Jumping The Shark

Last night's American Idol truly "jumped the shark" The first 45 minutes were truly terrible, capped off by Nick (or is it Norman) Mitchell, who channeled Jennifer Hudson, (or was it Kate Hudson), and promised in song, that "He's Not Going Home". Thats what I'm afraid of. On the positive side, Allison, who's 16 going on 40 it seems, belted out "Alone" by Heart, and was the best of the night. Megan performed "Put Your Records On", and Kris Allen sung "Man In The Mirroe", (at least he was in tune). I think the final 3 from this fgroup will be Allison, Megan and Matt, who was a little off last night (weren't they all?) but has the likability factor in his favor.
The wildcard may be Kris. I knew I should have given up American Idol for Lent.

This week on Sunday Magazine, I will be interviewing "What's Your Name", the guy who dresses like Jesus. He's back in the area, and has a lot to say about faith, the troubled economic times, church closures and consolidations, and Catholic politicians and how they handle the abortion issue. Also Senator robert Mellow of Lackawanna County weighs in on how the federal stimulu bill will impact Pennsylvania, and Frankie warren speaks with our buddy Ron Evans about the upcoming Bowl For Kids Sake, to benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters on Saturday March 28th at Stanton Lanes in Wilkes Barre. Tune in this Sunday at 6:30am on Magic 93.

3 out of 5 ain't bad

Well, I was 3 for 5 in my Oscar predictions. I correctly guessed "Slumdog Millionaire'" would win for Best Picture, Kate Winslet for best Actress for "The Reader", and Heath Ledger for best Supporting Actor for "The Dark Knight". I missed on Penelope Cruz for Best Supporting Actress, I chose Taraji P. Henson, and Sean Penn took Best Actor, my pick was Mickey Roarke.

On the minus side, "The Love Guru" was the "best of the worst" at Saturday night's Razzie Awards, with Mike Myers taking the hat trick, for Worst Actor, Worst Film and Worst Screenplay. Paris Hilton also took home 3 Razzies, (she's hot, you know), and "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull" took home the Razzie for Worst prequel, remake rip-off or sequal. It was a stretch, but come on, it wasn't that bad!!!

Congrats to the students at Penn State for setting a new record over the weekend for their THON dance marathon at the Bryce Jordan Center. The tudents raised more than 7.6 million dollars for the Four Diamonds Fund, which helps children with cancer.

Support the Troops tonight

A big troop homecoming is scheduled for tonight in Luzerne County...A homecoming for 150 members from the 109th Field Artillery will be held tonight at 7:30pm at the Kingston Armory. The troops spent the past year in Afganistan and the Sinai Peninsula, and tonight's ceremony is open to the public. Stop by and show how much you support their efforts, and thank them for their service to our country.

Should be an interesting Oscar show Sunday night, with Hugh jackman, of X-Men Wolverine fame hosting the show. I think the big winners will be Slumdog Millionaire for Best Picture, Mickey Roarke for Best Actor for "The Wrestler", Kate Winslet for Best Actress for "The Reader", although she should have gotten that nomination for "Revolutionary Road" Best Supporting Actor should be a slam dunk, with the late Heath Ledger beoming the first actor since Peter Finch to win posthumously. Ledger's performance as the Joker in "The Dark Knight" turned a comic book movie into an art form. Finch picked up the Best Actor award for "Network" back in 1976. And Taraji P Henson is my windcard pick for Best Supporting Actress for "Benjamin Button". Henson was a cast member for Season 4 of "Boston Legal", one of my all-time favorite TV shows, so I am a little biased.

What To Watch.

I was torn last night over what to watch, a one hour American Idol results show that could have only taken 5 minutes, or Lost...Hmmm, Tatiana or Evangeline Lilly? Tough choice, but I chose
the "time traveling island" and "smoke monster" over the overly drawn out dramafest. Don't worry about Tatiana. I'm sure she could be an acting coach, and if so, maybe her first client will be A-Rod!! Perhaps they could star in a telenovela together. Congrats to Danny, Aexis and Michael for advancing to the top 12 on Idol. I think Anoop will be the wild card from that group.

This week on Sunday Magazine, I will resume my series of interviews with members of the 320th Military Police Battalion based out of Ashley, and currently stationed at Camp Bucca in Iraq. This week, I will be speaking with Private First Class Mae Krayeski from Springville, who serves as a combat medic. Just want to let the people know even though Iraq has slipped off the front pages in recent months, we still have plenty of troops from our area serving their country.
Sunday Magazine airs every Sunday morning at 6:30am on Magic 93.

Presidents Day

While its a day off for most of the staff, (and most everyone else) its another working day for some of us. Its kind of like working on a Saurday or Sunday. Since the boss isn't around today, we will hold our annual President's Day Chair Race down the hallway. Hope it ends better than yesterday's Daytona 500. At least in this race, weather won't be a factor.

Congrats to Barry Manilow for being inducted into the New York Friars Club over the weekend.
He put on quite a show on Feb 5th at the Wachovia Arena. Manilow joins the likes of Frank Sinatra and Billy Crystal, who were previous inductees. He took the teasing that comes with the induction in stride, telling the members that he has been teased ever since "Mandy" was released.

Here Come The Judges

Well, there's nothing like picking up today's copy of the New York Times, and reading about Luzerne County Judges Michael Conahan and Mark Ciavarella on the front page. The network nightly newscasts were all staked out Thursday at the Federal Courthouse in Scranton to cover the story. You just can't buy that kind of publicity (or maybe you can...) Shameless plug alert!!!! Catch my interview with WBRE's Andy Mehalshick, (think I spelled his name right this time) on Sunday Magazine, Sunday morning at 6:30 on Magic 93, as we discuss the drama and corruption surrounding the Luzerne County Courthouse.

Thanks to Joe Rae for filling in on the news for me today. I'm normally not superstitious (knock on wood) given today is Friday the 13th, but hey, why take chances. Besides I'm going to spend the day at Camp Crystal Lake to take care of some "unfinished business" HA HA HA!

This Week on Sunday Magazine

Pretty excited about this week's edition of Sunday Magazine. My guest is Andy Mehalchick of WBRE's I-Team, to discuss the contraversy and corruption surrounding the Luzerne County Courthouse. Its enough to make a former Illinois Governor blush. Catch Sunday Magazine, Sunday morning at 6:30am on Magic 93.

Is it just me, or is American Idol becoming American Drama Queen? Whatever happens to Tatiana, I'm sure there is a telenovela in her future. She's a good singer, but ease up on the theatrics! I think Lil' Rounds is the early favorite, but we'll see.

4 days until pitchers and catchers report for the Yankees and all everyone can talk about is A-Rod, (or is it A-Roid, or A-Fraud). I'm glad he came out and admitted his guilt, but I am curious to see if the other 103 names on the list will be published. TTFN.

Welcome to Brian's Blog

I must say, last week was a busy one. On Wednesday, while having lunch at Mea's Restaurant in Downtown Hazleton, I met "What's His Name", a man who dresses like Jesus and travels from town to town. I'm hoping to have him on an upcoming edition of Sunday Magazine. If you happen to be in Hazleton, check out Mea's. Hey, you never know who you will see there.

And on Thursday, not only did I see Barry Manilow in concert, I met him after the show. I took my mother-in-law, Georgette to the meet and greet. During the concert, Barry asked the crowd if Wilkes Barre ever had any summer weather, I told him we have 3 weeks in August, and that's about it (lol) Will have the picture posted soon, I promise.

I'm also looking forward to interviewing Andy Mehalchick from WBRE's I-Team for an upcoming edition of Sunday Magazine to discuss the ongoing litany of scandal and corruption at the Luzerne County Courthouse. Who better to ask than Andy, who's covered that beat and that story for the past 2 years. Thats all for now.