Well, this is pretty cool ...
I was working late Friday night when I noticed several tweets referencing John Mayer performing "American Pie" on the Late Show with David Letterman. And the reviews were positive.
So tonight, Kates and I were catching up on TV and knocking things off our DVR when I cued up Mayer's performance.
The chills started running up and down my spine the moment he started in on this classic, and the feeling continued almost non-stop as Mayer pushed through every verse.
Enjoy.
Showing posts with label Letterman. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Letterman. Show all posts
11.13.2014
Kicking it with The New Pornographers
There’s something about attending concerts in Omaha during the fall. I’ve attended three shows there, and all of them rank among my favorites.
Jars of Clay. “Much Afraid” tour. Aksarben. 1997.
Ben Folds Five. “Reinhold Messner” tour. Sokol Auditorium. 1999.
This week, I added The New Pornographers to the list. For their “Brill Bruisers” tour. At the Slowdown.
Not only did I add it to my list of great – fantastic, really – concerts I’ve attended, I knocked The New Pornographers – one of my favorite bands ever – off my concert bucket list.
Of course, I’ve been eyeing the opportunity since it was announced last summer. I held out on buying a ticket to be sure my schedule would allow it and Kates was ok was it. Then I pounced on a $28 ticket Monday night and was good to go. … On a sidenote, I gained admission at the venue by having the ticket downloaded on my iPhone and a woman scanned the QR code – on my phone – as I came through the door. Two thoughts about that – it blows my mind that we can do that, but it saddens me that collecting ticket stubs will never be the same.
And, holy man, I got my money’s worth.
When it was over, I didn’t want to leave. As many of my favorite concerts go, it was an unbelievable experience for me to see all of those artists together, on the same stage and be in their presence was amazing.
For all of their talent and successes as individual artists, it was fascinating to watch the eight of them – Neko Case, Carl Newman, Kathryn Calder, Dan Bejar, John Collins, Blaine Thurier, Todd Fancey and newest member Joe Seiders – on stage as a cohesive unit. They’re a musical machine. ... Admittedly, I was relieved and overjoyed to see Case join them, knowing the indie star she's become and that she performs sparingly with the band. ... For a taste, check out their 2007 show at Webster Hall.
Take this from a Milwaukee radio station where they played a session today before performing at the Pabst tonight ...
They kicked things off with, not surprisingly, with “Brill Bruisers,” their head-banging rocker that also launches their newest album of the same name. Then they rolled through “Myriad Harbour,” “Use It” and “Moves” – four of my favorites right off the bat – and I knew quickly that I was in for a memorable night.
Every song felt more epic than the one before. And every song was upbeat, with the exception of “Adventures in Solitude,” which began with a luscious, twinkling arrangement featuring Newman on an acoustic guitar and Calder on the keyboard.
Bejar joined the band on stage only for the songs on which he sang lead vocals – “Myriad Harbour,” “War On the East Coast” and “Born With a Sound” being my favorites – but every time he did was like a shot of candy for the audience.
They ended the first set with a sped up “Mass Romantic” that was so delightful it was among my favorites of the entire night. (Check out this video of the band performing it in Colorado last month for a whiff of my experience) I’m including “Backstairs” – a perfect example of the band playing as a cohesive unit – on that list, too.
They played two encores, ending the first with “Bleeding Heart Show” – arguably their most popular song – which the crowd began begging to hear just a few songs into the show. Early in the first encore, Newman finally answered another request by leaning into the mic and saying, politely, “Just wait a few minutes.” When they did play it, it was just as fantastic as I had hoped I thought they were going to blow the roof off the place.
Here’s a review from the Omaha World-Herald with which I agree almost word for word …
I can’t agree, however, with the reviewer’s take on the opening band, The Pains of Being Pure at Heart. I hadn’t heard of them until last night, but think Duran Duran or INXS with a hint of Belle and Sebastian. There were few bright spots, and mostly their performance came across to me as pretentious, grating and forgettable. The lead vocalist and guitarist clearly was the decision maker of the group and seemed to take himself a little too seriously. To his left was the female vocalist who never touched an instrument, swayed her hips like a wind-up doll and was terribly pitchy. At stage right were a second guitarist and bass player who played along obediently. Only the drummer was somewhat interesting to watch.
After watching The Pains, it was more than a relief to see the New Pornographers come on and play such a great show.
In the moments of watching The New Pornographers, I had thought they played more of the “Bill Bruisers” album. Looking at the setlist now, they played almost half the songs on the new album, but I also would’ve enjoyed hearing “Fantasy Fools,” “Marching Orders” and “Wide Eyes.”
It’s only now – with my New Pornographers library playing on shuffle as I write this – that I am realizing all the great songs they didn’t play. I also would have enjoyed hearing “My Rights Versus Yours,” “All The Old Showstoppers,” “Go Places,” “All The Things That Go to Make Heaven and Earth,” “Daughters of Sorrow,” “A Bite Out of My Bed,” “Your Hands (Together)” or “Jessica Numbers.” I would have been surprised to hear them play “Failsafe,” given its musical style compared to most of their stuff, but would have welcomed it, too.
I also can’t help but think, with last night’s New Pornographers show, about the concert streak I’ve been on for the last year and a half. A concert streak that I pin the start on Fun at Summerfest two summers ago. Since then? Guster at Summerfest on the Fourth of July. Ben Folds at the Kauffman Center with the Kansas City Symphony. Ingrid Michaelson at Summerfest. Nickel Creek at Kansas City’s Uptown Theater. And Tuesday night The New Pornographers.
Really, I could have listened and watched them perform for two more hours. Indeed, Newman, during a break late in the show, stopped and looked across the space, musing, “So many songs to pick from.”
Here’s the setlist:
1. Brill Bruisers
2. Myriad Harbour
3. Use It
4. Moves
5. War On the East Coast
6. The Bones of an Idol
7. Jackie, Dressed in Cobras
8. Another Drug Deal of the Heart
9. The Laws Have Changed
10. You Tell Me Where
11. Testament to Youth in Verse
12. Crash Years
13. Adventures in Solitude
14. Jackie
15. Sweet Talk, Sweet Talk
16. Backstairs
17. Silver Jenny Dollar
18. Champions of Red Wine
19. Born With a Sound
20. Mass Romantic
Encore 1
21. Challengers
22. Dancehall Domine
23. The Bleeding Heart Show
Encore 2
24. Sing Me Spanish Techno
25. The Slow Descent Into Alcoholism
About that new album …
Aside from hearing the “Brill Bruisers” single and seeing them perform it on “The Late Show with David Letterman” ...
... my first listen of the album didn’t come until Monday night, via YouTube, while I was buying my ticket and getting myself psyched for the show.
I enjoy it so much, I bought the CD with little hesitation at the merchandise booth after the show. And I’ve been listening to it on repeat ever since. Indeed, it's a celebration album, and I hear ‘70s music influences all over the place, from ELO, to Fleetwood Mac, to ABBA and even The Carpenters. It’s officially my favorite New Pornographers album.
A great review from the folks at Paste …. (along with another good read about the making of it.)
Jars of Clay. “Much Afraid” tour. Aksarben. 1997.
Ben Folds Five. “Reinhold Messner” tour. Sokol Auditorium. 1999.
This week, I added The New Pornographers to the list. For their “Brill Bruisers” tour. At the Slowdown.
Not only did I add it to my list of great – fantastic, really – concerts I’ve attended, I knocked The New Pornographers – one of my favorite bands ever – off my concert bucket list.
Of course, I’ve been eyeing the opportunity since it was announced last summer. I held out on buying a ticket to be sure my schedule would allow it and Kates was ok was it. Then I pounced on a $28 ticket Monday night and was good to go. … On a sidenote, I gained admission at the venue by having the ticket downloaded on my iPhone and a woman scanned the QR code – on my phone – as I came through the door. Two thoughts about that – it blows my mind that we can do that, but it saddens me that collecting ticket stubs will never be the same.
And, holy man, I got my money’s worth.
When it was over, I didn’t want to leave. As many of my favorite concerts go, it was an unbelievable experience for me to see all of those artists together, on the same stage and be in their presence was amazing.
For all of their talent and successes as individual artists, it was fascinating to watch the eight of them – Neko Case, Carl Newman, Kathryn Calder, Dan Bejar, John Collins, Blaine Thurier, Todd Fancey and newest member Joe Seiders – on stage as a cohesive unit. They’re a musical machine. ... Admittedly, I was relieved and overjoyed to see Case join them, knowing the indie star she's become and that she performs sparingly with the band. ... For a taste, check out their 2007 show at Webster Hall.
Take this from a Milwaukee radio station where they played a session today before performing at the Pabst tonight ...
The New Pornographers – fifteen years on – have been slugging it out longer than most groups, indie, super or otherwise; longer than the Beatles, Pixies, Smiths or Nirvana held it together. Comprised of largely Canadians of superlative musical lineage (Destroyer, Limblifter, Neko Case, A.C. Newman) the band released their sixth album – BBrill Bruisers – in late August and it continued an upward trend as their highest reaching US chart position, cracking the US Top 20 Album chart – their third to crack the Top 40 album charts – but really, who cares about the charts these days?
What's most remarkable about New Pornographers is that this is a SIDE GIG, what's usually a lark, maybe good for an album or two (still awaiting the THIRD Raconteurs album?) has become an ongoing concern with a catalog packing more power-pop hooks than a tackle box over six delightful albums. And while their longevity is in itself notable, critical acclaim has been overwhelming, with a career Metacritic score just shy of 80/100; their first four albums were on Village Voice's Pazz & Jop Poll, the year-end aggregation of hundreds of critics. If the band was a human being, they'd be getting their learner's permit.”Every song last night sounded fresh with new flourishes of guitar and keyboard melodies and vocal harmonies that differed from their recorded originals. If it hadn't been for the strict no-video policy Tuesday night, I would have an awful lot of video evidence to share.
They kicked things off with, not surprisingly, with “Brill Bruisers,” their head-banging rocker that also launches their newest album of the same name. Then they rolled through “Myriad Harbour,” “Use It” and “Moves” – four of my favorites right off the bat – and I knew quickly that I was in for a memorable night.
Every song felt more epic than the one before. And every song was upbeat, with the exception of “Adventures in Solitude,” which began with a luscious, twinkling arrangement featuring Newman on an acoustic guitar and Calder on the keyboard.
Bejar joined the band on stage only for the songs on which he sang lead vocals – “Myriad Harbour,” “War On the East Coast” and “Born With a Sound” being my favorites – but every time he did was like a shot of candy for the audience.
They ended the first set with a sped up “Mass Romantic” that was so delightful it was among my favorites of the entire night. (Check out this video of the band performing it in Colorado last month for a whiff of my experience) I’m including “Backstairs” – a perfect example of the band playing as a cohesive unit – on that list, too.
They played two encores, ending the first with “Bleeding Heart Show” – arguably their most popular song – which the crowd began begging to hear just a few songs into the show. Early in the first encore, Newman finally answered another request by leaning into the mic and saying, politely, “Just wait a few minutes.” When they did play it, it was just as fantastic as I had hoped I thought they were going to blow the roof off the place.
Here’s a review from the Omaha World-Herald with which I agree almost word for word …
What a tight band. Four slamming singers, two banging guitarists, drums, bass and two members on keyboards and effects made for a fantastic tour through the band's catalog with a heavy emphasis on its latest album, “Brill Bruisers."As the reviewer noted, I, too enjoyed watching the group of fans “at stage right who bopped around, jumped up and danced like mad for the entire set. They were having the time of their lives, and it was inspirational.” In fact, much of the crowd last night seemed to be having the time of their lives. If my mouth wasn’t agape with awe, I was smiling in a euphoric state.
Four-part harmonies with Case, Newman, Bejar and Calder permeated the band's bouncey power pop. And with the exception of Bejar, even when they weren't in the spotlight, members of the band stayed front and center.
Arguably the biggest indie star onstage was Case and she often sang backing vocals or banged a tambourine when she wasn't lead.
I can’t agree, however, with the reviewer’s take on the opening band, The Pains of Being Pure at Heart. I hadn’t heard of them until last night, but think Duran Duran or INXS with a hint of Belle and Sebastian. There were few bright spots, and mostly their performance came across to me as pretentious, grating and forgettable. The lead vocalist and guitarist clearly was the decision maker of the group and seemed to take himself a little too seriously. To his left was the female vocalist who never touched an instrument, swayed her hips like a wind-up doll and was terribly pitchy. At stage right were a second guitarist and bass player who played along obediently. Only the drummer was somewhat interesting to watch.
After watching The Pains, it was more than a relief to see the New Pornographers come on and play such a great show.
In the moments of watching The New Pornographers, I had thought they played more of the “Bill Bruisers” album. Looking at the setlist now, they played almost half the songs on the new album, but I also would’ve enjoyed hearing “Fantasy Fools,” “Marching Orders” and “Wide Eyes.”
It’s only now – with my New Pornographers library playing on shuffle as I write this – that I am realizing all the great songs they didn’t play. I also would have enjoyed hearing “My Rights Versus Yours,” “All The Old Showstoppers,” “Go Places,” “All The Things That Go to Make Heaven and Earth,” “Daughters of Sorrow,” “A Bite Out of My Bed,” “Your Hands (Together)” or “Jessica Numbers.” I would have been surprised to hear them play “Failsafe,” given its musical style compared to most of their stuff, but would have welcomed it, too.
I also can’t help but think, with last night’s New Pornographers show, about the concert streak I’ve been on for the last year and a half. A concert streak that I pin the start on Fun at Summerfest two summers ago. Since then? Guster at Summerfest on the Fourth of July. Ben Folds at the Kauffman Center with the Kansas City Symphony. Ingrid Michaelson at Summerfest. Nickel Creek at Kansas City’s Uptown Theater. And Tuesday night The New Pornographers.
Really, I could have listened and watched them perform for two more hours. Indeed, Newman, during a break late in the show, stopped and looked across the space, musing, “So many songs to pick from.”
Here’s the setlist:
1. Brill Bruisers
2. Myriad Harbour
3. Use It
4. Moves
5. War On the East Coast
6. The Bones of an Idol
7. Jackie, Dressed in Cobras
8. Another Drug Deal of the Heart
9. The Laws Have Changed
10. You Tell Me Where
11. Testament to Youth in Verse
12. Crash Years
13. Adventures in Solitude
14. Jackie
15. Sweet Talk, Sweet Talk
16. Backstairs
17. Silver Jenny Dollar
18. Champions of Red Wine
19. Born With a Sound
20. Mass Romantic
Encore 1
21. Challengers
22. Dancehall Domine
23. The Bleeding Heart Show
Encore 2
24. Sing Me Spanish Techno
25. The Slow Descent Into Alcoholism
About that new album …
Aside from hearing the “Brill Bruisers” single and seeing them perform it on “The Late Show with David Letterman” ...
... my first listen of the album didn’t come until Monday night, via YouTube, while I was buying my ticket and getting myself psyched for the show.
I enjoy it so much, I bought the CD with little hesitation at the merchandise booth after the show. And I’ve been listening to it on repeat ever since. Indeed, it's a celebration album, and I hear ‘70s music influences all over the place, from ELO, to Fleetwood Mac, to ABBA and even The Carpenters. It’s officially my favorite New Pornographers album.
A great review from the folks at Paste …. (along with another good read about the making of it.)
Every one of their albums has been sequenced using the same precepts that Nick Hornby set up for mixtapes in the book High Fidelity: they start off with a corker of an opening track, rein it in on the next song and then move forward in incremental steps up or down in terms of energy to keep you (at least upon the first spin) guessing. What you listen closely for are the subtle shifts: the moments when Dan Bejar drops his toothsome power-pop gems into the mix, and how songwriter/leader AC Newman uses Neko Case’s pliable and powerful voice. Otherwise, the ride is comfortable and familiar.
All of that is in full flower on Brill Bruisers: the crashing title track opens the album before ceding the path to the lighter, Case-centric “Champions of Red Wine,” which sidles into the rough and steady caress of “Fantasy Fools.” Eventually Bejar shows up in his typical spot at track four with the crackling “War On The East Coast,” and on and on, back and forth until track 13, the Sweet-like stomp of “You Tell Me Where” fades into the distance.
8.19.2014
Shake It Off
Ferguson is still under protest. The Royals are still winning. And Taylor Swift is still cool – in my eyes at least.
In case you're living under a rock -- and if you are, you definitely wouldn't be reading this -- Taylor Swift unveiled her latest single yesterday. And, whaddaya know, it was trending today.
For the record, I watched it as I was getting ready to leave my office last night, and I love it.
The protests happening in Ferguson have me shaking my head. No one is blameless for what is happening there. But even then, the news media is fanning the flames of the situation as much as anyone.
Last night, I got caught watching the “breaking news” coverage – even though there was no breaking news to report when the news channel cut into the Late Show with David Letterman. An anchor on the station actually exclaimed, “Oh boy, here we go!” when law enforcement officers began firing teargas – as if it was the start of a Fourth of July fireworks display.
Now people who have no affiliation with Ferguson and possess a limited knowledge of the facts are joining in, and the protesters seem to be taking on a personality of little more than attention seekers.
Talk about police tactics all you want. I get that. But, based on my experiences, I also believe cases like the one involving Michael Brown almost always can be traced back to people who made poor choices and failed to abide by the law in the first place.
In the meantime, innocent people who live in Ferguson and have no association with the case are being portrayed in a harsh light. We know how they feel in The ‘Ville. I’m proud of our state, and it saddens me to see another one of our cities portrayed in the national media this way.
That’s all I have to say about that.
I had tuned into CBS to watch the Late Show, fully anticipating a tribute to Robin Williams because Letterman was in reruns when Williams passed last week.
As I wrote the other night, a Robin Williams appearance on Letterman was always special. Letterman begins talking about that feeling in the video below at the 6-minute mark.
Well, said Dave. There will never be another one like Robin Williams.
The Royals are hot. They’ve won eight straight series. They are the highest they’ve been above .500 since 1994 – I was there – and the Tigers continue to crumble. This is really fun.
Last night, via Royals beat writer Andy McCullough …
Yep. Good thing the Royals picked up Erik Kratz. And Josh Willingham, too.
How can you not root for the Royals right now?
In case you're living under a rock -- and if you are, you definitely wouldn't be reading this -- Taylor Swift unveiled her latest single yesterday. And, whaddaya know, it was trending today.
For the record, I watched it as I was getting ready to leave my office last night, and I love it.
* * *
The protests happening in Ferguson have me shaking my head. No one is blameless for what is happening there. But even then, the news media is fanning the flames of the situation as much as anyone.
Last night, I got caught watching the “breaking news” coverage – even though there was no breaking news to report when the news channel cut into the Late Show with David Letterman. An anchor on the station actually exclaimed, “Oh boy, here we go!” when law enforcement officers began firing teargas – as if it was the start of a Fourth of July fireworks display.
Now people who have no affiliation with Ferguson and possess a limited knowledge of the facts are joining in, and the protesters seem to be taking on a personality of little more than attention seekers.
Talk about police tactics all you want. I get that. But, based on my experiences, I also believe cases like the one involving Michael Brown almost always can be traced back to people who made poor choices and failed to abide by the law in the first place.
In the meantime, innocent people who live in Ferguson and have no association with the case are being portrayed in a harsh light. We know how they feel in The ‘Ville. I’m proud of our state, and it saddens me to see another one of our cities portrayed in the national media this way.
That’s all I have to say about that.
* * *
I had tuned into CBS to watch the Late Show, fully anticipating a tribute to Robin Williams because Letterman was in reruns when Williams passed last week.
As I wrote the other night, a Robin Williams appearance on Letterman was always special. Letterman begins talking about that feeling in the video below at the 6-minute mark.
Well, said Dave. There will never be another one like Robin Williams.
* * *
The Royals are hot. They’ve won eight straight series. They are the highest they’ve been above .500 since 1994 – I was there – and the Tigers continue to crumble. This is really fun.
Last night, via Royals beat writer Andy McCullough …
The Royals second half in a nutshell: Salvador Perez tweaks his knee. His late-game replacement homers. Twice. http://t.co/GVbgKGdPwC
— Andy McCullough (@McCulloughStar) August 19, 2014
As he wrote in his game recap ... The sequence confirmed the blessed fortune shining on the Royals, even as the events hinted at the organization’s darkest fear. In the seventh inning of a 6-4 victory over Minnesota on Monday, Salvador Perez stood inside the dugout with his shirt untucked and his right knee sore. It was his turn to bat. He would not. Instead Erik Kratz, a 34-year-old backup acquired last month, headed to the plate.
Yep. Good thing the Royals picked up Erik Kratz. And Josh Willingham, too.
How can you not root for the Royals right now?
If they're able to finish the deal, it will be impossible to measure the emotion, not just in the executive offices, not just in the clubhouse, but also in the community. Remember what it was like in Pittsburgh last fall when that ballpark was full and fans were rocking the place to its bones? That's what it'll be like in Kansas City, too. …
The Royals have been through so much these last 29 years, endured so much hope and so much disappointment. Maybe, just maybe, that'll make the endgame that much sweeter. Maybe this time it'll work out in a way that makes all that patience seem worthwhile.
8.11.2014
In the first place ...
My social media feeds are blowing up tonight on three subjects, and nothing else.
A few minutes before 6 tonight I had one of those jaw-dropping, take-your-breath-away moments that come every so often when a piece of shocking news pops up on my TweetDeck ...
I was introduced to Robin Williams as a kid through reruns of "Mork & Mindy." This scene was one of the first I remember. ... It remains one of my favorites and still makes me laugh to this day ...
Here's the entire pilot episode, which also included the hilarious crossover bit with "Happy Days'" Fonzi and "Laverne & Shirley's" Laverne. ... YouTube is loaded with this stuff.
Then came "Good Morning, Vietnam."
"Dead Poet's Society."
"Aladdin."
"Mrs. Doubtfire."
And of course, "Good Will Hunting."
Among a load of others I'm thinking I should see.
There also was his hilarious turn with Billy Crystal on "Friends." Another classic.
In college, I listened to a cassette tape of "A Night at the Met" for the first time, and I laughed so hard I cried.
And I whenever I saw he was appearing on the "Late Show with David Letterman," I was sure not to miss it, knowing I was guaranteed a solid 10 minutes of laughter. ... I'm sad none of those nights are left.
Rest in peace, Robin.
Good reads (Updated 08.13.2014) ...
= Robin Williams, Oscar-Winning Actor, Dies at 63 in Suspected Suicide
= "Mork & Mindy" and the Tireless Dervish That Was Robin Williams
= Conan, Jimmy Fallon, Seth Meyers Pay Tribute to Robin Williams'
= Steve Martin, Ellen DeGeneres, more react to death of Robin Williams
= Watch Robin Williams' 13 Funniest Impressions
I had one of my longer board meetings tonight and arrived home in time to say good night to the girls. I read stories with Faye and put her to bed while Kates did the same with Phoebe. Then Kates went back to her classroom to work, and I retreated downstairs in time to catch the last two innings of the Royals game.
The Royals were up 3-2 as I watched them send down the A's in the eighth inning and then hold on in the ninth. The Kauffman Stadium crowd was chanting "Let's go Royals" so loudly and so in unison -- I didn't know Kauffman Stadium could be so loud. It was so awesome and it gave me chills. ...
So steady, Greg Holland put a cap on it, getting the final batter to fly out to Jarrod Dyson ... Who caught the ball, paused and then did a black flip as the crowd erupted. ... A fantastic win.
Cue the old-time ball player to come out and post the W. And tonight he brought the Royals South Korean super fan with him, who jumped and celebrated on the deck like a maniac. ...
All along I had been following the Tigers-Pirates game on AtBat. The Tigers lost, which means the Royals are back in first place. ...The Tigers are stumbling, and Justin Verlander's durability is now a question.
Meanwhile, the third story blowing up my Twitter feed is the riots burning up Ferguson after the shooting of Michael Brown. ...
A few minutes before 6 tonight I had one of those jaw-dropping, take-your-breath-away moments that come every so often when a piece of shocking news pops up on my TweetDeck ...
#BREAKING Actor Robin Williams found dead at home in Tiburon. Watch NBC Bay Area News at 5 for the latest: http://t.co/sifLTrKhwU
— NBC Bay Area (@nbcbayarea) August 11, 2014
I was introduced to Robin Williams as a kid through reruns of "Mork & Mindy." This scene was one of the first I remember. ... It remains one of my favorites and still makes me laugh to this day ...
Here's the entire pilot episode, which also included the hilarious crossover bit with "Happy Days'" Fonzi and "Laverne & Shirley's" Laverne. ... YouTube is loaded with this stuff.
Then came "Good Morning, Vietnam."
"Dead Poet's Society."
"Aladdin."
"Mrs. Doubtfire."
And of course, "Good Will Hunting."
Among a load of others I'm thinking I should see.
There also was his hilarious turn with Billy Crystal on "Friends." Another classic.
In college, I listened to a cassette tape of "A Night at the Met" for the first time, and I laughed so hard I cried.
And I whenever I saw he was appearing on the "Late Show with David Letterman," I was sure not to miss it, knowing I was guaranteed a solid 10 minutes of laughter. ... I'm sad none of those nights are left.
Rest in peace, Robin.
Good reads (Updated 08.13.2014) ...
= Robin Williams, Oscar-Winning Actor, Dies at 63 in Suspected Suicide
= "Mork & Mindy" and the Tireless Dervish That Was Robin Williams
= Conan, Jimmy Fallon, Seth Meyers Pay Tribute to Robin Williams'
= Steve Martin, Ellen DeGeneres, more react to death of Robin Williams
= Watch Robin Williams' 13 Funniest Impressions
* * *
I had one of my longer board meetings tonight and arrived home in time to say good night to the girls. I read stories with Faye and put her to bed while Kates did the same with Phoebe. Then Kates went back to her classroom to work, and I retreated downstairs in time to catch the last two innings of the Royals game.
The Royals were up 3-2 as I watched them send down the A's in the eighth inning and then hold on in the ninth. The Kauffman Stadium crowd was chanting "Let's go Royals" so loudly and so in unison -- I didn't know Kauffman Stadium could be so loud. It was so awesome and it gave me chills. ...
There are only goosebumps where my skin used to be. #1stPlaceRoyals
— Royals Nation (@RoyalsNation) August 12, 2014
So steady, Greg Holland put a cap on it, getting the final batter to fly out to Jarrod Dyson ... Who caught the ball, paused and then did a black flip as the crowd erupted. ... A fantastic win.
Jarrod Dyson just caught last out of Royals win in CF.. And did a back flip.. KC has won 8 straight, 16 of 19.. They're in 1st place!!
— Rob Carlin (@RobCarlinCSN) August 12, 2014
Cue the old-time ball player to come out and post the W. And tonight he brought the Royals South Korean super fan with him, who jumped and celebrated on the deck like a maniac. ...
Has anyone started a @kickstarter campaign to move @Koreanfan_KC & his family to KC? I'm serious.
— Andrew Zimmerman (@AndyZKCTV5) August 12, 2014
All along I had been following the Tigers-Pirates game on AtBat. The Tigers lost, which means the Royals are back in first place. ...The Tigers are stumbling, and Justin Verlander's durability is now a question.
Your new 2nd wild card team, Detroit Tigers.
— Blair Kerkhoff (@BlairKerkhoff) August 12, 2014
It's August and MO has a baseball team leading their division. That's normal, right? Oh, wait....which team? #Royals
— Ryan Silvey (@RyanSilvey) August 12, 2014
Meanwhile, the third story blowing up my Twitter feed is the riots burning up Ferguson after the shooting of Michael Brown. ...
Nat'l Media stuck on Robin Williams while Police is Ferguson, MO are shooting tear gas & rubber bullets at protesters. #TVJOURNALISMFAIL
— Donnell (@SoKo504) August 12, 2014
4.10.2014
Say it ain't so, Dave!
Just the other night, Kates and I were discussing David Letterman and wondering how long he would continue his Late Show. It was only a matter of time, I figured, that he would retire.
Last week, Dave announced his retirement. I purposely waited to post anything here before I could watch his retirement announcement episode on our DVR. I wanted to see the show for myself. Last night, I finally watched it.
I guess the clock is really ticking now on my bucket list item to attend a taping of the Late Show.
Fast forward to today, and CBS has announced Stephen Colbert will take over for Letterman. I don't approve.
As one of my media friends put it in a tweet today: Congratulations Jimmy Fallon ... Jimmy Fallon is clearly the new golden boy and ushering in a new era of late night TV.
Good reads ...
a David Letterman’s Legacy
a David Letterman to retire: 'His greatness will always be remembered'
a David Letterman's Top 10 Late Night Television Moments
a David Letterman: Last of the Stand-Up Guys
a 6 Iconic David Letterman Interviews
Last week, Dave announced his retirement. I purposely waited to post anything here before I could watch his retirement announcement episode on our DVR. I wanted to see the show for myself. Last night, I finally watched it.
I guess the clock is really ticking now on my bucket list item to attend a taping of the Late Show.
Fast forward to today, and CBS has announced Stephen Colbert will take over for Letterman. I don't approve.
As one of my media friends put it in a tweet today: Congratulations Jimmy Fallon ... Jimmy Fallon is clearly the new golden boy and ushering in a new era of late night TV.
Good reads ...
a David Letterman’s Legacy
a David Letterman to retire: 'His greatness will always be remembered'
a David Letterman's Top 10 Late Night Television Moments
a David Letterman: Last of the Stand-Up Guys
a 6 Iconic David Letterman Interviews
4.08.2014
Hank Aaron hits record-breaking 715th homer 40 years ago today
So 40 years ago today, Hank Aaron hit his 715th home run to break Babe Ruth's career record.
He's still the home run king in my book ...
Here's a good read about how Dusty Baker, Al Downing and Davey Lopes recall witnessing Hammerin' Hank passing The Babe. And here's the legendary Vin Scully's call.
And here's a great clip of Hank appearing on David Letterman's show in 1982.
He's still the home run king in my book ...
Here's a good read about how Dusty Baker, Al Downing and Davey Lopes recall witnessing Hammerin' Hank passing The Babe. And here's the legendary Vin Scully's call.
And here's a great clip of Hank appearing on David Letterman's show in 1982.
3.24.2014
Woman Performs Acrobatic Archery
I caught this a few weeks ago during its original airing on "Late Show," and was lucky enough to catch a repeat showing last week, which I played for Kates tonight.
This is arguably one of the most memorable things I've seen on Letterman ...
This is arguably one of the most memorable things I've seen on Letterman ...
2.10.2014
The Beatles at 50
I've been soaking up all the media buzz and reflection the last couple weeks about the 50th anniversary of The Beatles first trip to America and their legendary Ed Sullivan appearance.
Last night, we set our DVR to record "The Night That Changed America." We started it a couple after airtime after putting the girls to bed, and I was not going to bed until I watched every minute of it. So I was up until nearly 1 a.m.
Maroon 5's opening performance of "All My Loving," taking off a clip of The Beatles' original on Ed Sullivan was pretty great. And their follow-up of "Ticket to Ride" kept the energy going. The show was only getting started and I was already thinking Maroon 5's performance could be my favorite of the night.
Then Stevie Wonder cranks out his version of "We Can Work It Out." Jeff Lynne, Joe Walsh and Dhani Harrison performed "Something. John Mayer and Keith Urban did a fantastic "Don't Let Me Down." Imagine Dragons did a sweet acoustic take on "Revolution." But even after all that, I have to say Dave Grohl's "Hey Bulldog" was arguably my favorite performance -- not by a Beatle. I'll give a nod to Pharrell Williams and Brad Paisley for "Here Comes the Sun" as well -- a song that will always have a special place in my heart. And finally Gary Clark Jr., Grohl and Joe Walsh on "While My Guitar Gently Weeps." ... wow.
Ringo Starr's set was a charm with him arming the drum set for "Boys" and then leading the star-studded crowd in a sing-along of "Yellow Submarine." Paul McCartney's set, of course, was brilliant with "Birthday," "Get Back" and "I Saw Her Standing There."
The two of them teaming up on "Sgt. Pepper" and "A Little Help With My Friends" seemed like a fitting enough ending. ... Not so fast. How could they not end with a rousing sing-a-long of "Hey Jude." Complete with all the performers joining Paul and Ringo on stage, dancing in the aisles and Cirque performers twirling from the rafters. It was ... beautiful.
I found the conversations with David Letterman, Ringo Starr and Paul McCartney on the stage of the Ed Sullivan Theater particularly entertaining, as well as the interviews with audience members and crew members there that night . ... Letterman's Beatles Tribute Week, by the way, also has been excellent TV. Watching Letterman do his Late Show in that theater and thinking about the history of that stage still fascinates me.
Kudos do CBS for doing The Beatles legend right last night. It was 150 minutes of music magic.
(Updated 04.14.2014) Good reads & stuff ...
a Unpublished Images of the Beatles’ Historic First Trip to the U.S.
a Memories of the Beatles' US television debut
a Watch Rare Beatles Footage From 'The Ed Sullivan Show' in 1964
a 50 Years Later, Beatles Steal Another Show
a Fifty years ago today, the Beatles gave birth to a new world
a Historic Hysterics: Witnesses to a Really Big Show
a The Beatles, by the Numbers
a Love Them Do: The Story of the Beatles' Biggest Fans
a Jimmy Fallon and Fred Armisen Reimagine '@theBeatles' on '#Sullivan'
Last night, we set our DVR to record "The Night That Changed America." We started it a couple after airtime after putting the girls to bed, and I was not going to bed until I watched every minute of it. So I was up until nearly 1 a.m.
Maroon 5's opening performance of "All My Loving," taking off a clip of The Beatles' original on Ed Sullivan was pretty great. And their follow-up of "Ticket to Ride" kept the energy going. The show was only getting started and I was already thinking Maroon 5's performance could be my favorite of the night.
Then Stevie Wonder cranks out his version of "We Can Work It Out." Jeff Lynne, Joe Walsh and Dhani Harrison performed "Something. John Mayer and Keith Urban did a fantastic "Don't Let Me Down." Imagine Dragons did a sweet acoustic take on "Revolution." But even after all that, I have to say Dave Grohl's "Hey Bulldog" was arguably my favorite performance -- not by a Beatle. I'll give a nod to Pharrell Williams and Brad Paisley for "Here Comes the Sun" as well -- a song that will always have a special place in my heart. And finally Gary Clark Jr., Grohl and Joe Walsh on "While My Guitar Gently Weeps." ... wow.
Ringo Starr's set was a charm with him arming the drum set for "Boys" and then leading the star-studded crowd in a sing-along of "Yellow Submarine." Paul McCartney's set, of course, was brilliant with "Birthday," "Get Back" and "I Saw Her Standing There."
The two of them teaming up on "Sgt. Pepper" and "A Little Help With My Friends" seemed like a fitting enough ending. ... Not so fast. How could they not end with a rousing sing-a-long of "Hey Jude." Complete with all the performers joining Paul and Ringo on stage, dancing in the aisles and Cirque performers twirling from the rafters. It was ... beautiful.
I found the conversations with David Letterman, Ringo Starr and Paul McCartney on the stage of the Ed Sullivan Theater particularly entertaining, as well as the interviews with audience members and crew members there that night . ... Letterman's Beatles Tribute Week, by the way, also has been excellent TV. Watching Letterman do his Late Show in that theater and thinking about the history of that stage still fascinates me.
Kudos do CBS for doing The Beatles legend right last night. It was 150 minutes of music magic.
(Updated 04.14.2014) Good reads & stuff ...
a Unpublished Images of the Beatles’ Historic First Trip to the U.S.
a Memories of the Beatles' US television debut
a Watch Rare Beatles Footage From 'The Ed Sullivan Show' in 1964
a 50 Years Later, Beatles Steal Another Show
a Fifty years ago today, the Beatles gave birth to a new world
a Historic Hysterics: Witnesses to a Really Big Show
a The Beatles, by the Numbers
a Love Them Do: The Story of the Beatles' Biggest Fans
a Jimmy Fallon and Fred Armisen Reimagine '@theBeatles' on '#Sullivan'
8.30.2013
Happy anniversary, Dave!
In my mind, nobody does late night television better than David Letterman.
I remember so vividly watching so many of these live ... The Lindsay Lohan and Paris Hilton interviews are definite highlights.
Surfing YouTube tonight, I also stumbled across this one from one of Dave's earliest shows in 1982... So fascinating.
I remember so vividly watching so many of these live ... The Lindsay Lohan and Paris Hilton interviews are definite highlights.
Surfing YouTube tonight, I also stumbled across this one from one of Dave's earliest shows in 1982... So fascinating.
1.20.2013
'Saturday Night Live' recap: Jennifer Lawrence and The Lumineers
For the first time in, like, forever, Kates and I actually watched "Saturday Night Live" live. Entirely live. No DVR watching for us at a later date when it's convenient.
Heck, we were excited. It was the first new SNL since before the holidays. And the night's guests were two hot entintees right now -- Jennifer Lawrence and The Lumineers.
And the show was ... underwhelming. The sketches Lawrence had to work with were poor. As usual, EW's review is right on par.
I like that Lawrence is feisty. And her appearance with Letterman the other night was far more entertaining.
Heck, we were excited. It was the first new SNL since before the holidays. And the night's guests were two hot entintees right now -- Jennifer Lawrence and The Lumineers.
And the show was ... underwhelming. The sketches Lawrence had to work with were poor. As usual, EW's review is right on par.
I like that Lawrence is feisty. And her appearance with Letterman the other night was far more entertaining.
1.06.2013
Christmas vacation: The finale
We’re at home tonight, relishing the final hours of our Christmas vacation. I spent the afternoon watching the football playoffs and playing with Faye, while Kates took Phoebe with her to the elementary school and made some preparations for her week.
My vacation beard is shaved. The kiddos are in bed. And tomorrow morning we’ll return to the organized chaos that is getting them ready for school and daycare and navigating the workday.
We completed the traveling portion of our vacation Thursday, although it officially was Friday morning when we rolled into our garage.
By the time we got everyone dressed, bathed and packed that morning, it was 11 a.m. – far later than I preferred, but I’m coming to grips with that part of having two girls under the age of 5. We said goodbye to Kates’ parents in Milwaukee and next headed south to suburban Chicago for lunch with our good friends Ray and Leah with their 3-year-old daughter Audre.
A chili lunch waited for us there, and we conversed while Phoebe and Audrey set up a pretend birthday party with all varieties of dolls in the next room.
We departed around 4, with our next destination set on our house. Kates had pitched the idea for trying to drive as far as we could and spending the night at a hotel in Iowa, but I wasn’t going for it. Besides, we didn’t need to spend the money.
We stopped for supper in Davenport, Iowa, at a McDonald’s – Phoebe insisted – and it had a play area that was modeled after a jungle. After downing her Happy Meal, she was in playtime heaven.
Shortly after we began traveling again, the girls were asleep for the night. We made a final pit stop in Osceola for gas, and they barely stirred.
Also, note how packed our vehicle was …
After leaving Ray and Leah, I pinpointed 1 a.m. as our arrival time in The ‘Ville, and we hit it.
I carried Phoebe to her bed, and Kates carried Faye to hers, both sound asleep. Then I unpacked the car, only to get everything in the house. The suitcases and bags and new gifts remained in the dining room until I could put most of it away Friday afternoon.
One of the best things about returning to our home after being away for a while? It has a distinct, flowery aroma within it. Coming back to it and moving our stuff back inside Friday morning was almost like the bliss of moving for the first time – except our furniture was already here. It’s refreshing.
Being able to finally sleep in our own beds was refreshing, too.
Friday, I was up by 7:30 a.m. and got Faye off to the daycare. Again, we had to pay for the duration of our two-week vacation, so we were going to get as much of our money’s worth as we could.
Kates was off to her school by 11 a.m. for a meeting and work day. Phoebe and I spent the day hanging around the house, putting things away after our traveling and running some errands.
Friday evening turned slightly traumatic. Kates came home around 5, not feeling well and wanted to lay down. So I ordered some takeout and the took the girls with me to pick it up. … As I was pulling into the crowded parking lot, there was a pickup truck in front of me and the driver appeared to be attempting to pull into a parking space. Then, she started backing up. I began honking my horn as the truck showed no signs of stopping and – crunch – the truck hit my car’s front end.
Grr.
Then! The truck pulled forward again, the driver apparently trying to squeeze into the same parking spot. I didn’t move, waiting to see what the driver was going to do and whether she was going to acknowledge she backed into my car. Instead, she gave up on parking, exited the parking lot and drove away.
In the time it took for her to attempt to park, I used my handy dandy smartphone to record her license plate and a description of the vehicle. … Frustrated and shaken and with the little ones in the car, I opted not to call the police right away, got our food and headed home. … I then called the police, who had me come down to the station, and filed a report. Although I’m no expert in auto bodies, there doesn’t appear to be any damage to my car outside of a broken license plate cover. Still, I believed that filing a record of it was the right thing to do.
As of tonight, I’ve learned the driver was a 17-year-old girl who just received her license. The police obtained her insurance information, which is under her father, and we’ll have to sort out what to do next.
I cooled down from the mishap and we enjoyed our takeout. The food seemed to help Kates, who admittedly was exhausted and hadn’t eaten much all day, feel better.
For our evening entertainment we turned to our DVR recording of last week’s Kennedy Center Honors program, which this year featured Dustin Hoffman, David Letterman, Led Zeppelin, Buddy Guy and Natalia Makarova.
I respect the other performers, but really I just wanted to watch the program for David Letterman and Led Zeppelin, who, fittingly, were the last two honorees highlighted during the night.
Tina Fey’s introduction of Letterman was perfect.
And the tribute to Led Zeppelin was electric.
Afterward, all I wanted to do was crank some Led Zeppelin. So I did, on my iPhone. And we proceeded to rock out, having one of our epic dance parties in the kitchen. Phoebe brought down her instrument kit from her bedroom and she danced and jumped around the room, performing while Kates and I sat on the floor as her audience.
I’m on a Led Zeppelin kick now and was playing my vinyl copy of their IV album earlier tonight. The music made Faye smile and she seemed to really enjoy it.
I reserved Saturday for catching up on emails, online reading, running errands, taking down the Christmas lights and getting the cars washed.
We also took in the Packers playoff win over the Vikings. Aside from the Vikings opening drive, which yielded a field goal, it was hardly a contest. The Packers rolled, and I like the way they’re looking as the playoffs are gearing up.
Admittedly, I dozed off during the last couple minutes of the game and then stumbled to bed around 11. I still needed to catch up on lost sleep during our travels.
It’s been a very good Christmas vacation.
My vacation beard is shaved. The kiddos are in bed. And tomorrow morning we’ll return to the organized chaos that is getting them ready for school and daycare and navigating the workday.
* * *
We completed the traveling portion of our vacation Thursday, although it officially was Friday morning when we rolled into our garage.
By the time we got everyone dressed, bathed and packed that morning, it was 11 a.m. – far later than I preferred, but I’m coming to grips with that part of having two girls under the age of 5. We said goodbye to Kates’ parents in Milwaukee and next headed south to suburban Chicago for lunch with our good friends Ray and Leah with their 3-year-old daughter Audre.
We departed around 4, with our next destination set on our house. Kates had pitched the idea for trying to drive as far as we could and spending the night at a hotel in Iowa, but I wasn’t going for it. Besides, we didn’t need to spend the money.
We stopped for supper in Davenport, Iowa, at a McDonald’s – Phoebe insisted – and it had a play area that was modeled after a jungle. After downing her Happy Meal, she was in playtime heaven.
Shortly after we began traveling again, the girls were asleep for the night. We made a final pit stop in Osceola for gas, and they barely stirred.
Also, note how packed our vehicle was …
After leaving Ray and Leah, I pinpointed 1 a.m. as our arrival time in The ‘Ville, and we hit it.
I carried Phoebe to her bed, and Kates carried Faye to hers, both sound asleep. Then I unpacked the car, only to get everything in the house. The suitcases and bags and new gifts remained in the dining room until I could put most of it away Friday afternoon.
One of the best things about returning to our home after being away for a while? It has a distinct, flowery aroma within it. Coming back to it and moving our stuff back inside Friday morning was almost like the bliss of moving for the first time – except our furniture was already here. It’s refreshing.
Being able to finally sleep in our own beds was refreshing, too.
* * *
Friday, I was up by 7:30 a.m. and got Faye off to the daycare. Again, we had to pay for the duration of our two-week vacation, so we were going to get as much of our money’s worth as we could.
Kates was off to her school by 11 a.m. for a meeting and work day. Phoebe and I spent the day hanging around the house, putting things away after our traveling and running some errands.
* * *
Friday evening turned slightly traumatic. Kates came home around 5, not feeling well and wanted to lay down. So I ordered some takeout and the took the girls with me to pick it up. … As I was pulling into the crowded parking lot, there was a pickup truck in front of me and the driver appeared to be attempting to pull into a parking space. Then, she started backing up. I began honking my horn as the truck showed no signs of stopping and – crunch – the truck hit my car’s front end.
Grr.
Then! The truck pulled forward again, the driver apparently trying to squeeze into the same parking spot. I didn’t move, waiting to see what the driver was going to do and whether she was going to acknowledge she backed into my car. Instead, she gave up on parking, exited the parking lot and drove away.
In the time it took for her to attempt to park, I used my handy dandy smartphone to record her license plate and a description of the vehicle. … Frustrated and shaken and with the little ones in the car, I opted not to call the police right away, got our food and headed home. … I then called the police, who had me come down to the station, and filed a report. Although I’m no expert in auto bodies, there doesn’t appear to be any damage to my car outside of a broken license plate cover. Still, I believed that filing a record of it was the right thing to do.
As of tonight, I’ve learned the driver was a 17-year-old girl who just received her license. The police obtained her insurance information, which is under her father, and we’ll have to sort out what to do next.
* * *
I cooled down from the mishap and we enjoyed our takeout. The food seemed to help Kates, who admittedly was exhausted and hadn’t eaten much all day, feel better.
For our evening entertainment we turned to our DVR recording of last week’s Kennedy Center Honors program, which this year featured Dustin Hoffman, David Letterman, Led Zeppelin, Buddy Guy and Natalia Makarova.
I respect the other performers, but really I just wanted to watch the program for David Letterman and Led Zeppelin, who, fittingly, were the last two honorees highlighted during the night.
Tina Fey’s introduction of Letterman was perfect.
And the tribute to Led Zeppelin was electric.
Afterward, all I wanted to do was crank some Led Zeppelin. So I did, on my iPhone. And we proceeded to rock out, having one of our epic dance parties in the kitchen. Phoebe brought down her instrument kit from her bedroom and she danced and jumped around the room, performing while Kates and I sat on the floor as her audience.
I’m on a Led Zeppelin kick now and was playing my vinyl copy of their IV album earlier tonight. The music made Faye smile and she seemed to really enjoy it.
* * *
I reserved Saturday for catching up on emails, online reading, running errands, taking down the Christmas lights and getting the cars washed.
We also took in the Packers playoff win over the Vikings. Aside from the Vikings opening drive, which yielded a field goal, it was hardly a contest. The Packers rolled, and I like the way they’re looking as the playoffs are gearing up.
Admittedly, I dozed off during the last couple minutes of the game and then stumbled to bed around 11. I still needed to catch up on lost sleep during our travels.
It’s been a very good Christmas vacation.
11.02.2012
Oh, Sandy
So Hurricane Sandy made big news this week. ... Check out this video of the hurricane rolling in.
New Jersey is practically gone.
The presidential campaign is in flux. ... Mitt Romney had no choice but to follow Obama and pull off the campaign trail, or look like a fool. And yet, Obama, in a way, is still very much continuing his campaign as he responds to the crisis, as he is expected to do. He and New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie are suddenly pals, and all the momentum Romney had in these final weeks is dissipating thanks to Sandy.
Then, there's the story of that dangling crane.
Still, amid the chaos, there's two side stories that I may remember most ...
All of the falsehoods being passed around social media as the storm was brewing and in its aftermath, particularly the image of guards at the Tomb of the Unknowns. (For the record, I didn't bite on any of the false images. ...C'mon, people, do your research before you retweet that stuff.)
And Monday's Late Show With David Letterman. ... One of the weirdest, eeriest television experiences I've ever had. To see Dave on his set, doing a show and surrounded by a skeleton production crew, and a theater of empty seats. Here's EW's recap. ... And here's another, along with some of Jimmy Fallon's shown, on which he also played to no audience.
New Jersey is practically gone.
The presidential campaign is in flux. ... Mitt Romney had no choice but to follow Obama and pull off the campaign trail, or look like a fool. And yet, Obama, in a way, is still very much continuing his campaign as he responds to the crisis, as he is expected to do. He and New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie are suddenly pals, and all the momentum Romney had in these final weeks is dissipating thanks to Sandy.
Then, there's the story of that dangling crane.
Still, amid the chaos, there's two side stories that I may remember most ...
All of the falsehoods being passed around social media as the storm was brewing and in its aftermath, particularly the image of guards at the Tomb of the Unknowns. (For the record, I didn't bite on any of the false images. ...C'mon, people, do your research before you retweet that stuff.)
And Monday's Late Show With David Letterman. ... One of the weirdest, eeriest television experiences I've ever had. To see Dave on his set, doing a show and surrounded by a skeleton production crew, and a theater of empty seats. Here's EW's recap. ... And here's another, along with some of Jimmy Fallon's shown, on which he also played to no audience.
2.09.2011
Still celebrating
We've had great fun watching the Packers party continue after the Super Bowl ended Sunday night. ...
The smiles never left our faces as we watched Aaron Rodgers on Letterman Monday night. ...
Then Dan Lauria was playing his Vince Lombardi character -- to perfection -- on Letterman last night. ...
Meanwhile, the NFL seems to have an interesting dillema on its hands as seatgate unravels. Read this.
The smiles never left our faces as we watched Aaron Rodgers on Letterman Monday night. ...
Then Dan Lauria was playing his Vince Lombardi character -- to perfection -- on Letterman last night. ...
Meanwhile, the NFL seems to have an interesting dillema on its hands as seatgate unravels. Read this.
7.01.2010
1.23.2010
TV talk
This little transition has kept me from watching a whole lot of television lately.
I no longer have the DVR to magically record anything that piques my interests. I’ve rarely made it home in time to watch my beloved Nightly News. And then, once I finish my supper, I’ve been too occupied with work projects and Skype-ing with Kates and Phoebe to care much about what’s on the tube. Most nights, I’d rather just listen to music.
When the premiere of “American Idol” snuck up on me last week, my reaction was: “eh.” … I tried watching it and got so bored that I turned off the TV after about 40 minutes of it. Thus, I didn't bother watching the next night and missed the "Pants on the Ground" guy who was ALL OVER the radio the next day ... It’s just not the same without Paula, and I still can’t stand Kara. … Maybe I’ll try watching it again when Hollywood Week arrives, but sinking two hours times three nights per week of “Idol” into my life just doesn’t appeal to me right now. I’ve been there, done that -- and now with the news of Simon’s likely exit, I‘m feeling less likely to devote my time to the show.
I‘ve virtually forgotten about “Cougar Town” and the new “Scrubs.” Even “The Daily Show” and David Letterman have fallen off my radar (… although, Letterman did get me back this week. More on that in a minute …).
The only certainty in my TV-watching routine right now is “Sportscenter” in the morning while I get ready for work -- which is interesting because it was one of the first things to go when I moved to that awful 5 a.m. shift last year.
As for my other favorites, I’m finding more and more that I prefer to watch them online whenever I can fit them in. The commercials are short, the picture is clear, you can’t beat it … “Modern Family,” “How I Met Your Mother,” “The Office,” “Big Bang Theory,” and “30 Rock” (in that order) are my must-sees right now.
Thursday night’s “Office” had me laughing as hard as I’ve laughed at an “Office” episode in a long, long time -- even though it was clip show. Watching those montages and seeing the funniest moments in the show’s history again was pure joy -- Angela tossing her cat to Oscar during the fire, Jim impersonating Dwight -- and one of my all-time favorite bits -- Jim slamming his car’s brakes and causing Dwight’s head to crash into back of Jim’s seat.
And then there’s the whole late night TV fracas …
I wasn’t complimentary of Conan O’Brien when he took over for Jay Leno in September. I told someone the other night, I used to enjoy watching him on “Late Night,” but I grew up and his material didn’t. It seemed to me he wasn’t growing into his new role at “The Tonight Show,” either, so I stopped watching him after a couple weeks and remained true my old faithful, David Letterman.
Leno, I’ve always considered a terrible bore. His monologues come across as glossy, rarely biting and merely good for a couple smiles … Where NBC should have held firm in its decision to pass its late night torch to Conan and given him room to grow, the network copped out and awarded Leno the primetime slot like a consolation prize.
I fell into the camp that was just waiting for the whole thing to blow up in NBC’s face. All you needed was to consider the network's recent history. … And yet, I probably kept watching Leno’s show longer than 90 percent of the country, if only for the guests.
When NBC announced a couple weeks ago it was put Jay Leno’s show out of its misery, I certainly didn’t expect the controversy it stirred up … NBC could have cancelled Leno’s show and quietly said good-bye to him; Their treatment of Conan was just wrong and sad. Conan's statement, on the other hand, was only the beginning ...
Boy, did it spur some classic late night television.
Check out these recaps on for Tuesday night, Wednesday night and Thursday night.
I happily tuned into Letterman most nights and loved his relentless barbs about Leno and NBC … Meanwhile, Leno played it safe and flat as usual. With Leno, I was bored in minutes. Click, TV goes off.
And Conan? Conan was on fire. With nothing to lose, his monologues were razor sharp and had me laughing so hard that my side hurt … Between surprise appearances by Ben Stiller, Pee Wee Herman and Steve Carell and some crazy stunts (Example: Supposedly billing NBC $4.8 million to bring “Mine That Bird” on the stage in a mink Snuggie to watch the NFL Network), I found Conan to be as entertaining as he’d ever been -- and I’m not just saying that out of sympathy. Robin Williams shouting “You idiots did the wrong thing!” out Conan’s fake window was priceless.
This week’s final shows left such an impression on us that my friend John and I cut short our Friday night on the town and made sure we were back at my place by 10:30 to watch Conan’s final show … Tom Hanks getting the crowd into a Coco chant, the multiple standing ovations and the classic moments montage were chill-worthy (Conan’s cross-country run to open his first show was still a treat to watch). And watching Conan on his guitar for a jam of “Free Bird” with Will Ferrell, ZZ Top guitarist Billy Gibbons and Beck was a sweet, sweet way to end it.
Conan’s final words should be posted on our quote boards, too …
a Conan O'Brien's future after 'Tonight Show'
a On show, Leno casts himself as victim; at Globes, unflattering words pour down on NBC
a Tom Shales on the villains in the Leno-O'Brien fiasco at NBC
One more thing ...
I spent the morning watching the first four episodes of "Lost," and my anticipation for the final season is burning ...
My friend John had never seen the show. So I explained to him the glorious television he was missing, and this morning he wanted to watch my DVDs of the first season. I giddily obliged.
In a search for "Lost" material this week, I stumbled onto this amusing spoof ... Enjoy.
I no longer have the DVR to magically record anything that piques my interests. I’ve rarely made it home in time to watch my beloved Nightly News. And then, once I finish my supper, I’ve been too occupied with work projects and Skype-ing with Kates and Phoebe to care much about what’s on the tube. Most nights, I’d rather just listen to music.
When the premiere of “American Idol” snuck up on me last week, my reaction was: “eh.” … I tried watching it and got so bored that I turned off the TV after about 40 minutes of it. Thus, I didn't bother watching the next night and missed the "Pants on the Ground" guy who was ALL OVER the radio the next day ... It’s just not the same without Paula, and I still can’t stand Kara. … Maybe I’ll try watching it again when Hollywood Week arrives, but sinking two hours times three nights per week of “Idol” into my life just doesn’t appeal to me right now. I’ve been there, done that -- and now with the news of Simon’s likely exit, I‘m feeling less likely to devote my time to the show.
I‘ve virtually forgotten about “Cougar Town” and the new “Scrubs.” Even “The Daily Show” and David Letterman have fallen off my radar (… although, Letterman did get me back this week. More on that in a minute …).
The only certainty in my TV-watching routine right now is “Sportscenter” in the morning while I get ready for work -- which is interesting because it was one of the first things to go when I moved to that awful 5 a.m. shift last year.
As for my other favorites, I’m finding more and more that I prefer to watch them online whenever I can fit them in. The commercials are short, the picture is clear, you can’t beat it … “Modern Family,” “How I Met Your Mother,” “The Office,” “Big Bang Theory,” and “30 Rock” (in that order) are my must-sees right now.
Thursday night’s “Office” had me laughing as hard as I’ve laughed at an “Office” episode in a long, long time -- even though it was clip show. Watching those montages and seeing the funniest moments in the show’s history again was pure joy -- Angela tossing her cat to Oscar during the fire, Jim impersonating Dwight -- and one of my all-time favorite bits -- Jim slamming his car’s brakes and causing Dwight’s head to crash into back of Jim’s seat.
* * *
And then there’s the whole late night TV fracas …
I wasn’t complimentary of Conan O’Brien when he took over for Jay Leno in September. I told someone the other night, I used to enjoy watching him on “Late Night,” but I grew up and his material didn’t. It seemed to me he wasn’t growing into his new role at “The Tonight Show,” either, so I stopped watching him after a couple weeks and remained true my old faithful, David Letterman.
Leno, I’ve always considered a terrible bore. His monologues come across as glossy, rarely biting and merely good for a couple smiles … Where NBC should have held firm in its decision to pass its late night torch to Conan and given him room to grow, the network copped out and awarded Leno the primetime slot like a consolation prize.
I fell into the camp that was just waiting for the whole thing to blow up in NBC’s face. All you needed was to consider the network's recent history. … And yet, I probably kept watching Leno’s show longer than 90 percent of the country, if only for the guests.
When NBC announced a couple weeks ago it was put Jay Leno’s show out of its misery, I certainly didn’t expect the controversy it stirred up … NBC could have cancelled Leno’s show and quietly said good-bye to him; Their treatment of Conan was just wrong and sad. Conan's statement, on the other hand, was only the beginning ...
Boy, did it spur some classic late night television.
Check out these recaps on for Tuesday night, Wednesday night and Thursday night.
I happily tuned into Letterman most nights and loved his relentless barbs about Leno and NBC … Meanwhile, Leno played it safe and flat as usual. With Leno, I was bored in minutes. Click, TV goes off.
And Conan? Conan was on fire. With nothing to lose, his monologues were razor sharp and had me laughing so hard that my side hurt … Between surprise appearances by Ben Stiller, Pee Wee Herman and Steve Carell and some crazy stunts (Example: Supposedly billing NBC $4.8 million to bring “Mine That Bird” on the stage in a mink Snuggie to watch the NFL Network), I found Conan to be as entertaining as he’d ever been -- and I’m not just saying that out of sympathy. Robin Williams shouting “You idiots did the wrong thing!” out Conan’s fake window was priceless.
This week’s final shows left such an impression on us that my friend John and I cut short our Friday night on the town and made sure we were back at my place by 10:30 to watch Conan’s final show … Tom Hanks getting the crowd into a Coco chant, the multiple standing ovations and the classic moments montage were chill-worthy (Conan’s cross-country run to open his first show was still a treat to watch). And watching Conan on his guitar for a jam of “Free Bird” with Will Ferrell, ZZ Top guitarist Billy Gibbons and Beck was a sweet, sweet way to end it.
Conan’s final words should be posted on our quote boards, too …
"All I ask of you, especially young people ... is one thing. Please don't be cynical. I hate cynicism -- it's my least favorite quality and it doesn't lead anywhere. Nobody in life gets exactly what they thought they were going to get. But if you work really hard and you're kind, amazing things will happen. I'm telling you, amazing things will happen."Here's some good reads about the situation ...
a Conan O'Brien's future after 'Tonight Show'
a On show, Leno casts himself as victim; at Globes, unflattering words pour down on NBC
a Tom Shales on the villains in the Leno-O'Brien fiasco at NBC
* * *
One more thing ...
I spent the morning watching the first four episodes of "Lost," and my anticipation for the final season is burning ...
My friend John had never seen the show. So I explained to him the glorious television he was missing, and this morning he wanted to watch my DVDs of the first season. I giddily obliged.
In a search for "Lost" material this week, I stumbled onto this amusing spoof ... Enjoy.
10.07.2009
Dave being Dave
Turns out Dave was wrong when he said he didn’t plan to say anything more about his affairs …
I couldn't help but wonder how this would affect his monologues and interviews from here on out? He can’t exactly be straight-faced telling jokes about Bill Clinton or Mark Sanford the way he used to. And will guests decline to appear on his who because of this whole thing?
The Boston Globe produced a good Top 10 list of “David Letterman’s top 10 regrets.” ... The one that has kept coming in to my mind since this whole thing started, No. 7: “Being so hard on Bill Clinton in the 90s.”
Then I watched Monday night's show ... And I caught myself smiling at the warm applause and cheers he recieved from his studio audience. And in another instant he was doing his monologue and turned his jokes on himself.
"Didn't this weekend just fly by," he deadpanned. "I'll be honest with you folks, right now I would give anything to be hiking on the Appalachian Trail."
It was just Dave being Dave. And I have a feeling he's going to be just fine.
It also helped that he issued a heartfelt apology to his wife on Monday night's show. ... And Steve Martin -- who was hilarious by himself and then going side-by-side in a surprise appearance by Martin Short -- opened his spot in the guest chair by sympathizing with Dave and reminding us that he's a "human being."
Here's some interest reads ...
a Craig Ferguson defends Letterman, his boss
a Letterman's Latest Late Night Act: Contrition
a Let's Remember That Letterman's a Clown, Not a Cleric or Congressman
I couldn't help but wonder how this would affect his monologues and interviews from here on out? He can’t exactly be straight-faced telling jokes about Bill Clinton or Mark Sanford the way he used to. And will guests decline to appear on his who because of this whole thing?
The Boston Globe produced a good Top 10 list of “David Letterman’s top 10 regrets.” ... The one that has kept coming in to my mind since this whole thing started, No. 7: “Being so hard on Bill Clinton in the 90s.”
Then I watched Monday night's show ... And I caught myself smiling at the warm applause and cheers he recieved from his studio audience. And in another instant he was doing his monologue and turned his jokes on himself.
"Didn't this weekend just fly by," he deadpanned. "I'll be honest with you folks, right now I would give anything to be hiking on the Appalachian Trail."
It was just Dave being Dave. And I have a feeling he's going to be just fine.
It also helped that he issued a heartfelt apology to his wife on Monday night's show. ... And Steve Martin -- who was hilarious by himself and then going side-by-side in a surprise appearance by Martin Short -- opened his spot in the guest chair by sympathizing with Dave and reminding us that he's a "human being."
Here's some interest reads ...
a Craig Ferguson defends Letterman, his boss
a Letterman's Latest Late Night Act: Contrition
a Let's Remember That Letterman's a Clown, Not a Cleric or Congressman
10.04.2009
Letterman's doings
I'm not sure how to feel about this whole Letterman thing.
On one side, his admitted affairs are objectionable ... On the other side, I am sorry for what he's had to go through and for having little choice but to publicly admit his wrongdoing because some jerk wanted his money.
And still, I find David Letterman one of the most interesting and fascinating characters in the public consciousness. I've long said he's at the top of my list of people I'd most want to meet.
Kates and I agreed last night: You have to smile, at least a little, at the way he handles himself in these situations. ... He goes on his show and tells it his way, weaving in cutting jokes; his delivery is amazing.
And then that's it. He doesn't talk about it further. He doesn't do interviews. He's done it again and again, and the furor over his misguided Palin joke earlier this summer played out the same way.
Some interesting reads ...
a Leno, Fallon among those taking shots at Letterman
a Letterman Extortion Raises Questions for CBS
a 'SNL' zings David Letterman's difficulties
On one side, his admitted affairs are objectionable ... On the other side, I am sorry for what he's had to go through and for having little choice but to publicly admit his wrongdoing because some jerk wanted his money.
And still, I find David Letterman one of the most interesting and fascinating characters in the public consciousness. I've long said he's at the top of my list of people I'd most want to meet.
Kates and I agreed last night: You have to smile, at least a little, at the way he handles himself in these situations. ... He goes on his show and tells it his way, weaving in cutting jokes; his delivery is amazing.
And then that's it. He doesn't talk about it further. He doesn't do interviews. He's done it again and again, and the furor over his misguided Palin joke earlier this summer played out the same way.
Some interesting reads ...
a Leno, Fallon among those taking shots at Letterman
a Letterman Extortion Raises Questions for CBS
a 'SNL' zings David Letterman's difficulties
9.25.2009
Humming along
Our DVR has been positively humming the last few days. Like it or not, fall is here and so is a brand new TV season ...
Kates and I finally found time to watch President Obama's appearance on Letterman ...
Mr. Obama showed aces with his comment that he was "black before the election." Beyond that, aside from his eloquence and charm, I thought his answers to questions about healthcare and the wars we're fighting were on par.
Although, I do think there was some truth in President Carter's statements last week. My hope is that Obama doesn't get too caught up in the discussion and remains focused on his agenda while allowing the race debate to take place outside the White House.
Now that we've almost completed the round of Fall Premieres '09, I can follow-up on my earlier list of new shows Kates and I planned to watch ... I can also report there have been some pleasant surprises ...
On Monday night, it was thoroughly enjoyable to get reacquainted with our old pals on CBS's comedy lineup. ("How I Met Your Mother:" Barney and Robin are totally a couple!) ... We're also quite intrigued with the possibilities of "Accidentally on Purpose."
After reading some not-so-great reviews beforehand, I had low hopes going in ... But I think one morning show DJ said it best: You've just got to buckle up and enjoy the ride!
I don't think any of CBS's Monday night shows made me laugh more than "Accidentally." And if you can make me laugh, you've won ... Sure the pace of Billie's and James's meet-up/baby news/moving in together was a little unrealistic, but I also thought the episode had about as much charm and wit as the stuff James showed in snagging Billie in the first place/wanting to stay with her/painting the baby's room, all by the end of the episode.
The pilot was hilarious. But only time will tell if the show can stand up beyond its first date.
On Wednesday ..."Modern Family" gets the prize as our favorite new show (I'm not counting "Glee," which technically debuted last spring) ... I love the premise, and I'm really excited to see Julie Bowen doing some comedy (sigh ... I miss "Ed."). ... The bit with the family looking over their appointment calendar to schedule a time that Dad could fire a BB gun at his son as payback for shooting his sister was beyond funny. And then, when the time came, the plan went haywire and Dad shoots his teenage daughter's senior class boyfriend ... It's also good to see Jesse Tyler Ferguson on TV again (sigh ... I miss "The Class." ... Here's an old, but still good read I dug up about it.)
"Cougar Town" also got our thumbs-up -- although I feel a little dirty saying that because the show is geared so tightly toward and about so-called cougar women ... Nonetheless, for me, Courtney Cox broke her Monica mold within the first two minutes of the show, and the casting is wonderful ("The Drew Carey Show," "Scrubs" and now "Cougar Town" -- Christa Miller, like Julie Bowen, gets me every time.)
(Here's a good read on "Modern Family" and the rebirth of the family comedy.)
Thursday night is stacked ... And it's looking like we'll be spending most of our time -- for now -- with "Flash Forward" and "Grey's Anatomy," while "The Office" and "30 Rock" get put off to Friday nights. ... We dropped "Community," deeming last week's premiere just plain dumb.
Starting with "FlashForward." ... Seriously!? There's a million questions going through my mind after watching the premiere. Like, why was a kangaroo jaunting through downtown Los Angeles after the flashforward? And who the heck was the guy in Detroit?! ... The acting, the "Lost"-like mysteries and the action-movie production are all factors that have me wanting more ...
But here's my beef: "Lost" has set the bar so high, and there will never be another show like it. I'm also skeptical of the glimpse of a future on April 29, 2010. Setting a specific date so near in the future -- not too mention the visions and the inherent desire to change circumstances -- reminds me too much of "Heroes." And those of us who fell so hard for that show during it's first season know how that turned out. What are we going to be left with when next April passes?
About last night's "Grey's" premiere ... Indeed, our roller coaster love affair with the docs at Seattle Grace will continue. Last night's episode succeeded again at pulling our heartstrings with real characters and raw emotions, with the laughter that's born from strong bonds mixed in. The twisted scene with the gang laughing hysterically at George's funeral is one that has stuck with me most. Yep, George died and Izzie lived -- the worst kept secret of TV's summer offseason.
Yet, my lingering thought on the episode is that it marked the end of an era for the show. With George gone and now the impending merger -- plus a handful of new characters (I do enjoy Arizona) -- "Grey's" is resembling less of its original self every season.
The death notices just keep coming ...
Last week: Patrick Swayze and Mary Travers.
I pulled out my "Peter, Paul & Mary: Ten Years Together" album for a good listen the other night ... It's easy to get caught up in the tributes and emotions of another great loss, but I must admit now that I don't listen to that album as much as I should. I hadn't realize how good their songs are.
While cleaning off our DVR, I also watched last week's "VH1 Divas" show. Is it wrong that I think Miley Cyrus gave the best performance of the show -- which was otherwise utterly boring?
On Tuesday, I did something I never ever thought I'd do. I downloaded a Miley Cyrus song. "Party in the U.S.A." from iTunes.
I stumbled onto this video last week ...
Every time I watch it, I break out laughing ... Ha-larious.
Kates and I finally found time to watch President Obama's appearance on Letterman ...
Mr. Obama showed aces with his comment that he was "black before the election." Beyond that, aside from his eloquence and charm, I thought his answers to questions about healthcare and the wars we're fighting were on par.
Although, I do think there was some truth in President Carter's statements last week. My hope is that Obama doesn't get too caught up in the discussion and remains focused on his agenda while allowing the race debate to take place outside the White House.
* * *
Now that we've almost completed the round of Fall Premieres '09, I can follow-up on my earlier list of new shows Kates and I planned to watch ... I can also report there have been some pleasant surprises ...
On Monday night, it was thoroughly enjoyable to get reacquainted with our old pals on CBS's comedy lineup. ("How I Met Your Mother:" Barney and Robin are totally a couple!) ... We're also quite intrigued with the possibilities of "Accidentally on Purpose."
After reading some not-so-great reviews beforehand, I had low hopes going in ... But I think one morning show DJ said it best: You've just got to buckle up and enjoy the ride!
I don't think any of CBS's Monday night shows made me laugh more than "Accidentally." And if you can make me laugh, you've won ... Sure the pace of Billie's and James's meet-up/baby news/moving in together was a little unrealistic, but I also thought the episode had about as much charm and wit as the stuff James showed in snagging Billie in the first place/wanting to stay with her/painting the baby's room, all by the end of the episode.
The pilot was hilarious. But only time will tell if the show can stand up beyond its first date.
On Wednesday ..."Modern Family" gets the prize as our favorite new show (I'm not counting "Glee," which technically debuted last spring) ... I love the premise, and I'm really excited to see Julie Bowen doing some comedy (sigh ... I miss "Ed."). ... The bit with the family looking over their appointment calendar to schedule a time that Dad could fire a BB gun at his son as payback for shooting his sister was beyond funny. And then, when the time came, the plan went haywire and Dad shoots his teenage daughter's senior class boyfriend ... It's also good to see Jesse Tyler Ferguson on TV again (sigh ... I miss "The Class." ... Here's an old, but still good read I dug up about it.)
"Cougar Town" also got our thumbs-up -- although I feel a little dirty saying that because the show is geared so tightly toward and about so-called cougar women ... Nonetheless, for me, Courtney Cox broke her Monica mold within the first two minutes of the show, and the casting is wonderful ("The Drew Carey Show," "Scrubs" and now "Cougar Town" -- Christa Miller, like Julie Bowen, gets me every time.)
(Here's a good read on "Modern Family" and the rebirth of the family comedy.)
Thursday night is stacked ... And it's looking like we'll be spending most of our time -- for now -- with "Flash Forward" and "Grey's Anatomy," while "The Office" and "30 Rock" get put off to Friday nights. ... We dropped "Community," deeming last week's premiere just plain dumb.
Starting with "FlashForward." ... Seriously!? There's a million questions going through my mind after watching the premiere. Like, why was a kangaroo jaunting through downtown Los Angeles after the flashforward? And who the heck was the guy in Detroit?! ... The acting, the "Lost"-like mysteries and the action-movie production are all factors that have me wanting more ...
But here's my beef: "Lost" has set the bar so high, and there will never be another show like it. I'm also skeptical of the glimpse of a future on April 29, 2010. Setting a specific date so near in the future -- not too mention the visions and the inherent desire to change circumstances -- reminds me too much of "Heroes." And those of us who fell so hard for that show during it's first season know how that turned out. What are we going to be left with when next April passes?
About last night's "Grey's" premiere ... Indeed, our roller coaster love affair with the docs at Seattle Grace will continue. Last night's episode succeeded again at pulling our heartstrings with real characters and raw emotions, with the laughter that's born from strong bonds mixed in. The twisted scene with the gang laughing hysterically at George's funeral is one that has stuck with me most. Yep, George died and Izzie lived -- the worst kept secret of TV's summer offseason.
Yet, my lingering thought on the episode is that it marked the end of an era for the show. With George gone and now the impending merger -- plus a handful of new characters (I do enjoy Arizona) -- "Grey's" is resembling less of its original self every season.
* * *
The death notices just keep coming ...
Last week: Patrick Swayze and Mary Travers.
I pulled out my "Peter, Paul & Mary: Ten Years Together" album for a good listen the other night ... It's easy to get caught up in the tributes and emotions of another great loss, but I must admit now that I don't listen to that album as much as I should. I hadn't realize how good their songs are.
* * *
While cleaning off our DVR, I also watched last week's "VH1 Divas" show. Is it wrong that I think Miley Cyrus gave the best performance of the show -- which was otherwise utterly boring?
On Tuesday, I did something I never ever thought I'd do. I downloaded a Miley Cyrus song. "Party in the U.S.A." from iTunes.
* * *
I stumbled onto this video last week ...
Every time I watch it, I break out laughing ... Ha-larious.
8.04.2009
A rockin' review
At this point, I can only dream of ever getting myself to a Paul McCartney concert ...
I'm still trying to decide whether this review makes that notion even more agonizing or helps fill the void ... Either way it's an excellent read that puts you there, even if you weren't.
There's another great read about Paul here.
And in case you missed it (I caught it -- and loved it -- on DVR ...) here's some stuff from his excellent Letterman appearance ...
I'm still trying to decide whether this review makes that notion even more agonizing or helps fill the void ... Either way it's an excellent read that puts you there, even if you weren't.
There's another great read about Paul here.
And in case you missed it (I caught it -- and loved it -- on DVR ...) here's some stuff from his excellent Letterman appearance ...
6.16.2009
Palin Gag? Comedy's All in the Mis-Timing
So David Letterman apologized last night for his Palin joke.
If you ask me, the joke has been blown out of proportion ...
Late night television. Monologue bashing political personalities. David Letterman. Sarah Palin.
Enough said.
Here's another good read: An open letter to David Letterman, re: Sarah Palin
Update, 06.17.2009:
Some more good stuff ...
a Here's another: Letterman Gets the Last 10 Laughs
a Letterman comes out joking about Sarah Palin and the 'Fire Dave' rally
a David Letterman: 11 Classic Moments
If you ask me, the joke has been blown out of proportion ...
Late night television. Monologue bashing political personalities. David Letterman. Sarah Palin.
Enough said.
Here's another good read: An open letter to David Letterman, re: Sarah Palin
Update, 06.17.2009:
Some more good stuff ...
a Here's another: Letterman Gets the Last 10 Laughs
a Letterman comes out joking about Sarah Palin and the 'Fire Dave' rally
a David Letterman: 11 Classic Moments
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