All I can say is....
WOW...fans...you WON'T be disappointed...that's all for now... :-)
Thursday, March 30, 2006
Sunday, March 26, 2006
Zoo gander
So, yesterday, Matt and I went to the L.A. Zoo. In my almost seven years out here, I had never been to the home of the last opening credit sequence from "Three's Company."
In a belated tribute to Don Knotts, I figured it was worth a visit...ok, that really wasn't the impetus for the trip, but I still kept thinking about the "Three's Company" opening as I walked around the zoo...especially when I saw the tram driving around.
It was cool...The best part was seeing chimpanzees going crazy - nothing like seeing chimps jumping around, banging windows, and screeching as a mass of people gathering around to see what the hell is going on.
In addition to crazy chimp sightings, there was a celebrity sighting - Dan Futterman, Barry from "Will and Grace" and one of the writers of "Capote."
Also saw this sign:
This means...Don't drop cotton balls into the animal area, or they will get very upset.
And found a bunch of those plastic statue mold machines. I was VERY excited. I hadn't seen them since I was a little kid. I think the last one I saw was at Miami Seaquarium. I couldn't resist and picked up a plastic giraffe:
Mmm...chocolate giraffes...
Went out to Akbar later in the evening and saw my friends Jason, Jim, and Jordon. Also, bumped into Guy from G4, whom I had first met at the next-to-last taping of the late and much-missed "Unscrewed with Martin Sargent." And...if that wasn't all, I saw Nick from "Project Runway!" YAY!
In a belated tribute to Don Knotts, I figured it was worth a visit...ok, that really wasn't the impetus for the trip, but I still kept thinking about the "Three's Company" opening as I walked around the zoo...especially when I saw the tram driving around.
It was cool...The best part was seeing chimpanzees going crazy - nothing like seeing chimps jumping around, banging windows, and screeching as a mass of people gathering around to see what the hell is going on.
In addition to crazy chimp sightings, there was a celebrity sighting - Dan Futterman, Barry from "Will and Grace" and one of the writers of "Capote."
Also saw this sign:
This means...Don't drop cotton balls into the animal area, or they will get very upset.
And found a bunch of those plastic statue mold machines. I was VERY excited. I hadn't seen them since I was a little kid. I think the last one I saw was at Miami Seaquarium. I couldn't resist and picked up a plastic giraffe:
Mmm...chocolate giraffes...
Went out to Akbar later in the evening and saw my friends Jason, Jim, and Jordon. Also, bumped into Guy from G4, whom I had first met at the next-to-last taping of the late and much-missed "Unscrewed with Martin Sargent." And...if that wasn't all, I saw Nick from "Project Runway!" YAY!
Friday, March 24, 2006
I got you, geek
Awww, it's Wes and Cher from "Beauty the Geek!" They're going to be on "Reality Remix" today! The new episode debuts at 7:30 PM Eastern/4:30 PM Pacific on Fox Reality.
And if you don't get Fox Reality, watch the show online when it's uploaded later tonight.
Tuesday, March 21, 2006
One of the best shows that you're probably missing...
So, just got done watching tonight's episode of "The Amazing Race..."
Gnomes! Lederhosens! Cuckoo-induced beer bottle breaking! Some old German guy with a long Santa-like beard!
C'mon people...it may be on later than it used to be, but you gotta watch this show. It's still one of the best TV shows out there right now!
Oh, and go BJ and Tyler! :-)
Gnomes! Lederhosens! Cuckoo-induced beer bottle breaking! Some old German guy with a long Santa-like beard!
C'mon people...it may be on later than it used to be, but you gotta watch this show. It's still one of the best TV shows out there right now!
Oh, and go BJ and Tyler! :-)
Monday, March 20, 2006
I want to be a Hulkamaniac
Need I say any more?
Today, we recorded an interview with Hulk Hogan and his family for tomorrow's edition of "Reality Remix".
They are such a great bunch of people. Definitely a tight family bond there...And the Hulkster's a BIG guy in person. When he shook my hand, I felt really, really petite compared to him. Amazed at what huge hands he has...
Needless to say, we were VERY excited and meeting them was VERY cool. The episode debuts at 7:30 PM Eastern/4:30 PM Pacific on Fox Reality. Fox Reality is on Channel 250 on DirecTV and 190 on Dish Network.
And if you don't get Fox Reality, watch the episode online when it's uploaded around 8-ish PM Eastern/5-ish PM Pacific on the "Reality Remix" website.
Sunday, March 19, 2006
Marathon Man
So, today, I went to the first taping of "Gameshow Marathon." Wow...It was beyond my expectations. If today is any indication of the care that's being taken with these shows, then this is going to be quite a good thing for game show fans.
Ricki's quite good. She's got great energy and she's got a great rapport with the celebs. This is NOT an easy gig with having to learn SEVEN game show formats...three of them (in my opinion) being some of the toughest to learn. Well, she did a nice job of setting up the rules and carrying out the game mechanics.
The celebs really got into the game and they were definitely playing to win. And the set...well, the set looks awesome!
The thing that struck me the most was how FUN the taping was to watch. This is definitely a celebration of classic game shows. I really got the sense that there is quite a genuine respect for the classic titles from all involved.
It was a little "This is Your Life" for me visiting the show...so many people from my game show past were there...It's like a game show class reunion of sorts...
I got a little tour of the scenic shop before the taping and it was mind-blowing. The attention to detail and authenticiy is amazing. They are REALLY going all out to make these shows look like the classic versions!
Simply put, I'm in awe and quite excited to see how the rest of the episodes will turn out...Keep an eye on this one...
Ricki's quite good. She's got great energy and she's got a great rapport with the celebs. This is NOT an easy gig with having to learn SEVEN game show formats...three of them (in my opinion) being some of the toughest to learn. Well, she did a nice job of setting up the rules and carrying out the game mechanics.
The celebs really got into the game and they were definitely playing to win. And the set...well, the set looks awesome!
The thing that struck me the most was how FUN the taping was to watch. This is definitely a celebration of classic game shows. I really got the sense that there is quite a genuine respect for the classic titles from all involved.
It was a little "This is Your Life" for me visiting the show...so many people from my game show past were there...It's like a game show class reunion of sorts...
I got a little tour of the scenic shop before the taping and it was mind-blowing. The attention to detail and authenticiy is amazing. They are REALLY going all out to make these shows look like the classic versions!
Simply put, I'm in awe and quite excited to see how the rest of the episodes will turn out...Keep an eye on this one...
Monday, March 13, 2006
Peter Tomarken (1942 - 2006)
Now that I've had some time to let things sink in...I'd just like to share a few memories about the brief moments I was fortunate enough to work with Peter.
My very first encounter with him was when he called to inquire about doing segment producing work on "Card Sharks." He was directed to my line and the first thing he said was "This is Peter Tomarken, I was calling about the new version of "Card Sharks" you guys are doing." At first, I thought it was a prank call. Little did I know that it was really him and answered him back with a little suspicion. After realizing it was him, I got a bit flustered, but eventually got my act together and gave him the information that he needed.
I still remember that first day I met him in person over at the GSN studios in Culver City. We were testing out different hosts as we started to do work on the "Whammy" pilot and we brought in Peter. The run-through turned out to be a mere formality as he blew through the audition not missing a single beat. The first time he said "$5000 and a spin"...I had chills. Needless to say, I had to keep my fan side in check, but inside the geek side of me was grinning with delight.
I worked with Peter during the pilot process including run-throughs and rehearsals. And he was nothing but great during that month or so. He regaled us with stories about how he loved the show, how the show got yanked prematurely, and how his work there helped to sell "Wipeout." During those run-throughs I played the part of announcer and got quite the kick when Peter threw to me to announce the prizes at the end of the show.
As I've mentioned here before, he did a great job on that pilot. And it was such a joy to have him back to do the cameo on the 2nd season of "Whammy." My memory is foggy as to what made it in the final cut and what didn't, but his sense of humor as he stepped on stage with Todd proved what a class act he was. Was...geez...it's weird typing that...
After that, I saw him at a screening party for premiere of "Big Bucks: The Press Your Luck Scandal" with his wife and the last time I saw him was a couple of years ago as we were prepping for "The Price is Right: Live." He auditioned for the host gig. Unfortunately, it didn't quite work out, but the one thing I remember the most was him stepping in the room, seeing me, and saying, "Hey, Mandel's here...we can get this started now!" It's a bit selfish sounding of a memory, but for a game show fan like me, it really meant a lot for me to hear him say that.
Here's a pic of a moment I will always remember and cherish for the rest of my life:
The freaky thing...I was wearing that same argyle vest today...
Thanks, Peter, for all the years of great entertainment. Thanks for being an inspiration. Thanks for being so kind to a game show geek like me. You will be sorely missed...
My very first encounter with him was when he called to inquire about doing segment producing work on "Card Sharks." He was directed to my line and the first thing he said was "This is Peter Tomarken, I was calling about the new version of "Card Sharks" you guys are doing." At first, I thought it was a prank call. Little did I know that it was really him and answered him back with a little suspicion. After realizing it was him, I got a bit flustered, but eventually got my act together and gave him the information that he needed.
I still remember that first day I met him in person over at the GSN studios in Culver City. We were testing out different hosts as we started to do work on the "Whammy" pilot and we brought in Peter. The run-through turned out to be a mere formality as he blew through the audition not missing a single beat. The first time he said "$5000 and a spin"...I had chills. Needless to say, I had to keep my fan side in check, but inside the geek side of me was grinning with delight.
I worked with Peter during the pilot process including run-throughs and rehearsals. And he was nothing but great during that month or so. He regaled us with stories about how he loved the show, how the show got yanked prematurely, and how his work there helped to sell "Wipeout." During those run-throughs I played the part of announcer and got quite the kick when Peter threw to me to announce the prizes at the end of the show.
As I've mentioned here before, he did a great job on that pilot. And it was such a joy to have him back to do the cameo on the 2nd season of "Whammy." My memory is foggy as to what made it in the final cut and what didn't, but his sense of humor as he stepped on stage with Todd proved what a class act he was. Was...geez...it's weird typing that...
After that, I saw him at a screening party for premiere of "Big Bucks: The Press Your Luck Scandal" with his wife and the last time I saw him was a couple of years ago as we were prepping for "The Price is Right: Live." He auditioned for the host gig. Unfortunately, it didn't quite work out, but the one thing I remember the most was him stepping in the room, seeing me, and saying, "Hey, Mandel's here...we can get this started now!" It's a bit selfish sounding of a memory, but for a game show fan like me, it really meant a lot for me to hear him say that.
Here's a pic of a moment I will always remember and cherish for the rest of my life:
The freaky thing...I was wearing that same argyle vest today...
Thanks, Peter, for all the years of great entertainment. Thanks for being an inspiration. Thanks for being so kind to a game show geek like me. You will be sorely missed...
Speechless...
Just before I was pulled into a meeting a few hours ago, I found out that Peter Tomarken, host of "Press Your Luck," was killed this morning in a plane crash. Honestly, I don't know what to say...I'm really at a loss for words...especially after finding out why he was flying...
Santa Monica Plane Crash Victims Identified
Such a tragic loss...May you rest in peace, Peter...It was an honor working with you...
Santa Monica Plane Crash Victims Identified
Such a tragic loss...May you rest in peace, Peter...It was an honor working with you...
Saturday, March 11, 2006
Where's Andrae? Where's Mandel?
Well..."Project Runway's" Andrae is here in this picture with me on the set of "Reality Remix.":
He did an interview with us on last Wednesday's show. It was quite fun...
As to where I have been, been quite busy with work...pulled a couple of overnight shifts for our first original reality show, "Solitary." The show debuts in June and it looks to be shaping up quite well.
Some random musings and thoughts from the past couple of weeks...
- Kudos to the new Buffalo Crispers sandwich at KFC. But Fish Crispers?!? Fish? At KFC? When did the "F" in KFC start standing for fish??? BOO!
- For the most part, I'm pleased with the Top 12 for "Idol." I would have much rather seen Will Makar stay in place of Bucky or Kevin, but my Top 4 prediction is still feasible! I'm very curious to see how this will all play out in the next few months...
- Last night, went with Ted, Larry, and Christie to a salute to "The Golden Girls" at the Museum of TV and Radio's Paley Festival. Rue McClanahan and Betty White were there. Bea Arthur was supposed to be there, but she was under the weather. Rue and Betty are still sharp and funny. What I was surprised to discover were that Marc Cherry of "Desperate Housewives" and Mitch Hurwitz and Jim Vallely of "Arrested Development" were writers for the show. A very fun evening...
- Went to the "Family Guy" salute on Thursday night. It was a pretty full panel. Much like during the "Family Guy" live show, they were all pretty hilarious.
- Picked up "Rollercoaster Tycoon 3" for the Mac. It's on the Mac! YAY! Be on the lookout for Mandel World!
- My take on the "Project Runway" finale...I was disappointed Daniel V. didn't win, but at least it was Chloe who took home the prize.
- Have an idea that's I've been kicking around in my head for an every couple-months-or-so web show. Still fleshing it out, but if we can pull it off, it'll be fun...I think...or maybe I'm losing my reason at 2 AM in the morning...
More regular updates to come later...
He did an interview with us on last Wednesday's show. It was quite fun...
As to where I have been, been quite busy with work...pulled a couple of overnight shifts for our first original reality show, "Solitary." The show debuts in June and it looks to be shaping up quite well.
Some random musings and thoughts from the past couple of weeks...
- Kudos to the new Buffalo Crispers sandwich at KFC. But Fish Crispers?!? Fish? At KFC? When did the "F" in KFC start standing for fish??? BOO!
- For the most part, I'm pleased with the Top 12 for "Idol." I would have much rather seen Will Makar stay in place of Bucky or Kevin, but my Top 4 prediction is still feasible! I'm very curious to see how this will all play out in the next few months...
- Last night, went with Ted, Larry, and Christie to a salute to "The Golden Girls" at the Museum of TV and Radio's Paley Festival. Rue McClanahan and Betty White were there. Bea Arthur was supposed to be there, but she was under the weather. Rue and Betty are still sharp and funny. What I was surprised to discover were that Marc Cherry of "Desperate Housewives" and Mitch Hurwitz and Jim Vallely of "Arrested Development" were writers for the show. A very fun evening...
- Went to the "Family Guy" salute on Thursday night. It was a pretty full panel. Much like during the "Family Guy" live show, they were all pretty hilarious.
- Picked up "Rollercoaster Tycoon 3" for the Mac. It's on the Mac! YAY! Be on the lookout for Mandel World!
- My take on the "Project Runway" finale...I was disappointed Daniel V. didn't win, but at least it was Chloe who took home the prize.
- Have an idea that's I've been kicking around in my head for an every couple-months-or-so web show. Still fleshing it out, but if we can pull it off, it'll be fun...I think...or maybe I'm losing my reason at 2 AM in the morning...
More regular updates to come later...
