he occasionally verbally steps on his guest while he/she is speaking, but if a tree falls in the forest...as the old expression goes...with CNN's anemic ratings...
His initial challenge of taking on Howard Stern as "King of all Media" was ridiculous, for instance.
Whatever you think of Stern, he has built a huge audience over decades due to hard work and filling a "culture" void, as rude and crude as he can be.
There is simply no such gap existing for Morgan to fill, nor is he driving the right vehicle to have the impact Stern had or has.
What Piers should do is continue to build his show into a solid choice for viewers to tune in to with steady, capable and entertaining work.
There's nothing wrong with being good, or even very good.
Pretending to be great, however, can be tough to watch.
Tty again Monday!
But the newly-minted CNN talk show host is certainly not great and may not ever reach that level.
I write this because Piers tries to put off an aura of greatness that he simply can't deliver on, not yet, and perhaps not ever.
That isn't a knock, because the former "Celebrity Apprentice" winner and "America's Got Talent" judge is Simon Cowell-esque in the presence he brings to the programs he appears on.
Like him, or hate him, you can't ignore Cowell...or Morgan, who took over for Larry King, for that matter.
Well, actually, Morgan is fairly easy to ignore since he appears for just an hour per weeknight with some of the most important entertainment and news figures around.
Piers may find this hard to believe, but his impact on the TV world is pretty slim due to competition from FOX News and all the other programming on at night, however.
Morgan is a good interviewer, even if he occasionally verbally steps on his guest while he/she is speaking, but if a tree falls in the forest...as the old expression goes...with CNN's anemic ratings...
His initial challenge of taking on Howard Stern as "King of all Media" was ridiculous, for instance.
Whatever you think of Stern, he has built a huge audience over decades due to hard work and filling a "culture" void, as rude and crude as he can be.
There is simply no such gap existing for Morgan to fill, nor is he driving the right vehicle to have the impact Stern had or has.
What Piers should do is continue to build his show into a solid choice for viewers to tune in to with steady, capable and entertaining work.
There's nothing wrong with being good, or even very good.
Pretending to be great, however, can be tough to watch.
Tty again Monday!
Friday, April 1, 2011
"All Things TV" Bits and Pieces
It's time for a blog with some random thoughts....hope it doesn't turn into one of Larry King's old columns with such doozies like "I love the taste of white chocolate"...or something like that.
For starters, nice to see Dennis Rodman honored by the Pistons tonight by hanging his jersey in the rafters. One of the great all-time rebounders in the game, Rodman was a remarkable player who didn't need to engage in the on and off court nonsense he did. Being great at his craft should have been enough...
Rodman was part of the early heyday of reality TV, which is really no better now than it ever was. In fact, it is even more pervasive and in some cases, sicker than ever. Girls getting pregnant as a means to possibly make it on an MTV program about the subject is truly disgusting. If they are making some money off the show, it doesn't appear to worth the mess their lives have become.
Maybe I'm getting tired tonight but that Brawny ad for picking up messes strikes me as funny as the cartoon logger sings "call on me brother...when you need something strong"...like I said....may be getting tired here.
My friend, Deb in California is NEVER tired however and I always appreciate her wise comments and wise cracks for that matter. She agreed with my changing channels blog in which I lamented about how NBC is Channel 4 in New York, but 3 in Sacramento, for example.
"What is equally frustrating is the advent of cable and satellite television. If you switch providers, the channel numbers sometimes change. So, you don't even have to move anymore to experience having to learn a new set of channel numbers...just switch your television provider. What frustrates me more than that though, is the time thing. My favorite shows are on at a certain time. If I go to the Bay area, they are an hour earlier. This has nothing to do with the time zones as we are the same here as the Bay Area. Again, it's a cable/satellite provider issue. Wouldn't it be nice if they just kept things the same? I think they like to confuse us on purpose. LOL!"
Good stuff Deb...keep those thoughts coming and we'll blog again Saturday!
For starters, nice to see Dennis Rodman honored by the Pistons tonight by hanging his jersey in the rafters. One of the great all-time rebounders in the game, Rodman was a remarkable player who didn't need to engage in the on and off court nonsense he did. Being great at his craft should have been enough...
Rodman was part of the early heyday of reality TV, which is really no better now than it ever was. In fact, it is even more pervasive and in some cases, sicker than ever. Girls getting pregnant as a means to possibly make it on an MTV program about the subject is truly disgusting. If they are making some money off the show, it doesn't appear to worth the mess their lives have become.
Maybe I'm getting tired tonight but that Brawny ad for picking up messes strikes me as funny as the cartoon logger sings "call on me brother...when you need something strong"...like I said....may be getting tired here.
My friend, Deb in California is NEVER tired however and I always appreciate her wise comments and wise cracks for that matter. She agreed with my changing channels blog in which I lamented about how NBC is Channel 4 in New York, but 3 in Sacramento, for example.
"What is equally frustrating is the advent of cable and satellite television. If you switch providers, the channel numbers sometimes change. So, you don't even have to move anymore to experience having to learn a new set of channel numbers...just switch your television provider. What frustrates me more than that though, is the time thing. My favorite shows are on at a certain time. If I go to the Bay area, they are an hour earlier. This has nothing to do with the time zones as we are the same here as the Bay Area. Again, it's a cable/satellite provider issue. Wouldn't it be nice if they just kept things the same? I think they like to confuse us on purpose. LOL!"
Good stuff Deb...keep those thoughts coming and we'll blog again Saturday!
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