Tonight will be the last night Conan O’Brien will host the Tonight Show. He received a sweet parting gift from NBC and made sure his staff also received a bonus. After tonight, he will be in re-runs until he can sign a new deal in September.
I am going to get high on caffeine so I can stay up and watch. Here is what I am hoping for:
— A cameo by “Triumph the Insult Comic dog.” Some reports say the insulting pooch will remain property of NBC, along with the “Masturbating Bear.” If this is the case I hope comes out uses NBC as something “for me to poop on.” I Keed I Keed.
— A hilarious monologue poking fun at NBC. Reports also say that Conan will not be allowed to rip on NBC if he gets a new hosting gig.
— Will Ferrell is tonight’s host. Maybe George W. Bush has a few comments on the situation.
— Tom Hanks, who has said on red carpets that he supports Conan, will also be on the show. I would like to see him continue his support for O’Brien.
So please tune in tonight. The higher the ratings the bigger the slap across the peacock’s face.
Team CoCo continues on
January 22nd, 2010 by michelleganassiTeam CoCo
January 13th, 2010 by michelleganassiWay to go NBC
The Jay Leno show had awful ratings — so let’s break tradition and move the Tonight Show.
I tried a few times to watch The Jay Leno show, it was awful. It seemed like a recycled version of the Tonight Show.
I understand that Conan O’Brien was losing the ratings war with Dave Letterman. But one has to wonder if a certain scandal may have heightened Letterman’s numbers.
I think if someone is retiring they need to retire. Leno is essentially going back to the Tonight Show, even if it has another name.
I typically cannot stay up late enough now, but back in the day I loved Conan O’Brien. I watched intently hoping he would pull the lever to show a random Walker Texas Ranger clip.
NBC is known for great decision-making. They are the home to the Law and Order series The Office and Community, but don’t forget they also brought us Raines.
I guess NBC does have a history for canceling decent shows. They flatlined Trauma and may have some karma issues for cutting My Name is Earl. They tried to lock-up Southland, which found a nice new home on TNT
Rumors have been circulating that Fox is interested in O’Brien. So maybe that is where he will end up.
A parade of Tiger’s cubs
December 18th, 2009 by michelleganassiWarning: This blog contains a plethora of bad golf puns. Read at your own risk.
For the last several weeks there has been a parade of Tiger Wood’s mistresses on television and celebrity rags.
Each one felt they were the only one and talk about how bad they feel for Tiger’s wife, Elin. Quite frankly I wish these women would go back to obscurity.
First, if you were the “other woman” what would make you think you are the only “other one.” Everyone knows Tiger was married with two young children. If they didn’t he is one of the top athletes in the world — google it.
The next thing that amazes me is these women go on television and say “I feel so bad for Elin.” Maybe they should have thought about how bad they would feel when they were polishing his 5-iron. Or maybe you shouldn’t spill intimate details about how many times you handled his golf balls.
One woman cried about what she would tell her son. Maybe she should have stayed home and not aired her dirty laundry on national television.
But aside from the parade of cocktail waitress, club promoters and porn stars the icing on the cake is when these women whip out evidence.
No one has needed to say “the proof is in my heart,” because they had text messages, voice mails and e-mails they just happened to keep.
The way these women have been coming out of the club house I am sure there are a few more lingering on the fairway. But is the 15-minutes of fame worth it?
I think not.
While I blame these women for going to the magazines and tv shows, I do not blame them for Tiger’s cheating. Some woman throw themselves at rich, successful men. Tiger should have kept his club in the bag.
(I welcome any comments, suggestions and criticism at michelleg@dailyamerican.com)
Fascinating
December 5th, 2009 by michelleganassiEvery year Barbara Walters produces her “10 Most Fascinating People of 2009” list.
I checked out the nine list-makers ABC released. While some meet the definition of fascinating (of great interest or attraction; enchanting; charming; captivating: a fascinating story; fascinating jewelry.) others fall short.
The winners (in no order)
Sarah Palin
Despite your politics Palin deserves to be on this list. She is the first female to be on a major party political ticket. She came out of nowhere to the top of the Republican party.
Glenn Beck
If I didn’t put him on my winners list my old friend, Mr. Jim Orr, would be upset. I guess he does have a best-selling book and a top television program. He also isn’t afraid to stir up a little bit of controversy and explain things as he sees them, whether advertisers are on board or not.
Lady Gaga
I love Lady Gaga. She can write, play and sing her own music. She is the Madonna of this generation. While her costumes and performances are a bit out there she keeps everyone guessing. And that makes you fascinating.
Michael Jackson’s children
The late King of Pop’s children burst onto the scene after their father’s passing. They grew up being raised by one of the most influential performers of his generation. But Michael went to great lengths to shield, or may I say mask, his kids from the public eye. If Barbara sits down with the kids and talks to them about life after the media circus they experienced after Michael’s passing, it could make for a fascinating interview.
Tyler Perry
Tyler Perry is one of those people who can do it all. He can act, write and produce, which he does in nearly all his films and television shows. His movies grossed nearly $400 million. While he is not on top of my winner list I do find him fascinating.
On the fence
Jenny Sanford
I can’t imagine it is easy to be the wife of a politician. I also can’t imagine it would be easy to publicly deal with your husband’s infidelities. Not too many people knew Sanford until S.C. Gov. Mark Sanford admitted to an affair after he was MIA for a few days. He betrayed the woman who was not only his wife, but also managed several of his successful election campaigns. She handled the public situation with grace and has managed to stay out of the limelight the best she could under the circumstances. But I am not sure if that alone makes her fascinating.
The losers
Kate Gosselin
In case you live under a rock with no access to television or the Internet, Kate Gosselin of John and Kate Plus 8 is a divorced mother of 8. She and her ex John had a reality show on TLC that followed their brood around. The series has since ended — something about John not biting the hand that fed him and hanging out with super dad Michael Lohan.
People have become fascinated with the Gosselins every move since their watched their kids grow and marriage implode on television. Why, I don’t know. It does provide some great clips for one of my favorite shows — The Soup.
But that doesn’t make Kate fascinating. She is a single mom that made a boatload of cash parading her children on television. Personally, I am pretty sick of the John and Kate drama.
Adam Lambert
Most people didn’t even know who he was until he kissed another dude on the AMA’s. But the kiss has nothing to do with him making my loser list. He was the first loser on American Idol. He just released his first album, but I cannot pinpoint anything he did to make the world a better or more fascinating place, except cause a little controversy. Coming in second place on a reality show doesn’t cut it for me.
Brett Farve
If you didn’t guess he was on my loser list you must not know me. In my opinion he is just a loser in general. This “I’m retired” “No wait” “Yeah retired” “No I am going to play for the rival of the team that made me a star.” Just stay retired already. I have no respect for you as a quarterback.
I am “fascinated” to see the mystery 10th person. Perhaps a future blog topic.
(I welcome any comments, suggestions and criticism at michelleg@dailyamerican.com)
Wii need to get a life
November 27th, 2009 by michelleganassiI love cooking. Spending time in my kitchen is my escape from this crazy life. I also enjoy learning how to cook and hope one day I have a few sous chefs of my own so I can pass on my cooking knowledge.
I also enjoy video games. I kick serious butt in Madden and can hold my own in Guitar Hero.
But I never thought these two worlds would mesh.
Food Network, one of my favorite television networks, is releasing Cook or Be Cooked for the Wii. The game features cooking instructions and techniques. Players can use the Wii remote to use appliances, utensils to create dishes. Completing challenges will unlock harder recipies.
Their food will be judged by Food Network officials, one of which is a cartoon version of Susie Fogelson (I can’t even stand the real life version).
Basically Sally’s mother doesn’t have to teach her how to cook. She can make a boxed meal while Sally dishes up a gourmet feast sitting in front of the television.
There are plenty of video games that make sense. Exercising with a video game has even peaked my interest.
But cooking isn’t something you can learn by simulating breaking eggs and stirring a batter. You can’t smell the aroma of a roast simmering in the over or steak sizzling on a grill.
If you are a novice cook and want to learn some new techniques watch Food TV or take a cooking class.
Maybe I am naive, but in a world where some of the greatest recipes and techniques have been set aside for boxed meals, I worry that this will not encourage new cooks try making items from scratch.
Please, let’s leave tackling, jamming and blowing things up for the video games and cooking for the kitchen.
(I welcome any comments, suggestions and criticism at michelleg@dailyamerican.com)
Leave my music alone
November 14th, 2009 by michelleganassiDear Chamillionaire
I understand you are a hip rapper, and too cool for my taste, but could you please stop sampling Tom Petty’s Free Fallin’ in your song Good Morning.
While flipping through the radio channels I stopped when I thought I was going to hear the classic tune. Then I heard something about haters, love, shoes and big stacks of cash.
This isn’t the first time music lovers have been fooled.
In the early 1990s music lovers heard the baseline of Under Pressure by Queen and David Bowie, to only be disappointed at “all right stop collaborate and listen.”
I tried to stomach Rihanna using the “tainted love” beat in her catchy first single and ignore Flo Rida’s use of “you spin me” in his tune about strippers, but I cannot take anymore. I know there are more examples, but there are just some of the more current disgraces to a time when music was good.
These songs are classics and there are some things you should just leave alone.
P.S. Could you please call the oldies’ station in Pittsburgh and inform them that the 80ies are not oldies. I am not ready for my music to be “old.”
(I welcome any comments, suggestions and criticism at michelleg@dailyamerican.com)
Classless …
October 26th, 2009 by michelleganassiI applaud clever commercials - but one commercial took it a little too far.
The Wonderful Pistachios “Get Cracking’” campaign is very cleaver. The first commercial I saw was the infamous Ms South Carolina who mumbled something about maps again. It ended with the line “Beauty Queens do it without a clue.”
This was followed with “Wee Man does it dangerously” and “mobsters do it with muscle.” Classic.
But Levi Johnston, whose only claim to fame is knocking up Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin’s daughter, should have turned the script away.
He walks out with a rather large man who stops him from taking another step while Johnston eats a pistachio. Wearing a green Alaska shirt Levi eats the nut and then the announcer says “now Levi Johnston does it with protection.”
Everyone knows Palin’s eldest daughter admitted to having premarital sex with her then boyfriend Levi, warning teens not to do the same.
Since the birth of their child Palin and Levi broke-up. Levi has been everywhere from the Tyra Banks show spilling Palin family “secrets” to the gym preparing for his Playgirl debut.
To take this job shows the lack of respect he has for the mother of his child and her famous family. Let’s glamorize a mistake made by teenagers.
Sometimes in the creative business you come up some pretty tasteless material. But you hit the delete button and move on.
I think Levi needs to go to Alaska, spend time with his child, and get a job that keeps him off my television. Newsflash: Your 15 minutes are up.
To see the commercial visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iwz_Tuog4NU
Christmas in …..
October 1st, 2009 by michelleganassiOne of my biggest pet peeves is stores putting out Christmas decor way too early.
While recently shopping for some Halloween decor for the new house I noticed one of my favorite stores already had Christmas items on display.
Please someone correct me if I am wrong, but doesn’t Halloween and Thanksgiving come before Christmas? Santa Claus makes his first visit to the malls before the turkey is even carved. By promoting Christmas before other holidays, especially Thanksgiving, sends a message that those holidays are less important.
What is wrong with having some fall displays for shoppers until closer to Thanksgiving? I still cannot find the exact fall garland I want for my living room, but Christmas garland is pretty plentiful.
Now I know some are going to call me a hypocrite because technically I have already started Christmas shopping. I start Christmas shopping early because I like to find the best deals (i.e. I am notoriously cheap). Also sometimes it takes me that long to decide what to get some people since I am adamantly against gift cards. But I do not wrap a gifts or put out a snowman figurine until the weekend after Thanksgiving.
It is also sort of depressing. Once you start truly thinking about Christmas you remember that the snow is about to fly.
If people stop buying Christmas decor early in the year stores will stop pushing other displays aside. Plus the best time to buy Christmas decor is after Christmas anyway, when it is at least half off. I buy all the wrapping paper, tissue paper and ribbons after Christmas (like I said, I am notoriously cheap).
So let’s try to keep the holidays in order. In dessert terms they go “lots of candy,” “lots of pie,” and “lots of cookies.”
(I welcome any comments, suggestions and criticism at michelleg@dailyamerican.com)
A first for everything
September 21st, 2009 by michelleganassiWhen I was growing up I had several dreams. One was reached last year when I traveled to Italy with my family.
By my age most people have been to the ocean, whether it was a family vacation or a spring break adventure.
But not me.
That changed Thursday when I found out a surprise trip to Wildwood, N.J. was planned for my birthday.
The ocean was absolutely beautiful. One of the first things I did was kick off my flip-flops and run through the sand and ocean. I even attempted my best effort at a Baywatch run across the beach.
Every morning I got up early to try and find as many seashells as possible. Now I know you are supposed to sit on the beach and relax, but anyone who has met me knows sitting and relaxing is not in my DNA. I played in the sand and walked in the water and tried to relax while taking in the atmosphere. I was probably acting more like a kid than an adult, but I have been told that is one of my more adorable qualities.
Now some may argue that the off-season weather was not suitable for a bathing suit. But I am from Somerset County — all we have is off-season weather.
I trekked the boardwalk dozens of times, ate some great seafood and even took a monster truck ride on the sand.
For most people my age going to the beach is an annual tradition, something they do with family or friends. For me it was a dream come true. The beauty and serenity of the ocean was not wasted on me. It was my dream come true.
(I welcome any comments, suggestions and criticism at michelleg@dailyamerican.com)
On a side note, while strolling on the boardwalk many places had shirts that said “ConVICK” “Hide your hound Vick is in town” and “Hide your Beagle Vick’s an Eagle.” These made me laugh since I have such strong views about felon Michael Vick playing in the NFL. In case you missed my two Daily American Debates against one Rick Kazmer here are some links.
Daily Debate: Should Michael Vick be allowed to play football again?
No - http://dailyamerican.com/articles/2009/06/08/opinion/columns/column516.txt
Yes - http://dailyamerican.com/articles/2009/06/08/opinion/columns/column515.txt
Daily Debate: Is Philly the wrong city for Vick?
No - http://dailyamerican.com/articles/2009/08/17/opinion/columns/column414.txt
Yes - http://dailyamerican.com/articles/2009/08/17/opinion/columns/column415.txt