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."

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.
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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.
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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.   

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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

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.

 

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.