twice the fun in more ways than one

i *heart* SNL

Today's LA Times:
Saturday Night Live takes pro-Hillary allegations seriously

Show staffers are concerned by claims they're pro-Clinton and promise to rile all of the candidates.

By Matea Gold, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer
March 13, 2008

NEW YORK -- For three decades, "Saturday Night Live" has prided itself on skewering politicians of all stripes with equal zeal, from Chevy Chase's clumsy Gerald Ford to Darrell Hammond's sighing Al Gore.

Executive producer Lorne Michaels has long maintained that the show risks its comedy credentials if it appears partisan. So he is troubled by the recent chatter that the venerable late-night program has exhibited a pro- Hillary Clinton bent.

"That's a major concern," Michaels said. "I can assure you that there's no agenda, that there's only a reaction to what's going in the world."

Since returning to the air in late February after a hiatus forced by the writers strike, the NBC comedy showcase has zoomed back into the political zeitgeist.

When media toughened its coverage of Sen. Barack Obama after a "SNL" sketch portrayed the press as fawning over him, analysts credited the show in part for the shift. (Obama even joked that he was going to call Michaels to complain.)

A series of other bits in recent weeks have contributed to the perception that the program is trying to sway public opinion toward Clinton. Guest host Tina Fey gave a shout-out to the New York senator, saying women like her "get stuff done." The candidate herself made a lighthearted appearance the following week, appearing in a matching brown tweed suit with cast member Amy Poehler, who plays Clinton on the show.

Two days later, Clinton performed strongly in the Ohio and Texas primaries.

Seth Meyers, one of show's three head writers, said he was amused by suggestions that "Saturday Night Live" changed the momentum of the race.

"We don't quite feel we've affected it as much as people want to give us credit for," he said.

"The show happens too quickly for any of us to have an agenda," added Meyers, who donated $1,000 to Obama in January. "And our egos as comedy writers are too big to ever let our own political loyalties get in the way of a joke. So we aim for whatever is the richest to be satirized on any given week."

Michaels, a political independent who donated to both Democratic Sen. Chris Dodd and to Republican Sen. John McCain last year, said the personal politics of the show's 23 writers don't influence its content. "I really don't believe anyone walking around up there thinks, 'What can we do for Hillary right now?' " he said.

In fact, the show's mantra is that it's against "whoever is winning," said Poehler.

"There is a certain amount of being able to poke fun at everyone equally that's kind of nice," she added. "And so I think that anything more than that would be giving us too much responsibility and making us seem much smarter than we actually are."

The renewed focus on the 32-year-old program and the discussion of whether it has shaped the presidential race has helped lift its ratings. In its first two shows back on the air since the strike, "Saturday Night Live" averaged 6.8 million viewers, compared with its pre-strike average of 5.8 million viewers.

"We're hoping for a dead tie in the delegates so it, like, goes on for another year," Meyers joked. "They have to postpone the general election."

But the scrutiny has also forced the late-night institution to contemplate whether it has a responsibility to provide equal doses of satire in a tightly fought race.

[...]

3 A.M. PHONE CALL


DEMOCRATIC DEBATE #2


TV FUNHOUSE: THE OBAMA FILES

heart-healthy breakfast tips from nyc fitness solutions

An old friend appeared on the CW 11 Morning News show this week... Recipes below.

[WATCH THE VIDEO -- a shameless plug, I know!]

Breakfast Of Champions




Breakfast Juice The more veggies the merrier. Green is Good!

Makes 12-20 ounces depending upon the size and season of your produce.
In a juicer of your choice add:
1/2 bunch Swiss Chard
1 Granny smith Apple washed and quartered
1 tbsp ginger root (the skin is full of vitamins make sure you wash it well if you wish to use it.
1 Large carrot, skin on
2 Stalks Celery

Vegetable juice is a great way to start your day. Make sure you follow it up with a large glass of water. Water is also an essential nutrient most people do not get enough of.


Berry Fruit Smoothie

1/2 cup all natural plain yogurt
1 pint mixed seasonal berries
1/2 cup rice or almond milk.
1 whole banana

* For an added protein and fiber boost add 1/4 cup Almond slivers or whole crushed Almonds or 1 tablespoon Peanut Butter
Blend till you find your desired consistency, if you find it a bit think add more berries, water or rice milk. This recipe will be on the thick side.

Turkey Frittata with Cherry Tomato Romesco
1 Non-stick pan
2 - Large Portabello Mushrooms cleaned and sliced thin
1/2 - Whole Red Onion peeled and sliced thin
1 - Bell Pepper sliced thin
1/2 - Pound Fresh Roasted or Smoked Turkey Diced
1/4 - Cup Roughly Chopped Italian Parsley
1/4 - Cup Thinly Sliced Basil 6-10 Large to jumbo sized eggs *depending upon the size of your pan, also beaten eggs tend to rise a bit.
1-2 - ounces olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

1) Preheat your oven to 400 degrees.
2) Over a medium high heat, place your pan for 3 minutes and then add as much of the oil as you need to completely coat the pan.* (you may not wish to use it all but, don't let a recipe interrupt your breakfast)
3) Add the onion, peppers and mushroom one after, you only want to lightly saute, you will place all of the ingredients in the oven shortly.
4) Turn the heat down to a medium / medium low heat and add the turkey, *Season your egg in a bowl, add half the Basil and Parsley and whisk your eggs and add to your pan.
5) Take the whole pan and place it in the oven. Cook till the eggs are cooked through (approximately 10 minutes.) *Not all oven are created equal, some will run hot while others will run a bit cold. So check your frittata by poking a pairing knife into the middle of the deepest section to make sure your eggs are cooked. * Every time you open the oven door the internal temperature drops 25 degrees.

Cherry Tomato Romesco (the best alternative to Ketchup)

In a blender add the following:
1 Pint Cherry (or Grape) Tomatoes
1 large Red Bell Pepper
1 Clove Crushed Garlic
1/2 cup Almond Slivers - Crushed
1/2 - 1 Cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil (use as much or as little Extra Virgin Olive Oil as you'd like, more oil will give it a more mayonnaise like consistency and we are looking for a smooth salsa texture)
1 Teaspoon Fresh Thyme
Salt & Pepper to taste

1) In a blender pulse all of the ingredients except the Olive Oil till you have a chunky Salsa texture.
2) Turn your blender to puree mode. Carefully open the cover and then drizzle the Olive oil till you have a nice smooth (to your liking) Romesco.
3) Add salt and pepper to taste.

Heart Healthy Oatmeal with Macerated Berries

1 two quart pot
1 medium to small size bowl
1 cutting board and knife of choice
1 Cup Steel Cut Irish Oat meal
1 pint cleaned mixed berries
1 Granny Smith Apple
1 Cinnamon Stick
3 Cups water
2 cups Rice Milk
1 tsp Lemon Juice

The more traditional method (Cooking time 30 - 45 minutes)
1) Bring the water and the rice milk to a rolling boil, then add your Steel Cut Oat meal and bring the water down to a simmer (tiny rippling bubbles) and add the Cinnamon Stick.
2) Place the berries into a bowl and toss with the lemon juice. Macerating fruit will bring out all the sweet juices in it creating a natural syrup.
3) As the Oat meal simmers dice the apple and place in adulated water. ( a mixture of water and lemon juice) as the oatmeal begins to approach you desired texture, place the diced apples in the pot to heat them through.
4) When fully cooked, place the oat meal into a bowl and then garnish with your macerated fruit.

More efficient, time conscious method using the same ingredients as above. begin the night before.

Prep time 15 minutes cook time 5-10 minutes

1) Place the oat meal and 3 cups of water into a Tupperware container, add the diced apples and cinnamon sticks seal tightly and place in the refrigerator.
2) Macerate the berries as above and also place in the refrigerator. * The longer the berries Macerate the sweeter and juicier they will become.
3) In the morning, your oat meal has absorbed much of the water and is almost ready to eat. Place your oatmeal in a 2 quart pot over high heat, and heat through adding rice or almond milk to give it body. *Steal cut oat meal has a more solid texture then processed instant oatmeal so it will be a bit more al dente even after it is cooked through. 4) Serve your oatmeal in you dish of choice and top with your macerated berries.

one weekend in the valley

It's been over two years since my last trip, and a visit back home was long overdue. Here are some pics from my weekend in the San Fernando Valley.

[Sorry, Dale and Karen, we didn't get a chance to take pics, but you'll be on my side of a country in a couple of weeks anyhow! We can't wait to see you!]

my new lil buddy -- Solee...



dinner by Cindy...



backyard birthday party at Dan & Mel's







Lisa Marie's birthday outing - West Hollywood











Van Nuys Golf, followed by brunch at More than Waffles, Encino










mi familia...







one scenic view -- Stoney Point, Chatsworth


driving along Topanga Canyon...




home sweet home -- where I grew up...

a room (er... office) with a view

It's a gorgeous day out -- cold but sunny.

Here's what I am facing every day at work [I'm trying to figure out my new digital camera]... Really happy that my office comes with a nice little view.



By the way, I'm headed out to L.A. this evening... More pics on the way... Happy Friday!!!

a dream deferred

A few weeks ago, courtesy of The New York Times TimesTalks event series, I was fortunate enough to catch a preview, as well as a cast panel discussion, of a 3-hour television movie adaptation of A Raisin in the Sun, which is airing Monday night on ABC at 8 p.m. ET.



I first recall reading and watching the play in Mrs. Lemke's 9th grade English class over at my then- predominantly white and privileged prep school, Chaminade. But many years later (and wiser), the work takes on a whole different meaning that is just as relevant today as when it first appeared on Broadway in 1959. The play was written by Lorainne Hansberry, who became at age 29, the youngest American playwright, the fifth woman and the only African American to date to win the New York Drama Critics Circle Award for Best Play of the Year.

The opening of the movie includes a narration by Morgan Freeman of the Langston Hughes poem that was inspiration for the play's title:

A Dream Deferred

What happens to a dream deferred?

Does it dry up
Like a raisin in the sun?
Or fester like a sore--
And then run?
Does it stink like rotten meat?
Or crust and sugar over--
like a syrupy sweet?
Maybe it just sags
like a heavy load.

Or does it explode?

--Langston Hughes

Starting with a screening at Sundance, critical acclaim and media attention towards this project remains high. Oprah even interviewed castmates Sean Combs and Phylicia Rashad yesterday. I wonder what sort of reception it will get from kids today.

EW cast photo from Sundance... Yep, that's Uncle Jesse, Clair Huxtable, Diddy, Brown Sugar and Addison's BFF!

Despite his strong yet small role in Monster's Ball, I'm not a huge fan of Sean Combs or his bravado, but he is perfectly cast in this production (although it's a bit ironic). I only wish I was able to catch the Broadway run in 2004.

Thanks to Teeth for attending the preview with me. Sorry, you were unable to take your turn questioning Diddy (blame it on the cute little girl -- shoot, even she got to go to Sundance!).

cutting room for a cause

Met up with some friends last night at Chris Noth's bar and music venue The Cutting Room for JaxKabat's Birthday Celebration for a Cause. All proceeds from the open bar went to Gilda's Club, an organization formed in memory of SNL comedienne Gilda Radner. Their goal is to provide an emotional and social support community for people with cancer and their families and friends. More specifically, the funds received will go towards assisting those with cancer in making videographies of their lives in a safe nurturing environment.

Unfortunately, there was no sighting of Big!

labors of love -- happy valentine's!

From the NYT -- click on this pic to check out interesting bits such as: Love Letters -- Love Has Pruned the Alphabet to Only U & I (gag!)

twice the fun

Woo hoo... I'm so psyched... Just got word that my cousin Dale and his family will be visiting the East Coast next month. It'll be cool to hang out with my favorite twins, Chip and Dale.

super week

After last night's most excellent ending to Super Bowl Sunday, we have Super Tuesday tomorrow which (hopefully) will be just as fun. Here's an NYT blog post that I'm reposting from The McLaughlin Group -- one of favorite my weekly TV rituals... Don't forget to vote, and have a "supercalifragilisticexpialidocious Tuesday"!

NEW YORK TIMES
February 3, 2008, 7:06 pm

Super Tuesday: It’s All About the Name
By The McLaughin' Group

Well, Super Tuesday is finally upon us, and it must be comforting to Democrats in their 22 primary states to know that their votes will, you know, count. As you’re no doubt aware, Florida and Michigan, also known as “the bad boys of statedom,” moved their primaries ahead of Feb. 5 to gain influence and campaign dollars. Tragically, they were punished by the Democratic National Committee by having their delegates denied seats at the party’s national convention. (Even more tragically, they lost the chance to sample D.N.C. chairman Howard Dean’s homemade ice cream in either of its two flavors, Facial Pink and Grassroot.) But all this could have been avoided if Michigan and Florida hadn’t miscalculated the real reason that Super Tuesday carries so much clout: its cool name.

If states want higher-profile primaries, they don’t have to violate D.N.C. rules by moving up the dates. All they have to do is give them exciting new titles (what today’s youth call “rapper names”). So in an effort to help streamline the nominating process in 2012, we are offering the following primary day names on a first-come, first-served basis. States, belly up to the bar!

Ruby Tuesday: Would guarantee high voter turnout because everyone who votes is eligible for unlimited salad bar, provided they also order an entree.

Two-Fer Tuesday: Twice the Classic Rock hits all day long at the polls. Two times the Stones! Two times the Zep! Those two songs by Foghat!

Übertuesday: Every single elected position in the country, from town councils to the presidency, is on the ballot. It sounds confusing, but luckily Diebold machines are keeping track.

Tuesducken: Voting takes place in a ballot booth tucked inside a duck that has been crammed into a turkey.

Tuesday With Morrie: Everyone is the state takes an 80-year-old to the polls and has to listen to his stories about Alf Landon.

Tuesday in the Park with George: All balloting takes place in a beautiful park, while Mandy Patinkin sings about his ambivalence.

Ladies’ Night: It works for everything else.

The Fresh Tuesday of Bel-Air: “I’ll tell you how I became the president of a town called America.”

Tuesday-O: Harry Belafonte serenades you as you enter the voting booth, and then denounces the election as a fraud.

Terrible Two’s Day: The only primary where preschoolers can vote — and run for office!

Bat-Tuesday: It may not be as strong as Super Tuesday, but Bat-Tuesday has a much better costume — and a dark side.

Stupor Tuesday: Everyone gets totally loaded on Bloody Marys at breakfast then goes out and spends all day voting for crazy stuff “just ‘cuz it’d be hilarious.” The country wakes up on Wednesday morning with an all-monkey Congress.

Monday: By the time the other states figure out what happened, you’ve already voted!

Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious Tuesday: Voters must come dressed as a nanny or chimney sweep. The upside: everyone who votes for Hillary Clinton receives a spoonful of sugar.

Whose Day?: All voting is call-and-response.

Remember Tuesday?: Everyone says this on November 6, 2012, two years after the last American asset has been purchased by China. Now we call it “Xing Qi Er.” Also, there are no elections.

Supra Tuesday: The only primary brought to you by the 4-door sedan with the highest gas mileage in its class, a 4-star safety rating, and standard front and rear crumple zones.

Confuseday: Voting actually takes place on Wednesday.

Supertramp Tuesday: Only dudes with hair down to here can vote. Results will be announced in the form of a harmonica solo.

A note to Guam: if any of these titles goes unclaimed, you’re welcome to it. But your votes still won’t count.