Today in 1983 CBS aired the finale to one of the best shows ever on television, M*A*S*H.
The final episode was a 2 1/2 hour "movie" of the final days of the Korean War for the members of the 4077th MASH, Hawkeye, BJ, Col Potter, Maj Margaret Houlihan, Cpl Klinger, Maj Charles Emerson Winchester III, Father Mulcahey and all the others that made this one of the best shows ever.
First airing in 1972 and barely surviving its low ratings (thanks to a more patient CBS) it developed some of the most memorable characters, episodes and dialogue on tv.
The tv show followed the popular film of the same name but only one actor stayed with the show from the movie, Gary Burghoff as Cpl Walter "Radar" O'Reilly.
Thanks to syndication and airing on TVLand and Hallmark channel as well as the complete series on DVD new generations can discover what great tv is like.
My daughters have watched with me since they were old enough to understand what they were watching and they enjoy it just as much as I do.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Friday, February 26, 2010
Happy Birthday to "The Great One"
and I dont mean Wayne Gretzky!
Today would have been the 94th birthday for Jackie Gleason. Known as the Great One he was a pioneer in tv comedy and left us with some of the greatest comedy moments in television history.
Baby You're the Greatest!
How sweet it was.
Jackie Gleason's only appearance on "The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson from 1985.
I remember watching this and I had just discovered the Honeymooners on TV and this was such a treat to watch.
Today would have been the 94th birthday for Jackie Gleason. Known as the Great One he was a pioneer in tv comedy and left us with some of the greatest comedy moments in television history.
Baby You're the Greatest!
How sweet it was.
Jackie Gleason's only appearance on "The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson from 1985.
I remember watching this and I had just discovered the Honeymooners on TV and this was such a treat to watch.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Saturday, February 20, 2010
The Trailer Park (special edition)
The Trailer Park today is linked to an real event from this day in 2001.
FBI Agent Robert Phillip Hanssen was arrested and charged with spying for the Russians for 15 years.
In 2007 Universal Pictures released Breach which was the theatrical version of the career of Robert Hanssen and his spying for the Russians. The film centers around the aide that was hired for Hanssen, Eric O'Neill
O'Neill was working undercover to get information on Hanssen who was suspected of being a sexual deviant by the Bureau.
FBI Agent Robert Phillip Hanssen was arrested and charged with spying for the Russians for 15 years.
In 2007 Universal Pictures released Breach which was the theatrical version of the career of Robert Hanssen and his spying for the Russians. The film centers around the aide that was hired for Hanssen, Eric O'Neill
O'Neill was working undercover to get information on Hanssen who was suspected of being a sexual deviant by the Bureau.
KCBS - Former Sec. of State Alexander Haig Has Died
KCBS - Former Sec. of State Alexander Haig Has Died
Posted using ShareThis
Here is the obituary from the NY Times and once again proving no matter how much good you do or how great you were at serving your country they will always remember your worst and most embarrassing moments first.
Posted using ShareThis
Here is the obituary from the NY Times and once again proving no matter how much good you do or how great you were at serving your country they will always remember your worst and most embarrassing moments first.
Friday, February 19, 2010
Story of the Week/Library of America
Story of the Week
This is very cool. Sign up is free and they will send you a short story each week in your email.
I have signed up.
Enjoy
This is very cool. Sign up is free and they will send you a short story each week in your email.
I have signed up.
Enjoy
New Stuff
Well friends and followers of the Completeist I have decided to start another blog for my love of music.
It will cover all kinds of music and the posting you would regularly see here like "Top of the Pops", #1 Song of the Week, #1 Album Spotlight, etc., will all move to the new blog called "Stax of Wax"
Come enjoy the fun and the music!
It will cover all kinds of music and the posting you would regularly see here like "Top of the Pops", #1 Song of the Week, #1 Album Spotlight, etc., will all move to the new blog called "Stax of Wax"
Come enjoy the fun and the music!
Thursday, February 18, 2010
In Case You Missed It for Feb 18th
The moment I read this article "City may discipline EMS workers"
I knew I had to get the thoughts of my great friend Doug, who happens to be an EMT soon to be a paramedic working on his nursing degree.
He had some great thoughts on this so I will direct you to his tremendous blog posting on this case,
from You Know What I Don't Understand?
I knew I had to get the thoughts of my great friend Doug, who happens to be an EMT soon to be a paramedic working on his nursing degree.
He had some great thoughts on this so I will direct you to his tremendous blog posting on this case,
from You Know What I Don't Understand?
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
In Case You Missed It
Here are some random articles I found today that you may have missed because you probably have a life!
ICK
Guinea pig meat may be solution to Congo hunger crisis.
This one was like a great spy novel come to life right on the news.
Hunt for Killer Who Used Fake U.K. Passports in Hamas Assassination
And the winner is.... Sadie!
From the 134th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show at Madison Square Garden. This is the Super Bowl of the dog show world. This year a little Scottish Terrier became the first Dog Show Triple Crown Winner by winning The AKC/Eukanuba National Championship in December 2009 and the National Dog Show in November 2009.
ICK
Guinea pig meat may be solution to Congo hunger crisis.
This one was like a great spy novel come to life right on the news.
Hunt for Killer Who Used Fake U.K. Passports in Hamas Assassination
And the winner is.... Sadie!
From the 134th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show at Madison Square Garden. This is the Super Bowl of the dog show world. This year a little Scottish Terrier became the first Dog Show Triple Crown Winner by winning The AKC/Eukanuba National Championship in December 2009 and the National Dog Show in November 2009.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Trailer Park
Today's Trailer Park celebrates the 107th anniversary of the birth of America's greatest ventriloquist, Edgar Bergen.
Born in Chicago this day in 1903 he would get his start in vaudeville but his greatest success would be found on the radio in its golden age. After guest appearances on Rudy Vallee's radio show in 1936, Edgar Bergen and his "dummy" Charlie McCarthy would get their own show as part of the Chase and Sanborn Hour in 1937 and stay on the air with various sponsors until 1956.
Also a hit on TV and in the movies Edgar, Charlie and Mortimer Snerd became American icons and inspirations for generations of ventriloquist.
Here is the 1939 trailer for the spoof "Charlie McCarthy,Detective"
Born in Chicago this day in 1903 he would get his start in vaudeville but his greatest success would be found on the radio in its golden age. After guest appearances on Rudy Vallee's radio show in 1936, Edgar Bergen and his "dummy" Charlie McCarthy would get their own show as part of the Chase and Sanborn Hour in 1937 and stay on the air with various sponsors until 1956.
Also a hit on TV and in the movies Edgar, Charlie and Mortimer Snerd became American icons and inspirations for generations of ventriloquist.
Here is the 1939 trailer for the spoof "Charlie McCarthy,Detective"
Monday, February 15, 2010
R.I.P. Doug Feiger, leader of the Knack,
Doug Feiger, leader of the Knack, dies in Woodland Hills - LA Daily News
I wasnt much of a Knack fan but I did love "My Sharona" and so did most of America in 1979. Disco had really sapped the energy out of the mainstream music scene by this time and then came this huge burst of fresh and new rock out of Detroit and set rock back on the forefront of the popular music landscape.
"My Sharona" spent 6 consecutive weeks at the top of the Billboard Hot 100 in August and September of 1979, thus making it Billboard's top song of 1979.
I wasnt much of a Knack fan but I did love "My Sharona" and so did most of America in 1979. Disco had really sapped the energy out of the mainstream music scene by this time and then came this huge burst of fresh and new rock out of Detroit and set rock back on the forefront of the popular music landscape.
"My Sharona" spent 6 consecutive weeks at the top of the Billboard Hot 100 in August and September of 1979, thus making it Billboard's top song of 1979.
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Today in Sports Illustrated Covers
Today in 1966 Rick Mount of Lebanon High School, Lebanon Indiana, was the first male high school athlete to be on the cover of Sports Illustrated.
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Top of The Pops
Lets get back to the music now and venture back to Feb 14th 1976 for our Top of Pops countdown.
This week has a #1 song that is really a good anti Valentine's Day song.
#5 - Sing a Song - Earth Wind and Fire
The follow up to their smash "Shining Star" this would peak for 2 weeks in the #5 spot.
#4 - Theme from "S.W.A.T." - Rhythm Heritage
This would become the first TV theme song to hit #1 in the history of Billboard's Hot 100. Reaching the top 2 weeks later but this week vaults to the #4 spot.
#3 - You Sexy Thing - Hot Chocolate
In its 2nd of 3 consecutive weeks at the #3 spot this the biggest hit for the British group Hot Chocolate. This song went to #2 in the UK and is the only song to go top ten on the UK charts in 70s,80s and 90s.
#2 - Love To Love You Baby - Donna Summer
Peaking in the runner up position is the first Top 40 hit for Donna Summer. It would spend one more week at #2 before making a slow fall out of the top ten.
#1 - 50 Ways To Leave Your Lover - Paul Simon
From the classic album "Still Crazy After All These Years" its Paul Simon's first and only solo #1 single. It took only seven weeks to get to the top after entering the charts at #74 on Dec 20th 1975.
This was the 2nd of 3 consecutive weeks at the top for Paul Simon.
This week has a #1 song that is really a good anti Valentine's Day song.
#5 - Sing a Song - Earth Wind and Fire
The follow up to their smash "Shining Star" this would peak for 2 weeks in the #5 spot.
#4 - Theme from "S.W.A.T." - Rhythm Heritage
This would become the first TV theme song to hit #1 in the history of Billboard's Hot 100. Reaching the top 2 weeks later but this week vaults to the #4 spot.
#3 - You Sexy Thing - Hot Chocolate
In its 2nd of 3 consecutive weeks at the #3 spot this the biggest hit for the British group Hot Chocolate. This song went to #2 in the UK and is the only song to go top ten on the UK charts in 70s,80s and 90s.
#2 - Love To Love You Baby - Donna Summer
Peaking in the runner up position is the first Top 40 hit for Donna Summer. It would spend one more week at #2 before making a slow fall out of the top ten.
#1 - 50 Ways To Leave Your Lover - Paul Simon
From the classic album "Still Crazy After All These Years" its Paul Simon's first and only solo #1 single. It took only seven weeks to get to the top after entering the charts at #74 on Dec 20th 1975.
This was the 2nd of 3 consecutive weeks at the top for Paul Simon.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Rachel Alexandra will face Zenyatta on April 9 at Oaklawn Park - More Sports - SI.com
Rachel Alexandra will face Zenyatta on April 9 at Oaklawn Park - More Sports - SI.com
this is going to be a huge race for all horse racing fans to watch. I hope this gets some decent coverage on ESPN and brings people back to "the sport of Kings".
I will have to say I going with Rachel Alexandra. She has proven her strength and speed against the boys at the Preakness this year.
this is going to be a huge race for all horse racing fans to watch. I hope this gets some decent coverage on ESPN and brings people back to "the sport of Kings".
I will have to say I going with Rachel Alexandra. She has proven her strength and speed against the boys at the Preakness this year.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Happy Birthday Doug
Here is wishing a Happy 42nd Birthday to a man who is a brother to me and has been for all my life, Douglas W Schimmel. Check out his blog postings
And in honor of this momentus day I bring you one of the funniest episodes of "All in the Family".
The episode is called "Judging Books by Covers". Doug and I have been big Bunkerheads for years and years.
And in honor of this momentus day I bring you one of the funniest episodes of "All in the Family".
The episode is called "Judging Books by Covers". Doug and I have been big Bunkerheads for years and years.
Monday, February 8, 2010
Super Bowl draws biggest viewership of all-time
Super Bowl draws biggest viewership of all-time - Super Bowl XLIV - SI.com
and now CBS has the 2 highest rated single episode shows of all time. The Tiffany Network is flying high!
and now CBS has the 2 highest rated single episode shows of all time. The Tiffany Network is flying high!
Friday, February 5, 2010
2010 Kentucky Derby bit
Keep your eyes on this horse come May in Louisville: American Lion
not only a great name but a winner in his maiden race. Looks to be strong contender.
Stay tuned for further updates.
not only a great name but a winner in his maiden race. Looks to be strong contender.
Stay tuned for further updates.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
#1 Song of the Week
Today Feb 3rd is known as "The Day the Music Died" thanks to Don McLean and his all time classic #1 smash "American Pie".
I was 51 years ago today that a plane crash in Clear Lake, Iowa took the lives of Buddy Holly, JP (Big Bopper) Richardson and Ritchie Valens. A generation of singers and songwriters were influenced by all 3 and they knew that the new music trend of rock n roll would go on but forever altered by the tragedy.
This week in 1972 "American Pie" was finishing up its 4 week run at the top of Billboard's Hot 100 but it had served to be what has been called a eulogy for the 60s with references to Bob Dylan, Elvis and other icons of the 60s and showing hot fast things were changing.
They also were the source for dozens of questions in the "Baby Boomer Edition" of Trivial Pursuit.
I was 51 years ago today that a plane crash in Clear Lake, Iowa took the lives of Buddy Holly, JP (Big Bopper) Richardson and Ritchie Valens. A generation of singers and songwriters were influenced by all 3 and they knew that the new music trend of rock n roll would go on but forever altered by the tragedy.
This week in 1972 "American Pie" was finishing up its 4 week run at the top of Billboard's Hot 100 but it had served to be what has been called a eulogy for the 60s with references to Bob Dylan, Elvis and other icons of the 60s and showing hot fast things were changing.
They also were the source for dozens of questions in the "Baby Boomer Edition" of Trivial Pursuit.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
2010 Oscar Nominations
Today was the day the Academy announced the nominations for the 82nd Oscar ceremony. The telecast will be March 7th on ABC television.
Here is a list of this year nominees
I have seen 2 of the movies nominated for Best Picture, "The Blindside" and "District 9". Of the those two I would go with "The Blindside" because the story was good and the whole movie was enjoyable with very good acting. Overall it was a great family picture and that would be great for that type to win at the Oscars again.
"District 9" was ok but slow moving and riddled with the Fbomb and just didnt make me want to see it again. It didnt have that feeling of a real good movie. It was a great sci fi picture but overall best picture material? not for me.
I own the Dvd for "The Hurt Locker" now I just need to watch it.
It has some serious momentum as the one picture that can knock off "Avatar" for the top award. I havent seen "Avatar" but I have been told the effects are spectacular but the story isnt that good, so that could be the achilles heel for James Cameron this year. The juicy storyline heading into the show is the competition between Cameron and his ex-wife Kathryn Bigelow who directed "The Hurt Locker". Should make for an interesting evening.
This year there are 10 films nominated for Best Picture, this is more than we have had in many, many years and it was done by the Academy to try and include more popular mainstream movies and get the younger audience to tune into the award telecast. Over the last 20 years the tv audience has been shrinking for the Oscars and they hope this might turn it around. I dont know about that but at least its a start and maybe soon they will have a category for Best Comedy Motion Picture and recognize the popular comedies that get overlooked each year.
Here is a list of this year nominees
I have seen 2 of the movies nominated for Best Picture, "The Blindside" and "District 9". Of the those two I would go with "The Blindside" because the story was good and the whole movie was enjoyable with very good acting. Overall it was a great family picture and that would be great for that type to win at the Oscars again.
"District 9" was ok but slow moving and riddled with the Fbomb and just didnt make me want to see it again. It didnt have that feeling of a real good movie. It was a great sci fi picture but overall best picture material? not for me.
I own the Dvd for "The Hurt Locker" now I just need to watch it.
It has some serious momentum as the one picture that can knock off "Avatar" for the top award. I havent seen "Avatar" but I have been told the effects are spectacular but the story isnt that good, so that could be the achilles heel for James Cameron this year. The juicy storyline heading into the show is the competition between Cameron and his ex-wife Kathryn Bigelow who directed "The Hurt Locker". Should make for an interesting evening.
This year there are 10 films nominated for Best Picture, this is more than we have had in many, many years and it was done by the Academy to try and include more popular mainstream movies and get the younger audience to tune into the award telecast. Over the last 20 years the tv audience has been shrinking for the Oscars and they hope this might turn it around. I dont know about that but at least its a start and maybe soon they will have a category for Best Comedy Motion Picture and recognize the popular comedies that get overlooked each year.
Monday, February 1, 2010
Brief thoughts on the Grammy Award telecast
Ok I havent watched much of the Grammy Awards in the last 10 years and I cant say I have missed much if last night was any indication. I saw Pink do her Cirque de Solei impression while giving the impression she was still singing while swinging upside down above the crowd at Staples Center. Then she began to spray water over the crowd like a wet cocker spaniel and this was given a standing ovation? Well Stephen Colbert was the highlight as he opened the show ( they dont have host anymore, just someone to open and go away) with some great remarks about the music industry congratulating itself all night.
It seems that the Grammys decided sometime in the 90s to compete with the MTV music awards and do one outlandish performance after another and the actual awards have the feeling of an after thought. I really didnt see many groups or so called singers sing, they all seem to be trying to put on over the top rock operas.
Now the Grammys have never been fan friendly or in touch with what was really popular but over the last 20 years they have made strides in trying to be "with it" and "in touch". With the exception of the infamous Jethro Tull award most of the nominees and winners have been fairly mainstream and popular (even the Judas Priest got a grammy lastnight for an album that I am sure many people didnt even know about). I guess what I am getting at is that if you want actual singing and awards handed out this probably isnt the show for you. They have been intent on including the world of hip hop and rap but in order to make those performances accecptable to the censors they would have to move the show to cable as proven last night as Dr.Dre, Eminem and Lil Wayne got only a few words on air during their performance.
Overall in my opinion the glut of awards have made the Grammys even less important and they just havent figured it out yet.
It seems that the Grammys decided sometime in the 90s to compete with the MTV music awards and do one outlandish performance after another and the actual awards have the feeling of an after thought. I really didnt see many groups or so called singers sing, they all seem to be trying to put on over the top rock operas.
Now the Grammys have never been fan friendly or in touch with what was really popular but over the last 20 years they have made strides in trying to be "with it" and "in touch". With the exception of the infamous Jethro Tull award most of the nominees and winners have been fairly mainstream and popular (even the Judas Priest got a grammy lastnight for an album that I am sure many people didnt even know about). I guess what I am getting at is that if you want actual singing and awards handed out this probably isnt the show for you. They have been intent on including the world of hip hop and rap but in order to make those performances accecptable to the censors they would have to move the show to cable as proven last night as Dr.Dre, Eminem and Lil Wayne got only a few words on air during their performance.
Overall in my opinion the glut of awards have made the Grammys even less important and they just havent figured it out yet.
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