Tuesday, December 25, 2012

12/25 Carol Burnett


Carol Burnett started in show business as an occasional stage actress, sometimes nightclub singer, and more often a hatcheck girl. After a few years barely making ends meet, 22-year-old Burnett first appeared on television in 1955, playing the dummy's romantic interest in 13 episodes of The Paul Winchell and Jerry Mahoney Show, a kids' program that aired on Saturday mornings (Winchell was a ventriloquist, Mahoney was his dummy). At 23, she was cast as Buddy Hackett's girlfriend on Stanley, a NBC prime time sitcom set among workers at a hotel's newsstand, and written by Neil Simon and Woody Allen, among others. At 23½, she found herself unemployed when the program was cancelled, and for a time she worked as an usher at a Hollywood movie theater.
Burnett bounced back with a parody pop song, "I Made a Fool of Myself Over John Foster Dulles," confessing her love for the utterly unsexy, 68-year-old Secretary of State who is now best remembered as the namesake for Dulles Airport outside Washington DC. The song became a minor pop hit after Burnett sang it on Jack Paar's Tonight Show in 1957.
After that, she was a frequent panelist on the game show Pantomime Quiz. In 1959, she joined the ensemble cast of The Garry Moore Show, a popular comedy-variety hour, while concurrently starring on Broadway in the musical-comedy Once Upon a Mattress, based on the children's story The Princess and the Pea. In a memorable Twilight Zone, she played a klutzy but contented single woman offered a life of glamour by her guardian angel. She had a recurring role as a tough female Marine in Gomer Pyle U.S.M.C., becoming good friends with its star Jim Nabors, who was later her traditional first guest every season on her variety show. Burnett appeared in several episodes of her friend Lucille Ball's The Lucy Show, and she was a regular on the mid-1960s variety show The Entertainers with Art Buchwald and Bob Newhart. After that show ended, Ball offered to produce a sitcom for her, but Burnett declined, fearing she might feel stifled playing the same character week after week.
Instead, Burnett and her husband, producer Joe Hamilton, crafted a variety hour around her talents.

The Carol Burnett Show premiered in 1967, ran for eleven years and won 22 Emmys. Recurring sketches included the tight-skirted secretary Mrs. Wiggins, the Southern-fried bitch Eunice of Mama's Family (later spun off to its own sitcom), and the bad actress star of the soap opera parody As the Stomach Turns. There were also spoofs of classic movies, most memorably Burnett as Scarlett O'Hara in Gone With the Wind, wearing a dress made from the drapes -- complete with curtain rod (the dress was maniacally designed by Bob Mackie). For no particular reason, she would occasionally belt out a Tarzan yell, and at some point in every show Burnett would take questions from the audience, usually coming up with an answer that was either heartwarming or hilarious.
Burnett had perfect chemistry with her supporting cast, Harvey Korman, Vicki Lawrence, and Lyle Waggoner, and through the show's first seven seasons there were no cast changes. When Waggoner left he was replaced with Tim Conway for the eighth and subsequent seasons. The show was always funny but never mean or risqué, and in an era with only three channels, audiences of all ages tuned in to see what wacky skits Burnett would perform each week. On video, The Carol Burnett Show has been repackaged as Carol Burnett & Friends, and unlike some alleged comedy classics, no-one who rents the videos could possibly be disappointed.
She worked occasionally in feature films, including Noises Off with Michael Caine, Robert Altman's A Wedding, and The Four Seasons with Alan Alda. Her best TV films include the Vietnam survivors' drama Friendly Fire,Eunice (the pilot for Mama's Family), and three separate TV adaptations of her Broadway hit Once Upon a Mattress in 1964, 1972, and 2005.
In 1986 she starred in Fresno, a six-hour mini-series spoofing Dallas and Dynasty, with Burnett as Fresno's hard-drinking raisin matriarch Charlotte Kensington. With Charles Grodin, Teri Garr, Dabney Coleman, and Gregory Harrison, it was funny to the finish, but has never been released on video in America.
In 1990 she starred in Carol & Company with Jeremy Piven and Peter Krause, an anthology series with a half-hour comedy skit each week, but it was quickly cancelled. In 1991 she revived her Carol Burnett Show in name and format but with a new supporting cast. . Later in the 1990s, she played Helen Hunt's mother on Mad About You.
Her second husband, Joe Hamilton, had been a jazz musician, but after marrying Burnett he produced most of her starring projects. Their daughter, Carrie Hamilton became an actress, starring in the TV movie Hostage with Burnett and in touring productions of Rent, before dying of lung cancer in 2002. Another daughter, Erin Hamilton, has had several hits on the dance charts, including covers of "Dream Weaver" and Cheap Trick's "The Flame."
By virtually all accounts, the good-natured wise-cracking Burnett seen on her variety show was the real Carol Burnett. Her beloved grandmother, Mae Eudora Jones White, died in 1967 at the age of 82, but Burnett never stopped tugging her ear at the end of every episode. In the show's third season, Burnett received a résumé from a 10-year-old fan who wanted a career in comedy -- Jim Carrey, who received a long, personal letter of encouragement from Burnett. When she received her star on Hollywood Boulevard, Burnett had it placed in front of the theater where she had been an usher. And in 1989, when Burnett's friend Lucille Ball died suddenly on Burnett's birthday, Burnett received a bouquet from Ball several hours after hearing the sad news -- Ball had ordered the flowers in advance for Burnett's birthday.
Hamilton, her husband, wrote the theme song for The Carol Burnett Show, which she sang at the end of every episode. "I'm so glad we had this time together, just to have a laugh or sing a song, seems we just get started and before you know it, comes the time we have to say, 'So long.'" And then Burnett would wave and shout, "Good night, everybody."

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

12/18 Dr. Jacob Rosenstein

SOUTHWEST AGE INTERVENTION INSTITUTE

Southwest Age Intervention Institute and Jacob Rosenstein, M.D. a Dallas and Fort Worth area board-certified neurosurgeon, bring you a personalized, evidence-based approach to regaining the vigor and vitality that you need to stay on top of your game professionally, socially and intimately.
It is never too early or too late to improve your life in these important areas:

•    Physical strength, fitness and endurance
•    Memory, focus and recall
•    Sexual health
•    Mood and sense of well-being
•    Disease prevention
•    Overcoming medical challenges like heart disease, obesity, diabetes, osteoporosis and more

Let us help remove any medical challenges, hormonal deficiencies or nutritional imbalances that cause loss of energy, poor physical health, sexual dysfunction, chronic stress or any other issue that prevents you from being at your best and most productive every day of your life.
Helping Men and Women Live Well At Every Age

If you are not experiencing the best that life has to offer in every area—physical, mental and sexual—it is time to learn how we can make a difference. Breakthrough advances in anti-aging medicine are discovering that our chronological age may be inevitable, but the visible and physical aspects of aging are not. Why not take advantage of the clinically proven, scientific knowledge that Dr. Rosenstein has applied to his own life for an amazing transformation in how he thinks, feels and looks. We know this is possible for you, too.

At Southwest Age Intervention Institute, you will partner with our team of experts every step of the way. You will start with a complete executive health evaluation and customized program geared to your individual needs. Many of our patients indicate our Executive Health Evaluation is the most extensive health assessment they have ever received. Click here to learn more about the process, or simply call us at 800.243.3973 for more information about how we will work with you to change your outlook and your future.   

 800AgeExpert.com

NORTH TEXAS NEUROSURGICAL CONSULTANTS


North Texas Neurosurgical Consultants, P.A. (NTNC) and Dr. Jacob Rosenstein specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of spine related disorders.  Dr. Rosenstein is a Board - Certified Neurosurgeon and has been in full - time practice in Arlington, Texas since 1985. While specializing in treating disorders of the spine, he also treats patients suffering from compressive peripheral nerve problems such as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and ulnar nerve entrapment at the elbow.  

www.ntneurosurgery.com

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

12/11 Chef Rick Tarantino

Rick Tarantino or Chef Rick as he is know in the media has a diverse back ground that has helped him build a successful career as a celebrity chef. He attended the University of Massachusetts, Amherst Campus and graduated with a Bachelors' of Science from the School of Food Science and Nutrition. Then began his work experience at the prestigious chain of Sheraton Hotels and Resorts from Los Angles to New York's five star St Regis Hotel, Rick worked his way up the corporate ladder. But that was only the beginning, with years of experience in the family hotel business that he was raised in and now with corporate hospitality business under his belt, he began his entrepreneurial career and started Inn Vision a state of the art in-room movie company in hotels around the country. After successfully selling that venture he went back into his family hotel and restaurant business with his father. Emerald Hotel and Resorts International, owned and operated hotels and restaurants in New England.

Rick then returned to school and received his Masters of Science degree from Johnson & Wales University, the world leading hotel and culinary school. Wanting to give back he began teaching at the school. That lead to an opportunity to develop an alumni and development office for the Chancellor, so when his father retired, they sold the hotel company and Rick began his next career as an educator, author and fundraiser. During the ten year period at Johnson & Wales, Rick met Justin Miller a young inspiring 6 year old who loved to cook. Rick trained Justin to become the Guinness Book of Records Worlds Youngest Chef and the two travelled the world cooking and inspiring others. This launched Rick in to the Television and Media industry.

The pair appeared on almost every national television show venue from Good Morning America, David Letterman, Disney, to the Food Network. Rick also became a research chef for many national brands like Westinghouse, Rival's Crock -Pot, Cattlemen's, BBQ sauce, Kraft Foods, and VacuWare to just name a few. In addition he now appears regularly on HSN ( Home Shopping Channel ) and The Shopping Channel Canada as well as National Infomercials and Tradeshows.

Chef Rick has experience in many media outlets, live appearances, press tours, news shows, morning shows, radio, infomercials, cook books, and currently co-hosts a cable cooking show called You Won't Even Miss it. He worked with Celebrities like the late Julia Child, Emeril Lagasse, Jarred Fogle from Subway and Martin Yen. He is sought after for recipe development by food companies and supermarkets. He develops many of the free recipes you pick up at the grocery store and tours supermarkets regularly teaching customers recipes and how to enhance their meals to get out of the "Food RUT". You can see him at Hannaford's, ACME, Lowes, Sweet Bay and Shaw's. He also endorsees his own line of products called Chef Rick Spices, Chef Rick Seafood , Proware Professional Kitchen Products and Bold Chef. He does product development for companies like All-Clad , Williams Sonoma and Westinghouse.

Go to www.myrastellidirect.com/chefrick  to order foods and get a discount of 15% enter code STL15 or by phone 877-686-3276.

Holiday Herb Crusted Pork Roast

Ingredients
8 large garlic cloves
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh rosemary leaves
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh thyme leaves
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh basil
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 (3 -4-pound) Pork Roast (Bone in tastes best) 
Ground Sea Salt
Ground black pepper
4 ounces thinly sliced bacon or Italian pancetta
1 1/2 cups vegetable broth
1 1/2 cups dry white wine

Directions
Blend the garlic, rosemary, thyme, basil, parsley and oil in a small food processor, scraping down the sides of the bowl occasionally, until a finely chopped or paste begins to form. Remove from food processor and set aside.

Wash and trim your pork roast, then generously sprinkle with salt and pepper. Using a pastry brush spread half of the herb mixture onto your roast.  Next, place bacon (or Pancetta) slices onto your roast overlapping slightly to cover the roast completely.  If your roast is frenched (bones exposed) then only cover the roast not the bones.  Spread the remaining herb mixture over the bacon wrapped pork. Place the pork in a roasting rack in an oven safe roasting pan. Cover and refrigerate at least 1 hour or overnight.

To roast, preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.  Add 1/2 cup of broth and 1/2 cup of wine into the roasting pan. Place pork in oven.  as pork roast baste with remaining broth and wine.  Roast the pork until a meat thermometer inserted into the center registers 145 degrees F for medium-rare, about 55 minutes to 1 hour.

When done remove from oven and cover let rest for 15 minutes for the juices to reabsorb then serve.

Chef Rick Tip:
place roasting pan on stove top and heat on medium heat, when hot add additional wine or broth to deglaze pan.  Stir to remove bits, pour out and serve as tasty gravy.

Pan Seared Sea Bass
With White Wine and Ginger Leek Reduction


Prep Time: 30 minutes
Serves: 2


Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons butter, divided
2 (6 to 8-ounce) fillets sea bass, skin on
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/3 cup white wine
4 sprigs fresh parsley (chopped finely)
1 thinly sliced leek
1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger
1 bunch white or green asparagus

Directions
Heat a large skillet with olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter. Season the fillets with some salt and pepper and parsley. Place fillets in skillet and cook about 5 minutes on each side. When the fish is cooked, (4-5 minutes per side) white in color firm to the touch remove from pan and set aside.

In a separate pan steam or sauté asparagus until tender, set aside.

Place pan back on stove and heat, add remaining tablespoon of butter and oil, heat.  Add leeks, and ginger, sauté for 1-2 minutes to cook leek, finally add in white wine and de-glaze pan. Simmer on medium heat to reduce liquid by ½. 

To plate, place 4 asparagus stalks onto you plate then place sea bass filet on top of that, using a spoon place a generous amount of the reduction over the bass and serve.

Chef Rick Tip: Serve this recipe with fried plantains for a side!

Grandma Chewy Oatmeal Cookies

Prep Time :  15 minutes
Makes:     2 dozen cookie

Ingredients

7 ounces all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 1/2 cups old fashioned oats
8 ounces unsalted butter, softened
1 ½ cup packed light brown sugar
2 large eggs, beaten lightly
1 tablespoon honey
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
6 ounces dried cranberries 

Directions:
Pre heat oven to 350 degrees F.  Line sheet pans with parchment or cook on nonstick cookie sheet
Mix the dry ingredients together, and then fold in the oats. Set aside.

Beat the butter and brown sugars together until light and fluffy next add the eggs, honey and vanilla mix to 1 minute. Then combine, flour, baking soda and salt. Add to sugar mixture for an additional minute

To finish fold in the cranberries.  using a tablespoon scoop one spoon full onto your cookie sheet. leave at least an inch or two between cookies for them to spread
Bake in oven for 9-10 minutes.

Remove from and let cool for 5 minutes, using a spatula transfer to a wire rack to cool.

Chef Rick Tip : try adding in 4 ounces of white chocolate chips to the recipe for an even more delicious treat.

 

Tuesday, December 4, 2012

12/04 Shelley Burman

Sheldon "Shelley" Berman (born February 3, 1925) is an American comedian, actor, writer, teacher, lecturer, and poet.

Berman was born in Chicago, Illinois, the son of Irene (née Marks) and Nathan Berman.
Berman started as a straight actor, receiving his training at the Goodman Theatre in Chicago, honing his acting skills in stock companies in and around Chicago and New York. In the mid-1950s, he became a member of Chicago's Compass Players, which later evolved into The Second City. While performing improvised sketches with Compass, Berman began developing solo pieces, often employing an imaginary telephone to take the place of an on-stage partner.

In a 2012 podcast interview with Marc Maron, 87-year-old Berman accused comedian Bob Newhart of ripping off his improvisational telephone routine style, describing its genesis and saying it was a "very special technique that couldn't really be imitated. It could be stolen. And it was." He continued, "I was coming to work at night and a guy stopped his car, passed me by, and said 'Hey, Shelley! There's a guy [who] stole your act!'" When asked by Maron if it was done maliciously, Berman replied, "Maliciously? He wouldn't do it maliciously. Nobody does that. But he did it to make a living. And he became a star." Berman later added, "I thought it was a rotten thing to do. I thought the agents who sold him - I thought they were just as guilty as everybody else. But, my God, to go into a town and do my show, and the critics saying that I borrowed some stuff from Newhart..."

In 1957, Berman landed his first job as a comedian at Mister Kelly's in Chicago, which led to other nightclub bookings, and a recording contract with Verve Records. His comedy albums would earn him three gold records and he'd win the first Grammy Award for a non-musical recording. He was the first standup comedian to play Carnegie Hall. Berman would go on to appear on numerous TV specials, and all of the major variety shows of the day.

Berman's success as a comedian enabled him to continue with his first love - acting. He starred on Broadway in A Family Affair and continued to do stage work in productions of The Odd Couple, Damn Yankees, Fiddler on the Roof, I'm Not Rappaport, La Cage aux Folles, and Guys and Dolls, among many others. Comedic and dramatic acting roles on television began to come his way, including appearances on episodes of The Twilight Zone, Bewitched, Peter Gunn, The Mary Tyler Moore Show, Adam-12, Emergency!, Brothers, Night Court, MacGyver, L.A. Law, Friends, Walker, Texas Ranger, The King of Queens, Grey's Anatomy, Boston Legal, Hannah Montana, CSI: NY, and Hawaii Five-0 (in 2012). From 2002 to 2009, Berman appeared as Larry David's father on Curb Your Enthusiasm, a role for which he received a 2008 Emmy Award nomination.

Among Berman's film credits are The Best Man (with Henry Fonda), Divorce American Style (with Dick Van Dyke and Debbie Reynolds), Every Home Should Have One (with Marty Feldman), The Last Producer (with Burt Reynolds), Meet the Fockers (with Robert De Niro and Ben Stiller), The Holiday (with Cameron Diaz), and You Don't Mess with the Zohan (with Adam Sandler).
Berman has been married to Sarah Herman since April 19, 1947. The two met while they were studying acting at Chicago's Goodman Theatre.

In the mid-1960s, Berman and wife Sarah adopted two children, son Joshua and daughter Rachel. The Bermans were planning Joshua's bar mitzvah when he was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Joshua died October 29, 1977, age 12.

Berman has authored three books, two plays, several TV pilot scripts, and numerous poems. For over twenty years, Berman taught humor writing in the Master of Professional Writing program at University of Southern California, where he is now a Lecturer Emeritus. He continues to do film and television work, and make personal appearances across the country year-round.

Berman and his wife are both enthusiastic supporters of the Motion Picture and Television Fund (located in Woodland Hills, California), a charitable organization that offers assistance and care to those in the motion picture and television industries with limited or no resources, and contribute their time and resources to the benefit of the facilities and the residents.

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

11/27 Denise Donatelli, Jazz Singer, Grammy Nominated

Denise Donatelli, the GRAMMY® nominated and critically acclaimed award winning Savant recording artist, has become one of today’s premiere jazz vocalists. Her 2010 release When Lights are Low — which received two GRAMMY® nominations, one for Best Jazz Vocal Album and another for Best Arrangement Accompanying a Vocalist for pianist and collaborator Geoffrey Keezer for his arrangement of "Don't Explain" — confirms Denise's status in the upper echelons of talented and engaging jazz artists in the country and internationally.

Denise’s four recordings, Soul Shadows (Savant Records, September 2012), When Lights are Low (Savant Records 2010), What Lies Within (Savant Records 2008), and In the Company of Friends (Jazzed Media 2005), have consistently topped the National Jazz Week radio charts. Her GRAMMY® Nominated recording When Lights are Low peaked at #2 and remained on the chart for 23 weeks. It resurfaced 28 weeks later where it remained for another 7 weeks. Soul Shadows is another collaboration with 2 time GRAMMY® nominated pianist, composer, arranger, Geoffrey Keezer. KSJS-FM Radio Programmer, Dr. Brad Stone considers Soul Shadows to be “Simply her best work to date!”

Denise also appears as guest vocalist on GRAMMY® Award Winner Bill Cunliffe's Christmas recording, That Time of Year. (2011).
 
In addition to Denise’s 2010 GRAMMY® Nomination, The Los Angeles Jazz Society has honored Denise with their 2012 Jazz Vocalist of the Year award.

Denise tours extensively, performing at jazz festivals , jazz clubs, performing art centers, and with university jazz bands where she conducts master clinics.

Donatelli’s innate musicianship and pure tone have won her spots singing for episodes of The Simpsons, television promos for Frasier, Card Sharks and Turner Classic Movies and has appeared in national and international commercials for CNN, Hyundai, Lexus and Mercedes-Benz among others.

Growing up in Allentown, Pennsylvania, Denise's talent was discovered at the early age of three when she plunked out Silent Night on the family piano. By the age of four, Denise began studying classical piano. She was an active member of the Allentown Music Club along with area musicians including jazz pianist Keith Jarrett. She garnered numerous ‘Superior’ awards for her piano performances in the National Federation of Music Club’s regional piano competitions. While piano study was a major part of Denise’s musical background, she always loved to sing and soon realized that her true passion was jazz and popular music.

Placing her musical career aside in favor of motherhood, Denise found her voice again years later after relocating to Atlanta, Georgia. It wasn't long before she became immersed in Atlanta's jazz scene working by day at Turner Broadcasting System and singing at night with a jazz trio at the Ritz Carlton Hotel.

 A decision to move to Los Angeles in 2000, put her in touch with some of the city’s stellar musicians including Neil Hefti. Described as "a musician's singer" by GRAMMY® Award winning saxophonist, Phil Woods, Denise has performed as guest vocalist with Roger Kellaway, Terry Trotter, Christian Jacob's Big Band Theory, Alf Clausen's Jazz Orchestra, Les Hooper's Big Band and the Stan Kenton Alumni Band.

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

11/20 Susan Lucci, All My Children, Dancing with the Stars

As the most famous face in daytime television history, Susan Lucci has held audiences spellbound for years as the sexy, sassy, beautiful "woman you love to hate," Erica Kane on ABC-TV's "All My Children." In May 1999 she won the Emmy Award for "Best Actress," which was a historic moment not only for Lucci, but for all of television. She was garnered a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on January 28, 2005 and was inducted into the Broadcasting Hall of Fame in 2006. Lucci was named one of E! Entertainment's "Top Entertainers of the Year" as well as one of Barbara Walters' "Ten Most Fascinating People." VH-1 has also named Lucci one of its"200 Top Icons of all Time."

In fall of 2012 Lucci will host and narrate Investigation Discovery's "Deadly Affairs." She will also star in the new Lifetime series "Devious Maids," scheduled for early 2013. In 2011 Lucci appeared in the highly rated season finale of TV Land's "Hot in Cleveland," and returned for another episode in February 2012. She also guest starred on Lifetime's "Army Wives" in spring 2012. Lucci competed on ABC's primetime reality show, "Dancing with the Stars," hosted "Saturday Night Live," and guest-starred in many successful television series and numerous movies for television throughout her career. In March 2011 Lucci released her New York Times bestselling autobiography, All My Life, with Harper Collins. The paperback edition of All My Life was released on September 13.

Lucci's artistic excellence afforded her the opportunity to expand to luminous careers in theater and cabaret with solo concerts across the country and nightclub performances opening for Regis Philbin. In her 1999 Broadway debut, Lucci starred as Annie Oakley in the revival of Irving Berlin's "Annie Get Your Gun," to amazing review. Michael Logan of TV Guide said, "Susan Lucci didn't just take Great White Way by storm: she took it by tornado, hurricane and tsunami, too."

Acting and singing are only two of Lucci's many passions. Within the past 10 years she become a successful entrepreneur launching a Susan Lucci Collection of hair care products, two fragrances, jewelry, shoes, and accessory lines, and a lingerie line for "beauty of all ages." Her head-to-toe collection is a constant sell-out and available on the Home Shopping Network (HSN). In 2002, Lucci introduced a personal microdermabrasion system with Guthy-Renker, Youthful Essence® by Susan Lucci that has sold over 8 million kits worldwide since its debut. Lucci expanded her expertise with Guthy-Renker by also presenting "Malibu Pilates," the widely popular Pilates chair fitness program.

Lucci's commitment to her work with children has most recently taken her to Africa in support of Feed The Children. She has served as the March of Dimes' National Ambassador in 2000 and as a celebrity spokesperson for AMDeC (Academic Medicine Development Company) and The New York Cancer Project. She has also been involved with Broadway Cares Equity Fights Aids and is the recipient of the Ellis Island Medal of Honor, the prestigious New York City Gracie Award and the Muse Award for Women in Film & Television. She was inducted into the American Academy of Achievement Awards and presented with the Italian Board of Guardians Lifetime Achievement Award.

Lucci's accomplishments and contributions to the world of television and the performing arts have truly made her an icon to millions.

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

11/13 Tom Dreesen

Tom Dreesen’s life is equal parts comedy and philanthropy. He excels at both, and has created an extraordinary legacy in both arenas.

Dreesen has made over 500 appearances on national television as a stand-up comedian, including more that 60 appearances on The Tonight Show. He is a favorite guest of David Letterman, and frequently hosts the show in Letterman’s absence. For 13 years he toured cross country and opened for Frank Sinatra, and has appeared countless times in Las Vegas, Tahoe, Reno and Atlantic City with artists like Smokey Robinson, Liza Minnelli, Natalie Cole and Sammy Davis, Jr. Tom has acted in numerous television shows – from Columbo to Murder She Wrote – and appeared in motion pictures including Man on the Moon and Spaceballs. He has recorded comedy albums, starred in his own TV comedy special, Dreesen Street, and hosted a late night talk show in Chicago, Night Time Starring Tom Dreesen.

He is currently appearing to rave reviews around the country in his one-man show “An Evening Of Laughter and Memories of Sinatra.”

Dreesen’s comic style is down-to-earth, warm and unpretentious. Daily Variety called him “a thorough pro… one of the most respected family comedians of our time.” Larry Wilde ,author of The Great Comedians said about Tom’s performances. “Excellent Material, Impeccable Timing, Tom Dreesen is the Quintessential Comedian.” Frank Sinatra, who called himself a “saloon singer,” characterized Dreesen as a “saloon comedian.” “We’re a couple of neighborhood kind of guys,” said Sinatra.

Dreesen has also made an indelible mark with his philanthropic activities. For 30 years he has lent his talent to over 100 charities, and founded a “Day for Darlene” to benefit Multiple Sclerosis Research. He ran 26 miles on three occasions for the event, which is named for his late sister who was afflicted with MS.

And he’s still going strong. A proud veteran of the United States Navy, he continues to perform for US troops all over the world, and recently appeared at numerous bases in Iraq. Tom Dreesen’s hometown of Harvey, Illinois named a street after him. He was a 2005 recipient of the Ellis Island
 Medal of Honor.

Upcoming Events:

Saturday, November 17th:    Tom will be in Miami for a Corporate Speaking engagement at the  Fontainebleau Hotel.

Thursday, November 22nd:    Thanksgiving Day, Tom will fly to Chicago to feed and perform for the homeless at the Laugh Factory on Belmont & Broadway.

Thursday, November 29th:   Tom will be performing his one man show “An Evening of Laughter and Stories of Sinatra” at a private party for the Sunstone Realty Advisors at the Zona Hotel in Scottsdale, AZ

Tuesday, November 6, 2012

11/06 Dr. Carl Patrasso, Will Link

Dr. Carl is the author of the book ‘Dreaming for Success’; the ground-breaking dream interpretation book that shows you how your dream - often forgotten or misunderstood - is a resource that helps you. The purpose of your dream is to improve your life.

Dr. Carl dream expert and clinical psychologist, has been in practice in Scottsdale, Arizona for the last twenty-five years. He has interpreted dreams for people from every walk of life and with every kind of question. No matter how mysterious your dream, no matter how out of character or unusual the dream is Dr. Carl tells you the meaning of your dream and how the meaning of your dream improves your life and actualizes your potential.

DrCarlDreamInterpreter.com












Will Link is your weekly "Link to the Movies" on "The PM Show with Larry Manetti." He is a screenwriter who has received accolades from various film festivals most recently the Shriekfest Horror Festival. Will is also a regular contributor to the film blog "You Won Cannes." You can hear his thoughts on the world of popular culture as co-host of "Will Sean Podcast?" downloadable at the iTunes store. Follow him on twitter @TheRealWillLink

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

10/30 Chef Rick Tarantino, Halloween Special

Rick Tarantino or Chef Rick as he is know in the media has a diverse back ground that has helped him build a successful career as a celebrity chef. He attended the University of Massachusetts, Amherst Campus and graduated with a Bachelors' of Science from the School of Food Science and Nutrition. Then began his work experience at the prestigious chain of Sheraton Hotels and Resorts from Los Angles to New York's five star St Regis Hotel, Rick worked his way up the corporate ladder. But that was only the beginning, with years of experience in the family hotel business that he was raised in and now with corporate hospitality business under his belt, he began his entrepreneurial career and started Inn Vision a state of the art in-room movie company in hotels around the country. After successfully selling that venture he went back into his family hotel and restaurant business with his father. Emerald Hotel and Resorts International, owned and operated hotels and restaurants in New England.

Rick then returned to school and received his Masters of Science degree from Johnson & Wales University, the world leading hotel and culinary school. Wanting to give back he began teaching at the school. That lead to an opportunity to develop an alumni and development office for the Chancellor, so when his father retired, they sold the hotel company and Rick began his next career as an educator, author and fundraiser. During the ten year period at Johnson & Wales, Rick met Justin Miller a young inspiring 6 year old who loved to cook. Rick trained Justin to become the Guinness Book of Records Worlds Youngest Chef and the two travelled the world cooking and inspiring others. This launched Rick in to the Television and Media industry.

The pair appeared on almost every national television show venue from Good Morning America, David Letterman, Disney, to the Food Network. Rick also became a research chef for many national brands like Westinghouse, Rival's Crock -Pot, Cattlemen's, BBQ sauce, Kraft Foods, and VacuWare to just name a few. In addition he now appears regularly on HSN ( Home Shopping Channel ) and The Shopping Channel Canada as well as National Infomercials and Tradeshows.

Chef Rick has experience in many media outlets, live appearances, press tours, news shows, morning shows, radio, infomercials, cook books, and currently co-hosts a cable cooking show called You Won't Even Miss it. He worked with Celebrities like the late Julia Child, Emeril Lagasse, Jarred Fogle from Subway and Martin Yen. He is sought after for recipe development by food companies and supermarkets. He develops many of the free recipes you pick up at the grocery store and tours supermarkets regularly teaching customers recipes and how to enhance their meals to get out of the "Food RUT". You can see him at Hannaford's, ACME, Lowes, Sweet Bay and Shaw's. He also endorsees his own line of products called Chef Rick Spices, Chef Rick Seafood , Proware Professional Kitchen Products and Bold Chef. He does product development for companies like All-Clad , Williams Sonoma and Westinghouse.

Go to www.myrastellidirect.com/chefrick  to order foods and get a discount of 15% enter code STL15 or by phone 877-686-3276.
 

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

10/23 Valerie Perrine, Superman, Will Link

After making her debut in the Kurt Vonnegut classic Slaughterhouse Five, she has played with some of the most respected actors of our time; Gene Hackman in Superman, Jack Nicholson and Harvey Keitel in The Border, Robert Mitchum in Agency, Jackie Gleason in Mr. Billion, Dennis Hopper and Wesley Snipes in Boiling Point, Robert Redford and Jane Fonda in The Electric Horseman, and countless others. She has also starred in numerous MOW's, pilots, and guest appearances, including "Nash Bridges", "The Practice", "Just Shoot Me", "Homicide: Life on the Street", "ER", "Third Watch" and FX's new series "Lights Out".

Valerie's acting has generated numerous awards and nominations. For her dramatic role in Lenny opposite Dustin Hoffman and directed by Bob Fosse, she received the Best Actress Award at the Cannes Film Festival, the New York Film Critics Award, the British Academy Award, the New York Board of Review, the National Association of Theaters Award, the United Motion Picture Association award, the Hollywood Women’s Press Club Newcomer of the Year nomination and a nomination for an Oscar as "Best Actress" at the American Academy Awards. Additionally, an ACE Award nomination for a Miss Piggy-type bimbo in Shelley Duvall’s' Faeire Tale Theatre also proved her talent as a comedienne.

Valerie has lived all over the world, and as a member of the EEC, she has worked all over Europe. She spent four years in Japan, two years in Paris, four years in London, and two years in Rome, where she appeared in a diverse assortment of Italian films and TV. From Italy Valerie relocated to NY and with this move came the return of her desire to work on stage, something she hadn't done since her late teens as a dancer in Las Vegas. She nabbed the lead in "Steel Magnolias" and also starred with Tony Randall in "The Man Who Came To Dinner".

Valerie is an avid animal lover and has shared her home simultaneously with four immense great danes and a two hundred and fifty pound mastiff. She enjoys needlepoint, sewing, reading, painting, gardening, and traveling. Her latest pursuit is writing her autobiography.
 



Will Link is your weekly "Link to the Movies" on "The PM Show with Larry Manetti." He is a screenwriter who has received accolades from various film festivals most recently the Shriekfest Horror Festival. Will is also a regular contributor to the film blog "You Won Cannes." You can hear his thoughts on the world of popular culture as co-host of "Will Sean Podcast?" downloadable at the iTunes store. Follow him on twitter @TheRealWillLink

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

10/16 Chef Rick, Rick Tarantino, Celebrity Recipes

Rick Tarantino or Chef Rick as he is know in the media has a diverse back ground that has helped him build a successful career as a celebrity chef. He attended the University of Massachusetts, Amherst Campus and graduated with a Bachelors' of Science from the School of Food Science and Nutrition. Then began his work experience at the prestigious chain of Sheraton Hotels and Resorts from Los Angles to New York's five star St Regis Hotel, Rick worked his way up the corporate ladder. But that was only the beginning, with years of experience in the family hotel business that he was raised in and now with corporate hospitality business under his belt, he began his entrepreneurial career and started Inn Vision a state of the art in-room movie company in hotels around the country. After successfully selling that venture he went back into his family hotel and restaurant business with his father. Emerald Hotel and Resorts International, owned and operated hotels and restaurants in New England.

Rick then returned to school and received his Masters of Science degree from Johnson & Wales University, the world leading hotel and culinary school. Wanting to give back he began teaching at the school. That lead to an opportunity to develop an alumni and development office for the Chancellor, so when his father retired, they sold the hotel company and Rick began his next career as an educator, author and fundraiser. During the ten year period at Johnson & Wales, Rick met Justin Miller a young inspiring 6 year old who loved to cook. Rick trained Justin to become the Guinness Book of Records Worlds Youngest Chef and the two travelled the world cooking and inspiring others. This launched Rick in to the Television and Media industry.

The pair appeared on almost every national television show venue from Good Morning America, David Letterman, Disney, to the Food Network. Rick also became a research chef for many national brands like Westinghouse, Rival's Crock -Pot, Cattlemen's, BBQ sauce, Kraft Foods, and VacuWare to just name a few. In addition he now appears regularly on HSN ( Home Shopping Channel ) and The Shopping Channel Canada as well as National Infomercials and Tradeshows.

Chef Rick has experience in many media outlets, live appearances, press tours, news shows, morning shows, radio, infomercials, cook books, and currently co-hosts a cable cooking show called You Won't Even Miss it. He worked with Celebrities like the late Julia Child, Emeril Lagasse, Jarred Fogle from Subway and Martin Yen. He is sought after for recipe development by food companies and supermarkets. He develops many of the free recipes you pick up at the grocery store and tours supermarkets regularly teaching customers recipes and how to enhance their meals to get out of the "Food RUT". You can see him at Hannaford's, ACME, Lowes, Sweet Bay and Shaw's. He also endorsees his own line of products called Chef Rick Spices, Chef Rick Seafood , Proware Professional Kitchen Products and Bold Chef. He does product development for companies like All-Clad , Williams Sonoma and Westinghouse.

Go to www.myrastellidirect.com/chefrick  to order foods and get a discount of 15% enter code STL15 or by phone 877-686-3276.
 
Manetti Family: Hawaiian Tuna Steaks with Pineapple Mango Salsa

Ingredients
2 (6 oz) Tuna Steaks
1 Fresh Pineapple
1 bunch Fresh Cilantro
1 green onion
1 red onion
2 fresh mangos
2 fresh limes
2 teaspoons sea salt
2 teaspoons fresh ground pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil

Directions
Remove skin and core from pineapple and slice into 1/2 inch think rounds, set aside.
Peel and remove seed from Mangos.  Place Mango, 2 slices of pineapple  Red Onion, Green Onion, Cilantro and 1 teaspoon of salt and pepper into a food processor.  Pulse processor until ingredients are coarsely chopped.  Squeeze Juice of two limes into processor and add in 1 tablespoon olive oil.  Replace cover and pulse until all ingredients combine and are chopped into 1/4 dice. ( do not over process , leave salsa chunky) set salsa aside.

Pre-heat  a non-stick skillet on Medium heat for 1 minute add in 1 tablespoon olive oil. Season both sides of Tuna steaks with 1 teaspoon salt and pepper , Place two slices of pineapple into the skillet  and set each tuna steak on top. Sear for 4 minutes  lift with spatula and place another piece of pineapple into skillet, flip Tuna steak and place on top of pine and sear second side , repeat for other tuna steak. 

Remove Tuna steaks from skillet and place on you plate, top with 1-2 tablespoons of the Pineapple Mango salsa, garnish with Sprig of Cilantro and serve.

Chef Rick Tip.  Serve this tasty Tuna steak with some fried sweet Plantains on the side.

Chef Rick’s Fried Sweet Plantains


Ingredients

3 large ripe plantains, peeled and bias cut into 1-inch thick slices. Plantains must have a very black skin to be ripe )
2/3 cup Coconut oil, or lard ( add about 1/2 inch or  enough to cover half the thickness of plantains in the pan)
1 cup Raw Sugar or brown sugar

Directions
Peel and bias cut (diagonal) Plantains into one-inch thick slices. Heat the oil until medium hot to 350F.  Toss Plantain slices in sugar and set onto paper towel.
Carefully add pieces of Plantain into the pan and fry the pieces for about 1 or 2 minutes  per side. Reduce heat to low 300F and continue cooking, turning occasionally until they are brown and caramelized.  Remove from pan and set onto serving platter,

Tuesday, October 9, 2012

10/09 Jill St. John, Diamonds are Forever, Robert Wagner, Will Link

Jill Arlyn Oppenheim (born August 19, 1940), professionally known as, Jill St. John, is an American actress. She is best known for her role as Tiffany Case, the Bond girl in Diamonds Are Forever (1971).

St. John was born Jill Arlyn Oppenheim in Los Angeles, California, the daughter of Betty Lou (née Goldberg) and Edward Oppenheim, who owned a restaurant.[1][2] She graduated from Hollywood Professional School in the spring of 1955 at age 14.

St. John began acting on radio at age six. In December 1949, at age nine, she appeared in the first full-length made-for-TV movie, a production of A Christmas Carol. At age 11 she appeared in two episodes of The George Burns and Gracie Allen Show. In 1957, at age 16, Universal Pictures signed St. John to a contract. Her major studio film debut was in Summer Love (1958) starring John Saxon. She went on to appear in The Remarkable Mr. Pennypacker (1959), Holiday for Lovers (1959), The Lost World (1960), Tender Is the Night (1962), Who's Been Sleeping in My Bed? (1963) and Honeymoon Hotel (1964).

St. John received a Golden Globe nomination in 1963 for her performance in the film Come Blow Your Horn. She reunited with her co-star from that film, Frank Sinatra, in 1967 for Tony Rome. Other films she appeared in during this period included Who's Minding the Store? with Jerry Lewis, and The Liquidator (1965) with Rod Taylor.

In 1964, she guest starred with Lauren Bacall and Jason Robards, Jr. in the episode "Take a Walk Through the Cemetery" of Craig Stevens's CBS drama series, Mr. Broadway. St. John appeared in the first episode of the television series Batman in 1966 as the Riddler's moll, Molly (she was the only female to be killed off during the entire series).

St. John's most famous role was as Tiffany Case, the Bond girl in the 1971 James Bond film Diamonds Are Forever, where she starred opposite Sean Connery.

During 1983-1984, she starred with Dennis Weaver on the short-lived CBS soap opera, Emerald Point N.A.S., in which she played "Deanna Kinkaid," "Thomas Mallory's" conniving former sister-in-law. Her other television credits include guest roles on Magnum, P.I., The Love Boat, Hart to Hart, Burke's Law, and Fantasy Island.

St. John has worked on five movies with her husband Robert Wagner: Banning (1967); How I Spent My Summer Vacation (1967); Around the World in 80 Days (1989); Something to Believe In (1998); and The Calling (2002). In 1997, the couple appeared together at the end of "The Yada Yada" episode of the popular television sitcom Seinfeld.

St. John has not acted since 2002.  She is the author of The Jill St. John Cookbook (1987).
St. John has been married four times. Her first marriage was to Neil Durbin, heir to a linen fortune. They eloped in Yuma, Arizona on May 23, 1957 when she was age 16 and he was 22. The marriage lasted just over a year, ending in divorce on June 3, 1958.

Her second marriage was to racecar driver Lance Reventlow from March 24, 1960 to October 30, 1963. Jill was 19 and Lance was 24 at the time of their wedding. Lance was the son of Barbara Hutton, heir to the F. W. Woolworth fortune. Lance died in a plane crash in 1972.

She married singer Jack Jones on October 14, 1967. They separated in February 1969 and were divorced later that year.

St. John has had relationships with musician Bill Hudson,[3] baseball player Sandy Koufax, actors Sean Connery, Jack Nicholson, Barry Coe, Peter Lawford, Robert Vaughn, and Frank Sinatra.[4]
St. John has been married to actor Robert Wagner since May 26, 1990. They first met in 1959 and have been a couple since early 1982.

After the death of her second husband Lance Reventlow, she dedicated her cookbook to his memory. Despite their divorce and his subsequent re-marriage, St. John refers to Reventlow as "my late husband" in interviews.



Will Link is your weekly "Link to the Movies" on "The PM Show with Larry Manetti." He is a screenwriter who has received accolades from various film festivals most recently the Shriekfest Horror Festival. Will is also a regular contributor to the film blog "You Won Cannes." You can hear his thoughts on the world of popular culture as co-host of "Will Sean Podcast?" downloadable at the iTunes store. Follow him on twitter @TheRealWillLink

Tuesday, October 2, 2012

10/02 David Proval, The Sopranos

David Aaron Proval (born May 20, 1942) is an American actor, known for his roles as Tony DeVienazo in the Martin Scorsese film Mean Streets (1973) and as Richie Aprile on the HBO television series The Sopranos (1999–2007).

Proval was born in Brooklyn, New York, of Jewish heritage, the son of Clara Katz, an actress of Romanian origin. He has appeared in such feature films as The Shawshank Redemption (1994), Mob Queen (1998), Four Rooms (1995), UHF (1989), Innocent Blood (1992), The Siege (1998), a cameo appearance in Smokin' Aces, and has had recurring roles in television shows such as Picket Fences, Boomtown and Everybody Loves Raymond. He appeared in the 14th episode of The West Wing - "Take This Sabbath Day" - as Toby Ziegler's rabbi. In 1977 his voice was heard in the cult animated film WIZARDS, as the robot assassin Necron 99.

He co-stars as Uncle Charlie in Deer Head Pictures feature Wayward Pilgrim, set for a 2012 summer release.

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

09/25 Steve Tyrell

Grammy Award-winning vocalist Steve Tyrell is truly a renaissance man. In his four and a half decades in the music business, he has achieved great success as an artist, producer, songwriter, music supervisor, and performer.

With his breakthrough performances in "Father of the Bride" and "Father of the Bride II," Steve Tyrell reinvented and re-popularized classic pop standards for a modern-day audience.  With the grit and soul of a lifetime of experiences, producing hits for Grammy-winning Artists ranging from Linda Ronstadt and Aaron Neville, to Rod Stewart and Diana Ross, Steve himself has sold hundreds of thousands of albums and gained a passionate following all over the world.  His hits "The Way You Look Tonight," "The Simple Life," "Crush On You" and "The Sunny Side of The Street," have launched thousands of weddings and millions of romances. He's held top positions at Standards, Swing, and Big Band outlets with a devoted following at key Adult Contemporary Radio.

With sold out shows across America and raves from around the world, his following increases day by day. Although Steve tours mainly with his band, he also enjoys playing with some of the most renowned orchestras in the land, and has appeared with The Boston Pops, twice with The New York Pops, The Nashville Symphony, and The Houston Symphony on several occasions.  At the request of the Sinatra family and Quincy Jones, Steve was the featured performer with the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra at their season opening concert in which Frank Sinatra was inducted into the Hollywood Bowl Hall of Fame.  Also at the request of the Sinatra family, he reprised that performance this past May at Carnegie Hall.  This is one of the rare times the family has reached into the vault of original Sinatra arrangements to share them with another artist.

 In 2005, after the passing of the legendary Bobby Short, Steve was asked by New York City's Café Carlyle to take over their revered Holiday Season of November and December, which Mr. Short had not missed in 36 years.  Now Steve has become a fixture in New York and has played the Café Carlyle to record crowds for the last 6 years.

His work in the studio as a record producer has included collaborations with such diverse and legendary artists as Rod Stewart, Diana Ross, Ray Charles, Smokey Robinson, Linda Ronstadt, Aaron Neville, Mary J Blige, Blood Sweat and Tears, Chris Botti, Dave Koz, Dolly Parton, Bonnie Raitt, Burt Bacharach, Bette Midler, Stevie Wonder and the list goes on and on.

As an artist, all 7 of his American Standards albums have achieved top 5 status on Billboard's Jazz charts, and his first album "A New Standard" was amongst the best selling jazz albums for over 5 years.

His voice has been featured on television and in numerous movies.  In 2009, he was asked by Oscar winning Songwriters Alan and Marilyn Bergman and Marvin Hamlisch to sing the end title to Steven Soderbergh's film "The Informant".  His voice was also recently heard in the Hugh Grant/ Sarah Jessica Parker film "Did You Hear About the Morgans?".

As a music supervisor and music producer for film and TV, Tyrell has worked with such distinguished directors as Steven Spielberg, Tom Hanks, Nancy Meyers, Steven Soderbergh, Betty Thomas, and Charles Shyer.

His songs have been recorded by such revered artists as Ray Charles, Diana Ross, LL Cool J and Elvis Presley, and his song "How Do You Talk To An Angel," written and produced for Aaron Spelling's Fox television series "The Heights," was a No. 1 pop hit in 1992.  Aside from being a Grammy Award winner, Tyrell has earned two Emmy nominations, 3 Ace Nominations, 2004 American Society of Young Musicians "All That Jazz Award", 2004 The Wellness Community "Human Spirit Award", 2006 Society of Singers "Lifetime Achievement Award", and 2008 Los Angeles Jazz Society's "Jazz Vocalist of the Year".

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

09/18 Peter Lenkov, Hawaii Five-0, CSI: NY

Peter M. Lenkov is a TV and film writer and producer as well as being an occasional writer of comic books. Lenkov's notable work includes the TV series Hawaii Five-0, 24 and CSI: NY and films such as Demolition Man. In comics he wrote R.I.P.D. and Fort: Prophet of the Unexplained, for which he was nominated for the Bram Stoker Award for Best Illustrated Narrative. In 2003, he was nominated for an Emmy Award for his work on the hit TV series 24. In 2009, he wrote an episode of CSI: NY for which acclaimed actor Ed Asner was nominated for an Emmy for Guest Star. In 2010, Hawaii Five-0 was awarded Best New Drama. Other awards include a CAPE Award for Best Drama for Hawaii Five-0, A Media Access Award for his work on CSI:NY and a Huntington Disease Honor for an episode of The District.

In 2010, Lenkov launched his reboot of the long-running CBS series Hawaii Five-0 currently airing on CBS and in over 200 countries around the world. He also created "Metajets" and "Kung Fu Dino Posse", two new animated TV shows. Recently released on DVD and Blu-ray is the NBC mini-series Lenkov Executive Produced entitled XIII, based on the popular graphic novel and video game by the same name. XIII stars Stephen Dorff and Val Kilmer. A new cable TV series based on the mini-series XIII will begin airing in 2011. Also in 2011, a feature film based on R.I.P.D. began shooting. R.I.P.D. stars Jeff Bridges, Ryan Reynolds and Kevin Bacon. The Universal release is slated for summer 2013. Lenkov's second comic series Fort: Prophet of the Unexplained was also recently put into development at Universal with Robert Zemeckis attached to direct.

Friday, September 14, 2012

09/11 Roger E. Mosley

Roger Earl Mosley (born December 18, 1938) is an American actor best known for his role as the helicopter pilot Theodore "T.C." Calvin on the long running television series, Magnum, P.I., which starred Tom Selleck as the title character.

Mosley was born in Los Angeles, California. He grew up in the Imperial Courts project with his mother Eloise Harris in Watts, one of the most dangerous parts of the inner city. In 1974, he founded the Watts Repertory Company.

Mosley's most prominent film role to date was his 1976 starring turn as the title character in Leadbelly, directed by Gordon Parks. He has guest starred on shows such as Night Court, Starsky and Hutch, Kojak, The Rockford Files, Baretta, and Sanford and Son; he also had a role in Roots: The Next Generation. He also made a memorable appearance in the 1973 film The Mack, as the militant brother of the main character Goldie, and played officer Roy Cole alongside Kurt Russell and Ray Liotta in Unlawful Entry (1992).

Most recently he appeared in season five of Las Vegas as the billionaire friend of Montecito owner AJ Cooper (Tom Selleck). There is a vague homage to his Magnum P.I. days as his character 'Roger' is worth more than $2bn and owns a fleet of jets having started with a single helicopter in Hawaii.


Wednesday, September 5, 2012

09/04 Deana Martin

Deana Martin is an influential American singer, actor and performer and the very proud daughter of iconic entertainer, Dean Martin.

Deana achieved success early in her career in films, theater and television, then quickly added to her repertoire - recording artist, bestselling author, nationally syndicated radio host, licensed pilot, and business entrepreneur.

In 2004 Deana broke new ground as an author with her best-selling memoir "Memories Are Made of This, Dean Martin Through His Daughters Eye's"In 2005, after Deana completed her sold-out "Deana Sings Dino" international concert tour, she was eager to return to the studio and record a new album.

In 2006, Deana released "Memories Are Made Of This," her top-selling CD of Standards and Jazz. It remained on the Top 10 charts for over 40 weeks. Deana then launched her phenomenally successful "Memories Are Made Of This" international concert tour.

2008 found Deana at Capitol Studios, in Hollywood, California, working on her next album.
In the summer of 2009, Deana released her newest CD "Volare" and opened on the Billboard Heat Seeker chart at #7, Billboard's Top Jazz Albums chart at #22, and on iTunes Top 10 chart. Deana loved working at Capitol Studios where she collaborated on this project with legendary multi-Grammy Award-winning engineer Al Schmitt, and her producer John Griffeth.Following the release of her new album, Deana will embark on the international "Volare Concert Tour."

Deana's desire to continue her father's legacy and support of children's charitable causes led to her being the driving force behind the annual Dean Martin Festival. All proceeds from this event fund the Dean Martin Music Scholarships.

Ms. Martin proudly announced that her book, "Memories Are Made Of This, Dean Martin Through His Daughter's Eyes" is being made into a movie, directed by actor Joe Mantegna with screenplay written by actor/writer/television host Bonnie Hunt and staring Jennifer Love Hewitt.

Deana and her husband John Griffeth divide their time between Beverly Hills, CA and Branson, MO.

For more information on Deana Martin, her career and upcoming concert appearances, please visit her website at: www.DeanaMartin.com

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

08/28 Chef Rick Tarantino

Rick Tarantino or Chef Rick as he is know in the media has a diverse back ground that has helped him build a successful career as a celebrity chef. He attended the University of Massachusetts, Amherst Campus and graduated with a Bachelors' of Science from the School of Food Science and Nutrition. Then began his work experience at the prestigious chain of Sheraton Hotels and Resorts from Los Angles to New York's five star St Regis Hotel, Rick worked his way up the corporate ladder. But that was only the beginning, with years of experience in the family hotel business that he was raised in and now with corporate hospitality business under his belt, he began his entrepreneurial career and started Inn Vision a state of the art in-room movie company in hotels around the country. After successfully selling that venture he went back into his family hotel and restaurant business with his father. Emerald Hotel and Resorts International, owned and operated hotels and restaurants in New England.

Rick then returned to school and received his Masters of Science degree from Johnson & Wales University, the world leading hotel and culinary school. Wanting to give back he began teaching at the school. That lead to an opportunity to develop an alumni and development office for the Chancellor, so when his father retired, they sold the hotel company and Rick began his next career as an educator, author and fundraiser. During the ten year period at Johnson & Wales, Rick met Justin Miller a young inspiring 6 year old who loved to cook. Rick trained Justin to become the Guinness Book of Records Worlds Youngest Chef and the two travelled the world cooking and inspiring others. This launched Rick in to the Television and Media industry.

The pair appeared on almost every national television show venue from Good Morning America, David Letterman, Disney, to the Food Network. Rick also became a research chef for many national brands like Westinghouse, Rival's Crock -Pot, Cattlemen's, BBQ sauce, Kraft Foods, and VacuWare to just name a few. In addition he now appears regularly on HSN ( Home Shopping Channel ) and The Shopping Channel Canada as well as National Infomercials and Tradeshows.

Chef Rick has experience in many media outlets, live appearances, press tours, news shows, morning shows, radio, infomercials, cook books, and currently co-hosts a cable cooking show called You Won't Even Miss it. He worked with Celebrities like the late Julia Child, Emeril Lagasse, Jarred Fogle from Subway and Martin Yen. He is sought after for recipe development by food companies and supermarkets. He develops many of the free recipes you pick up at the grocery store and tours supermarkets regularly teaching customers recipes and how to enhance their meals to get out of the "Food RUT". You can see him at Hannaford's, ACME, Lowes, Sweet Bay and Shaw's. He also endorsees his own line of products called Chef Rick Spices, Chef Rick Seafood , Proware Professional Kitchen Products and Bold Chef. He does product development for companies like All-Clad , Williams Sonoma and Westinghouse. You can see Chef Rick Tarantino at his website, www.chefricktarantino.com, www.webvisionitaly.com, www.youwontevenmissit.com, www.ramisart.com and many others.

For more information you can contact Julie Hall, Executive Vice President at Schneider & Associates Public Relations, 2 Oliver Street Suite 901, Boston, MA 02109 617.646.3303 or email us at chefricktarantino@comcast.net

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

08/21 James Darren

James Darren has enjoyed a successful, multi-faceted career, spanning five decades of motion picture, television, recording and live concert performances. With a notable career in films (“Gidget,” “The Guns of Navarone”) as well as television (“The Time Tunnel,” “T.J. Hooker,” “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine”), Darren has re-emerged on the recording scene with his latest CD, Because of You (Concord Records), an impressive collection of standards and big band swing. The album, a follow-up to his acclaimed 1999 release, This One’s From the Heart (Concord Records), reaffirms Darren’s incomparable talents as a singer.

Born in South Philly as James Ercolani, a second-generation American of Italian descent, Darren cites his beloved grandmother as the greatest guiding light of his life and his career. By the age of 14, Darren knew he wanted a show business career, and he embarked on the road to stardom by singing in nightclubs in Philadelphia and South Jersey. By age 18, he was in New York, studying acting for several years with the legendary drama teacher Stella Adler.It was a chance introduction to Hollywood movie producer Joyce Selznick (niece of the legendary David O. Selznick) that led to Darren’s seven-year contract with Columbia Pictures and his first big break: starring as the college student-surfer Moondoggie opposite Sandra Dee in the 1959 classic comedy hit, “Gidget.” Two sequels would follow, and Darren was soon on Hollywood’s short list of most sought-after young dramatic actors. He would make 20 films in all, including “The Guns of Navarone,” “The Lively Set,” “The Gene Krupa Story,” “The Brothers Rico,” “Gunman’s Walk,” “Let No Man Write My Epitaph,” and “Diamond Head.”

Darren’s singing career encompasses an impressive roster of musical credits including 14 albums and five Top 10 singles, including the 1961 Grammy- nominated “Goodbye Cruel World,” which held the No. 1 spot on the Billboard charts for six weeks. Throughout the early 60s, his recording career continued to skyrocket with subsequent Top 10 hits including “Her Royal Majesty,” “Conscience,” and “All.” In 1976, he landed still another hit with “You Take My Heart Away” from the Oscar-winning film “Rocky.”

Darren would also make his mark on the small screen, starring in several hit television series, including “The Time Tunnel,” “T.J. Hooker,” “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine” and “Melrose Place.” In 1987, the versatile entertainer began another phase of his career, this time as a highly in-demand director for television whose credits include several “movies of the week,” and more than 50 television shows ranging from “Melrose Place” and “Beverly Hills 90210” to “Hunter” and “Walker, Texas Ranger.”

But it is James Darren’s love of music that finds him back in the spotlight. In 1999, he returned to the recording industry in a big way, releasing This One’s From the Heart, a collection of some of the greatest classics ever penned, including “The Way You Look Tonight,” “Come Fly With Me,” and “I’ve Got You Under My Skin” which re-introduced the world to Darren’s lush vocals.

In his recordings, his concert appearances in Atlantic City and Las Vegas, as well as his concerts with world-renowned symphonies across the U.S., including the San Diego Symphony, the Dallas Symphony and the Iowa Symphony, the media has also taken notice of James Darren the singer. The San Diego Union-Tribune called him a “compendium of coolness, a wizard of with-it-ness.” The Chicago Sun-Times said “Darren is as smooth as silk.”

Actor, director, recording artist – James Darren has made an indelible mark in the entertainment industry. And as the song says, the best is yet to come.

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

08/14 Dr. Carl, Dream Expert

Dr. Carl is the author of the book ‘Dreaming for Success’; the ground-breaking dream interpretation book that shows you how your dream - often forgotten or misunderstood - is a resource that helps you. The purpose of your dream is to improve your life.

Dr. Carl dream expert and clinical psychologist, has been in practice in Scottsdale, Arizona for the last twenty-five years. He has interpreted dreams for people from every walk of life and with every kind of question. No matter how mysterious your dream, no matter how out of character or unusual the dream is Dr. Carl tells you the meaning of your dream and how the meaning of your dream improves your life and actualizes your potential.

DrCarlDreamInterpreter.com











Will Link is your weekly "Link to the Movies" on "The PM Show with Larry Manetti." He is a screenwriter who has received accolades from various film festivals most recently the Shriekfest Horror Festival. Will is also a regular contributor to the film blog "You Won Cannes." You can hear his thoughts on the world of popular culture as co-host of "Will Sean Podcast?" downloadable at the iTunes store. Follow him on twitter @TheRealWillLink

Tuesday, August 7, 2012

08/07 Dan Lauria, Sullivan and Son, The Wonder Years, Will Link

Daniel Joseph "Dan" Lauria (born April 12, 1947) is an American television and film actor.

Lauria, an Italian-American, was born in Brooklyn, New York, the son of Carmela (née Luongo) and Joseph J. Lauria. He also lived in Lindenhurst, New York. He graduated from Lindenhurst High School in 1965 as a varsity football player, and he briefly taught physical education at Lindenhurst High School. A Vietnam War veteran, Lauria served as an officer in the US Marine Corps in the early 1970s, at the same point in his life that Jack Arnold, his character in The Wonder Years did during the Korean War. He got his start in acting while attending Southern Connecticut State University in New Haven, CT, on a football scholarship.

Lauria is best known for his portrayal of Jack Arnold, the money conscious father on the TV series The Wonder Years that ran from 1988 to 1993. He also played James Webb in the 1998 TV miniseries From the Earth to the Moon and Commanding Officer, USA in 1996's Independence Day. More recently he has appeared in a War Veterans public service announcement and as Police Commissioner Eustace Dolan in The Spirit. He appeared as Coach Hamstrung in The Three Stooges N.Y.U.K. on AMC in 2000. Lauria appeared on stage in New York in the summer of 2006 in an Off Broadway production of "A Stone Carver" by William Mastrosimone with Jim Iorio and Elizabeth Rossa. Lauria also had a small role in a Season two episode of Army Wives, as well as a season one episode of The Mentalist. In 2009, Dan has appeared as General Lee Whitworth, M.D. on T.V. series Criminal Minds Season 4. He's also appeared in an episode of Boy Meets World, starring Ben Savage, the younger brother of The Wonder Years's Fred Savage. In late 2009, Lauria returned to the Off Broadway stage, appearing as Jimmy Hoffa in Brian Lee Franklin's Good Bobby, a fictionalized account of Robert Kennedy's rise.

In 2010, Lauria appeared as Vince Lombardi in the Broadway play Lombardi. The play received positive reviews, with sports writer Jim Hague commenting, "Lauria truly becomes Vince Lombardi. You almost forget you're watching an actor. He's Lombardi through and through, down to the wire-framed glasses and intimidating scowl." North Bergen football coach Vince Ascolese, who met Lombardi, commented "I really felt like he was Lombardi. It was uncanny."













Will Link is your weekly "Link to the Movies" on "The PM Show with Larry Manetti." He is a screenwriter who has received accolades from various film festivals most recently the Shriekfest Horror Festival. Will is also a regular contributor to the film blog "You Won Cannes." You can hear his thoughts on the world of popular culture as co-host of "Will Sean Podcast?" downloadable at the iTunes store. Follow him on twitter @TheRealWillLink

Tuesday, July 31, 2012

07/31 Wink Martindale

Winston Conrad Martindale (born December 4, 1934), known professionally as Wink Martindale, is an American disc jockey and television game show host.
Martindale was born in Jackson, Tennessee, and started his career as a disc jockey at age 17 at WPLI in Jackson, earning $25 a week.

He was hired away by WTJS for double the salary by Jackson's only other station, WDXI. He next hosted mornings at WHBQ in Memphis while a college student at Memphis State University, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1957. While there Martindale became a member of the Kappa Sigma Fraternity.

Martindale's rendition of the spoken-word song "Deck of Cards" went to No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and sold over a million copies in 1959.[2] It also peaked at No. 5 in the UK Singles Chart in April 1963, one of four visits to that chart.[3] It was followed by "Black Land Farmer". In 1959, he became morning man at KHJ in Los Angeles, California, moving a year later to the morning show at KRLA and finally to KFWB in 1962. He also had lengthy stays at KGIL, KKGO/KJQI and Gene Autry's KMPC. In 1967, Martindale narrated a futuristic documentary which predicted Internet commerce.

Martindale's first break into television was at WHBQ-TV in Memphis, as the host of Mars Patrol, a science-fiction themed children's television program. It was at his tenure with WHBQ that Martindale became the host of the TV show Teenage Dance Party where his friend Elvis Presley made an appearance. Following Presley's death in 1977, Martindale aired a nationwide tribute radio special in his honor.

Martindale hosted numerous game shows, including Gambit, High Rollers, Debt, and Tic-Tac-Dough, among others. In addition, Martindale also created the USA Network original game show Bumper Stumpers. Martindale is second in the most number of game shows hosted at 15, behind fellow veteran game show host, Bill Cullen, who hosted 23 shows.

On June 2, 2006, Martindale received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. In 2007, Martindale became a member of the nominating committee of the Hit Parade Hall of Fame. On October 13, 2007, Martindale was one of the first inductees into the American TV Game Show Hall of Fame in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Martindale appeared in various TV commercials and was also the spokesman for Orbitz. Until 2007, Martindale had a daily three-hour show on the syndicated Music Of Your Life format, which is heard on around 200 radio stations. On June 2, 2009, Martindale signed with the syndicated Hit Parade Radio format. The format began operation on February 7, 2010, with Martindale as afternoon drive personality. The syndicator stopped operating on June 6, 2010.
In 2008, Wink appeared on GSN Live, an interstitial program during the afternoon block of classic game show reruns. Several times during 2008, Martindale filled in for Fred Roggin on GSN Live while Roggin was on vacation. Martindale's last show was the GSN show Instant Recall, which premiered on March 4, 2010. Instant Recall would be the first show Martindale has hosted since Debt aired on Lifetime from 1996 to 1998.

Tuesday, July 24, 2012

07/24 Rich Little

Born in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, Little was the middle of three sons. His father was a doctor. In his early teens, he formed a partnership with Geoff Scott, another budding impressionist, concentrating on reproducing the voices of Canadian politicians such as then-Prime Minister John Diefenbaker and Ottawa mayor Charlotte Whitton (Geoff went on to become a politician). They were performing professionally in night clubs by age 17.

Rich acted in Ottawa's Little Theatre and became a successful disc jockey, frequently incorporating impersonations into his show. In 1963, he was asked to audition by Mel Tormé, who was producing a new variety show for Judy Garland. The audition won him the job and in 1964, Little made his American television debut on CBS's The Judy Garland Show, where he astounded Garland with his imitations of various male celebrities. His impression of James Mason in A Star Is Born thrilled Garland, and his popularity began to grow.

In 1966 and 1967, Little appeared in ABC-TV's Judy Carne sitcom Love on a Rooftop as the Willises' eccentric neighbor, Stan Parker. Little was a frequent guest on variety and talk shows. He cracked up Johnny Carson by capturing the Tonight Show host's voice and many on-stage mannerisms perfectly (he later played Carson in the HBO TV-movie The Late Shift). One of his best known impressions is of U.S. President Richard Nixon. (In 1991 he reprised the role of Nixon as ideal sperm donors in Gina's fantasies on the soap opera Santa Barbara.) During the 1970s, Little made many television appearances portraying Nixon. He was a regular guest on The Dean Martin Celebrity Roasts in the 1970s and was also a semi-regular on the Emmy-winning ABC-TV variety series The Julie Andrews Hour in 1972-1973. This particular series proved to be a wonderful showcase for Little's talents as an impressionist. In fact, because of his uncanny yet brilliant imitation of Jack Benny, the comedian sent Little an 18-carat gold money clip containing this message: "With Bob Hope doing my walk and you doing my voice, I can be a star and do nothing." He was named "Comedy Star of the Year" by the American Guild of Variety Artists in 1974.

His best-known continuing TV series was The Kopycats, hour-long segments of The ABC Comedy Hour, first broadcast in 1972. Taped in England, these comedy-variety shows consisted entirely of celebrity impersonations, with the actors in full costume and makeup for every sketch. The cast included Rich Little, Frank Gorshin, Marilyn Michaels, George Kirby, British comedian Joe Baker, Fred Travalena, Charlie Callas, and Peter Goodwright.

The Rich Little Show (1976) and The New You Asked for It (1981) were attempts to present Little in his own person, away from his gallery of characterizations.

Little has starred in various HBO specials including the 1978 one-man show, Rich Little's Christmas Carol. He has also appeared in several movies and released nine albums. When David Niven proved too ill for his voice to be used in his appearances in Trail of the Pink Panther (1982) and Curse of the Pink Panther (1983), Little provided the overdub. (Ironically, Little provided the voice for the Pink Panther cartoon character in an experimental 1965 episode.) He rendered similar assistance for the 1991 TV special Christmas at the Movies by providing an uncredited dub for the aging actor/dancer Gene Kelly. As a native Canadian, he also lent his voice to the narration of two specials which were the forerunners for the animated series The Raccoons: The Christmas Raccoons and The Raccoons on Ice.

Little was the host for the 2007 White House Correspondents' Association dinner. Although President George W. Bush was reported to have enjoyed Little's performance, it was panned by some reviewers for "his ancient jokes and impressions of dead people (Johnny Carson, Richard Nixon and Ronald Reagan)."

Little voices as a guest star in Futurama such as Futurama: Bender's Game, playing his own celebrity head: "Rich Little here, as Howard Cosell." Many times he plays a sports commentator.













Will Link is your weekly "Link to the Movies" on "The PM Show with Larry Manetti." He is a screenwriter who has received accolades from various film festivals most recently the Shriekfest Horror Festival. Will is also a regular contributor to the film blog "You Won Cannes." You can hear his thoughts on the world of popular culture as co-host of "Will Sean Podcast?" downloadable at the iTunes store. Follow him on twitter @TheRealWillLink


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Tuesday, July 17, 2012

07/17 Tim Kazurinsky, SNL

Timothy J. Kazurinsky (born March 3, 1950) is an American actor, comedian and writer best known as a cast member on Saturday Night Live and for his role as Carl Sweetchuck in the Police Academy films. He is known for playing mousy, sheepish characters.

Kazurinsky was born in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, but spent most of his childhood in Australia, where he lived until the age of 16.[1] At age 11, Kazurinsky attended the Huntley Evans School of Performing Arts, where he studied the creative arts for six months before quitting due to intense hazing.

Kazurinsky worked in St. Louis, Missouri, as an advertising executive and copywriter for a department store chain. He moved to Chicago to start a comedy career and joined the Second City mainstage in 1978. He was discovered by Saturday Night Live and joined SNL as a writer and cast member in 1981. A producer at SNL, who was also a friend of Kazurinsky's, bumped Paul Reubens (later known for his character Pee-wee Herman), from the line-up and put Kazurinsky in his place.

On Saturday Night Live, Kazurinsky played various characters and was known for his celebrity impersonations. There were reports that he often clashed with then-executive producer Dick Ebersol regarding the show's creative direction. In 1984, he decided to leave SNL due to creative differences with the producers.

Kazurinsky was cast in the 1980 film Somewhere in Time as the photographer who takes the portrait that woos Christopher Reeve's character back in time. He had a role in the 1981 Belushi/Aykroyd comedy Neighbors, and played the role of Carl Sweetchuck in three of the Police Academy films. In the 2000s, Kazurinsky guest-starred on popular comedy series such as Curb Your Enthusiasm and According to Jim.

Kazurinsky has written screenplays and television episodes. Shortly after departing SNL, he co-wrote About Last Night.... He also penned the 2001 film My Beautiful Son, starring Paul Reiser, Julie Walters, and Olympia Dukakis.

In 2011, Kazurinsky played a supporting role in Zombie Army Productions "The Moleman of Belmont Avenue", which also featured Robert Englund.

Tuesday, July 10, 2012

07/10 Ernest, Borgnine, Robert Wagner, Dennis Farina, Elia Petridis, Tim Conway

Veteran actor and CRN Digital Talk Radio host Larry Manetti will pay tribute to the late award-winning actor Ernest Borgnine with a special show today!

“The P.M. Show with Larry Manetti” will recall the life and many facets of the famed actor who passed away on July 8 at age 95.

“We were close friends who shared a lot over the years so I’m happy to join with our other good friends and listeners in a tribute to Ernie’s life and work,” Manetti said.

Borgnine and Manetti worked together last year in the upcoming film “The Man Who Shook the Hand of Vicente Fernandez,” which became Borgnine’s final performance on film.

Among those joining the special tribute program will be actor Robert Wagner, known for the television series “Hart to Hart,” “It Takes a Thief,” and scores of films and television shows, as well as actor Dennis Farina, star of “Law & Order” “Luck,” “Get Shorty” and many other TV shows and films.

Also appearing will be film director Elia Petridis who directed Borgnine in his final film.

The late actor is known for winning the Academy Award for the title role in the film “Marty,” in 1955, but also for his work as the wacky navy officer Quinton McHale in the famed television comedy “McHale’s Navy,” which ran from 1962-1966. His work included scores of television shows and films in a career that spanned over 60 years.