Martha Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest

So I’ve noticed that in my commentary for a few other 24 episodes this season, I’ve said something along the lines of “good episode, but it needed more Jack.” And surprise, surprise, that’s what I feel about tonight’s episode.

I don’t know if that’s some new thing they’re trying–to slowly take the focus off of Jack, or to push him out of the picture, but it’s not the move I’d make. While this season has been interesting, it definitely needs more Jack.

But then again, last year, I thought they were going to have Curtis take Jack’s place as the star of the show, so what do I know?

As usual, the promos blew the episode out of proportion, and while I didn’t think it was the most shocking moment in 24 history, I … Continue reading “Martha Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest” →

King Tom3 Comments

Tell her it’s o-hey-hey-hey-hey

No One Else is one of my favorite weezer songs. Okay, it’s tied with about 15 other weezer songs, but it’s the thought that counts.

The Blue Album had some pretty strong singles, but No One Else was not one of them. Still, that shouldn’t keep the song from getting a video. I found this while surfing through You Tube and think it fits the song perfectly:

King Tom

Goodbye, Ralph

One of the greatest people I’ve ever known passed away last week.

My father called me today to tell me that WNBC reporter Ralph Penza died.  For both semesters of my senior year of college, I was an intern at WNBC–first with a consumer reporter, and then, as Ralph’s intern. 

Usually, I was told, Ralph only hired on full-time interns from another school.  But I guess that someone had talked me up pretty good, because he accepted me as his intern, even though (because of my schedule), I could only work for him three-and-a-half days a week.

Ralph Penza

Right away, I was amazed by Ralph’s energy, generosity and humor.  He was dedicated to getting the story right every day.  I learned more from him in a few months than I did in all of my other college classes combined.  There were stories that we’d be out covering all day where by the end I would be dead tired, but he’d still be going strong.

I talked to Ralph a few times since moving out here, and he was still reporting stories.  Ralph was a great reporter.  But more importantly (as I learned), he was a great person too.

Thanks for giving me a chance Ralph.

King Tom1 Comment

One Hero, One Zero

So Spring Training has finally begun, and like any other year, there’s plenty of drama with which to usher in the baseball season.

Not that my opinion is different than what else is out there, but:

  • The Yankees should re-sign Rivera now, he’s worth it.
  • I don’t really care about the conflict between Jeter and Rodriguez.  They’re big boys and it’s the Yankees Clubhouse, not Pee-Wee’s Playhouse.
  • Carl Pavano can’t just rejoin the team like nothing’s happened after sitting out more than a season because of various, non-career (or even life) threatening injuries.
  • The new spring training caps are horrible.

The one news item that’s been the most difficult for me to wrap my head around is the seeming retirement of Bernie Williams.  His skills have been in decline for the past few years, and he wasn’t even a starter last year.  The team doesn’t have room for him, and I don’t disagree with the way the Yankees have handled inviting him to spring training.  Still, I’ve watched him for the past 15 years and have seen him go from prosepct to superstar to what he is now.

Back when I lived in the NY-NJ area, I went to a lot of Yankees games.  Two games stand out for me- the first time I ever saw Bernie playe was July 25 of ’91– he led off and went hitless in a Yankees loss, but I remember before the game, him and Ken Griffey Jr. joking around by the on-deck circle of the Yankees dugout.  The other memory is from August 16 of ’98–it was Babe Ruth Day at the Stadium and Bernie hit a walk-off home run to beat the Rangers.

There are a lot more memories –ones that I saw firsthand and ones that I watched on television.  And it’s just weird thinking that in an age where players go from team to team, the one guy who has been a big-league Yankee for 15 years won’t be there anymore.

I also wanted mention something about one of my least-favorite former Yankees, Tony Womack.  Turns out Anthony Darrell is a non-roster invitee of the Washington Senators.  And he’s been assigned the uniform number 00.  Seems fitting for a guy with about that much talent.

King Tom