Quote Of The Day...Free Speech

It is by the goodness of God that in our country we have those unspeakable precious things: freedom of speech, freedom of conscience, and the prudence never to practice either of them.
Mark Twain

Forget the Diet and Eat on Your Own Terms

Diet is a strange word. The mere mention of the word strikes fear into the minds of many due to its negative meaning. Negative, you say? A diet to most people means discipline and dedication. We have enough pressure in our lives to commit ourselves to a daily grind of eating properly seven days a week, right? Well, you don't have to. Proper eating habits stem from making the right choices in what we decide to eat, as well as the portions throughout the day. Counting calories and weighing portions are temporary ways to lose weight but ultimately fail in what should be your goal: To be healthy on the inside and out...for life. Strict diets are destined to fail. Diets are designed to give people "instant" results in a world of consumers that demand an immediate cure for their food consumption problem. Consequently, a human being is wired for variety and spontaneity. Diets give you neither. When people eventually get bored with the diet, they resort back to the same old habits of overeating the wrong foods.

The key to eating well and being a healthy person is to change your behavior. Don't get intimidated with change. Change is growth and with growth we reach our goals and as a result, happiness. The great thing about my method is that you can do this in baby steps. Good health does not happen over night; what is important are the results you'll see after one week, one month and if you follow the program, the rest of your life. Here are the keys to changing your eating habits which in turn will change your life.

(1) CUT DOWN ON YOUR PORTIONS: Portion size of our meals affects calorie intake. Start week one by cutting down to 3/4 of your normal intake and work your way down in the ensuing weeks until you get to the point where you're satisfied yet not too full. You NEVER want to feel full after a meal; it means that you overate. With time your stomach will adjust to the portion size. Just be patient.

(2) CUT DOWN ON THE SWEETS AND JUNK FOOD: Ice cream, cake, cookies, chips, ummm. No need to stop eating any of these but if you tend to gorge on the sweets or chips, cutting down is imperative to your goals. I can't stress enough how fattening ice cream is. If you crave ice cream, have some but not your normal serving of the Ben and Jerry's pint. If you must have some, cut down to a 1/4 serving and replace your emptiness with a cookie or two. With these controlled portions, you will find yourself not wanting as much of whatever your sweet weakness is. What is important to remember is that you don't have to go without. You just need to control the tendency to gorge or have that piece of cake EVERY night while Seinfeld is on. If you are a chip addict, buy the small bag of chips. This will curb your need to attack that large bag of salt and vinegar chips. Economically, it's a little more expensive but remember, you you are saving by cutting down on your overall portions. Of utmost importance is whatever your weakness, it's better to small portion than to plan a gorge day and eat 2000 calories in one sitting. Gorge days are not reward days for you. This type of reward process will ruin your eating goals and allow you to regress to your old habits in time.

(3) FRUITS AND VEGETABLES - A WAY OF LIFE: Have some fruits and vegetables every day. If you don't have the patience to eat fruit, buy a bottle of fruit juice (the natural fruit kind) and a carton of orange juice, every week. Make sure to drink a glass every day, so if you did have dessert at least you know you had your glass of nutrition for the day. Vegetables, I know , can be time consuming to prepare...and boring to eat. Grocery stores offer a giant selection of prepared raw veggies that are ready to eat. Vegetables can taste bland to some, so if you must, use a dip, in SMALL portions. The vegetables should compliment your (small) T-Bone steak just fine.

That's it for now. I said baby steps and this is not too overwhelming. It's just a matter of you changing your habits. The first week will be difficult because you will have to conscientiously think of your game plan as you go. Give it time and it will come natural. The results will happen.

You will also notice that I did not mention exercise in this lifestyle change. Don't worry about that for now. You'll have enough on your plate (pardon the pun) with the food lifestyle change. Exercise is vital to health but the important goal at the moment is your eating habit and what you put in your body. The energy and positive outlook essential for the urge to do healthy activities will come. I will be discussing the exercise aspect in future articles. Remember the word PATIENCE. Nothing worth doing right happens with immediate results. You can and will succeed in time. Good luck and remember that you are not alone.

Quote Of The Day...

My doctor told me to stop having intimate dinners for four, unless there are three other people.
Orson Welles

Quote Of The Day...

I'm only interested in heavy metal when it's me who's playing it. I suppose it's a bit like smelling your own farts.
John Entwistle

The 10 Best T.V. Shows Of All Time - Number 3 - St. Elsewhere

St.Elsewhere,the television drama,has been off the air for more than 20 years. In the time since, it has pretty much been off the minds of most people. What is forgotten is that St. Elsewhere, from 1982 until 1988, was the best show on television. Unfortunately, most people new the show existed but did not watch. What was the reason? Too dark? Too edgy? Too much reality? Too clever? Yes, yes, yes and yes. In the 1980's people were craving light entertainment in the yuppie driven, materialistic decade. Heavy dramas had there place but in moderation. Dramas like Hill Street Blues and St. Elsewhere were deemed too pretentious by audiences. The story lines were drawn out over weeks (sometimes months) and most of the audience did not have the patience nor the attention span to follow the series. Couple this with St. Elsewhere's ever changing time slot, it never had a chance to find a large audience. The 1980's were the era of comedies like Family Ties, Cheers, Newhart, The Cosby Show and...Alf. T.J Hooker became a hit and if you wanted drama there were the prime time soap operas like Dallas, Falcon Crest or Dynasty. If that was not enough entertainment, you could watch The Love Boat or Fantasy Island. WOW. Rarely do people speak of St. Elsewhere when asked about '80's television. Well, I never forgot.

Unfortunately, St. Elsewhere was created in the wrong decade. If this was a series created in the mid '90's when reality and television were melding together, the series would have been remembered differently. Of course, critics loved St.Elsewhere. It won numerous Emmys for acting, writing and directing. Unfortunately, critics could not convince the masses that this was a show worth watching. Those who did follow the show religiously know what the critics new. That we were being exposed to a television classic that ages gracefully and does not seem dated, even today. I never forgot.

I never forgot Dr. Donald Westphall's (Ed Flanders) compassion and care towards patients and staff alike. Even though his personal life was in constant turmoil, Westphall's dedication to his profession and love for St. Eligius gave him strength and hope. When Westphall decides he's had enough of the corporate St. Eligius, he resigns on his own terms with his own personal touch; by mooning Dr. Gideon and telling him to "kiss his ***". Ironically, and sadly, the character that hoped and believed in a better world did not carry over into Flanders' personal life. Flanders would take his own life in 1995 after a battle with depression and personal conflict.

I never forgot Dr. Mark Craig, the brutish hot tempered heart surgeon that put fear in the hearts of interns and nurses at St. Eligius. Underneath the rough exterior of this brilliant surgeon lay an insecure yet caring man who secretly yearned for the ability to show compassion towards his patients. Craig and Westphall were polar opposites. When the two characters interacted, it created television magic.

I never forgot Dr. Victor Ehrlich (Ed Begley Jr.) and his impulse to blurt out whatever stupidity was on his mind. The "father/son" interactions between him and Dr. Craig was comedic and heartwarming all at once. Dr. Craig bellowing "EHRLICH! For the love of Mike!" became a regular feature of the show. What the characters represent is a role reversal for Craig; him becoming his own father, with all his perfectionism and sarcasm directed at his son and Ehrlich becoming the young Dr. Craig with all his perceived deficiencies and never living up to his fathers high expectations.

I never forgot when Doctors Westphall, Craig and Auschlander (Norman Lloyd) walked into Cheers (yes, the television Cheers) for a beer and were served by the abrasive Carla. This was one of the first times two television shows crossed over into one show.

I never forgot the "Time Heals" episodes where the story of St. Eligius and its main characters go back in time to the humble beginnings of the hospital. The story centers around Father Joseph McCabe and his dream of opening a hospital for the less privileged. We see a young rebellious Donald Westphall being disciplined and mentored by McCabe, who ultimately paves the way for Westphall's passion to help others. The use of black and white in these flashback episodes adds authenticity to the period (1930's) and genuine feel that the viewer is part of the memory.

I never forgot the controversial subject matter the producers dealt with. St. Elsewhere was the first series to have a character acquire AIDS ( Dr. Caldwell) and to expose the disease as not just homosexual related. Rape, drug addiction and prejudice were all subjects written in the story lines at a time when such topics were not commonly written into scripts.

Finally, I never forgot the final episode of St. Elsewhere. In the final surreal scene of the series, we see Donald Westphall arriving home from a long day work (on the construction site!?). Westphall asks "dad", Daniel Auschlander how his autistic son Tommy has been. Auschlander explains that the boy occupies all his time by staring into a snow globe of St. Eligius. "What does he think about?", asks Westphall, thinking out loud. The viewer is then shown a close up of the snow globe, symbolizing that the events of St. Eligius were all deep in Tommies imagination. Many fans were disappointed by this ending. Many felt that there was no closure to it. Whatever the fans main criticism was, give credit to the producers for ending the series the way every episode was conceived: To keep us wondering what will happen next...and wanting more!

The Artie Lange Show Featuring Howard Stern!

This morning(December 2nd) Artie Lange, of the Howard Stern Show, called in sick...again. Artie calling in sick has become about as regular as a Sarah Palin interview gaff(You Tube: Sarah Palin-Turkey). If Artie was legitimately sick, I sympathize with the guy. Maybe he is suffering from exhaustion after the book signing tour and the interviewing juggernaut that goes with a best selling novel. Maybe he is finding it difficult to juggle the radio show, a stand up comedy act and withdrawing from drugs. Or, worst case scenario, back on the drugs and/or booze. What made Artie's absence stand out this time was the simple fact that for the first time in a while, The Howard Stern Show was better with less.



For the longest period, I felt that listening to Howard had become like listening to a radio show by committee. Howard, with the aide of Artie and Robin Quivers has become a shadow of his former radio personality. For years Stern had suffered through countless interruptions brought on by the opinionated Robin. While Howard has always valued Robin's contribution to the show, you could hear by his tone that talking over "The King Of All Media" during his radio time was frustrating him. Howard being Howard, bit his tongue and carried on like a professional. When the show had just Howard and Robin as the main voice, listening was bearable because the content was always unique...and yes there was Jackie Martling, writing jokes and laughing inappropriately at some tragic news story. Oh yes, and he didn't speak unless spoken to.


Today's show made me miss Jackie. No, he didn't tell great stories or seem particularily interesting. I miss his laugh and the fact that on The Howard Stern Show, less is more. There is one voice too many on the show and that loud voice is Artie. Artie has become the center of attention on this top rated show. Not by natural circumstances but by way of Artie selling himself in all his narcissistic ways. Artie's favourite subject is Artie. Whatever the topic of the moment, the conversation seems to always come back around to an Artie story or in relation to how he was involved. For example, Howard would be talking about his bachelor party and Artie chimes in with a good five minutes on himself and how it was difficult to see other people drinking at the party. WHAAAH! His habit of interrupting the show with his long winded,self promoting diatribe has ruined the flow of what once was a great radio show. Enough Artie! It's time to start listening to what Howard, the star of the show, has to say. None of these obnoxious, loud attempts at being funny are working for you any more. It's time for Howard to realize (and I think he does) that the show is much better without Artie. Sometimes...less is more!

The Who? The Greatest Band Of All Time? You Better You Bet!

I remember the first time I heard "Won't Get Fooled Again", 1980. Keith Moon had been dead for two years but I didn't know. I had no idea who Keith Moon was. No idea who the band was that sang this classic rock anthem. In 1980, I was just old enough to appreciate rock, classic rock. I was tired of The Bay City Rollers (give me a break, I was a kid). It was time to graduate; not in a cognisant way but in a magically natural moment that grips you, no matter what age you are. All of us experience these feelings of amazement and wonderment to something new... and never forget that moment and time. Music is that powerful. More powerful than any book or movie, music can touch your soul, stop you in your tracks with its sound and lyrics and bring back memories that, once forgotten, can touch a persons heart with joy or sadness. This is what music does to us... and more than any musician(s), The Who affect and reach me like no other band.
In the 1960's, new rock bands were born, it seemed, every week. This was an era of unparalleled creativity in music. Whether an act was European or North American, the output of music was so fresh and unique in its sound that it sent a shock wave to a new generation of kids craving more than the generic brand of pop music. This was the golden era of contemporary music. Of course, The Beatles led the way in musical output, quality and popularity. The Rolling Stones were always second to the "Mop Tops" as far as adulation and music sales go.With their rebellious image, they were the polar opposites of The Beatles in terms of image and sound. The perfect contrast to the squeaky clean Beatles. The competition between The Beatle and Stones is legendary, with the two bands trying to outdo each other with the next #1 hit. The Who never had a chance to eclipse The Beatles or Stones whether it be number 1 hits or album sales. They were the perennial number three rated band in the British Invasion era... there were only so many sales to go around. It didn't matter. The Who never competed with anyone. The only battles they fought were amongst themselves. Their drive to create music that mattered to them was stronger than any critics opinion or public adulation. Their irreverence and disregard of public approval is what endeared me to The Who. What mattered to The Who was something more tangible than accolades, something deeper than sales and gold records. The only way to truly reach the public in a spiritual way; to be the most entertaining and loudest live band in the world!
The Who, throughout the '60's, were constantly touring and as a result, building a reputation as a working class band. Their legendary energy and power of the live shows gave fans an infusion of Rock and Roll in its rawest form. The fans, over the years, had become fascinated with these four brilliant musicians in all their dysfunctional ways. With The Who, there was no mistaking their rage and anger towards the world and at times, each other. This anger was the engine that ran and sustained The Who and their ability to create music that was relevant to a generation. With The Beatles and Stones being watched under a microscope, The Who had the freedom to be honest with their music and fans and not have to portray a certain image or create a sound or formula that The Beatles and Stones were expected to perpetuate for the sake of sales.
The Who, since their incarnation in 1964, released 11 studio albums. Before the death of Keith Moon, eight classic Who albums were produced with the original lineup of Townshend, Daltrey, Entwistle and Moon. Not a huge output of albums, considering other bands of their era averaged an album or more a year. The Who never cared about quantity... they made an album when they (more accurately, Pete Townshend) were ready. It's the quality and significance of their music, combined with an almost religious approach to their live shows, give The Who cult status. Of all the great live bands, it was The Who that added elements of musicianship, power, enthusiasm, rage (smashed guitars and destroyed drum sets) and anger. Though they were often at odds with each other, this dysfunctional foursome, once on stage were genuinely having FUN. The rage and anger was aimed at society and an imperfect world. When they were on stage, they were brothers working towards a common goal. Feelings aside, no member would ever let the other down. As individuals, The Who were supreme musicians. If none of the members had ever met, the members would have certainly been respected musicians, though I doubt without the esteem and adoration that is held for them to this day. They would have lacked each other. What allows Daltrey, Entwistle, Moon and Townshend to excel, is the sum of the whole. Each member feeds off the other in order to create their genius. As a group, the four created a sound and chemistry that only fate could have created and allow their evolution as musicians to be fulfilled. They met and lived in the right time and place.
Though half of The Who exist today and in reality they could never truly rekindle the classic years, Daltrey and Townshend never let the passing of Moon or Entwistle affect the passion that The Who are about. When all is said and done, it's the music that counts and give the two surviving members credit for never allowing the sound or the legacy to die.

Lafleur and Richard-Two Players That Made The Montreal Canadiens Legendary

I was born in Montreal,Quebec. Growing up in Quebec, you experience all four of the seasons in all their wonderful, unpredictable ways. Winter (quite synonymous with Quebec) seems like the longest of all seasons. Winter in Canada can start in October and end well into April. As a result, kids need something to do to fill those months with healthy activity. Learning to ice skate, for most, is automatic...right after taking your first steps. I learned to skate at four years old and in my neighbourhood, it was like that for most of the kids. As we became older (one year later), most of the boys started to play hockey in the Mites league. Soon we were old enough to understand how to play the game...and, thanks to our Dads, WATCH the game and the Canadiens on Hockey Night In Canada!

As a child, my first memories of the Canadiens and watching games on T.V. was the blonde haired (in the 70's and 80's you new the colour of hockey players hair- helmets were optional), graceful and smooth skating Hab (nickname for the Canadiens, "Les Habitants", meaning French settlers), Guy Lafleur. To me, he was the MICKEY MANTLE of hockey. Larger than life, exciting and French Canadian, Guy Lafleur was the pride of Quebec in a province that needed a hero of their own in a time of political and social turmoil in Canada and Quebec. Guy Lafleur, hockey player, gave Montreal and Quebec a sense of pride. If you were French or English speaking in Montreal, you had something in common; you loved Guy Lafleur and the Montreal Canadiens. It brought a lot of us together, regardless of differences. Guy Laleur finished his career with his Montreal Canadien career with 1246 points and 518 goals including six 50 goal seasons between 1974-1980.

Unfortunately,Lafleur "retired" from the Canadiens at age 33 after his production tailed off in the '80's and it was assumed he was too old to play and retired a young man after much criticism and high expectations from Canadiens management and fans. "The Flower" would come out of retirement in 1988 and retire for good in 1991.
By then,his skills had diminished (along with his hair) but fans were still witness to his past greatness, but just periodically.In my mind,what sends Lafleur into mythical status is not what he accomplished, but what could have been achieved. Lafleur partied and drank as hard as he played, smoked (by some accounts, two packs of cigarettes a day) and was involved in a well known drunken car accident that nearly took his life. While I don't admire an athlete, blessed with gifts that you and I could only dream of having, not taking care of himself, there's a certain amazement and wonder in what could have been achieved if this gifted athlete had taken care of himself off the ice.

When you're young, you think history started in your era. As we get older, we learn that there were past events and people that existed before us. In my small world, at an age to realize and be aware that there were those who made their mark before us, I discovered that "The Rocket", Maurice Richard played for the Canadiens from 1942 to 1960. He finished his NHL career with 965 points and 544 goals. Richard was the first player to score 50 goals AND do so in 50 games. In an era when 20 goals was a HUGE total of goals, "The Rocket" was a pioneer in goal scoring just as Babe Ruth was to home runs in baseball. When parents would speak of his accomplishments and achievements and how he was larger than life in the hockey world and in Quebec...I said "ya, right, bigger than "The Flower" and all his popularity, "Bigger, much bigger than Lafleur, he was the original superstar. The BABE RUTH of hockey". What!? Yes...adored by Quebecers and Canadiens fans alike, Richard played hockey in an era that bridged the radio and television era.
For the first time, hockey fans were able to see their heroes on T.V. and not have to shell out money for a ticket at the Montreal Forum. This exposure on television, combined with the Canadiens Stanley Cup success and "The Rocket" being the heart and soul of the team, turned players, until then, only heard on radio or read about in newspapers, into someone a fan could identify with. Maurice Richard, with his explosive speed, his grit, his toughness and his heart, became a role model and a symbol of hope to many Quebecers. Richard, during his NHL career, was a victim of much prejudice and stereotyping. French Canadians were seen a "second citizens" in this era of the Anglophone run NHL and Richard fought for equal rights and earned respect with his class, on and off the ice, in a time when French Canadians earned less money and were subject to unspeakable name calling from opposing players and fans alike. Richard, his hockey accomplishment notwithstanding, broke down the barriers between French and English, East and West Canada and the NHL "elite" that were ignorant to diversity and unaware that cultural and language variety is something to celebrate and not repress.

When the Montreal Forum closed in 1996 and the Canadiens moved to the present Bell Centre, during the opening ceremonies when the Habs legends were brought out to christen the new home, it was Richard that received the longest ovation, 16 minutes. The unflappable legend with eyes of coal cried. Fans cried. I think most who watched on television cried. Of all the memories that Richard left people with from the '40's to the day he retired in 1960, that ovation in 1996, 36 years after his playing days, allowed people to feel and show Richard what we felt all along...We never forgot you..We never stopped loving you...You gave us hope...We'll never forget!

The Best 10 T.V. Shows Of All Time: #2 Six Feet Under

I am a classic television junky. Most shows made today do not hold up to the originality, the story lines and the uniqueness of the old programs made during televisions "Golden Era". As a result, when and if I become a follower of a series, it has to be special; If the show doesn't touch me emotionally, I'll reach for the remote and search for T.V. Land. Not to say that there have not been ground breaking television shows made in the last 20 years. Seinfeld, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Picket Fences, Northern Exposure, The West Wing and The Sopranos are a few that come to mind. Heck, I even enjoyed Beverly Hills 90210! Still, most of the programming and its content left me yearning for Columbo or Hill Street Blues and the television of the '70's and '80's.
My brother, a great judge of what is strong or weak on television, recommended I check out Six Feet Under and to tell him what I think (this was 2003, two years into the shows run). We don't get HBO on television (to date) in Canada, so the usual way to watch an American show not accessible to the masses is to rent the DVD at the video store. After renting and watching Season 1, The Pilot, I instantly realized that this show was unique and special. When I watch a show, I watch a show, study it, digest it, judge it. I instantly LOVED the show. I felt that click, the alarm that goes off..the "quality gauge" in your head. I needed more! The characters, above all, intrigued and fascinated me. I related to the portrayals given by all the unique and flawed actors. The daily struggles that they endured (self doubt, hurt, fears, emotions, death, etc.) allowed me, the viewer to relate in a way that made me think that all of us have the same fears in day to day life; the content made me feel that I'm not alone in coping with this adventure (and sometimes struggle) called life. When a program can open your eyes and make you ponder your own existence, the "what's it all about" life questions, you treat it with as much appreciation and respect as a classic novel that gave you the words you lived by or a song that was the soundtrack of your life. A series that sent a charge through me so strong and powerful, I felt fortunate to "get it".
Six Feet Under is not a series (graphic language and content) for the networks. Without the graphic and sexual content, this program would never have such a following. This is a show for adults and I understand the difference between family entertainment and adult content. Credit HBO for its existence. Credit HBO for taking a chance on a show that in its first few years was not a huge success. Like M*A*S*H, credit the network for allowing the series to grow and build an audience. Because of this, Six Feet Under turned nay sayers into fans. DVD sales and rentals alone prove that the public is intrigued by this show, its content, its writing and its characters.
Though there are dozens of dramas and comedies that have touched the mass public and myself, Six Feet Under deserves #2 all time television status due to: -Being the one show that treated and allowed us to see life and death in a realistic and graphic way. It was not always easy to watch but give credit to the show for its honesty and realism that both entertained us and alarmed us simultaneously. -The characters that we identified with, whether individually or as a combination. Each actor cast in their respected roles, allowed us to relate to each one with a flurry of emotions and identification. Nate Fisher, the anchor and flawed "savior" of the family, inherited the role of patriarch after the death Nathaniel Sr. What's symbolic about Nate is that he realizes and accepts his role in keeping the family together but negative forces and self destructive behaviour (based on impulsive behaviour) usually complicates Nate's life to the point where Nate questions his own existence and his place in life (we can all relate) He is the conscientiousness of the the show. David Fisher, middle child, closet homosexual, sensitive and angry, struggles for acceptance and understanding in a world dictated by social norms. David's continual search for answers with his conflicting lifestyles (homosexual in one world and seemingly straight with his family, funeral home clients and church in another), give way to guilt, shame and confusion, combined with a sensitivity and compassion for others make David the Id, Ego and Super Ego of the show. Claire Fisher, the youngest Fisher by several years, provides the show with youth, optimism, pretentiousness, an above it all attitude. With an honesty the other Fisher's are not capable of, Claire is the voice of truth on the show. Ruth Fisher, mother of the Fishers, provides the family with the security of a mother we all received or craved, as well as the fears that a mother can bring onto you with all her overbearing ways. Ruth holds all the guilt, the fear and the insecurity of the show. Ironically, Ruth being the most straight-laced and unflinching of all characters paradoxically is the one family member most open to change. Ruth represents adaptation and how we are all capable of overcoming tragedy and grief...and moving on with our lives. -The Finale, in all its hype, is THE BEST FINALE...ever. I won't describe it. My description could never give this masterpiece the credit due. Just rent it...it's the most powerful piece of film I have ever seen...period.
Six Feet Under, the best drama series of our generation...a show that could have continued on for a couple more years but new when to call it quits...on top. Six Feet Under never died though...for those who watched, it will live on forever in our memories.

The 10 Best T.V. Shows Of All Time: #1 M*A*S*H

M*A*S*H...the '70's comedy (and sometimes drama), was the greatest sitcom, that for 5 years, nobody watched. Yes there were core fans who religiously tuned in every week but the masses generally ignored the series due to its war theme and sometimes serious subject matter. The series was created in 1972 by M*A*S*H author H. Richard Hornberger (Hornberger used the pseudonym Richard Hooker as an author) after the success the 1968 movie by the same name. Even though ratings were small, CBS could not deny the fact that this series had quality in its storylines and actors alike. Today, a show like M*A*S*H would never make it through the first year. Back in the day, television networks allowed a series to mature and find its audience (It's a good thing CBS gave M*A*S*H 11 years to flourish!)
When M*A*S*H was going through its growing pains (1972-1977) and producing its best years of creativity, I was too young to watch or appreciate the series. Fortunately, after the shows finale in 1983, there was such a huge demand for the show (Aging well,like fine wine) that it could seen 3, 4 even 5 times a day on various channels (In the '80's, new cable channels were popping up everywhere). As a result, due to this exposure, I became a M*A*S*H addict. I fell in love with the characters, the stories, the quality in which it was filmed (M*A*S*H was preserved on movie quality film). The creators of M*A*S*H were the first to expose viewers to the horrors and light side of war, not particularily in that order. The scenes in the operating room were not privy to a laugh track (producers were aware of the respect, dignity and sanctity necessary for those injured in previous wars). There were jokes written in the diologue during those scenes and give credit to the writers for allowing the audience to feel a mix of emotions during these scenes...from sadness for the injured... to the surgeons and nurses finding humour in light of horrific conditions..only to keep themselves from going insane. These scenes in the O.R., in my opinion, turned M*A*S*H from just a sitcom to a series with social significance, allowing generations of people to think about war...and what price do we all pay for this.
The humour of M*A*S*H, combined with top rate actors and writing, kept audiences captivated for 11 years. It's the comedy and unpredictability of M*A*S*H that gave this series longevity. People under the age of 30 probably do not realize the incredible avalanche of popularity M*A*S*H had inherited the last few years of its run. M*A*S*H still holds the all time record for audience viewership (106 miliion) for its final episode "Goodbye, Farewell and Amen". I feel a certain contentment in knowing that my favourite show ever holds the record that probably will never be eclipsed.
Thank-you Alan Alda: One of the most under-rated actors of our time...Paper Lion, Same Time Next Year are two of my favourite movies from my childhood...Thank-you for not giving up on M*A*S*H at a time when you did not see a clear future for the show. You ARE M*A*S*H and the reason for its existence.
Thank-you McLean Stevenson: The first 3 seasons that you were Lt. Col. Henry Blake were the funniest of times..and the saddest, with the untimely death of your character, controversial by some, but poignant in terms of allowing the characters death to be written in the script and announced by Radar in the operating room. Heavy television at a time when subject matter with such personal tragedy was never discussed in comedies.
Thank-you Gary Burghoff: The most loveable character in the history of television, Radar O'Reilly. You were in the movie in 1968 as Radar and no one could duplicate the wonderful innocence and freshness that was so needed in an Army camp surrounded by "all knowing" war time burn outs. Radar was also a pioneer. He allowed us to witness televisions first "nude"scene. In season 2, while escaping enemy fire, O'Reilly can be seen running for cover (sporting a towel around his waist), protected only by the showers/latrine. As he opens the door to enter, his towel, wrapped around his waist, drops...showing a bare behind for a split second. He eventually falls into the safe arms of Henry Blake..in a scene that will forever make me laugh in hysterics! Thank-you Larry Linville: Major Frank Burns was a character played so far opposite to Hawkeye Pierce in sympathy and compassion. Ultimately, these flaws, brought on by fear and insecurity, drew the audience closer to Burns, thus making us feel compassionate towards his character. One of the great character performances of our time.
Thank-you Jamie Farr: The section 8 persuing Corporal Klinger was unique for television but not for the Army. It is not a mystery that several of the enlisted personnel were so desperate to return home that "bidding for a section 8" (psychiatric discharge) was not uncommon. What made Klinger's attempts unique was his affection for women's clothing. Takes a lot of guts to dress in something cross gendre. Klinger seemed to be comfortable in this attire...and after a while, the audience didn't notice, really, or didn't mind. When Klinger was NOT wearing women's clothing, we saw this as weird! Brilliant!
Thank-you M*A*S*H...Thank-you Hawkeye, Trapper, Henry Blake, Radar O'Reilly, Frank Burns, Hot Lips, Father Mulcahy, Klinger, B.J., Colonel Potter, Charles Emaerson Winchester the 3rd...even Nurse Kellye Nakahara, Igor Staminsky, Sergeant Rizzo, Dr.Sidney Freedman, Col. Flagg and camp P.A. announcers(Attention...attention camp...),Todd Susman and Sal Viscuso.
Last but certainly not least, I could not finish this article without mentioning the composer and lyricist of the classic theme to M*A*S*H, Suicide Is Painless...Johnny Mandel (music) and the lyrics (Robert Altman). This music is synonymous with M*A*S*H and its 11 year run. For those who remember, the music starts with the sight of Radar (ever present and aware, the eyes and ears of the camp)overlooking the camp as helicopters approach the landing pad, while Doctors and Nurses rush to aide the injured. If you are old enough to appreciate pioneering television and have watched M*A*S*H, you know how powerful this opening of the show is.
M*A*S*H...what acting, what writing, what stories, what comedy, what drama...what memories. The best show, comedy or drama, that has ever been produced...period.
Goodbye, Farewell and Amen.

I USED TO LOVE NASCAR...NOW I JUST LIKE IT

What, in the name of Richard Petty, is happening to my NASCAR? I want to fall in love again. I want to get that feeling back-like an old relationship that fizzled and you're still trying to figure out the classic WWW question...What Went Wrong? Let's go back to the good old days-the year 2001.
NASCAR was popular but only to a certain demographic-the good old boys of the South. Dale Earnhardt Sr. died in the first race of 2001-the Daytona 500. Ironically, his death struck a chord with fans and non-fans alike;suddenly NASCAR reached a new level and elevated the sport. Dale Earnhardt Jr. became the icon apparent after that tragic day, not by choice but by birthright. This unfortunate moment in time by virtue of one tragic moment put NASCAR in primetime ratings territory.
With this new found success came corporate money and lots of it. Suddenly race teams became super-teams, leaving the less fortunate behind. Those owners that already had a super-star racer could afford to add to their stable of studs. Jeff Gordon spawned Jimmie Johnson, Rusty Wallace spawned Kurt Busch, Mark Martin spawned Matt Kenseth, Greg Biffle and Carl Edwards etc. etc. All of the sudden, young drivers became the stars, leaving Dale Jarrett, Ricky Rudd, Sterling Marlin, Terry Labonte, Bobby Labonte and Kenny Schrader behind... and insignificant. The very men that carried the momentum left by Cale Yarborough and Donnie Allison in the infamous 1979 Daytona 500 fist fight on CBS(The first Nascar race nationally televised in it's entirety). In this article I gave you a breakdown of what brought us to the NASCAR we know and love at this point in time. In Part 2, I will speak and offer comments on why NASCAR will dwindle in attendance and T.V. ratings in the future, unless things change significantly.


Once, just once, I would like to see Kyle Petty win a race in NASCAR...or finish in the top 5 or the top 10. Heck, 15th place would be something to see. Petty, Bobby Labonte, Elliot Sadler, Michael Waltrip or anyone outside the top 20 in standings have no chance of being so lucky...or consistent. Today, in NASCAR, your charisma, charm and looks dictate how well you will perform throughout the season.
I have a theory; if you have 2 of the 3 characteristics, you will have a much better opportunity of getting a ride on one of the top tier teams. Top 20 driver, pretty much guaranteed. The other drivers on the cusp or borderline of these traits get a drive on the remainder of teams or the Nationwide Series...the others with talent...well, you can tune into the Craftsman Truck Series. A wealthy Sprint Cup team and it's sponsors(multi-billion dollar corporations) want the best drivers who can represent their particular brand. It's no coincidence that the Sprint Cuppers look like Hollywood "A" list celebrities and the Truck Series drivers look like...well, everyday, average people.
The squeaky clean Sprint Cup Series is in danger of alienating its core fans by offering a product that used to be competitive and exciting into predictable and dull. The Truck Series, which has not been affected as much by big money, has become the predominantly more competitive and captivating series. This is Sprint Cup racing at it's peak excitement years, 10-15 years ago. Any one of these drivers has a legitimate chance of winning and this, more than anything, is why we attend or tune into a race or any sporting event in the first place...the outcome is not a guarantee or lock. Sprint Cup is in danger of becoming too predictable...the top 12 drivers have an 80% chance of winning a race. To paint a better picture, if you were betting on NFL games and guaranteed these odds, you would be able to buy your own NASCAR team in a few years.
Formula 1, considered to be the highest tier of auto racing, has for decades been the highest tier of materialism and excess. The product is secondary. North American race fans have always put a premium on quality of product...the NASCAR product is in danger of losing its base fans because the product has become secondary. Here's what must change or the NASCAR fans interest and patience will slowly show with wavering attendance and television ratings.
(1) RACE TRACKS MUST BECOME MORE COMPETITIVE: Daytona, Talladega and Bristol give the fans the most competitive and exciting races for your dollar. These six races in a 36 race season allow us to watch close bumper to bumper racing with the potential of a caution at any moment. These three tracks exhibit one common characteristic...deep banking on the turns thus creating high speed action and close racing...and yes accidents. The appeal of racing is danger. Not so much risk that someone gets injured but a sense that one wrong move or mishap could create an edge for one driver and the end of the day for another. That's drama and that's what fans want. The majority of tracks do not offer such excitement. Most of the tracks offer single line racing with the superior car slowly picking off cars one by one; no three wide racing...just safe racing usually dominated by the 12-15 elite teams.
(2) REVENUE SHARING WILL CREATE PARITY: Let's spread the wealth a bit to ensure the future of this sport. Television revenue should be disbursed accordingly to the weaker teams and down to the stronger teams. With more cash, the little guy could afford the technology necessary in gaining an edge in racing. Hendrick, Roush and the other SuperTeams need some competition or fans WILL become bored with the same drivers winning.
(3) CAUTION FREE RACING=CARS TAKING HUGE LEADS=BORING RACE: The elite teams are so superior today that these cars are establishing big leads early in the race thus leaving the bottom tier teams a lap down, in some cases, 25 laps into the race. This, coupled with the drivers "playing it safe" for the first three quarters of the race has made viewers impatient with the broadcast and reaching for the remote. I've been to three races in New Hampshire and can vouch that about forty percent of the fans are out of their seats and searching for souvenirs or food(or beer) after about 20 laps. Of course, most are back watching for the last 20 laps but I cannot say as much for the television viewer...the race is probably forgotten about at this point.
(4) TOO MANY COMMERCIALS DURING TELEVISION BROADCASTS: Isn't racing one big commercial? Just look at the cars, the driver's and pit crew's uniforms...heck, the scroll at the top of your screen has a sponsor changing on screen every 10 minutes. Too many commercials=lack of interest. A better way, if all the commercials are necessary for ESPN, ABC, FOX etc. to break even, why not have a split screen with the race broadcast continuously? In any case, the networks have to bring the race back to the fans and not show themselves as some greedy money machine.
(5) MORE FOCUS ON THE LOWER TIER DRIVERS DURING BROADCASTS: Every driver in racing is important. Even if the chances of winning are slim for some, every driver WANTS to win and improve every week. One driver that has a season under his(or her) belt is a year of experience and growth mentally and technologically for the the driver and team. We, as race fans, need to see a part of each racer and their strategies(and pit stops) throughout a race. Watching Jimmie Johnson and Dale Earnhardt Jr. for the majority of the broadcast does not allow the fan to fully appreciate the drama that is racing. I'd like to know how fast Kyle Petty is going, how many laps Bobby Labonte is down, if Mark Martin's car is running well or having problems.
I feel that the networks see a lot of these drivers as background scenery, to use a movie analogy. By leaving these drivers in the dust and focusing only on drivers with a high Q rating, the networks are only reinforcing the fact that the NASCAR Sprint Cup circuit is dominated and ran by the elite.
Let's hope that the people of NASCAR do not turn this amazing sport into Formula 1 and alienate a sector of fans...I want to LOVE NASCAR again...not just like it!