Musical Interlude: Illegal Alien (1983)

 While "Illegal Alien", the 3rd single from Genesis' self-titled 1983 CD, was in heavy rotation on MTV, it didn't exactly resonate with fans despite the video being satirical in nature.

Singer Phil Collins added a toupee and a fake mustache as he and bandmates Tony Banks & Mike Rutherford played a trio of Mexican immigrants looking to enter the country.

"Illegal Alien" has been slammed for its apparent racist theme, demeaning to Mexicans. Understandably, it hasn't aged well, more than 40 years later, though today's government might look at it in a skewed light......

Baseball this 'n' that

 The Yankees won't go undefeated this season.

Arizona's Eugenio Suarez belted a grand slam off Mark Leiter, Jr. in the 8th inning to lift the Diamondbacks past the Yankees, 7-5.

Check the highlight reel:

The Yanks hit three more homers to bring their season total to 18 over 4 games, or, an average of 4 1/2 ding-dongs per game.

As for the suddenly popular "torpedo bats", it seems those have made their way to other teams, as expected.

The Mets' Francisco Lindor got a base hit using a torpedo bat in Tuesday's loss to Miami, while Cincinnati's Elly De La Cruz had a big game vs. Texas Monday, going 4-5 with 2 HR's and 7 RBI in a 14-3 blowout.

Told ya it'd catch on.

===================================================

So Atlanta is 0-6 to start the season. It hasn't been that bad for the Braves in more than 40 years. Then again, back in the 80's, they didn't have key players out with injuries this early in the season.

==================================================

San Diego locked up 2nd year outfielder Jackson Merrill for a while to come with a 9 year extension. Over in Boston, rookie Kristian Campbell now has an 8 year deal, and pitcher Garret Crochet, who came over from the White Sox in the off-season, earned a 6 year extension.

Hopefully, the Mets & Yankees are paying attention.

===================================================

Making matters worse for Atlanta is outfielder Jurickson Profar getting popped for PED's. Profar, acquired from San Diego in the winter, is gone for 80 games and ineligible for the postseason.

You'd think he'd have learned from previous cases that getting caught kills your reputation, if you have one, dead.

Musical Interlude: Workin' For a Livin' (1982)

 "Workin' For a Livin'" was the 3rd single from Huey Lewis & The News' 2nd album, "Picture This", released in 1982. Unfortunately, "Workin'" missed the top 40, peaking at #41.

True story: Unity House's social club saluted clients who were in the workforce (after a sort) beginning in 1984. This lasted just a couple of years, as memory serves, due to heavy turnover in both clients and staff. "Workin'" was the inspiration for the event.

Musical Interlude: Three Stars Will Shine Tonight (1962)

 "Three Stars Will Shine Tonight", otherwise known as the theme from Dr. Kildare, peaked at #10 on the Hot 100 for the show's star, Richard Chamberlain, in 1962. Co-written by two of the pre-eminent TV theme composers of the day, Jerry Goldsmith & Pete Rugolo, it was Chamberlain's only real hit on the charts.

There is no documented video footage, so we'll settle for the audio track. MGM's record division released the single.

In memory of Chamberlain, 90, who passed away due to complications from a stroke over the weekend. Rest in peace.

Sports this 'n' that

 Some people just need a reason to hate.

After the Yankees dropped 20 on the Milwaukee Brewers Saturday, including a team record 9 HR's, 3 of them by Aaron Judge, people were complaining on social media about the legality of a new bat, dubbed a "torpedo bat", that the Yanks were using.

However, Major League Baseball says that the bat conforms to league standards. I shan't be surprised if at some point, other teams, like, for example, the Dodgers or Phillies, decide to follow suit, which would make the Bombers trendsetters instead of cheaters.

At the end of the day, it's what we call a bag of nothing burgers.

==============================================

This isn't just opening week for baseball, but for the UFL as well.

The season opened on Friday with St. Louis blowing away Houston, 31-6. The UFL fills the Friday primetime space for Fox until the season ends, after which it'll probably be filled with baseball.

Saturday saw Arlington rout San Antonio, 33-9. Kalen Ballage, formerly with Miami in the NFL, set a UFL record with a 77 yard TD run.

Earlier today, in the first half of the ESPN doubleheader, Michigan dispatched Memphis, 26-12. Joe Tessitore (Smackdown) flew back from England in time to call the game.

As this post is being written, the DC Defenders lead the defending champion Birmingham Stallions, 15-11 with 3 minutes and change left in the 4th quarter.

Update, 6: 11 pm: DC won the game, 18-11.

Between this and arena football, this will keep football fanatics busy until next month's NFL Draft.

==============================================

It took just one start with Toronto before Max Scherzer landed on the IL.

Scherzer threw just 42 pitches before coming out of his start with thumb inflammation. The spate of injuries the last few years with the Mets, Texas, and now Toronto should be a sign that Scherzer, 40, may be nearing the end of the trail.

The Bible tells us God isn't mocked. On the other hand, raising money for "blessings" deserves to be mocked

 "Do not be deceived. God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, he shall reap."---Galatians 6:7 (New King James Version)

In the 90's, the British trio Genesis produced a satirical take on televangelists and what we now know as the "Prosperity Gospel" with "Jesus He Knows Me", off "We Can't Dance". Phil Collins has said the song was inspired by British preacher Ernest Angley, but the video has the band on a mockup of Oral Roberts' studio set, or something akin to it.

Today, "prosperity gospel" preachers like Paula White-Cain, wife of Journey's Jonathan Cain, and the head of a "faith office" created by the Vicar of Vanity himself, Donald Trump, are being mocked for trying to fleece their congregations. Trump, we know, is pretending to be a Christian in order to deceive the evangelicals and retain his grip on his low information base of marks.

As Jesse Dollemore explains, White-Cain is asking her congregation for $1000 before Easter Sunday, April 20, three weeks from now.

Churches ask for "free will" offerings at every service. They don't make demands. For Paula White-Cain, it isn't enough she is married to a music legend. It isn't enough she has the stamp of approval of the First Grifter of this country. She, too, needs to enrich herself.

Here in the 518, churches do more for their communities, distributing produce, school supplies, and other items that people in the community need but can't afford themselves. Some churches work hand-in-hand with organizations like the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern NY, for example.

Reality will be paying a visit to Paula White-Cain real soon, I think.

Remember the Milford Plaza? (1980)

 Today, it's known as the ROW Plaza, and is currently closed.

The hotel has gone through various hands over the years, but in 1980, after the Milstein family purchased the property, rechristening it the Milford Plaza Hotel, an ambitious ad campaign acknowledging its location in New York began, billing the Milford as the "Lullaby of Broadway".....

This ad got primo airplay on virtually every channel in NYC back in the day, and why not? It captures the spirit of Broadway, even using Broadway extras as actors in the ad.

Musical Interlude: Turbo Lover (1986)

 Judas Priest gained heavy airplay on MTV in the spring-summer of 1986 with "Turbo Lover", the title song from the "Turbo" CD. The video uses a mix of stop-motion animation (the skeletons) and computer coloring as the song plays.

This week in the GOP: The Stupid Circus bumbles, and a nomination is withdrawn

 President Trump has withdrawn his nomination of Elise Stefanik as ambassador to the United Nations, citing the GOP's thin majority in the House of Representatives, thus eliminating the need for a special election in the 518, which would've been pushed back to July at the very least. At least now we know why they hadn't confirmed Stefanik up to this point.

Well, they say a broken clock is usually right at least twice a day...........!

Meanwhile, the fallout from the gaffes in the now-infamous Signal chat that came to light earlier this week continues.

One GOP official in on that meeting falsely blamed the Biden administration for allowing something like this to happen, but a Biden administration official has gone on record stating that they never used Signal in the first place. 

It's on brand for the GOP to scapegoat the previous administration, in the faint hope of avoiding accountability. Not in this case, though, not when everyone knows who was in on the meeting.

The Trump Cabinet's new theme should be this Stephen Sondheim classic, "Send in The Clowns", in this case sung by Carol Burnett.

It fits like a pair of gloves, doesn't it?

Get ready to walk through the tulips

 Albany's Mother's Day tradition, the Albany Tulip Festival (aka Pinksterfest or Tulipfest), returns May 9-11, rain or shine. The traditional street scrubbing along State Street kicks things off May 9 at noon. Everything else is centered at Washington Park, which spells trouble when it comes to traffic on May 10-11. Expect tons of issues.

It's been a few years since ye scribe last attended the festival, but experience will remind that this is one of the city attractions that also gets plagued by rain on a seemingly annual basis.

This year's lineup at Washington Park:

518 Stage (a recent addition):

May 10:

11:30 am: Mendelssohn Club of Albany & the Tulip Queen and her court.

1 pm: Amanda Case.

2:15 pm: Zan & The Winter Folk. Popular area band has been a fixture on the club circuit the last few years.

3:30 pm: Aila Chiar.

4:45 pm: Albany Rock Pit showcase.

May 11:

2:15 pm: Buggy Jive.

3:30 pm: Alec Lewis Group.

4:45 pm: Bendt.

Lakehouse Stage:

May 10:

12 noon: Coronation of the Tulip Queen & her court.

May 11:

11 am: Capital Region's Best Mom ceremony.

Main Stage:

May 10:

1:30 pm: Laveda.

3 pm: Jukebox The Ghost.

4:30: The 502's, from Florida.

May 11:

9 am: Yogafest with the Hot Yoga Spot.

1:30 pm: Shannon Tehya & The Troupe.

3 pm: Let's Get It On: Marvin Gaye & Motown tribute show.

4:30 pm: Boy Band Review (shouldn't that be revue?). Covers of 80's & 90's boy band acts like New Kids on The Block and NSYNC.

KidZone:

May 10 & 11 (same lineup both days):

Andy The Music Man at 1:10 & 4 pm.

Melvin The Magnificent at 2:45 & 4:45 pm.

Ruth Pelham & the Music Mobile at 3:30 & 5:30 pm.

Pray for sunshine.

A little of this and a little of that

 The revolving doors are spinning at two local TV stations involving the same person.

Meteorologist Alyssa Caroprese is leaving CBS6 (WRGB) after 10 years, and moving down the dial to ABC10 (WTEN) and its sister station, Fox23 (WXXA), starting next month. Caroprese had also been heard on the radio on WROW (Magic 100.5/AM 590) until the end of last year, when her segments during the morning show were eliminated with the arrival of morning co-host Jaime Roberts back in January.

File photo courtesy WRGB.

Caroprese will likely continue working the dawn patrol, though it might be a good idea if WTEN/WXXA tries her out in the afternoon drive. 

======================================================

By now, you know how the Trump administration rumbled, bumbled, and stumbled through a meeting in which a journalist with The Atlantic was accidentally admitted into the chat room the other day. The View moderator Whoopi Goldberg had a little fun with it, jokingly referring to white journalist Jeffrey Goldberg as her "cousin".

Unfortunately, president Trump and his circus of stupid aren't laughing. Instead, they're trying to deny what happened, despite clear evidence. There are media types, and Congresswoman Alyssa Pressley, calling for Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to resign after this comedy of errors. Some also are calling for vice president Just Dumb Vance to resign. I don't think either one will be leaving anytime soon unless it gets to the point where they'd have little choice.

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Trump, meanwhile, decided to invite his supporters to renew hostilities with NY Attorney General Letitia James by posting details regarding the location of, I think, her residence in NYC. This man cannot let anything go. He's also renewed attacks on NYC judge Juan Merchan. These are not the actions of a sitting president, but, rather, a shallow, vain, insecure 70-something who doesn't know how to let go of grudges. 

Trump's new BFF, Elon Musk, is upset over the "Stop Oligarchy" tour headed up by NYC Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, which is drawing crowds that make Trump's rallies look like chump change. Over 35,000 people showed up in Denver, for example. Let me make this clear to you, Elon Mump:

You just don't mess with Alex From The Block!!! So don't even try.

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The Giants are taking a chance on this-close-to-washed-up Russell Wilson, who returns to the NFC after spening the last few years in the AFC (Denver, Pittsburgh). The Steelers, on the other hand, are still playing a game of chicken with another QB on the decline, that of course being Aaron Rodgers, who hasn't signed, this after Wilson's backup at the end of last season, Justin Fields, went to the Jests to replace Rodgers.

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Former Siena men's basketball coach Fran McCaffrey, fired by Iowa earlier this month, reportedly is headed to the University of Pennsylvania. The Quakers don't get much TV coverage, so we'll see how that goes.

Musical Interlude: Turn to You (1984)

 "Turn to You" was the 2nd single off the Go-Go's album, "Talk Show", but lacked the chart strength of "Head Over Heels", which peaked at #11. "Turn" peaked at #32.

For the balance of the video, the band, save for drummer Gina Schock, are dressed as men, with Gina in a wig & dress. Singer Belinda Carlisle, at certain camera angles, could pass for kinfolk of Wayne Newton. Yeah, right.

Look quick for a cameo by Rob Lowe.

President Pampers whines about a portrait. He should be flattered, but he isn't, and we all know why

 President Donald Trump is whining about a portrait of him hanging in the state capitol building in Colorado which presents, in this writer's opinion, a more realistic picture of the man, sans orange makeup.

As Farron Cousins explains, the artist did her best to render Trump without the earmarks of old age, such as wrinkles. Which is why the Vicar of Vanity has a problem......

As usual, Trump is lying about "many people in Colorado" complaining about the portrait. Allow me a moment to quote from the Old Testament book of Ecclesiastes, New King James version, chapter 1, verse 2.

"Vanity of vanities", says the Preacher, "all is vanity."

To that point, it has been reported that the portrait, which Trump has claimed is "distorted", will be taken down and, presumably, replaced, largely to appease his ego. Here's the picture in question:

Distorted? Excuse me, but I don't think so.

If I'd venture a guess, I'd say that Trump didn't sit for the portrait, but, rather, the artist used available photos to create the picture. Seems Trump ain't happy unless he's photographed with the orange bronzer makeup that has become a trademark of his. The natural fleshtones make more sense in a portrait, anyway.

Insight Sundays: This Side of Eden (1977)

 Today, we're starting a new feature, Insight Sundays.

We've posted episodes of this series previously, but now, the time is right to showcase the acclaimed anthology series on a more regular basis.

First up: Carol Burnett & Walter Matthau followed up their feature film, "Pete & Tillie", with "This Side of Eden".  Lan O'Kun's script has earth's 1st couple contemplating what has happened to their children, Cain & Abel. Ed Asner plays God.

Not exactly sure when this aired in 1977, but Burnett, we know, was nearing the end of her variety show, and Asner was in the midst of transitioning from The Mary Tyler Moore Show to Lou Grant.

Father Ellwood Kieser, the series' executive producer, attracted plenty of A-list talent in both writers & actors over the course of 23 seasons. In fact, Kieser had a deal all but in place with NBC to air this episode as a primetime special, but it didn't happen. Not for lack of trying, though.

Insight Sundays will appear every two weeks. Some episodes will also appear over at Saturday Morning Archives based on content.

Sounds of Praise: There's Power in The Blood (1974)

 It wasn't until after this spot was recorded in 1974 that Hee Haw's producers formally created the Hee Haw Gospel Quartet, whose membership was fluid during the course of its run.

Here, Buck Owens & Gordie Tapp are holding hymn books as they, along with Grandpa Jones & Roy Clark, perform "There's Power in The Blood". Intro by Archie Campbell.

Over time, the membership of the "Quartet" also included Campbell, Merle Travis, Kenny Price, and Tennessee Ernie Ford, among others.

Remember when Dairy Queen was a big deal? (1967)

 Today, Dairy Queen, and its sister brand, Orange Julius, are usually found in shopping malls.

Once upon a time, though, the DQ was a major chain of ice cream shops before being superseded by Friendly's.

In this 1967 ad, a teacher (Irene Tedrow, ex-Dennis The Menace) scolds a student (Bobby Buntrock, ex-Hazel), but there's a little after school meeting of the unlikeliest kind.........

Musical Interlude: The Flame (1988)

 "The Flame", the 1st single from Cheap Trick's 1988 album, "Lap of Luxury", soared all the way to #1 in the Hot 100. Just to show MTV viewers this was a ballad, singer Robin Zander straps on an acoustic guitar for the clip.

Cheap Trick followed up "Flame" with a cover of Elvis Presley's "Don't Be Cruel", giving it a modern spin. 

On The Shelf: A tribute to a 60's favorite, and Kevin Smith returns to comics

 "Somewhere out in space live the Herculoids..."---spoken word intro to The Herculoids, 1967.

Nearly 60 years later, Dynamite has added The Herculoids to their WB line of titles, after appearing in DC's Future Quest Presents a few years back. Writer Tom Snegnoski and artist Craig Brusseau are the creative team on the series, and you can see right away that Brusseau, in particular, is paying tribute to Alex Toth, who designed the Herculoids back in 1967.

It looks as though they'll go with the done-in-one format of the TV show, at least for now, in contrast to Space Ghost, which is using a story arc format common in today's comics. Personally, I wouldn't mind having 90's legend Joseph Michael Linsner, who is contributing variant covers, do some interiors to help Brusseau.

Rating: A-.

DC's recently launched Compact Comics gives a new meaning to the concept of trade paperbacks.

Take, for example, the recently released Wonder Woman: Earth One volume, which collects all three graphic novels by Grant Morrison and Yanick Paquette. Sure, the price is about the same as your standard TPB or graphic novel, but in a smaller size, hence the name, "Compact Comics".

Paquette is emulating the style of the late George Perez with his work here. As for Morrison, well, we will forgive the cosmetic changes made to Steve Trevor (flipped to African American) and Dr. Psycho isn't vertically challenged, unlike his traditional appearance. I'd keep this away from rabid right wing idiots who have a grudge against the LGBTQ+ community, though.

Rating: A-.

Filmmaker & fanboy Kevin Smith is returning to comics with 2 projects.

First, he's bringing Jay & Silent Bob to Riverdale to meet Archie in a 1-off due in July. On top of that, it's been reported that Smith is scripting a Spider-Man/Fantastic Four team-up for a giant-size Amazing Spider-Man volume, due sometime this summer.

There will be a pool on whether or not Smith keeps his deadlines on both.

The Muppets take a stand against hunting: For What It's Worth (1978)

 From season 2 of The Muppet Show: 

More than a decade after Buffalo Springfield had released "For What It's Worth", the Muppets took a swing at it, with new lyrics to reflect a position against hunting. Jerry Nelson sings lead.

In reality, I'd think Neil Young & Stephen Stills would be impressed.

Alina Habba once again has people questioning her credentials. It's easy to se why

 Disgraced attorney Alina Habba is still in over her head.

After a judge ruled over the weekend that the Trump administration was out of line in deporting migrants without cause or due process, just on right wing say-so that the migrants were members of gangs or drug cartels, and after Tom Homan was slammed for openly defying the court, Habba went on Fox No News and tried to defend the decisions made by Trump and his team.

You see, folks, there's a reason Trump keeps her around, and it ain't for her brains. Farron Cousins breaks it down.

Habba makes it sound like Trump is above the law. He is not. He thinks he is, but he is not. Something tells me this former traffic court lawyer got her degree in a box of Cracker Jacks. Just sayin'.

What Might've Been: Convoy (1965)

 One of the reasons we often cite for shows being cancelled, often prematurely, is networks slotting shows on the wrong night of the week.

Convoy, a military drama for NBC in 1965, was one of those cases.

After flopping with Destry, John Gavin landed the lead, with his past experience in the Navy being a factor. The same could be said for Army vet John Larch, who was second billed. However, NBC placed the show on Fridays, opposite 2 service comedies on CBS, fellow frosh Hogan's Heroes, which, like Convoy, was set in World War II, and Gomer Pyle, USMC, a peacetime comedy in its 2nd season. ABC answered with The Addams Family, also in its 2nd (& final) season, and freshman crime drama Honey West. Convoy was gone by Christmas.

Following is "Lady on The Rock", with Eleanor Parker and a pre-Star Trek James Doohan.

No rating. Just a public service.

Weasel of The Week: Tom Homan

 Over the weekend, a plane carrying several men reputed to be members of drug cartels or gangs were deported to Venezuela, but while the flight was in progress, a federal judge ruled that the flight had to be recalled. 

Tom Homan, the dork in charge, told Fox No News that he "doesn't care what the judges think". An Axios message on X included a screencap of that other bald troll, Stephen Miller, who they probably think is the White House official who denied that they did anything wrong.

Jesse Dollemore explains:

Apparently, the Trump administration can't be bothered with following regulations. If they want someone gone, poof, they gone. These men being sent to Venezuela were due to go on trial, but President Junkfood can't wait. He doesn't have the patience.

For going on live television, blatantly thumbing his nose at the courts, Homan gets another pair of Weasel ears.

For what it's worth, if it comes out that the deported men aren't what Trump and ICE say they are, expect lawsuits, in addition to extradition to bring them back for trial, if necessary.

MLB 2025 preview: Conclusion

 Wrapping things up today with thumbnails of the AL Central & West and NL Central & West.

AL Central:

After a historically wretched 2024 season in which the Chicago White Sox erased the Mets from the record books with the worst record in the history of ever, the Southsiders have to reload and regroup. Will Venable, a first time manager, takes over the reins, but no one is expecting the ChiSox to improve all that much, not when their best pitcher, Garret Crochet, is in Boston. Jared Shuster came over from Atlanta, and Martin Perez from San Diego, to compete for spots in the rotation. Not that it'll help.

Cleveland didn't really do anything to bolster their roster after winning the Central last year, Stephen Vogt's 1st year as manager, but they welcome back their ace, Shane Bieber, who missed most of 2024 with an injury. Paul Sewald was a closer with Seattle & Arizona last year, but now will be asked to set up Emmanual Clase. The only damage to the offense was the departure of Josh Naylor (Arizona). Detroit, which got as far as the Division Series before losing to Cleveland, picked up Gleyber Torres & Tommy Kahnle in separate deals from the Yankees. Kenta Maeda (Minnesota) is angling for a spot in the rotation, but hasn't looked good so far this spring.

Kansas City bolstered their defense by acquiring Jonathan India from Cincinnati to pair him with Bobby Witt, Jr., while Nelson Velazquez (Cubs) will challenge for an outfield spot. Michael Lorenzen (Texas) joins a promising rotation fronted by a resurgent Seth Lugo, now in his 2nd season in KC. Over in Minnesota, the news is not good regarding Royce Lewis, who will likely start the season on the IL with a hamstring injury. After a stellar season with the Mets, Harrison Bader comes to Minnesota to get time in the outfield. Mets should've retained him, in this writer's opinion.

Projected order of finish:

1. Cleveland.

2. Detroit.

3. Kansas City.

3. (tie) Minnesota.

5. Chicago.

AL West:

Houston lost a ton of offense with the departures of Alex Bregman (Boston) & Kyle Tucker (Cubs), and Justin Verlander's 2nd tour abruptly ended when the former Cy Young winner returned to the NL (San Francisco). The Astros brought in Christian Walker (Arizona) to fill the power bat slot Bregman vacated, and acquired Hayden Wesneski (Cubs) to replace Verlander, possibly, in the rotation. The Athletics will call Sacramento home for the next three seasons, hoping to move to Las Vegas in '29. They picked up Luis Severino (Mets) & Jeffrey Springs (Tampa Bay) to help bolster the rotation. Not that it'll help much.

The big news in Los Angeles is the return of Mike Trout from injury, but the Angels really haven't done much to help him offensively, as there is still a void from Shohei Ohtani's departure prior to last season. Similarly, Jacob deGrom is healthy again to help Texas, but his tag team partner, if you will, Max Scherzer, is gone (Toronto). DeGrom needs to regain his Cy Young form to carry the Rangers back to the postseason. Seattle pretty much remains as it was at the end of last season.

Projected order of finish:

1. Houston.

2. Texas.

3. Los Angeles.

4. Seattle.

5. Sacramento.

NL Central:

It appears that, to fill the void created by Jonathan India's departure to Kansas City, Cincinnati is banking on Gavin Lux (Dodgers) to play second and provide some power. Jeimer Candelario (Washington) is also in line for an infield spot. In Chicago, they didn't need a lot of non-roster guests vying for spots, figuring they've got their roster already set. Still, the Cubs added Kyle Tucker, plus Vidal Brujan (Miami) & Jon Berti (Yankees), the latter to fill the infield. However, the crown jewel of the offseason was Justin Turner, who split 2024 between Toronto & Seattle. Carson Kelly (Arizona) will press Miguel Amaya behind the plate. Nestor Cortes' punishment for costing the Yankees the World Series was going to Milwaukee. His loss in the Series finale vs. the Dodgers should've also been the end for Aaron Boone, but we've already discussed loyalty in the Bronx. Jose Quintana (Mets) had a hand in the Brewers' 1st round exit in October. Otherwise, everything stays put.

Pittsburgh is building their rotation around prodigy Paul Skenes. There's not much else. St. Louis tried shopping Nolan Arenado in the offseason, but found no takers. Good thing, as they need him as an offensive leader with Paul Goldschmidt gone (Yankees). After finishing last season with the Mets, Phil Maton will settle into the Cardinal bullpen. The Redbirds are still a year or three away from the playoffs.

Projected order of finish:

1. Milwaukee.

2. Cincinnati.

3. Chicago.

4. Pittsburgh.

5. St. Louis.

NL West:

In Los Angeles, the rich just got richer. The Dodgers won the Roki Sasaki sweepstakes, and they'll soon have three Japanese pitchers in their rotation once MVP Shohei Ohtani is cleared to pitch, which should be May or June. That the Dodgers also signed Blake Snell (San Francisco) is just a sidebar. Speaking of San Francisco, not only did the Giants gain Justin Verlander, but they brought in Robbie Ray (Seattle) to help with the rotation as well. They strengthened the infield with Willy Adames (Milwaukee), and it was reported the other day that Wilmer Flores will start the season in the minors, barring an injury. Arizona is counting on Corbin Burnes (Baltimore) to be their ace, and if Jordan Montgomery doesn't regain his form from prior to 2024, he will end up back in the bullpen. Grae Kessinger (White Sox), Don Kessinger's grandson, is vying for a roster spot. San Diego & Colorado will not be factors.

Projected order of finish:

1. Los Angeles.

2. San Francisco.

3. Arizona.

4. San Diego.

5. Colorado.

Of course, I could be wrong.

Even The Great Gildersleeve needs Alka-Seltzer (well, not really) (1972)

 In what may have been one of his last TV appearances, Willard Waterman (ex-The Great Gildersleeve) plays a stressed executive in this Alka-Seltzer ad. Eddie Barth, who also was the announcer for Miller Lite beer, has that gig here.

Musical Interlude: Pancho & Lefty (1983)

 Townes Van Zandt's "Pancho & Lefty" was originally recorded & released in 1972. 11 years later, country legends Merle Haggard & Willie Nelson took "Pancho" to #1 on the country chart. Van Zandt appears as a Federal agent, and Nelson's daughter, Lana, directed the video.

This was the 1st music video for Willie Nelson, who'd later team with Toby Keith for "Beer For My Horses", 21 years later.

What Might've Been: The Shape of Things (1982)

 George Schlatter was back on top at NBC with Real People. In the spring of 1982, he sold the network a short-term satire-variety series that really was an attempt to recapture the spirit of Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In, but built around women.

The Shape of Things, however, despite its concept, would not get past its 3 episode order. It wasn't that viewers weren't ready for it, the network actually fumbled the ball by not doing enough to promote it. Plus, each episode had a different set of hostesses. The one constant on the men's side was David Ruprecht ("The Harlem Globetrotters on Gilligan's Island"), who I believe appeared in all three episodes.

The only complete episode available is the finale, headlined by Rita Moreno (9 to 5, ex-The Electric Company), Eileen Brennan (Private Benjamin, ex-13 Queens Boulevard), Donna Dixon (Bosom Buddies), and Nancy Dussault (Too Close For Comfort). Guests include Alan King, Robert Guillaume (Benson), Howie Mandel, six months away from St. Elsewhere & Laugh Trax, & Rhonda Bates (Speak Up America).

If they were going to treat King like that, they should've sent for Rodney Dangerfield, as that would've been more his schtick to get disrespected.

No rating. Just a public service. Baseball was priority 1 at my house in the spring.

MLB 2025 preview, part 4: Assessing the NL East

 The Philadelphia Phillies snapped the Atlanta Braves' string of NL East titles in 2024, but were eliminated in the division round by the Mets, the last team to end a string of Atlanta division titles in 2006. However, the Phillies, who haven't won a title in 16 years, have an albatross that could keep them from winning another title. More on that later.

For the Braves to reclaim the division, they need outfielder Ronald Acuna, Jr. and pitcher Ian Anderson to be completely healthy. Anderson appears to be fully recovered from Tommy John surgery 2 years ago. The Braves, more concerned with Acuna, acquired Bryan De La Cruz from Miami as insurance. Assuming Anderson makes it back to Atlanta, he'll join a rotation quite different from when he was sent to Gwinnett 3 years ago. Max Fried is in New York (Yankees). Mike Soroka has made his way back to the division (Washington) after pitching for the White Sox last year. The new ace is Chris Sale, and Anderson figures to slot in as a #4 or #5 starter behind Sale, Spencer Strider, Bryce Elder, and prospect Spencer Schwellenbach.

Atlanta also acquired Jurickson Profar (San Diego), a former infielder who could move back in, a la Mookie Betts, if Ozzie Albies gets hurt again.

As for the Phillies, they were so sure they'd win the Pete Alonso sweepstakes in free agency, such that Bryce Harper, who converted to a 1st baseman due to injury, was willing to find another position. Harper, still looking for his first championship, is showing signs of maturity, if only it would show when he loses his temper over questionable strike calls. Alonso re-upped with the Mets, so Harper is set at 1st for the duration. Filling a need in the outfield, Philadelphia brought in Max Kepler (Minnesota), and signed Jesus Luzardo away from Miami to help shore up the pitching.

Harper could've been a champion if he'd stayed in Washington one extra year, but the Nationals haven't been the same since that 2019 title run. Former closer Sean Doolittle is now a "pitching strategist", which is something the stat geeks might understand. The biggest changes seem to be in the infield, where Washington brought in Nathaniel Lowe (Texas), Amed Rosario (finished 2024 in Cincinnati), and Paul DeJong (Kansas City), while welcoming back Josh Bell after he spent last year in Arizona. Add in rookie Darren Baker, the son of former player & manager Dusty Baker, and the Nats have plenty of pieces, but only 4 infield slots for starters.

Not impressed with the pitching after Jake Irvin was roasted by the Mets in a preseason game last week. The lack of depth on the mound could hurt more than help.

Speaking of help, Miami needs plenty of it, and it could lead to another pitcher from the 518 making it to "The Show". Amsterdam grad Dale Stanavich was invited to camp. Depending on how well he's done, he could be in the bigs before the year is out. Meanwhile, the Marlins reeled in Jonah Bride (Texas) and Matt Mervis (Cubs) to help in the infield, but losing De La Cruz, arguably their best outfielder last year, and Luzardo will be a problem. Sandy Alcantara is back after missing last season, but the rotation otherwis doesn't scare.

Projected order of finish:

1. Atlanta.

2. Mets.

3. Philadelphia.

3. (tie) Washington.

5. Miami.

Of course, I could be wrong.

Musical Interlude: Drift Away (2002-3)

 Uncle Kracker peaked at #9 on the Hot 100, and dominated the Adult Contemporary chart in 2003 with a cover of Dobie Gray's 1973 hit, "Drift Away". Part concert video, part concept video (location shooting in Kracker's hometown of Detroit), Gray joins Kracker in the 2nd half of the song.

"Drift" topped the Adult Contemporary chart for 7 months.

MLB 2025 preview, part 3: Sorting out the AL East

 In part 2, we sifted through the issues that the Yankees have had this preseason. I don't share the optimism of certain local sports personalities, and I'll leave it at that.

Now, let's take a look at the rest of the AL East;

In Boston, the big story was the Red Sox picking up pitcher Walker Buehler from the World Champion Los Angeles Dodgers, while Garrett Crochet was picked up from the Chicago White Sox after the Southsiders had a historically horrid 2024 campaign. Once feared closer Aroldis Chapman has made Boston his latest stop, for however long that lasts, but it's more likely that Liam Hendriks, who last pitched for Chicago in 2023, will be the closer if he's 100% healthy.

The other major headline in Beantown, of course, was the heisting of Alex Bregman from Houston, although they're talking about a position change for Bregman, rather than move incumbent 3rd baseman Rafael Devers. Bregman, paired with Devers and Trevor Story should give Boston plenty of infield firepower.

Missing from the Boston lineup is outfielder Tyler O'Neill, who has moved to Baltimore, where he's reunited with former St. Louis teammate Dylan Carlson, who played for Tampa Bay last season. The Orioles shored up their starting rotation with the acquisition of Charlie Morton (Atlanta). Outfielder Ramon Laureano also came over from Atlanta.

In Toronto, all the talk centers on whether or not Vladimir Guerrero, Jr. will follow through on his promise to test free agency after this season. Meanwhile, the Blue Jays got busy in free agency picking up pitchers Jeff Hoffman (Philadelphia) & Max Scherzer (Texas), infielder Andres Giminez (Cleveland), and outfielder Anthony Santander (Baltimore). But, as often happens, the Jays make splashy moves like this, but it doesn't bring them a postseason berth.

Back in Tampa Bay, damage to Tropicana Field caused by some hurricanes last fall has the Rays renting the Yankees' spring home, Steinbrenner Field, this season, as "The Trop" is due to reopen in 2026. The Rays' biggest move in the offseason was signing shortstop Ha-Seong Kim (San Diego), and signing catchers Danny Jansen (Toronto) and Ben Rortvedt (Yankees). Not much to say otherwise.

Projected order of finish:

1. Toronto.

2. Yankees.

3. Baltimore.

3 (tie) Boston.

5. Tampa Bay.

Of course, I could be wrong.

Morris the Cat on Lifestyles of The Rich & Famous (1995)

 Not sure if this is from season 1 or 2 of Lifestyles of The Rich & Famous.

Anyway, 9 Lives' spokescat Morris (voice of John Erwin) gets profiled, along with trainer John Marwick. Narrator David Greenspan is quick to note that this is Morris II (the original passed away some years earlier).

It's worth noting that other famous feline, Garfield, parodied Lifestyles on his Saturday morning show, with Lifestyles host Robin Leach as a guest. I'll try to find that for Saturday Morning Archives.

MLB 2025 preview, part 2: The Yankees

 Defending the AL title is not going to be so easy for the Yankees in 2025, not when they're missing two of their starting pitchers and their designated hitter, and the parts they unloaded in the offseason could come back to haunt them, too.

It was announced Monday that Gerrit Cole, last seen impersonating a traffic cop in the final game of the World Series, would undergo Tommy John surgery, and miss the season. This came days after Rookie of The Year Luis Gil was sidelined with a lat strain that could keep him out for the first half of the season, maybe longer. Now, the decision to trade Nester Cortes to Milwaukee for closer Devin Williams doesn't look so smart, after all.

Add to that the fact that Marcus Stroman has made noises about possibly being traded, and, well, the dysfunction of the 70's Bronx Zoo has returned with a vengeance.

In addition to Williams, the Yankees brought in Max Fried & Tyler Matzek (Atlanta), the latter as a non-roster invite, and lured Carlos Carrasco (Cleveland) back to NY after his stint with the Mets ended. Also in camp as a non-roster invite is Brandon Leibrandt, son of Charlie Leibrandt, who pitched for Atlanta & Kansas City, among others, during his career.

But, you ask, how do the Yankees replace Juan Soto (Mets)? You sign Paul Goldschmidt (St. Louis) and Cody Bellinger (Cubs). Goldschmidt replaces Anthony Rizzo at first base, and as of press time, Rizzo had not been signed elsewhere. 

It is the pitching, however, that is of greater concern. The Yankees gave up reliever Cody Poteet (Cubs), and have watched Clay Holmes become a rising star as a starter (Mets). JT Brubaker came over from Pittsburgh to help fill the void.

Hal Steinbrenner may not be as bombastic as his late father, George (the bombast was passed down to Hank, who passed away a while back), but he is stubbornly loyal to manager Aaron Boone and GM Brian Cashman, both of whom have worn out their welcome in the Bronx. However, if the Bombers run into a rough start, things might change. You can't run the risk of losing the back pages in NYC to the Mets again.

In part 3, we'll check the Red Sox and the rest of the AL East.

What Might've Been: Wizards & Warriors (1983)

 In the early 80's, role playing games, or, RPG's, were becoming a thing. I know this for a fact because my brother was in a group that got together every weekend, just about, for marathon sessions that spilled well into the wee ones.

So, it's fair to assume that Wizards & Warriors, a winter-spring replacement series for CBS that aired in 1983, might've been aimed at the RPG audience, as well as devotees of classic sword & sorcery.

Jeff Conaway ("Grease", ex-Taxi) and Duncan Regehr are warring princes. Julia Duffy and Randi Brooks co-star.

Following is the intro.

Regehr would cross over to the side of the good guys as Zorro 7 years later. Julia Duffy followed up Wizards with a more successful run on Newhart.

No rating. Saturdays back then meant bowling with my folks.

MLB 2025 preview, part 1: The Mets

 Despite reaching the NLCS last year, losing to the eventual World champion Dodgers, the Mets just can't shake the injury plague that has been in effect since Citi Field opened in 2009.

For example, infielder Nick Madrigal, acquired from the Cubs, was lost for the season due to a shoulder injury in an early preseason game. Not that Clover Field is Citi South, but the maladies have followed the team. Frankie Montas, signed as a free agent after finishing 2024 with Milwaukee, opens the season on the IL, as does Sean Manaea, who was so instrumental in the Mets' late surge to the postseason.

That doesn't mean the rotation starts as a weakness for the Mets, though. Kodai Senga is healthy, and that's bad news for opposing teams. For now, the rotation will also include Griffin Canning (Angels), Clay Holmes (Yankees-converting from reliever to starter), and any combination among David Peterson, Tylor Megill, Jose Butto, and Paul Blackburn.

But, then, the injury news gets worse.

Catcher Francisco Alvarez will also start the season on the IL, out up to two months due to a broken hand. Luis Torrens, who came over from the Yankees last year, will be the starter this year until Alvarez is ready to return. The Mets, though, boosted their outfield by acquiring Juan Soto (Yankees) and Jose Siri (Tampa Bay), and bringing back Jesse Winker, another late season acquisition last year. The team is slowly working Starling Marte back into the mix as he'll also be a DH. Brandon Nimmo is injured, which makes acquiring Siri that much more important. Soto was on the wrong end of the Subway Series last year, as the Mets swept the Yankees, but he's got a more imposing group surrounding him with Francisco Lindor, Pete Alonso, Mark Vientos, and, when healthy, Alvarez & Nimmo. Scary.

To get to Edwin Diaz for the 9th inning, Carlos Mendoza now has AJ Minter (Atlanta), once he's healthy, to back up Max Kranick, Ryne Stanek, & Reed Garrett. Forget about Genesis Cabrera (Toronto), who had a bad outing on Sunday vs. Washington, and I don't see him sticking around. Speaking of the Nationals, they made a big mistake letting Joey Meneses go, as the Mets signed him to provide backup for Alonso.

We'll hold our prediction until we look at the rest of the NL East later this week.

Notes from around town

 Downtown Troy can run on Dunkin' once more.

The chain's location at Congress & 3rd streets reopened this morning after a month spent doing some remodeling. What it was, basically, was removing the tables that had been idled since COVID 5 years ago, and laying down a new floor.

Imagine that. A work order that actually finished on time.

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Election Day is still 8 months away, but the rhetoric has already started here in town.

Writing in today's Albany Times-Union, Chris Churchill tells the story of Democratic candidate Shikole Struber, who posted a video in which she claimed her personal trainer told her to "prepare to fight the Nazis".

Like Churchill, I find this claim to be rather dubious.

Aside from Rensselaer County Executive Steve McLaughlin, who has channeled his inner despot periodically, local GOPers are largely more concerned with taking care of their constituents. Not to say that McLaughlin isn't, but he's an outlier with his Trumpian antics. Struber is challenging Ryan Brosnan in District 2, an electrician by trade whose beard, as described by Churchill, would be comparable to a young Santa Claus. While McLaughlin has attacked NY Rep. Hakeem Jeffries and former governor-turned-NYC Mayoral candidate Andrew Cuomo, it shows he has aspirations to move up and advance his career, a la Elise Stefanik.

This likely will be forgotten by November, nonetheless.

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Proof that legalized cannabis has become big business comes in the form of how media outlets are accepting not only advertisements, but offering sponsorships.

High Society Dispensary in Hudson Falls, one of the newest shops, recently acquired sponsorship rights to WROW's broadcast tower in Latham, displacing the Harding Mazzotti law firm, which also sponsors the studios of rivals like Wild Country 99.9 FM.

It's a trend. For now.

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Unbeatable Nutrition had 2 shops in the city at the end of last year. Now, they have just 1, on Hoosick Road.

The 4th street store quietly closed several weeks back, with a new tenant moving in soon. The La Familia barber shop next door, which had reopened last year after being forced to close due to a fire in the winter of 2021-22, also has closed.

Further up the block, Paper Moon, which is supposed to be open Sundays, wasn't open today as we passed through. Don't know what the issues are there, but it appears that they've been off for a while, with copies of this week's 518 The Spot still bundled in front of the door. We'll try to ascertain exactly what's going on there.

Forgotten TV: Small & Frye (1983)

 Disney should've saved Small & Frye and made it into a cartoon, not a live-action sitcom.

Small was a spring replacement series for CBS in 1983, bringing Darren McGavin back to series television after nearly 10 years (miniseries don't count). McGavin (ex-Kolchak: The Night Stalker) was cast as private eye Nick Small, whose partner, Chip Frye (Jack Blessing), was the victim of a lab accident that results in his shrinking, then reverting to normal size, at the most inopportune times. As McGavin explains in the intro, a police scientist (Bill Daily, ex-I Dream of Jeannie, The Bob Newhart Show) was able to help Frye control his size changes, but Frye's #1 fan, as shown in this clip, is Small's daughter, Phoebe, the duo's secretary.

McGavin, of course, would bounce back with the holiday classic film, "A Christmas Story", a few months later, and that is now a perennial staple on cable, while Small & Frye ended up locked in Disney's vaults.

No rating. Just a public service.

Rockin' Funnies: Take Off (1981-2)

 Spun off from SCTV, Bob & Doug McKenzie (Rick Moranis & Dave Thomas) became one of the hottest acts at the end of 1981. "The Great White North", itself spun from a skit of the same name, led to a hilarious satire of "The 12 Days of Christmas", and the novelty single, "Take Off", which peaked at #16 on the Hot 100 in the spring of 1982.

Rush bassist-vocalist Geddy Lee was a grade school pal of Moranis, and was invited to appear on the album. "Take Off" got a ton of airplay here in the 518, featured nightly on WTRY's evening program with DJ "Boogie" Bob O'Neil, for example.

As was the case with "12 Days", Moranis & Thomas didn't make a music video, so the audio will have to suffice.

This is how you stand up to a phony tough guy acting out because of his inner child

 Many thanks to Chuck Miller for the tip on this one.

Y'think Canada has had enough of Donald Trump's posturing and lies? I'd say so.

Comedian Jeff Douglas revisited a commercial he did 25 years ago to drive home the point that Canada doesn't belong as part of the US. Listen to the passion, the conviction in his voice. When Canadians boo the "Star Spangled Banner", they're directing their ire at the Archduke of Affluenza, a 78 year old man with the comportment of a 3 year old, and, either way, he has not a single clue about how to conduct himself as president.

Righteous, eh? Of course. Trump pretends to be a tough guy, a bully, to make himself look good before the world, except that the world is tired of his act, largely because he can't keep his mouth shut.

To borrow from Rush bassist-vocalist Geddy Lee and the McKenzie Brothers (Rick Moranis & Dave Thomas), circa 1982, there's only three words for Trump here:

"Take off, eh?"

Classic TV: The David Frost Show (1969)

 After That Was The Week That Was ended its run, David Frost was looking for a new challenge.

Westinghouse's Group W gave him that challenge, which lasted for 3 seasons (1969-72), with a self-titled talk show that aired in some of the same markets as another Group W staple, Mike Douglas. For example, in the 518, Frost came on around 1 pm, with Douglas following at 4:30 pm before being trimmed to an hour near the end of his run.

Jazzman Billy Taylor conducted the orchestra, giving Frost's show some extra zing

From October of '69, Frost's lone guest is comedy legend Jack Benny.

I do remember seeing some episodes as a youth, either during holiday breaks or during the summer.

Ratiug: B.

What Might've Been: Powerpuff (2023)

 Producer Greg Berlanti might've jumped the shark when he teamed with actress-producer Diablo Cody to pitch a live-action reboot of the Cartoon Network series, The Powerpuff Girls.

However, after 2 years of development, CW, now under the ownership of Nexstar Media, decided to scrap the project. Overnight, a trailer for the failed reboot surfaced online, featuring T-Mobile pitchman Donald Faison (ex-Scrubs) as Dr. Drake Utonium, and Nicholas Podany (ex-Hart of Dixie) as Mojo Jojo, Jr., as father & son are human in this version.

Update, 12:21 pm (ET): WB has put in a copyright claim on the trailer, so we have to use this logo:

When Powerpuff was in development, we talked about this a bit over at Saturday Morning Archives, and correspondents there were almost unanimous in their disdain for the project. Berlanti is no longer producing shows for CW, as he's moved his tack elsewhere (i.e. Found, for NBC), and out of the superhero business. At last check, Craig McCracken, the Powerpuff Girls' creator, had pitched a fresh animated reboot for CN/Max, but nothing's come of that, either.

At least they brought back Tom Kenny to narrate the trailer.

No rating.

On The Air: Around The Horn (2002)

 With the news that the series is coming to an end in late May, it's way, way past time to look at ESPN's Around The Horn.

Four sportswriters debate the topics of the day, though in recent years, ESPN personalities have gotten into the fray as well. Max Kellerman was the original moderator, until he left for Fox and took panelist Michael Holley with him in 2004. Comedian Tony Reali moved over from Pardon The Interruption, where he was "Stat Boy", fact-checking on that show, and has been there since, though there have been guest hosts, including Rob Stone (before he, too, left for Fox) and panelists Woody Paige, Pablo Torre, and Frank Isola, the latter two having also filled in on Interruption.

It was announced Tuesday that Horn will say good-bye on May 23, right before Memorial Day, as ESPN/Disney is doing some cost cutting. Paige had been a contributor to another ESPN show, Cold Pizza, but was actually a better fit here, though he often came across as a court jester.

Let's go back to March 2003, with Kellerman holding court as the NCAA tournament approaches.

How ESPN plans to fill the void has been settled in the short term with a 30 minute edition of SportsCenter. How original. NOT!

Rating: A-.

Sports this 'n' that

 Fox NFL Sunday will have one less panelist when the series returns in September.

Jimmy Johnson announced his retirement on Monday after more than 3 decades with the network, interrupted only for a stint coaching the Miami Dolphins. Johnson, who won 2 Super Bowls as the coach of the Dallas Cowboys, has appeared less frequently the last two seasons.

While the media is speculating about who would fill Johnson's seat, it's a waste of time. The show's resident court jester, Rob Gronkowski, could very well be in line to be promoted to a full-time panelist.

The original combover is retiring.

Gronkowski, also shilling for USAA, has apprenticed for the last couple of years, filling in when Johnson was away. Some online commenters suggested poaching either Chris Long (Howie's son) or Chad Johnson (no relation to Jimmy) away from Inside The NFL, which may have lost Bill Belichick (North Carolina) after 1 season. Keep dreaming, jabronies.

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In the wake of a social media post by president Trump suggesting a posthumous pardon for Pete Rose, who passed away in September, MLB commissioner Rob Manfred is considering a posthumous reinstatement for the disgraced legend, clearing the path for Rose to finally be enshrined in Cooperstown.

Rose, who was banned by Fay Vincent years ago, was convicted on tax evasion charges, and while Trump hasn't specified what the pardon is for, it's assumed that it's for said conviction. Trump & Rose are both members of the WWE's Hall of Fame in the celebrity wing, and appeared at multiple Wrestlemania events.

Trump, who wouldn't know much about gambling other than seeing his casinos in New Jersey tank back in the day, is trying to claim that Rose only bet on his team, the Cincinnati Reds, to win, not on any other team, but then, Trump isn't much for context or details, as we all know.

If Manfred goes through with the reinstatement, there will be calls for disgraced stars of the "steroid era" of the 90's (i.e. Sammy Sosa, Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens) to finally be enshrined as well. Stay tuned.

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So much has been made of former WWE champ John Cena turning heel on Cody Rhodes at Elimination Chamber in Toronto on Saturday, but fans are split as to whether or not Cena will remain a villain in the long term. 

In this writer's opinion, it's a means to an end for "Final Boss" Dwayne Johnson, who is using Cena to buy time for Jacob Fatu to be prepped as a main event-caliber challenger for Rhodes. Fatu, a former World & tag team champ with Major League Wrestling before coming north last year, is being showcased pretty heavily on Smackdown, and while WWE is keen on a future Fatu-Rhodes title fight, it's still a ways off, hence the shock turn by Cena. With Wrestlemania set for Easter weekend in Las Vegas, a lot can happen, but at the end of the day, the corrupted Rock and Cena will end up with egg on their faces. I don't see Rhodes losing. At all.

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Elimination Chamber became the latest event where the "Star Spangled Banner" was booed out of the building due to Donald Trump's bullying of Canada, and threatening tariffs, which reportedly took effect today. The American national anthem's been booed at NHL and, likely also, NBA events in the last few weeks.

It's becoming apparent that Trump no-showed civics class in school, don't you think?

Only in The South: A state senator wants to use corporal punishment on disabled students. Is this guy just nuts? Well, he IS a Republican...............

 Some politicians in Oklahoma are actually trying to embrace common sense. Unfortunately, there's always a bad apple in the barrel with his head in the sand.

Oklahoma state senator Shane Jett is using Proverbs 22:15, which I will quote shortly, to justify using the outdated system of corporal punishment on disabled students, opposing fellow senator Dave Rader, a fellow Republican, who wants to end corporal punishment in schools.

Farron Cousins breaks it down.

Before I go further, here's Proverbs 22:15, according to the New King James Bible:

"Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child. The rod of correction will drive it far from him."

What Jett fails to comprehend is that disabled children can't defend themselves. You have children on the autistic spectrum, or ones who are visibly disabled with either muscular dystrophy or cerebral palsy or have Downs Syndrome. The above verse is meant to apply discipline with love in mind. Jett's intentional misinterpretation represents the reprehensible attitude of some GOPers in the Sooner State, and is way, way off base.

I believe Rader's measure will be signed into law, and Jett was suffer the humiliation of being proven wrong. The dude needs to go back and reread his Bible, plus a concordance, for better understanding, instead of using scripture for usury.

Musical Interlude: Hit The Road, Jack (1989)

 From "The Dream Team":

Buster Poindexter (David Johansen) had one last hit on the charts with his cover of Ray Charles' "Hit The Road, Jack". Movie footage is mixed in, until co-stars Stephen Furst (ex-St. Elsewhere, Delta House) and Peter Boyle arrive to pick up Buster.

In memory of David Johansen, 75, who passed away earlier this weekend. Rest in peace.

Someone needs to send Tommy Tubes back to geometry class

"Tommy Tubes", of course, is Alabama Senator Tommy Tuberville, the former college football coach, whose latest gaffe not only caught Farron Cousins' attention, as you'll see shortly, but also comics fans.

Here's Farron:

Someone wrote in commenting on the video on YouTube that the trigon was an old school name for the triangle. Whether that's true or not is irrelevant at this point. However, comics fans know of a fellow named Trigon from the pages of New Teen Titans back in the early 80's:

Image courtesy DC Comics.

Let's just say that Tommy Tubes misspoke at the wrong time, and leave it at that, ok?

A primer on the necessity of seatbelts (1972)

 Today, a seatbelt is mandatory when driving. In 1972, when this was recorded, there were too many people ignoring common sense, leading to accidents.

Actor-producer Jack Webb narrates.

By 1972, Webb had moved away from the camera, save for a guest shot on Don Adams' The Partners, and concentrated on his Mark VII production company (Adam-12, Emergency!). It wouldn't surprise me if Mark VII was commissioned to produce the above ad.

Origin of a Classic: The Gamble (Police Story, 1974)

 Season 1 of Police Story wrapped with a pilot for Police Woman.

In the time between when "The Gamble" aired and when Police Woman launched, there were some changes. As you'll see, Angie Dickinson plays Lisa Beaumont in the pilot, but the character is changed to Suzanne "Pepper" Anderson when the series began a few months later.

Sgt. Bill Crowley was played by Bert Convy, fresh off The Snoop Sisters, but the part was recast when Convy landed his first game show hosting gig, hosting Tattletales for CBS, and Earl Holliman was cast as Crowley. Aside from this, Ed Bernard & Charles Dierkop are the only other cast members returning for the series.

"The Gamble" also features Joseph Campanella (ex-The Bold Ones, Mannix) and Cesare Danova (ex-Garrison's Gorillas).

In memory of Police Story creator Joseph Wambaugh, who passed away earlier this week. No rating out of respect.

This week in GOP stupidity

 On Tuesday, the Trump administration lost three preliminary rulings in the space of 90 minutes, as more of Trump's ill-advised executive orders are being blocked by responsible federal judges.

So, what happens next?

A number of GOP lawmakers in the House of Representatives are introducing or threatening to introduce articles of impeachment against the judges who ruled against the president's orders.

SAY WHAT?

As with threats of impeachment against former president Joe Biden, nothing the GOP has rises to the level of high crimes & misdemeanors, but idiots like Tennessee misrepresentative Andy Ogles are going to try, just to win brownie points with Trump.

Farron Cousins explains.

What Ogles and his fellow morons in the House fail to understand is that there's always the possibility the Trump administration could win in the end with a reasonable argument to justify their actions. Yeah, good luck with that. A case of Dunce Caps will be headed to Washington for Ogles and the idiot squad for this farce.

When you're in between series: William Shatner for Promise (1974)

 There was a time when Promise margarine, at the time packaged by Lever Brothers, was touted as beneficial for lowering cholesterol.

From 1974, here's William Shatner in New Jersey.

This was included in a compilation of short-lived series from 1975, since this ad was still circulating at the time. Shatner would bomb with Barbary Coast in '75.

Musical Interlude: Set The Night to Music (1991)

 Two generations of R & B come together, as Maxi Priest joins Roberta Flack for the title track to 1991's "Set The Night to Music":

In memory of Flack, 88, who passed away over the weekend.

Forgotten TV: The Dom DeLuise Show (1968)

 Dom DeLuise was a frequent guest on Dean Martin's NBC variety show, such that folks must've assumed Martin helped him land the sitcom, Lotsa Luck. Nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, it wasn't DeLuise's 1st series on his own.

That distinction belongs to a self-titled comedy-variety hour that was a summer replacement for Jonathan Winters' CBS show in 1968. Packaged by Jackie Gleason's production company, DeLuise was given a few short weeks to prove he could carry the mail, if you will. He had the honor of working with Gleason's staff, including musical director Sammy Spear, choreographer June Taylor, and announcer Johnny Olsen.

In fact, Gleason would last a couple more years at CBS with his series.

Following is a collection of sketches, plus a sample open & close with voiceover by Olsen.

No rating. Just a public service.

Can we just put a moratorium on lying in Washington?

 It's bad enough that American voters re-elected a serial liar in Donald Trump back in November, mostly due to misogyny and not being ready for a woman as President. Even worse is that the First Parasite, Elon Musk, is just as much a serial liar as Trump, as Farron Cousins will explain.

Imagine if Elmer Fudd & Daffy Duck got together to scheme something. That would actually be tame compared to Trump & Musk, who are ignoring protocols in their haste to fulfull the Orange Toddler's "agenda".

We tried to get a comment from Musk's spokesman, but.....

"No-buh com-buh-ment-buh."

What a surprise.

Notes from around town

 Apparently, the Sounds of Sinatra have been silenced at WROW.

Magic 100.5 FM abruptly dropped Sounds from the schedule, giving Jaime Roberts some extra time on Sunday mornings, as she fills the 10-noon slot where Sounds had been. Either the contract with the syndicator expired, or the ratings may have told Albany Broadcasting suits that it was time to move on.

Meanwhile, Albany Street host Bill Williams has sheared two hours from his Sunday DJ block. Promotions director Candace Curby is back on the air, Sundays from 5-7 pm, as Williams, who boasts of nearly 5 decades in radio, is slowly inching toward retirement.

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Props to fellow blogger and 518 native Chuck Miller for this next item.

518 music legends Blotto will be the subjects of a documentary coming out "soon", per the band's YouTube channel. There performance clips of the band, archived interviews, and a clip of the group's earlier iteration as the Star Spangled Washboard Band from The Mike Douglas Show. Also, there's a choice clip of the band hanging out with homegirl Martha Quinn on MTV back in the day....

I am SO seeing this when it comes out.

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The warmer temperatures forecast for this week should put an end to the ice coating large chunks of the streets in the tri-cities. However, a shortage of rock salt or ice melt was not on anyone's bingo card. 

In downtown Troy alone, there are long stretches of ice, left untreated, in front of vacant storefronts, such as the defunct Troy Light Company on Congress Street. A recent news article on WNYT, for example, emphasized that property owners have to do their part, too, and not rely on the city to clear the sidewalks.

And before anyone blames a certain loose screw in Washington for the rock salt shortage, or even his predecessor, it's not their fault. 

On The Shelf: Of cops in love, revived cyborgs, and other things

 Chester Gould always meant for Dick Tracy to have one true love, that being Tess Trueheart, whom he later married in the long running newspaper strip. Mad Cave's current series is set in the early days of Tracy's career, so we're nowhere near hearing wedding bells, but a Valentine's Day special seems appropriate this month.

Co-writers Alex Segura & Michael Moreci are joined by Chantelle Osman, normally a creative consultant on the series, for a whimsical tale of love and murder, as Tess has Tracy ready for a Valentine's date, but for a murder case at a movie studio. The backup feature, written by Steve Orlando, includes a tribute to Gould's classic look for Tracy. You can't go wrong.

Rating: A-.

DC is giving Zatanna another miniseries, following Bringing Down The House, and this one is written & drawn by Jamal Campbell. Anyone familiar with his art from Far Sector & Naomi over the last 3 years knows what to expect. Zatanna is pulled into the fantasy world of a ghost, if you will, of an old time actress.

This series is six issues, nothing more. One wonders if Campbell is trying to find Zee a boyfriend not named John Constantine. We wouldn't mind.

Rating: B.

Alex Segura is also writing Dynamite's miniseries teaming the Green Hornet with Miss Fury. Also set in the Golden Age, we find that not only are the heroes not on the same page, but there are tensions between the Hornet and Kato. We've seen that movie before with the Lone Ranger & Tonto many moons ago. Seems to me Dynamite commissioned this series in order to hold on to the licenses for both characters.

Rating: B-.

Silverhawks ran for 1 season in syndication (1986-7), but now Dynamite and writer Ed Brisson have designs on tying the series into the Thundercats universe when there were no crossovers back in the 80's. Brisson's 1st chapter sees the start of reforming the team, which had been retired from active duty. Hmmm. The original series turns 40 next year, as Thundercats turns 40 this year. This gives artist George Kambadais something to do now that Gargoyles is done for now.

Grade: Incomplete.

Mad Cave's latest Gatchaman spinoff is another miniseries, Only One Earth. Artist Nuno Plati gives this more of a manga look than the normal series does, working with writer Tommy Lee Edwards. Let's see where this goes.

Rating: Incomplete.

Quick hits: Rich Johnston at Bleeding Cool is reporting that DC plans to axe Shazam!, Power Girl, & Two-Face, all in May, after 21, 20, & 6 issues, respectively. I think we're going to wait for the trade on Two-Face, because this had potential......Speaking of Gatchaman, Ryu gets a 1-shot in April. If it's anything like the previous 1-offs, this will be good........Dynamite is adding Wacky Races to its WB library with a 1-shot in April. I recommend getting the Penelope Pitstop cover by Joseph Michael Linsner. Enough said......We are not digging Dynamite's take on Captain Planet, also in April, as previously reported. David Pepose (Space Ghost) is writing this as a new take on how the Planeteers came together 35 years ago. I don't like the idea of the Captain with a beard. It's so today, but inappropriate.