Weasel of The Week: Tommy Tuberville

 It's been a week since the wildfires began in Los Angeles and surrounding areas in Southern California. Instead of pitching in, and trying to help, Republicans seem to have a problem, totally political in nature, that characterizes them as devoid of compassion.

This problem is embodied by Alabama Senator Tommy Tuberville, who went on Newsnacks the other night, and said that California "doesn't deserve" disaster relief. There are Republicans in Cali, too, but we haven't heard from them, just the attention seeking weasels outside of the state, like Tuberville, who says that because California is a blue state (Democrat controlled), they shouldn't get anything. 

Oh? Alabama & Florida got disaster relief after those hurricanes last fall, but you don't want California to get money for those wildfires? Hypocrisy, thy name is Tommy Tuberville.

Here's Farron Cousins with more.

All Tommy is doing is scoring brownie points with the Oldest Baby in America, incoming president Donald Trump. What Tuberville gets is a set of Weasel ears for broadcasting his hypocrisy.

Notes from around town

 With one week in the books, WROW's new lineup has some positives, as well as, unfortunately, some negatives, at least in the short term.

Gone, at least for now, are sports scores & lottery numbers. Ben Patten only reads the news at the top of each hour between 5 & 9 am (ET). Gone as well are daily discussions with WRGB AM meteorologist Alyssa Caroprese, and local businessman Mark Cifarelli, whose 2010 Auto Sales remains a sponsor of Magic 100.5 FM/AM 590, who was heard 3 times a week. I'm guessing those chats may have been moved to Patten's solo shift at 10 am. The daily birthday list is gone as well. Caroprese's pre-recorded forecasts begin playing around 10 am.

Jaime Roberts introduced two new features on January 6. The Social Media Dilemma is an interactive segment between 7 & 8 am. The One-Hit Wonder of The Day, at 6:45 am, features an artist who had that one shining moment of fame (i.e. Carl Douglas, Five Stairsteps) on the charts. The Social Media Dilemma replaces The Almost Impossible Question.

This morning, Roberts filled in (we think) for John Gabriel from 7-9 am. We don't know if that's permanent. Albany Street host Bill Williams' profile page was taken down from the website, likely for an update. However, the schedule page hasn't been updated in some time, since Madison Wealth Managers' weekly show now airs on Sundays as well as Saturdays.

Stay tuned. The changes may not be over yet.

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After more than 6 years, the Knickerbacker Ice Arena reopened in Lansingburgh on Friday night. Mayor Carmella Mantello & Rensselaer County Executive Steve McLaughlin were in attendance, but are not in the following video.

I'll have something further to say on this over at Tri-City SportsBeat tomorrow.

Musical Interlude: I Thank You (1968-9)

 Sam & Dave's final hit for Stax Records was 1968's "I Thank You", which landed them on The Ed Sullivan Show in May of 1969.

ZZ Top would cover "I Thank You" on their 1979 album, "Deguello", four years before their breakthrough with the "Eliminator" album.

In memory of Sam Moore, 89, who passed away on Friday. Rest in peace.

A primer on express banking (1973)

After getting adjusted and accustomed to cable in the mid-70's, I first encountered this next gem.

Manufacturers Hanover was introducing express banking, and brought in Paul Lynde to help sell the new service. Oh, did he ever!!

I must've seen this a dozen times on WOR back in the day, and I've waited years to post this. 

A little of this and a little of that

 Sports agent and Niskayuna principal JR Rickert is throwing his hat into the political ring.

Two months ago, Rickert announced that he was running for Niskayuna town supervisor in the coming election. Best of luck to Rickert on this latest venture.

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Over at LaSalle Institute, classes are continuing despite the fact that a good part of the campus is without heat due to some broken pipes.

Principal Steve Sgambelluri has said he is hoping the repairs will be completed by next week. Another curiosity is whether or not Sgambelluri, also the former men's basketball coach at LaSalle, will honor his other gig and call tonight's LaSalle-Catholic Central game on WNYA (7 pm ET). We'll see.

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The wildfires in the Los Angeles area have led to not only mass evacuations of residents, but changes in other facets.

The Los Angeles Lakers were forced to postpone a game at the Intuit Dome Thursday night.

CBS postponed the premiere of Hollywood Squares to January 16, feeling the light-hearted nature of the franchise would not be appropriate in the midst of the disasters. I've a feeling that this won't be the only postponement.

Finally, Monday's NFL Wild Card game between the Rams & Minnesota, set for SoFi Stadium, has been moved to Stare Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.

The game will still air on ABC & ESPN, but it takes away the home field advantage for the 4th seeded Rams. The Chargers are in Houston tomorrow.

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Incoming president Donald Trump attended the funeral of the late Jimmy Carter on Thursday, which might've been the only good thing for him.

Elsewhere in Washington, the Supreme Court turned down Trump's request to halt his sentencing, scheduled for today, in the NY hush money case. Barring another last second appeal, Trump will be sworn in January 20 as a convicted felon, the first president to hold that distinction, and it's something he desperately wants to avoid, but it appears he has no recourse now.

NFL Wild Card preview

 And, lo, the silly season begins.

The NFL playoffs begin Saturday with the Wild Card round, and a pair of AFC matchups.

For the first time, Amazon enters the picture, and will carry one of the Saturday games, to be encored to death starting Sunday on NFL Network.

Saturday:

Los Angeles Chargers @ Houston (CBS, 4:30 pm.).

The Chargers finished 4 games in arrears of Kansas City in the AFC West, while Houston won the South. This one's a pretty even matchup, as QB's Justin Herbert & CJ Stroud will direct air traffic control. Expect this one to be a high scoring affair.

Pick: Chargers in an upset.

Pittsburgh @ Baltimore (Amazon Prime, 8 pm).

3rd meeting of the season between the AFC North rivals, with each team having won one in the regular season. However, the Steelers, particularly Russell Wilson, may have peaked a bit too early, and that will be costly.

Pick: Baltimore.

Sunday:

Denver @ Buffalo (CBS, 1 pm.).

Too bad this isn't on Amazon, else Al Michaels can dust off a crack about "Ice Station Zebra" from a few years back. Anyway, they'll likely be shoveling snow off the field at Highmark Stadium prior to the game, assuming they get more snow in Buffalo/Orchard Park than the 518 on Saturday. Denver QB Bo Nix can make a strong case for Rookie of The Year even stronger, even though the votes will have ended with the regular season, with a solid showing here. Josh Allen & the Bills are on a "misson from God", a la the Blues Brothers. Expect the score to be a little on the lower side.

Pick: Buffalo.

Green Bay @ Philadelphia (Fox, 4:30 pm).

It won't matter who's at QB for the Eagles, be it Jalen Hurts, Kenny Pickett, Tanner McKee, or the Man in The Moon. Just feed the ball to Saquon Barkley, who's making the Giants look like fools every time he scores. It's not exactly the Ice Bowl vs. Dallas many moons ago at Lambeau Field, but Green Bay will be in this until the 4th quarter......!

Pick: Philadelphia.

Washington @ Tampa Bay (NBC, 8:20 pm).

The Commanders peaked a bit too early behind rookie QB Jayden Daniels. Tampa's Baker Mayfield has hit his stride at just the right time. Experience is always an x-factor with the Bucs.

Pick: Tampa Bay.

Monday:

Minnesota @ Los Angeles Rams (ABC/ESPN, 8:15 pm).

The Rams enter this game on a downer after losing to Seattle on Sunday. Minnesota QB Sam Darnold is making his playoff debut as a starter, pretty good for someone who was supposed to be a backup to rookie JJ McCarthy. The Vikings are hoping for a 3rd matchup with North champ Detroit, and, yeah, it might happen. This game, though, could be relocated due to the ongoing wildfires in LA.

Pick: Minnesota.

Of course, I could be wrong.

Nearly 41 years later, Hulkamania means beer, MAGA, and not knowing when to walk away from wrestling

 You all know by now how poorly received Hulk Hogan was in Los Angeles on Monday for the Netflix debut of Monday Night Raw. He couldn't even read the room, as he cut his usual self-promoting gaga in front of a sellout crowd that wanted nothing to do with him, even with nemesis-turned-BFF Jimmy Hart waving Old Glory in the background.

Photo courtesy WWE/Netflix.

Five months after bending the knee to incoming president Donald Trump at the GOP convention, here was Da Huckster, promoting his new brand of beer (What? Where was Stone Cold Steve Austin? What?), before removing the tearaway shirt to reveal one that read, "Netflix gets Raw".

WWE has entered into a partnership with Hogan to have ads for the beer in the arenas, particularly in the ring, with Hogan joining Logan Paul (he of the Prime energy drinks) in having ads on the mat or in the arena. They had hoped that, as close as they were to the 41st anniversary of Hogan's 1st world title, fans would celebrate.

Nope. The link between Hogan and MAGA is still strong, and too fresh in people's minds. In a "blue state" like California, a stale act like Hogan should've known that his allegiance with Trump was going to get him in trouble with his "Hulkamaniacs", most of whom have grown up over 41 years. It's the latest in a string of personal missteps for Hogan, whose ill-timed remarks regarding daughter Brooke's choice of boyfriends, and other racially tinged statements, as well as some questionable sexual issues involving another man's wife, got him in trouble nearly a decade ago.

Real American Beer is likely going to flop, marketed opposite established brands like Budweiser, Miller, Coors, et al. Hogan will likely end up breaking off from WWE yet again the second he says something he shouldn't. Well, at least he has that in common with fellow serial liar Trump.......

Musical Interlude: I Dig Rock & Roll Music (1968)

 Peter, Paul, & Mary took a decided turn toward pop music in 1968 with "I Dig Rock & Roll Music", which was getting a good chunk of airplay on oldies channels.

The performance footage comes from Jonathan Winters' short-lived variety show, plus footage of The Mamas & The Papas, who were referenced in the lyrics, plus Creedence Clearwater Revival, The Animals, Three Dog Night, and other contemporary acts of the era.

In memory of Peter Yarrow, who has passed away at 86. Rest in peace.

What Might've Been: At Ease (1983)

 Phil Silvers' legendary You'll Never Get Rich, aka Sgt. Bilko, was an inspiration for Aaron Spelling's 1st half-hour sitcom in nearly 20 years. 

Unfortunately, At Ease, coming along shortly after M*A*S*H ended its run, was a victim more of poor timing than poor ratings or Spelling's bad reputation with sitcoms.

The series marked the return of Roger Bowen (ex-Arnie) to series television, and, speaking of "M*A*S*H", he was in the movie version, lending a little bridge between that franchise and this wanna-be, which fell closer to another Fox service comedy, Roll Out!, a decade earlier. Bowen headed an ensemble that included actor-singer-Dr. Pepper pitchman David Naughton (ex-Makin' It), George Wyner, Josh Mostel (ex-Delta House), and Jimmie Walker, who'd bombed out in a Spelling crime drama, B. A. D. Cats, three years earlier, but getting cast in this series brought him closer to his iconic role of JJ from Good Times.

At Ease lasted 3 1/2 months. While Spelling had finally had a comedy series that was a hit, it was the comedy-drama anthology, The Love Boat, an hour-long show that was a couple of years away from ending its run.

Let's check a sample episode:

If memory serves me correctly, Bilko was in syndication at the time, along with M*A*S*H. Ballgame over.

Rating: B-.

When Hunt's ketchup was catsup (1969)

 Folks will argue that Hunt's, now a part of ConAgra, had the #2 tomato ketchup (or, catsup) in the country.

Back in 1969, it was known as Hunt's catsup, and it was that way for another 20 years.

Michael Rye narrates this ad.

At the time, Rye had been a studio announcer at ABC before ceding that gig to William Schallert.

Donald Trump should be happy to be president again. He isn't, because of his inner child

 Nearly 2 months after winning a 2nd term as president, Donald Trump should be preparing for his inauguration on January 20 without a care in the world.

He isn't, because his inner child won't let him.

It bothers him that former Wyoming Rep. Liz Cheney was honored with a medal by President Biden earlier this week, when Trump has targeted Cheney for jail time just because she did what she felt was the right thing to do, leading the January 6 Committee investigating the riot at the Capitol 4 years ago.

"WAAAAHHHH! She belongs in jail. Lock her up! WAAAAAAAAHHHHH"

In New York, judge Juan Merchan has directed Trump to appear next Friday for sentencing in the hush money case, and all indications point to Trump getting no jail time or even probation, but that his conviction would remain on his record. Trump, of course, ain't digging that.

"WAAAHHHHH! He's always been biased. It's unfair. WAAAHHH!"

Look, dude, he's sparing you jail time. What more do you want?

Press shill Steven Cheung simply continues to dismiss the case as a hoax, which it certainly is not.

This is where Trump's lack of discipline as a child continues to get him in trouble. He surrounds himself with enablers like Cheung, Stephen Miller, Karoline Leavitt, etc., whose main task is pacifying the inner child through the man on the outside.

America, you asked for this. In 16 days, you're getting it.

Musical Interlude: Gimme Little Sign (1968)

 Brenton Wood's 1968 hit, "Gimme Little Sign", has gotten plenty of airplay on local oldies channels. Reelin' in The Years posted this video.

Wood passed away earlier this week. Rest in peace.

The tournament of upsets produces another doozy

 The selection committee for the College Football Playoff thought they had it all figured out. Give the top 4 teams in a 12 team field a first round bye, allowing those teams time to rest, and you might get the matchup you wanted all along.

If the NCAA's annual basketball tournaments have told us anything, it's that nothing is guaranteed. That's why the NCAA trademarked "March Madness" in the first place.

Thursday at the Sugar Bowl, Georgia, the #2 seed and SEC champion, followed the lead of the other top seeds, and lost. Notre Dame, like Ohio State & Penn State before them, rode the momentum of a 1st round win, and stifled the Bulldogs, 23-10.

Now, if a leprechaun really celebrated like that, they'd give him all the Lucky Charms he wants.

The Irish now head to Miami to play the Nittany Lions January 9 at the Orange Bowl, while Ohio State & Texas meet at the Cotton Bowl January 10. The winners meet January 20 for the national championship.

Dr. Pepper has already trademarked "Playoffurary" for their Fansville series of commercials starring Brian Bosworth. I wonder if ESPN can use a holiday favorite, like, oh, I don't know, "Winter Wonderland", for future playoffs..........

Notes from around town

 Following up on a report from Tuesday: WROW is shuffling its lineup to accommodate the debuting Jaime Roberts on January 6. Current morning host Ben Patten will, as previously reported, continue to read the news, but he'll also move into Candace Curby's slot (10 am-2 pm), leaving Candace's future in doubt. She's also promotions director at Magic, so she'll move into an office role full-time. Maybe.

Meanwhile, over at Roberts' former home, WTRY, a couple of familiar names are on the schedule there.

For starters, how about some classic reruns of American Top 40, back in the early years? WTRY and corporate parent iHeart Radio have signed on to air the earliest episodes of the series, co-created and hosted by Casey Kasem. WTRY was the original 518 home of American Top 40 in the 70's & 80's before it started shifting around the dial.

And, to borrow from Gary "US" Bonds, oh, but that ain't all........!

Albany native and MTV icon Martha Quinn can be heard weekdays from 10 am-3 pm with her talk show. The show is syndicated, and based out of Southern California, where Martha makes her home. How iHeart didn't trumpet this news, given Quinn's local background, is a real head-scratcher.

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Back to WROW. We neglected to mention that weekend hosts "Brother" Lou Roberts & Bill Williams are plugging their shows in quick ads these days. Williams, in particular, gave listeners a heads-up that this week's Albany Street is a rerun from October. So far, News, Views, & Interviews host Aaron Mair has not recorded any similar plugs, but given that the last episode aired two weeks in a row (December 22 & 29), and Mair has had problems with schedules in the past, maybe he does need a moderator......!

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While most local papers give readers a few free articles to read, El Cheapo Media has decided that you need to subscribe to their website in order to access any articles at all. Like, no one's buying the print editions, it seems, so El Cheapo is desperate. Keep begging.

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Stacks Espresso Bar's changing locations on Lark Street in Albany, moving out of its original base, and into the former Cafe Hollywood. The bigger space should do wonders for Stacks going forward. I've been in their Troy location, as previously reported, and it's nice and cozy, just the right size for the Collar City.

And the dominoes begin to fall in the College Football Playoff

 "When you think you've got all the answers, I change the questions!"----Roddy Piper.

With the Sugar Bowl postponed to Thursday (more on that shortly), the College Football Playoff quarterfinals have shown just how unpredictable an expanded tournament can be.

After form held in the 1st round, it took just 24 hours for the applecart to be overturned, as three of the top four seeds have been eliminated from the tournament.

It started at the Fiesta Bowl on Tuesday, as Penn State dismissed Mountain West champion Boise State, 31-14. Heisman Trophy finalist Ashton Jeanty was held in check for most of the night, while the Nittany Lions had picked up right where they left off after advancing in the first round.

Then, earlier today, at the Peach Bowl, Texas outlasted Arizona State in double overtime, 39-31. The Sun Devils had erased a 16 point deficit just to tie the game, and force the extra periods. The Big 12 champion was sent home by a former Big 12 team (Texas now represents the SEC).

Finally, in Pasadena, at the Rose Bowl, Ohio State collected a receipt from Oregon. The Buckeyes raced out to a 34-0 lead before the Ducks finally found the end zone on the final play of the 1st half.

Photo courtesy Yahoo!.

Oregon QB Dillon Gabriel had only been sacked 13 times prior to today, but the Buckeye defense got to him at least six times en route to a 41-21 upset. 

This means the Big 10, long dismissed as a post-season doormat, has 2 teams left (Ohio St. & Penn St.). Ohio State will play Texas in the Cotton Bowl on January 10, while Penn State awaits the Notre Dame-Georgia winner in the Orange Bowl one week from tonight.

The Irish & the Bulldogs will wait until 4 pm (ET) tomorrow to play after a 42 year old Texas native, radicalized by the Islamic State, rammed his vehicle into an overnight New Year's Eve party in New Orleans, killing 15, and injuring others before he himself was killed by police. There are those who believe he didn't act alone, and that co-conspirators are still at large, with the prospect of striking again between now and next month's Super Bowl.

Once the ratings come in, ESPN & the NCAA will look like geniuses, but there's always next year, and the prospect of a more flawed tournament.