DAVETV If you could look at only one thing on the Internet, DaveTV would be the obvious choice. What other so-called "website" lets you watch LATE SHOW Highlights, Comedy Clips, Slideshows, Stupid Trick clips and The Tony Mendez Show?
TOP TEN LIST You know it, you love it, you can't live without it: the revolutionary comedy bit that won Dave the Nobel Peace Prize. Check out the latest Top Ten List here.
TOP TEN ARCHIVES Old Top Ten Lists never die, they just get archived. The Top Ten Archives is searchable by date and keyword. Also, please note that the word "archives" contains the word "chives."
TOP TEN CONTEST So you think you're as funny as Dave's writers? Or maybe you just enjoy wasting time at work? See if you've got the chops to win a great prize in our weekly Top Ten Contest.
TOP TEN SEARCH Search Results.
TOP TEN SEARCH Search Results.
WAHOO GAZETTE LATE SHOW staffer Mike McIntee gives you a daily show summary and the behind-the-scenes lowdown with his daily Wahoo Gazette. So much juicy inside information that you'll say "Wahoo!"
THE WAHOO GAZETTE ARCHIVE Mike McIntee's popular Wahoo Gazette is archived here in the aptly- named Wahoo Gazette Archive. You can search by date, keyword, or show number, or even Dave's tie pattern (coming June 2012).
THE WAHOO GAZETTE ARCHIVE Mike McIntee's popular Wahoo Gazette is archived here in the aptly- named Wahoo Gazette Archive. You can search by date, keyword, or show number, or even Dave's tie pattern (coming June 2012).
Jennifer Garner; Ken Burns; and Chaka Khan. PLUS:The CBS fall Lineup; Traffic Near the U.N.; Dancing With The Stars; Great Moments in Presidential Speeches; the President and CEO of 7-Eleven; a Ten List; and Chris Elliott and Gerard Mulligan in “Bionic Guy”
“ . . . and now, a man who answers to the name “Lucky” . . . . David Letterman!”
ACT 1
For my files: Odd Dave – Dave at the monologue mark with his hand in his pocket simulating a gun, as if committing a stickup.
Are you folks excited about the new fall television season? CBS is heavily promoting their lineup. They know the importance of getting off to a good start. Have you seen their most recent promotional announcement? Announce: “The new fall television season is here and tonight, CBS has it all! The hilarious! (scene from “How I Met Your Mother”).
The suspenseful (scene from “CSI: Miami”).
And the bitterly disappointing (scene of Dave on the Late Show).
Only on CBS.”
Traffic was terrible this week due to the General Assembly at the United Nations. Dave says it took him 8 hours to get into work this morning . . . . of course, I live in Duluth.
A bit later he adds, “ . . . of course, I live in Altoona,” and “ . . . of course, I live in Poughkeepsie!”
Anyway, the traffic was so bad around the United Nations that it even interrupt President Bush in his address to the General Assembly. We watch.
We see the President speaking . . . and then being interrupted by car horns. More and more horns are blasted until the President cannot be heard.
The new season of “Dancing With The Stars” is underway. This looks like the most exciting season yet. We watch a promo. Announce: “Tonight, don’t miss the ‘Dancing With The Stars’ results show. One contestant goes home. Dolly Parton performs. And O.J. steals Floyd Mayweather’s boxing memorabilia” (O.J. Simpson slides in; SFX: ah-ooga car horn and chicken squawk)
“’Dancing With The Stars’ – only on ABC!”
Dave mutters, “Thank goodness for the sound effects.”
GREAT MOMENTS IN PRESIDENTIAL SPEECHES:
We see LBJ.
We see JFK.
We see George W. Bush in the Oval Office . . . . staring. Blankly staring.
ACT 2
While Dave billboards the night’s guests, he hears inappropriate laughing coming from the audience. (we’ll take it) Dave ganders into the audience and sees his old friend, Chris Elliott. Sitting next to him is another old friend, Gerard Mulligan. DAVE: “Oh, it’s out good friend, Chris Elliott. Are you enjoying the show, Chris?” CHRIS: “I wouldn’t go that far. My friend, Gerry, was just telling me a funny story. (to Mulligan) I can’t believe he said that. Funny stuff.” DAVE: “Well, it’s good to see you both. (goes back to billboarding the show) Coming up on the show tonight we have . . . .”
Dave is interrupted once again by Chris Elliott. CHRIS: (getting up and going up on stage) “OK, OK, if you insist . . . come on up, Gerry.” They sit with Dave. DAVE: “What can I do for you, Chris?” CHRIS: “First, let me say that Gerry and I have been attending tapings of your show for weeks waiting to jump in, but, there’s been so much funny stuff going on, we just haven’t had the chance.” DAVE: “That’s very kind of you to say. What have you been up to?” CHRIS: “I actually have a new project that I’m very excited to talk to you about tonight. Gerry and I are starring in the new Spike TV series, ‘Bionic Guy.’ Not ‘THE Bionic Guy,’ just ‘Bionic Guy.’ It’s about a guy who is bionic.” DAVE: “’Bionic Guy’? Isn’t there a new show called ‘Bionic Woman’ that premiered earlier tonight on NBC?” CHRIS: “I have no idea what you’re talking about. Never heard of it. What I am hearing a lot of good buzz about ‘Bionic Guy.’ I’m so proud of this project. I don’t always say that, you know. And the network it really promoting the hell out of it. Have you seen the billboard on Tenth Avenue?”
(see billboard of Chris starring in “Bionic Guy”) CHRIS: “Yeah, FX is really excited about the show.” DAVE: “I thought you said it was Spike TV.” CHRIS: “Ah, who gives a crap? Anyway, I brought the first official ‘Bionic Guy’ promo to unveil to America tonight.” DAVE: “Let’s take a look. Chris Elliott and Gerry Mulligan in ‘Bionic Guy.’”
We see a two-three minute clip of the exciting new program, “Bionic Guy.” I smell Emmy.
ACT 3 TOP TEN: Signs Your Baby Is Too Fat – last week in Russia, a woman gave birth to a 17 pound, 1 ounce baby girl.
#10. She has your eyes and Barry Bonds’ head.
9. Doctor says, “It’s a . . . . good Lord!”
JENNIFER GARNER: She stars in the new film, “The Kingdom,” opening on Friday.
Jennifer is the mom of a 2-year-old daughter named Violet who has an obsession. That’s not unusual for an infant, but her daughter’s obsession is with Jennifer’s stunt double, Shauna. More than once Jennifer will say to her daughter, “I love Violet,” and Violet will respond, “I love Shauna.” Jennifer has a slight concern her husband might one day start thinking that way.
Jennifer kept in shape this summer by working out . . . with the Boston University Hockey Team. On skates? No, not on ice skates. It was a great work out, but Jennifer admits to some disappointment when the athletes didn’t try to flirt with her even a little bit. Nothing. One kid asked, “Uhhh, do you know Jessica Alba?” Jennifer feels she is no longer attractive to college kids now that she’s married. Dave sizes up the situation and explains, “They are kids. They know what they want, but don’t know how to get it.”
Jennifer is married to actor Ben Affleck and Dave wonders if being married to someone in the same business is difficult. Dave found himself in such a situation and the struggles that came up at work during the day were continued at home all night. Jennifer says she and Ben keep their careers at work and keep home for home. Dave asks, “So, who’s the better actor?” Jennifer won’t say, even when coaxed by Dave. “C’mon, here’s your chance!” Jennifer doesn’t bite.
Part of her new film, The Kingdom, was shot in Phoenix and in Dubai. What was Dubai like? Jennifer says she didn’t get to go to Dubai since her character wasn’t in those parts that were filmed there. The very adept Dave follows with, “Well, how was Phoenix?” Jennifer says it was hot, coming down with the heat stroke twice. But it’s a dry heat.
ACT 4
Once again, our good friend, the President and CEO of 7-Eleven, Mr. Jim Keyes.
Mr. Jim Keyes enters: “Great to be here again, folks. As you know, since last July 11th --- 7-11 ---- the Late Show and 7- Eleven have been partners in several terrific promotions. We’ve given away over 38 million dollars in free food, cars, and other great prizes, all thanks to that man right over there, David Letterman. (Keyes applauds)
And now as we head into the chilly weather of fall, we’ve worked with Dave to come up with a new promotion so cool, it’s hot! Now through October 15th, just stop by your local 7-Eleven and say ‘Dave’s loco for cocoa,’ and get a medium-size hot cocoa, FREE!
And so your cup of cocoa doesn’t get lonely, you can choose one of our delicious bakery donuts. When you get your free cocoa and donut, you’ll also receive one of these colorful autumn leaves! Scratch off the sliver area in the middle to find out if you win one of our grand prizes: a trip to the fall classic, the World Series! It’s a grand prize that hits a grand slam, am I right? (Applauds)
Wow! I think America’s really going to ‘fall’ for this promotion! Thanks again, Dave! See you all at 7-Eleven!”
Mr. Keyes exits. Paul: “Exciting, isn’t it?” Dave: “Sure is.”
ACT 5 Announce: “It’s time to announce the winner of the ‘I Look Like Mahmoud Ahmadinejad Contest.’
Congratulations to Leo Desoto from Fort Wayne, Indiana. (photo of Ahmadinejad, named Leo Desoto)
You just won a ‘I Look Like Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’ t-shirt.
This has been the ‘I Look Like Mahmoud Ahmadinejad t-shirt.
Ya’ll come back now, ya hear?”
ACT 6 KEN BURNS: the documentary filmmaker and creator of the PBS series, “The War,” currently airing. I’ve been trying to watch The War as much as I can, but it’s not easy. I get home just before 8:00. I haven’t seen the family all day and it’s difficult to plop down in front of the television first thing through the door. I have to ask my girls about their day and they have to ignore me and all that takes time. And then it’s bedtime for them during The War and that takes me away from the set. And the PBS series is two hours running time. No commercials. There are no 3-minute windows to tuck the girls in, give a kiss, and run back to the TV. I’ll probably end up getting the box set. Oh, and if you’re watching anything else this week on television besides The War, you’re really wasting time and missing out on something very special. Ken Burns’ documentaries are all great and should not be missed.
Other Ken Burns documentaries include:
- The Civil War (1990)
- Baseball (1994)
- Lewis & Clark (1997)
- Jazz (2001)
He did his first documentary in 1981 about the Brooklyn Bridge. One of his first interviews was with a 106-year-old man at a nursing home who, as a young boy, delivered water to the men working to build the bridge. When he finally met the man, the guy was smoking a cigarette, nattily dressed, and taking swigs from a flask of vodka. When asked the secret to his longevity, he said, “The Father, the Son, the Holy Ghost? I don’t tell them nothing.” Ken Burns enjoyed the experience and has since become hooked on documentary filmmaking.
For the same documentary, he interviewed the intimidating Arthur Miller, the author of the play “A View From The Bridge,” referring to The Bridge. Ken thought it would be a good idea. How’d the interview go? Arthur Miller repeatedly snarled, “I don’t know a damn thing about the Brooklyn Bridge.” The War continues throughout the week. The film is anchored in four United States cities: Waterbury, Connecticut; Mobile, Alabama; Sacramento, California; and Luverne, Minnesota, and he follows the stories of servicemen from these cities and their loved one back home. World War II like you’ve never seen it before. It’s absolutely fascinating.
ACT 7 CHAKA KHAN: From her CD, “Funk This,” Chaka Khan performed “Will You Love Me.”
And that was our show for Wednesday, September 26, 2007.
The New York Mets were swept by the last place Washington Nationals this week, proving once again that bad hitting will beat bad pitching every time.
This was the second time I’ve seen Chaka Khan LIVE. The first time was 24 years ago on March 3, 1983. I saw her on my only attendance at Late Night.
Also on the program:
Pee Wee Herman.
Larry Bud Melman doing standup.
Chaka Khan.
Madeline Kahn
Steve Khan, filling in for Hiram Bullock.
New Gifts.
Also, 3 audience members raced down the elevators, hailed a cab, took a trip around the block, got an anecdote from the cab driver, and raced back up. The first one back, won. Unfortunately, the first one back did not win since she did not come back with an anecdote from the cab driver.
I turned on the USA Women’s soccer game Thursday morning vs. Brazil. They were already down 2-0 at the 30-minute mark. Brazil fouls a USA’er just outside the penalty area. We see a replay of the foul. And of course, during the replay, we miss the LIVE action of the direct kick and a shot on goal that just missed. How can we not be shown that direct kick from just outside the penalty area? How can the director miss that shot? How can he, or she, allow us to be stuck in a replay at that moment? And how come I can’t watch a sporting event, ANY sporting event, and not be screaming at the TV within 5 minutes because of lousy camera shots?
I was still steamed 7 minutes later when a Brazilian gets an elbow to the back of the neck. She falls to the ground in pain. Play is eventually stopped. I’m one of those who never believes a soccer player is hurt when they are “lying” on the ground. With assistance, she is helped to her feet. I still don’t believe her. She is holding her neck, barely able to move it. She is given a water bottle. She lifts the bottle to her lips. I am riveted to the TV, wanting to see her tilt her head way back to drink. If she can move her head and neck to drink, then I’ll know for sure that she wasn’t really hurt. And then . . . . back to LIVE inaction. Just as she was about to sip, we cut away. I can’t really blame the director for going off this shot, but once again I screamed at the TV.
Someday, TVs will come with remotes that will allow the viewer to decide which camera-shot they want to see on their television.
My local gin mill, formerly The Depot, now “Woody’s”, has reopened after 5 months. The Depot used to be a drinking man’s bar. Nothing fancy, no flashing lights; just beer, gin, vodka, a ballgame on the TV, and dust on the floor. It’s exactly what I want in a bar. Then it closed down. About a month or two ago I saw work going on inside. I was excited about the bar’s return. But the more I peeked in, the more concerned I became. It looked as if it was being fixed up too much. I could understand the owner wanting improvements, but I didn’t want too many improvements. After daily inspections with a slow drive by, I resigned myself that The Depot would become more family-friendly, offering lunch and dinner for those who hungered for such. And then two weeks ago, still before it opened, I saw through the window a table with a white table cloth, a candle, and a vase with a single flower. This was really disappointing. I was afraid that Woody’s was becoming an “eat first” place. The drinks would not be the main attraction. Still, I waited and hoped. A week ago, Woody’s opened. I drove past the place on my way home and saw it was packed. This is to be expected on opening night. The next three nights were the same. Business looked good. And then one night I found myself home early from work. Denise was driving the girls home from Religion. We touched base on the phone and decided to give Woody’s a shot. We were going to Woody’s for dinner. I walked to the restaurant while Denise drove with the girls. I got there quick, wanting to get a drink and a feel for the place before sitting for dinner. I figured it would be a burger and fries night. I walked up to the front door and read the menu on the board outside. Oh, no. Oh, no. It can’t be. I checked the menu and the cheapest thing was $16. They made The Depot into a restaurant, and a pricey one at that. There wasn’t a burger or a plate of fries on the menu! A lot of the entrees . . . ENTREES! . . . were French-titled. I didn’t even go inside. I couldn’t. I phoned Denise on my cell, maybe the 10th time I’ve used a cell phone in my life, and told her to not bother. I told her to meet me at home. I walked home. She and the girls arrived moments later. We ordered Dominoes.
Driving home from work the other night I heard on the radio, “Let’s Spend The Night Together” by the Rolling Stones. It’s over 40 years old and it still works for me. If there weren’t thousands of cars ahead of me stopped in traffic, I probably would have been heavy on the pedal as I blasted the song.
WAHOO PHILOSOPHY CORNER
Socrates. (470 BC–399 BC) was a Classical Greek philosopher who is widely credited for laying the foundation for Western philosophy.
Plato (428– 348BC), whose original name was Aristocles, was an ancient Greek philosopher, the second of the great trio of ancient Greeks –succeeding Socrates and preceding Aristotle
Aristotle (384 BC – 322 BC) was a Greek philosopher, a student of Plato
Tonight’s featured Philosopher: Aristotle
- Education is the best provision for the journey to old age.
- Happiness depends upon ourselves.
- It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it.
CAMEO MENTION OF A WAHOO READER
From Tenafly, New Jersey and Ramapo Senior High School alum, it’s Joseph P. Harris
This concludes another installment of CAMEO MENTION OF A WAHOO READER
Jennifer Garner; Ken Burns; and Chaka Khan. PLUS:The CBS fall Lineup; Traffic Near the U.N.; Dancing With The Stars; Great Moments in Presidential Speeches; the President and CEO of 7-Eleven; a Ten List; and Chris Elliott and Gerard Mulligan in “Bionic Guy”
“ . . . and now, a man who answers to the name “Lucky” . . . . David Letterman!”
ACT 1
For my files: Odd Dave – Dave at the monologue mark with his hand in his pocket simulating a gun, as if committing a stickup.
Are you folks excited about the new fall television season? CBS is heavily promoting their lineup. They know the importance of getting off to a good start. Have you seen their most recent promotional announcement? Announce: “The new fall television season is here and tonight, CBS has it all! The hilarious! (scene from “How I Met Your Mother”).
The suspenseful (scene from “CSI: Miami”).
And the bitterly disappointing (scene of Dave on the Late Show).
Only on CBS.”
Traffic was terrible this week due to the General Assembly at the United Nations. Dave says it took him 8 hours to get into work this morning . . . . of course, I live in Duluth.
A bit later he adds, “ . . . of course, I live in Altoona,” and “ . . . of course, I live in Poughkeepsie!”
Anyway, the traffic was so bad around the United Nations that it even interrupt President Bush in his address to the General Assembly. We watch.
We see the President speaking . . . and then being interrupted by car horns. More and more horns are blasted until the President cannot be heard.
The new season of “Dancing With The Stars” is underway. This looks like the most exciting season yet. We watch a promo. Announce: “Tonight, don’t miss the ‘Dancing With The Stars’ results show. One contestant goes home. Dolly Parton performs. And O.J. steals Floyd Mayweather’s boxing memorabilia” (O.J. Simpson slides in; SFX: ah-ooga car horn and chicken squawk)
“’Dancing With The Stars’ – only on ABC!”
Dave mutters, “Thank goodness for the sound effects.”
GREAT MOMENTS IN PRESIDENTIAL SPEECHES:
We see LBJ.
We see JFK.
We see George W. Bush in the Oval Office . . . . staring. Blankly staring.
ACT 2
While Dave billboards the night’s guests, he hears inappropriate laughing coming from the audience. (we’ll take it) Dave ganders into the audience and sees his old friend, Chris Elliott. Sitting next to him is another old friend, Gerard Mulligan. DAVE: “Oh, it’s out good friend, Chris Elliott. Are you enjoying the show, Chris?” CHRIS: “I wouldn’t go that far. My friend, Gerry, was just telling me a funny story. (to Mulligan) I can’t believe he said that. Funny stuff.” DAVE: “Well, it’s good to see you both. (goes back to billboarding the show) Coming up on the show tonight we have . . . .”
Dave is interrupted once again by Chris Elliott. CHRIS: (getting up and going up on stage) “OK, OK, if you insist . . . come on up, Gerry.” They sit with Dave. DAVE: “What can I do for you, Chris?” CHRIS: “First, let me say that Gerry and I have been attending tapings of your show for weeks waiting to jump in, but, there’s been so much funny stuff going on, we just haven’t had the chance.” DAVE: “That’s very kind of you to say. What have you been up to?” CHRIS: “I actually have a new project that I’m very excited to talk to you about tonight. Gerry and I are starring in the new Spike TV series, ‘Bionic Guy.’ Not ‘THE Bionic Guy,’ just ‘Bionic Guy.’ It’s about a guy who is bionic.” DAVE: “’Bionic Guy’? Isn’t there a new show called ‘Bionic Woman’ that premiered earlier tonight on NBC?” CHRIS: “I have no idea what you’re talking about. Never heard of it. What I am hearing a lot of good buzz about ‘Bionic Guy.’ I’m so proud of this project. I don’t always say that, you know. And the network it really promoting the hell out of it. Have you seen the billboard on Tenth Avenue?”
(see billboard of Chris starring in “Bionic Guy”) CHRIS: “Yeah, FX is really excited about the show.” DAVE: “I thought you said it was Spike TV.” CHRIS: “Ah, who gives a crap? Anyway, I brought the first official ‘Bionic Guy’ promo to unveil to America tonight.” DAVE: “Let’s take a look. Chris Elliott and Gerry Mulligan in ‘Bionic Guy.’”
We see a two-three minute clip of the exciting new program, “Bionic Guy.” I smell Emmy.
ACT 3 TOP TEN: Signs Your Baby Is Too Fat – last week in Russia, a woman gave birth to a 17 pound, 1 ounce baby girl.
#10. She has your eyes and Barry Bonds’ head.
9. Doctor says, “It’s a . . . . good Lord!”
JENNIFER GARNER: She stars in the new film, “The Kingdom,” opening on Friday.
Jennifer is the mom of a 2-year-old daughter named Violet who has an obsession. That’s not unusual for an infant, but her daughter’s obsession is with Jennifer’s stunt double, Shauna. More than once Jennifer will say to her daughter, “I love Violet,” and Violet will respond, “I love Shauna.” Jennifer has a slight concern her husband might one day start thinking that way.
Jennifer kept in shape this summer by working out . . . with the Boston University Hockey Team. On skates? No, not on ice skates. It was a great work out, but Jennifer admits to some disappointment when the athletes didn’t try to flirt with her even a little bit. Nothing. One kid asked, “Uhhh, do you know Jessica Alba?” Jennifer feels she is no longer attractive to college kids now that she’s married. Dave sizes up the situation and explains, “They are kids. They know what they want, but don’t know how to get it.”
Jennifer is married to actor Ben Affleck and Dave wonders if being married to someone in the same business is difficult. Dave found himself in such a situation and the struggles that came up at work during the day were continued at home all night. Jennifer says she and Ben keep their careers at work and keep home for home. Dave asks, “So, who’s the better actor?” Jennifer won’t say, even when coaxed by Dave. “C’mon, here’s your chance!” Jennifer doesn’t bite.
Part of her new film, The Kingdom, was shot in Phoenix and in Dubai. What was Dubai like? Jennifer says she didn’t get to go to Dubai since her character wasn’t in those parts that were filmed there. The very adept Dave follows with, “Well, how was Phoenix?” Jennifer says it was hot, coming down with the heat stroke twice. But it’s a dry heat.
ACT 4
Once again, our good friend, the President and CEO of 7-Eleven, Mr. Jim Keyes.
Mr. Jim Keyes enters: “Great to be here again, folks. As you know, since last July 11th --- 7-11 ---- the Late Show and 7- Eleven have been partners in several terrific promotions. We’ve given away over 38 million dollars in free food, cars, and other great prizes, all thanks to that man right over there, David Letterman. (Keyes applauds)
And now as we head into the chilly weather of fall, we’ve worked with Dave to come up with a new promotion so cool, it’s hot! Now through October 15th, just stop by your local 7-Eleven and say ‘Dave’s loco for cocoa,’ and get a medium-size hot cocoa, FREE!
And so your cup of cocoa doesn’t get lonely, you can choose one of our delicious bakery donuts. When you get your free cocoa and donut, you’ll also receive one of these colorful autumn leaves! Scratch off the sliver area in the middle to find out if you win one of our grand prizes: a trip to the fall classic, the World Series! It’s a grand prize that hits a grand slam, am I right? (Applauds)
Wow! I think America’s really going to ‘fall’ for this promotion! Thanks again, Dave! See you all at 7-Eleven!”
Mr. Keyes exits. Paul: “Exciting, isn’t it?” Dave: “Sure is.”
ACT 5 Announce: “It’s time to announce the winner of the ‘I Look Like Mahmoud Ahmadinejad Contest.’
Congratulations to Leo Desoto from Fort Wayne, Indiana. (photo of Ahmadinejad, named Leo Desoto)
You just won a ‘I Look Like Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’ t-shirt.
This has been the ‘I Look Like Mahmoud Ahmadinejad t-shirt.
Ya’ll come back now, ya hear?”
ACT 6 KEN BURNS: the documentary filmmaker and creator of the PBS series, “The War,” currently airing. I’ve been trying to watch The War as much as I can, but it’s not easy. I get home just before 8:00. I haven’t seen the family all day and it’s difficult to plop down in front of the television first thing through the door. I have to ask my girls about their day and they have to ignore me and all that takes time. And then it’s bedtime for them during The War and that takes me away from the set. And the PBS series is two hours running time. No commercials. There are no 3-minute windows to tuck the girls in, give a kiss, and run back to the TV. I’ll probably end up getting the box set. Oh, and if you’re watching anything else this week on television besides The War, you’re really wasting time and missing out on something very special. Ken Burns’ documentaries are all great and should not be missed.
Other Ken Burns documentaries include:
- The Civil War (1990)
- Baseball (1994)
- Lewis & Clark (1997)
- Jazz (2001)
He did his first documentary in 1981 about the Brooklyn Bridge. One of his first interviews was with a 106-year-old man at a nursing home who, as a young boy, delivered water to the men working to build the bridge. When he finally met the man, the guy was smoking a cigarette, nattily dressed, and taking swigs from a flask of vodka. When asked the secret to his longevity, he said, “The Father, the Son, the Holy Ghost? I don’t tell them nothing.” Ken Burns enjoyed the experience and has since become hooked on documentary filmmaking.
For the same documentary, he interviewed the intimidating Arthur Miller, the author of the play “A View From The Bridge,” referring to The Bridge. Ken thought it would be a good idea. How’d the interview go? Arthur Miller repeatedly snarled, “I don’t know a damn thing about the Brooklyn Bridge.” The War continues throughout the week. The film is anchored in four United States cities: Waterbury, Connecticut; Mobile, Alabama; Sacramento, California; and Luverne, Minnesota, and he follows the stories of servicemen from these cities and their loved one back home. World War II like you’ve never seen it before. It’s absolutely fascinating.
ACT 7 CHAKA KHAN: From her CD, “Funk This,” Chaka Khan performed “Will You Love Me.”
And that was our show for Wednesday, September 26, 2007.
The New York Mets were swept by the last place Washington Nationals this week, proving once again that bad hitting will beat bad pitching every time.
This was the second time I’ve seen Chaka Khan LIVE. The first time was 24 years ago on March 3, 1983. I saw her on my only attendance at Late Night.
Also on the program:
Pee Wee Herman.
Larry Bud Melman doing standup.
Chaka Khan.
Madeline Kahn
Steve Khan, filling in for Hiram Bullock.
New Gifts.
Also, 3 audience members raced down the elevators, hailed a cab, took a trip around the block, got an anecdote from the cab driver, and raced back up. The first one back, won. Unfortunately, the first one back did not win since she did not come back with an anecdote from the cab driver.
I turned on the USA Women’s soccer game Thursday morning vs. Brazil. They were already down 2-0 at the 30-minute mark. Brazil fouls a USA’er just outside the penalty area. We see a replay of the foul. And of course, during the replay, we miss the LIVE action of the direct kick and a shot on goal that just missed. How can we not be shown that direct kick from just outside the penalty area? How can the director miss that shot? How can he, or she, allow us to be stuck in a replay at that moment? And how come I can’t watch a sporting event, ANY sporting event, and not be screaming at the TV within 5 minutes because of lousy camera shots?
I was still steamed 7 minutes later when a Brazilian gets an elbow to the back of the neck. She falls to the ground in pain. Play is eventually stopped. I’m one of those who never believes a soccer player is hurt when they are “lying” on the ground. With assistance, she is helped to her feet. I still don’t believe her. She is holding her neck, barely able to move it. She is given a water bottle. She lifts the bottle to her lips. I am riveted to the TV, wanting to see her tilt her head way back to drink. If she can move her head and neck to drink, then I’ll know for sure that she wasn’t really hurt. And then . . . . back to LIVE inaction. Just as she was about to sip, we cut away. I can’t really blame the director for going off this shot, but once again I screamed at the TV.
Someday, TVs will come with remotes that will allow the viewer to decide which camera-shot they want to see on their television.
My local gin mill, formerly The Depot, now “Woody’s”, has reopened after 5 months. The Depot used to be a drinking man’s bar. Nothing fancy, no flashing lights; just beer, gin, vodka, a ballgame on the TV, and dust on the floor. It’s exactly what I want in a bar. Then it closed down. About a month or two ago I saw work going on inside. I was excited about the bar’s return. But the more I peeked in, the more concerned I became. It looked as if it was being fixed up too much. I could understand the owner wanting improvements, but I didn’t want too many improvements. After daily inspections with a slow drive by, I resigned myself that The Depot would become more family-friendly, offering lunch and dinner for those who hungered for such. And then two weeks ago, still before it opened, I saw through the window a table with a white table cloth, a candle, and a vase with a single flower. This was really disappointing. I was afraid that Woody’s was becoming an “eat first” place. The drinks would not be the main attraction. Still, I waited and hoped. A week ago, Woody’s opened. I drove past the place on my way home and saw it was packed. This is to be expected on opening night. The next three nights were the same. Business looked good. And then one night I found myself home early from work. Denise was driving the girls home from Religion. We touched base on the phone and decided to give Woody’s a shot. We were going to Woody’s for dinner. I walked to the restaurant while Denise drove with the girls. I got there quick, wanting to get a drink and a feel for the place before sitting for dinner. I figured it would be a burger and fries night. I walked up to the front door and read the menu on the board outside. Oh, no. Oh, no. It can’t be. I checked the menu and the cheapest thing was $16. They made The Depot into a restaurant, and a pricey one at that. There wasn’t a burger or a plate of fries on the menu! A lot of the entrees . . . ENTREES! . . . were French-titled. I didn’t even go inside. I couldn’t. I phoned Denise on my cell, maybe the 10th time I’ve used a cell phone in my life, and told her to not bother. I told her to meet me at home. I walked home. She and the girls arrived moments later. We ordered Dominoes.
Driving home from work the other night I heard on the radio, “Let’s Spend The Night Together” by the Rolling Stones. It’s over 40 years old and it still works for me. If there weren’t thousands of cars ahead of me stopped in traffic, I probably would have been heavy on the pedal as I blasted the song.
WAHOO PHILOSOPHY CORNER
Socrates. (470 BC–399 BC) was a Classical Greek philosopher who is widely credited for laying the foundation for Western philosophy.
Plato (428– 348BC), whose original name was Aristocles, was an ancient Greek philosopher, the second of the great trio of ancient Greeks –succeeding Socrates and preceding Aristotle
Aristotle (384 BC – 322 BC) was a Greek philosopher, a student of Plato
Tonight’s featured Philosopher: Aristotle
- Education is the best provision for the journey to old age.
- Happiness depends upon ourselves.
- It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it.
CAMEO MENTION OF A WAHOO READER
From Tenafly, New Jersey and Ramapo Senior High School alum, it’s Joseph P. Harris
This concludes another installment of CAMEO MENTION OF A WAHOO READER
ACT 1 • Show Open • Dave's Monologue Watch now • Promo for New CBS Shows • Bad Traffic around the United Nations • "Dancing with the Stars" Promo • Great Moments in Presidential Speeches
ACT 2 • Chris Elliott & Gerard Mulligan in "Bionic Guy" Watch now
ACT 3 • Top Ten Signs Your Baby Is Too Fat Read now
