In The Chaos Household
Tuesday Night's TV
Started out watching 'Emeril' - it's quite formulaic, but, I find it less
distasteful than 'Dharma & Greg' - think the car accident was their 'jumping
the shark', although they did celebrate their 100th episode this week.
Also watched 'Frasier' -- think they also realized how bad the show has become,
and tried to address it in this episode on snobbism...almost like they're trying to
remake Kelsey Grammar into Dabney Coleman, and 'Frasier' into 'Buffalo Bill' (we
should be so lucky).
Probably going to do an 'Eddie-the-dog' episode soon, or add a kid.
Wednesday's highlights seem to be 'Enterprise', where 'Trip' (one of the crewmen)
ends up pregnant after a close-encounter with an alien, and the 2nd half of 'The
West Wing' 2 part season opener.
At least all the programs are fresh.
Anyone have any opinions?
Or reviews?
Reader Review
"Smallville"
JD Cole
Listen To The Doctor
A Note From Dr. Grove
Dr. Grove
"The current Outside Magazine has an article about the best things out there.
Best "to-kill-ya"?
Chinaco, of course."
~~ L. Grove
Thanks, Dr. Grove...will pick up the current issue of Outside Magazine forthwith.
Weekly Review
from Harper's Magazine
The United Nations suspended its food convoys into Afghanistan because
of the American bombing campaign. U.S. forces dropped over 100,000
yellow ration packets into Afghanistan, where there are thought to be
7.5 million people facing starvation. Each packet, decorated with an
American flag, contains one day's worth of food, a book of matches,
and a Moist Towelette: "Here is your Moist Towelette," the packet says
in English. "It will clean and refresh your hands and face without
soap and water. Self-dries in seconds, leaving your skin smooth and
soft." Jean Ziegler, the United Nations special rapporteur on the
right to food, said the food drop was "totally catastrophic for
humanitarian aid" because it links such aid with military operations;
he also warned that the indiscriminate "snowdropping" of food could
lead hungry children into mine fields. As a result of a "targeting
process error," an American bomb went astray and landed in a
residential neighborhood in Kabul. Tom Brokaw's assistant at NBC
Nightly News tested positive for cutaneous anthrax; another case
turned up at a Microsoft office in Reno, Nevada. The F.B.I. was
notified on September 28 about the suspicious envelope at NBC but
didn't get around to testing it until a private doctor treating the
victim called the New York City health department. Vice President Dick
Cheney, who has been hiding out in an undisclosed location, observed
that there might be a connection between the anthrax cases and the
September 11 attacks. The image of Bert from Sesame Street showed up
in an Osama bin Laden poster used by protesters in Pakistan; "This is
not at all humorous," said a spokesman for the Sesame Workshop. Rush
Limbaugh lost his hearing. The major American television networks
agreed, out of patriotism, they said, to a request by National
Security Adviser Condoleezza Rice not to broadcast future statements
by Osama bin Laden; Rice said she was concerned about secret messages
being communicated to "sleeper" terrorists in the United States but
did not reveal how she would prevent such evil-doers from viewing the
speech via the Internet or satellite television. Tom Ridge, the new
head of "homeland" security, was sworn in at the White House, where he
told friends and supporters that "Liberty is the most precious gift we
offer our citizens."
( continued at Weekly Review )
--Roger D. Hodge
Dueling Fundraisers
Who's Where
Rolling Stones singer Mick Jagger and veteran rock band KISS will not perform at
a charity concert for victims of the Sept. 11 attacks in Washington DC next
weekend, their representatives said on Tuesday.
Both acts were among the stars announced last week for the Oct. 21 concert at
RFK Stadium, including Michael Jackson, 'N Sync and Aerosmith.
But Jagger's spokeswoman said the announcement was premature, and the British
rocker had never committed to perform. KISS, meanwhile, pulled out because lead
singer Paul Stanley is facing hip surgery.
Stanley had postponed the surgery in order to perform. ''However, after starting
initial physical preparation, it became apparent that increasing pain and the
possibility of further damage would not allow him to meet the intense physical
demands of a KISS performance,'' according to a statement.
Jagger, who will play the night before at a fundraiser in New York City, did
not ``pull out'' of the Washington show, said Fran Curtis, a publicist at Rogers & Cowan.
``They (the organizers) approached him to do it, which was very nice, but
unfortunately he was unable to do it because of prior commitments,'' said
Curtis, whose firm is also handling publicity for Washington event.
She denied reports of behind-the-scenes discord at the concert, which was
originally dubbed ``United We Stand'' but is now called
``United We Stand -- What More Can I Give?'' in honor of an all-star charity
single organized by Jackson.
Latest additions to the ``Concert for New York City'' at Madison Square Garden
include David Bowie, Elton John and the U2 pair of singer Bono and guitarist the Edge.
D.C vs. MSG
For more, scroll down.
The Mark Twain Prize For American Humor
Whoopi Goldberg
Whoopi Goldberg made serious history for a funny reason, becoming the first
woman to receive the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor.
About a dozen of the actress-comedian's friends, including Alan King, Chris
Rock, Robin Williams and Billy Crystal, teased and saluted her at the Kennedy
Center for the Performing Arts on Monday night.
``You are a legend and you know it,'' said Chris Tucker, co-star of the ``Rush
Hour'' movies.
Goldberg, 45, ended the show by saying it ``almost didn't happen.'' She was concerned
that it would be inappropriate to stage the event after last month's terrorist
attacks, but after making several phone calls, decided to go through with it.
``We must pick ourselves up by our bootstrings and laugh - we have to,'' she said.
Previous honorees include Richard Pryor, Jonathan Winters and Carl Reiner.
The event was taped and is scheduled to air at 9 p.m. Nov. 21 on PBS as ``On
Stage at the Kennedy Center: The Mark Twain Prize.''
Whoopi Goldberg & Mark Twain
New! Updated!
BartCop Astrology
Check it out at BC Astrology.
This week, the official BartCop Astrologer has provided two charts.
One who's talent (and hearing, as well), is on loan from his god, and for contrast, an American visionary,
national treasure, and real-life role model, Helen Keller.
Very interesting reading!
Auction News
Jay Leno's Harley
Talk show host Jay Leno (L) and three cast members of the television series
'Friends' - Matt LeBlanc, Matthew Perry and David Schwimmer appear on stage
during taping of 'The Tonight Show with Jay Leno' October 16, 2001 at the NBC
studios in Burbank.
Leno & "Friends"
Where's The Big Dog?
Prague
Former U.S. President Bill Clinton (L) embraces Nobel Prize winner and co-founder
of the FORUM 2000 conferences Ellie Wiesel at Prague Castle, October 15, 2001.
Clinton arrived in Prague to attend the discussions on Human Rights and Search
for Global Responsibility.
Photo by Petr Josek
Bill Clinton & Ellie Wiesel
More On The Bob Hope Hollywood USO
At LAX
Bob Hope, a tireless entertainer of troops in four wars, won't be telling jokes
to Americans in the new war against terrorism. He will be serving - although in
name only.
The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce announced plans Monday to expand a small USO
center for members of the armed forces at Los Angeles International Airport into
a 4,000-square-foot club. It will be called the Bob Hope Hollywood USO.
``If anybody deserves to have this honor, it's Bob Hope,'' said comedian Sid
Caesar, who recalled seeing Hope entertain servicemen when he was a Coast
Guardsman in 1944. ``He was there in the front, middle and back lines and flying
in helicopters all over just to entertain the troops.''
Troops will be able to munch on food, watch videos, read, send e-mail, or just
relax at the club. The USO will also provide complimentary or discount tickets
to shows and local attractions and help troops and their families find hotels or
other accommodations at reasonable rates.
Hope, 98, was represented by his wife, Dolores, and daughter Linda. ``Bob was
fighting his doctors,'' Mrs. Hope said. ``He's furious that he can't be here.''
In October 1997, Hope was given the title ``Honorary Veteran'' through an act of Congress.
At a ceremony in the Capitol rotunda, Hope said, ``I've been given many awards
in my lifetime - but to be numbered among the men and women I admire most - is
the greatest honor I have ever received.''
Bob Hope USO
Gee, who was president in 1997?
Cheese Is Good For You!
'Gilligan' Rules!
Several new dramas spiked in the ratings Sunday opposite baseball on Fox, but
the night's strongest performer was CBS' behind-the-scenes movie ``Surviving
Gilligan's Island.''
According to preliminary nationals from Nielsen, ''Gilligan's'' won the 9-11 p.m.
block in all key demos, including the best adults 18-49 rating for a single-part
CBS movie (5.7 rating, 13 share) since ``Fail-Safe'' in April 2000.
The movie also became the first program to top an original episode of ABC's
``The Practice'' in 18-49 (preliminary 6.2 rating to 6.0) since NBC's premiere
of ``Titanic'' last November.
The strong performance boosted CBS, which also won the night in total viewers,
to its strongest demo finish on a Sunday (second-place 4.6/11 in adults 18-49
and first-place tie with ABC in 25-54) since the Super Bowl on Jan. 28.
Gilligan & The Nielson Family
BartCop TV!
Visit the site at BC TV
The 'Vidiot' never seems to rest!
Every show on TV must be listed--days worth of reading there.
For an amazing variety of information on an astounding array of tv programs check out
BC TV!
Politics Makes For Strange Bedfellows
SAG Election
Hollywood is taking sides in an election battle that rivals our own mayoral race.
The Screen Actors Guild is set to elect a president, and while the balloting ends
Oct. 31, it has become clear that the contest is a race between Valerie ("Rhoda")
Harper and Melissa ("Little House on the Prairie") Gilbert.
Right now, Harper's camp boasts Martin Sheen, Gregory Peck, Sarah Jessica Parker,
Elliott Gould, Esai Morales and former SAG President Charlton Heston.
Gilbert's crew includes Tobey Maguire, Debra Messing, Elizabeth Taylor, Rob Lowe,
John Spencer, Mike Farrell and former SAG President Patty Duke.
If my sources are correct, the campaigning could get ugly in the next couple of
weeks — let's just hope that when the ballots are finally counted, they do a
more accurate job than the geniuses in Florida and New York City.
Strange Bedfellows In Hollywood
Look closely, and you'll see some dissent on the 'West Wings' set - Martin Sheen is
aligned with Valerie Harper, yet, both Rob Lowe & John Spencer are hanging with
Melissa Gilbert. Not to be too tacky, but it should be mentioned that Rob & Melissa
share a little history.
Traditional lines of association are skewed all to hell in this one....should be fun to watch.
Looking For Love
Buck Owens
Country music star Buck Owens is smitten with a fan he met briefly and is
searching for the woman in personal ads he's placed in several newspapers.
The 72-year-old Country Music Hall of Famer met the woman at a Sept. 7 taping of
the TV game show ``Family Feud'' in Burbank, Calif., and was immediately taken
with her, he said. He asked for her phone number and wrote it down, but then
lost it. ``I'm just sick about it,'' he said.
A classified ad published in several Southern California newspapers this month
seeks the ``Buck Owens Fan'' who was at the Family Feud taping. It reads: ``Buck
has lost contact, would like for you to call Mel Owens at (661) 326-1011. Please
call, extremely important.''
The telephone number is for Buck Owens Productions in Bakersfield.
Owens didn't get the dark-haired woman's name. He knows her age but is not
revealing it because he plans to use it as a way to verify her identity if she
calls.
Owens, who is divorcing his wife of 22 years, said some of his friends don't
approve of his unusual campaign and acknowledges that it could end up being a
wasted effort even if the woman does contact him.
``I know it sounds silly to some people, me looking for her this way,'' Owens
said. ``But what if it works?''
Buck Owens
New!
In The Kitchen With BartCop & Friends
Don't worry about the HTML, just send text, or rich text, or a Word document, photos, video, whatever you have, and Michele will take care of the rest. Don't hesitate to write with any questions you may have and bring on the recipes!
To check out 'Train Station Chicken', and more (like 'Cranberry Autumn Tea'),
In The Kitchen With BartCop
Internet Domain Name Dispute
Rip Torn Wins
Rip Torn has been awarded the rights to the Internet domain name riptorn.com in
a United Nations panel ruling released Tuesday.
The actor, whose real name is Elmore Torn Jr., complained to the World
Intellectual Property Organization to get control of the domain name, which
Nathan Freedman, of Oakville, Ontario, Canada, registered in March 2000.
Arbitrator Clive L. Elliott ordered the transfer of the name after Freedman
failed to submit a response to the complaint.
Torn, 70, who played Agent Zed in the 1997 movie ``Men in Black'' and has won
two American Comedy Awards in a 45-year career, argued that he was widely known
as Rip Torn, even though that's not his real name.
There ``is strong evidence that the Domain Name has been registered and is being
used in bad faith'', Elliott said.
Anyone can register a domain name for a few dollars, which has led so-called
``cybersquatters'' to file for famous names to make a fast buck from those who
want the names. Some names are worth millions of dollars.
The U.N. system, which started in 1999, allows those who think they have real
right to a domain to get it back without having to spend large sums of money for
a legal battle.
Rip Torn
Country Joe McDonald vs Kid Ory
Lawsuit
Country Joe McDonald is being sued for allegedly stealing the tune of his 1965
protest song ``I-Feel-Like-I'm-Fixin'-to-Die-Rag'' from a 1926 song by famed
jazz trombonist Kid Ory.
Ory's daughter, Babette Ory, filed the lawsuit last month in U.S. District Court
in Los Angeles. She claims McDonald stole the tune to her father's ``Muskrat
Ramble'' and argues that McDonald's infringement was intentional.
According to the lawsuit, Ory told McDonald in July that his song infringed on
her father's copyright, but he continued to perform it. Under copyright law, she
may seek damages for performances of the song only in the past three years and
for any performances since its filing.
The lawsuit asks for unspecified damages and an order barring McDonald from
performing the song. It comes just at the time when the recording may be gaining
new popularity because of the military action in Afghanistan.
Country Joe McDonald
On 'Hiatus'
The Mole II: The Next Betrayal
Chalk it up to a tough timeslot and a slump for all reality-TV shows not named
Survivor, but ABC's onetime hit series has been sabotaged early into its second run.
After three poor-performing episodes, the network is yanking The Mole II: The
Next Betrayal from its Friday lineup--the first time a serialized reality show
has been pulled before its completion.
Viewers still hoping to find out who the Mole is may now have to wait until next
January or March, when ABC is hoping to relaunch the series. (Note to the
winner: Are you really good at keeping secrets?) For now, ABC is replacing The
Mole with less mentally challenging reality show America's Funniest Home Videos, at 8 p.m.
These days, ABC will take optimism wherever it can find it. The Alphabet Network
has tumbled in the ratings this season, with its viewership down 21 percent from
its first three weeks last fall, according to Nielsen Media Research.
Buh-Bye Mole 2
2nd 'Inappropriate' Episode Pulled - Twice
'The Agency'
In the latest case of a show hitting way too close to home, CBS has pulled yet
another episode of its new CIA series The Agency after its plot involved U.S.
efforts to deal with the threat of anthrax.
The episode was originally scheduled to air last Thursday, but it was bumped
from the schedule because of President Bush's prime-time press conference. It
was rescheduled for this Thursday, and CBS had begun airing promotional teasers
about the upcoming episode.
But with anthrax exposures now being found in other areas of the country,
including Washington, D.C., Florida, New York and Nevada, the network decided
Monday to pull the episode again.
Airing in its place will be an episode titled "The Year of Lying Dangerously,"
revolving around a group of American miners who are taken hostage in Indonesia
while a local governor plots a political coup.
Since its September 27 debut, the show, starring Gil Bellows, has been largely
overshadowed by ER on Thursday nights. But you can't accuse the series of not
being timely. Following September 11, CBS also pulled The Agency's pilot episode,
which revolved around a terrorist plot to bomb Harrods department store in London.
The episode, which also included a reference to Osama bin Laden, has been shelved
and may get retooled for a future airing.
Anthrax Show Shelved
First Person Diary
Ray Berry
Ray resurrected 'Bush-Toons' this week.
Welcome back - you've been missed!
To visit & read, www.bush-toons.com
Radio News
WSOU-FM
Seton Hall University has ordered its award-winning radio station, WSOU-FM, to
abandon its signature music style -- hard rock and heavy metal for the past 15
years -- and seek a format that better reflects "the diversity and the values of
the university."
The surprise announcement has infuriated WSOU staff members, who said their
policy in recent years has been to keep the most offensive lyrics and
bands -- those that might be considered anti-religious or obscene -- off the
Catholic university station.
A trade publication has named WSOU "College Station of the Year" several times
since the hard-rock format was first adopted. The station claims about 100,000
listeners in the tri-state area and is the only full-time hard-rock station on
the air, Elsebai said.
Heard at 89.5 on the FM dial, the station features such bands as Megadeth, Endo,
Agnostic Front, and Darkest Hour.
WSOU program director Tom Katchisin called a format change "a very big mistake."
"Our station was one of a kind," he said. "It filled a niche in the market."
The station also seems to attract students to the university. Among them is
Dennis Donnovan, a sophomore, who said his reason for coming to Seton
Hall -- along with "being an Irish Catholic and living in New Jersey" -- was
WSOU. "My first year at the station was a great experience for me," said
Donovan, a disc jockey.
Seton Hall Radio Station Must Change Format
Impending Nuptials
Thiessen & Ruccolo
Tiffani Thiessen is ready to tie the knot. The Beverly Hills, 90210 alum has
just become engaged to her boyfriend of a year, actor Richard Ruccolo.
Ruccolo popped the question Friday, according to Thiessen's publicist, Elizabeth Much.
Thiessen, 27, and Ruccolo, 29, have been an official Hollywood item since
meeting last year on the set of the now defunct ABC sitcom Two Guys and a Girl.
Ruccolo was one of the leads and Thiessen had a recurring guest spot.
It will be the first marriage for both.
Thiessen, who dropped "Amber" from her name last year, has--in that grand
Tinseltown tradition--been linked with several costars. From her squeaky-clean
role on Saved by the Bell, when she dated Bell boy (and current NYPD Blue cop
Mark-Paul Gosselaar, to her evil-vixen stint on Beverly Hills, 90210, when she
cohabitated with castmate Brian Green--although to be fair, she and Green had
been together for two years prior to her arrival in Beverly Hills. In fact,
Thiessen and Green (who, coincidentally, has dropped the Austin from his
moniker) were reportedly engaged before calling it quits in 1995.
Thiessen, a fromer Miss Junior America, was also attached to Suddenly Susan's
David Strickland. The two had just begun dating in 1999 when Strickland hanged
himself in a Las Vegas motel room.
Tiffani & Richard
More On The 3 Fundraising Concerts This Weekend
Some Tickets Still Available
This weekend, dozens of stars including Paul McCartney, David Bowie, Michael Jackson,
Tim McGraw, 'N Sync and the Backstreet Boys plan to perform at three benefit concerts to raise
money for the victims of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, and raise morale too.
'N Sync is performing at the ``United We Stand'' concert Sunday in Washington, an eight-hour marathon
that also includes Michael Jackson, the Backstreet Boys, Mariah Carey, Destiny's Child,
Sean ``P. Diddy'' Combs and others. Tickets for the RFK Stadium event ranged
from $25 to $75 and have sold out, officials said, raising approximately
$2 million. Parts of the show will likely be aired later on television.
Also on Sunday, Tim McGraw, Sara Evans, Trisha Yearwood, Brooks & Dunn and other
country stars take part in a 21/2-hour concert at the 13,000-seat Gaylord
Entertainment Center in Nashville, to be aired live on the CMT cable network and
on radio stations across the nation. Tickets range from $25 to $1,000, and are
almost sold out.
The weekend concerts kick off Saturday with the ``Concert for New York City'' at
Madison Square Garden. Along with the Backstreet Boys and Destiny's Child, that
event features McCartney, Bowie, Elton John, Eric Clapton, Billy Joel, U2's Bono,
Marc Anthony and others.
Tickets range from $200 to $5,000 and were still available. The five-hour show
will be aired live on VH1 without commercials, and on the radio. Columbia
Records plans to release a double-disc CD from the concert, with most proceeds
going to charity.
Clear Channel Entertainment, which owns 135 entertainment venues and is the
nation's dominant concert promoter, is producing or helping to produce all three
concerts. Chief Operating Officer Steve Smith said they were relatively easy to
pull together quickly.
3 Concerts
Gee, 135 entertainment venues & over 1200 radio stations....nothing monopolistic there.
In Memory
Margaret Ann Aitcheson
Margaret Ann Aitcheson, the mother of Tipper Gore, died Monday at the age of 77.
Aitcheson, who had been ailing, died at her residence at an Alexandria, Va.,
retirement community, said Kiki McLean, a spokeswoman for the Gores. Aitcheson's
son-in-law, former Vice President Al Gore, was with her at the time.
Tipper Gore was in Miami to accept a humanitarian award for her work on behalf
of the mentally ill. Mrs. Gore often cited her mother's severe bouts of
depression - as well as her own struggle with the disease - as part of her
motivation for taking up the cause.
Born in Battle Creek, Mich., Aitcheson moved to the northern Virginia area as a
teen and spent the rest of her life there.
She is responsible for the nickname of her only child, Mary Elizabeth Aitcheson,
who became known as "Tipper" after a Spanish lullaby.
She was a self-employed accountant, a Red Cross volunteer and, at one point, an
alcoholism therapist, McLean said.
Margaret Ann Aitcheson, Mother of Tipper Gore
In Memory
Raoul Kraushaar
Composer Raoul Kraushaar, who wrote the theme music to such classic TV
shows as ``Lassie,'' ``The Fugitive'' and ``The Untouchables,'' has died at
the age of 93, his family said Tuesday.
The French-born Kraushaar died Saturday in Pompano Beach, Florida, the family
said in a statement.
During a 55-year career, he wrote the music for numerous television shows,
including ``Mr. Ed,'' ``The Abbott and Costello Series'' and ``Father Knows Best.''
Among his most famous film work was ``Cabaret'' starring Liza Minnelli. He also
provided music for cartoons such as ``Yogi Bear'' and ``Huckleberry Hound.''
Born in France in 1908, the son of an orchestra musician, Kraushaar lived with his
aunt after his mother died and as a teenager he stowed away on a ship headed to New York.
The first film he was credited for was ``Round-up Time in Texas'' with Gene
Autry in 1937.
He also worked as an arranger for band leaders. He composed as a freelancer as
well as a staffer for Republic Studios and MGM.
``He was a pioneer. His work has been a tremendous influence in my life and I know
it has touched the lives of many others,'' his youngest daughter Kelley Kay said.
Raoul Kraushaar
Still Really Like This One....
"Boondocks" (9 Oct 01)
Gonna let it ride for awhile.
Still MISSING
Marc Chagall's "Study for 'Over Vitebsk'"
